Ernie Sands wrote:
It is fairly rare for someone to just disappear, but it does happen and it is disconcerting. There are so may variables in RL, that there is no way that members do not get concerned about an opponent. Many of us have played the same opponent for years.
The first issue is within the chain of command, from division up to the AC's, to determine IF there are reasons for the absence that they might be aware of. In this particular case, there is NO indication in the DOR of him being placed on a leave of absence or placed in the "hospital".
This needs to be brought up to the ANV AC and we will go from there. Perhaps Gen Miller should be placed in the "hospital" or given a LOA, as he is a long time member.
We should give members the benefit of the doubt that circumstances keep them away and not able or (sometimes) willing to answer emails.
Our system allows for several months of no contact to keep the member on the rolls and continue in his unit, etc.
OTOH, if an opponent has just disappeared and is not playing the game, then the other player MAY end the game with a major Victory (Club rules: 5.1.8.2 If one player leaves the Club, becomes inactive, or simply stops responding for weeks at a time, the remaining player may treat the game as a Major Victory. It is normal protocol to first check with the superior officers of the opponent before declaring this type of victory.). Many players would rather wait.
As for requesting an additional email address from all members has some merit, but I am not sure it is needed, for the most part.
In this particular instance with Tim, we moved on without him.
He was my partner in a few ongoing games (along with other guys who were his partner).
I was able to add guys from my small circle of friends to continue existing games in the same format (multi player).
One multi battle we ended as a draw because we had only played a handful of turns.
With respect to my call for a "next of kin" email.
I thought it was good idea.
I stand corrected.