[srk1214]

Hello all! Name's Sam and I'm applying for a TLT position on our upcoming CAP 5. I've been a longtime battler on various online sims and have been a Smogon lurker for quite some time. I originally made a Smogon account purely to participate in CAP discussions where I had lurked for two or three projects. And CAP participation has remained my overwhelmingly leading activity onsite ever since I joined in on Voodoom. As you can see in the link in my signature, I am at least a pretty skilled battler, which derives from my competitive background.

When I first joined, I really had no idea what I was getting into with CAP. I received quite a few infractions that at the time seemed unjust to the CAP noob I was at the time. Looking back, I think they helped me learn to be a lot more judicious in what I say. While I have had occasional moments of weakness where I've been too blunt or strayed outside of what might be expected of a veteran CAP participant, it's only because I really do care about this project. I have felt for a few projects that CAP was trending pretty flat when I wanted, and I think we all wanted, it to be getting better and better. The situation that arose out of our previous CAP provided a perfect situation for more voices being heard and I think the recent PRC discussions, of which I was a part, have provided a good framework moving forward. I would like to be part of that forward progress.

As a regular participant, I've made competitive (and flavor) submissions for the vast majority of polls I have been around for and have been slated numerous times. Though none of my submissions have won yet, I feel my capacity to make slate-worthy submissions in both Stats and Movepool show that I have a good grasp of what is required to make a competitive CAP.

My passion for CAP is an incredibly important thing to discuss, since it is a double-edged sword. While as a submitter/discusser it has led to me getting attached to a vision and defending it sometimes even to the detriment of reason, I am fully confident that my passion for CAP can be translated to a greater leadership role. I believe that when I no longer have a dog in the race I will be entirely capable of judiciously moderating discussion and of making a fair, representative slate for whichever step in the process I would lead. I have held many committee positions and even a few overall leadership positions in my life, and I believe I've been effective in each.

I frequent the CAP forums daily to stay up to date on any and all ongoing threads even if I have nothing unique to add. I occasionally pop in on IRC talks and would have no problem increasing my IRC presence should I be selected. In short, I don't think that the amount of activity required of a TLT is above what I can give.

I recognize that I am up against a field of candidates that are all equally (if not more) qualified as I am. I still hope that you will consider my application. I look forward to working with the leadership team, whether or not I am a part of it, as we embark on another CAP journey.

I wish best of luck to all of my fellow participants, especially those applying for the first time. CAP is at a crossroads that will last from now, due to our changed leadership structure, to when X and Y are introduced. This is an important time to be active and I look forward to what CAP's future holds.