July 12, 2014

The first UFFL League-Wide Meeting was held on July 12, 2014.
==Attendees==
*ketchthedonkey - President
*itsamadworld919 - Vice President
*bluemario1016 - Member
*kovtara - Player Manager
*wendingo - FBA representative / Player Manager
*GDog - New York Titans GM
*ryanrushing - North Florida Renegades GM
*rally_ranger - Player Manager
*kzmaster - Player Manager
==Summary==
After everyone was introduced, several topics were listed for discussion - these topics are reflected in the sections of the minutes.
Structurally, the league will be known as the UFFL, with the United Conference and the Continental Conference making up the two conferences of the league. Each conference will have six teams and no divisions. The placement of the 12 teams was confirmed as acceptable by all parties in attendance.
Games will be simulated using American Football Simulator 2012 V2. The scheduling format (16 games, 10 versus conference rivals, 6 versus non-conf. rivals) was also voted upon and accepted by all parties in attendance. The inclusion of bye weeks in this schedule was discussed, but not voted upon - however, due to the inability to subject fatigue into the simulation, bye weeks are unlikely. All games will be simulated on Sundays.
Rosters will be managed by each GM using a spreadsheet via Google Drive. These spreadsheets will only be editable by the GM, but viewable by all. The GM will be required to share their Google mail address with the administration prior to the beginning of the season. 
Free Agents will become an available option after the Draft takes place. Any player that is cut from a team will become a free agent.
Rookie players may be statistically standardized, and each team would expect to have 1-2 star players in their roster. Details on this are pending.
The league has yet to settle on a playoff structure. The current proposals are:
Proposal 1 - Double elmination format (6 wks)
Proposal 2 - Single elimination (2 teams get 1st rnd bye)
This is planned to be discussed and voted on at Fur Affinity, so that all GMs will have a chance to vote on the matter.
The draft order was generated using a RNG. There is desire in future seasons to create a draft lottery and livecast to announce the draft order, but because of time constraints and the amount of work still needed to be done, this idea was denied for Season 1.
The idea of a live draft was also discussed. Much indecision still surrounds this topic. The draft seedings are needed to be in by August 10; we are currently looking into the possibility of a livestream draft, but this would be unlikely for Season 1.
Tentative Dates:
Draft Order Announcement: July 17 
Draft Submissions Close: August 1
GM Draft Orders Due: August 10
UFFL Kickoff: August 24
Trades will be only proposed to Ketchthedonkey and itsamadworld919 for approval in Season 1 (UFFL Management).
At this point in the meeting, the floor was open to questions - which revolved around draft order (see above), creating a Podcast for the league, defining the universe of the UFFL (which will be as closely in line as possible with the FBA and FBL), and more. The Podcast project would be led by kzmaster and would serve as UFFL members' way of keeping up with the goings-on of the league. The UFFL has created a Youtube account where the podcasts will be hosted.
The meeting was closed thereafter.
==Minutes==
Welcome
itsamadworld919: Alrighty!
  Ketchthedonkey: First off, I'd just like to welcome everyone to our first ever league-wide meeting of the United Furry Football League! I want to say thank you so much to everyone who has been involved. We wouldn't be at the point we are now (about to start something completely new) if it wasn't for your involvement.
  bluemario1016: *claps*
  Ketchthedonkey: Most of you I am sure know IAMW, our VP of League Operations, by now. Do you have any opening remarks you'd like to make IAMW?
  itsamadworld919: Nope, just thank you for joining us tonight - we'll be your two contacts and I'm sure you all have a lot of questions regarding operations, so always feel free to contact me or Ketch.
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, well you all know me and IAMW, how about if everyone say a quick introduction: what you'd prefer to be called and what your involvement is with the league. : )
  Ketchthedonkey: First off we have Blue, who has been an active fan.
  Ketchthedonkey: Chaos who just recently joined the league.
  Ketchthedonkey: GDog is the GM of the NY Titans.
  Ketchthedonkey: IAMW I've already mentioned in his role.
  Ketchthedonkey: Jack is GM of the Texas Ramblers.
  Ketchthedonkey: Kova is one of our new members as well.
  Ketchthedonkey: Kellen is better known for his rookie Coby Carson
  itsamadworld919: I also manage the California Dons
  Ketchthedonkey: I completely forgot IAMW!
  Ketchthedonkey: Randall is a new to the league as well.
  Ketchthedonkey: Ryan is the GM of the NFL Renegades.
  ryanrushing: *tips my hat*
  rally_ranger: I am indeed.  I will be a fan as well as an agent.  I have already provided two draft prospects and will add more in the coming weeks.
  Ketchthedonkey: Sly is GM of the Las Vegas Bandits
  Ketchthedonkey: And last but not least, Wendigo is our resident FBA consultant, advisor, and also interested in becoming involved in character development.
  itsamadworld919: Woohoo!
  wendingo: I'll have a submission or two coming sooon (tm)
  Ketchthedonkey: So glad to have all of you here!
Order of Business
  GDog: So wait we only have 5 gms here?
