SLTA Looks To The Future

It’s time to speak about the future of the SLTA (Second Life Tournament Association). as the SLTA officially began its 14th Season June 14, 2024, after a two-week hiatus. The SLTA has long served community with a consortium (round table) of Realms who collaborate and coordinate tournaments and activities for the tournament community.

Meetings and management of the group fall to active member Realms.  All member Realms have an equal say in establishing the best practices for those tournaments to provide equitable standards to all participants.

But the SLTA stops short of imposing best practices on other Realms and upholds their right to choose.  No changes can be made to this core SLTA policy without unanimous approval by all active SLTA member Hosts.

SEE: SLTA website HOME tab; About Us

THE DDA

The DDA (Double Dragon Academy) is a founding member of the STLA but has been absent from its meetings for a while now.  Attendance is not required at the meeting, nor is it the leader of the group.  No single member Realm is. The DDA is kept informed if important changes that require a unanimous vote.

The DDA made the decision to be less involved to avoid the appearance of an 'Overlord' and allow the SLTA to stand or fall on its own with the active members owning the outcome.

Headmaster Forester was also less available in Second Life due to his focus in Real Life, and announced as early as June 2021 the DDA would close its inworld campus in SL but continue its online presence.  Friends at DragonsLair asked the DDA to stay, and offered to host DDA events in his absence that would count towards DDA Final Four Awards competitions in Joust, Archery and Melee.

SEE: Changes At the Double Dragon Academy In 2021.

The DDA campus remained in that location until January 1, 2023, when its patron, the Kismet Sims closed, it's residence for the past 12 years.  That was followed by another announcement of its inworld campus in SL remaining on hiatus until it decided where and when it would reopen in SL. Through the kind offer of other patrons, it was given space in the Realm of Dragons Landing where it remained until recently.

SEE:  DDA opens new campus in Dragons Landing

DRAGONSLAIR

Dragons Lair is the second longest serving member Realm in the SLTA with close ties over the years to the DDA primarily because Nephilim and Kali were its students and remain close friends. 

The DragonsLair is synonymous with the MGA, and the SLTA and MGA have been close allies for many years of mutual cooperation and support.  You will often see SLTA/MGA sanctioned event and such on notices, tournament materials, so much so, that others in the tournament community might believe they are in lock step with each other.

But the two remain entirely independent groups and may have different policies, that when applied, can be in conflict with the other. 

Friendships always remain, but groups can shift in different directions.  Friends can always course correct when those directions diverge, but the SLTA and MGA find themselves at a unique crossroads.

A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

Late last year the SLTA noticed that one of its member Realms the OA, a significant contributor of tournaments to the SLTA, had left due to an incident at one of its tournaments:

“They had banned a competitor from their realms which is against the SLTA and MGA rules. When half of the competitors left because the rules state that when that happens - it will not count for standings, OA put out a notice that they were leaving the alliance and SLTA.”

Resignation Notice 1-23-2023

Unfortunately, this reaction was not in keeping with SLTA policy to support the Realm’s choices, and no such rules existed in the SLTA policy.  Nor was the SLTA the arbiter of posting of points.  I can't say if it was influenced by MGA policy or just a misunderstanding of the SLTA's, but it was an honest mistake that prompted a clarification between the two polices by Headmaster Forester’s to key SLTA/MGA members 2-13-2024 as well as in his keynote address for the Season XIII Awards ceremony 6-22-2024 

SEE: Change of venue for the SLTA XIII Awards; The policies that guide us.

The underlying message was that bullying other Realms into compliance by using points as punishment was similar to policies of boycott by Realms such as the United Jousters, that the SLTA and MGA had rejected long ago and tried to correct with its policies. It was believed the clarification on SLTA policies would resolve the policy issue.

A CHANGE IN THE SLTA ANNUAL CEREMONY

The DDA kept in touch with key MGA personnel asking if it could help meet with the OA to smooth out the misunderstanding, as well as checking in on any progress being made.  Nothing came of that, and that year the SLTA XIII Awards ceremony was held online for 3 reasons given by DragonLairs Cmmd. Skysong in her request 6-1-2024 for a change in venue: 

1. Lack of Actual Participants at the Award Ceremony

2. Possible Confrontation with Certain Groups

3. Timing Will Not Be Inclusive to Everyone

All very reasonable for assisting the community, except for number 2, as it reflected continuing unresolved conflicts within the tournament community.  Indeed, when a tally was made of participating Realms in the SLTA that year, participation had reached its lowest point in years.  Currently only a handful of Realms are participating in SLTA and MGA events.

THE DDA PROGRAM IS TESTED

This event is included cited as hurt feelings between good friends in the DDA and Dragons Lair and its potential impact on SLTA and MGA relations. The DDA Headmaster had contacted DragaonLair's Kyavel Dragonrose who hosts the DDA Wednesday Knights Fight jousts, inquiring if she would like to finish her remaining DDA STEEL Certifications for a clean sweep of all certifications.  She did but felt entitled to them for all she had already done. 

