We, the undersigned, wish to urge the Admiralty board when it convenes at IC to vote NO on the motion to place a proposal on the 2013 STARFLEET BALLOT to merge the EC positions of Communications and Computer Operations into a single mega-department.

Our concern over this motion stems from the fact that, historically, the STARFLEET membership tends to vote "yes" on nearly all proposals, and this would lock a MAJOR change into our Bylaws that would take three years to undo if it turned out to be a bad idea.

Instead, we recommend that the Executive Committee first try a less drastic change like the one described below, which can be tweaked as needed without having to change our Bylaws or even Membership Handbook:

1) Move all online communications (website, chat list management, social media, etc.) clearly into Communications.

2) Rename what is currently called "Computer Operations" to "Member Records" (so it doesn't get confused with computer-based responsibilities like social media and website management that are moving to Comms).  This department would maintain the member database and the back-end systems necessary to run it and other digital aspects of STARFLEET services.

A simple change like the one described above can address many of the current concerns that led to the motion to merge Communications and Computer Operations WITHOUT having to create a mega-position that will be incredibly difficult to fill, likely lead to faster burnout, and potentially cripple two of the most crucial departments in all of STARFLEET simultaneously if the merged Chief is unexpectedly unable to fulfill his or her duties.


Likewise, if any of the above solutions proves inadequate, further adjustments can be easily made.  On the other hand, a change to our Bylaws is exponentially more difficult to undo if it things go badly and need to be fixed.

To the STARFLEET Admiralty Board, we say: please don't use a photon torpedo when a hypo-spray will do.  Please vote NO on the motion to bring the merging of Communications and Computer Operations to the 2013 ballot.

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