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«12. . .27,27327,27427,27527,27627,27727,27827,279. . .63,55063,551»

Doge Land wrote:i tir

I thought you were asleep; go back to bed!

Android t-84xycb

Melicorium wrote:I thought you were asleep; go back to bed!

WHAT/ doge doesnt sleep doge ex

Melicorium

Kandorith wrote:It's the end of the RMB!!!!!!!! Panic!!!!!!!

Our rmb has over 27 thousand pages and the north has over 60 or 89 thousand pages

Melicorium

Post by Nicholas and Great Britain suppressed by Drystar.

Nicholas and Great Britain wrote:Our rmb has over 27 thousand pages and the north has over 60 or 89 thousand pages

5 issues? I must of been away for a while. I forgot to come back.

Melicorium

how do you create your own region

Melicorium

Yi bd wrote:how do you create your own region

page=create_region

Melicorium and 8848782

Iym winterless

Steampunk engineers wrote:Same for you
:p
What’ve I been called for?

Yes :D

Steampunk engineers and Melicorium

Iym winterless wrote:Except Spain was based.

That's why they took over the americas.

Iym winterless and Melicorium

Unojo wrote:That's why they took over the americas.

That's also why their economy became inflated due to the amount of sliver they got from the Americas.

Melicorium and Unojo

Android t-84xycb wrote:This place has changed; I have to give it that.

Technolandia
Si-topia?
The Solar System Scope?
Yansu?

Oh god, Techno's gone.
Oh well.

Do I know you..? Oh well. Yeah I've just been busy with life so ya know.

Android t-84xycb wrote:Fur Coat! I want your fur coat!
*runs towards you*

*slaps*
No touchy the floof.

Drystar, The Solar System Scope, Melicorium, and Frandella

[NEW RELEASE] Election Coverage

• Read the transcript of the Minister of Media debate!

• Help us gain visibility by liking the dispatch and discussing and sharing this new release. There are new releases every week!

SPINN

Year 18 | 10 February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 CABINET ELECTION
MINISTER OF MEDIA DEBATE
Moderator: James D. Halpert | Participants: Belschaft, Islas and Rabbitz

Welcome to the February 2021 Minister of Media Debate!

I am James Halpert and I will be the moderator of this debate with Belschaft, Islas and Rabbitz, candidates for Minister of Media. This debate is sponsored by the South Pacific Independent News Network.

The format of this debate will consist of three sections:

The first section will feature questions for all candidates on their qualifications, intended policies and their visions for the coming term.
The second section will feature specific questions for each candidate.
The third section will allow each candidate to ask one question to their opponent(s), after which a few minutes for discussion will be allowed.

Candidates are asked to clearly mark the end of their answers so that I may know when to invite the other candidate to answer or to move on to the next question and to answer no later than 3 minutes after a question has been asked. If any candidate wishes to respond to their opponent at any time, they should first ask for the floor; the goal of this is to keep an orderly flow of discussion and avoid excessive interruptions.


Opening Statements

[Belschaft] Hello all, Belschaft here. Former Delegate, current High Court Justice, and TSP's official curmudgeon. There is one clear and simple dividing line between myself and my honourable opponents in this debate; I have no desire to be a Cabinet Minister, and as such do not think the Ministry of Media should exist. If you elect me my first, second, and only objective will be to abolish it.

[Islas] The Ministry has a bright future but only if its allowed to exist. The ministry is in all of our hands and i dont think passing it off to private interests is the way to go because we would quickly fall behind: We have to look at the ministry as not only a service for media, but also an organization that can inform the larger world of our thinking and activities.

[Rabbitz] Howdy y'all! You know me as that loveable rabbit that occasionally eats your lawn, eats people, and writes articles for MoM. Anyway, I hope that I can bring my expertise that I have learned from Islas and Seraph to the forefront of TSP, and make TSJ the greatest defender newspaper!

What role do you see for the Ministry of Media both in the region and abroad given the presence of publications such as NationStates Today, The Rejected Times and SPINN?

[Belschaft] I do not see a role for a Ministry of Media. I believe that journalism should be conducted independently of the regional government, and that whilst the region's bureaucracy should enable news services to operate in TSP - as it already does, with SPINN as a fine example of how this works - the Cabinet should not be involved in this. At best government run news services in NS serve as means of spreading propaganda, but far more often they are completely ineffective and frequently inactive. Media is best left to dedicated players with a genuine interest in NS journalism, not people seeking a Cabinet office to burnish their CV.

[Islas] The ministry is a competitor of TRT, but in the sense that Burger King and Mcdonalds compete to sell coke drinks: we are in actuality working together to advance prodefender views. I think this is the key here, we have finally under my leadership established a wing through which the whole game can understand and come to the Defender ideology. Spinn and nstoday are fine and all but dont really approach the level or idea of what I'm doing as minister, even though im lead to believe theyre doing really well.

[Rabbitz] In terms of within the region, I see MoM as the #1 defenderist source of information for the denizens of TSP. However, with newspapers such as TRT and NST, we need to up our content level and start producing more information about international events. As such, the TSJ needs to include not only regional news but foreign news. This will not only bring the TSJ up with the ranks of TRT and NST, but it would also bring prestige and honor to the region of TSP.

Do you think there is merit in purely factual content either in the Ministry of Media or in privately-owned regional publications or do you think time and effort would be better spent in analysis, statistics and opinion content?

[Islas] Theres obviously both an appetite for, and a want to produce both kinds, and i have so far sought to release both forms.

[Rabbitz] I do not think there is much merit in writing factual-based content in MoM; and since SPINN is privately owned and operated, it’s not my place to give an opinion on them.

The time and effort should be allocated to writing opinion-based news, specifically defenderist-opinionated news since we are a defenderist region. In terms of stats and analysis, they should be run bi-monthly to check up on the people’s opinion of the Cabinet and positions within it.

[Belschaft] My opponents have described their principle objectives as Minister of Media as being to "advance pro-defender views" and serving as a "defenderist source of information". Regardless of their stated answers to this question I think this reveals their clear intent for the Ministry of Media to promote a particular viewpoint, that of the Cabinet and government. I fundamentally believe that journalism should be objective, factual, critical of those who hold power and open to multiple opinions and viewpoints. This is the principle reason why it should be independent of the government.

[Islas] That implies that tsp has no right to be heard, we dont have to be quiet we have as much a right of anybody to say what we believe to the whole game.

If elected, will you pursue a neutral stance for Ministry publications or will there be an open bias, for example towards defenders? Why do you think your view is the right one for the region? In the case of Belschaft, could you expand on your answer to the previous question?

[Rabbitz] I will pursue an open-bias that will be geared towards defenders. And in terms of why, it's because a) we are simply a defenderist region and b) we could potentially create a newspaper that will not only be the mouth of TSP but the mouth of defenderism itself.

[Belschaft] If I want to know what the government thinks I read Cabinet statements or official regional announcements. The point of journalism is at it's most fundamental level to find out what those with power don't want the public to know and reveal it. A government run news service can never really conduct proper journalism or provide genuinely impartial news, because it's interest are fundamentally those of the government. Where public journalism works in the real world it is run at a distance, free of editorial control or influence by the government. I do not believe that a news service which will print how brilliant and fantastic Defending and the SPSF is - regardless of what the reality is - does the region any good.