  Ketchthedonkey: I am also GM of the Baltimore Ponies, so 5-6 depending on whether Sly gets on.
  bluemario1016: The Ponies? (possibly inspired by My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic?)
  itsamadworld919: Bal'i'mer
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, so for the order of business.
  Ketchthedonkey: (And no :P )
  Ketchthedonkey: (Named for the former Baltimore Colts)
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, so the way we'll have things work tonight to facilitate conversations, We'll introduce a topic with a short outline, and then we'll have 5-10 minutes of open discussion about that topic. We will keep in line with the constitution as far as voting goes. Here's a general outline:
League Structure
Schedule
Roster Management
Playoff Qualification
Playoff Structure
Draft Order
Draft Details
Important Dates:
Additional discussion on injuries, starting rosters, player contracts,  MVP determinations, an all-star game, etc. Possibility of a Podcast, Youtube Channel, and many more announcements!
  Ketchthedonkey: If there are any further points anyone would like to make or talk about, we can do so at the end. So definitely keep ideas in mind!
League Structure
  Ketchthedonkey: So as everyone should know by now, we are planning on having a 2 conference structure.
  Ketchthedonkey: 6 teams in each "conference"
  Ketchthedonkey: Has everyone had an opportunity to view these proposed conferences?
  itsamadworld919: For at least this first year, there will be no 'divisions' - just the two conferences.
  Ketchthedonkey: Exactly.
  Ketchthedonkey: Sometimes I am at fault myself for using the terms interchangeably.
  Ketchthedonkey: Would it help for me to post the divisions here or is everyone good with it?
  Ketchthedonkey: *conferences
  GDog: Haha
  ryanrushing: I'd appreciate it if you could post it
  GDog: Yes I think it would
  Ketchthedonkey:  
Continental League
: Abilene, Baltimore, California, Easton, Fargo, Grand Rapids
United League
: Chicago, Downriver, Las Vegas, New York, North Florida, Texas
  bluemario1016: We need some in Canada too.
  GDog: Quick suggestion, instead of League shouldn't we use Conference?
  Ketchthedonkey: Does anyone have any comments or objections to the proposal?
  Ketchthedonkey: Yes, I agree.
  bluemario1016: Canadian teams?
  Ketchthedonkey: I think we can change that.
  itsamadworld919: Yeah, that is a good suggestion - change "league" to "conference"
  itsamadworld919: All in favor add +1 or -1
  itsamadworld919: -1 for "not in favor"
  GDog: +1
  itsamadworld919: +1
  rally_ranger: +1
  Ketchthedonkey: +1
  bluemario1016: +1
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, it passes.
  bluemario1016: To make it more specfic, change it to UFFL conference.
  ryanrushing: +1
  Ketchthedonkey: So now we will have the United Conference and Continental Conference
  Ketchthedonkey: Very good.
  itsamadworld919: UFFL = United Furry Football League; that will not be changing
  Ketchthedonkey: And everyone approves of the allogation of teams amongst the conferences?
  Ketchthedonkey: Any concerns with that?
  rally_ranger: The teams are fine as well
  GDog: I take no issue!
  Ketchthedonkey: Perfect.
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, well, unless anyone has anything else to say with that specifically, we're going to move on.
  Ketchthedonkey: The conferences are set!
  itsamadworld919: *FIREWORKS* !!!
Schedule
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, here is the proposal:
  Ketchthedonkey: 16 game schedule with 10 games against conference opponents (home & home) and 6 games against the other 6 league teams (3 home, 3 away).
  Ketchthedonkey: Does anyone need any further clarification on that?
  itsamadworld919: The teams and managers for this year are set
  Ketchthedonkey: So does everyone understand the schedule or have any questions about the general idea?
  ryanrushing: seems good to me
  itsamadworld919: Yeah, the games/schedule should be posted soon
  wendingo: Playoffs? ~Cue Jim Mora
  kovtara: So, how will the games be played? Simmed?
  itsamadworld919: +5 internet points for wendingo
  itsamadworld919: Good question
  Ketchthedonkey: IAMW, I'll defer to you on that.
  itsamadworld919: Our plan is to use a simulation application called "American Football Simulator 2012"
  Ketchthedonkey: Exactly
  itsamadworld919: This application allows the most flexibility in designing custom teams
  itsamadworld919: As well as players
  kovtara: okay, sounds fair enough
  itsamadworld919: So the games will be simulated based on stats designated for each player
  itsamadworld919: And stats for each team's stadium, coaching strategy, etc
  itsamadworld919: each GM will need to set these stats for their team
  itsamadworld919: We'll be getting back to that later
  itsamadworld919: Let me just grab the website quick...
  itsamadworld919: If anyone wants to read up more on how the simulator works, its pretty easy to understand
  bluemario1016: ....
  Ketchthedonkey: This is a good seguay into our next topic in fact.
  Ketchthedonkey: So before we do that, does anyone have any questions or comments about the scheduling proposal?
