And another week has gone. There's quite a lot to go through this week, so please bear with me.

1: Following on from the report evaluations that my Praetor did for me, a lot of people have requested assistance and comment on their reports. This is a good thing, and I'd like to thank all those that have taken the trouble to ask what they can do to improve. I will be getting back to you today or tomorrow with comments on reports, and must apologise for not having done it sooner. Unfortunately, I'm in the middle of revising like a loon for some tests for a job tomorrow, which is why things have been running a little slower than usual.

2: As per my announcement earlier in the week, the Society of Envoys have now been handed over to the Shadow Academy as part of their operations. I would recommend that all Consuls and Proconsuls decide how they wish their Clan and House Envoys to operate under the scheme laid out and start choosing new envoys if they do not have any.

It has been suggested that Proconsuls take on the Clan Envoy's duties, which is certainly an avenue you may wish to explore as a Clan. However, Mage will be co-ordinating this from now on, in concert with myself where necessary, and so all queries should be addressed to him on it.

3: I am still updating the DSC. The Medals section and the GMRG section is now complete, but I am waiting on further updates to be notified before I upload it. Is there something that urgently needs updating? Let me know, either by email or by using the feedback form on the website.

4: The results of my last poll were quite interesting. An overwhelming majority of you would like to see shorter announcements and more interactive gaming straight afterwards. I will consequently be working with the Dark Council to ensure that more activities are available after the meetings every week, along with more opportunities to win medals. This project should be completed before the New Year.

5: The DGM Christmas Bonanza will start today, with four events, for all of which you will have the opportunity to win Crescents with Diamond Stars. The idea is to have fun, so hopefully you'll all enjoy it. ;)

6: On the topic of complaining. Firefox and I both welcome your comments, suggestions AND complaints. If you have a problem, PLEASE come and TALK to us about it. We're here to try and make this place fun for all of you, and we can't do that if we don't know what the problems are.

However, as I have previously attempted to impress on people, it is not acceptable to complain about:

• Other people's promotions

• Other people's awards

Please have the good grace to be happy for those that are awarded or congratulate them rather than trying to make them feel uncomfortable about what they were given. I'm well aware of how those people who are promoted and then hear many people saying "X shouldn't have got that" feel, because I have been there. Please don't do it. It's not nice, it's not smart, and it can be extremely hurtful.

7: A little while ago, a leadership course was composed and authorised by the Shadow Academy. However, it was never made mandatory. This is to be changed. As part of that change, I would like to ask all those current leaders of the DB (that's Dark Council, Consuls, Proconsuls, Quaestors, Aediles and Battleteam Leaders) to take and pass the test before the New Year. You may think you know it all already, but from this date onwards passing this test mandatory for holding a leadership position. If you have not passed it, you will not be allowed to advance beyond your current position until such time as you do pass it.

The Master at Arms is now under orders to check member profiles to ENSURE that this test has been passed BEFORE appointing members to leadership positions.

8: As always, questions, comments and complaints can be brought to Firefox or myself at any time.