[Islas] I am already operating the ministry under a prodefender ideology, and will plan to continue doing so. Tsp has the right to follow and advance its interests, including those for the native nations in raidable regions. Not to say that every piece will necessarily be even about defenderism or our interests there.

Impartiality is for those who don't know what they want, I'll never be ashamed to proudly be defender.

A common issue tend to be the inability of ministers of get the full staff to respond and write content. How do you intend to deal with that issue and ensure that quality content is published and in a timely manner. In the case of Belschaft, would you play any role in ensuring that citizens have an interest in journalism and find the resources or avenues necessary to further those interests?

[Belschaft] In the short term - prior to officially abolishing the Ministry of Media - I would talk to everyone currently involved, and will help those who have a genuine interest in journalism either get involved in an existing news service or start their own. Longer term I think there is a clear role for the region's bureaucracy to enable independent media by establishing sub-forums, promoting their work via regional TG and dispatches, and so forth. Ultimately this is all dependent, as ever, on there being players in TSP with a genuine passion for journalism and the willingness to do the work - such as the many players who have taken over SPINN throughout the years, each giving it their own spin.

[Islas] I have ran into this, the main goal is it grow the ministry, this months paper i aim to have less islas pieces but the same amount of content. This question points to an important reality based fact: We need people tp step up and work for the ministry, else belschaft is able to tear it down. One of my weaknesses is time related management, and im going to have to rely on the camaraderie in the ministry to get through it.

[Rabbitz] In terms of getting the full-staff to respond and write quality content, I will ask that each and every person of MoM write at least one news story by the end of each month. And in order to keep them in an orderly fashion, I will ask that each and every person of MoM hold each other accountable for writing their articles. In addition, I will be on top of those who promised to write an article. I will even compose a chart that will say who has written an article, and how many, and who has not; it would be renewed each month. In terms of being on time, I will proudly use our Trello board to micromanage every piece of potential information with their due dates listed accordingly. That way, no one can be confused about what's going on.

The outgoing Cabinet received a fair amount of criticism for a lack of accountability and transparency. How do you think the Ministry of Media has fared in those two areas, and what will you go if elected to ensure that the public knows what you are doing?

[Islas] I stepped up to be appointed to help the ministry, transparency has been an issue, and i can certainly seek to be more open with the region, but so far people have been up to date where my involvement here is concerned, we said wed release a newspaper and did, and have advertised the new publication LD pretty good, maybe people would want to see a tour of the ministry mtv cribs style?

[Rabbitz] In terms of accountability, up until when Islas’ took over, there was hardly anything being produced. Content was promised, and the people of TSP received crumbs. Real-Time was promised, and it’s currently rotting-away in its desolate channel. In terms of transparency, there wasn’t anything to nothing to hide since there wasn’t anything going on. To minimize this, Trello Board. The Trello Board will be pinned and used and displayed in the main channel of MoM so that everyone knows what is happening. In addition, updates will be sent in the #announcements that will let the people know what is upcoming and what they can expect.

[Belschaft] Good journalism holds those in office to account, shines a spotlight on the failings of those with power, and provides information to the public - and thus leads to good government. Does anyone really think that the Ministry of Media will publish stories about government failings or articles critical of the Cabinet? Both Rabbitz and Islas have been clear that their intention is to promote the governments preferred viewpoint in TSP and abroad.

In terms of myself and my own accountability, if I haven’t shut down the Ministry of Media within a month the Assembly should recall me. Feel free to quote me on that if necersary.

Desserts are a contentious issue in the region. Do you prefer cake or pie?

[Rabbitz] Cake.

[Belschaft] American style pie or real pie?

[Islas] Pie!

Cake i think is nasty, unless its cheesecake.

But cheesecake sets up an unreasonable standard to hold all other cheese to, so its pie.

Belschaft, what would you do if you were elected but the Assembly refused to abolish the Ministry of Media?

[Belschaft] Well, I imagine we would be in something of an impasse if that occurred. It's quite possible - it requires a supermajority to amend the Charter, but less than that to be elected. I would simply keep the Ministry closed and inactive if this was the case, though absenting myself from all Cabinet matters and discussion unless specifically asked by the PM to take part. My hope would be that if elected with a clear mandate to abolish the Ministry of Media I would be able to pass the legislation through the Assembly.

Islas, as you know many people can sign up to the Ministry without actually contributing when asked to write. What specific steps will you follow to bring people into the Ministry and actually keep them engaged?

[Islas] I have been privately approaching various people to write for us, and placed an ad in the rmb, i hope to do these things more and rn i can say we are drafting a new ad campaign to get people in the ministry and working or joining there.

Rabbitz, you last held elected office when you were Chair of the Assembly and, in that position, resigned amid calls for a recall. How would you assure voters that a similar situation would not happen if you are elected?

[Rabbitz] I apologize for that, and I take full responsibility for my actions. What separates now from then is that I have a plan that will not only keep my staff accountable, by myself as well. My policy will be is that if I'm not doing my job, my staff has permission to ping me until I do it. In addition, I have measures that will makes sure, in the case I do go dark, the quotas of TSJ will always be met: the Trello Board.

Cross Questioning and Discussion

[Islas] What's your problem with defenders bels?

[Belschaft] I don't have any problem with Defenders. I was a Defender for several years, and some of my closest and dearest friends in NS are or were Defenders. I was a founding member of a major Defender organisation - the UDL - and served with distinction in the FRA. I generally speaking don't like "moralism" which tries to suggest that people playing a game in an approved and legal manner are bad, bullies, or in any other way nasty. I've known some horrible people who were Defenders and some lovely people who were Raiders, and vice versa - whether or not someone is a good person has nothing to do with R/D. I also dislike exclusionary and otherwise proscriptive ideologies which try keep players out of a region for disagreeing with the current government, or for for playing the game in a legal manner. I think it's an infantile behaviour which makes our community less diverse and poorer for it.

[Rabbitz] My question is also for Bel: TSP is a prominent defender region, and has the potential to use its influence to support and gain potential defenderist regions. So by eliminating the MoM, and subsequently TSJ, which has the potential of being the #1 source of information for defenders, wouldn't you be suppressing the influence of defenderism and the values of defenderism by letting other newspapers get prominence?

[Islas] I mean i dont think ive followed a line thats derogatory of raiders, whats the problem with a fair and widespread examples of our defender beliefs?

Youve gone against it so far today, have you read the tsj? Can you point to one thing in there that you disagree with?

[Belschaft] The answer to both these question is simple - journalism isn't about promoting anything, and certainly not trying to increase the influence of the government. Your confusing journalism with propaganda.

[Islas] This is word games, all of it is on a scale of both everywhere.

[Rabbitz] Would you or would you not be suppressing the values of defenderism by letting other newspapers take hold (such as whatever TWP has)?

Let me remind you that TWP leans toward raiderism.

[Belschaft] My question to you both is fairly simple; Why has it taken the creation of a new Cabinet position for either of you to show any interest in NS journalism? We can see with SPINN a clear example of how effective, engaging and positive it can be when someone with real passion for it starts a newspaper. To me it looks a lot like your real passion here is joining the Cabinet.

