Below are the 14 candidates that I am voting for and why. I look for people that I feel are able to work with others with the big picture being a better EVE for everyone, no matter their own personal politics. Knowledge, experience, and communication skills are equally important.
1. Psianh Auvyander - Knowing my experience in community management, coupled with my years of playing as a mercenary, I strongly feel that I am an excellent candidate for this year's CSM. Furthermore, as a CSM member, I know that I would earn the position through my work ethic and determination. Being an objective member of EVE, politics don't play a factor into my decision making - ensuring the game is FUN does.
2. Ali Aras - Ali is one of the CSM incumbents that I take a lot of cues from when it comes to her personal dedication and drive to get work done, her passion for reaching out to the community, and her ideas for how to do it. She absolutely deserves another years in the CSM and if she's not chairwoman, I'd be disappointed.
3. Sugar Kyle - I've spoken with Sugar a lot over the last week or so. I was already impressed with her CSM thread and support. The conversations we've had have only driven that point home. She's looking out for lowsec in its entirety, and she has the passion and know how to help the CSM get it done.
4. Proclus Diadochu - Proc and I have also spoken quite a bit lately, and his words have also left me with no doubt that he is my first CSM candidate. Knowledgeable, opinionated, but able to converse, you couldn't do better than having him on your CSM.
5. Jayne Fillon - Jayne has shown that he's a small gang PvP specialist, experienced and knowledgable. He's not afraid of the spotlight, and he's willing to work to get things done. I look forward to working with Jayne to create a fun, engaging environment for small and medium gang PvP.
6. Mangala Solaris - Herding cats isn't easy, yet CSM is required to flex similar muscles to do their job effectively. Mangala has proven that he is willing to put the work in and intimately familiar with the game that we call home to give us another year of great CSM service. This man deserves a second year, at the least.
7. Steve Ronuken - Steve has really blown me out of the water with what he can bring to the table, and I think it's vital we ensure that he has a place on CSM. Representing third-party services is something we should see more often!
8. Mynnna - Mynnna is another one of the standout CSM members we've had this year. I've personally been very impressed with Mynnna's ideas concerning nullsec and would love to work with him to improve our game.
9. Mike Azariah - Another incumbent, Mike represents a style of play that doesn't get much attention. It's important we have his voice in the mix to keep EVE fun for people.
10. James Arget - Yet another incumbent that I really hope we see on CSM 9. Wormholes have so much potential, but they often are left out of the plans of CCP. We need to ensure we have strong candidates who can lend their weight behind those areas that are overlooked.
11. Pyschotic Monk - I think it's very important that we have people who are concerned with the well being of high sec. The balance is very delicate, but PM's voice and ideas will help make the area a more fun place for everyone without letting things get too soft or too difficult.
12. Corbexx - Corbexx is a candidate that wasn't on my radar . . . until I saw how much support he was getting from everyone else and those I trusted. Reading up on him, I would love to work with.
13. DJ Funkybacon - Funkybacon has a focus on faction warfare, which I can really appreciate. It's important that FW continue to improve and iterate over the years, and that CCP has someone who is part of that community.
14. Xander Phoena - You know, I don't really agree with a lot of the things that Xander has said, but that's ok. You don't want a CSM that all have the same ideas and thoughts. I know he's more than willing to talk with others, and that's important. He seems to have a rational foundation for his opinions and he's got a loudspeaker pointing at the community. He'd be a very helpful addition to the CSM.
