Pallaith for Delegate

[Pallaith]

Pallaith for Delegate: Making TNP the Leaders of the Future​

Hello TNP. Today I come before you once again to ask for your vote, this time for the position of Delegate. I imagine that for many of you, this may come as a surprise, since I am relatively new to the region. However, during my time in TNP, I have served I both the executive and legislative branches, and I would not be running if I did not feel prepared to take on this new role. There are times when a fresh perspective, something new, is not only beneficial but necessary, and I believe now is one of those times. My experience in TNP thus far has given me a well-rounded view of how the region operates, and I want to share my vision for our future with all of you.

TNP today is in great shape. We efficiently process new citizens on a regular basis, our Discord is active and engaging, the RMB bursts with posts on a daily basis, the ministries are running like clockwork, and we are blessed with a wealth of both veteran experience and new energy and ideas. We didn’t rack up all of these accomplishments by sticking with what works and copying what others have done. We took risks, we developed new tools and tricks that, over time, made this region a powerhouse, inside and outside the WA. Our last two delegates have broken endorsement records, first by reaching 1,000 endorsements and, more recently, exceeding 1,300 endorsements. During this time, NS in general has expanded and contracted, but our growth has continued unabated.

I have been in The North Pacific for 8 months now. From almost the first moment I joined, I have been active in her government. Plembobria took an early chance on me, and accepted my application to be the Minister of World Assembly Affairs. Under my oversight, the ministry recruited a more engaged and active executive staff than it has had since r3n was its minister, resumed regular dispatches of official MoWA recommendations, and worked hard to post WA voting threads prior to the start of the voting period. The practices we developed, the technical improvements to our communications, and the deputies I trained have continued to serve the ministry well. Of course, the project I am most proud of was the revitalization of the World Assembly Legislative League. The participating regions have refined the process of drafting recommendations and responding to new and pending resolutions, and our relationships have grown stronger and deeper as a result. In short, the ministry was in bad shape, and thanks to the hard work of myself and others, today it is as solid and reliable as any of the other ministries. This is an example of the kind of drive and leadership I will bring as your delegate.

In January I decided to run for Speaker, in order to get more involved in the broader TNP community and gain more legislative experience. Even though one of my opponents was the sitting Deputy Speaker, who also happened to be an outspoken RA legislator and frequent flier in our Discord, I won that race - and have served as Speaker of the Regional Assembly for the last 4 months. I am proud to say that with the help of some fantastic deputies, the office has continued to run very smoothly. We have processed citizenship applications, and we maintain and update the spreadsheet on a daily basis. Zyvetskistaahn’s ongoing project to fully update the residency list was also realized, as was my pledge to regularly publish digests summarizing RA activity to the region, which had fallen by the wayside in Zyvet’s last term. Hoping to use what I learned in MoWA, I even established a staff to help the Speaker’s office accomplish its tasks and look toward other projects that we could contribute to the region. That part has been harder to manage well and consistently, but the Speaker’s staff thus far has been an excellent training ground for new deputies, two of whom serve currently.

This wouldn’t be my first time as delegate, either - though, of course, no region can compare to TNP in size or scale. I have played this game for just over 4 years now and I have been involved in half a dozen regions during that time. I have been a part of almost every ministry in TNP, even serving briefly as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and currently as a forum mentor. I have written for The Northern Light, and I have posted those issues to other regions as an ambassador to Spiritus and then to Lazarus. I have offered advice in Cultural Affairs and to Communications when they worked on the weekly radio broadcasts. Whether I was managing MoWA or the Speaker’s office, or just served as part of another minister’s team, I had help and guidance from veterans, I was influenced by my existing NS experience and by the people I worked with, and I always brought my own ideas to share. This combination allowed us to find a way forward. A lot of what we did came from how the ministries and the Speaker’s office operated in the past, but my teams put our own spin on it and we found success in new ways. In the case of my ministry and tenure as Speaker, we went from having one or two voices, to having half a dozen, with varying skills and levels of experience. I will approach the delegacy just as I have approached the Speaker’s office and the WA Affairs ministry, and I hope you all will give me a chance to serve this region once again.

As to specifics, I offer the following:

Spoiler: Foreign Affairs:

This is one of the most crucial ministries we have, and it’s always in need of greater attention. I have noticed that while we have participated in several festivals since I have been in the region, there are a lot of unsung embassies that could use a little love. Not every event that involves other regions has to be a big thing, sometimes we can have smaller, shorter get togethers, maybe a game or two that allows people from all regions involved to mingle. This should involve Discord, as it did with the most recent events, as well as greater use of gameside activities. Now while focusing on our smaller friends and allies is a goal of mine, it I simply the case that many regions in NS simply don’t lend themselves to regular discourse and shared activity. I can understand how some of them may slip through the cracks, but less understandable is how we can get complacent with our larger allies like Europeia, Balder, even The East Pacific. We have history, we have collaborated, we have shared talent and citizens. I see what a few solid projects have yielded with a little bit of investment (just look at WALL). There’s plenty of room for our allies in the other areas of government, and I want TNP to lead the way to getting them more involved with the things we do (and I will expand on this in a bit).

There is more to FA than posting the latest issue of TNL on the forums of our embassy regions. We have seasoned diplomats who can help handle sensitive incidents, of course, but we have many new and aspiring people on staff who can begin to learn the art of diplomacy, and I believe a great way to do that is by encouraging and increasing opportunities for them to meet and get to know people in other regions. I know firsthand that the dispatching of ambassadors yields mixed results. We expect them to make regular reports of what happens in other regions, but this can be accomplished through cold, passive observation as much as friendly engagement. I enjoyed my posting as ambassador to Spiritus and because of some of the people I met there, I decided to get to know the people I met there a little better and through them get a better understanding of the region. These relationships allow TNP to put its best foot forward with other regions. It is important to have traditional, responsible, knowledgeable diplomats making deals and forging treaties, but does any of it matter if the people in our regions don’t have much of a stake in the relationship? Ambassadors should have some skin in the game, and then these relationships will matter more.

There is one huge FA project that even as we speak is getting more attention among TNPers and dividing our opinion as it does other regions in the game. The Coalition Against the Ideology of Nazism has re-entered the spotlight and we will have to reckon with it in the coming term. There’s no doubt that it could use a lot of work, but this presents a huge opportunity for TNP to be a leader and in the process enhance relations with some of one of strongest allies, Europeia. There is no reason we cannot harness the vibrant interest in CAIN many of our regionmates have and put it to good use making CAIN a stronger, more effective tool in an effort that most people agree is worth the time and energy. We should not turn away, or be discouraged by setbacks, but strive to hold our friends to account were they stray and to insist upon reform wherever it is needed, especially when it will bring focus back to the core mission and purpose of this coalition. I am not ready to give up on this and I know a lot of you aren’t either. The same influence we have in NPA missions and in the WA should be put to use in diplomacy as well, because I know TNP has a lot of good things to say and can lead the way in coming up with a framework for CAIN that will work better for all the regions involved and put to rest the unease that has been creeping over so many in the months since CAIN was formed.

Spoiler: Defense:

I will admit, this is the one area I have not been actively engaged in. In all my years in NS I have never been involved in the R/D game. I didn’t even have a puppet until I made the nation I use here. So much of this game is driven by the R/D side of things, of course, so I am not blind to it. I have studied it on my own, I have discussed it with other players, and TNP has been crucial to broadening my understanding of it. I have enormous respect for what the NPA does and as Delegate I would continue to follow the course laid out by our Minister of Defense. We will continue to run training operations to keep the NPA sharp and ready for operations, we will come to the aid of our allies and fulfill our treaty obligations. We will not pursue a course that explicitly favors one side or the other in the R/D game and will continue to be independent. We can make a big difference in R/D operations when we get involved, but we don’t throw that power around willy nilly. I intend for TNP to continue to be a smart power.

One thing I have observed is that the NPA’s size and reliability means that we are frequently asked to participate and assist in the operations of other regions and groups in the game. Of course I intend for the NPA to be as ready as possible when this time comes, but a key part of succeeding in these joint operations is building rapport and communicating effectively with the regions we support. To this end, I hope that when we have our training operations, we can run them with our allies by our side, so that we can be that much better when called to act. It is also my hope that these operations will also enhance diplomacy by building the kinds of relationships I outlined earlier as being necessary to have meaningful alliances. Our players can bond through this experience perhaps even better than they could through a cultural festival or a Discord game night.

