King Durk the Awesome
TNPer
I am actually going to write two platforms. The first will be OOC, almost a plea to the region and to the game if you will, and the second will be a traditional IC platform. So here we go.
OOC:
Nationstates is a dying game. Many are quick to blame the mods, and certainly a large share of the blame does sit with them. But as gameplayers, we can take charge and fix our aspect of the game - gameplaying - to the best of our ability. How do we do this?
I look at history to answer this question. ADN vs ACC, the world vs Francos Spain, TRR vs TYW, etc. The list of great Nationstates wars go on and on, but they all share one commonality: they are great wars of the past. Most would agree that NS thrives on conflict, but it is important to note there are two types of conflict: internal (within the region) and external (region vs region). Internally, there has been plenty of conflict. Hell, look at Equilism right now. The West Pacific Triumvirate and Dominion also stand vivid in our recent memories, and also perhaps less recently the North Pacific Directorate. But externally, there has been little to none. The Lexicon was nothing more than a gnat that we crushed in our sleep. So then why why do we need more external conflict if there is already a load of internal conflict happening within the game?
Because internal conflict is often too emotional. When a region is lost to a rogue delegate, many (not myself, but others) view this rogue delegate as a community destroyer. Activity within the region does pick up briefly, but players are often driven away from the game in disgust. A united region is always preferable to a splintered one for this reason.
Not all external conflict is great, either. The Lexicon, for example, was entirely unable to draw the line between IC and OOC. Thankfully we crushed them like a gnat, but still it was a rather unpleasent experience. But the three wars I cited earlier in my platform (ADN vs ACC, the world vs Francos Spain, TRR vs TYW) are all by and large examples of GOOD conflict, where OOC emotions are kept out of the picture. Both sides remain sovereign throughout the conflict; it is nearly impossible for one side to conquer the other. As long as we are mature about it (as opposed to Lex) external conflict can be a great thing.
"So you're saying you're going to pick a fight????"
Yes, I am. Specifically, with the New Pacific Order. There is a reason why activity has been on a steady decline since the fall of the original NPO - and thus the fall of large-scale external conflict. The newly formed PRP went on a quest for improved relations with this region as well as others, I assume for a change of pace. But now the "good cop" PRP is no more; the "bad cop" NPO is back. And for that I am greatful as the Pacific has fulfilled their end of the bargain in making NS a more exciting game. Let's face it, the purges are quite a sight to see on an OOC level.
But I pick a fight with the NPO for two reasons: 1) They, particularly Ivan, are experts at drawing the line between IC and OOC. Generally they are some of the best players in the game and quite a joy to oppose. 2.) They give us lots of IC material to use against them. That will become clearer in my IC platform, so without further ado...
IC:
Over the months since the fall of the North Pacific Directorate and its poorly-named successor ("North Pacific Government), our region has blossomed into a world hyperpower. I would even go as far to say that we are THE premier region in the game. I am not as familiar with the NPA as I'd like to be as I prefer to keep my UN within this region, but it is my opinion that politically we are the most powerful region in this game. Although I am not convinced that the concept of "unified feeders" will ever work with the variety of idealogies we have amongst the feeders, the mere fact that we were able to organize such a summit and have every feeder attend and contribute is a testament to our global influence. We are a sleeping giant that is ready to awaken, to do its part to make our world a better place. And that is the focal point of my platform.
Tyrants run the NS earth, more in power than ever before. Invaders run freely and carelessly under the new influence rules. The defender organizations of the past are now, sadly, in a process of decay into inactivity that may or may not be turned around. More troubling, the New Pacific Order has risen again under TNP's old foe, Ivan Moldavi. This rogue regime needs to be checked, and I use rogue with great care. Not only are they are out of touch with us, but also with many, many other democratic regions throughout the world. Coup and coup again, whether in TNP, TWP, or Equilism, the same Pacifican suspects are there supporting the new totalitarian regime. Thousands of nations are being purged from the Pacific and dissenters silenced. The spread of tyranny is a worrying one that should concern this region greatly. It is time we hit this virus head on. We must contain it at all costs, or it is inevitable we will lose our own region to totalitarian ideology yet again. We've accomplished too much for that.
