Thanks all! It's greatly appreciated. The contract negotiations were a bitch but I got most of what I wanted (except cookies from Mal - can't win 'em all.)
It's not like I have little else to do but join a relatiavely small group of folks who work day and night running XI. When Rugger asked I was unsure - and surprised, because I've been somewhat critical of XI management at times. Most guys would want the critic to STFU and go away. But Rugger's not most guys and neither are the other senior admin here. And of course, they couldn't succeed without the dedicated support of head admin and server admin.
I didn't accept until I sat in on a senior admin meeting today - all three hours of it. And I wouldn't have accepted if I didn't believe in my heart of hearts that the management wasn't absolutely dedicated (re-dedicated might be a better word) to this clan in all things. I don't need to kiss up because I've already got keys to all the doors, but I came away impressed.
In effect, XI is a business with nearly 500 employees and it takes a lot of time and effort to operate it. I got a taste of that today. These folks deserve to be on salary for the work they do, but the satisfaction of providing a place for hundreds to escape to is enough for them.
They recognize that XI has evolved from what it was six years ago and continues to evolve, and that mangement needs to do the same. You've seen some changes, you'll see more in the months ahead.
They will include tightening the management structure and refining it; and ensuring debate and concensus on all decisions affecting the site, the servers and the members. You'll see efforts to greatly improve communication between admin at every level and members - we're working on revising the code of conduct; another suggestion is for a web page introducing admin with photos and bios so you can get to know them and understand who does what, to help build rapport and bring the clan closer together. You'll see admin more involved in the servers and the web site. And if they're not, you'll see them go.
It's a large step forward, and it's being taken by folks who know what they're doing, and understand their role. I'm proud to be part of it, and look forward to contributing in any way I can, including being of use to anyone in this clan I can help in any way. Suggestions for how we can do things better are always appreciated.
Thanks again!!!