You see, the funny thing here is I'm not sure the fourth rule is even relevant...or enforceable. A faction can exist if its a club or not...in fact a club could exist devoted to, oh, origami for the sake of argument, who only allowed members of a certain alignment to join. Then they could just happen to take an interest in creating conflict with a club who's only declared interest is in motor cross and proceed to fuss and feud amongst themselves.
In fact, as I previously mentioned, it wouldn't even have to go that far as a faction could exist and NOT BE OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED. Take away the club thread and all people will do is put a bit of text or a little banner in their sig about 'proud member of the tribe of darkness/light/monkey's - Want to join? Ask me how!'
The fourth rule neither truly denies anything nor does it fix the problem associated 'faction drama' as its been so delightfully referred to. All it really does it place limitations on a forum activity that is designed to allow like minded individuals to group together closely and participate in/discuss the things that interest them the most.
I'm not saying I do not understand the reasoning behind this declaration, nor am I saying I do not sympathize with those that have to deal with the more colorful individuals that factions tend to attract. All I'm saying is it ends up as a whole lot of fuss over nothing...and something that holds the potential to spark only further drama.
The result of a bit of required down time, and the lack of a viable antagonist. We can turn that around by taking on the role of the antagonist, but it didn't seem it was the right time for such a dramatic shift. This issue could change that thinking among the Circle, however. But then again, it may simply end with a decision to move elsewhere.Admittedly, both the SoI and TM have been practically dead since February...
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