The Trimmer Way

From Trimmer Wiki

Contents 1 THE TRIMMER WAY 1.1 PREFACE 1.2 DISCLAIMER 1.3 ACCOUNTABILITY 1.4 CIVILITY 1.5 COMMUNAL 1.6 COMPETITION 1.7 CONSIDERATION 1.8 COOPERATION 1.9 DISCIPLINE 1.10 EQUALITY 1.11 EXCELLENCE 1.12 FAMILY 1.13 FOUNDATION 1.14 FUN 1.15 INCLUSION 1.16 INTEGRITY 1.17 MATURITY 1.18 LEADERSHIP 1.19 LIVING LAW 1.20 ORGANIZATION 1.21 PARTICIPATION 1.22 REALITY 1.23 REPUTATION 1.24 RESPONSIBILITY 1.25 TOLERATION 1.26 TRUST 1.27 VOLUNTARY 1.28 GUILD ORGANIZATION 1.28.1 RECRUIT 1.28.2 DIVISIONAL MEMBER 1.28.3 DIVISION COMMAND 1.28.4 FAMILY COUNCIL 1.29 GUILD POLICIES 1.29.1 THE TRIMMER WAY 1.29.2 AGE LIMIT 1.30 DIVISONAL POLICIES 1.31 FORUMS 1.32 TEAMSPEAK 1.33 PLAYER VERSUS PLAYER 1.34 MANDATORY EVENTS 1.35 MULTIPLE GUILD MEMBERSHIP 1.36 GUILD ONLY ACTIVITIES 1.37 DIVISION COMMAND PARTICIPATION 1.38 CONFLICT RESOLUTION

THE TRIMMER WAY

Because each of the principles and ideals of The Trimmer Way are of equal import, they are listed below in alphabetical order so that no one principle is given precedence or significance over any other.

PREFACE

Fundamentally The Trimmer Way is a set of ideals, standards and principles to which the Trimmers adhere in any game they support. While the record that follows attempts to describe these ideals, ultimately it is an attitude. There are no exemptions, exceptions or exclusions in The Trimmer Way. There are no loopholes. While it is a code of conduct that was created in an environment of game playing, it is not a game. It is a value system followed by all Trimmers with sincerity, deliberation and determination. Because the Trimmers as a Guild are not merely a group of game players, they are family and friends.

DISCLAIMER

Any individual reading this record and questioning the necessity for such a serious and measured document for an online gaming guild has come to the wrong place. The Trimmers are not for you and you should save yourself the trouble of reading the rest of this document.

ACCOUNTABILITY

All Trimmers are responsible for the contents of this record. By accepting membership within the Trimmers, all members are implicitly acknowledging their full understanding and adherence to The Trimmer Way. Trimmers participating in activity contrary to the principles and ideals of The Trimmer Way will be held ACCOUNTABLE for their actions. Depending on the degree of the infraction, this ACCOUNTABILITY may come in the form of a private warning, public censure or removal from the Guild.

CIVILITY

Trimmers are expected at all times to be CIVIL and polite, both to each other and to the rest of the online gaming community. Trimmers are expected to comport themselves in a manner which meets the very highest standards of personal conduct – courteous, respectful and TOLERANT. Flaming, insults, threats and otherwise inflammatory or offensive behavior is unacceptable and will not be endured to any extent.

COMMUNAL

As a FAMILY, Trimmer ORGANIZATIONAL systems are established within any game on a foundation of sharing. While many games require individual effort and consequently individual resources, these efforts and resources are always in the end for the benefit of the Guild as a whole.

COMPETITION

The Trimmers are FOUNDED on the desire of COMPETITIVE game play, also known as Player versus Player or PvP. Where ever possible, in any game, all goals, policies and activities are implemented with the final objective of EXCELLENCE and distinction in COMPETITION. While PARTICIPATION in COMPETITION may not be required in every game, as defined by each individual game’s policies, it will always be the overall objective. Further, the principle of COMPETITON applies in varying degrees dependant on the game and its levels of successfully implemented Player versus Player COMPETITION. In games supported by the Trimmers that have little or no COMPETITIVE game play, the principle has no application. Conversely for games founded on Player versus Player activity, the principle is adhered to strictly.

