Alright, business time.
First, I do thank everyone for their reports, and the discussion that has been occurring recently. I'm going to address what I can topic wise, and while I won't say it's final, may help you understand some things, and how to help remedy the situation along.
X's lifted ban - This was entirely my decision in the end. While I will say the pressure was on to do so from some key members, in the end, the choice was mine and mine alone, because part of his ban in the first place was me being absolutely pissed off as well. What caused that was several things IMO, but that matters not. What does matter is he HAS shown that there's a chance of being better about it.
Trash talking - I feel like @
Tuesday
mostly talked about it correctly. It does, and will, happen. That's how some people are, and how they get psyched for the game. For others, being trash talked also gets them psyched. Hell, you should see some of the trash talk that I throw around at some people. Some might consider it "too far" but I haven't been told by them to stop, or concerns raised from others. Usually because I believe it's quite obvious to most that's how I am as a person.
With that being said, over the top trash talking must actually be reported. Each person has a "breaking point" and it's NOT my job to determine what that is. Yes, I'm also involved in other things, whether be matches of my own at the weeklies, or cleaning up, or something. So here's the deal: If I'm in a match, you can report it to me. I'll finish my match (probably less so than I want, but I'll take that risk), and observe as soon as I can. If you feel victimized, report it to me and how you feel victimized about it. What was said or done that made you feel so low. I can't do anything without solid details as to why. If I can see it happening, all the better, but that's for a perfect world of which I am not, nor will ever be. Consider it weakness or laziness or what have you, but that's just pure and utter truth.
Colluding - This is, in a way, a tricky one. There are two reasons why colluding would be "illegal" to do from my current understanding:
1) Increases another players stance in the power rankings that does not deserve so.
2) Puts a player into a portion of the loser's bracket to eliminate other competition that would've had a viable chance to place higher.
What happened Tuesday between Lada and X is colluding, simply for the fact that Lada was willing to take the loss, but X instead did. There was no reason to, and that I didn't find out until after everything. Ultimately, it's STILL in a way a tough call, simply for the fact that the blame does have to be placed upon someone from a conjecture made. I have a thought as to how to solve this, but some things have to be considered before then. I do feel like my thoughts will continue to help the scene grow though.
Inefficient tournaments - Some of you feel that tournaments are being done inefficiently for reason A, B, X, Y, who cares. I've gone through a year of learning, and STILL learn different things. Do some of you know WHY I'm considered the head TO? Because I still do it. We've seen me DQ people based on my current conjectures, and it's not always right. Hell, I was basically ill after the last Smasher's Tale because of such. I'm fragile in ways, but I set it to the side as long as I can for you all to have your tournament venues. I'm a perfectionist, and every single thing that goes wrong hits me hard. VERY hard. That's not a pity call, it's just to give you an example of why I do things aside from what I personally feel.
With that being said, you think you've got something better? Then do it. I support Neumont wholly, and is essentially the monthly for Utah as a whole (because holy hell 67 melee entrants). Because of Neumont, I plan for Smasher's Tales events to be on the off months, or once every three months, for them, so you have a monthly / regional. Ogden is planning things where they can and I support them too. I support anyone that I'm able to if it works with my schedule, and you meet my terms. I get paid for this. It's not much at times, but it's still my JOB. I work my current job to learn the industry a little bit more in ways, but still focus as much as I can on this. I lose sleep at times, and I'll still do it. Why? Because **** you I do what I want, that's why. And I want this scene to GROW. We were told weeklies wouldn't work, now we're hitting over 40 at times. That's insane for just a year.
With all this being said, we do still aim to be better. If you see ANYTHING that you disagree with, message me. Think that won't do anything? Then call me. 801-836-9297 . I try to make exceptions where I can, but sometimes I just can't, and some of you thankfully understand that. I'm putting more strictness on Smasher's Tale because I need to for EVERYONE. I'll tell you now, there are ways that people could "contact me" to make exceptions, but I'm going to ignore them to set a standard for the more major tournaments we hold. Think of what you will, but it'll go back to my earlier stance: You think you can do better, then do it. After all, Southern Utah has grown exponentially without my help.
If I've missed something, ask now. I'll answer to the best of my ability.