[Islas] Hey rabbitz, do you agree that we are legitimized in our work and given special advantages by the means of access to areas that a private writer wouldn't be able to get to as an official ministry?

[Belschaft] I'm not sure "TWP engages in government propaganda so why shouldn't we?" is a persuasive argument.

[Islas] I wanted to help out, and frankly dont care if either me or rabbitz is minister.

I dont think theres anything wrong with trying to help the region, im not sure there were any other options.

[Rabbitz] We both saw an opportunity to help our region, and we took it. Why did other people join MoM? Was it simply to earn recognition and experience to later have a ground to speak on when they would run for a Cabinet a position, or was it just to help out their region?

[Islas] Rabbitz is likely to become minister if i do anyway, he's deputy.

[Rabbitz] I would like to remind you that the TSJ is not propaganda. We are not seeking to control our denizens lives, but just trying to give a mighty voice to defenderism.

[Belschaft] I mean, from the way I read your responses you both seem to be admitting that you have minimal if any actual interest in journalism - which really is my problem with the whole concept of the Ministry of Media.

[Rabbitz] I believe both of us have written and edited content for TSJ.

[Belschaft] To be frank I think you could both spend your time far more effectively and productively doing something else which you actually are interested in, rather than trying to become Minister of Media because it's there.

[Rabbitz] Plus, MoM isn't just about journalism; there's also statistics, analysis, and maybe Real-Time.

[Belschaft] I don't think wanting to serve the region is a bad thing - it's admirable.

Running for an office you're not actually interested in because it's available isn't.

[Islas] I hardly care if im minister.

I've wanted to write for us for forever, and this was a good chance.

[Belschaft] What was stopping you?

[Islas] RL, other interests.

I plan to continue working even if I'm not elected.

[Rabbitz] I am interested in it. If I wasn't, then I wouldn't have made multiple strategies that would help MoM and instead made vague statements of what I would do.

[Belschaft] So if you don't want to be a Minister, and your passion is writing Islas.... why are you running for a political office? Why aren't you out there writing, finding stories, running a newspaper?

[Islas] I'm doing both.

Rabbitz could confirm, I've released a ld piece like since its started.

[Rabbitz] Plus, part of MoM is getting interested in the politics of TSP. So we would have to balance both an interest in politics and a passion for writing.

[Islas] The polls said people wanted me, i didnt originally intend on running.

[Belschaft] To be quite frank, I don't believe either of you. Your stories don't add up to me.

[Islas] I can't speak for Rabbitz.

[Rabbitz] Belschaft. Let me ask you something: if MoM wasn't doing bad and the TSJ was actually in the field of overtaking the likes of NST and TRT, would you still be in this position right now?

[Islas] But he could confirm I didn't seek reelection until the polls were released and individuals encouraged me to run as well.

[Belschaft] I think I've made it very clear that I object to the Ministry of Media on a fundamental level, regardless of questions of performance.

[Rabbitz] Or would you be wearing a hat that says "MoM is the best"?

Belschaft, did you have similar disagreements regarding the media department of the Ministry of Regional Affairs?

[Belschaft] Yes, but to a lesser degree. I've always had a clear preference for independent media but back when it was under the portfolio of MoRA it was somewhat more distant from direct political control.

[Islas] Favorite fruit?

[Belschaft] Bananas.

Other than TSP, which region do you think is the best in NS and why?

[Islas] As a member in 3 regions, the tie is ofc tsp, xki, and the internationale.

Will both of you commit to one article in this month's tsj?

[Rabbitz] 'Course.

[Belschaft] I'd be happy to write for any news papers which is interested in my views, assuming I have the time and something interesting to say.

Closing Statements

[Islas] I trust the future of the ministry with Rabbitz, I'm completely fine if either of us are elected, if the ministry's allowed to exist I see a bright future.

As for belschaft, feel free to open your own media service, maybe it will pass a censor board for tsp nonregional media :thinking: :stuck_out_tongue:

[Belschaft] In regards to closing remarks, I believe that there is a clear and undeniable difference in opinion here between Islas and Rabbitz on one side and myself on the other. That difference is fundamental, and is about the proper roles of journalism and the government. I wish them both well, but I think a Minister of Propaganda would be bad for TSP and I urge the assembly not to elect one.

[Rabbitz] I'm a visionary, and I have a vision for MoM. If my strategies to reach that vision haven't convinced you to vote for me in any way, then tell me so that I may better. If they have, then I will not fail either TSP myself again.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 with the goal of providing good, insightful and timely commentary on regional events for the citizens of the South Pacific. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published via pseudonyms. The SPINN is not associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

Read dispatch

Rabbitz, Melicorium, Purple Hyacinth, and Frandella

Independent News Network wrote:[NEW RELEASE] Election Coverage

• Read the transcript of the Minister of Media debate!

• Help us gain visibility by liking the dispatch and discussing and sharing this new release. There are new releases every week!

SPINN

Year 18 | 10 February 2021

FEBRUARY 2021 CABINET ELECTION
MINISTER OF MEDIA DEBATE
Moderator: James D. Halpert | Participants: Belschaft, Islas and Rabbitz

Welcome to the February 2021 Minister of Media Debate!

I am James Halpert and I will be the moderator of this debate with Belschaft, Islas and Rabbitz, candidates for Minister of Media. This debate is sponsored by the South Pacific Independent News Network.

The format of this debate will consist of three sections:

The first section will feature questions for all candidates on their qualifications, intended policies and their visions for the coming term.
The second section will feature specific questions for each candidate.
The third section will allow each candidate to ask one question to their opponent(s), after which a few minutes for discussion will be allowed.

Candidates are asked to clearly mark the end of their answers so that I may know when to invite the other candidate to answer or to move on to the next question and to answer no later than 3 minutes after a question has been asked. If any candidate wishes to respond to their opponent at any time, they should first ask for the floor; the goal of this is to keep an orderly flow of discussion and avoid excessive interruptions.


Opening Statements

[Belschaft] Hello all, Belschaft here. Former Delegate, current High Court Justice, and TSP's official curmudgeon. There is one clear and simple dividing line between myself and my honourable opponents in this debate; I have no desire to be a Cabinet Minister, and as such do not think the Ministry of Media should exist. If you elect me my first, second, and only objective will be to abolish it.

[Islas] The Ministry has a bright future but only if its allowed to exist. The ministry is in all of our hands and i dont think passing it off to private interests is the way to go because we would quickly fall behind: We have to look at the ministry as not only a service for media, but also an organization that can inform the larger world of our thinking and activities.

[Rabbitz] Howdy y'all! You know me as that loveable rabbit that occasionally eats your lawn, eats people, and writes articles for MoM. Anyway, I hope that I can bring my expertise that I have learned from Islas and Seraph to the forefront of TSP, and make TSJ the greatest defender newspaper!

What role do you see for the Ministry of Media both in the region and abroad given the presence of publications such as NationStates Today, The Rejected Times and SPINN?

