To: Chessdotcom, pertinent groups and those who have given me so much
Re: Final words, honest communication, rules for fools, a resignation and a dubious new normal
Effective: Thursday, April 09, 2020
We recently lost access to two strong players (I call friends) over some issue with Chessdotcom’s “FFP” (Fair Play Policy). Those accounts were closed leaving many to wildly assume they used an engine to cheat in their games. These lost members were keen players and shared their insights, ideas, blogs, and master-strong play with excellent insights to their practice, positions and strategies. I learned from them and owe them appreciation for their investments towards my better play. They are sorely missed.
While I learned from a local coach ten years ago the personal detriment of improper engine use and explained that below, it is an immature practice and fake news to cast these players as “cheaters” when chessdotcom’s FPP includes issues unrelated to engine use. No one will know the real details behind the loss of these players. Respectfully and wisely, Chessdotcom does not help administrators learn details of any player’s account removal. Begrudgingly, this absence of transparency may indicate a lack of confidence towards [at least] Super Administrators but especially to some of us who want the best for chessdotcom and members. I am sure privacy is an issue, but this has led to wild and unjust speculation, assuming the worst case scenario and an overwhelming “call to arms” from the vocal uniformed.
I recommend that this egregious offense of using an engine during a game become:
1) A separate and measurable offense in a category named “Improper Engine Use” or “Engine Violations “or
2) Combined in a complete list of all potential offenses that may close an account negating clouds of targeted perceptions labeling former players with (IMO) one of the worst offenses in any chess community.
To start, Chessdotcom should separate inadvertent mistakes from deliberate actions. For example, Do not get help from any other person, player, or coach is vague since it does not indicate “during a game”. If the sentence actually did read, “Do not get help from any other person, player or coach during a game” then the sentence could easily include “engine” with player, coach or person solving many problems in one minor change. Briefly, it would not minimize the infraction but mask the hysterical reactions. Another inadvertent infraction might be the blunder check in a current game that (I think) only shows a past occurrence without finding ideas for future moves although my ignorance might ignore a use of “blunder check” to see if a move you want to play is acceptable. I have not tried it just to learn and surely do not want to!
A deliberate offense is an action that requires planning, almost the same criteria as determining pre-meditated murder. Forgive me for the analogy. In summary, separate deliberate offenses from inadvertent offenses or combine them into a single category that can lead to an account closing easily masking the rationale, allowing returning players reprieve. Of course, I do not mean to diminish any offense, but to put a severe and obvious deliberate offense in the same category with [my perception of inadvertent mistakes] seems to push a hysterically negative response. Should an “Engine Use” category become a separate category so a player’s reputation is justly perceived? Or, maybe combine all offenses so any assumptions can be completely removed to protect a player’s reputation if and when they return? The “hysteria” over the use of an engine during the course of play is somewhat appropriate because it is truly [like] a severe criminal offense but it is fake news when a mere speculative accusation is repeated as a matter of fact. What was my real crime? I think it is because I did not join, promote or lead the hysterical uproar over the use of an engine. Hence, an improvement to the FPP might get administrators like me out of harm’s way without any need for disclosures.
It was one of the most valuable lessons my coach proved true; using an engine to “help” your game during the course of play does nothing more than ruin your game. If you use an engine, you see in a nanosecond what to play but do not “learn” what to play. Therefore, you will be unable to play without an engine’s help. The more you use it, the more dependent you become. Chess is like life, where we often “need” to make mistakes in order to learn long-term valuable lessons. I firmly follow the mature and insightful phrase from Capablanca; “You may learn much more from a game you lose...” that should be a guiding mantra for any pragmatic chess improver. I may be shallow, but for me it just seems common sense not to use an engine during a game or other chess activity when your thinking is being evaluated. Maybe that thinking leads me not to “assume” the worst scenario when a player’s account closes, especially of those who have invested so much time and content for other’s benefits and whose online behavior demonstrated a strong regard for good chess. Furthermore, no amount of emphasis or rules on the improper use of engines will ever prevent those [players] who obviously have low standards, a poor understanding of sportsmanship or simply an engine addiction from adhering to any fair play concepts.