CONSIDERATION

All policies within the Trimmers are established through careful CONSIDERATION and deliberation. The Trimmers value highly the opinions of all of its members EQUALLY and open debate, conducted in a CIVIL fashion, is welcome. However, the Trimmers also understand that in order to COMPETE and COOPERATE in an effective fashion during the course of events, DISCIPLINE and LEADERSHIP are required. In the end, decisions must be made and absolute consensus of any policy or decision is not reasonable or practical.

COOPERATION

Everything the Trimmers do is done as a group through COORDINATED TEAMWORK. Trimmers are expected to work together in a COOPERATIVE fashion, accomplishing all goals as a group. While some goals may require individual effort, these efforts are always for the betterment of the Guild as a whole.

DISCIPLINE

In order to operate at the high levels of COORDINATED TEAMWORK expected by Trimmers, an equally high level of DISCIPLINE is required. Through the Trimmer ideals of EQUALITY and CONSIDERATION, expectations of DISCIPLINE are not expectations of mindless obeisance and abusive orders. It is the expectation that when the Trimmers COMPETE or otherwise PARTICIPATE in a COOPERATIVE setting, adherence to designated LEADERSHIP orders is immediate and complete. The Trimmers highly value the opinions and ideas of all its members, however the Trimmers also understand that the place for such discussion is not during a COMPETITIVE or COOPERATIVE event, but rather before and after the event.

EQUALITY

All policies and rules within the Trimmers apply to all members EQUALLY. Ranks within the Guild describe only roles of RESPONSIBILITY and do not confer any amount of privilege or exception to the policies set forth in any game.

EXCELLENCE

The Trimmers hold themselves to very highest standards of EXCELLENCE in any game they play. This expectation of distinction is not defined nor determined by the individual skill of a member. Instead it is achieved as a GROUP EFFORT through TEAMWORK and DISICPLINE.

FAMILY

At its core the Trimmers are a FAMILY. Trimmers treat each other with the same level of RESPECT and CIVILITY that they would treat their own FAMILY and circle of friends in real life. The mechanics of online gaming often facilitate the distancing of individuals from the reality that real, well-intentioned people are at the other end of any computer screen. Such distancing from the simple fact that FAMILY is at the other end of any communication will not be abided.

FOUNDATION

The Trimmer Way is the FOUNDATION on which all Trimmer policies are established, throughout the guild and through each individual game. No policy will ever be implemented in any game, which is contrary to these ideals. While The Trimmer Way does entail a strong belief in OPEN DEBATE and the RESPECT of all opinions, the FOUNDATIONAL, core values of The Trimmer Way are not open for discussion. They are the very reason the Trimmers exist and they will not be altered. All Trimmers implicitly acknowledge adherence to The Trimmer Way and consequently, these FOUNDATIONAL, core values by their membership within the Guild.

FUN

The single most important goal of the Trimmers in any game is to have FUN. However, what is enjoyable in a game has different meaning for different individuals. For the Trimmers, FUN is defined as playing a game under principles of The Trimmer Way. Specifically this means an ORGANIZED, goal oriented and COOPERATIVE team environment with strong LEADERSHIP and DISCIPLINED members.

INCLUSION

The Trimmers strive at all times to INCLUDE all of its members in all of its activities. Cliques, inner circles or otherwise exclusionary groups of members are unacceptable. It is understood, that in some games the mechanics determine that all members may not PARTICIPATE at all times in every event, however in these circumstances policies and systems are always put in place to allow for EQUAL PARTICIPATION as much as reasonably possible.

INTEGRITY

Within the Trimmers our word is our bond. Since many of our policies within individual games are based on an honor system requiring a high level of TRUST, all members are accordingly expected to conduct themselves honestly and honorably.

MATURITY

The Trimmers are an adult community. All members must be at least eighteen years of age and are expected to conduct themselves in a CIVIL, MATURE and HONORABLE fashion at all times.

