I agree we should stop giving them out as a matter of course.

I also think, however, that the time may come when someone does something staggering and then we could whip-em out once more... like a big scythe that's actually an axe but a nummy piece of continuity nontheless.

I agree with Trudy on this point.

Because it feels *to me* like, the first time the awards were given out, were recognizing/thanking/honoring some seriously HUGE work that affected the entire board (because, that first year, they were largely given to people who literally MADE the Phoenix). And those awards were totally well-deserved, in my opinion.

But since that first year, it just seems like the attitude is "Since we gave out awards that first time, we *must* keep doing it, so who has done something cool this year?"

IOW, it feels like something that's become forced now, as opposed to the first time, which really seemed like a spontaneous outpouring of appreciation.

And so, like Trudy said, undoubtedly Buffistas will do really kickass stuff in the future, stuff that affects the entire board, and, because it seems to be in Buffistas' nature to be generous, we'll want to honor that. And we will. We just don't need to *require* that it happen every year at the same time.

I agree with Trudy and Steph. Let's keep them as an option, if someone does something amazing, but not feel as if we MUST have them, and don't tie them to the F2F.

Fourth Trudy's idea. If someone does something big, give a Class Protector (and I disagree with Lee on tying to F2F -- the public validation is worthwhile). But let's not feel we have to give out awards every year.

I think that if the award is going to be a Buffista thing, it should be a Buffista thing. I have no idea how they're chosen now - they just seem to be a thing that happen, and I don't even know who has them.

I also am in support of Lee and Trudy. Let's retire them as a matter of course but if there is something really big and deserving, we, as a board, award it.

Count me as supporting Lee and Trudy in the matter of "retire and reserve" the Class Protector Awards.

What everyone else said re.: "retire and reserve."

Amen on "retire and reserve".

I'm never at the ceremony, but nodded like a bobble head while I read Lee's post.

Yes and yes and yes, to both Lee's and Trudy's suggestions. Yes and yes and oh, by the way, yes.

Retire and reserve.