I got this funny email from someone today and thought I’d share it:

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Hey there Propagandroid,

I thought you might like to know that Gleemax has apparently resurrected the old custom of the press gang, except instead of pressing sailors into duty on ships they’re pressing Gleemax users into duty as “forum leads.” I had no clue I was a forum lead, but apparently I’ve been one since January! You’d think they could have told me! Here’s the Private Message I got when I logged in the other day:

“Due to the extremely high number of Forum Leads currently unware of their FL status, I am contacting every listed FL who does not have a public display in their profile that they recognize this status. I apologize if you receive this message and know of your status, but I feel it is important to let everyone know of their position.

If you do not how you became an FL, it is most likely because someone nominated you when new FL’s were still being recruited. This process has since been stopped, so no more ne FL’s are being put in place.

You, in particular, are the FL for the following areas:
EDITED TO PROTECT OUR HERO

If you would like more information on the topic, please feel free to PM me with any questions.”

Imagine my surprise to find out I was some sort of community leader, who had the nerve to not publicly declare my status. How about Wizards privately informing me of my status first! This line is particularly hilarious:

but I feel it is important to let everyone know of their position.

…

The other great part is that when I actually asked questions about my status and duties, the reply I received was dismissive and short.

Lastly, hmmmm…I wonder what my duties are, let’s take a look at the “handbook” (which is actually just a forum post that admits it’s barely cursory much less comprehensive):

Forum leads are regular community members that have no additional access or powers than anyone else. They can make suggestions like other community members. Forum leads are not held to any higher standards than other community members. For all intents and purposes, they are the same as everyone else, except that they tend to be more involved in the community. (although there are plenty of great community leaders who have never been involved in the FL or VCL programs)

So, I’m a regular community member, with no additional powers or responsibilities…it even says I’m the same as everyone else! Good lord, what have they done without me ‘lo these many months?! The most ironic part is that I didn’t realize I was a forum lead because I hadn’t logged in for weeks…talk about more involved in the community!

So, uhhh, yeah…if anyone’s had any problems in my forum…sorry about that. I hereby dub anyone in my forums to have the same power and authority as I do to handle any situation that may arise. God, this is better than knighting!

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Well, I’d like to say I’m surprised, but given WotC’s track record with electronic products and community software, I’m not. Gleemax was supposed to be this amazing revolution for the online hobby game community, but so far it’s just trundling along belching steam and pollution, uncontrolled and destroying everything in its path.

Let’s just hope DDI isn’t under the control and direction of the same team that’s in charge of Gleemax.