TAFF rules

[watervole]

Looking at the TAFF rules, I think that if I don't stand, there won't be a race for Reno.  (because I believe it only happens if there is more than one candidate.)

As there is only one other candidate at present, it looks like that's the clincher.

If I stand, I cause an additional flight to happen.

Therefore, I don't stand.

Ah well, it was a nice thought while it lasted.

Comments

[peteyoung.livejournal.com]

Hmm. I got to you earlier post before this one and mailed Steve immediately. I don't know the relevant details of the TAFF rules, but if you don't wish to stand now then please discount my nomination. But that won't stop me thinking you'd be a great TAFF delegate!

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Pete, many thanks for the kind thought. Much appreciated.

Steve's confirmed the rule that I suspected about the need for two candidates to make a valid race, so I've let him know that I won't be running.

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

Perhaps this is the place to think through something I've wondered about before.

I've never been in a big jet so I don't know the details. Am I right in thinking that if (generic) you don't go the plane flies anyway but with empty seats? The same as the local bus that comes out of town empty in the mornings because everyone is travelling in. But those empty seats won't reduce the carbon footprint for that flight by a significant amount. All your absence has done is increase the footprint of each individual on that plane. So in terms of global effects you haven't reduced the impact at all.

I must be missing something.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

The 'the plane will fly anyway' argument is not a valid one.

Consider the amount of effort required to lift you up six feet. Now consider the difference your weight will make when it has to be carried across the Atlantic. It's a lot of energy. May not be a lot compared to the plane as a whole, but it is not a small amount.

An empty plane uses less fuel than a full one. Yes, the footprint of the other passengers will increase as they're all paying their share of the weight of the aircraft, but the overall cost is still reduced.

Also, if enough people stop flying, then that plane won't go at all. There would be fewer flights and longer intervals between them. How many empty seats do there have to be before a flight is no longer economic to run? Maybe my not going is the one that makes the difference.

[reapermum.livejournal.com]

Maybe my not going is the one that makes the difference.

Somebody has to be that one.

And if your absence does make a measurable difference then you have to make a stand for others to stand with you.

[uitlander]

I understand your motives, but I do think you would be a most excellent and worthy TAFF candidate.

[watervole.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the kind thought. I would have loved to do it. I've met some amazing people from other countries via fandom and would have loved to meet more, learn about their culture, share some of mine with them, swap con-running ideas and explore US fandom.

At the end of the day, I guess I've got to do what I believe to be right.

[grikmeer.livejournal.com]

I agree with the principles, it's just every time I see a comment like this all I can think of is the Fireflash Nuclear Aeroplane from Thunderbirds ^_^;;

[watervole.livejournal.com]

It was a fantastic model.