[Belschaft] I do not see a role for a Ministry of Media. I believe that journalism should be conducted independently of the regional government, and that whilst the region's bureaucracy should enable news services to operate in TSP - as it already does, with SPINN as a fine example of how this works - the Cabinet should not be involved in this. At best government run news services in NS serve as means of spreading propaganda, but far more often they are completely ineffective and frequently inactive. Media is best left to dedicated players with a genuine interest in NS journalism, not people seeking a Cabinet office to burnish their CV.

[Islas] The ministry is a competitor of TRT, but in the sense that Burger King and Mcdonalds compete to sell coke drinks: we are in actuality working together to advance prodefender views. I think this is the key here, we have finally under my leadership established a wing through which the whole game can understand and come to the Defender ideology. Spinn and nstoday are fine and all but dont really approach the level or idea of what I'm doing as minister, even though im lead to believe theyre doing really well.

[Rabbitz] In terms of within the region, I see MoM as the #1 defenderist source of information for the denizens of TSP. However, with newspapers such as TRT and NST, we need to up our content level and start producing more information about international events. As such, the TSJ needs to include not only regional news but foreign news. This will not only bring the TSJ up with the ranks of TRT and NST, but it would also bring prestige and honor to the region of TSP.

Do you think there is merit in purely factual content either in the Ministry of Media or in privately-owned regional publications or do you think time and effort would be better spent in analysis, statistics and opinion content?

[Islas] Theres obviously both an appetite for, and a want to produce both kinds, and i have so far sought to release both forms.

[Rabbitz] I do not think there is much merit in writing factual-based content in MoM; and since SPINN is privately owned and operated, it’s not my place to give an opinion on them.

The time and effort should be allocated to writing opinion-based news, specifically defenderist-opinionated news since we are a defenderist region. In terms of stats and analysis, they should be run bi-monthly to check up on the people’s opinion of the Cabinet and positions within it.

[Belschaft] My opponents have described their principle objectives as Minister of Media as being to "advance pro-defender views" and serving as a "defenderist source of information". Regardless of their stated answers to this question I think this reveals their clear intent for the Ministry of Media to promote a particular viewpoint, that of the Cabinet and government. I fundamentally believe that journalism should be objective, factual, critical of those who hold power and open to multiple opinions and viewpoints. This is the principle reason why it should be independent of the government.

[Islas] That implies that tsp has no right to be heard, we dont have to be quiet we have as much a right of anybody to say what we believe to the whole game.

If elected, will you pursue a neutral stance for Ministry publications or will there be an open bias, for example towards defenders? Why do you think your view is the right one for the region? In the case of Belschaft, could you expand on your answer to the previous question?

[Rabbitz] I will pursue an open-bias that will be geared towards defenders. And in terms of why, it's because a) we are simply a defenderist region and b) we could potentially create a newspaper that will not only be the mouth of TSP but the mouth of defenderism itself.

[Belschaft] If I want to know what the government thinks I read Cabinet statements or official regional announcements. The point of journalism is at it's most fundamental level to find out what those with power don't want the public to know and reveal it. A government run news service can never really conduct proper journalism or provide genuinely impartial news, because it's interest are fundamentally those of the government. Where public journalism works in the real world it is run at a distance, free of editorial control or influence by the government. I do not believe that a news service which will print how brilliant and fantastic Defending and the SPSF is - regardless of what the reality is - does the region any good.

[Islas] I am already operating the ministry under a prodefender ideology, and will plan to continue doing so. Tsp has the right to follow and advance its interests, including those for the native nations in raidable regions. Not to say that every piece will necessarily be even about defenderism or our interests there.

Impartiality is for those who don't know what they want, I'll never be ashamed to proudly be defender.

A common issue tend to be the inability of ministers of get the full staff to respond and write content. How do you intend to deal with that issue and ensure that quality content is published and in a timely manner. In the case of Belschaft, would you play any role in ensuring that citizens have an interest in journalism and find the resources or avenues necessary to further those interests?

[Belschaft] In the short term - prior to officially abolishing the Ministry of Media - I would talk to everyone currently involved, and will help those who have a genuine interest in journalism either get involved in an existing news service or start their own. Longer term I think there is a clear role for the region's bureaucracy to enable independent media by establishing sub-forums, promoting their work via regional TG and dispatches, and so forth. Ultimately this is all dependent, as ever, on there being players in TSP with a genuine passion for journalism and the willingness to do the work - such as the many players who have taken over SPINN throughout the years, each giving it their own spin.

[Islas] I have ran into this, the main goal is it grow the ministry, this months paper i aim to have less islas pieces but the same amount of content. This question points to an important reality based fact: We need people tp step up and work for the ministry, else belschaft is able to tear it down. One of my weaknesses is time related management, and im going to have to rely on the camaraderie in the ministry to get through it.

[Rabbitz] In terms of getting the full-staff to respond and write quality content, I will ask that each and every person of MoM write at least one news story by the end of each month. And in order to keep them in an orderly fashion, I will ask that each and every person of MoM hold each other accountable for writing their articles. In addition, I will be on top of those who promised to write an article. I will even compose a chart that will say who has written an article, and how many, and who has not; it would be renewed each month. In terms of being on time, I will proudly use our Trello board to micromanage every piece of potential information with their due dates listed accordingly. That way, no one can be confused about what's going on.

The outgoing Cabinet received a fair amount of criticism for a lack of accountability and transparency. How do you think the Ministry of Media has fared in those two areas, and what will you go if elected to ensure that the public knows what you are doing?

[Islas] I stepped up to be appointed to help the ministry, transparency has been an issue, and i can certainly seek to be more open with the region, but so far people have been up to date where my involvement here is concerned, we said wed release a newspaper and did, and have advertised the new publication LD pretty good, maybe people would want to see a tour of the ministry mtv cribs style?

[Rabbitz] In terms of accountability, up until when Islas’ took over, there was hardly anything being produced. Content was promised, and the people of TSP received crumbs. Real-Time was promised, and it’s currently rotting-away in its desolate channel. In terms of transparency, there wasn’t anything to nothing to hide since there wasn’t anything going on. To minimize this, Trello Board. The Trello Board will be pinned and used and displayed in the main channel of MoM so that everyone knows what is happening. In addition, updates will be sent in the #announcements that will let the people know what is upcoming and what they can expect.

[Belschaft] Good journalism holds those in office to account, shines a spotlight on the failings of those with power, and provides information to the public - and thus leads to good government. Does anyone really think that the Ministry of Media will publish stories about government failings or articles critical of the Cabinet? Both Rabbitz and Islas have been clear that their intention is to promote the governments preferred viewpoint in TSP and abroad.

In terms of myself and my own accountability, if I haven’t shut down the Ministry of Media within a month the Assembly should recall me. Feel free to quote me on that if necersary.

Desserts are a contentious issue in the region. Do you prefer cake or pie?

[Rabbitz] Cake.

[Belschaft] American style pie or real pie?

[Islas] Pie!

Cake i think is nasty, unless its cheesecake.

But cheesecake sets up an unreasonable standard to hold all other cheese to, so its pie.

Belschaft, what would you do if you were elected but the Assembly refused to abolish the Ministry of Media?

