Who is considered a Novice, Advocate, Elected official or Head of department? Firstly there needs to be a founding manifesto or constitution for the community, in this document there will be certain definitions of the methods, processes, time periods and criteria by which members are eligible to be elected to positions of administration. It will also contain the general classifications of hierarchy and structure within the community.

There needs to be special consideration here on abilities within a given discipline, an advanced level computer scientist may well be a novice in the field of biology, ergo each title should be suffixed or prefixed with the relevant field. Perhaps even following the example of the gradient of martial arts where every member has an appropriate level of kyu or dan that gives them a clear indication of where they rest on the scale of their art.

There are other questions relating to this one, the ultimate basis for level of skill will be based on assessment and practical experience, vocation and practical application should be seen as equally if not more important than theory. There should also be some recognition of skills attained prior to joining the community. But these should only allow a fast track out of novice lessons they shouldn’t grant anyone status by default.

Presently my thought was this; all members start as novices considered equals in the community, over the next 6 months they will learn basic chores and depending on their assessments assigned to levels of learning with classes, professors, mentors etc.

They will be assessed on their abilities in all the primary sciences, computer programming, mathematics, fitness and co-ordination, the martial art decided on for the community, creativity, logical reasoning, emotional intelligence and potentially more. The purpose is to find out what the member can do and what their passion is that can help them drive the community.

People will remain a novice until they attain a sufficient comprehension of the basic fields of scientific enquiry, reason, teaching e.t.c. It’s very possible different communities may have different requirements. But once the understanding of all the basic foundations are met they can then choose, with advice and consultation from their peers to become an Advocate of a specific sphere of science [initially I thought the community would be completely focused on the natural sciences and technology however there is merit in thinking that any discipline followed would result in benefits to the community it rests in].

The difference between an Advocate and a Novice then is; Firstly, an Advocate has reached a fundamental understanding of the all the base sciences, basic vocational skills, dialogue techniques, fitness and martial skill. Secondly, the Advocate by his very title has decided what he will dedicate the rest of his time/life in the community towards.

Elected officials and administration come from the pool of people who have passed the assessment phase if deemed sufficiently capable. Although the criteria of who is eligible should depend on the position being voted for. Obviously the head of a physics department should be considered to have a sound, if not advanced, knowledge of the subject of the department he is running.

More details on differing titles within the community should be discussed in later entries.