To that effect, I will use all the tools at my disposal as Prime Minister to fight and contain the "filthy theology" of the NPO. We need to broadcast ourselves as a democratic alternative. This means working alongside the elected Minister of Communications to expand the Wire to regions throughout Nationstates. Chaucerin of Equilism incorrectly stated "the only feeder that matters is the Pacific." Naturally I object to that statement entirely, but broadcasting our news service throughout the world should help conquer such misconceptions.
We need to stand by our close friends in the West Pacific. Recently, the government of the West has condemned the mass purges currently taking place in the Pacific, sparking some conflict between the two feeders. Standing by our longtime, democratic friends in the West is really the only viable option as I see it, and this means a statement of support of TWP's policy, if not an official treaty of alliance.
Internally, we need active ministries. Over the past several terms, we've had productive ministries and less productive ones. As Prime Minister, there is only so much I can do, but I guarantee you I will do everything I can to keep the ministries running. It's about damned time we form a University. The University will be a priority of mine, and I sincerely hope it is a priority of the next MoC&E as well.
And finally...
OOC conclusion:
There is a story behind my silly avatar. It's largely irrelivent, but the jist is that I promised someone that I'd make this my avatar and keep it that way permanently. That was probably... three or so months ago, and the avatar stays to this day. The point is that I don't break promises, and I am promising you now that I abide by this platform. So please do not cast a vote for me lightly; I'm not easily offended and would rather not get a vote at all than a vote from someone who does not agree with my platform. Essentially, no "I'm voting JAL because he's not Candidate X" please. I do plan to take a majority vote as a mandate to do some major ass kickin' - of both the NPO and inactive ministers.
Some (well ok, everyone) know me as being a bit (well ok, a lot) silly, and that isn't going to change. Likely I'll issue statements from the Prime Minister's desk in support of Mocha Frappuchinos and Led Zeppelin. It's just a quirk people get to know and love or hate
I am very aware that I am taking a huge risk by admitting my OOC motivations behind my IC actions, but this game needs more risk-takers. Let's have some fun again!
Questions?
OOC:
Nationstates is a dying game. Many are quick to blame the mods, and certainly a large share of the blame does sit with them. But as gameplayers, we can take charge and fix our aspect of the game - gameplaying - to the best of our ability. How do we do this?
I look at history to answer this question. ADN vs ACC, the world vs Francos Spain, TRR vs TYW, etc. The list of great Nationstates wars go on and on, but they all share one commonality: they are great wars of the past. Most would agree that NS thrives on conflict, but it is important to note there are two types of conflict: internal (within the region) and external (region vs region). Internally, there has been plenty of conflict. Hell, look at Equilism right now. The West Pacific Triumvirate and Dominion also stand vivid in our recent memories, and also perhaps less recently the North Pacific Directorate. But externally, there has been little to none. The Lexicon was nothing more than a gnat that we crushed in our sleep. So then why why do we need more external conflict if there is already a load of internal conflict happening within the game?
Because internal conflict is often too emotional. When a region is lost to a rogue delegate, many (not myself, but others) view this rogue delegate as a community destroyer. Activity within the region does pick up briefly, but players are often driven away from the game in disgust. A united region is always preferable to a splintered one for this reason.
Not all external conflict is great, either. The Lexicon, for example, was entirely unable to draw the line between IC and OOC. Thankfully we crushed them like a gnat, but still it was a rather unpleasent experience. But the three wars I cited earlier in my platform (ADN vs ACC, the world vs Francos Spain, TRR vs TYW) are all by and large examples of GOOD conflict, where OOC emotions are kept out of the picture. Both sides remain sovereign throughout the conflict; it is nearly impossible for one side to conquer the other. As long as we are mature about it (as opposed to Lex) external conflict can be a great thing.
"So you're saying you're going to pick a fight????"
