Strolling down the street while smoking a cigarette, chewing gum, picking his nose and juggling seventeen stones. Richard stops and realises that everyone else has stopped and are staring straight at him. He sneezes, coughs, clears his throat and his nostril. He then stops juggling.  He does a few gun finger twirls and blows imaginary smoke from the barrel. The scene is set.

How much of a dickhead did I just look, right?

Don't get me wrong. Setting the scene is great. Bit of background every now and again. But not every single time you open your trap do we need a detailed description of how you arrived. Especially if it's five minutes since you last spoke because odds are you never left!

Nice. Feeling better already. Anyhows. Anyone else getting a teeny weeny bit annoyed at some of the drivel that's runs from peoples mouths around here? I mean the Streets are busy and I don't want to revert to type and be a massive bastard but perhaps we should be doing a little better?

Few whispers knocking about that people are unhappy that the Gods ability to change words. Tell you what then, why don't we police it ourselves? Set the bar, maintain it's level and you'll hardly need them changing anything because people will be in no doubt what is shit and what is not. Unless some delinquent rocks up. But what can we do?

So I ask you. Are we happy that the Streets are how they are? Or is it about time people who know this place, who are very good out here, took up the mantle and said no. No, you cannot pet a fucking lion on it's head. Are you fucking mad?

There is a standard. A standard I don't think is being met. But then I am an Wise Guy so maybe I am wrong (I'm not). Does anyone have the bollocks to stand beside me and say no. To educate and to rehabilitate these  streets. So all these eager beavers know that if they start cluttering our streets with pointless questions or one sentence replies then the oxygen they're stealing will be demanded back.

I absolutely guarantee if the people wanted to, with the experience here, these Streets could be slick. They'd be absolutely flying with quality debate and tales of daring do. It doesn't take a leader, it doesn't take a Made member. It just takes you to stand up and say no. I will not accept this bullshit any longer. What you have just said was not worth my time. You my friend need to buck your ideas up.

If you see a family member in the streets shouting out random sentences that have very little value then you have a duty to grip them, explain the facts of life and try to help them. You shouldn't be leaving it to your leaders. You should be doing something about it.

I am not even saying do it in public among your peers. Make no mistake you could and it would not be hard. You could literally make people look completely moronic all day every day and still not get round to everyone.  I just hope it doesn't come to that point because there would be some people taking flak that perhaps deserve an arm round their shoulder. But, if it continues, I think it will be required and I think it'll happen. Which is a shame.

So, if the majority were to say no. To say that's not right. I have zero doubt you'd have the backing of every leader in these fine cities, their members would be educated and that is only good for business. Perhaps not good when you want to know where Tylers men are but no-one really posts just for that do they. Ooooooooooooh no. Of course not. Never.

But, like I said, I am just an lowly Wise Guy with a drive to improve things. On my own I am nothing. Will you join me? Will you PLEASE Just. Say. No.

I'll just let you know that's the end. I am not walking off or jumping in a car. I am just done speaking. So, erm, yeah..

You know what....what a fucking refreshing street speech! Much respect!

We have a dichotomy I believe just now....the streets are a place to 'prove' yourself and to me seen....and to some that is measured by the amount of small replies given to some actually very interesting questions or debate. Quality in speaking here is more difficult, I do believe this lies with the crew leader to educate, to support and to guide and to sometime reprimand when a quality or respect line is crossed - but I do not see this as a standard application across the board....

Sadly some need to cross a line to fall over it and smack themselves in the face as they fall from the trip.

Being discerning I think is the key, I only listen to the speeches that add value. are well thought out or challenge me in someway.

I will say it again the streets are a cruel mistress, we have HQ's for banter, out here we represent family, values, humour of course but a way of being that is different to kicking back in the HQ and having a giggle....

I'm almost tempted to agree with you Dick, but I can't.

I can't for one simple reason, you've left out one of the most important parts of the puzzle. The real issue here isn't what's happening, it's what's not happening. Who's doing better? Where's the shining examples of solid input? Where's the brave orator pushing the envelope and changing this thing of ours with little more than the power of their words? 