[Belschaft] Well, I imagine we would be in something of an impasse if that occurred. It's quite possible - it requires a supermajority to amend the Charter, but less than that to be elected. I would simply keep the Ministry closed and inactive if this was the case, though absenting myself from all Cabinet matters and discussion unless specifically asked by the PM to take part. My hope would be that if elected with a clear mandate to abolish the Ministry of Media I would be able to pass the legislation through the Assembly.

Islas, as you know many people can sign up to the Ministry without actually contributing when asked to write. What specific steps will you follow to bring people into the Ministry and actually keep them engaged?

[Islas] I have been privately approaching various people to write for us, and placed an ad in the rmb, i hope to do these things more and rn i can say we are drafting a new ad campaign to get people in the ministry and working or joining there.

Rabbitz, you last held elected office when you were Chair of the Assembly and, in that position, resigned amid calls for a recall. How would you assure voters that a similar situation would not happen if you are elected?

[Rabbitz] I apologize for that, and I take full responsibility for my actions. What separates now from then is that I have a plan that will not only keep my staff accountable, by myself as well. My policy will be is that if I'm not doing my job, my staff has permission to ping me until I do it. In addition, I have measures that will makes sure, in the case I do go dark, the quotas of TSJ will always be met: the Trello Board.

Cross Questioning and Discussion

[Islas] What's your problem with defenders bels?

[Belschaft] I don't have any problem with Defenders. I was a Defender for several years, and some of my closest and dearest friends in NS are or were Defenders. I was a founding member of a major Defender organisation - the UDL - and served with distinction in the FRA. I generally speaking don't like "moralism" which tries to suggest that people playing a game in an approved and legal manner are bad, bullies, or in any other way nasty. I've known some horrible people who were Defenders and some lovely people who were Raiders, and vice versa - whether or not someone is a good person has nothing to do with R/D. I also dislike exclusionary and otherwise proscriptive ideologies which try keep players out of a region for disagreeing with the current government, or for for playing the game in a legal manner. I think it's an infantile behaviour which makes our community less diverse and poorer for it.

[Rabbitz] My question is also for Bel: TSP is a prominent defender region, and has the potential to use its influence to support and gain potential defenderist regions. So by eliminating the MoM, and subsequently TSJ, which has the potential of being the #1 source of information for defenders, wouldn't you be suppressing the influence of defenderism and the values of defenderism by letting other newspapers get prominence?

[Islas] I mean i dont think ive followed a line thats derogatory of raiders, whats the problem with a fair and widespread examples of our defender beliefs?

Youve gone against it so far today, have you read the tsj? Can you point to one thing in there that you disagree with?

[Belschaft] The answer to both these question is simple - journalism isn't about promoting anything, and certainly not trying to increase the influence of the government. Your confusing journalism with propaganda.

[Islas] This is word games, all of it is on a scale of both everywhere.

[Rabbitz] Would you or would you not be suppressing the values of defenderism by letting other newspapers take hold (such as whatever TWP has)?

Let me remind you that TWP leans toward raiderism.

[Belschaft] My question to you both is fairly simple; Why has it taken the creation of a new Cabinet position for either of you to show any interest in NS journalism? We can see with SPINN a clear example of how effective, engaging and positive it can be when someone with real passion for it starts a newspaper. To me it looks a lot like your real passion here is joining the Cabinet.

[Islas] Hey rabbitz, do you agree that we are legitimized in our work and given special advantages by the means of access to areas that a private writer wouldn't be able to get to as an official ministry?

[Belschaft] I'm not sure "TWP engages in government propaganda so why shouldn't we?" is a persuasive argument.

[Islas] I wanted to help out, and frankly dont care if either me or rabbitz is minister.

I dont think theres anything wrong with trying to help the region, im not sure there were any other options.

[Rabbitz] We both saw an opportunity to help our region, and we took it. Why did other people join MoM? Was it simply to earn recognition and experience to later have a ground to speak on when they would run for a Cabinet a position, or was it just to help out their region?

[Islas] Rabbitz is likely to become minister if i do anyway, he's deputy.

[Rabbitz] I would like to remind you that the TSJ is not propaganda. We are not seeking to control our denizens lives, but just trying to give a mighty voice to defenderism.

[Belschaft] I mean, from the way I read your responses you both seem to be admitting that you have minimal if any actual interest in journalism - which really is my problem with the whole concept of the Ministry of Media.

[Rabbitz] I believe both of us have written and edited content for TSJ.

[Belschaft] To be frank I think you could both spend your time far more effectively and productively doing something else which you actually are interested in, rather than trying to become Minister of Media because it's there.

[Rabbitz] Plus, MoM isn't just about journalism; there's also statistics, analysis, and maybe Real-Time.

[Belschaft] I don't think wanting to serve the region is a bad thing - it's admirable.

Running for an office you're not actually interested in because it's available isn't.

[Islas] I hardly care if im minister.

I've wanted to write for us for forever, and this was a good chance.

[Belschaft] What was stopping you?

[Islas] RL, other interests.

I plan to continue working even if I'm not elected.

[Rabbitz] I am interested in it. If I wasn't, then I wouldn't have made multiple strategies that would help MoM and instead made vague statements of what I would do.

[Belschaft] So if you don't want to be a Minister, and your passion is writing Islas.... why are you running for a political office? Why aren't you out there writing, finding stories, running a newspaper?

[Islas] I'm doing both.

Rabbitz could confirm, I've released a ld piece like since its started.

[Rabbitz] Plus, part of MoM is getting interested in the politics of TSP. So we would have to balance both an interest in politics and a passion for writing.

[Islas] The polls said people wanted me, i didnt originally intend on running.

[Belschaft] To be quite frank, I don't believe either of you. Your stories don't add up to me.

[Islas] I can't speak for Rabbitz.

[Rabbitz] Belschaft. Let me ask you something: if MoM wasn't doing bad and the TSJ was actually in the field of overtaking the likes of NST and TRT, would you still be in this position right now?

[Islas] But he could confirm I didn't seek reelection until the polls were released and individuals encouraged me to run as well.

[Belschaft] I think I've made it very clear that I object to the Ministry of Media on a fundamental level, regardless of questions of performance.

[Rabbitz] Or would you be wearing a hat that says "MoM is the best"?

Belschaft, did you have similar disagreements regarding the media department of the Ministry of Regional Affairs?

[Belschaft] Yes, but to a lesser degree. I've always had a clear preference for independent media but back when it was under the portfolio of MoRA it was somewhat more distant from direct political control.

[Islas] Favorite fruit?

[Belschaft] Bananas.

Other than TSP, which region do you think is the best in NS and why?

[Islas] As a member in 3 regions, the tie is ofc tsp, xki, and the internationale.

Will both of you commit to one article in this month's tsj?

[Rabbitz] 'Course.

[Belschaft] I'd be happy to write for any news papers which is interested in my views, assuming I have the time and something interesting to say.

Closing Statements

[Islas] I trust the future of the ministry with Rabbitz, I'm completely fine if either of us are elected, if the ministry's allowed to exist I see a bright future.

As for belschaft, feel free to open your own media service, maybe it will pass a censor board for tsp nonregional media :thinking: :stuck_out_tongue:

[Belschaft] In regards to closing remarks, I believe that there is a clear and undeniable difference in opinion here between Islas and Rabbitz on one side and myself on the other. That difference is fundamental, and is about the proper roles of journalism and the government. I wish them both well, but I think a Minister of Propaganda would be bad for TSP and I urge the assembly not to elect one.