Spoiler: Home Affairs:

The work done by HA is crucial to the success of the region. This is one ministry that we can never afford to let slip into complacency. I have seen firsthand how fast, dedicated staff can rapidly bolster the number of citizens and the staffs of other ministries. I have aided in that effort. When the telegrams that get sent out are delayed even a day, a lot of potential players can be lost. For the largest feeder in the game, constant engagement with the region is a must. Communication, when done swiftly and efficiently, is something we have down. What still needs work is the Forum Mentor and RMB Guardian programs. The lists prepared for the forum mentors are well-made and like the telegrams HA sends everyone does hear from the mentors. However, retention of the mentees is very low. One thing I hope to accomplish with HA is coming up with a more effective strategy for the mentoring program. I believe this can be achieved by focusing on new players who are online or already posting. Assigning several people to a forum mentor can overwhelm them or reduce the personal connection to the mentee, so I hope the forum mentors of the future will identify good prospects and engage with that person in the best way suited for that individual. They may not reach out to as many people, but the ones they do contact will be more likely to respond and they can spend more time on them. As part of that effort, I want HA to attempt to reach out to applicants for citizenship who failed to pass checks or who have not posted since posting their app. With HA’s help I hope we improve retention of new players who may be lost in the application process, or who may miss how close they were to getting approved.

As for the RMB guardians, more of the same should be a good start. It is important for every part of our region to feel valued and attended to, and the guardians serve as a crucial bridge between the two sides of our community. Similar to my notion of the forum mentors, I hope the guardians will build rapport with specific active posters on the RMB and hopefully coax them into the forum. Even if they won’t join there, I hope they can get them on the Discord. When residents stop by they really liven up the place and create a new dynamic that breaks up the patterns that develop among the Discord regulars. A good RMB guardian will obviously post in the RMB, but they will also be seasoned forum mentors and familiar faces in Discord. As HA Minister, Tomb has made a point to encourage his staff to post in every introduction thread, and this is a basic requirement I would expect of any member of HA. My vision for HA is one that is in constant motion, in all areas of the region, with all hands trying on various hats to fit the moment. These tasks are all distinct and some people do one or more of them depending on how they feel. I hope that the lines between them blur so that we have a ministry of Swiss army knives who can seamlessly juggle these tasks. Outsiders looking in should never think there isn’t something to do, or people to meet.

Spoiler: Communication:

I was very pleased to see a Ministry of Communication that had 2 releases of The Northern Light in a single term. I was even more pleased when the ministry began weekly radio broadcasts, and dismayed when this fell apart. Bringing back the radio broadcasts is my main priority for the ministry. I know that we can generate regular TNL releases because I saw it done. I expect this will continue, with an eye to forever putting behind us the days when we could barely muster one in a term. The Northern Light is more than just announcing who won an election. This is an opportunity to peek into the minds of some talented and interesting people. One release we did in the last term featured an article from Nasania explaining his analysis of the ideology of NS players. The term before that, Kasch explored his popular RP sports tournament. In years past we had humorous features from frequent contributors. I want to show more continuity between issues and encourage more pieces like this in addition to the traditional news recap and interview segments that have long dominated in TNL releases. I want to see a similar formula in the radio broadcast, which I would not lock into a Saturday-only schedule but would have released as frequently as possible, ideally weekly but on whatever day enough contributors could devote time to record it. There’s a lot of staff members who could write, and a lot who are willing to sit in front of a mic and speak. Variety is the spice of life and I want to see Communications use more than one means of communicating with the region and the NS world at large.

To that end, I would like to be so ambitious as to throw one more task on the ministry’s plate: Discord-exclusive voice chat events. This term the ministry has had some well-versed individuals set up and operate the radio broadcasts through Discord and Mixlr. I hope they can offer their guidance to assist Culture in handling any part of an event involving Discord or in running TNP-only events in the Discord. We have this awesome communication tool but so few people actually use that part of it. In my experience communities that actually use the voice chat function of a server that has that feature tend to have more fun and can simply do more, such as play a game or watch a movie, than they could otherwise if they were forced just to engage in text conversations. People would learn a lot more about each other and would get along in entirely new ways. When this has happened, seemingly at random, it has increased Discord activity and regional participation a great deal, and I have never heard anyone say they wish we wouldn’t do it again. This would also be another great selling point for HA wen reaching out to new players and would make them more likely to stick around.

Spoiler: Cultural Affairs:

I have observed that finding consistency in Cultural Affairs is rather difficult. A lot of interesting and potentially fun activities are planned every term, but few come to fruition. This is an area that depends a lot on the energy and imagination of the individuals who make up the staff. To a greater extent than any of the other ministries, this is one where I am all ears and willing to indulge the thoughts and suggestions of anyone who is genuinely interested in putting something together. Can any of us really say what the definitive culture of TNP is? Roleplay is strong and I see no reason to mess with a good thing. I haven’t engaged in the RP side of TNP, so I will defer to those who have done such a good job organizing it for us.

Often the RP world mingles with the non-RP world, and adds a little flavor to our conversations and posting outside of the RP sections. Sometimes it’s the family names that so many of us use, other times it’s the self-identifying dragons. This entices players and pulls them into an RP frame of mind, and I hope that we can find a way to utilize that as a gateway to RP. One idea I had along those lines was to encourage some sort of an RMB Guardian-type duty to some of our Discord regulars, to guide players to RP or just to certain forum-side games or activities that might interest them. We recruit from within to fill our executive staff, so why not try the same with our games and activities? I hope we can try the same with foreign guests and regular non-citizens, who may just need that extra push to become full-fledged members of our community.

In addition to that, I would like to see regular theme changes on the WFE and if possible, maybe once in a while on the forum. For special occasions, I would like to see more group themes on the Discord, where people change nicknames and pictures to fit a specific theme. If we could bring in some of that to the next cultural events we host, instead of just utilize it for the odd little event we put on for ourselves, I think that could add our own TNP flavor the joint cultural events that tend to dominate FA and Culture. TNP has some of the most creative people I have seen in this game. If we add in participation from our friends in the other Pacifics, Balder or Europeia I think we can brainstorm and come up with even better versions of the events I mentioned earlier. All of the work our various ministries put into making TNP more vibrant and interesting can also be used in the joint events we schedule with other regions, from the Discord voice events to the greater focus on engaging gameside. We have embassy posting, let’s give them a reason to use it.

Spoiler: World Assembly Affairs:

Obviously, as the previous MoWA I have an excellent idea of how to run this ministry and what ground we have yet to cover. Over the course of my time in TNP, I have seen WALL flourish and cooperation between its signatories grow and become something very special. When I ran the ministry one of my main goals was to make TNP a destination for WA authors to draft resolutions and receive feedback on those drafts. While we had a few dip their toes in the water, this side of WALL never really took off. Instead, TNP hosts the staging ground for discussion and editing of WALL recommendation drafts. I am proud we play such a vital role in the agreement, but going forward I want to utilize that cooperation to advance resolutions we work on, so that we can contribute to the WA in a way other than affecting the outcome of specific votes. I hope to continue the pattern that developed during my tenure of having voting threads ready ahead of update so that we can cast informed votes for a resolution as quickly as possible. I also hope to consistently utilize the tools at our disposal, from the dispatches and telegrams to the informative graphs that display the breakdown of voters by region and by nations in TNP, for every vote that occurs. Sil Dorsett has made it his mission to get more out of the WA voters than a simple For or Against. It’s been tough, but we have seen more substantive discussion and explanations for votes compared to the last year. I aim for a day when the discussion in the voting threads resembles the discussions of old, and the WA vote cast by the delegate is more than adding the total number of For and Against votes, but is the result of a well-fought and argued case for each vote. I also plan to continue the policy of previous delegates and cast WA votes that reflect the will of the WA voters in the region based on the results of the voting thread. To the extent that I would have the opportunity to cast a vote based on my own volition, I would still make sure to hear out as many people as I can and would consult with the ministry as well as my cabinet. This is especially and largely true of SC votes, which come with so many considerations and foreign policy implications.