Without a strong example, who is there to learn from? Without others laying down a marker of what's expected, what is there to drive towards? Without someone putting in the work and effort to do more themselves than they demand from others, who the hell are they to complain?

Don't get me wrong, we have some excellent speakers. That's not in question. Names like FitzChivalry, Bonkers, LuciusSweet, Daniella and Disorder could easily hold their own or best anyone who has set foot on these streets over the years and held a formidable presence. However, 10% of the population can't be expected to do 90% of the work.

As you so rightly put it, it is not down to the leaders having to 'fix' this. It's down to each of us to stand up. I don't think we need to say "No" though, I think we need to start by saying something. Say something meaningful. Say something intelligent. Say something humourous. Say something insightful. It doesn't matter what you say, just make sure it's making a valuable contribution to the world. However, saying 'No' isn't a contribution. It's no better than the low-quality noise that it's trying to displace. Say something worth hearing, don't just try and say no louder than the other person hums bullshit.

Being clear, I'm not just saying this to Dicky over there. I'm saying it to you. Yes, all of you listening in from those footpaths and around the corners of this street. This isn't something that one man can fix, even if the man does have an abnormally large cranium. It's something that takes everyone. The leaders need to lead, the thoughtful fuckers need to think, the mouthy ones need to spend a little more time thinking and a little less time talking. Instead of saying ten things badly on ten different corners, form a meaningful thought actually worth hearing and then belt it out with authority from a single spot where you'll actually hold attention.

When making these comments, I firmly include myself among them. As someone that can, on rare occasions, string together a coherent thought or two, I really should be making more of an effort to hit the streets with those thoughts. My apologies Rich, I'll give myself a must try harder for sure.

*Leaning in towards Richard_Sharpe , Tsu does some really weird body motions just to piss the poor guy off*

Caesar listens to his fellow, ambitious WiseGuy, as he laments about the quality of the banter on the streets. Although he could hardly classify himself as being a good public speaker, he always tried to pick up tips wherever he could. He nods thoughtfully to the points Richard and Anteros make, indicating his agreement. "I concur with both of you on the abysmal quality of the posts here, and I feel that what the Streets are sorely lacking lately, are intellectual discussions, which Anteros described so well."

He gestures around him where the droves of humanity were busy chattering about anything and everything. "What we need is a fresh perspective into the lives of people, not only in this country, but also news from around the world, for we are undoubtedly living in one of the most turbulent times of history, and a major global war is on the horizon."     

Disorder leans on a wall listening to his young associate speak. He was entertained by the feisty approach taken and pleased that those responding had taken the discussion the right way. He walked over to Richard and chuckled at his obvious annoyance as he clapped him heartily on the shoulder.

"Mr Sharpe. I like you. I like you enough to call you Richard! That may not last tough. Anyway... A fine discussion. I agree there is often a lot of fluff and very little content with some street appearances. I am terrible for it but I'm trying to improve. I do like a little scene-setting though. Provided it has a point and delivers entertainment or context to the subsequent speech being made. If it isn't humorous or relevant then it should be saved for the abundance of stories people love to tell."

He takes out a small silver hip flask that the late, great HighPitchEric gave him as a gift after becoming world champion and took a swig. Keeping his eyes on Richard as he did, it tickled him to watch his visible irritation. He did have a good deal of affection for the young man. 

"Ok, ok I'm sorry. Yes, there is a need for a higher volume of quality contributions. In our family I try to encourage people to come out here and speak. Not to hide behind stories and methods for avoiding confrontation but to put themselves out there and face up to it. There is really nothing to fear if you know you stand on solid footing going in. Remain respectful and reasonably polite and you can do almost anything. Presenting or getting involved with divisive discussions can be daunting but that must be overcome. Its just like anything, its scary at first but it gets easier and more fun every time you do it. 

The other side of this is that we need to be accommodating to those trying their hand at the more meaningful side of the streets. It is hard at first and those less experienced will make mistakes. They need to be helped and given constructive pointers on how to improve and feel more comfortable. It may come easy to someone like you Mr Sharpe, coming from the hard north where every word you ever uttered growing up was met with ridicule and often unwarranted violence, to you this place holds no fear. For others this is not the case. Some take time to find their feet. The more brutal among us need to be mindful of that."

