Street presence

What is street presence?

To be honest I'm not sure, but lots of people keep saying its important and it shows leadership.

Why is it important and how does it show leadership?

Hell if I know, some people seem to post stuff just for the sake of posting whether its long or short. For me personally as a guy that doesn't like to write long essays or blocks of words I will just skim read the longer stuff.

As for leadership it proves nothing if you speak in the streets or not, a good leader speaks up when he sees it fit, sometimes being silent when others see it fit to talk can be a better option, but hey thats just me.

So in conclusion all you people that talk about street presence in my point of view are just saying that cause you want more people to post not cause street presence is important, which in my opinion it ain't at all.

So by all means flame on!

You know what grinds my gears?

These crazy men coming out on the streets talking about posting this and posting that. Are you the post man Eddy? Flame on? Are we having a BBQ? I'm pretty fucking hungry.

But back to your speech, i have to agree. I sometimes prefer it when a crewleader doesn't speak as much. Sure their words hold more meaning and more power, but that doesn't detract from the fact that alot of them aren't great at this talking business. They didn't get to the top through eloquent speaking, they got to the top through greasing the right palms and shooting the right (wrong) people.

I can agree with quite a bit of what you're saying here Eddy.

A true leader not only knows when to speak, they know when to stay silent as well. They know how to pick their battles, and which speeches should be allowed to run their course without input.

As much as it is encouraging when we see leaders rise who have a recognisable face on our streets, we also have to consider that it may not be prudent in a world that is not just filled with mobsters, in a world where we have civilians and police too, that it may be wise to NOT spout off into epic monologues on the streets at every half opportunity. That isn't to say that the streets have no place in our world, nor that many of the discussions that take place on these streets aren't well considered and thought through, nor are they unimportant. Sometimes, keeping a lower profile on the streets and expressing oneself in the coffee shops where, typically, you know a little better who you can trust is valid too.

I am not the postman, Blink. I am just one guy throwing his opinion out there, and if that happens to grind anyones gears than good.

I would just like to point out that there is nothing wrong with posting and speaking in the streets. I was questioning the importance of it that is all.

Ziva and blink you both bring up valid points, thats pretty much all I got to say right now.

There is a difference in one non/leader not speaking and all non/leaders not speaking. Most of the people you see talking about this are old players who remember the days of old. The times when leaders and family members a-like shared their thoughts on everything and anything they wanted but in a civil manner or not.

This is why people talk about street prescence.

Street Presence holds value in two respects: as tradition, and as a proving ground. For years, people have been saying "Street Presence isn't necessary to be a good leader". I disagree, not because I think we should force our leaders into the streets but because I think their ability to articulate an opinion and defend it reasonably (or reverse if disproved) is one attribute of great leadership. Most of the great leaders of history were remarkably eloquent or had a remarkable intellect. These individuals (Washington, Lincoln, etc.) were defined by their words and their actions. When our world is short on actions, what else can we gauge a leader by than his words?

In my opinion, the Streets provide a means to do many things. The Streets allows a non-leader to generate a following. The Streets allows individuals to drum up or calm down tension between cities or crews. The Streets are where the invisible actions of a leader meet the public eye. If we are to believe that any leader is a great leader, we need to see something. Petty crimes, felonies, and drug deals don't make you a good leader. Throwing a fuckton of credits at this world to buy Bodyguards doesn't make you a good leader. For some reason, so many leaders in the past few years have maintained the idea that inaction and uniformity is the way to preserve their crew, and it's not. There's no real reason to be impressed with any leader whose sole effort to affect this world of ours is doing the exact same thing as every other fucking leader on the planet.

And now that this is a rant, I'm just going to keep going. Nearly every leader that has ever existed has led for the purpose of protecting and progressing those in his (or her) crew, district, or city. 99% of those leaders have died. What does this mean? It means "protecting your men" isn't an attribute of a good leader. Why? Because every fucking leader does it. Our world has been designed so leaders can build fortifications to defend them, and everyone does it. There's no glory in building fortifications. There's nothing impressive about it.