[Rabbitz] I'm a visionary, and I have a vision for MoM. If my strategies to reach that vision haven't convinced you to vote for me in any way, then tell me so that I may better. If they have, then I will not fail either TSP myself again.

The South Pacific Independent News Network (SPINN) is an independent news organisation established in 2003 with the goal of providing good, insightful and timely commentary on regional events for the citizens of the South Pacific. Opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the Editorial Board. Content is published via pseudonyms. The SPINN is not associated with the Government of the South Pacific.

Read dispatch

This debate was a real spicy one :P

Rabbitz, Melicorium, Unojo, New itomorii, and 1 otherFrandella

Frandella

Good morning.

Also, I got this isuue thing.

Issue Series

“An International Incident”
The Issue
Media outlets have been buzzing about the thousands of children abducted from their remote villages across the exotic nation of Brasilistan, suspected to have been carried out on the order of their own government. Reports are coming in that the abducted children have been sent underground to mine for diamonds, Brasilistan’s most precious resource, but military intelligence suggests that some young Frandellan citizens living there have fallen to the same fate.

Melicorium and Unojo

Saint Cinder wrote:I am told it was the darkest of times. Imagine having to obey Tsunamy! To solute! Being represented by! Tsunamy being active oh the horror!
Ouch! Not the first edition of Don Cinder where I'm the main character written by Iym winterless who somehow writes slower than a drunk JRR Martin on a typewriter! My precious!

It wasn't as dark as the time we were couped by the great Bubba yubba whom exiled thousands of nations and sieged us for 2 weeks.

Beepee, Iym winterless, Melicorium, Unojo, and 1 otherFrandella

Post by New primastein suppressed by Drystar.

New primastein

Hello does anybody know Nigg3r f4gg0t? Hes been running around spreading racism in TNP and now he's here after he's rumored to be here

Figyjharli, 8848782, Dutch southeast india, and Frandella

Post by Purple Hyacinth suppressed by Drystar.

New primastein wrote:Hello does anybody know Nigg3r f4gg0t? Hes been running around spreading racism in TNP and now he's here after he g

If you see nations with offensive names or posting offensive content, report them here: page=help (no need to do it this time as I have already reported them)

Melicorium, Figyjharli, 8848782, New primastein, and 1 otherFrandella

New primastein

Purple Hyacinth wrote:If you see nations with offensive names or posting offensive content, report them here: page=help (no need to do it this time as I have already reported them)

Thx, time for me to go back to my home

Beepee, Melicorium, Figyjharli, 8848782, and 1 otherFrandella

New primastein wrote:Thx, time for me to go back to my home

Purple Hyacinth wrote:If you see nations with offensive names or posting offensive content, report them here: page=help (no need to do it this time as I have already reported them)

their nation got soiled already. thanks a lot! need to head home to my TNP too!

Beepee, Melicorium, 8848782, and Frandella

Frandellan News:
Volunteers try to contain the uprising led by citizens living in the northern part of Fenshairre.
Currently the people leading the uprising has attacked multiple villages in the southern parts of the state of Fenshairre resulting in 24 people dying and 36 being moderately injured.

Now time for the less serious news.

Frandellan defies gravity.

A market selling apples burnt down, thankfully no apples were harmed. The same cannot be said for the humans.

Beepee, Yerice, Melicorium, and Figyjharli

New primastein wrote:Hello does anybody know -snip-? Hes been running around spreading racism in TNP and now he's here after he's rumored to be here

Purple Hyacinth wrote:If you see nations with offensive names or posting offensive content, report them here: page=help (no need to do it this time as I have already reported them)

Looks like Drystar used the power of LC Discretion to suppress both of your posts, as the first one mentioned the nation with the offensive name and the second quoted it. I think you better snip it out if you want your posts unsuppressed :P

Purple Hyacinth and Figyjharli

Melicorium wrote:Looks like Drystar used the power of LC Discretion to suppress both of your posts, as the first one mentioned the nation with the offensive name and the second quoted it. I think you better snip it out if you want your posts unsuppressed :P

oh dang, now I know what that snip means. thanks for telling me!

Melicorium

Kasei no shuken

Unojo wrote:nation=unojo/detail=factbook/id=1445007Think about it like this.
English spaniards.

Thank you for the read!

The Solar System Scope, Melicorium, Figyjharli, and Unojo

The nicer germany

Sup

Melicorium and Figyjharli

The nicer germany wrote:Sup

hello from TNP!

Qihein and Melicorium

The nicer germany wrote:Sup

Welcome to the South Pacific!
I am Stan Melix, Chairman of the United Socialist States of America (Melicorium) - you can just call me Melix.
*Gives you a fresh, cold can of Regular Sweetened Melicorian South Pacific Iced Tea, as well as two guides*
Read the first guide if you're interested in getting involved in our world-class community, and the second guide to get to know the RMB rules! ^_^

.

Guides
.

Welcome to the South Pacific!

HOLD IT! This dispatch is really long. What’s the TL;DR, please?

Well, the game pretty much plays itself, but if you’re looking to get involved in the region beyond the basics, then there are a variety of things you can do:

  • First, join the World Assembly on the left, and endorse Beepee. This is the simplest way you can help strengthen our region against attack. Read this dispatch to learn more about why this important!

  • Once you're a member, consider visiting our LinkOffice of World Assembly Legislation (OWL) to debate resolutions and get recommendations on how to vote, as well as learning how to write your own WA resolutions.

  • Want to talk to all of us in real time, to get all your questions answered, to debate what there is to debate, or just to chill and have a drink of South Pacific Iced Tea? LinkJoin us on our Discord server.

  • Are you interested in writing and debating laws, and getting involved in the nitty-gritty of regional politics? Join our regional forum and Linksign up to be a legislator here.

  • Interested in helping to craft festivals, events, news articles, and graphics to keep everyone entertained and involved for a long time to come. Join us on LinkDiscord

  • Interested in the military? Do you want to go out into the wide world of NationStates to protect regions from attackers, and take the fight to them if necessary? The South Pacific Special Forces is just the thing for you. LinkJump on Discord to sign up.


Okay, I want more detail, but start with the basics, please!

So, you’ve just started playing NationStates and you’ve been randomly assigned to the South Pacific region. What now?

There’s already a great FAQ on the site that’s worth reading, but I’ll do my best to give you a basic run through here as well.

Firstly, you will want to get to know your nation and get a feel for how you can mould it to your will. This is done by answering issues, which pop up every six hours or so. [Pro-tip - you can change the frequency that you receive issues in your settings] Each issue has a number of possible decisions to choose from. These will usually cover a range of positions on the political spectrum, but they will also tend to be rather extreme - that’s part of the fun! When you’ve chosen which decision you want to take, you’ll get a screen showing you its effect on your nation, as your stats go up or down in various ways, as well as a humorous tagline which will usually make it sound like you made a bad decision (don’t worry, it’s just being funny).

Answering issues is the only way you can directly change your nation’s stats (except population, which just increases steadily over time as a measure of how long you’ve been playing - population milestones will unlock some new customisation features for your nation, like naming your capital city), and it is, basically the whole of the base game. Anything else NationStates has to offer is kinda added-on.