That said, I spent several hours yesterday morning confronting the hysteria of my friend’s closed accounts. Not one of those dissenters offered assistance or support; rather the gist followed that of the online shaming elements of the cancel culture mob. They questioned my leadership, my supposed “lack” of timeliness to respond within a certain period of time suggesting my “silence” meant I must be somewhat complicit. For your information, I woke up that morning and with coffee in hand, checked the latest activity and found that the account had closed and then read all the accusations and hysteria. Lol, it took me a couple of hours to address concerns, calm and subdue the hysterias and post messages to individuals and the team. By that time, 10 hours had passed. One new player scanned my team message and thought I was addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. They ignored any more reading and went back to blasting my ignorance and then quit the group in defiance. I removed all the notes from the homepage which of course unsettled others who are akin to rubberneckers (your homework - look it up).
The next morning, I wake to find more challenging drumbeats with just two members out of 200 offering support and agreement. Another two hours of “debate” today has convinced me the fallacy of my efforts. In hindsight (reflection time which is why slow chess is best for me!), I believe my dissenters were trying to say that I was not adamant (IMO hysterical) about making sure no one is using an engine. I think this makes sense. I only wish they had clarified their concerns to me that I might understand or…the only thing I can control…it was my failings not to rise above the fray to identify what their real issue was. Now that I have time to enjoy some reflection time and journal, I sense that I have lost the ability to be a quality leader in today’s times. Interestingly and in a nutshell, I feel somewhat disgruntled fielding the seemingly disrespect towards leaders although I can only fairly speak for myself. I have no intention of naming any culprits, don’t ask and do not volunteer yourself as a guilty party. I will deny it. It is common event here, on twitter, and elsewhere in our many communities. It is a new social media phenomenon. I harbor no ill will towards anyone. In fact, I already sound too harsh towards others when it was me who rightly got the great lesson. It is me, I am discernibly over–sensitive to the least offensive comment and another reason to rethink my hardened pride getting in the way of noble leadership.
One of the roles I played growing up in a large corporate community was that of HR Director. In any era, this role to help orchestrate policies is almost overwhelming, especially trying to find the fair balance between corporate expectations and everyone’s appropriate behaviors. Frankly, I found this “easy” when in a fear motivated corporate environment (a real thing) verses one that attempted to empower all personnel. Crazy, right? Coming up with good “rules” will always be an important measure of any group’s success. Rules are an art that should be in limited production, keenly appreciated and transparent in practice. I hope future leaders in the chessdotcom communities can find a quality style for today’s rules management for continued growth.
Sadly, the Covid-19 virus is leading to a heightened new normal. I am not quite sure what that will become, but the increased solitude has already exasperated the anonymous nature of on-line activity, where the hysterical cancel culture has already infested all walks of online communities. It appears no longer a productive effort in leadership [for me] to advance the hysterical mobs towards decency and learned practices. I need more reflection time then they allow in putting forth my best move (sensible thoughts). Respectfully, I think I have worn out my welcome as a leader in today’s world and time to internalize a new normalcy as spectator, performer and supporter rather than trying to set a learned pace. I learned long ago the adage, when you can no meet the rigors of leadership, become a consultant.
Just a brief word about me to be completely transparent over my full plate and the need for refocusing efforts include, I care at home for my 102 year old father. What is the good news? We have been “self-quarantined for years! What is the bad news? I have made too much indiscriminate time for distractions rather than prioritizing life’s important pursuits. As a person of faith, I hope this refocus helps to “clean up” my act. I have a lot on my plate and in this new diet; I am working on portion control.
Therefore, it is high time to retire and leave this pursuit of fruitful leadership to another generation and other current leaders who have much more patience, blitz thinking and energy. This helps me seek a personal goal to achieve an expert status of play, refocus on the acquiring and practice of chess knowledge without distractions and while finding redirected time to improve other interests I have neglected. Lol, I want to tend a garden rather than mend the mind and whims of online deviants. Now caveats, if you have read this far, then you know I am not talking about you.