  Ketchthedonkey: 16 games
  Ketchthedonkey: 10 vs. conference opponents
  Ketchthedonkey: 6 against all else
  wendingo: So is that 16 games straight? Is there a Bye week? Preseason? Are they on Sundays?
  Ketchthedonkey: Excellent questions
  Ketchthedonkey: Our proposal right now is no preseason games
  bluemario1016: :( ;(
  Ketchthedonkey: However, 1-2 bye weeks is a good suggestion
  Ketchthedonkey: Games will be simulated on Sundays
  Ketchthedonkey: In the next 2 weeks or so we will release the actual schedule. We'll include bye weeks and it can be approved or denied.
  GDog: If I may, I find bye weeks to be irrelevenent unless player fatigue is taken into consideration in the simulation
  GDog: Week to week fatigue that is
  itsamadworld919: The simulator does not factor in fatigue, Ketch - just an FYI
  Ketchthedonkey: Correct, no fatigue
  itsamadworld919: It would only serve for realism, which we're not really aiming for
  itsamadworld919: Obviously ;)
  Ketchthedonkey: It also does not simulate injuries, we will be determining those with in-house simulation which I'll get to a little later in the meeting.
  Ketchthedonkey: Does everyone understand and approve of the 16 game schedule?
  Ketchthedonkey: I'd like to have a vote.
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll start it off with a +1
  ryanrushing: +1
  wendingo: +1
  rally_ranger: +1
  GDog: +1
  itsamadworld919: +1
  itsamadworld919: Alright, looks like schedule format is accepted
  itsamadworld919: I'm assuming that kzmaster is still having issues
  Ketchthedonkey: He is, unfortunately he is unable to join us in the traditional sense, but I have shared my screen with him.
  Ketchthedonkey: So he can still see, and I'll try to copy his comments into here.
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, so the schedule is approved!
  itsamadworld919: Have we planned where to post the schedules yet, Ketch?
  Ketchthedonkey: They will definitely be posted on the host site, I'm assuming the Wiki if possible as well.
  itsamadworld919: Cool beans
  itsamadworld919: On it
Roster Management
  Ketchthedonkey: And here comes an important topic.
  Ketchthedonkey: We'll discuss this even more in the future.
  Ketchthedonkey: But as an overview,
  Ketchthedonkey: Will be utilizing Google Drive, which will require each GM to have a google account.
  Ketchthedonkey: *We will
  Ketchthedonkey: I am currently in the process of designing a standardized spreadsheet that will be used.
  Ketchthedonkey: It will allow each GM to manage their starters with ease.
  itsamadworld919: Is anyone unfamiliar with Google Drive?
  Ketchthedonkey: A similar system is in use with the FLB, not sure about the FBA or FHL.
  wendingo: FBA used a google drive and is likely going back to it for the 2014-15 season. It works very well.
  Ketchthedonkey: That's great to hear, that it works so well.
  ryanrushing: yeah it is very good for sharing spreadsheets
  Ketchthedonkey: It really makes it easy for the GM's and for those of us who have to make the changes in the simulator.
  kovtara: FHL uses it as far as I've seen
  itsamadworld919: Each GM will have their own "Mastersheet" where they will manage their players and can change stats about their teams
  kovtara: no idea how it all works from a technical standpoint lol
  itsamadworld919: It will be available right after the Draft, so that the teams are solidified
  Ketchthedonkey: It will be very self explanatory, and we'll make a big deal about it when we debut it all.
  itsamadworld919: If you've ever used Microsoft Excel, its the same thing - except online
  itsamadworld919: and only viewable by yourself and management
  Ketchthedonkey: I do wonder if it would be possible to make it viewable to everyone but only editible by the GM and management?
  Ketchthedonkey: That way everyone could see where their player(s) are on the roster.
  wendingo: It is possible to limit tabs of a gdocs to certain people
  wendingo: FBA does it
  GDog: I know that Excel has passcodes
  itsamadworld919: Yep, we can do that
  Ketchthedonkey: Some of that is going into specific details beyond the scope of this meeting, but I do think that would be a very good option.
  itsamadworld919: The team docs, though, will have most of the information you need. And they will be how you "control" your team, more or less.
  itsamadworld919: Does anyone not have a Google email / account?
  Ketchthedonkey: Any GM's sepcifically that is.
  itsamadworld919: Ok, assuming that we're good then.
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, well I'm going to take that as a no.
  Ketchthedonkey: Yeah
  Ketchthedonkey: We'll move along then.
  GDog: QUick question!
  Ketchthedonkey: Sure!
  GDog: Will there be a free agents pool?
  itsamadworld919: Yep!
