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Frequently Asked Questions
A. Membership
1. What is The Colonial Fleet (TCF)?
THE COLONIAL FLEET, in big emphasized capslock, is a non-profit family of Battlestar Galactica costumers. We come from different parts of the world and contribute in our own different ways, but we're all in this to meet like-minded fans who love and support the show as much as we do. Our mission: to have a frakking fun time and look good doing it. We enjoy discussing all aspects of the show and dressing up like the hot characters.
Gods, now you know everything...
2. Who formed the group?
The Fleet Admins have made decisions for the group since day one. They preserve our integrity and guard against newbs or outsiders who may wish to change our peaceful (knock on wood) way of life. The admins were the main founders of TCF: Kris Cabanas ("Athena"), Jess Duncan ("Starbuck"), and Louis Johnson ("Apollo"). Chris Bohler ("Chief"), and Tanya Drehmel ("Tisiphone") also played pivotal roles during the formation of the Fleet and continue to be a big part of the group today. Really, it was like friendship at first drunk...
The Fleet Admins hold final say in all matters regarding TCF. This trio maintains the Quorum, deals with the criticisms, and makes sure topics don't get too serious or out of hand. Some think they're evil bitches, some think they're pretty decent board admins - hey, both opinions are valid. In the end, all that matters is they make sure we have a decent home.
Other individuals were present during founding weekend at Dragon*Con '06, but the credit truly belongs to the handful of people above who have busted their asses from the start to keep The Colonial Fleet fun and drama-free.
3. How do I join?
Simple. Get as involved as you possibly can. There are no long-winded membership forms, blood tests, secret decoder rings, or pimptastic handshakes. Introduce yourself on the Quorum (see section D2 for more), show interest in our group and what we do, and start participating in our discussions. We're a social group, not a secret society. You could also just show up at our next gathering and start making friends in person. You'll have a frakking killer good time!
4. Are there any requirements for joining?
We prefer getting to know someone in person or by word-of-mouth (mostly to ensure that we're bringing aboard friends before strangers), but a healthy, respectful attitude is all we really ask for. Show some commitment to the Fleet.
B. Operations
1. Is there a rank structure in place in TCF?
While they sound officious, ranks and titles are a hindrance to the way we like to run things. We only pull titles on each other when we're trying to be smart frakkers. (Which is most of the time, actually...) We're all friends here and we self-motivate and reward ourselves by being around good company. In short, TCF respects the balance between fandom and that thing called real life. We'd understand if you don't want to be stupid drunk...but you better be a team player and you better hug. And that's pronounced ay-sap.
2. Does your group have regional (or country) divisions?
No. And the reason would be the word "division". Just slow it down and think about what the other answers have been saying here... We're one family, one community, and where you come from shouldn't matter a rat's ass.
3. Your group is called "The Colonial Fleet". Do I have to be a colonial officer in order to join? Can I be a Cylon or civilian?
Cylons and humans alike, regardless of their rank, are equally welcome to join us. Having toasters around makes things interesting. In fact, we have our very own skinjobs in our midst. They mostly stand around doing naked tai chi...
4. That's nice about costuming for the new series...what about classic Galactica?
Whatever floats your boat around here. Be conscious, however, that most of us dress up to honor the new series. It's better than the one with Lorne Green, don'tcha know.
5. What if I don't want a BSG persona or can't come up with one?
If you can't come up with a persona, then it's best not to pretend otherwise. If you simply want to hang out with us and chat about the show, then be upfront. We like meeting new people regardless of their sewing skills. Or their make-believe skills, if you will.
6. What if I love you guys a lot but don't want to dress up at all?
Same as above. It's all good.
C. Events & Gatherings
1. Are there TCF specific events?
Typically, The Colonial Fleet only meets at formal gatherings (conventions, parades, public or charity events) when interest and consensus have been reached. These are usually some of the United States' largest conventions, e.g. Dragon*Con, San Diego Comicon, Megacon, etc. Once in a blue moon, we'll host informal gatherings (aka parties) in our respective hometowns. We realize not everyone has a six-figure salary or can afford to empty their bank accounts to fly around the world, but trips to see Fleet members are always a welcomed vacation and are pretty normal around here.
2. Is drinking allowed at TCF events/cons?
Heh. Only if you've been paying attention to anything we do.
3. Character-wise are there any restrictions on who I can dress up as (i.e. Starbuck copy #22187)?
There's nothing to prevent "x" number of canon characters to propagate within our Fleet, but we dare say it's tacky if we all go after the same person. In other words, knock yourself out.