WALL is not just the biggest development in this ministry, or even the most promising collaboration with our allies. It is a case study in how successful and beneficial our alliances can be in furthering our own interests. WALL has brought us closer to Europeia, Balder, and International Democratic Union. TNP plays the biggest role in it, so it tends to dominate the discussion, but we have seen the valuable contributions these regions have made and in some cases we have found ourselves in total agreement on how to proceed. I would like to encourage us to act as a unit more often, as we all benefit when we pool our resources. To make that easier, I hope to establish an embassy in the forum just for WALL, so that its dispatches can pull in the thoughts of all our regions at once rather than rely on scattered reports of how each region responded to whatever is in the GA or SC. This also has the benefit of enhancing the transparency of WALL, which I hope will bring greater interest to its work. This will hopefully extend to the joint drafting process. Ideally by the time the term ends, we will see an increase in WA resolution drafts and regular collaboration on the Information for Voters dispatches that we send out. One day, those IFVs will be one voice: that of WALL, and not just what one specific member region happened to write up for a specific vote. We can also bring our allies, not just the WALL signatories but The East Pacific as well, closer to the effort by sharing our successful World Assembly Development Program tools and tricks as well as the regular telegramming that comes from our efforts. TNP is so influential in the WA in part because we mastered these tools, and it could only benefit us to offer this knowledge to our friends and in the process make our collaborations in the WA that much stronger and more effective.

If I could sum up this campaign in a few words, it’s this: I want TNP to be the leaders of the future. TNP is in many areas a leader of the present, but it’s going to take more innovation and work to keep that going as we move forward. The common thread throughout my platform is not only that the ministries have a lot of synergy if you know where to look, but that TNP has the capacity to lead the way in new developments and ideas in all of these areas. We have so much in human resources at our disposal - we can create or popularize a new activity or practice, implement a successful collaborative organization, or design new tools and share our knowledge with others. It hasn’t been that long since I walked through The Docks along with all the other new players, and there are a lot of them who have joined us during the last year. I don’t claim to be able to speak for them; rather, I mention that because while I am still learning and growing more comfortable as a part of TNP, I am still cognizant of that introductory period – I can still compare where I started to where I am now. I can only see this as an asset when aiming to create policies that continue to challenge and engage our players (new and old) and continue the growth that we have become accustomed to. I hope that you will vote for me to be your new delegate, and that together we can make TNP an even brighter place and a shining example to all.

Spoiler: Button

 

[plembobria]

Ew red is gross make it stop.

You've got my vote, ghosty.

 

[Praetor]

Thank you for listing your policies. I haven't had a chance yet to delve into anything but I did have a quick question I didn't see covered in either candidates' thread.

What policies will your administration enact to ensure that the government is transparent and accountable to the region?

 

[Pallaith]

Thank you for listing your policies. I haven't had a chance yet to delve into anything but I did have a quick question I didn't see covered in either candidates' thread.

What policies will your administration enact to ensure that the government is transparent and accountable to the region?

Thanks for your question Praetor. When I served in Plemby's cabinet, we were expected to release regular reports of our ministry's activities. I released a report every month summarizing what was going on with the MoWA. I don't actually believe that this is the best format for every ministry, but that's a good place to start. I always like the Delegate questions thread, and I thought I might take a page from my experience as Speaker and make more use of announcement threads like that to just note what is up and what we've been up to. I believe there's also more we can do to release older records to the public, but I believe that happens periodically already and I would certainly continue it.

I can promise I will make an effort to make public posts and announcements utilizing the existing delegate threads, or if I have to make one, I will do that too.

 

[Deleted User (Guest)]

New blood at the helm is essential to providing a fresh outlook free of traditional approaches. I decline to wear buttons short of my own, but you have my support.

 

[Flemingovia]

I echo what raven said. It may be the kiss of death, but you have my support.

 

[Zyvetskistaahn]

I have a number of questions, some of which may be familiar to people as they are variations of questions I have put to your opponent.

You are not standing as part of a ticket (or you aren't yet, at least), so why is it better to elect you and a Delegate independently rather than a Delegate and Vice Delegate who are standing together as a ticket? Do you think that electing Delegates and Vice Delegates separately is generally better than electing them as a ticket?

Do you think it appropriate for the Vice Delegate to have a role in the Delegate's government (such as being a Minister)? If so, to what extent do you think involvement is appropriate and do you not think there are benefits to being relatively detached from the Delegate and their government? If not, why do you not think it appropriate?

Why are you leaving the Speaker's Office so soon?

 

[SillyString]

Why are you leaving the Speaker's Office so soon?

This from the schmuck who hogged it for like six years.

I have a selection of questions, both silly and serious.

First, and most importantly: If you knew that you were fated to break TNP law while you were delegate, and be convicted by the court, but you could exert some control over exactly which law you broke and what you were convicted of... what would you choose, and why?

Second, while a good FA minister can make up for a lot, much of what goes on in NS interregional politics is based on a personal level: how well the people hammering things out can get along. In that vein, how would you categorize your personal relationship at this point with other major regions or organizations? What well-known figures are you on friendly terms with, and who would you most like to become on friendly terms with? Are there any groups or regions or people you'd have a hard time working with, or would oppose TNP working with in some capacity? Don't feel obligated to call people out as big fat jerks - I'm more looking for a look at your spot in the tangled web of connections that makes up this game.

Third, as someone who hasn't read the RMB in months, how would you describe your level of in-game participation to date? How active are you on the RMB, how often do you tart, and how likely would you say the average nation of TNP is to recognize your name?

Fourth, the delegate does not get access to the SC subforums by default, though they can be specifically granted access by the vice delegate. If you are elected, will you seek this access, refuse it, or leave it entirely in the VD's hands?

Fifth, if you had to suddenly resign while you were delegate, how would you handle the resignation and delegacy transition (in broad strokes, of course)?

Sixth, if you win, will you consider appointing me as Minister of Silly Advice? I've got the whole ministry all worked out - the executive staff would go around the forum posting absurd answers to questions people ask, and we could hold lectures on the proper techniques of silliness and the science of punnery and have hyperbole contests and hand out awards to the hyperbolest person. Would a Pallaith delegacy be forward-thinking enough to embrace such a future?

Seventh, what musical instrument best sums up your feelings about TNP?

I await your answers with baited breath!

 

[Pallaith]

New blood at the helm is essential to providing a fresh outlook free of traditional approaches. I decline to wear buttons short of my own, but you have my support.

I agree, and I appreciate the support. Shame about the button though, it's a really cool one.

I echo what raven said. It may be the kiss of death, but you have my support.

I'm not superstitious and regardless, having your support is an honor.

I have a number of questions, some of which may be familiar to people as they are variations of questions I have put to your opponent.

You are not standing as part of a ticket (or you aren't yet, at least), so why is it better to elect you and a Delegate independently rather than a Delegate and Vice Delegate who are standing together as a ticket? Do you think that electing Delegates and Vice Delegates separately is generally better than electing them as a ticket?

Do you think it appropriate for the Vice Delegate to have a role in the Delegate's government (such as being a Minister)? If so, to what extent do you think involvement is appropriate and do you not think there are benefits to being relatively detached from the Delegate and their government? If not, why do you not think it appropriate?

Why are you leaving the Speaker's Office so soon?

I will not be part of a ticket. Personally, I don't really think tickets function as intended by the candidates in our electoral system, because we have two disconnected offices to vote for even if the candidates themselves connect their campaigns. I don't think being on a ticket automatically disqualifies a candidate from consideration, because we are free (and have in the past) to pick and choose our candidates based on their own merits, regardless of the advantages we would have if we had both candidates together. I see the ticket discussion a a huge distraction, not only due to the disagreements it causes among voters, but also because it really does open up many questions the candidates normally wouldn't have to consider if they just ran independent of one another. The scrutiny they bring upon themselves is warranted, because there will be potential scenarios where the two offices would be served better being separate and distinct. Obviously this is true if the Vice Delegate has to take action against a rogue delegate, but it can also be true just when considering how much influence the Vice Delegate has in executive policy. This segues into your second question, so I'll go straight there before returning to the first one.