  Ketchthedonkey: Great question
  Ketchthedonkey: Yes!
  itsamadworld919: Right now, it's here and includes all the draft picks:
  itsamadworld919: http://faff.wikia.com/wiki/Draft_2014
  itsamadworld919: But as the season goes on, we'll remove the draft picks and it'll be used if any players become available for other teams
  GDog: Follow up to that. Can we see the Free Agent's stats?
  itsamadworld919: Clicking on an individual player's page on the Wiki will show their season stats
  itsamadworld919: We can't promise it will be kept updated weekly, but it will give info
  Ketchthedonkey: In addition, the general idea is that any player that is cut from a team will become a free agent. There will be a process put into place where teams will be able to add free agents after the draft or if there is ever a catastrophic string of injuries to a particular position.
  bluemario1016: |-)
  itsamadworld919: (PS some people should create Kickers) ;)
  itsamadworld919: We have none to draft yet
  Ketchthedonkey: Anymore comments or questions about all that?
  wendingo: expect a Klewe-esq Kicker ina  few days ;)
  itsamadworld919: lol YES
  GDog: Do we need a significant backstory for a Kicker?
  rally_ranger: Now everyone is going to make a kicker.  xD
  Ketchthedonkey: Really significant backstories are not a huge requirement. Where the backstories really come into play are for folks who are looking to be drafted very highly.
  wendingo: Really, just have people make as many characters as they want. One of the biggest problems the FBA has is player diversity, where a large number of the leagues elite players are owned by 3-4 people because when it was first being created, they made everyone.
  Ketchthedonkey: If you want to be drafted in the 1st or 2nd rounds really badly, it would probably help to have a good story.
  Ketchthedonkey: We want everyone to send as many as possible though.
  Ketchthedonkey: I personally would recommend
  itsamadworld919: Does everyone understand the thing about the 'default players' (question for GMs)
  Ketchthedonkey: Having 1-2 characters that are really meaninful to you, and then as many others as you can make.
  rally_ranger: So you would be okay with a stat type background?
  GDog: Yeah I understand.
  wendingo: I have no idea who is doing stat+rankings ect, but FBA has an unoffical rule of '1-2 stars a person' and we have a much smaller 'roster number' then football does
  itsamadworld919: rally - that would be fine
  rally_ranger: Cool
  Ketchthedonkey: I would also like to put this out here while we're on the subject.
  Ketchthedonkey: I haven't discussed this at length with management yet, but right now I am planning on finding a way to standardize the stats of the rookies to a degree.
  Ketchthedonkey: That is just an early thought though.
  Ketchthedonkey: Nowhere near official.
  Ketchthedonkey: And if it does become an actual proposal, it'll be brought up to everyone.
  GDog: I think that's appropriate. Having a rookie with ridiculous stats is, well, ridiculous.
  wendingo: So Stats are a weird one.. everyone wants a star. And you get WAY too many Mary Sues
  itsamadworld919: correct
  wendingo: But at the same time, stats make it fun. You want to root for the best players... But the FBA gets atleast 2-4 of our BEST draft picks go MIA because they aren't superstars on day 1.
  Ketchthedonkey: That is the idea. Especially since this is the first season EVERY rookie is going to be good enough to find a team that really wants and needs them for the simple fact that the veteran players will be fairly generic. However, we still want to have variation amongst the rookies. That is the sort of differentiation where a backstory may be contributatory (or being involved like creating a twitter account, etc).
  bluemario1016: Sorry to cut my time short, but it's time for me to go.
  Ketchthedonkey: That's why I suggest that everyone create 1-2 players you REALLY want to latch on to, and then others more for fun.
  Ketchthedonkey: Anymore questions about that?
  wendingo: a million but i want to get bed :P
  Ketchthedonkey: Hahahahahahahaha, well feel free to PM myself or IAMW anytime Wendigo, we really appreciate all your advice and just everything ;)
Playoffs
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, here's a BIG topic
wendingo: I'm just here to help out- its your league to run
  Ketchthedonkey: I have a feeling there are going to be some interesting conversations with this topic.
  Ketchthedonkey: So let's start off with the structure.
  itsamadworld919: Yeah feel free to ask questions whenever they come up. I check FA daily
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, so starting very generally.
  Ketchthedonkey: 12 team league
  Ketchthedonkey: 6 team playoff
  Ketchthedonkey: Thoughts? Objections?
  itsamadworld919: Keep going
  itsamadworld919: haha
  wendingo: 1 game elimination? With byes?
  Ketchthedonkey: Hahahaha, I thought there might be some huge raucous from just that statement. :P
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll continue then.
  Ketchthedonkey: There are really two formats we're exploring.
  itsamadworld919: (AKA be ready to vote later ;)
  Ketchthedonkey: Both will feature two brackets of 3 teams (all from the same conference) converging in a championship game.
  Ketchthedonkey: The conference champion will get a 1st round bye
  Ketchthedonkey: We'll talk more about how the seedings and selection will be determined after we talk about the overall playoff structure.
  Ketchthedonkey: So essentually, 2 vs. 3, with the winner playing the 1 seed.
  Ketchthedonkey: And the teams that emerge from each side playing for the title.
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, so proposal #1 is a double elimination format.
  Ketchthedonkey: So,
  Ketchthedonkey: 2 vs. 3 in the first round
  Ketchthedonkey: winner of that game vs 1
  Ketchthedonkey: loser of 1st round vs. loser of 2nd round, the loser of that is eliminated
  Ketchthedonkey: Then the surviving team from that game plays the undefeated team.
