Here's a potted history of how this group came to be formed ...

Other recollections?

Ah yes, I remember many of those threads well (good thing too since most of the links aren't working).  I'm sure I've slipped a shameless self-promotion for the Spartans in a few other threads too, but I'm not sure where they all are.  

How's everything going over here in Athens?  Greetings from Sparta!! 

This appears to be the latest rallying cry to add to your list:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/community/the-chess-spartans-need-you

Thanks for the heads up, Billium. The links should work now.

Perhaps we need to engage your services on a freelance, mercenary basis as a recruiter! and we could get a commission on any who sign up with you as a result of one of our recommendations!

Yes, the links work now.

You mean you DO want me to advertise for you now?  As I recall, I sent over so many people that you were saying, "Why are all these people joining my joke group?" 

Here's the latest thread that I snuck in a plug for Sparta:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/community/opponent-is-losing-badly-and-offers-a-draw

It's funny how almost all the threads where the Spartans are mentioned seem to deal with players who are losing badly. 

Or ...

"Chess Athenians created as an antidote to the insanity of Chess Spartans".

Chess Athenians is a very select group. According to our charter (http://www.chess.com/groups/forumview/you-must-remember-this) ...

1. Anyone who seriously thinks they should be in this group - shouldn't be.
2. We are the group that CAN RESIGN - "any time, any place any where".

Funny - but not surprising. Who was it that said: "Groups get the members they deserve" ?

There are definitely more colourful characters in Sparta - but there are more rational rank and file in Athens.

You said rank and file. We have enough people for more than one rank?

We are one short of having enough for ONE rank and ONE file (given that they intersect). Does anybody know one more potential Athenian (before we close ranks!) ?

If one rank and one file is 15 members, then you'll need at least 2 more, cuz I'm only here as an ambassador of Sparta, rather than a citizen of Athens.