Here is a possible idea for those of you who want MORE! The idea is based on elements of some current "league" play, ladders and international hockey tournament organization. All play is round-robin play. Here's the idea:

1. All players who express interest by a deadline are divided randomly into groups of 6 (or possibly a different number) for round robin tournaments of 1v1 strategic m. earth games.

2. New round-robin tournaments are then formed by grouping winners and runners-up (those being promoted), last-place and second-last place participants (those being relegated) and so on. After a few of these tournaments, a natural ranking would begin to shake out and be proclaimed in the forums - and there's the fun.

3. Top level is A, next B and so on. The idea is to get promoted, avoid relegation and experience more public glory and shame.

4. This would be open to members and non-members alike and new entrants, regardless of recognized skill, would always begin at the bottom. There would be no limit to the number of levels that would develop.

5. 3 day autoboot and vacations would be honoured. Those exiting the league would be required to start again at the bottom if they wish to rejoin. Anyone booted from his last 3 games in a tourney would be considered out of the league.

6. An illustrative example: 18 people initially join (named a,b,c,d, etc.). They are grouped into three rr tourneys: Group A - a,b,c,d,e,f; Group B - g,h,i,j,k,l; Group C - m,n,o,p,q,r. a,b,g,h,m,n come in 1st and 2nd in their resptective tourneys and are the new group A. c,d,i,j,o,p, who came in 3rd and 4th now form Group B. Losers and almost losers e,f,k,l,q,r are now Group C. Next round - a and n come in last and second last in the new Group A - now they are relegated to B. d and i are 1 and 2 in B and are now promoted to A. j and o come in last in B and are relegated to C. They are replaced in B by the top 2 of C. In the meantime losers of C need to worry about getting relegated to the new groups being formed from the wild popularity of the concept.

7. Each set of tourneys run roughly simultaneously and form a "season" culminating in a grand ranking posted here.

8. Something may have to be worked out to deal with round robin "ties", I don't know.

Any interest?

I'd be interested.

shows interest, sure I am in

Interested

Interested; if you need help running it just let me know.

I'm interested.

I'd be in.

great idea very interested

Im in

Also, with the round robin ties, it solves those automatically.

Sounds like fun (which means I'm in).

interested

I'm interested.

i'm interested so count me pls.

^^ I count one of you so far iron heart ;)

Interested, but what to do when people turn inactive?

Well, he did mention that anyone who got booted 3 times in a row is out of the league.

It looks like there may be enough interest. I am proposing to begin the inaugural season with the first 18 who express interest. I count 13 already (Ska2D2, I take it that you were only teasing Ironheart, not signing up yourself). I will run the league but not participate as a player. If a lot more than 18 sign up very quickly, I will consider expanding the size of the first season. If you are cut off, don't despair, you will be in the next season. There is no limit to the number who may participate - you may just have to climb further to get to the top if you wait.

VaporX, thanks for the offer of help. I'll definitely keep that in mind. BlueMonkey, thanks for pointing out the solution to ties - that makes things easy. Domenico, those who are inactive (being booted in last 3 games of any rr tourney) will be considered out of the league and everyone else below shifts up a rank - this may result in additional promotions, but I think that is easy to figure out.

I'll join as well.

I'm interested