Regarding Recent Events: New Clarification

Hi guys!

So as an uninvolved party who was out all day and not around for the earlier airing of grievances, I've decided to publicly clarify some things now that I've been filled in/read chat records/came to understand as much of the situation as I possibly can without having actually been there. For those of you who might not think I'm qualified to make judgements without actually witnessing the events, please know that I have been around as a principal diffuser of sixteen Games' worth of drama and I promise I am an old hat at this.

I'm not here to waste my breath reiterating how hard it is to be a Gamemaker, because those of you who are ever going to respect the difficulties of the position already do so. I will say again, though, as I have many times in the past, that our Games have ALWAYS come with an elastic clause designed a looooong time ago, specifically because of the challenges of running this massive endeavor. It is absolutely impossible—please take my word for this—to anticipate all of the problems and situations that might arise in something that is completely based around creativity or random chance. Therefore, it is often necessary for GMs to make in-Games clarifications or small rule changes depending on what comes up. If you've ever played a tribute in the Games, you can probably understand why this elastic clause is needed.

HOWEVER, I do very much respect all your concerns regarding rule changes or rules that weren't enforced in the past, and I completely understand where you all are coming from. In order to take your frustrations into account and try to prevent something like this from happening again, I'd like to make the following overarching rule clarifications that will from this point on apply to all future Games. (if you haven't read anything else in this notice, PLEASE read this):

1. Expressly written rules that have existed for a long time and have been approved and enforced by the admins, Aya and myself, ALWAYS stand, unless an individual GM comes to us to propose a rule change and we approve it. This is specifically referring to the issue with the needle and thread. This statement acknowledges the difference between an expressly written rule (eg. medicine rules) and an unspoken or un-clarified rule, in which case the GM is entitled to make the clarification they see fit for their Games.
2. Individual GMs will read and reread the rules before beginning their Games, period.There are a LOT of rules, absolutely, so I can understand that it's hard for even the best of us to stick to precedent sometimes. Aya and I will try our best to monitor the way individual GMs are enforcing these rules, but if anyone notices a discrepancy in a GM's rule enforcement, please let us know and we will do our best to address it.
3. ***Rules involving sponsorship can and will vary between different Games. However, acknowledging that much of the Games drama arises over sponsorship money and spending, I am hereby enacting an official rule that all rule changes involving sponsorship MUST be made prior to the Bloodbath, except in the most extreme cases (judged on an individual basis).From here on out, if a GM enacts a new rule involving sponsorship after the Bloodbath has begun, you have a right to question it. If the rule has been enacted prior to the Bloodbath and approved by admins, you do not have this right.

These three new clarifications will hopefully encourage GMs to thoroughly study the rules and plan as much as possible in advance to avoid in-Games conflicts over rule changes. That being said, remember that this does not negate the existing elastic clause; GMs do still have ultimate authority over their Games, and being rude or blatantly cruel to them over their judgment calls is a sign of ultimate disrespect.

Thank you all for reading! Let's put this behind us and continue to enjoy a great Games.

Love you guys,
Lulu