  Ketchthedonkey: Undefeated team needs to win one game
  Ketchthedonkey: If they lose, it forces a 2nd game
  Ketchthedonkey: The championship game, the "Furbowl" will be a single game.
  Ketchthedonkey: Thoughts on that?
  Ketchthedonkey: This is a format that will only function well with a 6-8 team playoff.
  GDog: Too abstract to me frankly :P
  GDog: I love the classic NFL format.
  Ketchthedonkey: If we expand further in the future, it will have to be revised.
  Ketchthedonkey: I will share a picture.
  Ketchthedonkey: Two of thse converging in one game: http://www.printyourbrackets.com/thumbs/3-Team-Double-Elimination.gif
  rally_ranger: Yeah, do that.  I think I know what you are talking about
  Ketchthedonkey: If a team plays a maximum of 1 game a week, it works out to a 6 week playoff.
  Ketchthedonkey: Which is a nice length.
  Ketchthedonkey: Versus 3 weeks for single elimination.
  Ketchthedonkey: Thoughts on that.
  itsamadworld919: So we essentially have:
Proposal 1 - Double elmination format (6 wks)
Proposal 2 - Single elimination (2 teams get 1st rnd bye)
  Ketchthedonkey: Exactly, although in the single elimination there'd also still be the byes
  Ketchthedonkey: But yeah, it all boils down to single vs. double
  GDog: Should we vote now?
  Ketchthedonkey: Yes
  Ketchthedonkey: Any other comments?
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, voting time then.
  Ketchthedonkey: All those in favor for double elimination format
  rally_ranger: How many of us are still here?
  Ketchthedonkey: Let's get a quick head count
  Ketchthedonkey: Post if you're here
  GDog: Ay
  ryanrushing: still here
  rally_ranger: here
  kovtara: yo
  Ketchthedonkey: obviously I'm here
  Ketchthedonkey: IAMW is here too, he may have had to step away for a sec though
  Ketchthedonkey: KZ is also here
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll say aye for KZ
  rally_ranger: This is probably something that should be posted on FA for those that are not in this meeting.
  Ketchthedonkey: He's watching through my screen
  GDog: I agree with Rally.
  Ketchthedonkey: That is a fair proposal.
  ryanrushing: I concur
  Ketchthedonkey: We can have the official vote on that in a journal post.
  Ketchthedonkey: I will take that as a majority vote to defer that meeting to FA, all in favor say aye
  itsamadworld919: aye
  ryanrushing: aye
  rally_ranger: aye
  kovtara: aye
  GDog: aye
  Ketchthedonkey: In the meantime, I will at least mention playoff qualification proposal
  Ketchthedonkey: The 2 teams with the best record against conference opponents will be crowned conference champions and will receive bids to the playoffs. The other four playoff spots will be taken by the 2 teams in each conference with the best remaining overall records (conference + non-conference). Tie breakers will first look at head to head results, followed by total points scored.
  Ketchthedonkey: We can defer that to an FA vote as well, but I'd atleast like to get some discussion on that if anyone has any thoughts.
  GDog: I think seeding should be based purely on record.
  GDog: If a team goes 10-0 in conference but 0-6 in non, they should get a 1 seed ahead of a team that went 9-1 and 6-0?
  Ketchthedonkey: That is a very good point, what are other thoughts on that?
  itsamadworld919: I've already discussed my thoughts - we're okay with this format, but it sounds like it should also go to voting if its not a universal decision
  itsamadworld919: It's in place in case one conference does much better than (is more involved than) the other league
  Ketchthedonkey: It's something that's big enough to the point that we can have a vote on that with the other playoff issue on FA.
  Ketchthedonkey: Right now it looks like the two proposals are seeding either by the modified format or strictly by overall record.
  Ketchthedonkey: Does anyone have any other proposals or specific thoughts?
  rally_ranger: No
  itsamadworld919: :)
  itsamadworld919: Let's move on, Ketch
  itsamadworld919: I think we will propose this as well on FA
  Ketchthedonkey: Good deal
The Draft
  Ketchthedonkey: First up, determining the draft order.
  Ketchthedonkey: In future seasons I think the best thing to do is to take into account each team's performance the previous season.
  Ketchthedonkey: This year however, since we are just starting out.
  Ketchthedonkey: The proposal is to use a random number generator to create an order
  Ketchthedonkey: and then to invert that order each successive round.
  rally_ranger: That's probably the best way
  kovtara: I agree too
  GDog: I'm sorry to constantly be THAT GUY but I think a draft lottery could be super fun and different.
  rally_ranger: Or at least invert the second round and then do another RNG the third and fourth if needed
  GDog: Especially if we could stream it and all the teams could see, like how the NBA does it. It makes it even more exciting and variable.
  GDog: But if no one else is feeling this, then I'm fine with conforming to the original idea.
  kovtara: I think a "livecast" might be fun if it can be pulled off
  Ketchthedonkey: I really like the lottery idea, I think it's a great format. For this initial season though, just because there's so much other work that needs to go on just getting everything set up, I think this simpler way would really work the best at least for us organizing it.
