Boylston Chess Club
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but until the USCF applies for the title and it is approved at one of the FIDE congresses then he won't officially be an IM, even though he has the norms and the rating. I checked the FIDE website and did not see his application listed on any of the meetings.
You may view all the title applications here... http://ratings.fide.com/
title_ap...lications.phtml
I agree with Chris. Until the USCF office takes the initiative and submits an application to FIDE and pays the fee for Marc, he won't receive the IM title.
We are aware of the formalities, but I think that is what it is- formality.
Do we call him IM-elect until then?
Congradulations Mark, well done. __________________________________(edited by moderator)
Edited By Siteowner
I agree because of experience. I wouldn't hand out cigars for the title itself (as in the first line of the post) until it's ratified. I got my third norm (had acheived the rating much as marc had years before) but it still took me over a year to get the title ratified. the best congrats was for the third norm. I'll save the next for the title itself...
details details: Better for us to enjoy the moment now with the game still warm than celebrate over a letter in the mail.
David,
That is too bad, especially since having the title in hand is important for professional players to attract invites, students, etc.
Yet, I see on USchess.org GM Hess got three norms in a short span and already is approved for the title..... so it can happen quickly, too.
Hess isn't a GM yet stop talking nonsense, it has to be approved by a FIDE congress to become official. Also intersting differece betwen arbitars and titled players vs regular patzers in their outlook on the norm recognition.
Sage, showing the irony of her screen name once again with more wisdom of the ages.
http://main.uschess.org/content/.../view/9477/536/
IM-Elect would be the correct title for Marc right now but his title cannot "officially" be used for anything, e.g. other norm candidates playing him. (He's currently similar to say Jorge Sammour-Hasbun.)
The USCF will not do this automatically and Marc will need to contact the office (if he hasn't already), provide them his norm certificates, etc. USCF then submits this information to FIDE who publishes the application and then ratifies it at one of their congresses.
It can take USCF some time do accomplish this and you have to keep bugging them, at least until you see your application on the FIDE website. (I know this from personal experience.)
From that point on, so long as there are no problems with the norm certificates, it is just a case of waiting for the approval from FIDE at which time the title becomes official and can be used in tournaments.
Thanks Chris for the info.
Jason
I am glas someome of substance can explain this clearly instead of all reading all these patzers make all sort of nonsensical claims, ready to clap their hands like clowns with or without reason.
The formalities notwithstanding, congratulations Marc! I don't doubt that bigger and better things await.
Yeah congradulations to Mark. If I may say soimething I think this blog has become very bad. Waiting several days to post comments isn't worth it when there are so many other blogs out there.
Robby,
Sorry to hear that. We have increased the number of moderators to hasten the approval of comments, as I was falling behind during my scientific push (see recent post). Unfortunately, we have had so many flame wars here that the BCF Board has taken a zero tolerance stance on negative comments. That means comments will continue to be moderated into the foreseeable future.
Of course, if you have suggestions for posts or other ways to improve the blog, please let us know.
The zero tolerance policy has made for a very boring and much less entertaining blog, in my opinion.
I know you guys have hashed this out, but it's just plain dull around here.
-Matt
Matt,
You can always go fight at the USCL-- I seem to recall some epic battles of yours over there.
This blog has gone back to the future with constant posts about the "good ol days". Once in a while it's OK to reminisce, but when most posts are about the 60's or the 70's one starts to wonder whether the club is really exciting vibrant and enjoyable today.
I want to see an entire post dedicated to the glorification of the chess career of Didymus Aylward.
Jason,
The USCL season will start up soon enough 
My point is, the moderation (no matter how well it's done, and you all are doing a good job) causes a huge time lag between comments, so debate, heated or not, is nearly impossible. Add to that the censorship of negative comments (what does that mean exactly?, who decides?, etc. etc.) and all the fun has evaporated here.
I understand that this is what the board decided, and so be it, but it seemed to be a draconian, knee-jerk reaction that has drastically reduced my enjoyment of this blog; both as a participant, and a spectator.
Just one member's opinion.
-Matt
Matt,
I do agree with you for the most part. If it were up to me, I would allow all comments. However, when we did have open commenting, some ugly, ugly, potentially threatening comments had to be deleted, and certain individuals then realized they could post and cycle through IP addresses faster than I could ban them.
This happens every time I try to unmoderate the blog, so I have to conclude that we must restrict comments. There was some discussion about allowing users to sign up to comment, but that needs a dedicated person to investigate and establish.
So, I agree that having more immediate comment and response would be best, but a few trolls spoil the whole thing for everyone.
Finally, to the issue of who decides, censorship, etc., there really is no issue in that a workplace or a club certainly can restrict speech at the club. This applies to the blog, an extension of the club. If I go psycho with power and delete only things I disagree with, people will complain and the Board would probably fire me from the blog, problem solved.
As it is, I decide based on the conventional norms of foul or coarse sexual language. I also delete negative comments directed at other specific people. If the comments are constructive criticism about the blog or about me, I keep them, even if they are harsh or lame. If I think it is a joke among friends, then I keep it-- which means that if I know the IP address and they sign their name, there is somewhat more leeway than if you sign your name with intent to hide. 99% of all comments stay.
I also get complaints from people when they are attacked personally on the blog AND when they get deleted. I try to be responsive in both cases.
But I understand--- it would be nice to have a totally open discussion at all times. I'll look into the registered users idea again.
I for one think Jase does a great job moderating the blog. we tried the free-for-all method but it didn't work. I, for one, support the idea of having a user login to comment. people are less likely to spew cowardly garbage when they can't hide behind some anonymous username.
I also support the moderated format. It could edited more quickly, but we are working on that. As for the content, I hated the ugly stupid name-calling and felt it was an embarrassment to the club and chess. I enjoy the content now, from Mike, Jason, Alex, and Ken; I agee we could have more posts from more players and members, especially about games, club and other tournaments and the Boston chess scene.
So, you are invited to submit exciting, interesting posts.
You can email yours to Jason or me (oresick@gmail.com)
I did mention the good job the moderators do. I appreciate their efforts.
Why not use the standard Blogger.com commenting system, instead of this HaloScan thing? Then only allow those with registered accounts to comment?
Matt,
I am thinking of trying that. One concern raised was the danger of losing all our rich comment history, but I'm sure I can download them all and back them up somewhere.
JAson
Is there really anything worth saving in the comments?
Just a quick note to say the title is now official! Congratulations once again to International Master Marc Esserman.
http://www.fide.com/component/co...-fide-congress-
Commenting by HaloScan