4. What is The Fleet Suite?
The Fleet Suite was where TCF was going to hold a party at Dragon*Con 2007 (and if successful, future years). The suite consists of a main foyer area and adjoining bedrooms at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. TCF was going to have liquor, rolling cameras, and good conversations handy. However, since we were given the privilege of hosting Dragon*Con's official BSG Party under the kind assistance of the American Sci-Fi Track, we decided to scrap this idea in favor of focusing our money and energy on the BSG Party.
5. How may I donate to the Fleet Suite or TCF in general?
Our paypal account is thecolonialfleet at gmail dot com. Please leave a specific note what your donation is for so we can recognize and thank you. We use the money to lower the overheads on our party suite, the website, party snacks and drinks, merchandise, etc.
6. But what if I'm too shy, don't care to smoke or drink or gamble, don't like staying up late, have a hard time making friends, don't like flying with stims or floating in rivers, am too old / young / incompetent / opinionated, and/or can't keep up with your bullshitting?
What else is new. Come have fun with us anyway. We're family.
D. Website / Forum
1. Where can I go to find out specific information on costuming?
ColonialFleet.org currently has no intention of becoming a repository of costuming knowledge. This is mosty due to the fact that our webmaster deserves time away from the frakking keyboard. In the future, Kris may consolidate some of our members' contributions for the website. For now, visit Tanya's excellent costuming page or DewBack's forums (featuring discussions about new series props and costumes ). For Dewback's board, you'll need to register an account.
2. I'm absolutely new to the Quorum (message board). Where do I start?
a. Properly introduce yourself on the newbie thread. It's extremely polite.
b. Get a callsign. This one's not an option. We need to know you by this name.
c. Share your contact info. We don't spam your email, but our members need to be able to reach you.
d. Submit a photo of yourself. Preferably a clear headshot without other crap on it. This is used to idenitfy you on our website's members page. Don't be a jerk and send a fake photograph or graphic. We need your real mug, whether you're in costume or not. You're not officially signed up with TCF until you submit everything above. No excuses.
3. What's the policy on posting spoilers at the Quorum?
Post show spoilers without a warning and you'll get kneecapped. Simple as that. Also, refrain from posting episode titles that may give away spoiler details, e.g. "Episode 2.19 - The jump a year ahead". If the show has already aired in the U.S. and Canada, it's no longer considered a spoiler episode.
4. What's the policy on posting off-topic (non-BSG or costuming) at the Quorum?
That would be "try to stay on-topic at all times". However, there's no need to snark if discussions go where they wanna go... We're big on self-regulation.
5. How do I add information or contribute to the site?
The surefire way is contacting Kris (Athena) through the forum. She's our webmaster and can arrange to accept your contribution(s) via email or IM. Thank you!
6. How can I get a colonialfleet.org email address?
Sorry, resources are limited and only members or founders with specific roles within the Fleet have been provided with email accounts. These people need an official email to conduct Fleet business from.
E. Merchandise
1. Is there TCF merchandise available?
It's on its way. There are some fan-made patches floating out there (e.g. patches for our Topguns pyramid team and Divine Devils tactical group), however, these are not being sold to the masses. The Fleet is in the delicate process of selecting merchandise vendors and basically investigating how to put our sexy logo on everything we can get our hands on. In general, we're not in a rush to sell things.
2. What if I want to make TCF merchandise?
You should always consult with the person in charge of merchandise, who is Jess (Starbuck). She's ultimately responsible and accountable for any merchandise developments within the group and we would appreciate if you ran things by her before jumping the gun. This is to prevent members from producing TCF-related items on their own, pocketing the money, and making a fortune off the rest of the Fleet.
Work with Jess so she can track how these items are being paid for and to confirm that profit made off our merchandise goes right back to the group. If she rejects your idea, don't take it personally. She helps prevent TCF from getting too carried away with making and selling stuff. Our main focus is to spend time with each other, not to run a business.
In general, TCF only makes merchandise in the interest of supporting its members. Because our group is still young and growing, we don't aspire to sell to the rest of the public.
3. Can I sell my stuff on the Quorum?
You mean like what people do on Dewback's A Site About Props (ASAP) forum? If what you're selling is pertinent to costuming or is not directly tied to TCF (e.g. using the group's logo), then yes. We're always interested in your sellable props and costuming items. If you're obviously trying to make / sell merchandise that is TCF-related that Jess hasn't sanctioned...then no.
4. Don't you frakkers ever take things seriously?
Only every 33 minutes.
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