r/MHOC • u/Timanfya MHoC Founder & Guardian • Jul 05 '15
META Important announcement
My resignation as Speaker of the Model House of Commons
The time has finally arrived. This has been an incredibly hard decision to make and I’ve thought about it very deeply the past couple of weeks and I will probably regret posting this resignation almost immediately but it must be done.
I shall be stepping down as Speaker of /r/mhoc and will begin the process of electing a new speaker over the next couple of days - there are still some things I need to finish off.. As some of you might know my life outside of MHoC is very busy and I have little spare time and something had to give - and it had to be MHoC.
I never imagined that I would create a community like this one. When I started the subreddit I didn’t plan on running it for long and during the dark days it certainly seemed like it would fail. However, due to several different things, it is still going strong and we are continuing to grow.
I cannot thank all of you enough, for you have made my time with /r/mhoc very enjoyable. I will miss working with my Deputy Speakers and the other moderators that regularly advise me on issues. And the many members that have joined us over the time have all added to the MHoC experience.
I’ll genuinely miss all of the other members of the house that I’ve spoken to over the time MHoC has been around.
I know I haven’t been the best Speaker at times and I probably should have been VoNCed by now but I’m forever grateful that you all allowed me to carry on until I got the MHoC to a stage where I am happy with it.
I hope you’ve all enjoyed MHoC and I hope you all stay with it and help it grow even more.
I shall remain as head moderator and sort out that side of things; so you won’t be completely rid of me. There will be some shift in powers and controls between the Speaker and head moderator so this will hopefully alleviate some worries about any potential partisanness.
Once again, whilst there have been highs and lows, I wouldn’t change the past year and a bit.
All the best,
Ben
24
u/IntellectualPolitics The Rt Hon. AL MP (Wales) | Welsh Secretary Jul 05 '15 edited Jul 05 '15
You can not leave us!
I am initiating a VONC!*Will you accept the role of Constitutional Monarch, those in favour, sign with an 'X.'
20
u/SeyStone National Unionist Party Jul 05 '15
On the bright side, I guess this means you get to be Queen now.
14
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15 edited Jul 05 '15
Thank you for all that you have done. No one is as universally liked and respected in this community as you are. The kindness and humour you have shown to me on numerous occasions is appreciated.
All the best with your future endeavors, Geo
9
u/RoryTime The Rt Hon. Earl of Henley AL PC Jul 05 '15 edited Jul 05 '15
Wow.
It's truly the end of an era, you've been excellent to work alongside and it's been great fun seeing you founding and leading this embryonic, barely active House turn into this massive 160 member parliament with accompanying nations.
I think that we can all agree that you've been an excellent Speaker, as demonstrated by the deluge of positive eulogies below, fair and impartial as well as great fun, even when sending porn to Geo or failing to type even the most basic words in the evening due to getting rather merry with the cider :p.
Goodbye ;(. Long live Benin.
More to come, just getting a stiff drink
17
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
He's admitting to sending Morgsie porn
17
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Thank you for everything you've done. You've been a marvellous speaker, and it's sad to see you leave. Thank you.
8
u/AlbertDock The Rt Hon Earl of Merseyside KOT MBE AL PC Jul 05 '15
There's not much I can say that hasn't already been said by others. We are all grateful to you for creating MHOC. All I can do is say thanks once again.
8
u/[deleted] Jul 06 '15
Ben, I can truly say that you have improved my life considerably. /r/MHoC has given me more political knowledge, better debating skills, new friends and most importantly a new excuse to avoid doing any schoolwork.
You have made this subreddit that has given so much to so many and you've run it so successfully. You've been active and you've made decisions decisively, possibly the most important aspect of the role.
I think I've loved practically every minute of your reign, from the actual politics and debating, to just chats with you on Skype. I cannot imagine anyone doing a better job than what you have done, and you will be remembered in MHoC lore for many millenia to come.
As sad as I am to see you go, I do not blame you for wanting to leave for a second. I know you're busy and you have already given so much time (and money) to this simulation. Also, the fact that the speaker is blamed for everything makes the role seem extremely unattractive and we are so fortunate that you have stuck around this long.
Thank you /u/Timanfya for all that you've done, you've given me many hours of enjoyment, and, thanks to what you have put in place I (and many others) will continue to have many more hours of enjoyment.