LEADERSHIP

In order to achieve the goals of COOPERATION, COMPETITION and EXCELLENCE all Trimmers agree that strong LEADERSHIP is needed. During the course of any Guild activity, designated LEADERS will always be obeyed and have their instructions carried out by members in a DISCIPLINED fashion to the best of their ability. Outside of group activities, LEADERSHIP is required to sustain the ORGANIZATION set in place in any game to achieve the goals of the Guild. LEADERSHIP will never be tolerated as an excuse for abuse nor requiring members to perform RESPONSIBILITIES for which they did not VOLUNTEER.

LIVING LAW

The Trimmer Way exists as a living set of principles. It is the intention of The Trimmer Way that is of the most significance, not the words describing them. Interpretations of this document cannot be used in any way to justify activity contrary to the intention of The Trimmer Way. There are no loopholes. There are no exclusions. Ultimately, in areas of interpretation, it is up to the LEADERSHIP of a game and the LEADERSHIP of the guild as a whole to determine what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate policy or conduct.

ORGANIZATION

To achieve its goals, the Trimmers establish ORGANIZED systems of GROUP EFFORT. These structures are founded on an honor system of TRUST and are executed by all members with INTEGRITY and DISCIPLINE.

PARTICIPATION

Trimmers are expected to PARTICIPATE regularly in Guild activities and events. Trimmers are never, ever required to be online or to fulfill any minimum amount of hours. However, while online the Trimmers expect PARTICIPATION in COOPERATIVE activities of all its members. It is understood by all Trimmers that individual enjoyment of a game is often desirable and sometimes even required to fulfill the goals of the Guild. However such solo play or play outside the Guild community is tolerated only to the extent that it does not regularly and repeatedly interfere with COMMUNITY activities.

REALITY

For the Trimmers, real life always comes first – period.

REPUTATION

The REPUTATION of the Trimmers throughout each game and within the gaming community as a whole is highly prized and protected. This REPUTATION is one of EXCELLENCE, CIVILITY, INTEGRITY and DISICPLINE. Trimmers are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that does not negatively impact or otherwise damage this REPUTATION.

RESPONSIBILITY

Ranks within the Trimmers are never marks of status or privilege. Rather they are designations of VOLUNTARY roles of RESPONSIBILITY. Any Trimmer VOLUNTARILY accepting a role of RESPONSIBILITY is accordingly expected to fulfill the terms and conditions of that role to the best of their ability. Trimmers who can no longer fulfill the expectations of any role are asked to step down so that other able Trimmers can perform the role as required.

TOLERATION

Trimmers are TOLERANT of all member beliefs and lifestyles. Slurs against race, creed, religion, sexual orientation or otherwise personally offensive remarks and insults are entirely unacceptable under any circumstances.

TRUST

All policies within the Trimmers are based on a foundation of TRUST, which often results in policies based on an honor system. The Guild TRUSTS each other to make the appropriate decisions and conduct themselves in a manner becoming of Trimmers in accordance with The Trimmer Way.

VOLUNTARY

All RESPONSIBILITY within the Trimmers is VOLUNTARY. Members are never assigned roles of RESPONSIBILITY for which they do not VOLUNTEER. However, membership within the Guild is also VOLUNTARY, and consequently all members in joining the Trimmers VOLUNTEER to perform basic RESPONSIBILITIES as determined within each game.

GUILD ORGANIZATION

All members of all games supported by the Trimmers are structured in the same basic way. While each game may have different names or additional ranks as required for the ORGANIZATION of that game, they will always follow this same FOUNDATION:

RECRUIT

Recruits are individuals applying for membership to the Trimmers. Recruits do not have access to any private forums, nor do they have any member privileges such as access to COMMUNAL resources. Terms of recruitment are subject to the policies set forth for each individual game.

