In March, an HR consultant in partnership with GEM leadership* started an investigation regarding allegations of misconduct by Chris Sniezak (as outlined in this post and this post). This investigation was recently completed and the final report delivered. Last week, the HR consultant notified participants that the investigation was completed, and internal GEM staff notifications were made following that.

The investigator concluded by a preponderance of evidence that Chris acted in violation of the MMP Community Guidelines regarding harassment. The recommended courses of action were: formal apologies to aggrieved parties; education/training on matters of professional boundaries and anti-discrimination and harassment; and a suspension from GEM-related projects, leadership, and community spaces for a period of one year. The suspension length includes the time Chris has spent already suspended from GEM organizations, and so the investigator recommends that the suspension continue through January 27th, 2021.

As such, we will continue Chris’s suspension (begun earlier this year) as recommended. During the remainder of the suspension, GEM leadership will be working with Chris to pursue the other recommended actions per the investigation report. The leadership team is continuing to meet and discuss the report’s findings. The complete contents of the report (including the identities of the participants and the specifics of the allegations and incidents) remain confidential**, but the results and recommendations engender cause for reflection not only for Chris, but for the individuals on the GEM leadership team as well. We at Misdirected Mark Productions remain dedicated to the support and maintenance of a safer gaming community, and we strive to take the results of this investigation to heart.

We thank our staff, our community, those who took part in this investigation, and all our friends for their continued patience while this investigation was underway. We recognize that the process took longer to complete than was initially anticipated. Many delays were encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic and associated disruptions, but also over the course of the investigation, care was taken to ensure that all participants were able to contribute as they desired, and so this process was not rushed to a conclusion.

As of the close of the investigation, the consultant’s role in this process has also been completed. Anyone with further questions or comments about the investigation can contact the Chair of the investigation, Rob Abrazado, at rob@misdirectedmark.com.

Thank you all again for your patience and understanding.

* “GEM” refers to the collective of gaming blog Gnome Stew, publishing house Encoded Designs, and media network Misdirected Mark Productions. “GEM leadership” in this context refers to Rob Abrazado (co-head MMP), John Arcadian (co-head Gnome Stew, partner Encoded Designs), Senda Linaugh (co-head MMP), Angela Murray (co-head Gnome Stew), and Phil Vecchione (owner Encoded Designs).

** The complete report was authored by the HR consultant and delivered to Rob Abrazado. The complete contents were not otherwise shared, including to other GEM leadership team members, other investigation participants, or Chris.