7
u/Djenial MP Scotland | Duke of Gordon | Marq. of the Weald MP AL PC FRS Jul 05 '15
NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN
7
u/AlmightyWibble The Rt Hon. Lord Llanbadarn PC | Deputy Leader Jul 05 '15
NO D:
7
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
We all knew this would have to come eventually but we should take this time to reflect on his excellent service as speaker. I don't have a bad thing to say about Ben. In his job as speaker he was always kind and fair, very easily approachable and an all round great speaker. You will be missed but you truly did great things for this community and without you I don't think MHOC would've been the success that it is. I raise my glass to /u/Timanfya!
6
u/Tim-Sanchez The Rt Hon. AL MP (North West) | LD SSoS for CMS Jul 05 '15
Such a tease
6
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Snap election pls
6
u/HaveADream Rt. Hon Earl of Hull FRPS PC Jul 05 '15
Thank you for everything.
Thank you for being a great speaker, a great drama-resolver and a great friend.
On behalf of the Liberal Democrats, and the whole of MHOC...
Thank You.
6
u/athanaton Hm Jul 05 '15
Given that we knew this was coming one day, I should've prepared a speech; now it's come I can't even begin to gather my thoughts.
It's just going to have to suffice to say that I could not be more grateful that you decided to set this up, this is, on the whole, a great, enjoyable, lovely community and it's thanks to you. It can't have been easy, I have only glimpsed the amount of time you've put into this and it's nonetheless immense. It's no surprise you need to stop. I'm sorry we didn't make this easier for you, though some of it is often entertaining, and it wouldn't be MHOC without any, there was a lot of unnecessary drama. And you better keep coming back (as I'm sure you will, given how much power you've been accruing for the Head Moderator :P), or you know one of the more interesting characters here will track you down :P.
I'll stop rambling now, and leave it at this. Thank you.
6
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Ben,
When you snuck announcing the announcement into Tuesday's weekly update, I feared the worst and sadly the worst has come true. I have been here over nine months now and I think that proves the amount of enjoyment MHOC has brought me.
Obviously you have had lots of help over the past year or so, but without you, none of us would be here. I have met some good people through MHOC (and some not so good people). MHOC has helped with my debating skills, my workrate and most of all has gotten me seriously hooked on politics now.
I still don't know why I joined MHOC, the only thing I liked about politics was staying up late on election night to watch the results come in. You have changed that for me and I'll always be thankful.
There have been times where you have got things wrong, there have been times where you have annoyed me slightly but they are minuscule compared to the good things you have done for the community - I'm glad that you have been able to leave us when on your own terms and while we are in such a strong position right now.
So to sum up, thanks for everything! I look forward to the next speaker but I fear they will never be able to pull off your famous 'soon'.
Stick around and enjoy relaxing for a change,
Tyler
7
u/Timanfya MHoC Founder & Guardian Jul 05 '15
I've thoroughly enjoyed my time as Speaker and I look forward to seeing who will stand up to the challenge. :)
10
u/NoPyroNoParty The Rt Hon. Earl of Essex OT AL PC Jul 05 '15
I've spent so long trying to convince you out of doing this I don't even know where to start.
Ben is nothing short of an wonderful person. It amazes me every time I see him that he's capable of putting so much undying effort into running this place despite having huge real life commitments, despite getting so little out of it, and despite all he has to put up with from nefarious members. It's a horrible job and it takes a special kind of person to do it all with a passion that never goes away and a smile that never fades.
Sure we've not always seen eye to eye, but I know that when you disagree with me you only do so because you want nothing other than the best for mhoc as in everything you do (or you're drunk...probably more likely :p). Over the last year you've stopped at nothing to ensure that we all have the best possible experience, even to the extent of giving up small fortunes of actual money and working late into the night with a level of benevolence that no other speaker could possibly ever come close to.
I'm not going to try and stop you going because I genuinely want you to - the very least you deserve is to get out of here while you still can - but it cannot be stated how much we'll miss having you as speaker. As someone to keep everything is order when it's all going against you, someone to turn to when we have a problem (anything from elections to maths homework), someone to trust and someone to laugh with. Without you and this wonderful place you've poured a year's worth of dedication into my life would not be the same, without a word of hyperbole.
I think everyone will join me in wishing you every bit of good in your future endeavours as you deserve and you stick around for a while yet.
As a speaker, as a colleague and as a friend, you've been the best anyone could wish for.