Nodding to a couple of the other participants, he turned to Richard once more.

"Good discussion man, nice work."

Listening intently, Amen somewhat struggles to decipher the intentions behind the abrupt speech given by a red faced Richard_Sharpe. Nevertheless he shows respect and is cordial. Even applauds once the man has completed his speech. After waiting for Don Disorder to finish talking he speaks up: I am afraid I have been guilty of such horrendous acts mentioned on this street corner today.

Amen regains his composure. However, I will continue to speak. I will speak from the hilltops to the street corners to the back alleys and brothels. Now if any would be willing to give me a few pointers here or there they'd be humbly accepted. Yet until then I will be heard. And the voice a citizen of the Great Las Vegas will never be suppressed.

"Probably be the newest face out here, in a way, but hey, given it's the streets, and everyone's out here, why the fuck not."

"I agree with standards. I also agree with whoever said the thing about what they would be. This world has no hard rules, so unless as a collective something is done then what can you really expect?"

"I say instead of pointing the finger at others, do something. Provide a good discussion. Rally some faces and drag them the fuck out here. Use the noggin and come up with an idea that will add some quality to this place, on and off the streets."

"Complaining will only get you so far, and then you'll disapear into the puff of smoke that you came out here with. Probably satisfied you got something off your chest, but what then?"

"Where does this then carry? Will it translate into something concrete, something solid that will actually make a definite impact in a bigger sense and in the long term? Or will it be another hand holding session till we feel good about our collective yes to see it fizzle into nothing more than a momentary reflection of the state of things? And then where are we?"

"I agree that some of the shit is just plain shit. Some might say my contributions are the same. I like where this is going, as it's a discussion that's definitely needed, yet given the world we live in, and the current state of things, it's to be expected."

"We have a situation where any man and his dog can set up shop, literally. In that, some newer leaders just aren't skilled at this side of the world. Yet with gusto, they want to make an impact. And by god, they fuckn are. But, they can, so they do."

"What we need more of is those that shout quality, and standards, providing it out here. They will learn from example. And a quiet word, sure. But more so from social learning. You become that which you spend your time around the most, and if people aren't out here setting a great fuckn tone, how are they to really know any better? And if they are now leaders themselves, who's to reign them in? And what example do you point at that you have personally provided to school them in their ways?"

"So instead of trying to cut down people's contributions, we should instead look to our own hands. If we arent out here setting an amazingly fuckn fantastic example ourselves, that should be the issue here."

"Cause I guarantee you many more sit idly by and complain and do jack, and point fingers to others to make a difference, than those that actually make the effort to lead by example. And that is the true crux of the problem here, cause we can only be the change we want to see in the world."

"And if we aren't being that change, then we're simply another spectator hurling our demands from the sidelines. Lace up the boots and get in the game. That's the only way to make a definite impact and change."

Ah John. Thank fuck for you and Amen.

Thank fuck you both had that reaction. It's like the chicken and the egg really, innit?

Complaining? Perhaps I was. But not at those who cannot string two sentences together. I was saying, and I maintain, that the people to blame are the people not saying no. The people who are sat on their arses and doing nothing about the epidemic of bullshit swamping the Streets and the Avenue.

If no-one says it then it remains the elephant in the room, doesn't it. It is how it is so it is how it remains. I have quite clearly said here that there are people out there who could improve standards no end.

You point to the new blood who want to make the impact they should be having. They should be having an impact. But let's get down to this. If you cannot come out and address the masses should you really be donning the bold suit you do? Now don't get me wrong here. It is a sweeping remark aimed at no-one in particular. But you don't deserve a bold suit just because you can carry 25 units of cocaine and a few million for a HQ. When you make the decision to put yourself out there you should be at a level where you can lead by example.