She had indeed accomplished a lot but had bypassed the principal requirement for a “DDA Leadership review.” clearly stated in each STEEL progress report. Many memos followed from others questioning her need to do more or submitted letters of recommendation on her behalf.

The DDA joined in that praise, but no matter how valued her contribution, it could not alter the review process requirements for just one student. So, the DDA focused on mentoring Kyavel on the reason for completing the ‘DDA Leadership Review’ process; the same she had followed to complete her STEEL Lance Certification.

On July 24, Kyavel decided to quit her certification process rather than go ahead with a review designed to appraise her goal choices, sign off, or adjust.  Not that any changes would have occurred, but without the review, will never know.

Her decision was followed by resignation from hosting DDA Wednesday Knight Fights, which was not a perquisite for her certification, but a service to the community. Ariel Fallen, of DragonsLair, also followed with her resignation from posting DDA results to the STLA website.  When asked if she would continue posting other realms results to the SLTA, but did not respond. (a)

Despite the many accolades and awards the DDA had bestowed on Kyavel over the years, she gave feeling 'unappreciated' as reason.  Those who stood in solidarity with their friend did so for personal reasons rather than the principals guiding the DDA program which has applied its guidelines consistently to all. Sadly, in a recent check, all in Dragons Lair had withdrawn their names from the DDA group in silent protest for a perceived wrong to one of their own, or as a chastisement of the program, or both.

They have been good friends for many years and the DDA hoped for a better outcome.

DDA IN TRANSITION ONCE AGAIN

Earlier noted was the DDA’s recent relocation to Dragons Landing 3-1-2024 due to the patronage of King Lonestar and Queen Rose Shining Star.

SEE: DDA opens new campus in Dragon’s Landing

All went well for 5 months. As to any conditions the King had for the DDA stay, there were none, but this:

"Anything I can do to help the SLTA, I am more than glad to do so."

[2024/02/14 18:10] Automarshall

As to the agreement by King with the DDA’s conditions for the moving there:

"By all means, I am agreeable to the terms and conditions"

Email from automarshall Fri, Feb 16, 4:00 PM

Soon after Kavel's resignation, the DDA was asked to leave Dragons Landing within the hour.

[2024/07/31 11:03]  Lonestar (automarshall) has given you this notecard: Letter to Forrester

 [2024/07/31 11:13] Forester Lowenhart: Thanks for your note, and will respond later on your rational in email, but respect your wishes on who resides here.  When would you like me to remove the DDA items?  Do you mean, in the next few hours or days?

[2024/07/31 11:16] Lonestar (automarshall): I mean now please

The note included a list of conditions to justify the King's reasons, but none of those conditions had been shared with the DDA in the 5 months prior.  However, the King's ending remark stood out as his primary rational:

“My Realm has withdrawn our support for your Academy, and the SLTA. We will be strictly participating in Medieval Gaming Alliance”

The sudden request scuttled Commander Bella's plans to host DDA Wednesday Knight Fights later that evening so there would not be a break in service to the community, left open by Kyavel's departure. Commander Bella was understandably 'vexed', and her own remarks are shared here:

SEE: DDA opens new campus in Dragon’s Landing: UPDATE

It appeared the King was trying to split his loyalties and support between the SLTA and MGA, who have long had close ties and friendships for many years. The MGA should be aware his actions may not reflect their polices, just as the SLTA addressed policy mistakes by SLTA/MGA members with the OA Realm. So, we hope the issue can be cleared up and did not signal the MGA has changed its direction.

UNDER STANDINGS

All key MGA members still remain members in the SLTA as of last check, but other actions they are taking may affect the rest of the tournament community in significant ways, so the MGA should announce their intentions to clear up any confusion about this direction. As other signs are suggesting a shift.

The SLTA was first to initiate a standings database in SL and set the standard for its operations.  The MGA has long been tethered to the SLTA, emulating its success, and helping it build its membership, and provide a template for tournament hosting and officiating in Second Life. It has also awarded their efforts though SLTA Annual Awards celebrations. The tournament community has benefited greatly from the SLTA's long time membership Realms the DDA and DragonsLair as SLTA support staff for reporting results, hosting tournaments, and Annual Award celebrations. Not enough good things can be said for the contribution DragonsLair and it wonderful people have made to the tournament community. Along with the DDA, they have been the backbone of the tournament community.

But perhaps the shared SLTA and MGA goals are about to change.

Recently the MGA has been developing its own standings to duplicate the SLTA database.  This has been a rather clandestine operation, and the MGA has yet to notify the SLTA Website coordinator of its development as of this writing 8-1-2024. (a)  They may feel sheepish creating carbon copy functionality of the SLTA database.  But they need not hide it from the SLTA, so here is an example between the SLTA (top) and MGA (bottom) standings:

UPDATE 8-13-2024 - Note (a) The time stamped start date of the MGA site was 6-18-24 announcing the 'The New MGA Season has begun!' (now both removed); The same timeframe as the start of SLTA Season 14.