So what is impressive? When a leader arises who's driven to succeed, fueled by the awareness of his mortality. These individuals live and do as they please, because doing anything else only buys them some marginal increase in time. Now, sometimes that's a strategy, to prolong one's life until they're strong enough. I understand that. But if you do or say nothing different than the next leader, why the fuck should I be impressed?

tl;dr: Unique actions are what really drives change in this world. Lately, the war was the most powerful unique action. As long as we have have a lack of unique actions, unique words will be what defines this set of leaders. If leaders neglect this, they're only solidifying their absence in the history books.

Takes out his ink and stamp kit and plants a "Swine Stamp of Approval" on Thanatos's forehead.

Actually when you say it proves nothing at all actually leaders coming out on the streets can prove a hell of a lot. IF they are total fucktards the public may not know this, but when they waltz out onto our streets and rhyme of some drivel then we can know what they are like.

Also you can generally tell when a leader has prepared their speech or one of their underlings has been the script writer. What it does prove to the general public is how well a crew leader can hold their own. The big bad mute may be hard as nails but there have been many a crew leader have been shown for what they really are by those who disagree with their way of thinking.

Know what grinds my gears? A bad clutch.

The streets should be utilised by those of positions of influence or authority to direct our world. We make the rules of this land, a real presence on the street will come from those who defy those rules, those who have the power and strength and use it to their advantage. Their gain. Their purpose.

Tension, fear, loathing. That is a street presence.

It depends on what you call a "good leader", honestly.

As I see it, a crew leader's most basic responsibility involves.. talking to people.  Not just their crew, but other people outside of it - at some point in their lives, they're going to have to play diplomacy with others, and if they don't leave any glimpse into who they are as a person (and a leader) for the outside world to see, it makes their job significantly harder in that respect.  And, in return, it can potentially put his or her crew at risk.

Does that mean butting your nose into every conversation that rears its head?  No.  But it does mean at some point, you're going to have to address other people so that they can get an idea of who you are, and why you're here.  Your crew might know the answer to that, but if you don't make any kind of public impression, does the Don or Godfather across the country who has an army at his disposal know the answer?  Probably not.

I have to say that does grind my gears as well. People come out every once in a while and say this guy? One speech? Well he clearly has no leadership then... We are becoming a "global community" as communication is much easier now. Coffee shops are more important then ever it seems, the post office and many other ways of communication. I have seen some leaders very seldom talk in the streets but interact with their crew on a higher level then other leaders I have seen or been under that "post/talk" in the streets frequently. I guess "good leader" is a broad term where many things have to be looked at. I agree one hundred percent that they should talk or discuss things of importance in the streets if needed. But to just go out and say something for the sake of making a presence is quite non practical in my opinion. Quality over quantity will always take the cake in my book. 

Travis was walking by when he heard ChaosSpike speak his peace then flipped him a coin.

Altair was walking down the streets of CHI when he overhears some of the present conversation. he stops for a few moments and throws in his two cents after finding himself an empty soap box.

" Ladies and Gents, your fellow neighborhood Assassin here. I just wants to offer my opinion on this present issue. I believe that the ability to articulate a few well thought out words or paragraphs is not only paramount when it comes to being a leader, but its also pivotal when it comes to the politics side of being a leader. but the word leader is a broad term that has a different definition to it, depending on the person. As for me I believe that a good leader should always have a better gun than his or her entire crew. reason being is obvious, the safety and well being of that crew is entirely your responsibility....I know I wouldn't want to serve under a leader that couldn't hit the broad side of a barn when I need the protection. on another note about leaders....I further more believe that a true leader will never command his subordinates to respect him, a true leader will earn the respect that is given to him, such as I have only found those select few people here in CHI since I have started playing this game going on 5 months ago. that's all I have to really say on this issue."

Altair steps down from his soap box and disappears without a trace....

Oh boy. Well everyone was whispering it and you finally brought it out into the open. I guess I agree. Street presence is not important in our current world for survival or progression in our lives. How fast you can shoot a homeless bum, how many people can you beat in a race to shoot said homeless bum, how many other worldly dollars can you put in here, how many bodyguards can you buy and who's side you are on the coffee shops- Those are the things that give people leadership opportunities nowadays. Well, maybe not very recently considering we had a war and many random auths were put forward. However, seeing as I am a one of the people who goes around with the 'Street presence shows leadership' rhetoric, I will try and defend it as best as I can.

What is street presence?