The time for learning how to act around these parts is before pulling on the suit. Now as much as this may stifle new blood everyone had to learn sometime. I am lucky. I had an upbringing which was conductive to speaking out here as Disorder so nicely pointed out. These young folks perhaps didn't and as such they need to learn. But there is nothing for them to learn from I hear you cry. Correct. I refer quite clearly to the experience around this place in my original wording.

You are absolutely correct. It is about time these people stepped up, myself probably included, and did something about it. TsuDhoNimh covered it absolutely wonderfully. That is the blueprint and your way with words John appealed massively to my way of thinking where you have agreed with most of what he said.

Make no mistake. My original words were not meant to stifle those coming out here. If it was I would have used a lot of pretty examples and ridiculed people. My words are to provoke people who should know better to help those who don't. To realise their help is desperately needed and to push us away from this cesspool of bollocks.

We are so much better than this. It's about time we proved it.

"I agree completely with all you say. Some probably shouldn't be suited to the nines and rolling so deep. So I must clear up, I'm not directing anything at you in particular, as you're doing exactly what's needed and speaking thoughts many have, myself included."

"I'm trying to push to the next step in the process. To take what you have given, throw some salt on it and sear the other side. We can't change what is, so we must look at what's next, and how we go from where we are to where we want to be."

"Feathers need to be ruffled. Some asses lit the fuck up and the community pimp slapped into action. Cause make no mistakes about it, I'm another who has complained about this and who was ready to skip the streets altogether until it cleaned up somehow."

"But then I realized, if I don't do something myself, who will? If I don't be the change I want to see and hope to, who will do it? Maybe someone will, and you are doing exactly that, but maybe no-one will. And maybe this ends with you and this discussion."

"Or maybe if we all take the approach of putting words into action, then something will get done moving forward, little by little, one brick at a time. And this discussion doesn't become just a fluff party. I'm already on that vibe, and will be doing all that I can to add my bit to these streets, and will be looking at other things in the community to help to that end."

"And if no-one else does, I'm fine with that too. But I believe there are those already doing their part, for what they feel is valuable and can, and others wanting to do theirs too, like many showing up here. It just shouldn't stop with this street corner."

"I would say the current leaders put some rules in place, but funnily enough the open district initiative may have actually caused a bit of this. Great intentions, of course, just an offshoot of allowing anyone to step into a bold position."

"I'll personally do my bit and try educate others in other areas before they come out here. And as long as people among the masses have a similar mindset of thinking how they can personally, by their own hands and example, make the change a reality, we should see a great improvement."

"So I should say thank you Richard, and that my rant was all inclusive and not directed at anyone in particular. Great start, but let's keep this thing rolling and set some individual hands to work, or we'll just remain disgruntled spectators, myself included."

My gratitude for bringing this topic to the streets Mr. Sharpe. And with that my respect for being able to turn it into an actual conversation. That is actually sincere, but now the hell what do we do? I’ve listened to a series of speakers who all have the skills to question, debate or add new insights on this matter. But above all I see a joint realisation that the streets are a place where we should stimulate discussions on a meaningful level.

But why would we want that? I’ve asked leadership in public before what their purpose is for the streets, but failed to get an answer. So let’s try again, and I now ask you Mr. Sharpe and whoever is listening… to what end do we discuss? Recognizing our differences or agreement while witnessing how the society continues to slip down the slope? I’ve tried a lot of different approaches and I’ve come to the realisation that my skills aren’t public speaking or whatever I say is just irrelevant. Although not ending my search for the right approach, so far there’s just one approach that I’ve found the most efficient to spike debate and, what in my opinion is ultimately the purpose of the streets, lead to change.

And that’s name issues and challenges by what they are.

There once was a Don, nicknamed Achilles, who wanted to address the issue of member-whoring. Instead of offering an abstract discussion on the matter, he simply put everyone caught member-whoring out in public shame. So member-whoring wasn’t a problem. John became the problem and everyone knew it and saw it. That allows for a few scenario’s. Dispose of John. Instruct John to do better. Or when being John himself, simply start doing better. You had to pick a scenario, because if the issue, John being John, persists it hurts his imago and that of the family he was a part of.