Yes, I am. Specifically, with the New Pacific Order. There is a reason why activity has been on a steady decline since the fall of the original NPO - and thus the fall of large-scale external conflict. The newly formed PRP went on a quest for improved relations with this region as well as others, I assume for a change of pace. But now the "good cop" PRP is no more; the "bad cop" NPO is back. And for that I am greatful as the Pacific has fulfilled their end of the bargain in making NS a more exciting game. Let's face it, the purges are quite a sight to see on an OOC level.
But I pick a fight with the NPO for two reasons: 1) They, particularly Ivan, are experts at drawing the line between IC and OOC. Generally they are some of the best players in the game and quite a joy to oppose. 2.) They give us lots of IC material to use against them. That will become clearer in my IC platform, so without further ado...
IC:
Over the months since the fall of the North Pacific Directorate and its poorly-named successor ("North Pacific Government), our region has blossomed into a world hyperpower. I would even go as far to say that we are THE premier region in the game. I am not as familiar with the NPA as I'd like to be as I prefer to keep my UN within this region, but it is my opinion that politically we are the most powerful region in this game. Although I am not convinced that the concept of "unified feeders" will ever work with the variety of idealogies we have amongst the feeders, the mere fact that we were able to organize such a summit and have every feeder attend and contribute is a testament to our global influence. We are a sleeping giant that is ready to awaken, to do its part to make our world a better place. And that is the focal point of my platform.
Tyrants run the NS earth, more in power than ever before. Invaders run freely and carelessly under the new influence rules. The defender organizations of the past are now, sadly, in a process of decay into inactivity that may or may not be turned around. More troubling, the New Pacific Order has risen again under TNP's old foe, Ivan Moldavi. This rogue regime needs to be checked, and I use rogue with great care. Not only are they are out of touch with us, but also with many, many other democratic regions throughout the world. Coup and coup again, whether in TNP, TWP, or Equilism, the same Pacifican suspects are there supporting the new totalitarian regime. Thousands of nations are being purged from the Pacific and dissenters silenced. The spread of tyranny is a worrying one that should concern this region greatly. It is time we hit this virus head on. We must contain it at all costs, or it is inevitable we will lose our own region to totalitarian ideology yet again. We've accomplished too much for that.
To that effect, I will use all the tools at my disposal as Prime Minister to fight and contain the "filthy theology" of the NPO. We need to broadcast ourselves as a democratic alternative. This means working alongside the elected Minister of Communications to expand the Wire to regions throughout Nationstates. Chaucerin of Equilism incorrectly stated "the only feeder that matters is the Pacific." Naturally I object to that statement entirely, but broadcasting our news service throughout the world should help conquer such misconceptions.
We need to stand by our close friends in the West Pacific. Recently, the government of the West has condemned the mass purges currently taking place in the Pacific, sparking some conflict between the two feeders. Standing by our longtime, democratic friends in the West is really the only viable option as I see it, and this means a statement of support of TWP's policy, if not an official treaty of alliance.
Internally, we need active ministries. Over the past several terms, we've had productive ministries and less productive ones. As Prime Minister, there is only so much I can do, but I guarantee you I will do everything I can to keep the ministries running. It's about damned time we form a University. The University will be a priority of mine, and I sincerely hope it is a priority of the next MoC&E as well.
And finally...
OOC conclusion:
There is a story behind my silly avatar. It's largely irrelivent, but the jist is that I promised someone that I'd make this my avatar and keep it that way permanently. That was probably... three or so months ago, and the avatar stays to this day. The point is that I don't break promises, and I am promising you now that I abide by this platform. So please do not cast a vote for me lightly; I'm not easily offended and would rather not get a vote at all than a vote from someone who does not agree with my platform. Essentially, no "I'm voting JAL because he's not Candidate X" please. I do plan to take a majority vote as a mandate to do some major ass kickin' - of both the NPO and inactive ministers.
Some (well ok, everyone) know me as being a bit (well ok, a lot) silly, and that isn't going to change. Likely I'll issue statements from the Prime Minister's desk in support of Mocha Frappuchinos and Led Zeppelin. It's just a quirk people get to know and love or hate
I am very aware that I am taking a huge risk by admitting my OOC motivations behind my IC actions, but this game needs more risk-takers. Let's have some fun again!
Questions?
Good platform JALby.
) 
I wanted you to finish