Indeed, the only other part of the game that connects directly to your nation is the World Assembly. It’s kinda like NationStates’ version of the UN, and if you join it you can vote on resolutions created by other nations, the outcome of which will affect your nation’s stats. You can only have one WA nation. Don’t try and have more than one - it’s a serious offence!

There’s more to being in the WA, but that’s the only part of it that affects your nation’s general stats and is, therefore, part of the basics of the game. We’ll look at the other features of being in the WA later.

Okay, so you said I’d been assigned to a region. What is a region anyway and can I change which region I’m in?

Well, regions in NationStates are communities which your nation can be part of. Each nation can only belong to one region at a time, but you are free to move your nation as much as you like, or you can create multiple nations to experience several regions at once.

The South Pacific is a Game-Created Region (GCR), meaning that it was not founded by an individual player and, as one of the five Pacifics, it serves the purpose of being a ‘feeder’ region, meaning it is where new nations are randomly assigned once they are created, because everybody has to start somewhere.

As such, there are a lot of nations in the South Pacific at any one time and nations come and go quite quickly, but this also means that the region is very diverse and inclusive and this is reflected in the aims of the regional government.

Wait, what? The region has a government?

Yes, but there’s more to tell you about regions first!

Okay…

You can find other regions by searching for them on ‘The World’ page and you can change your nation’s region by visiting the World Factbook Entry (WFE - here’s the South Pacific’s) of another region and then scrolling until you see a button labeled ‘Move [nation name] to [region name]’. Click it and you’re off!

Right. Are you going to tell me about the regional government, now? Is that, like, a roleplaying thing?

Yes, okay.

Firstly, the regional government of the South Pacific (known as the Coalition of the South Pacific) is not a roleplaying government, at least, not exactly. It is made up of individuals within the South Pacific who have been elected to office by others in the South Pacific and, once in office, they have real power over the community and what happens there. In that sense, at least, this is not roleplaying. They are not ‘in character’. It is, however, a kind of gameplay, as it allows people to ‘play’ at politics and enjoy another aspect of being part of this community.

So, how does it work?

Well, regional governments sprang up not long after the game was first created back in 2003. They grew up out of the delegate system, which is where nations which are members of the WA can endorse each other and the nation with the most endorsements in the region becomes the regional WA delegate, with increased voting power in the WA itself. That automatically creates a kind of democracy and, since the regional WA delegate has certain powers (like banning nations and editing the WFE), it became a desirable position and one that people wanted to make sure was used wisely.

The limitations of what is possible on regional message boards made regions begin to form the structures of government on off-site forums and, over time and through the work and effort of many ‘generations’ of players, those structures have evolved into fully-functioning governments.

The Coalition of the South Pacific (found Linkon these forums) is one of the oldest democracies in the game. It has Linka charter from which all our laws are derived, an Assembly which serves as the legislature of the coalition, creating and voting on laws and presided over by the Chair; a Cabinet consisting of a Prime Minister and the Ministers, respectively, of Regional Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Military Affairs, who serve as our executive; and a local government on the game website consisting of the Delegate and three Local Council members. All of these positions are elected at regular intervals, allowing players frequent opportunity to run for them.

That sounds interesting. How do I get involved?

The best thing to do is to join the forums here and Linkregister as a legislator, which will allow you to vote on laws. Then you should probably lurk a little while and look through old threads to see what people actually do in government and how it affects the community.

I’d also recommend joining Linkour Discord chat server. It’s great fun and a lot happens on there which is relevant to the forum-based government. Indeed, in many ways, it’s more active than the forums, with the latter serving as the place to store and action all our laws, debates and votes.

What else is there to do?

There is roleplaying on both the TSP forum and the NationStates forum. Most regions have their own journalism reporting on regional events and are keen to have new writers get involved. Our journalism is run by the Ministry of Regional Affairs, who also organise festivals and events and write guides like this to help welcome new players. You can join us Linkon our Discord server

There is military gameplay, which takes the form of using WA membership and delegate endorsement to ‘raid’ regions, taking over their in-game power-structure to make changes or just say that you’ve done it. Other’s ‘defend’ regions from attacks by raiders who seek to damage a region’s membership or culture. There are also independents, who raid or defend just for fun and don’t seek to cause any damage. (the South Pacific has it’s own independent army - the South Pacific Special Forces, which you can join Linkhere, or Linkon their Discord server. There are even special GCRs called Warzones designed just for this purpose.

And of course there’s the usual banter and word games, karaoke competitions, inter-regional festivals - all sorts of things really. There’s always something going on in NationStates!

But don’t be overwhelmed. Take your time, get involved in whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it and don’t stress. Above all, have fun and play nicely with other players!

Read dispatch

RMB Rules and Etiquette

by The tsp local council

Hello! Welcome to the South Pacific, and its regional message board, or RMB! It is a vibrant, active place where people from all around the world can hang out and talk. It is the region's primary place of communication, and is open to all types of conversations, debates, and overall fun. However, without some form of rules, the RMB would be a wild, annoying, and downright un-enjoyable place. And so, due to this, rules must be laid down and enforced. These are important to protect everyone's safety, dignity, and sanity. So we all ask that you please take the time to read the following rules, and try your hardest to follow them. Remember, there are consequences for breaking the rules.

Note: The “Fundamental Rule” portion of each guideline is meant as a summary of the rule. The official text of the rule may be found in the “Details” spoiler.

Breaking these rules can result in consequences including warnings, post suppressions, and in the the case of repeated or serious infractions, ejection and banning from the region. The full, detailed Local Council Standard Moderation Policy, which specifies the exact consequences for various levels of rule-breaking, can be found here.

And so, after much introduction, here are your RMB Rules:

1. Say Neigh to Spam

Fundamental Rule: Don't spam. Spamming is bad. It is the first rule for a reason.

Details:
Spamming on the RMB is not allowed at all, under any circumstances. Spamming is probably best described as a post that is meaningless and/or unnecessary— for example, a post that repeats the same thing multiple times, a lone emoji or image, multiple posts of the same thing, or a series of posts that have no apparent meaning. It does not matter what your intent is— if your post(s) fits the above definition, it is considered spam and will be dealt with accordingly.

2. English is our Mane Language

Fundamental Rule: Posts on the Regional Message Board must be in English, or include an English translation.

Details:
We understand that many of you come from backgrounds where English is not your main language, as players come from all around the world. However, to avoid confusion among people who don't speak your language, we sincerely ask that you post in English only, for ease of communication.

Remember, there are tools like LinkGoogle Translate to help you. If you speak in another language, please add a translation to English in the same post. Posts with English translations will not be suppressed. For the avoidance of doubt, English means Modern English and not backwards English.

3. Keep Our Region Stable

Fundamental Rule: Don’t ask for people to endorse you on the Regional Message Board. Don’t ask for people to move to another region.

Details:
Asking for endorsements on the RMB is not allowed at all, under any circumstances. Ever. Permissions are only made if the requester is a member of the Council on Regional Security, the Coral Guard, or the Delegate seeking to increase endorsement counts for the purposes of promoting regional security.