  Ketchthedonkey: But then in future seasons, once we have all the rosters made and sheets made, etc. Then it could be something a lot easier to do.
  GDog: I'm down with that :)
  Ketchthedonkey: That's part of the thing too, and I just want to pause a moment to say thank you again.
  Ketchthedonkey: We are trying to build something that is going to last.
  Ketchthedonkey: Not just one season, but for years to come.
  Ketchthedonkey: And it's my hope that the bones we put in place this year will constantly be added upon and improved in the future.
  Ketchthedonkey: This really could go far.
  wendingo: SO the FBA does have a draft lotto night- its fun live stream that people dig
  GDog: I'll be here for as long you have this league :)
  itsamadworld919: (y)
  rally_ranger: I feel that since this is the start of this new league let's keep things simple and then iron things out as the season goes.  By the next season and so on, we can add more and form it to what everyone would like it to be.
  wendingo: ditto, best advice I can give you is start small and just have -1- season.
  Ketchthedonkey: This is all of our league. And I am especially appreciative for those of you who have come to be a part of this meeting tonight. :) (Which by the way, we only have a few more topics to get through.)
  wendingo: work out the biggest details there after
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, so random draft order vote:
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll start +1
  GDog: +1
  itsamadworld919: +1
  rally_ranger: +1
  ryanrushing: +1
  itsamadworld919: alright cool
  Ketchthedonkey: Alright, that's a pass.
  itsamadworld919: ** And THATS a SWISH **
  Ketchthedonkey: I'm going to skip how the actual draft will be conducted for now.
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll post that in a journal later.
  wendingo: I know that catchphrase! XD
  Ketchthedonkey: Basic thought is a similar method as used by the FLB if you're familiar with that.
  Ketchthedonkey: (draft lists)
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, this is more of an announcement than a topic of discussion, but just to through it out there
Tentative Dates
  Ketchthedonkey: Draft Order Announcement July 17, Draft Submissions Close August 1, GM Draft Orders Due August 10, UFFL Kickoff August 24
  GDog: Live draft is impossible huh?
  Ketchthedonkey: It would be extremely difficult to do.
  rally_ranger: I wouldn't do it first year
  GDog: Good point.
  Ketchthedonkey: As evidenced by this meeting.
  GDog: Haha yes
  Ketchthedonkey: I tried to encourage all the GM's to come and we have 5/12.
  wendingo: Live draft is possible.
  itsamadworld919: PS the time for each of those deadlines is Midnight Western time
  wendingo: FBA has had 5 of them.
  itsamadworld919: So 24:00:00 on Aug 1 = deadline
  GDog: Do a draft order
  rally_ranger: It's possible, but not now
  GDog: and then the GMs that show up for live draft can draft live
  Ketchthedonkey: Speaking of which, I would like to start a list of those interested in GMing at some point in case any GMs become innactive.
  Ketchthedonkey: Just a sidenote.
  Ketchthedonkey: That's a good point GDog
  Ketchthedonkey: That's actually a very good point.
  GDog: :D
  itsamadworld919: Ketch, let's talk about this further beyond the meeting. There is some possibility I could try to set something up
  itsamadworld919: But the problem both Ketch and I have is that we are newcomers, so pulling something off that's successful + entertaining
  itsamadworld919: could be problematic
  itsamadworld919: for a Live Draft
  GDog: Well it can just be on skype!
  GDog: It doesn't need to be a whole show haha
  GDog: It doesn't even need to be a group voice chat, something like this could work.
  Ketchthedonkey: I think it's a very intriguing thought. I'll second IAMW, we'll talk about it a little more and come up with a proposal soon!
  itsamadworld919: Still taking notes btw ;)
  GDog: Awesome!
  itsamadworld919: Yeah, nothing you generate in this discussion will be lost in the ether
  itsamadworld919: that's my promise (y)
  itsamadworld919: Unless you're acting ridiculous, of course
  GDog: That's to be expected, haha
  Ketchthedonkey: Hahahahahaha, ok, good deal.
  Ketchthedonkey: Yeah GDog, that's why we needed to do this.
  Ketchthedonkey: That's a good point.
  Ketchthedonkey: Honestly hadn't thought of that.
  GDog: I've actually been in a fantasy NFL GM off-season league
  GDog: So I have some experience as a GM ;)
  Ketchthedonkey: Other than that, dates look good?
  rally_ranger: Yeah
  itsamadworld919: +5 internet points for everyone who is still awake and hanging in there!
  ryanrushing: I'm falling asleep lol
  rally_ranger: I actually have to head to bed.  I have work in five hours.
  GDog: Damn Rally, you're a trooper.
  itsamadworld919: Ok, Rallly - thanks for joining us tonight
  Ketchthedonkey: Wow, hey thanks for coming Rally!
  rally_ranger: I'm not closing skype so I will see the rest of this.  You guys have a good night
  Ketchthedonkey: You too!
  GDog: Sleep well!