I am supposed to read part one of “Reassess Your Chess” as part of my recent chess lesson’s homework and frankly would rather do that first thing in the morning with coffee rather then check my “important” e-mails. I misused a Bishop and Knight in a game and must punishingly study the proper use of minor pieces. I still captain and TD teams for chess play on one site, play 10 correspondence league games on another site and with permissions from administrators, still participate in chessdotcom communities gleaming knowledge, practice and performance. On chessdotcom, I look forward to completing the well prepared study plans. I have a rewarding full plate.
I must tell you, I really, really, really enjoyed the years of helping to shape and generate activity in groups, especially opening themed clubs. I received many gifts, privilege and rewards. I thank you deeply for the opportunity and experiences.
Finally, I hope I have explained my decision to adopt a new normal. Now, I can easily resist the endeavors of a cancel culture mob and ignore any further “debates” as simply a spectator and bystander without feeling obligated to respond. Whew, what a time & stress reliever. As I have explained, I will withdraw from leadership roles where appropriate and endeavor to surround myself with positive people, “life” activities and strong faith.
Much regard, Joe (aka @Chess4Him)
p.s. and cc’s:
1) To the Londoneers especially where @ChessBud has allowed me to help forge a path of active participation over the last 6 years, to the 1…g6 Modern Defense group where a real mentor @WormRose has helped guide me in leadership and chess communities, Slav Masters, DHLCs, and many other worthy groups and leaders. I hope you will help @ChessBud, @Wormrose, @StefGreve, @SirIvanhoe, and a slew of other worthy leaders as they move forward in any group’s activities. They deserve your incredible support and well wishes. In time, I would expect the group’s leaders to remove this post as time makes this essay weary and stale. As for me respectfully, I think I have said enough and do not need to waste your time or mine answering questions and comments.
2) I have provided a link for chessdotcom to this post for a rules review and FPP suggestions as I promised earlier in another forum.
3) I would continue to participate in your group at your privilege
To: Chessdotcom, pertinent groups and those who have given me so much
Re: Final words, honest communication, rules for fools, a resignation and a dubious new normal
Effective: Thursday, April 09, 2020
We recently lost access to two strong players (I call friends) over some issue with Chessdotcom’s “FFP” (Fair Play Policy). Those accounts were closed leaving many to wildly assume they used an engine to cheat in their games. These lost members were keen players and shared their insights, ideas, blogs, and master-strong play with excellent insights to their practice, positions and strategies. I learned from them and owe them appreciation for their investments towards my better play. They are sorely missed.
While I learned from a local coach ten years ago the personal detriment of improper engine use and explained that below, it is an immature practice and fake news to cast these players as “cheaters” when chessdotcom’s FPP includes issues unrelated to engine use. No one will know the real details behind the loss of these players. Respectfully and wisely, Chessdotcom does not help administrators learn details of any player’s account removal. Begrudgingly, this absence of transparency may indicate a lack of confidence towards [at least] Super Administrators but especially to some of us who want the best for chessdotcom and members. I am sure privacy is an issue, but this has led to wild and unjust speculation, assuming the worst case scenario and an overwhelming “call to arms” from the vocal uniformed.
I recommend that this egregious offense of using an engine during a game become:
1) A separate and measurable offense in a category named “Improper Engine Use” or “Engine Violations “or
2) Combined in a complete list of all potential offenses that may close an account negating clouds of targeted perceptions labeling former players with (IMO) one of the worst offenses in any chess community.
To start, Chessdotcom should separate inadvertent mistakes from deliberate actions. For example, Do not get help from any other person, player, or coach is vague since it does not indicate “during a game”. If the sentence actually did read, “Do not get help from any other person, player or coach during a game” then the sentence could easily include “engine” with player, coach or person solving many problems in one minor change. Briefly, it would not minimize the infraction but mask the hysterical reactions. Another inadvertent infraction might be the blunder check in a current game that (I think) only shows a past occurrence without finding ideas for future moves although my ignorance might ignore a use of “blunder check” to see if a move you want to play is acceptable. I have not tried it just to learn and surely do not want to!