DIVISIONAL MEMBER

There are two different types of members within the Trimmers, the first of these are Divisional Members. A Divisional Member has all the rights and privileges of any Trimmer within the scope of an individual game. If a Divisional Member chooses to join the Trimmers in another game, they must reapply as a Recruit. All members start as Divisional Members. FULL MEMBER Full Members are Trimmers that have access to all the rights and privileges of any game the Trimmers support. In order to become a Full Member, Divisional Members must be Members in more than one game or maintain a rank or role of RESPONSIBILITY in at least one game. Further to apply for Full Membership, a Divisional Member must obtain sponsorship of the LEADERSHIP of any individual game. Where desired, the LEADERSHIP of any game may sponsor an individual for Full Membership even if they have not been members of other games or maintained a rank within any game.

DIVISION COMMAND

Each game supported by the Trimmers is referred to as a Division and its leaders as Division Command. Each Division has a single Division Commander who is ultimately responsible for the entire Division. Supporting the Division Commander are the other members of Division Command, with structure determined by the needs of each game.

FAMILY COUNCIL

The Trimmer Family Council is responsible for the LEADERSHIP of the entire Guild community. They assist Division Command when requested in the ORGANIZATION and management of each division and ensure that the separate policies of all Divisions are in accordance with The Trimmer Way.

GUILD POLICIES

The following policies apply to the Guild as a whole, in every game it supports:

THE TRIMMER WAY

All policies and activities within any Division must adhere to The Trimmer Way.

AGE LIMIT

Trimmers must be 18 years of age or older.

DIVISONAL POLICIES

Each Division will have its own set of policies as required by the specific mechanics of that game. All members participating in a Division are required to understand and acknowledge completely the unique and specific policies for that Division.

FORUMS

The Trimmer Forums are the primary means for guild-wide communication. Regular attendance on Trimmer Forums are required. While it is not required that members read every post, they are expected to check the forums each time they play and read any posts marked as "Announcements" or "Stickies" within games which they are participating. All Trimmers will be held accountable for any information provided on the forums.

TEAMSPEAK

TeamSpeak (a 3rd party voice-chat program) is required for all members. While attendance on TeamSpeak may or may not be required based on the policies of an individual game, the ability to participate on TeamSpeak as needed at any given time during the course of play is required in all Divisions. The TeamSpeak client is freely available for download at http://www.goteamspeak.com/.

PLAYER VERSUS PLAYER

All Divisions will be primarily focused, where appropriate, on the COMPETITIVE or Player versus Player aspect of a game.

MANDATORY EVENTS

Trimmers are never required to be online. However the policies of any Division may determine that certain events require mandatory PARTICIPATION of any online Trimmer.

MULTIPLE GUILD MEMBERSHIP

Full Members are TRUSTED to maintain membership in any guild in any game they so desire. Divisional Members, who are members for the scope of one game, are of course free to join any guild they so desire in any other game. Within the same game however, Divisional Members must inform Division Command of their intent to participate in another guild and may have membership with the Trimmers removed or denied (with due warning) only if such participation is determined to be in conflict with Trimmer goals, in direct competition with the Trimmers or otherwise generate a conflict of interest. Further, the mechanics of certain games may require a Divisional policy that multi-guild membership is not acceptable by Divisional Members.

GUILD ONLY ACTIVITIES

It is the function of a Guild to provide activities for its membership, not for the entire online gaming community. Where it is determined to be in the best interest of the Trimmers or otherwise so desired, any Division may designate activities for the PARTICIPATION of Trimmer membership only.

DIVISION COMMAND PARTICIPATION

A Trimmer may not be a part of the Division Command for more than one Division. This is to ensure that each Division receives the full attention and activity of its LEADERS.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Any conflicts between members will be resolved in a CIVIL manner through private communication. Members are encouraged to resolve conflicts on their own when ever possible. Members are expected to make their best effort to resolve any conflict in good faith. When required, members may request the assistance of Division Command to assist in the resolution of a conflict within the confines of an individual game. If the conflict does not reside within the confines of a single Division or if the conflict is with members of Division Command, members may request the assistance of the Family Council in resolving the issue. Public airing of disputes over the Trimmer forums, chat channels or TeamSpeak will not be tolerated.