I don't have a problem with the Vice Delegate having a role in the executive, provided it is the right situation. If a Vice Delegate is tapped to run a ministry, there will be some independence lost if the Delegate micromanages the ministers, and a subordination will be present even if the Delegate generally leaves the ministers to their own devices. I would say my own approach to this is, if the Vice Delegate is a good fit for a ministry and we cannot find someone else to do that job, then I will be willing to appoint the Vice Delegate to that position. I think it's safer and better for the separation of the offices to have the Vice Delegate serve as an advisor, a kind of informal cabinet position. I would want the Vice Delegate's counsel but the primary responsibilities of the office should be the constitutional duties and not whatever the cabinet is doing. Detachment obviously makes the Vice Delegate better prepared to put the security of the region above the Delegate should the need arise, although I wouldn't say that a Vice Delegate who was on a ticket is incapable of doing this. Sometimes these situations get messier if there's a perception of collusion or conflict of interest, even if there honestly isn't any. These things create distractions, as I suggested earlier, and these get in the way of cleanly and efficiently getting the job done. More distance between the two just makes such scenarios more pleasant and likely to go smoothly.

So in short I think independent runs just set up the candidates to better do their jobs without undue distraction. The synergy brought on by a ticket can have very real benefits and we may never have to go down a road where that synergy is tested by conflict or crime, but I believe doing the best job possible includes avoiding any potential roadblocks or sideshows that my result from having too cozy a relationship.

I would say compared to you, Zyvet, I am leaving the Speaker's office rather soon. It has always been my goal as a member of TNP to go where I feel I can be of the best use to TNP. I consider this a collaborative decision in the sense that I act according to my experiences working with others in the region and am inspired to pursue certain ideas or a course of activity based on those experiences. Last election, I saw there was a need for a new Speaker and I believed I would be a good fit for the work that would be required of me. This election, I felt Delegate would allow me to pursue a broader and more comprehensive platform compared to the more limited scope of my previous positions, and that this is the right time for such an agenda.

I have a selection of questions, both silly and serious.

First, and most importantly: If you knew that you were fated to break TNP law while you were delegate, and be convicted by the court, but you could exert some control over exactly which law you broke and what you were convicted of... what would you choose, and why?

Second, while a good FA minister can make up for a lot, much of what goes on in NS interregional politics is based on a personal level: how well the people hammering things out can get along. In that vein, how would you categorize your personal relationship at this point with other major regions or organizations? What well-known figures are you on friendly terms with, and who would you most like to become on friendly terms with? Are there any groups or regions or people you'd have a hard time working with, or would oppose TNP working with in some capacity? Don't feel obligated to call people out as big fat jerks - I'm more looking for a look at your spot in the tangled web of connections that makes up this game.

Third, as someone who hasn't read the RMB in months, how would you describe your level of in-game participation to date? How active are you on the RMB, how often do you tart, and how likely would you say the average nation of TNP is to recognize your name?

Fourth, the delegate does not get access to the SC subforums by default, though they can be specifically granted access by the vice delegate. If you are elected, will you seek this access, refuse it, or leave it entirely in the VD's hands?

Fifth, if you had to suddenly resign while you were delegate, how would you handle the resignation and delegacy transition (in broad strokes, of course)?

Sixth, if you win, will you consider appointing me as Minister of Silly Advice? I've got the whole ministry all worked out - the executive staff would go around the forum posting absurd answers to questions people ask, and we could hold lectures on the proper techniques of silliness and the science of punnery and have hyperbole contests and hand out awards to the hyperbolest person. Would a Pallaith delegacy be forward-thinking enough to embrace such a future?

Seventh, what musical instrument best sums up your feelings about TNP?

I await your answers with baited breath!

Wait no longer!

1)Election fraud, but not the kind to win an office or anything like that. More like, run a joke candidate under a false identity and just have a ball with it. I figure it would be a fun and amusing way to break the law if I'm destined to do so, and wouldn't really harm democracy.

2)As I stated in my platform, WALL has actually been the most successful FA project this region has had going on in a while. I like to think that my positive interactions with the other dignitaries and delegates in WALL, and the respect I have for them, is returned. It's just easygoing and really pleasant when we get into discussions on WA votes. I've also been invited to the generic World Assembly Discord, where a lot of famous names in the WA legislator club like to chat, sometimes about WA stuff but more often than not whatever pops into their heads. Some of them liked my in-character WA posts I guess, so they already sort of knew me. I haven't had the misfortune of encountering any real jerks in NS, I have met some unpleasant people in the regions I have been in but no one well-known to the game at large. I consider myself to be rather pragmatic so there is almost always a case or situation where I may find myself agreeing to cooperate with a region or individual I typically would not. Now an enemy of TNP's, or those who are known to be unfriendly or hostile to or region, that would be a tough sell. There may be a situation where we have to do it but i would prefer to avoid it if at all possible. I sense you would like some name dropping in this answer, so I will say I particularly enjoyed working with Kaboom, Writinglegend, and Trinnien. Separatist Peoples and Sciongrad are there too but they make greater use of the WA Discord than WALL so any conversations we might have would happen there. I haven't found it too hard to dive right into the discussions these individuals have had and would consider it my duty as delegate to dive even deeper and more often into them.

3)My level of RMB participation is better than it ever has been. I endotart daily, telegrams and all. I'd say they were ore likely to recognize my name last term when I was on the WFE, but compared to then I am telegramming them as Speaker, as a Forum Mentor, as a general staff member of HA, and of course as part of my endotarting. Chances are some of them are getting sick of hearing from me.

4)I believe access to the SC subforums is something I would pursue. I don't believe I could do my job completely if I cannot see the full picture. I certainly wouldn't refuse the access if it was offered, I am here to serve TNP to the best of my ability and that includes having as much information as possible. I would trust the Vice Delegate to manage the SC in general, of course. I'm simply looking to keep myself briefed and up to date.

5)I certainly hope that doesn't happen, but to the extent it is possible, I would endeavor to provide advance warning with as much time as possible to get a transition going. This is assuming my efforts to avoid having to resign fail, of course, because outside factors can be managed and I wouldn't give up without a fight. But I would make an effort to offer a crash course on whatever it is the incoming delegate may be unaware of (with all due respect to proper security protocol and disclosure requirements, of course). All I can say is I would give as much time as I possibly could before the inevitable parting.

6)Give me a solid plan and I'd be willing to consider it. Niche ideas like that may get folded into another ministry though, perhaps in your case Culture.

7)Trumpets. They can be used in dramatic fanfare, whether appropriate or not, and they can also be used from everything from smooth jazz to cacophonous noise.

Breathe, SillyString.

 

[Flemingovia]

it's a bit ironic that you, the newer player, seem to be receiving the support of many of the longerstanding members of this region while Tomb, who we have all known for much longer, seems to be drawing most vocal support from newer and less experienced people. Why do you think that is?

 

[Pallaith]

it's a bit ironic that you, the newer player, seem to be receiving the support of many of the longerstanding members of this region while Tomb, who we have all known for much longer, seems to be drawing most vocal support from newer and less experienced people. Why do you think that is?

That's an interesting question. I would say that I may be newer but I haven't been unknown, I have been participating in government and getting involved since the day I got here. A lot has changed in NS and the population of TNP has shifted and there's a lot of new faces. I'm sure there's more to this than just the veterans agreeing that a new vision is needed for these newer times. I know that after serving in office and doing so much to shape the region, the experienced players want to encourage their successors and foster the new generation. They don't do that for just anyone though, which suggests to me they like the work I have done and believe in my ability to work on what I laid out in my platform.

As for Tomb, he's been very good at reaching out to new players, and a lot of the new ones have gotten involved in HA, which is of course the ministry he leads. They have worked directly with him, as have I, and we all know he is capable and does great work. For the first time players or people new to Tomb, this is the first time they are seeing him run for Delegate. Unlike the veteran players, they do not know what it is like to have Tomb serve in the office, and they wouldn't be able to know what that was like whether Tomb mentioned the past service in his platform or not. I'm sure those who were involved in TNP during Tomb's previous tenure could point to a lot of things they thought he did well, as well as things they disagreed with. I'm sure their opinions either way play a role in their decision to back me over him, but newer players just can't make that comparison.

There are players with more experience backing Tomb, just as there are newer people supporting me. We cannot discount that some people weighed our platforms and made a decision based on whose vision they liked better. And maybe some people really like/really hate tickets.

