NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Maybe I'm just being protective, but I took weeks to research and deploy my Ion Tethers. I posted research back in late Sept or early October and never even deployed any till two days ago. Now I'm seeing least three week or less old countries just whip out superior versions of the concept into existance!

It is a real concept that is under research, so I felt that it could be acceptable for a postmodern nation. I researched the technology for a month, then I waited until I had a space program (the issue) and a Powerhouse economy (it's fallen a little, since). I then tested the satellites for another week, and for every step, I posted in a thread for feedback and questions and comments (and anti-godmod checks). It was only in a thread two days ago that the Ion Tether made a combat appearance... and within two hours, three new nations had matching or superior techs (firestorm, "invincible" ion tethers, or pure Bombardment Satellites).

So, I suppose, I am to blame for the start of the Ion Wanking, but this really eats me.

Yes, but you have something they don't... proof that you researched the tech, and didn't just pull it out of ass-space ;)

Theres a 10 day old country claiming his country is stronger then mine because since hes a democracy he can research everything better and cheaper even though he has a fair economy. He fails to see the point where he might only be able to devote 1-2 billion to research a year Belem can devote nearly 900 billion(more then his GDP).

The word ignore springs to mind for that n00b.

AS for this research thing...I fully support you there. It is far better if you can speak knowlegablly on an item/tech/whatever if you research into it.

Research does not mean that the concept is fully capable of working in a war environment. They say that an ETC cannon on ships is achievable and is capable for use, until the Navy has actually tested it.

Research does not mean that the concept is fully capable of working in a war environment. They say that an ETC cannon on ships is achievable and is capable for use, until the Navy has actually tested it.

Pretty much given enough time you can prove anything on paper.

Research does not mean that the concept is fully capable of working in a war environment. They say that an ETC cannon on ships is achievable and is capable for use, until the Navy has actually tested it.
Right, but I placed my nation in the postmodern category (about 2020 tech right now, maybe drifting further), so a light expansion would be allowable. These weapons are powerful, but less than nukes or even FAE bombs, and they are weak to ASAT weapons.

The theory behind Ion Tether is based on the tethered satellite expirements conducted by NASA, then banned and shifted under military control.

I researched this stuff in RL, plus NS "Research" threads which I launched early on, and I took almost 2 months RL time to deploy my "prototype" versions (which I have now).