Information is the same except for 'editing' of accurate information. For example, the 6/17/2024 date at the bottom (above) gives DDA as the joust. Below the same DDA joust has been eliminated and replaced with Dragons Lair.

The Question to ask is why does the tournament community need two standings database when the current one has worked so well and is familiar and easy to find? 

The MGA site is rather rudimentary by comparison, and more of a basic throwback reminiscent of early website design.  It is functional but lacks the level of sophistication for charting and design that has become the hallmark of the SLTA site.  But it may be all the SLTA community needs and do a nuts-and-bolts job of tracking the basic tournament information, even if the interface is clumsier. 

The best features are its reliance on the SLTA site as a template for its structural functionality, replicating its headings, point tabulations, down to the same season count and naming conventions and grid layout.  The major difference is replacing SLTA SEASON 14 with MGA SEASON 14. (b) But if you can't innovate there is no shame in copying and making it your own with proper attribution and transparency.

UPDATE 8-11-2024 - Note (b)

Following this post, the MGA has changed its standings count from MGA SEASON '14' to '1' and changed its career season tracking back to '1', from the previous range '1' to '14' for entering past STLA seasons dating from 2011 before the MGA came into existence. Subsequent changes have followed to change the start of the MGA's (1st) Season beginning in July, based on the copied data from previously published SLTA tournament standings for July.

Additional liberties have been taken with the rebranding of SLTA signature events in July such as the SLTA Intersim. As of August 9, 2024 the listing on the MGA site for that event was:

That listing reflected the original notices sent out to the tournament community in the MGA and SLTA groups:

Second Life - Group notice: INTERSIM JOUST OF SEASON 14 @ DRAGONS LANDING

              Group Notice From SL TOURNAMENT ASSOCIATION

              Sent By: KyavelDragonRose Fri, Jul 26, 2024, 5:56 PM

In the MGA's current listing for that event, it has been rebranded from 'INTERSIM' to 'THE TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS' and the 'BEST OF HELM' award rebranded to ' KNIGHTS PRESENTATION'.

As flattering as the MGA site is in using SLTA formats and data to begin their first season, the initiation of new events is their prerogative, but rebranding SLTA events that are part of the public record is dishonest.

There are also key differences, primarily over the control a Realm or individual has over their information.  For instance, the access each individual or Realm has for uploading results directly to the database without an intermediary or webmaster. The SLTA uses a standard form for entering results of a tournament and is accessible to all on its website. It requires a passcode to avoid duplicate results, requested by email. The SLTA uses dedicated reporters for doing so, but any Realm, group or individual who requests a passcode can report their tournament results.

It seems clear the MGA is planning on funneling all current tournament, and future tournament standings to their own standings. That raises another community concern raised in the Keynote address for this year's online SLTA ANNIVERSARY XIII Celebration.

The SLTA has witnessed what happens when a group governs both the policy for points and the policy for tournaments. It often becomes heavy handed, and bullying, with the power to demand compliance from Realms, or punitive measures ensue, as it did with groups of the past (United Jousters). This has impact beyond correctible mistakes in SLTA policy interpretation as was done with the OA Realm. The SLTA's failsafe is to keep the two functions as separate forms of governance to prevent such misuse and abuse.

The HERALD blog is rife with bad examples from bad players who controlled both functions in one group.

FUTURE TOURNAMENT SERVICES

The SLTA does not wish to make assumptions or accusations, just observations, and asks for clarifications from its member Realm DragonsLair/MGA.

Let the STLTA and community know of your plans and intentions so it can weigh in and decide which services they wish to support. Like this note, the SLTA feels the community will benefit from transparency and is content with the choice the community makes.

UPDATE 8-16-2024

The MGA site publishes its first Newsletter announcing the start of its Season 1, without addressing the SLTA's inquiry, but outlining their plans for the future. It praised Headmaster Forrester DDA's training and inspiration. The SLTA was not mentioned, despite the MGA close allignmemt since 2017.

The community needs also to be aware of changes that may affect them from groups who wish to exert more singular control over their tournament activities. Currently the same standings information is on both sites, but the reporters for the SLTA standings are MGA members, so will likely switch their services over to the MGA standings site and no longer update the SLTA’s site.

The SLTA website will always remain open for any groups to post results using their own reporters, and as an archival resource for historical purposes.  Information will be persevered and tabulated information, the SLTA data structure and form designs will remain copyright protected.

It also follows if MGA wishes to separate their standings from the SLTA, it will also duplicate the SLTA Annual Awards Celebration and rename it as their own.  The question then becomes, why have two ceremonies offering awards for similar events, or stay with that which has built a legacy over 14 years? Certainly, service to the community is bigger than anyone's ego.

The SLTA group will always remain open to groups for those who wish to be part of its consortium (round table) of Realms who collaborate and coordinate tournaments and activities for the community without agenda.

To will echo the words of the Headmaster, 'May the high road be ever before ye!'

- SL Tournament Association

Please feel free to email your comments and suggestions with sltournament@gmail.com