26-01-2014, 11:37 AM
andyburnett Wrote:I hope that the working party also discuss 'opt out' possibilities for players - I haven't the remotest desire to play someone who isn't there physically (if you'll pardon the pun).Andy (and George),
I fear that when (I find it hard to believe 'if') remote chess becomes part of the scene there will be no opt-out and people who prefer an opponent in the flesh will have to like it or lump it. Preferring not to play an opponent online will be labelled 'discrimination' and players doing so will become guilty parties.
Sitting in front of a skype camera is no more inclusive than playing on the ICC. I said in another post that IMO the way to develop chess in 'remote' areas is for local enthusiasts to get together and try to organise a congress. Test the water. Who knows, it might even be a success! (e.g. Oban) - and the calendar gains another event. For example, the north-east (hardly remote) has a lively and active chess scene, yet the last Aberdeen congress, if my ailing memory serves, was in 2004!!! Surely it's not beyond the bounds of possibility for our friends up there to resurrect such an event? Ah, but hey, who needs a 'remote' congress when you've got skype?