A deliberate offense is an action that requires planning, almost the same criteria as determining pre-meditated murder. Forgive me for the analogy. In summary, separate deliberate offenses from inadvertent offenses or combine them into a single category that can lead to an account closing easily masking the rationale, allowing returning players reprieve. Of course, I do not mean to diminish any offense, but to put a severe and obvious deliberate offense in the same category with [my perception of inadvertent mistakes] seems to push a hysterically negative response. Should an “Engine Use” category become a separate category so a player’s reputation is justly perceived? Or, maybe combine all offenses so any assumptions can be completely removed to protect a player’s reputation if and when they return? The “hysteria” over the use of an engine during the course of play is somewhat appropriate because it is truly [like] a severe criminal offense but it is fake news when a mere speculative accusation is repeated as a matter of fact. What was my real crime? I think it is because I did not join, promote or lead the hysterical uproar over the use of an engine. Hence, an improvement to the FPP might get administrators like me out of harm’s way without any need for disclosures.
It was one of the most valuable lessons my coach proved true; using an engine to “help” your game during the course of play does nothing more than ruin your game. If you use an engine, you see in a nanosecond what to play but do not “learn” what to play. Therefore, you will be unable to play without an engine’s help. The more you use it, the more dependent you become. Chess is like life, where we often “need” to make mistakes in order to learn long-term valuable lessons. I firmly follow the mature and insightful phrase from Capablanca; “You may learn much more from a game you lose...” that should be a guiding mantra for any pragmatic chess improver. I may be shallow, but for me it just seems common sense not to use an engine during a game or other chess activity when your thinking is being evaluated. Maybe that thinking leads me not to “assume” the worst scenario when a player’s account closes, especially of those who have invested so much time and content for other’s benefits and whose online behavior demonstrated a strong regard for good chess. Furthermore, no amount of emphasis or rules on the improper use of engines will ever prevent those [players] who obviously have low standards, a poor understanding of sportsmanship or simply an engine addiction from adhering to any fair play concepts.
That said, I spent several hours yesterday morning confronting the hysteria of my friend’s closed accounts. Not one of those dissenters offered assistance or support; rather the gist followed that of the online shaming elements of the cancel culture mob. They questioned my leadership, my supposed “lack” of timeliness to respond within a certain period of time suggesting my “silence” meant I must be somewhat complicit. For your information, I woke up that morning and with coffee in hand, checked the latest activity and found that the account had closed and then read all the accusations and hysteria. Lol, it took me a couple of hours to address concerns, calm and subdue the hysterias and post messages to individuals and the team. By that time, 10 hours had passed. One new player scanned my team message and thought I was addressing the Covid-19 pandemic. They ignored any more reading and went back to blasting my ignorance and then quit the group in defiance. I removed all the notes from the homepage which of course unsettled others who are akin to rubberneckers (your homework - look it up).
The next morning, I wake to find more challenging drumbeats with just two members out of 200 offering support and agreement. Another two hours of “debate” today has convinced me the fallacy of my efforts. In hindsight (reflection time which is why slow chess is best for me!), I believe my dissenters were trying to say that I was not adamant (IMO hysterical) about making sure no one is using an engine. I think this makes sense. I only wish they had clarified their concerns to me that I might understand or…the only thing I can control…it was my failings not to rise above the fray to identify what their real issue was. Now that I have time to enjoy some reflection time and journal, I sense that I have lost the ability to be a quality leader in today’s times. Interestingly and in a nutshell, I feel somewhat disgruntled fielding the seemingly disrespect towards leaders although I can only fairly speak for myself. I have no intention of naming any culprits, don’t ask and do not volunteer yourself as a guilty party. I will deny it. It is common event here, on twitter, and elsewhere in our many communities. It is a new social media phenomenon. I harbor no ill will towards anyone. In fact, I already sound too harsh towards others when it was me who rightly got the great lesson. It is me, I am discernibly over–sensitive to the least offensive comment and another reason to rethink my hardened pride getting in the way of noble leadership.