  Ketchthedonkey: We appreciate you being here!
  rally_ranger: No problem
  itsamadworld919: Okay, so should we open the floor now?
  GDog: I do have one last thought haha
  GDog: What are we doing with trades?
  Ketchthedonkey: Yeah, open floor time.
  kovtara: I'm still here heh
  itsamadworld919: For trades, there will be a tab on your mastersheet where you will list players available on a 'trading block', and you will arrange the details between any negotiators. Once a trade is successful, mark it as such on the paper and Management will arrange the changes and mark it somewhere on a FA journal probably
  GDog: I think to perserve the integrity of trades, it should be sent to one of you two (IAMW, Ketch) to make sure it is a fair trade
  Ketchthedonkey: (Per KZ): KZ has been really interested in starting a podcast for the league! It's something that I really support and I think is a great idea. He mentions though that we should have a league song.)
  wendingo: The big thing to add, and I can't stress this enough because the FBA still doesn't have it right..    What kind of league are you, a GM sports management or a story telling league where the engine drives the stories. You can not be 50/50 even for both.
  itsamadworld919: I'd think right now... we lean towards 'story telling', only because pure management of the league would entail salaries, consistent activity, etc that many people who want to get involved probably cannot offer the time for
  itsamadworld919: we probably fall at about 30/70
  itsamadworld919: Ketch, thoughts?
  Ketchthedonkey: I agree with that GDog.
  Ketchthedonkey: I think it would be good if all trades were sent by both parties to either IAMW or I.
  Ketchthedonkey: And with respect to the percentage,
  Ketchthedonkey: I agree with IAMW.
  GDog: Also related to trades, can we trade draft picks before and after we pick them? Ie we trade pick 3 to a team for pick 6 and then a 3 rd round pick
  GDog: but we can also trade the player we drafted for a player someone else drafted
  Ketchthedonkey: GM's will be able to control their roster on a week to week basis, handle injuries, obviously be involved with the draft, and the overall strategy of the team for the year etc. But the game by game management is fairly limited beyond making changes to starters.
  Ketchthedonkey: We really want to develop a universe.
  Ketchthedonkey: Or a community I should say.
  Ketchthedonkey: Join a common universe with the FLB and FBA.
  Ketchthedonkey: But back to trades,
  wendingo: No personal characters then XD
  wendingo: That's the one real reason why the hockey league doesn't share a universe with the FHL - they are personal character heavy.
  wendingo: With the FBA+FBL sorry.
  itsamadworld919: Yeah, there are some character submission details that had not been rigidly set that will need to be more concrete as we go forward
  itsamadworld919: i.e. Rules
  Ketchthedonkey: GDog: In the future, yes. I think that that is how it should be. This year the rosters are going to be fairly standard, so there's not a huge need for that. But starting next year, I think that should be an option.
  Ketchthedonkey: One thing I haven't mentioned about this year's veteran players though.
  Ketchthedonkey: General thought
  wendingo: Rules are good! imagine Chess without rules.  Its boring and no one knows whats going on and how to succeed!
  Ketchthedonkey: All not-edited veteran players will have a common rating. If you wish to edit your veteran roster, you can alter the overall rating so long as all the players within that same position have a mean equal to the league common mean.
  Ketchthedonkey: That's still in the working phase though, not something to worry about at this point yet.
  itsamadworld919: (PS let's not forget about KZ's q's ;) )
  GDog: Well that answers all my questions for now! haha
  itsamadworld919: PS, I'm going to be a loser and advertise the Wiki again - those are where the 'veteran players' are posted
  Ketchthedonkey: I will also be posting something soon about the actual roster cap (ie number of players/positions), but that's something all the GMs need to hear.
  Ketchthedonkey: Ok, so podcast!
  itsamadworld919: I'm interested in this idea, however I have never participated in a podcast before
  itsamadworld919: All for vocal and video communication, however ;)
  Kellen Zanders: NFL has one, we need one. Hell I'll even create an animation for it in a year or two https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESLyCcQH8Nc
  wendingo: So... Podcasts...
  wendingo: like a play by play live cast of the game?
  wendingo: a recap of the stories?
  itsamadworld919: Yeah, I'm wondering that too...
  wendingo: a prediction of whats happening?
  itsamadworld919: I'm imagining in my head "radio show"
  GDog: *obligatory Boo Eagles comment*
  wendingo: FBA does BOTH.. we have courtside live thats a NBA2k live showing of a game... the hardest part is matching 1 engine stats to another
  wendingo: we also have FBA insider.. which is a recap
  itsamadworld919: A live webcast of the games would kind of be boring - the simulator we will be using is not extremely "graphic" or interesting to watch
  wendingo: Use Madden?
  itsamadworld919: imagine a bunch of lines crossing a field as the text comes up
  Kellen Zanders: All three my friends. The podcast are the member's way of keeping up with what's going on around the league, getting the updates on stories, as well as coverage of the games, future match-ups, and getting to know players, coaches, etc.,
Oh and teams
  wendingo: so a around the horn show - got it!
  itsamadworld919: That would be pretty cool, and is probably the only thing we could do at this moment
  GDog: I would be happy to participate
  itsamadworld919: Yeah, KZ - there will need to be some regulation as to how this show can be pursued
  wendingo: I can do a little cross promotion and get my FBA reporter to guest host if need be
  wendingo: If it helps....
