Report for 2005, RFC and Nominations

Please regard this as a virtual "annual meeting" and contribute your thoughts by reply.

If, for any reason, you are unable to post to the forum but are a Law Society Observer, please send me a notecard with your comments for republication here (subject to compliance with the usage guidelines). Please do not send me long messages in the form of IMs, to which I may not be able to give proper attention upon receipt.

During 2005, the Law Society organized, attracted over 30 members and began several virtual symposia on topics within its charter. We've received some kind words from the Neualtenburg people on the analysis begun of its governance structure, and a promising start on a theory of contract enforcement, dispute resolution and business incorporation that presently is in the PoliSci forum.

A library has been discussed, but due to the expense of land, it may be most efficient to publish symposia compilations as books/Notecards for members and friends to keep in their personal or corporate libraries. Comments on that are requested.

A group forum was created, usage guidelines posted and some background reading suggestions placed. I look forward to threads that Observers may start on topics within the charter. Participation in the forum has been well moderated and reflects well on the Observers and friends.

Members have made comments on various threads outside the Law Society Group Forum relating to governance, contracting and dispute resolution, which I think have been positive contributions on the whole.

As of 1/2/06, Law Society had 31 members enrolled.
Of those, 29 enrolled @L$25, and 7 at L$250 (fee raised in November).
Some withdrew, accounting for the difference in total.
Current enrollment fee is L$250 (less than one US dollar).
As trustee for the Society, Frank Lardner holds L$2,275.

As organizational efforts appear to have succeeded in establishing a basic structure, it seems timely to entertain suggestions and nominations for officers for the coming year. As a minimum, I'd suggest a Moderator and a Secretary/Treasurer, with separate and unrelated (non-alt) residents filling each role, to serve until the end of January 2006.

Also, it seems in order to receive suggestions and motions as to whether the enrollment fee should be raised, lowered or kept the same until January 2006.

Please make comments, motions and nominations by replies to this message.

Thank you for your continuing support.

During the month of January, 2006, an additional seven residents joined the Law Society at a L$250 membership fee. This brings the total Society treasury to L$4,025, held by Frank Lardner as trustee.

A Case Study focused on Neualtenburg has drawn some favorable commentary from those active in the governance of that experimental community.

A new Case Study on Gorean Culture in Second Life has been initiated via a thread in the Society's Group Forum. Observers and friends are encouraged to contribute their considered observations in that thread.

Comments and suggestions for further Law Society activities are welcome and may be made by posting a message in the Law Society Group Forum, a link to which is found in my signature below.

During the month of February, 2006, an additional five residents joined the Law Society at a L$250 membership fee. This brings the total Society treasury to L$5,275, held by Frank Lardner as trustee.

A Case Study focused on Neualtenburg continues to draw some favorable commentary from those active in the governance of that experimental community.

The ongoing Case Study thread on Gorean Culture in Second Life continues in the Society's Group Forum. Another Case Study thread on the DarkWood themed community has been started. Also, another thread offers an opportunity to comment on private objections made by a Law Society member about the method used for selecting the topics of study by other members.

Observers and friends are encouraged to contribute their considered observations in any of those or other threads in the Law Society's Group Forum.

Comments and suggestions for further Law Society activities are welcome and may be made by posting a message in the Law Society Group Forum, a link to which is found in my signature below.