One of the roles I played growing up in a large corporate community was that of HR Director. In any era, this role to help orchestrate policies is almost overwhelming, especially trying to find the fair balance between corporate expectations and everyone’s appropriate behaviors. Frankly, I found this “easy” when in a fear motivated corporate environment (a real thing) verses one that attempted to empower all personnel. Crazy, right? Coming up with good “rules” will always be an important measure of any group’s success. Rules are an art that should be in limited production, keenly appreciated and transparent in practice. I hope future leaders in the chessdotcom communities can find a quality style for today’s rules management for continued growth.
Sadly, the Covid-19 virus is leading to a heightened new normal. I am not quite sure what that will become, but the increased solitude has already exasperated the anonymous nature of on-line activity, where the hysterical cancel culture has already infested all walks of online communities. It appears no longer a productive effort in leadership [for me] to advance the hysterical mobs towards decency and learned practices. I need more reflection time then they allow in putting forth my best move (sensible thoughts). Respectfully, I think I have worn out my welcome as a leader in today’s world and time to internalize a new normalcy as spectator, performer and supporter rather than trying to set a learned pace. I learned long ago the adage, when you can no meet the rigors of leadership, become a consultant.
Just a brief word about me to be completely transparent over my full plate and the need for refocusing efforts include, I care at home for my 102 year old father. What is the good news? We have been “self-quarantined for years! What is the bad news? I have made too much indiscriminate time for distractions rather than prioritizing life’s important pursuits. As a person of faith, I hope this refocus helps to “clean up” my act. I have a lot on my plate and in this new diet; I am working on portion control.
Therefore, it is high time to retire and leave this pursuit of fruitful leadership to another generation and other current leaders who have much more patience, blitz thinking and energy. This helps me seek a personal goal to achieve an expert status of play, refocus on the acquiring and practice of chess knowledge without distractions and while finding redirected time to improve other interests I have neglected. Lol, I want to tend a garden rather than mend the mind and whims of online deviants. Now caveats, if you have read this far, then you know I am not talking about you.
I am supposed to read part one of “Reassess Your Chess” as part of my recent chess lesson’s homework and frankly would rather do that first thing in the morning with coffee rather then check my “important” e-mails. I misused a Bishop and Knight in a game and must punishingly study the proper use of minor pieces. I still captain and TD teams for chess play on one site, play 10 correspondence league games on another site and with permissions from administrators, still participate in chessdotcom communities gleaming knowledge, practice and performance. On chessdotcom, I look forward to completing the well prepared study plans. I have a rewarding full plate.
I must tell you, I really, really, really enjoyed the years of helping to shape and generate activity in groups, especially opening themed clubs. I received many gifts, privilege and rewards. I thank you deeply for the opportunity and experiences.
Finally, I hope I have explained my decision to adopt a new normal. Now, I can easily resist the endeavors of a cancel culture mob and ignore any further “debates” as simply a spectator and bystander without feeling obligated to respond. Whew, what a time & stress reliever. As I have explained, I will withdraw from leadership roles where appropriate and endeavor to surround myself with positive people, “life” activities and strong faith.
Much regard, Joe (aka @Chess4Him)
p.s. and cc’s:
1) To the Londoneers especially where @ChessBud has allowed me to help forge a path of active participation over the last 6 years, to the 1…g6 Modern Defense group where a real mentor @WormRose has helped guide me in leadership and chess communities, Slav Masters, DHLCs, and many other worthy groups and leaders. I hope you will help @ChessBud, @Wormrose, @StefGreve, @SirIvanhoe, and a slew of other worthy leaders as they move forward in any group’s activities. They deserve your incredible support and well wishes. In time, I would expect the group’s leaders to remove this post as time makes this essay weary and stale. As for me respectfully, I think I have said enough and do not need to waste your time or mine answering questions and comments.
2) I have provided a link for chessdotcom to this post for a rules review and FPP suggestions as I promised earlier in another forum.
3) I would continue to participate in your group at your privilege