If you want to receive and give more endorsements, get involved in the Southern World Assembly Initiative, TSP’s endorsement program.

Similarly, recruiting, or telling people to move to another region, is also not allowed. You may not ask people to join your region on the RMB, whether you are also a South Pacifican citizen yourself or not.

4. So a Horse walks into a bar ...

Fundamental Rule: Roleplay on the Regional Message Board, but do not break any other rules. If you're feeling nice or your roleplay is a bit niche or particularly nation driven, please consider taking your roleplaying to Knowhere.

Details:
It's all legal! As long as it complies with the rules. Specifically; remember to keep your roleplays appropriate (as stated in rule IX). The LC has reached a general conclusion on what is appropriate, and if your roleplay does not fit within those boundaries, it will be stopped. So, excessive display of affection, sexually-suggesting roleplay, and the like, are not allowed at all.

Similarly, do not clog the RMB with your roleplay. If you feel it has been going on for a while, either take it to a roleplay region, or cease it all together. Otherwise, it may be interfered with. When the board is dominated by roleplay, it becomes hard for everyone else to communicate with each-other, thanks to the overabundance of posts completely unrelated to what they are doing.

But other than those things, feel free to roleplay to your heart's content!

5. Hold your Horses

Fundamental Rule: Don’t post on the Regional Message Board three times or more in a row.

Details:
Triple posting, or posting three posts in a row, is considered illegal, as are any other number of posts more than two in a row. All posts after the initial two post will be suppressed. If one hour has passed without another post on the RMB a single third post will be allowed

6. Keep your nose in your own feedbag

Fundamental Rule: Don’t reveal other players’ personal information.

Details:
It is not permitted to post or otherwise share another player's personally-identifying information (i.e. social media accounts, IP addresses, postal addresses, E-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc.), and neither is it permitted to post or share information that may not be identifying but is nonetheless of a personal nature (i.e. medical history, relationship status, etc.). The only exception is if the player in question has shared that information themselves and does not mind its dissemination (this sharing or statement of permission must be publically viewable).

Making a claim of serious out-of-character misconduct (e.g. bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, etc.) against someone else, without providing evidence to moderation/administration, is considered malicious harassment, and will be dealt with accordingly. This rule applies to the TSP forum and discord as well.

7. Get Off Your High Horse

Fundamental Rule: Trolling, baiting or flaming of others is not allowed under any circumstances.

Details:
Trolling is defined as starting quarrels or upsetting people by posting inflammatory and digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages with the intent of provoking other nations into displaying emotional responses. Baiting is similar to trolling, and is defined as posting with the aim of angering someone indirectly, directed at a specific person. Flaming is defined as posting insults or other verbal and often personal attacks on other nations. Erudite slams while maintaining a veneer of politeness can also be considered flaming. All three of these are banned under all circumstances.

This is an extension of a simple policy of respect. What may seem like good natured fun to you could be trolling to someone else, and if they tell you to stop, do so.
We can and will warn, suppress, and even ban you, as well as record the incident. In severe cases the NationStates Moderators will be contacted, and puppets will not hide your IP address from them.

8. You Canter Break Site Rules

Fundamental Rule: No matter where you are in NationStates, the rules for the game still apply.

Details:
TSP is a part of NationStates, and as such, you must follow the rules of the game as a whole at all times. Breaking the game rules will land you in trouble with both the regional officers and NationStates site moderation. See the link below for the list of rules and a quick FAQ page for more details on the game rules.

NationStates Rules

NationStates FAQ

9. Mind Your Dam Manners

Fundamental Rule: Don’t post anything that would not be allowed in a PG-13 movie.

Details:
Excessive swearing, explicit, suggestive, or excessively violent messages, sexual references, and other such things will be suppressed on sight, and the NationStates site moderators can and will be called to get involved in serious cases. Excessive displays of personal affection (e.g. suggestive roleplayed snuggling, nuzzling, kissing, licking and so on) is also considered inappropriate and will be suppressed accordingly.

Mild swearing may be tolerated, mild sexuality may be at the very most hinted, but explicit or excessive versions of either or both will result in moderation intervention, both from the Local Council and potentially from NationStates site moderators. Derogatory terms are disallowed, and all swearing must abide by all other rules, particularly those about respecting others.

10. Straight from the horse’s mouth

Fundamental Rule: Do not edit someone's post in a malicious way or repost offensive content.

Details:
It is illegal to edit what someone else has written when quoting it in order to make it seem like they expressed a view which they didn’t. Quote-editing should be avoided even for comic effect.

When you are responding to someone's post, please quote their post (by pressing the "quote" button), as it makes it less confusing and will alert them to your post.

When quoting an offensive post, delete the content of the post and replace it with "-snip-". Doing so makes the administrators’ jobs much easier.

When quoting long posts, please cut the post down to the particular parts you are responding to, or replace the extraneous material with "-snip-".

11. Crop Your Post

Fundamental Rule: Use spoilers when making or quoting a very long post.

Details:
The [spoiler] tag is your friend. When making or quoting a very long post, or one which not everyone might want to read, please add spoilers, so as to avoid taking up a large amount of the page.

If you are giving a spoiler of a recently released book or film, put it in a spoiler tag, to give people who haven't read/watched it a chance. As a general rule of thumb, give a month for films post-release (as release dates may be different in different areas) and two months for book releases.

12. Rein In Rudeness

Fundamental Rule: The golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated.

Details:
Remember, there are other, real people behind the nations on the RMB. Everyone here is a human being with emotions and the right to be respected.

While dissent with regional officers (LC, Delegate, CRS, and Ministers) is perfectly acceptable, remember that they are people too, and worthy of basic human decency. The regional officers should be respected at all times just as any other member of the region should.

When debating, always remember to attack the argument rather than the person making it. If you find yourself getting heated, try to take a step back. Personal insults, insults to intelligence, etc. will not be tolerated. The only form of debate banned on the RMB is that over a particular suppression. For more information, see the Help Section at the end of this document.

13. Don't Ride on Foals

Fundamental Rule: Single word or similarly short posts are not appreciated on the RMB.

Details:
Single word posts that do not advance conversation are not allowed. If you find yourself wondering if a post is both unsubstantial and too short, it likely is. This rule does not mean you have to post several paragraphs of content every time you want to post. Single sentence posts, single word greetings, and single-word replies quoting other posts are still allowed under this rule.

However, at the discretion of the Local Council, posts deemed to be insubstantial and not contributing to the regional discourse will be suppressed. An excellent way to avoid this is to add thought to your posts.

Thank you for reading, and remember to follow these guidelines!

Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your stay here in TSP!

~~~HELP!~~~

If you believe a post breaks the rules and should be suppressed, wish to appeal to have a post unsuppressed, wish to appeal a formal warning, or have any questions about the laws of the RMB, you can contact your current Local Councillors through telegrams:

TescoPepsi
Petea
Evinea

OR

Lodge complaints or comments with the following nation:

The tsp local council

This nation is controlled by the LC, ensuring all Local Councillors can see your complaints or comments. Remember, the rules of respect apply to telegrams as well as the RMB.

Official moderation appeals must follow the process laid out in the Standard Moderation Policy dispatch.



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