Empire Reborn Imperial Officers' Manual

Overview

"One officer does not an Empire make". Although it may at times be taken for granted, communication can be thought of as the force that binds together individual officers and entire sections of the Empire into a cohesive whole... Outside of skill and sheer luck, it is the efficiency of the communication & information infrastructure behind an operation that most often decides its ultimate success, or dismal failure.

The GE's documents of Imperial Law define some of the organisation's most basic communications policies... This chapter shall continue in the same vein: delivering you information on how to utilise the chain-of-command, and come into better contact with your fellow Imperials.

Communication Methods

Primary Method

The only method of interpersonal communication that all officers are absolutely required to have functional access to is e–mail. It is the GE's "primary method" of communication, through which basic activity is measured, and through which any & all formal items of paperwork are passed.

e–mail is also the only piece of personal contact information that cannot be "shared", in that all officers must possess their own unique, valid e–mail address (even when multiple GE characters are registered by the same "real-life" individual).

Regardless of an officer's membership status, the importance of keeping one's superiors and roster-maintaining personnel supplied with a current, working e–mail address cannot be over–emphasised.

Secondary Methods

Although officers may personally communicate via a variety of mediums, certain "Secondary Methods" have gained the official endorsement of the Empire.

These are, currently:

Imperial Relay Chat: The GE operates a dedicated IRC Channel for meetings & events, as well as open chat.
(See: http://www.empirereborn.net/docs.php?page=irc)
GE Message Boards: The GE's public message boards are one of its most vibrant online bases of operation, typically receiving many visits & posts daily.
(See: http://www.empirereborn.net/holonet/)
AOL Instant Messenger: AIM is the official "IMing" platform of the GE, allowing real-time communication with other AIM users, and the many Imperial officers on AOL.
(See: http://www.empirereborn.net/aim.php)
Xfire: A chat system with specific gaming add-ins to make finding and joining games with your fellow Imperials easier.The rules that would apply over AIM are the same over Xfire and are to be respected. Also, officers are encouraged to join the Empire Reborn "Clan " on Xfire. To join, speak with either the Captain of the Royal Guard or Scimitar Leader.

Tertiary Methods

Though these do not have the same level of offical support as other methods of communication, the Empire recognizes their popularity and allows their use for communications.

These are, currently:

Windows Live (MSN) Messenger: Windows Live Messenger is an extremely popular instant messaging program, made by Microsoft. Formerly known as MSN messenger. While it is not the official IM program of the Empire, it is still widely used. The rules that would apply over AIM are the same over MSN.
(See: http://www.empirereborn.net/aim.php)
Skype Phone and Instant Messenger: Skype is a dual use program, used both forinstant messaging and free user-to-user voice calls. As with Windows Live Messenger, the rules and regulations remain the same regardless of IM platform.
(See: http://www.empirereborn.net/aim.php)
ImperialSquadrons.net Message Boards: The complement to the GE Main Message boards is found on the ImperialSquadrons.net boards. Likewise a vibrant community, but with a different focus than the main message boards.
(See: http://www.imperialsquadrons.net/phpbb/)

In the event of difficulties, general questions or concerns may be directed to the ISB General, who acts as primary overseer of all official public communications facilities... Although not a strict requirement, all officers are highly encouraged to utilise these, as one of the benefits of GE membership is open communication with like-minded Imperials.

Chain of Command

Through this manual or other sources, you will learn about a particular chain-of-command within your Division of the Empire. To prevent a chaotic flow of messages, utilisation of the command structure is necessary.

There may be multiple occasions on which you contact one of the GE's High Command members directly, in order to make a submission to their office or ask a question which falls within their area of expertise. However, general questions, concerns, and communications should be sent to your direct superior(s). (This is typically the commander of your unit. If your unit possesses a first & second in command, it is good policy to routinely address both, unless otherwise advised.)

As a matter of activity, it is optimal to exchange communications with your direct superior(s) on at least a weekly basis... Of course, the higher your levels of contact & activity, the better it reflects upon you as an officer!

On the other hand, if mailing your direct superior(s) with an inquiry does not generate a response in a reasonable amount of time, do not hesitate to proceed up the chain of command with your concern -- to your commander's commanders, their commanders, and so on -- until a response is obtained.