[Nemo]

Originally Posted by PeleusSPR

I agree that rules are the representation of a communities desire / accepted behaviour. I also accept that if someone does something that is currently not covered, the rules will be changed to reflect that what occurred isn't acceptable, etc.

OK.

Originally Posted by PeleusSPR

This is where I think we disagree, and I'll outline why.

Firstly, well written rules don't leave much room for ambiguity,

Indeed we disagree on that point. It's driving us too far away of the main subject to discuss it here. If it's really neede for the discussion we will open another thread for that but I don't think it's necessary.

Originally Posted by PeleusSPR

This is where I feel it's a little dangerous with the ground we're treading on, and where I will address dippa's post also. As many people have rightly pointed out, this is the 'SEA'CL. You have to equally acknowledge though that this is NOT the 'sc2sea.com'CL. I'd say the vast majority of players in the lower tier teams have never posted on sc2sea.com, and I don't think that your standing on this website should be the deciding factor in whether you are part of 'SEA' or not. There may be plenty of reasons why someone doesn't post here, be it english (as you pointed out some people like soulman go above and beyond, but that doesn't stop it being a barrier for many), lack of interest, nothing to say but perhaps lurk, etc.

I agree. But it's covered by the rules. You can participate if:

• Actual rule : You're from SEA (nationality, you live there, you're laddering much and since a long time here) : No need to have any link to sc2sea.com
• Additional proposition : You're active member of the community via sc2sea : You're also accepted.

No compulsory link between the tournament and the site even if the proposition is put in place.

I believe motivation for playing should be different from the rules defining if you should be allowed too.

You have strict rules that allow people no matter what are their motivation to play. Non-residents and "strangers" of SEA countries don't enter in that category (like Korean players playing in Korea and me for example).
For other to be allowed, we should know why it would be good for SEA community. And motivation is then the N°1 argument in my opinion.

Perhaps they like smashing everyone and taking home the money? Perhaps they enjoy representing their clan? Perhaps they enjoy playing with their friends? I don't see how it actually impacts on the decision as to whether or not they are eligible.

Means you have absolutely no clue about their motivations. So you're in their clan, you speak natively their tong, I guess, and you don't know why they want to play here ? For me there is no better argument to say "No" to their participation. Really.

Edit: If, for arguments sake, someone has played 50 games each season for the last two seasons, and is a member of a SEA clan for years, yet does not post of sc2sea.com, can you really say they are not a member of the SEA community?

Personally ? Yes, they would not. The rules wanted by the community could differ, but that's my opinion.

Edit : Sorry, I won't be able to do you're replay analysis tonight, it's already 11 O'Clock and I had too many things to do including this discussion. Really sorry, I promised and failed. Will try to do it tomorow.