Hoping to invoke the same scenario’s, me and my ancestors experimented with this approach and there’s some success stories. It got tricky when other leaders in this thing where publicly targeted. The awkward truth on such a high level pops up the barrier of ‘calling disrespect’. I can understand that, but refraining from naming the exact issues keeps us from solving those issues.

And solving issues is what we want. Or at least that’s what I want. Perhaps others just want to acknowledge issues and leave them alone afterwards. So like JohnConstantine hints at, let’s try and solve this issue.

Easy and practical, Amen, I’ll promise to give you my insights whenever I feel you are helped with them regarding your public appearances. The other way around, if you have a rough draft of a speech you want to deliver, feel free to have me proof read it. That’s not a strange thing to do, but it offers chances to get exactly across what you want to communicate.

On a bigger scale, why don’t you, Richard_Sharpe, take lead on this matter that you feel passionate about? Work out a few more details on your suggestions and for example use the always open invitation to bring up matters to the leadership of the country. Suggest a panel per city that actively pursues incidents of suspected low quality communications.  If leadership cares about the quality of the streets, they have a real reason to review your plan.

And even if the plan would fail, that’s no problem. We tried a solution and we’ll find another one that does work. But let’s be optimistic and believe in what you propose. But let’s move away from just identifying problems towards solving these damn issues. Trying is the key to success. Staying idle means guaranteed failure.

I think that there are honestly two different issues that need addressing here and each will require different approaches. The first, as outlined by Mr Richard_Sharpe, covers the off-topic one-line nonsensical drivel that I see time and again squeezed in between some often genuinely thought provoking discussions. The interesting thing about these comments is that they actually tend to come from guys that I see ten minutes later partaking in a sensible conversation elsewhere - so I almost have to wonder if they're being disruptive on purpose. I'm more willing to take harsher action on this sort of behaviour.

The second issue, which JohnConstantine mentions, is that our approach on open districts may have caused some of this. We have a band of largely inexperienced crew leaders all desperately scrambling to gain favour and they're taking the view of quantity over quality in some cases. I see them addressing the nation with tales of daring and colourful back stories, but how many of them are partaking in these sorts of discussions?

Bonkers briefly looks around the group of people, spots Anteros, but no other new faces.

Now these guys need education rather than a slap on the wrist. The fact that they've stepped up their gane, come out of their shells and are having a go is a step in the right direction. Noise in the streets beats dead streets because at least you can ignore what you don't believe to be relevant, but you can't have a discussion with a corpse...

Now a traditional auth system would not have seen some of these people given the chance in the first place. We're doing what we can to encourage new blood to have a go at the big time...but the end result will be the same...those that don't earn their bold suits won't keep them.

Just like Richard_Sharpe, I also say 'Nay!' to one sentence replies!

Firstly thank you Huehuecoyotl for that small comedy interlude, but now back to the business at hand.

I have waited for some time now listening to all of your speeches and haven't been to sure where I would be able to put in my thoughts on this subject as it is mostly me agreeing with what most of you have to say. There is a lot of small and in-related additions to lots of posts, but to be honest I don't think we can really stop them, some people will always do it and the more you say don't the more they will want to

As for the stories and adventures that have just recently become ever so prevalent, I feel that although they might not be up to some peoples high standards, but they are contributing and are trying, as said before it is a daunting place here in the streets to stand and without just getting up and doing it you will never really know if you can or whether you are any good.

The only other advice I could give to this discussion apart from helping those in need of help is perhaps a 'lower streets' that could be set up. Therefore giving a place for people to practice, and if you don't like there practices you can just stay away?

Bonkers thank you for the clarification. I think for some it is a little unclear where the responsibility of the quality of speaking lies, as you say many of the crew leaders in the free cities are new to the role. Equally I think some of the community might be a little tired of the constant chatter on things that might be better in a coffee shop or a telegram.

Here we have a structured way of teaching the way to speak, starting in the HQ chats, moving into back alleys, then onto coffee shops and business as confidence and skills grow and eventually out into the streets - all with constructive and supportive feedback along the way. Those new to being a crew leader though might only just be finding their own voice and develop it - add to that a crew who are free to come and chat about anything they desire is a challenging one.

