The Other Shoe

Five weeks ago I offered my resignation for controversial statements made in the off-topic forum. Since then I've received a lot of email from those in SL in support of and in opposition to this decision. One of the more influential emails I received was from Gwyn who put together such an on-target, insightful discussion of the situation that she instantly reversed my decision on the spot. I, however, still needed some time to reflect on my changing RL responsibilities, my future SL goals, and how it affected my role in N'burg.

After much reflection, I have decided I would like to remain in the city and keep my current role as a member of the SC with some modifications. I had been feeling a bit of guilt about not being able to be as involved as I was in the past due to my new RL responsibilities (back to work with a baby), however I realize now that that's not going to change and that some involvement is better than none. I had also been feeling that I was unable to express myself freely because of my roll in N'burg, however I feel I can now balance the requirements of state with my desire to speak freely -- in short I can be progressive and professional simultaneously by moderating my behavior.

It'll be a challenge to balance RL and SL as well as progressive and professional. However, I could not bear to be away during this time of change, where the city has finally become profitable, we are on the verge of expanding, and Christmas festivities are around the corner. In summary, you can count on me to be around, however it will be in a much smaller role, which I think will be good for me and good for the city.

~Ulrika~

I am gladdened to hear this. Both because (to be totally honest) with the announcement yet no further action, I was getting a little of the "do it or get off the pot already!" feeling... and because I didn't particularly want you to go, both for the lofty philosophical reason of the whole thing making you a bit of a Thomas Paine-like figure, and for the more selfish reason of dammit-you-are-NOT-leaving-me-holding-the-SC-bag-with-just-Gwyn.

So, I'm glad to have the uncertainty resolved, glad one-half of the "founding mothers" haven't left, and glad the SC is remaining at a healthy number.

I know from personal and professional experience that reversing a decision is often as hard (if not more) than making the decision in the first time. So I think that I can only say "thanks for staying with us, Ulrika"

Personally, I have had the impression, after your vigorous posting and tackling of so many and varied issues (Bonds, the Constitution, the newspaper, all sorts of events...), that this was going to be a bit more than a "transitional phase" But like others, I respected your decision and I didn't wish to push the issue further. We'd have to deal with what was coming after the "transition phase" — one way or the other.

I cannot say how glad I am that you're still on the boat with us The best I can add is that I hope you can get a balanced share of your time for both your new family member, who definitely needs your physical presence much more at this time, but also some hours left of your time to keep in touch with Neualtenburg. I agree that we don't need all to be in-world at the same time, making the city "live". The recent example of Seldon's newspaper is a good example. Most of the work will be done backstage, but it's nevertheless as important as, say, Kendra's rebuilding of half the city (the Schloss, the Rathaus, Altenburg, Wiesn... and the future new shops on the Marktplatz). I imagine that, for instance, most discussions on the Bonds system (which will definitely need a management system which is mostly off-world, with perhaps an in-world ATM) and, of course, the upcoming Constitutional discussion, will take most of your time off-world — which you can do at your own leisure and fitting into the empty spare time pockets that you might have. I don't see absolutely any problem with that, and if it's fine with you, I guess you can make it work!

Thanks again for staying with us