 

[Just a Lore]

In all serious Mr. Ghost I have known you for a long time, longer then anyone else in this region. And while I am disappointed that I think you will be delegate before me despite being here for 3 years.

I know you would make a fine Delegate (Cuz hey, if you can survive as delegate of our past region together TNP will be like a easy summer vacation xP)

You have my support.

 

[Felis]

What's your 7th favourite colour?

 

[Darcania]

What would your top two ideal choices for each of your Ministers be?

What Ministry would you add and what Ministry would you remove if you had to?

What do you think of the previous Ministry of Gameside Affairs? Would you consider reinstating it, or should it remain defunct? If so, why?

 

[Pallaith]

In all serious Mr. Ghost I have known you for a long time, longer then anyone else in this region. And while I am disappointed that I think you will be delegate before me despite being here for 3 years.

I know you would make a fine Delegate (Cuz hey, if you can survive as delegate of our past region together TNP will be like a easy summer vacation xP)

You have my support.

Thank you very much! I'm sorry to disappoint you in that way, but I hope you will not be disappointed by what I do if I am elected. Yeah, I think in some surprising ways, this delegacy may be a refreshing change of pace from the last one I was in.

What's your 7th favourite colour?

Orange.

What would your top two ideal choices for each of your Ministers be?

What Ministry would you add and what Ministry would you remove if you had to?

What do you think of the previous Ministry of Gameside Affairs? Would you consider reinstating it, or should it remain defunct? If so, why?

We are fortunate to already have some excellent ministers in place currently. Keeping Sil Dorsett in MoWA is my first choice, but if he would do it and wasn't going for another job, R3n hands down is the go-to guy for World Assembly Affairs. I would love to work with McMasterdonia and bring him back to Foreign Affairs, I think that could tie the new TNP to the old most effectively. However, I think FA is a good place to make good use of the skills of former delegates, so in a hypothetical world where he is still interested in such work. Raven would also be on the shortlist. I would also have to put Plemby down, assuming he would want to keep serving so soon after leaving the position of delegate. I would be a good way to continue making use of the experience he gained in the office and helps the transition along, especially when my plan is to engage with our allies on multiple fronts. When it comes to Home Affairs, we again have the unfortunate situation of having one of the best to do the job in it currently but also seeking another position. Tomb makes the shortlist for HA, I think he's earned it for his fantastic service in several administrations. I happen to believe that if presented with the position, R3n could actually put together something similar to what he developed in World Assembly Affairs, so just as an interesting experiment I would love to have him try out Home Affairs as it exists now.

I greatly admire the work Kasch has put into Communications and would love to work with him on it further, but once again, he's running for something else. If Kondratev decided to come back again, I would consider him for Communications based on the approach he (tried) to bring to the ministry as deputy minister. For Defense, I really have not known anyone other than Gladio in the role and would pick him again in a heartbeat. I can't fairly name anyone else as I am not familiar with their work in the NPA, but it is my understanding that a few former delegates and actively serving NPA members have served in the role, and this is one area where I would really value experience and would look to them for my choice. As for Culture, I really feel this is a ministry where new ideas and fresh faces could make a huge difference, and it was my intention to consider applicants for the role. Given her past work and the personal touches she brought to her various ministries, such as her contribution to Communications, I think SillyString would e a good fit here. As my knowledge of TNP culture past does not go back far, I can say that we had a good term with Syrixia and I would consider him on the shortlist, but I again want to stress that ideally, an active and engaged TNPer who has not yet had the role would be my preferred choice for this ministry.

It's hard to think of an area yet to be explored that could have its own ministry. If forced to come up with something, the most logical area I can think of would be RP. It was part of the government in the past and is currently quite distinct from Culture, so it could work as its own ministry. Not much else has enough content or stucture that could justify n my mind creating a new ministry out of it. If I had to make a cut, I would have to say Communications would be what would go. I have big plans for this ministry and if they are successful we can have a robust and very crucial component of our region served by it. However, traditionally this ministry is all about TNL and has struggled to get more than one release in a single term. If I had to cut a ministry we could easily continue the work of Communications through existing ministries, most likely FA for TNL releases and HA for the radio broadcasts and other projects I hope to bring to Communications this coming term.

We asked a lot of Gameside Affairs, and I believe it was a good idea. However, those ideas have largely been successfully adopted by HA and based on my plans for the ministry, I want to keep doing the work of what was Gameside Affairs in Home Affairs. It isn't dead, it's just a better fit where it is now, in my view, as we basically built a ministry around one set of tasks that further the goals of Home Affairs. I would be open to reinstating it if we could find more aspects that would fit better in a different package than the one offered by Home Affairs.

 

[Mystery Player]

There’s no doubt that it could use a lot of work

You say that CAIN needs a lot of work. What things do you think it needs work on? What do you believe is fine about CAIN?

 

[Pallaith]

There’s no doubt that it could use a lot of work

You say that CAIN needs a lot of work. What things do you think it needs work on? What do you believe is fine about CAIN?

Transparency for one. A lot of the perception people have about CAIN comes from poor communication. Some of that is encouraged by the way the original treaty was written, and the whole reason this is such a big topic again is because we're currently considering amendments to it. I also want to stress that much of this can be addressed if the signatories took a more active role in trying to use what they have. I know you've been reading the discussion about the amendment, so you already saw several people address the fact that there is a void in leadership and no clear direction uniting the regions involved. I believe TNP can be that leader, and in so doing we can push CAIN to take action (and avoid other actions) that will keep it focused on its goal and less on the politics surrounding those goals. It is important to remember that this agreement, even with obstacles regarding how its members could conduct themselves, still allowed a diverse group of regions to pull off some challenging operations. There's no reason we can't have similar success again. The problems with the structure are what the current amendment before us targets. The other problems with CAIN come entirely from poor (or non-existent) communication and an inability to recapture the focused organization we had when it started. We all have to step up and keep cooperating to make this work well, so I want TNP to be an active partner in that effort.

Let's not lose sight of the other problem here, that there's still a very clear philosophical difference motivating people. It's very easy to walk away from something when even the slightest bit of trouble occurs, especially when you don't agree with the premise that spawns that trouble. We can have a discussion about that, but that's not what's on the table. We made this commitment and we should do everything we can to make it work before we wash our hands of it. I know that's tempting but this is the most ambitious approach to addressing the scourge of Nazis in this game. I think it would be a shame to give up what has the potential to be a means to have consistent, organized missions that would otherwise be compromised by the participating parties' differing views on strategy and execution.

I believe in what CAIN is trying to accomplish. I am convinced a big organized effort like this can achieve better results than the scattered, less organized effort of other groups. Most importantly, I believe the biggest problems with CAIN are that we aren't making the most of our friendships and ability to cooperate. We have a common goal we all agree is worthy, and some of our partners in this work are our allies. If we can actually put in the effort to engage with each other and push past how hard it can be or what ulterior motives we think people might have, this can really be something special.

 

[Mystery Player]

There’s no doubt that it could use a lot of work

You say that CAIN needs a lot of work. What things do you think it needs work on? What do you believe is fine about CAIN?

Transparency for one. A lot of the perception people have about CAIN comes from poor communication. Some of that is encouraged by the way the original treaty was written, and the whole reason this is such a big topic again is because we're currently considering amendments to it. I also want to stress that much of this can be addressed if the signatories took a more active role in trying to use what they have. I know you've been reading the discussion about the amendment, so you already saw several people address the fact that there is a void in leadership and no clear direction uniting the regions involved. I believe TNP can be that leader, and in so doing we can push CAIN to take action (and avoid other actions) that will keep it focused on its goal and less on the politics surrounding those goals. It is important to remember that this agreement, even with obstacles regarding how its members could conduct themselves, still allowed a diverse group of regions to pull off some challenging operations. There's no reason we can't have similar success again. The problems with the structure are what the current amendment before us targets. The other problems with CAIN come entirely from poor (or non-existent) communication and an inability to recapture the focused organization we had when it started. We all have to step up and keep cooperating to make this work well, so I want TNP to be an active partner in that effort.

Let's not lose sight of the other problem here, that there's still a very clear philosophical difference motivating people. It's very easy to walk away from something when even the slightest bit of trouble occurs, especially when you don't agree with the premise that spawns that trouble. We can have a discussion about that, but that's not what's on the table. We made this commitment and we should do everything we can to make it work before we wash our hands of it. I know that's tempting but this is the most ambitious approach to addressing the scourge of Nazis in this game. I think it would be a shame to give up what has the potential to be a means to have consistent, organized missions that would otherwise be compromised by the participating parties' differing views on strategy and execution.