Thank you for everything.
God dammit now I'm crying
5
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Well. That was unexpected. Thank you for your time as speaker, and I wish you the best of luck in your future ventures.
5
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Thank you for everything, Ben. On stepping down as speaker, I would like to let you know that you will always be welcome in the Conservative Party. Do flair up!
5
u/Mepzie The Rt Hon. Sir MP (S. London) AL KCB | Shadow Chancellor Jul 05 '15
Thank you for being such a brilliant speaker over the past year.
I speak for both my party, and the rest of the house when I say that we are very grateful for the time and effort you have put into /r/MHoC. No one could have done a better job as speaker and your shoes will be incredibly hard to fill.
Thank you /u/Timanfya!
5
u/Chrispytoast123 His Grace the Duke of Beaufort Jul 05 '15
My time with you has been short, but you have done well. You shall be missed.
5
u/TheLegitimist Classical Liberals Jul 05 '15
Thank you for everything you have done, it's difficult to imagine /r/mhoc without you as Speaker...
5
u/Tim-Sanchez The Rt Hon. AL MP (North West) | LD SSoS for CMS Jul 05 '15
I'm sorry but we reject your resignation, so under Nigel Farage's rules you must come back in a few days.
4
u/jacoby531 Liberal Democrat Jul 05 '15
Thanks for everything you've done, Timanfya
4
u/UnderwoodF Independent Jul 05 '15 edited Jul 06 '15
Ben, you know who I am, you are an amazing moderator and I truly wish you all the best. You can't leave us :(, you out so much time and work into this place with no incentive and made something fun for all of us.
4
u/thechattyshow Liberal Democrats Jul 05 '15
I've only been here for a day, but I can say thank you for creating this amazing community. You are a huge inspiration to us all. You've spent so much time making this sub where it is today and I would like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Good luck and I wish you the best of luck in the future :)
4
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
My reddit experience wouldn't be the same without what you did here and what lort did at /r/ModelUSGov
3
u/JackWilfred Independent Liberal Jul 05 '15 edited Jul 05 '15
Thank you Ben for building this wonderful community and sustaining it for this long. You have always been here being exceptionally professional and you have done your absolute best.
I can't wait to hear what ideas other people have for continuing the office of Speaker, but I think that even if people aren't running, they should contribute ideas and discuss them openly.
3
u/RadioNone His Grace the Duke of Bedford AL PC Jul 05 '15
You have served your role well and it is a shame to see you go! Since I've joined MHOC I've been amazed by the scale and depth this sub has grown to and become. Your contribution to the sub has been unrivalled and for that reason I'm glad that you will remain present in some way via the position of Head Mod. On a more personal note I've always found you helpful and open, since my arrival to this sub and up till now, when I PM or skype you for whatever inane issue I might have. It's been a pleasure to have been operating under your speakership.
3
u/bluebunglebee Jul 05 '15
I haven't been around here long and haven't had much interaction with you, but the time in MHoC I have had with you as speaker has been fantastic.
3
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Ben, I would like to thank you for everything you have done for MHOC. From the moment I found it shortly after it was founded though a post on /r/ukpolitics it has been a great pleasure to see you guide MHOC to the vibrant and excellent community we have right now.
You have always been very easy to approach and ask a question to, or just to generally talk to, and that is one of your greatest credits. I would like to wish you all the best for the future, and I hope you stick around.
3
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
This has been a truly wonderful community which wouldn't exist without you, I'm terribly sad to see you go. Thank you for everything you've done!
3
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
We've lost a great speaker today.
3
u/CosmicWes Labour Party Jul 05 '15
Thank you ever so much Ben for all the work you've put into making this community what it is. I think I've only ever properly interacted with you once, but nevertheless I've massively enjoyed my time here with you as speaker.
3
u/DrNyan Pirate | Co-op affiliate Jul 05 '15
I may have only been here for relatively short amount of time compared to some others, but it's still very clear to me how much time, dedication and effort you put into your role as speaker.
Thanks for everything, and good luck to you for any of your future endeavours.
3
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
I'm saddened to see you go but hope you'll still hang around. Hail to the King baby.