I agree to step up here and take a crew leader position is an awesome opportunity and it is very refreshing to see so many new faces. I guess a direct question is whether the responsibility for the quality of discussions lies entirely with the crew leader, or with the mother city to guide those who need it or whether the wider community need to for a short while accept that the streets are a training platform for speakers to refine their skills?

I agree with you also - ignoring that which does not resonate or interest you is a good coping strategy and I certainly do not wish to discourage people from talking out here at all, but the feeling does appear to be across the board that people feel the quality has dropped significantly.

For now I am choosing bigger hats that cover my ears a little more but am curious to hear where the buck stops.

I understand what you say, Mr. Sharpe. And I wish our world would work in this way that we adapt to sensible insights, but we've seen for too long that the chances of people doing better on their own initiative are slim. Most people believe they are already doing a good job, until someone plains puts them against the wall and points out their opportunities to improve and motivates them to actually do so.

I'm all for introducing severe implications when people, especially leaders, don't meet the standards that we'd like to see in this area. A crap approach is not different and thus okay. It's a crap approach and we should attack that. However, I hope that the established cities Chicago, New York and Las Vegas dare to look at their own people as well. I'd hate to see someone with ambition from Philadelphia get taken down, because they don't meet the expectation we set for them, while we allow a series of leaders in our own cities their positions because they are our friends, are proficient in marksmanship or we assume that we can trust them. All of those things are important and have a place in this world, but none of those things implies one is a good leader. So let's take that into account when handing out our verdict.

"Anteros has the solid path for usual growth into a street speaker. What am I saying, I'm only a fuckn gangster, so it must be my psychic ability kicking in. It seems like that would be a very good way to travel. HQ, open mic nights in businesses and eventually bring that competence and confidence out here to the street corners."

"The idea for one member in each crew having someone take ownership and responsibility in this area also sounds good. Yet I think this Bonkers guy has it one better, and Anteros also touched on it too. Mother or Father cities taking the overall responsibility for the sister cities, especially where these new crews are concerned."

"The one liners could be dealt with on a family basis. Except the last guy. A bit of comedy goes a long way, and some smaller contributions can really hold weight. So it would be a case by case basis."

"Yet where a more ongoing issue seems to be building, or has shown itself, then due to the current Godfather Initiative it makes sense the overall ownership and responsibility should be with them. Even if that meant they gave the role to someone else to police the issue until a point, it makes sense that they would step in and remove anyone not up to standard."

"I think this is also currently already how the Initiative is run? Any crews not up to peoples likings can be removed after speaking with those in charge of the auths. Sounds pretty straight forward, but Bonkers can you confirm if this really is the case currently? Or am I mishearing things, and it's only if someone else wants to setup in a full city?"

"I'm also representing an orator called Dale Carnegie who's got some short courses on public speaking out and is touring the country. Anyone interested just come see me and I'll get you some pamphelts. You could hand them out to who you feel may need a little more info on the art."

"Dale Carnegie is a master at the art and his courses are second to none. Which as a shit kicker, is currently what has me out here with you all. Competence breeds confidence. I'm sure he's said that quote before. Anyways, I help run his courses in Vegas so see me for more info if interested."

"Lastly, before I get a fuckn drink, the guy before me has a solid point. We need definite 'this is the current way we are dealing with shit' to make this discussion of proper value. I hope Bonkers and Fitz can be a point of responsibility if we really need to go the route of removal, and to a less extent warnings and chances. Look at me, the new guy, getting all cut throat. I really do need a drink. I'll be back."

"I think this is also currently already how the Initiative is run? Any crews not up to peoples likings can be removed after speaking with those in charge of the auths. Sounds pretty straight forward, but Bonkers can you confirm if this really is the case currently? Or am I mishearing things, and it's only if someone else wants to setup in a full city?"

I can confirm that this statement is correct, but only when someone else think they can do a better job and wants to take their place in a full city (6 families) JohnConstantine. As an aside though if families go so far as embarrassing themselves then leaders have been chopped down for less in the past...

Constantine nods whilst sipping on a hip flask, having returned with a little thing called local moonshine.