I believe in what CAIN is trying to accomplish. I am convinced a big organized effort like this can achieve better results than the scattered, less organized effort of other groups. Most importantly, I believe the biggest problems with CAIN are that we aren't making the most of our friendships and ability to cooperate. We have a common goal we all agree is worthy, and some of our partners in this work are our allies. If we can actually put in the effort to engage with each other and push past how hard it can be or what ulterior motives we think people might have, this can really be something special.

You did not mention CAIN giving wide publicity to Nazis. Do you believe this isn't a bad thing, regardless of the fact that regions usually benefit from wide public attention such as this?

Why do you believe that having an organized effort for every individual Nazi operation is worse than an always-organized effort that can fall victim to issues such as politicization?

On another note, how will you reflect the region's anti-griefing view in the World Assembly? Do you even support this view?

Edit: thought of another CAIN question: Do you believe that CAINs usage of "Nazi collaborator" has been effective?

 

[Zyvetskistaahn]

I have a number of questions, some of which may be familiar to people as they are variations of questions I have put to your opponent.

You are not standing as part of a ticket (or you aren't yet, at least), so why is it better to elect you and a Delegate independently rather than a Delegate and Vice Delegate who are standing together as a ticket? Do you think that electing Delegates and Vice Delegates separately is generally better than electing them as a ticket?

Do you think it appropriate for the Vice Delegate to have a role in the Delegate's government (such as being a Minister)? If so, to what extent do you think involvement is appropriate and do you not think there are benefits to being relatively detached from the Delegate and their government? If not, why do you not think it appropriate?

Why are you leaving the Speaker's Office so soon?

I will not be part of a ticket. Personally, I don't really think tickets function as intended by the candidates in our electoral system, because we have two disconnected offices to vote for even if the candidates themselves connect their campaigns. I don't think being on a ticket automatically disqualifies a candidate from consideration, because we are free (and have in the past) to pick and choose our candidates based on their own merits, regardless of the advantages we would have if we had both candidates together. I see the ticket discussion a a huge distraction, not only due to the disagreements it causes among voters, but also because it really does open up many questions the candidates normally wouldn't have to consider if they just ran independent of one another. The scrutiny they bring upon themselves is warranted, because there will be potential scenarios where the two offices would be served better being separate and distinct. Obviously this is true if the Vice Delegate has to take action against a rogue delegate, but it can also be true just when considering how much influence the Vice Delegate has in executive policy. This segues into your second question, so I'll go straight there before returning to the first one.

I don't have a problem with the Vice Delegate having a role in the executive, provided it is the right situation. If a Vice Delegate is tapped to run a ministry, there will be some independence lost if the Delegate micromanages the ministers, and a subordination will be present even if the Delegate generally leaves the ministers to their own devices. I would say my own approach to this is, if the Vice Delegate is a good fit for a ministry and we cannot find someone else to do that job, then I will be willing to appoint the Vice Delegate to that position. I think it's safer and better for the separation of the offices to have the Vice Delegate serve as an advisor, a kind of informal cabinet position. I would want the Vice Delegate's counsel but the primary responsibilities of the office should be the constitutional duties and not whatever the cabinet is doing. Detachment obviously makes the Vice Delegate better prepared to put the security of the region above the Delegate should the need arise, although I wouldn't say that a Vice Delegate who was on a ticket is incapable of doing this. Sometimes these situations get messier if there's a perception of collusion or conflict of interest, even if there honestly isn't any. These things create distractions, as I suggested earlier, and these get in the way of cleanly and efficiently getting the job done. More distance between the two just makes such scenarios more pleasant and likely to go smoothly.

So in short I think independent runs just set up the candidates to better do their jobs without undue distraction. The synergy brought on by a ticket can have very real benefits and we may never have to go down a road where that synergy is tested by conflict or crime, but I believe doing the best job possible includes avoiding any potential roadblocks or sideshows that my result from having too cozy a relationship.

I would say compared to you, Zyvet, I am leaving the Speaker's office rather soon. It has always been my goal as a member of TNP to go where I feel I can be of the best use to TNP. I consider this a collaborative decision in the sense that I act according to my experiences working with others in the region and am inspired to pursue certain ideas or a course of activity based on those experiences. Last election, I saw there was a need for a new Speaker and I believed I would be a good fit for the work that would be required of me. This election, I felt Delegate would allow me to pursue a broader and more comprehensive platform compared to the more limited scope of my previous positions, and that this is the right time for such an agenda.

Thank you for your answers. I have some further questions (some lifted from previous campaigns).

Your answer to Darcania seems to be implying that you will, by and large, be making appointments of Ministers without application, instead going to those who you consider to be sufficiently skilled to do the job, is this accurate or do you intend to have the Ministerial positions be open to application?

You've mentioned your own gameside involvement in answer to SillyString, would you also expect Ministers to maintain a strong presence to the game side/regional message board?

How will you keep your Ministers on track to meet your policy goals?

For a time, during Raven's delegacy, there was a cabinet position of "Chief of Staff", it did not make a return in Plemby's cabinet, do you have any view on notion of such a position?

Do you believe scheduled cabinet meetings including all or most cabinet members in a live conversation are valuable, and why or why not? If they are, how likely do you think it is that you would be able to hold them, and what could stop you?

 

[Pallaith]

You did not mention CAIN giving wide publicity to Nazis. Do you believe this isn't a bad thing, regardless of the fact that regions usually benefit from wide public attention such as this?

Why do you believe that having an organized effort for every individual Nazi operation is worse than an always-organized effort that can fall victim to issues such as politicization?

On another note, how will you reflect the region's anti-griefing view in the World Assembly? Do you even support this view?

Edit: thought of another CAIN question: Do you believe that CAINs usage of "Nazi collaborator" has been effective?

I used to buy into the argument that confronting and calling out Nazis brought them attention and that they thrived on this attention. This may be true to an extent, but like the most insidious of viruses, they thrive in the darkness too, and when they do they can be even more dangerous, because they can poison minds and corrupt the unsuspecting without anyone seeing it happen, and without an opposing voice to challenge them. The only real danger I see in making a big deal out of Nazis is that some people may decide to rebel or fight authority by joining up with the "underdog" side. It is my hope though that by staying strong and united against their brand of hate, we can show that they aren't just another competing viewpoint in the marketplace of ideas, but one that is being singled out for a very good reason. We've seen a rise in these kinds of deplorable individuals in the real world, too, and ignoring them didn't stop it. It cannot stop it, because they will continue to thrive and spin their webs. Sooner or later we're going to have to confront them, and I'd rather do it now before they have lived with the illusion of coexistence for too long. This isn't like tolerating your liberal or conservative friend's different viewpoints, these guys are an entirely different level and we should recognize that fact when dealing with them.

I'm not sure what you're asking with your second question. The point I made in my original answer was that CAIN allows its participants to settle all questions of organization, strategy, and executing the operation ahead of time, so they can go in, complete the mission, and be done with it. They save the time normally spent figuring out who does what and how, and the mission is better for it. They can pull this off consistently by finding the best way to do this and then repeating it as often as possible, and because of the size of the coalition and the preparedness, they can pull off larger, more complex operations than anything independent anti-Nazi groups could muster. I think politicization is going to be present in some form no matter what we do, but if we get better at communicating with the signatory regions and actually speak up and identify a path we can follow and bring the others on board, I think a lot of that will fall by the wayside. When people aren't sure precisely what to do and don't agree on who plays what role, I think they fall into their old habits and stick to self-interest and how best to keep up appearances. If we have a substantial course to take, we don't need to worry about positioning. If we understand a clear hierarchy and leadership, we don't have to worry about jockeying for power. We can solve these problems by participating better in CAIN, not by abandoning it.