  Kellen Zanders: Well for one I'm in character the entire time. I keep things strictly PG if that's what you're wondering.
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll say from me, that I would LOVE that.
  wendingo: http://furrybasketball.com/wiki/index.php?title=FBA_Insider
  Ketchthedonkey: @Wendingo
  wendingo: Shameless plug :P
  Kellen Zanders: What kind of regulation would you be concerned about?
  GDog: We need a Wilbon/Stephen A.
  itsamadworld919: The show is definitely a go. I would just say to put together an example of what you would like to do
  itsamadworld919: It's hard to talk about players and say things that mabye the owner doesn't want to be said about them. So in terms of 'regulation' you would need to be careful about creating other people's "universes"
  itsamadworld919: That's all I'm getting at
  Ketchthedonkey: I'm just observing for the moment btw :P
  Kellen Zanders: Hey I'm not playing god here haha. I'm only talking about players ON FIELD and match-ups. I wouldn't step past my boundaries.  MY first proposal for a podcast would be a week before the draft of me talking about current teams, draft projections, and the draftees.
  itsamadworld919: That would be great. Where would you want to host the podcasts? (what site)
  wendingo: Soundcloud works great and can be embeded into the wiki
  Ketchthedonkey: I can interject and say we'd probably create a league youtube account.
  Ketchthedonkey: Or soundcloud.
  Ketchthedonkey: I'll pass the question on though.
  itsamadworld919: I was going to suggest creating a Youtube
  itsamadworld919: Let me handle that, please ;)
  wendingo: I'm done! night folks have fun
  itsamadworld919: Thank you, Wendingo!!!! Have a great night
  Ketchthedonkey: Sleep well Wendingo, and thank you again for everything!
  Ketchthedonkey: It means a lot!
  GDog: Have a good night! :)
  Kellen Zanders: No official plans for the podcast yet because it's all going to come down to how easy it is for people to access it when they want to. I leave that up to you guys. They WILL however, ultimately go on youtube
  Ketchthedonkey: IAMW, you can handle the youtube ;)
  itsamadworld919: Ok, there will be a Youtube account created
  itsamadworld919: The videos can be posted on the Wiki ... can they go in the blog site as well?
  Ketchthedonkey: Yup!
  itsamadworld919: They would be perfect for updated journals
  GDog: You can post it on FA as well, correct?
  Ketchthedonkey: Yup, FA too!
  Ketchthedonkey: It can be embedded in all those mediums.
  GDog: Awesome! :)
  Ketchthedonkey: Great!
  itsamadworld919: They support Twitch as well
  itsamadworld919: The Wiki at least
  Ketchthedonkey: Well, it's getting pretty late. Does anyone have anymore comments or questions before we start to wrap this up?
  GDog: I don't think so. My brain is fried! haha
  itsamadworld919: We definitely have an East-coast presence here ;)
  itsamadworld919: (Says the west-coast guy)
  kovtara: heheheh
  Ketchthedonkey: Hahahahahahahahahahahaha, ya'll crazy west coasters! ;)
  itsamadworld919: (n)
  Ketchthedonkey: Well, I want to say thank you again to everyone for showing up.
  Ketchthedonkey: Sincerely, from my heart.
  Ketchthedonkey: Really means alot.
  GDog: Thank you for organizing this fantastic league! :)
  ryanrushing: no prob, I think it's gonna be fun :)
  kovtara: I'm excited for draft day already lol
  itsamadworld919: We look forward to all of your participation and future interests. PLEASE reach out to us if you think of things later that weren't discussed
  itsamadworld919: We're... mostly prepared ;)
  Ketchthedonkey: Absolutely!
  Ketchthedonkey: You can ALWAYS PM me on FA
  Ketchthedonkey: I know IAMW is the same.
  Ketchthedonkey: We're here for you and any ideas.
  Ketchthedonkey: Plus, if you like twitter, consider making one!
  itsamadworld919: Or at least following the league one!
  Ketchthedonkey: We'll watch you and try to build your following up.
  itsamadworld919: Alright - I think that's a wrap for tonight :)
  Ketchthedonkey: Thanks everyone! I'm signing off from here, but the group will stay! Feel free to chat!
Closing
  GDog: THanks everyone! Good work! :)
  itsamadworld919: Thanks for joining in on this one, GDog, after the failed FAFF attempt ;)
  kovtara: kovtara already made a twitter for himself and is following the league
  itsamadworld919: Coolness!
  GDog: Haha of course, I love me some football! :D
  itsamadworld919: I'm amazed at the creativity that goes on Twitter with players
  Ketchthedonkey: I need to add him!
  Ketchthedonkey: Thanks again everyone! :)
  itsamadworld919: Have a great night, Ketch
  GDog: Yeah, goodnight everyone.