It is, in my opinion, a rudimentary presence in these Streets maintained not only for the bonuses it gets you but also because you actually feel the need to say something on a topic. It is also a basic presence that ensures that your name is at least known to quite a few people so that instead of people going 'wtf is this guy?' when you get that shiny bold suit, they go 'oh, that guy. He'll do a good job. Partaaaaayyy!'  or when you come over to announce the fact that you've won a war people don't go 'Didn't this guy pass out into his breakfast a couple weeks ago and just die?'

Why is it important and how does it show leadership?

Because to put it quite plainly, that is the only way someone from outside of you precious crew sees you and knows what you stand for and whether or not you can string together a normal sentence without having to go 'uh...me need dic..dic..dictory..dictionary!'. A Street presence is a must for a leader. Sure you can be the strong silent type and not talk at all unless it is some thing that 'moves' you. However, to see a so called 'leader's' first statement in these streets as 'I thank my CL, my GF and other worldly bank account for this opportunity to run my crew.' is quite sickening to be honest. Sure, you can be the most amazing leader in the world but unless you bring yourself to the public's spotlight, you will never be remembered. However, if that is what you're going for, then kudos!

 How does it show leadership?Well, you would think that since the Streets are such an important part of our world, a leader speaking in the Streets would be extremely motivational to his Family members to do the same. Then again, you obviously feel that 'Street presence isn't really important' so why should anyone talk here? We should all just be a group of mutes just clicking around and whispering behind closed doors in IRC Avenue.

As for leadership it proves nothing if you speak in the streets or not, a good leader speaks up when he sees it fit, sometimes being silent when others see it fit to talk can be a better option, but hey thats just me.

We agree on this here. A good leader does not need to be the most prolific street speaker of all time. Again, going back to my definition of a street presence. It is nothing more than a small amount of presence on the streets. It does not involve extreme effort. Just make sure people know your name, is all.

So in conclusion all you people that talk about street presence in my point of view are just saying that cause you want more people to post not cause street presence is important, which in my opinion it ain't at all.

We, or rather I don't go around saying Street presence is important simply because I want more people to speak here. Nope, I go around saying Street Presence is important because I actually believe that it is important. However, you are right. It ain't important at all.

Oh yes, you said something about not enjoying a long winded speech so I shall cut it short for you, just the bullet points: 

1. Yep, Street presence for a leadership opportunity isn't important these days at all.

2. It should be.

Vladimir, I agree with everything you said, except for the 'it should be' part.

When the Capone's and Sugar Hill Gangs and such ran this world before us, do you believe they were out in the streets announcing each new Captain, or discussing their new restaurant? I, myself, don't believe so. My bloodline wasn't around then, so I can't say for a fact.

A leader needs to have balls, the ability to have people believe in him/her, the presence of mind to elect organized HS's and a competent HSL, and to not be an idiot. Any leader with these qualities, I will lay it on the line for. If he or she thinks the moon is made of swiss cheese and never makes a statement in the streets, I could care less. Mouths don't lead people. Minds do.

(granted, a mind that thinks the moon is made of cheese is a bit off, just ignore that part)

A little presence doesn't hurt, but I do not base MY opinion of a leader on how much or how little they have spoken in the streets.

Of course, a leader should be more than someone who talks a lot on the Streets, I agree. I also agree with all the qualities you have laid out. However, I still stand by my statement. A rudimentary Street presence should be a necessity for someone to get auth.

Why? Well, How does someone who has just arrived on these shores know if a leader possesses these qualities or not? You join a crew and figure out that your leader has all the aforementioned qualities, then good for you. What happens if your leader doesn't have the qualities you're looking for? Do you shoot yourself? Do you ask for a transfer to another crew and then get shot for it? Or do you just sit there working for a leader you dislike and slowly loose interest in what is happens around you.So, what could have been a promising career in the mob is extinguished before it even begins....?

Of course, you could join someone who was friends with 'good ole dad' and all your bloodline will ever do is run in the same circles. 

A Street presence, in my opinion, gives you insights into the mind of the leader and thus enables you to make the very important choice of who you pledge your life to support. 

Which is why I feel it is necessary for a leader to speak out in the Streets.

Also, So, how else do you base your opinion of a leader whom you know nothing about and whose bloodline and yours have never crossed paths?