The NPA follows a clear course of action when it comes to griefing: we don't do it. To the extent that this is our tradition and firmly established in our legal code, I suppose you could say it is an anti-griefing policy. When it comes to voting in the WA, I wouldn't really say such a policy actually exists for me to follow. Do I personally disapprove of griefing? Yeah, and I think most people would agree except the most destructive and diehard of raiders. R&D by definition is going to involve regions changing hands and people's homes being occupied. Depending on how strict your view, you could call this griefing. So I wouldn't say I am so strongly against it that I wouldn't allow the NPA to raid or defend depending on the mission. I feel that wasn't what you meant by the question anyway, but it is after all a very subjective question. Some cases of griefing are clear cut, others may not be so much depending on who you ask. I find it especially interesting you ask this along with the CAIN questions, because one could say invading Nazi regions for the purposes of wiping them out is griefing plain and simple. I don't think I could give you a satisfactory black or white answer here, because I don't see it as a black or white situation. I will echo what I said in my platform, I won't use the NPA willy nilly, but will always seek to have a good purpose with it, and I will approach WA votes the same way.

As for the term "Nazi collaborator," I agree that like any other label it can be misapplied or applied too strictly, but I believe it is an essential concept in CAIN's mission being successful. If the roaches scurry into every nook and cranny they can find, we still have to get them out or they will continue to propagate as before. We should take care when applying the term, but I believe it has to be considered or we give the Nazi players an out and shields to hide behind.

Thank you for your answers. I have some further questions (some lifted from previous campaigns).

Your answer to Darcania seems to be implying that you will, by and large, be making appointments of Ministers without application, instead going to those who you consider to be sufficiently skilled to do the job, is this accurate or do you intend to have the Ministerial positions be open to application?

You've mentioned your own gameside involvement in answer to SillyString, would you also expect Ministers to maintain a strong presence to the game side/regional message board?

How will you keep your Ministers on track to meet your policy goals?

For a time, during Raven's delegacy, there was a cabinet position of "Chief of Staff", it did not make a return in Plemby's cabinet, do you have any view on notion of such a position?

Do you believe scheduled cabinet meetings including all or most cabinet members in a live conversation are valuable, and why or why not? If they are, how likely do you think it is that you would be able to hold them, and what could stop you?

In my answer to Darcania I tried to accurately identify the people I would ideally be able to appoint. I took a lot of liberties with the question, since I was trying to piece together my "perfect" cabinet. Of course, as I acknowledged, many of those individuals will not be available. I personally lean toward choosing the best people I can think of or the best people willing and able to serve, but in several cases, especially Culture, I believe applications would be a great help. I want to hear from anyone in TNP who wants to step up and help, even if I cannot choose them all. We can surely find a place for someone who wants to play a part in keeping TNP moving and innovating. So I suppose you should read that as an invitation for all TNPers to apply for a role in my cabinet. Even if I have a preference for a specific person in any given role, at least I have an idea of who our next great talent may be.

Ideally, we would all be able to be present and engage with our game-side residents. I understand that for many reasons, people cannot or do not wish to do so, and that's fine. To an extent I even consider this valid for our ministers, although I consider it good manners for them to make some effort to increase their presence. Maybe someone would only post once a week, but as a minister I would hope he strives to do that every other day, or maybe three times. The point is, he doesn't have to be there all the time, but he should try to be there more. It's awkward to force this on people, so all I could ask is that they remember the RMB exists and chime in once in a while. A huge exception to this is when we launch the cultural and joint regional events I hope will take place gameside. I expect all ministers to be friendly and ever-present faces during those events. We need people to participate in these things considering how much time and energy Culture and others put into them, and the least we can do is offer ourselves as the front line. If you want to serve in the cabinet, be prepared to step up now and then, go beyond your comfort zone, and remember the position is one of service to the region, not just the few people who happen to stick to Discord or the forum.

I've mentioned before that when I was a minister, I made a monthly report. Not everyone may be best suited for this, or have a ministry that lends itself to generating tons of reportable things. I'm a talker and I would like to be able to count on my ministers to be available enough to fill me in or have a quick chat if nothing else. I tend to be the type who gets a little restless and if it gets bad enough, impatient. So I think if the ministers are not as forthcoming with coming to me with things, they can count on me to be checking in with them quite often. In the course of these check ins, if it becomes clear that our goals are a tad overly ambitious, I hope we can figure out a way to at least set the stage for it, so that when the term is up we may not be able to say we checked off all the boxes, but we didn't just shrug our shoulders and try something else. I want to be able to say "well guys, we didn't get this done, but we're working on it, and here's where we are." There's always a reason people can't do something, it will be up to me to see if I can help them work around those reasons, or if they maybe aren't on board with the idea and we may need to find a new approach that will help them get it done.

I find Chief of Staff to be an intriguing idea. I generally don't like to create roles that have no clear duties associated with them. However, we have advisors and we have seen previous delegates make greater use of the Vice Delegate in their government. I would want such a person to have concrete things to do, so I would have to mull over what sorts of things I would be able or willing to delegate to a Chief of Staff, as it stands right now I think I have clearly divided up the things I want to do by ministry and it should be fine as it is now.

A live conversation meeting is good if you have a clear goal and know what it is you want to talk about, but it's very hard to get everyone on at the same time. Look at the different time zones in play just with the cabinet we have now! Every time I have tried to do scheduled meetings with people online, something goes wrong and we don't get everyone. Discord has group chats and people can see the messages that come in while they are away, and can chime in when they get a chance. So long as we keep it going and don't let the discussion die off, I think this can be useful. We'd use this even without the possibility of live meetings, but if I find out that multiple cabinet members are online and I wanted to address them all, we can segue straight into using a group chat and, yeah, it would be a live conversation for most of us. Things happen quickly and sometimes at unexpected times. We should be willing to work with that and focus less on coming up with a set time. Having said that, I'm not against trying it, especially if it ends up being the only way we can get a few people in the same room at the same time. That's the one case where I think it's a superior choice to impromptu conversations. I think we can successfully pull this off a few times, unless we just absolutely can't get everyone in. This term will play out over summer, so I think this will be a better time than most for scheduled live meetings.

 

[Deleted User (Guest)]

The Chief of Staff role (to add some context here) was to fulfil some complex requirements that I needed going forward regarding potential problems in my second term.

1. If you remember the campaign, I burned out during it following the stuff from Gemini.
2. I was severely unwell with a throat infection last May and the Chief of Staff helped keep the Government unified internally while I was not at my best.
3. I wanted a slightly more approachable figure for people within the Government, with another set of eyes to work with the Cabinet. In this case, the Vice Delegate was a perfect figure since it also allowed the Vice Delegate to be kept in the loop of changes and plans.

The biggest danger of the CoS role is over-delegation, it's not a role that should be created lightly nor a role that should be long term.

Generally, I would advise against a new Delegate creating such a position, since you need to have an established working relationship with your cabinet, and you cannot build one if you've left most of the work to the Chief of Staff.

 

[Praetor]

How would you react should the Regional Assembly choose to no longer be a part of CAIN; either by not ratifying it prior to a deadline or by failing to pass an amendment?

 

[Alexey]

Though my opinion may not be important, I believe every vote counts and I can proudly say that when the election comes, I know who I will vote for

 

[Pallaith]

How would you react should the Regional Assembly choose to no longer be a part of CAIN; either by not ratifying it prior to a deadline or by failing to pass an amendment?

I would find this quite disappointing. I imagine I would plead my case and try to re-establish our membership in CAIN. I do believe it is worth pursuing, and we shouldn't let the opportunity pass us by. Treaties require a great deal of consensus, and I believe this is a good thing, so I would not take the rejection lightly, and would redouble my efforts to make my case. I would also do my best not to be discouraged, but yeah, I would definitely be disappointed.

Though my opinion may not be important, I believe every vote counts and I can proudly say that when the election comes, I know who I will vote for

Hey thanks, I really appreciate it!

 

[Darcania]

Thank you for your prompt, thorough, to-the-point answers, Pallaith. I have another question, if you don't mind.

How do you imagine the Delegacy's relation to the AG's office to be? As the AG's duties include providing legal advice to the Executive while at the same time leading the prosecution or, if necessary, filing an R4R on another's behalf against the Executive (along with others).

This dichotomy of both helping ensure the Executive follows the law and leading the consequences of not doing so leads to some interesting interactions. Would you, for example, provide Executive Council access to the AG like Plembobria did with Tomb during the beginning of his Vice Delegacy before he became MoHA? How often do you imagine your Delegacy speaking to the AG for legal advice?

