Eight years ago, Sarin made the mistake of promoting Howie to EL3. He then compounded that error by appointing him Master at Arms. We have struggled against the panda tyranny ever since. For all of Howie’s incessant yelling about medals or something, I hereby sentence him to be promoted–for the rest of his natural life or until we have to make up a new rank for James again–to the rank of EL4.
Bubba
Grand Master
What can be said about our resident panda? Well… The man is simply a staple of our Brotherhood. I've had the pleasure of knowing Howlader since he first rejoined our club, and it's been a wild (but fun) ride ever since. He returned with a flurry of activity, and he's been around longer than many of our members have been alive. Howlader Taldrya has served as Master At Arms for our club for the better part of a decade now. In that time, he's made numerous revisions and improvements to policies surrounding his office for the betterment of all, sought to hold all leaders in this club accountable when it comes to recognition, sometimes forcefully though always with pure intent, and has led the charge for fair treatment across the board. While he does a lot (a lot) of yelling, it's for a good cause. Always for the good of the club. He wants to see this club excel, live on (even with the "shut it down" jokes!) and be a viable place for all members.
Howie has been a mentor to many, including myself, over the years. He's always keen to pass along his knowledge, always available to confide in, and has never let me down on a personal or professional level. He's a stickler for the rules, but that isn't a bad thing; it's just more stability, which is something this club is always going to need. I truly believe Howie will be here until the day the club finally does close up shop. Because of all his accomplishments (that I'm sure everyone else will cover in detail), his mentorship, and his ability to get the job done no matter the obstacle in his way, I am more than proud to be appending this recommendation (which we had to do in the shadows, because Howie sees all).
Aside from James, there is no one else that deserves a promotion to Elder 4 more than the resident panda. Congratulations, Howie. You've earned this. You're so mad right now, but you're just gonna have to deal.
Zxyl Bes'uliik (Noobi)
Regent of the Brotherhood
Son of Taldryan
I need you all to understand how much this is going to annoy Howie. That alone pleases me. But it's a symptom of a quality that is easy to miss. In all the time I've known Howie, he has never wanted anything for his efforts. In fact, he's yelled enthusiastically against any recognition. It often came to the point of Dark Crosses as a threat. And it's for that reason I admire Howie. He knows this place, this Brotherhood, is about more than any one person.
Especially him. Can't say I've seen a lot of other members actively campaigning for improvements that would lead to the deprecation of his own position. Usually when someone says they want to be "the last <blank>", they aren't referring to killing off the position, but rather dying with it.
I really can't speak to what Howie has been like as a member, only that he's been a leader. Know that he hates us all equally and that none of us are free from sin, and that when the time comes...he'll turn the lights off on the way out.
Darth Renatus (Atra)
Comrade in Yelling
Howie is a good bear, the best even. Sure there is yelling, and there will be yelling when he sees this, because unlike most of us greedy SOBs in this club, Howie very much hates to acknowledge he genuinely deserves this (along side anything else, unless that anything is food or beer in which case he will take 20).
I’ve been doing this long enough to remember the pre-Howie days. To say he was what this club needed for MAA is an understatement. A level consistent eye has helped bring the awarding system of this club back on track. All the while the only real expectation Howie ever has is “do the work”. If someone has earned something, state it. If someone has disappeared, fire them. Reports of being “mean” are greatly exaggerated when really its just “be specific and do the things”, which really is all anyone could really want in an MAA.
While it was very true when EL4 was created that it was 100% a we need to award James moment, it is also true that it is a 100% we need to also award Howie it too. Years of service, quick turn arounds, fixing broken systems, and interacting with pretty much all leaders of the club on some level (if they are doing their jobs right) means Howie has been a very very busy bear. Sometimes its good to recognize that.
Congrats Howie.
Idris Adenn
That Krathy Nerd
Howie, if you are reading this, then HAHA (/Nelson). Look at you getting the fancy-shmancy rank, that I also hear comes with actual pants that need to be worn. Now, I know you’re going to grind your teeth and flail about like the primadonna you are for getting this rank, but this is what happens when you are older than dirt and continue to do all the things. So you will take this new rank, goddammit, and you will like it!
It has been a pleasure yelling at you for these umpteen years, and I look forward to continue with the yellings and the beatings for many more years, wherever they are. Good bear.
Halc
I’ve disagreed with Howie on a lot of things over the years ranging from individual awards to particular policies to “do you really need to yell about this?” but I have never once, not even for a millisecond doubted his fairness and professionalism. The bear may yell but the bear is an equal opportunity yeller and more often than not the bear yells on behalf of the everyday member which something not everyone gets to see. As I moved up the ranks of the club’s leadership I learned to counsel young leaders that 1) remands are not personal and 2) the Panda can be persuaded by evidence so add some tangible facts to that rec.
Howie holds every member of the club from the Grand Master to the newest join to the same high standard. That can be a thankless job at times but it is one that needs to be done. His unwavering commitment to holding everyone, including himself, to a high standard is why Howie will always have my respect even if we often have different points of view.
Rajhin aka Turel
Keeper of the Soapbox
Oh, Howie will hate this, which makes it all the more delightful. As much as he yells, it is always done with good reason and the best intentions. Whether pushing to ensure members receive appropriate recognition or making sure the standards are the same for all of us, fair, and straightforward. I remember how things were (gods, 2003?!), pre-Howie, and the fairness with which he performs the duties of MAA is worlds apart. Since being taken on first as his Magistrate, then his Praetor, he has taught me a lot, not least to speak up and give my input. Well. I am speaking up and providing my input. If you argue you do not deserve this promotion, maybe I will try your brand of yelling until you accept that you’ve earned this many times over with your integrity, dedication, and tenacity.
May you continue to serve the club and keep yelling for years to come! Congrats.
Mune aka Moon Moon
The Nice One
Howie,
I won't be as Krathy and elaborate as the others here, I'll just state that, even though you might complain about it, it is as well deserved as everyone says. Congratulations on your new rank, and if you even think of demoting yourself, I'll take away your access to do it ;)
James
Lord Dacien Victae, 2023-10-13 14:34:43 UTC