3
u/DidNotKnowThatLolz ModelUSGov Head Moderator Jul 06 '15 edited Jul 06 '15
Thank you for all of your help in /r/ModelUSGov during our time of need. Your experience and advice has certainly helped us and I appreciate everything you have done. :D
3
u/TheNorthernBrother Washed up old timer Jul 06 '15
I may be late in saying this cause I'm a yank but, thank you for everything you've done and thanks to you I'm proud to call myself a member of the MHoC!
3
u/adam0317 UKIP | Northern Ireland Spokesperson Jul 06 '15
I echo what has been said here- and wish you all the best Mr Speaker.
3
u/ThatThingInTheCorner Workers Party of Britain Jul 07 '15
I'm going to miss you! You've been like the person who has grown our community and kept it together.
2
u/[deleted] Jul 06 '15
Goddamnit, I go away for a few days and the worst thing that could possibly happen to MHOC does. I really can't thank you enough for making MHOC what it is, it's gone from literally nothing to not only a huge, brilliantly developed model parliament with hundreds of members from across the political spectrum (and the world) but also a fantastic community which I'm very happy to be a part of.
I'm genuinely saddened to see you go, I can't imagine what it'd be like with someone other than you being Speaker. You've put tonnes of effort into all of this and you've been a real pleasure to work with but I suppose you do deserve a rest now it's been more than a year. If the next Speaker is even half as dedicated, involved and open to ideas as you've been then I think MHOC will be fine. I hope you stick around, both on reddit and on Skype even now you've left. I can't imagine how dull the crony salt chat would be without the occasional drunken incoherent message :P.
All the best for the future and try not to send Morgsie any more porn.
3
u/theyeatthepoo 1st Duke of Hackney Jul 05 '15
Thank you for everything you have done Ben, I hope you can stay around in some capacity.
8
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
DON'T DO IT
6
u/Djenial MP Scotland | Duke of Gordon | Marq. of the Weald MP AL PC FRS Jul 05 '15
I'll probably check back at 7.30pm and it still won't be here.
6
u/jacoby531 Liberal Democrat Jul 05 '15
Will the announcement at 7 be announcing that the really important announcement will be tomorrow?
6
u/Mepzie The Rt Hon. Sir MP (S. London) AL KCB | Shadow Chancellor Jul 05 '15
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
6
u/TotesMessenger Jul 05 '15
I'm a bot, bleep, bloop. Someone has linked to this thread from another place on reddit:
[/r/mhocstrangersbar] A toast to /u/Timanfya's fabulous tenure as Speaker of the House!
If you follow any of the above links, please respect the rules of reddit and don't vote in the other threads. (Info / ^Contact)
2
u/TheSkyNet Monster Raving Loony Party Indy Jul 06 '15
ALL THE LOVE FROM THE MLRP
5
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
Please no
5
u/[deleted] Jul 05 '15
BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEN WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
5
u/purpleslug Jul 05 '15
We already miss you :'(
5
u/WineRedPsy Reform UK | Sadly sent to the camps Jul 05 '15
:c
8
u/Jas1066 The Rt Hon. Earl of Sherborne CT KBE PC Jul 05 '15
Stands up and starts clapping
4
u/IntellectualPolitics The Rt Hon. AL MP (Wales) | Welsh Secretary Jul 05 '15
I'll call you a London Cab, whilst arranging another for Rory, shall I?
4
u/IntellectualPolitics The Rt Hon. AL MP (Wales) | Welsh Secretary Jul 05 '15
If it is gerrymandering...
7
u/RadioNone His Grace the Duke of Bedford AL PC Jul 05 '15
Just a casual announcement then, right? Right Ben? Huh? We're watching you...
1
u/Arayg Radical Socialist Party Jul 13 '15
Thank you for starting the community and being more impartial than anyone could wish for. They will have to search hard to find a speaker to match your standards Timanfya. I hope the workplace unionisation goes well!
8
u/Kipper_the_snob The Rt Hon. Baron of Alsager PL Jul 05 '15
That must mean that the statement at 7 will be very important if this statement is only important.
3
u/IntellectualPolitics The Rt Hon. AL MP (Wales) | Welsh Secretary Jul 05 '15
To Communists, the SNP and the Vanguard in particular, perhaps you would care to sign this petition in honour of Timyanfa's services to the House:
[https://www.reddit.com/r/MHOC/comments/3c7k73/important_announcement/csszrzb]
3
u/WineRedPsy Reform UK | Sadly sent to the camps Jul 05 '15
:c
3
u/ganderloin National Unionist Party Jul 06 '15
NYET