 

[Praetor]

What are your thoughts on Cabinet solidarity?

EDIT: Will you take any positions in other regions that you do not already have should you be elected as Delegate?

 

[Pallaith]

How do you imagine the Delegacy's relation to the AG's office to be? As the AG's duties include providing legal advice to the Executive while at the same time leading the prosecution or, if necessary, filing an R4R on another's behalf against the Executive (along with others).

This dichotomy of both helping ensure the Executive follows the law and leading the consequences of not doing so leads to some interesting interactions. Would you, for example, provide Executive Council access to the AG like Plembobria did with Tomb during the beginning of his Vice Delegacy before he became MoHA? How often do you imagine your Delegacy speaking to the AG for legal advice?

I think the dichotomy is important, because our government has to cooperate in all cases, and that includes enforcing our legal code and addressing officials who are out of line. The way I see it, if the Delegate regularly consults with the Attorney General, there's a greatly reduced chance the Delegate will run afoul of the law. I want the relationship to be positive, but this does not mean they should be cozy and intertwined. I never want the AG to feel bad about doing its job out of loyalty or affection for the Delegate, but at the same time I also do not want the AG to be quick to move on the Delegate because of too much distance or even animosity. Again, this is where communication is key. If the two offices regularly discuss proper procedure and are on the same page when it comes to the law, I do not see how mistrust or suspicion will take root, or how situations where the Delegate or other executives engage in questionable or sneaky behavior can take place. And if such a positive culture is in place, that makes any potential wrongdoing stand out all the more, and I believe in such a situation the AG and the rest of the government will act quickly and see that justice is done because prior practice reinforced the expectation of ethical excellence.

I believe knowing whether or not a certain course of action is legal or consistent with TNP law is a crucial component of any decision the Delegate makes. That is why as Delegate I would frequently check in with the AG's office. I would be wary of pulling the AG too close though, as I expressed above. It's one thing to bring the Vice Delegate closer to the fold, but quite another to do so with the AG, who after all needs to have sufficient distance from the Delegate to prosecute if needed. If the AG is involved in executive decisions which may then need to be challenged by that AG, a clear conflict of interest is present. I want the AG and Delegate to get along and have a constructive relationship, but getting too personally involved is not only risky, it's reckless. The AG will not only be potentially unable to do its job properly, it will be compromised and even subordinate to the Delegate when it is an elected position not subject to the whims of the Delegate.

What are your thoughts on Cabinet solidarity?

EDIT: Will you take any positions in other regions that you do not already have should you be elected as Delegate?

I have laid out my plan for where I want to take TNP for the next 4 months. I plan to appoint people to my cabinet who not only can fulfill the duties asked of them, but have an interest in seeing that vision come to life. I do not choose them for their opinions on specific pieces of legislation or alterations to the legal code, for instance, nor would I dismiss them if they disagree with me on such matters. I want to collaborate with my cabinet and communication will be essential to making sure the work we accomplish is done well and consistently. I never want them to feel they cannot express dissenting views or suggest alternatives. To the extent they have problems with the agenda laid out in my platform, I hope to discuss that prior to their appointments and get their take on the best way to move forward with each ministry. It may be that we agree on where to go but disagree on how to get there. Of course, once in office, there may come a time when we disagree on how to proceed or respond to a new situation that we didn't consider when the term began. Whenever possible I want the cabinet to be united and have a consensus. To achieve that, naturally we will have to grapple sometimes with disagreement. Above all else, I want the cabinet to be respectful and constructive, and only in cases where we absolutely cannot work together and have irreconcilable differences would we discuss going our separate ways. I hope that if that moment comes, it is a mutual decision. If the question is performance, or lack thereof, I would aim to work with the minister in question and look for solutions (as I stated previously) that will help them be better equipped to complete their tasks. Only after we have exhausted every means of addressing whatever the problem is would we look at replacing the minister.

I honestly don't think I would be able to take on other positions in non-TNP governments. This would be, by far, the most important and time-consuming job for me in NS. I have served briefly as a minister and for a while as delegate outside of TNP, but in a much smaller, less taxing region. Nevertheless, I feel my work anywhere else would suffer so that I could focus on TNP, so it wouldn't make sense for me to serve outside of TNP during my delegacy. This is of course not even taking account the fact I do not wish to serve anywhere else outside of TNP while serving as Delegate. The last thing I want is to run into a potential scenario where I would feel compelled to take opposing positions on the same issue, such as something in the WA, or to ignore one or the other region for a time to respond to a potential crisis or emergency. If I pledge to serve this region and pledge to serve it to the best of my ability, I cannot risk that similar promises to other regions will interrupt my fulfillment of the ones I made to TNP.

 

[SillyString]

What is the story behind your username? How did you come up with "Pallaith"?

 

[Pallaith]

What is the story behind your username? How did you come up with "Pallaith"?

It's a combination of the words "Pallid" and "Wraith." My main nation is Ghostopolis, I have gone by Ghost in my online life, and I wanted something that evoked that without just being a simple synonym or plain related word. I actually originally came up with that for my Sith name, but I find I like Revenant better for that (which is why my nation is the "Rebellious Revenants of Pallaith").

 

[MacSalterson]

Pallaith, over your statement regarding a group of people guiding newer people to RP, perhaps I can make a suggestion that would keep it separate from TNP's government, which is something that is a popular wish among the RP moderators. Perhaps extend these powers to an established body, the Roleplay Conclave, who are already responsible for assisting the moderators in a large way?

 

[Pallaith]

Pallaith, over your statement regarding a group of people guiding newer people to RP, perhaps I can make a suggestion that would keep it separate from TNP's government, which is something that is a popular wish among the RP moderators. Perhaps extend these powers to an established body, the Roleplay Conclave, who are already responsible for assisting the moderators in a large way?

I do not see how that would conflict with my idea, so sure. My idea there was for us to try an RMB guardian-style concept for RP, and it would be a good idea for those people to come from the RP world. If they come from that particular RP body, that's fine by me. Like I said, I'm trying to help, not insert myself into RP when I myself do not participate in it.

I also wanted to address another comment from earlier I didn't reply to:

The Chief of Staff role (to add some context here) was to fulfil some complex requirements that I needed going forward regarding potential problems in my second term.

1. If you remember the campaign, I burned out during it following the stuff from Gemini.
2. I was severely unwell with a throat infection last May and the Chief of Staff helped keep the Government unified internally while I was not at my best.
3. I wanted a slightly more approachable figure for people within the Government, with another set of eyes to work with the Cabinet. In this case, the Vice Delegate was a perfect figure since it also allowed the Vice Delegate to be kept in the loop of changes and plans.

The biggest danger of the CoS role is over-delegation, it's not a role that should be created lightly nor a role that should be long term.

Generally, I would advise against a new Delegate creating such a position, since you need to have an established working relationship with your cabinet, and you cannot build one if you've left most of the work to the Chief of Staff.

I agree with Raven here. As I said in my answer, I have a good idea of how my government would be divided, and introducing a Chief of Staff would complicate it and yeah, would probably take away many of their duties. Alternatively, I might keep them the same, and then the CoS wouldn't have much of anything to do. So I want to make clear, I will not be appointing a Chief of Staff.

 

[SillyString]

What do you think would be your opponent's greatest strength, if they win this election and you do not?

 

[Pallaith]

What do you think would be your opponent's greatest strength, if they win this election and you do not?

Tomb's done the job before. He can get right to work and ostensibly have a greater level of comfort than I would. He also has the ability to build on what he learned back then, good and bad.

Mall's endlessly entertaining and well-known in the NS world. Name recognition has an effect on the region's image, people would certainly pay even more attention to TNP.

 

[SillyString]

I completely forgot there was a third candidate! Thank you for including both of your opponents in your answer. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

 

[Great Bights Mum]

Love your platform. You definitely have my support. Best of luck in the election.

 

[Syrixia]

You've got my support!

 

[Pallaith]

I completely forgot there was a third candidate! Thank you for including both of your opponents in your answer. You are a gentleman and a scholar.

Why thank you, I just try to answer as completely as possible. For all I know, forgetting Mall might have been a gotcha question.

Love your platform. You definitely have my support. Best of luck in the election.

That means a lot, I'm glad you liked it! Thank you.

You've got my support!

Wow, thanks! I'll gladly take it.