NationStates Jolt Archive


Good writing

Karlsson of the Roof
24-07-2007, 13:09
When studying the propsal list I often find (i) VERY long proposals which no-one reads carefully, or (ii) two sentences that could be managed in houndred ways. So why don't we write more precisely what the matter is?

So we can cleary aim the point in an introduction.

And we should point out the changes that will come with the proposal when it will have won the voting.

I would easily agree or disagree if there is:
"Environmental boost on cost of industry"
A member nation should have a minimum of 5% budget spend on environment. If not, economic budget is lowered to increase environmental budget.

I would like that.

What do you think?
Quintessence of Dust
24-07-2007, 13:57
'Good writing' is largely a subjective judgment. The longest proposal possible is 3,500 characters: that is not an excessive demand.

Also, pointing out the changes that occur is probably a no-no. That's what the category is for, and trying to specify mechanical effects generally is illegal because of this. So long as the proposal text matches the category, then there need be no confusion about the probable effects.
Gobbannium
24-07-2007, 18:17
OOC: you're trying to have your cake and eat it here. The "very long proposals" (which are no such thing, I can assure you) are by and large precise in their use of language; that's why they are so long.
Cavirra
25-07-2007, 10:55
(ii) two sentences that could be managed in ****houndred**** ways.The idea of good writing means spelling is correct.

A member nation should have a minimum of 5% budget spend on environment. If not, economic budget is lowered to increase environmental budget.

I would like that.

What do you think?

And has nothing to do with what you think about an issue. As if you don't like one don't vote for it.. If it don't fit your needs or have what you want in it then don't vote for it.

My question is: Are you saying something about writing a proposal or hunting for replies on your issue?

Vicar Haggallpuss,
Minister of Language,
Cavirrian School of the Dumb, Blind, and Deaf
Temurdia
25-07-2007, 12:41
"Environmental boost on cost of industry"
A member nation should have a minimum of 5% budget spend on environment. If not, economic budget is lowered to increase environmental budget.

I would like that.

What do you think?

I understand this as an example of how a resolution could be written in a few words. Notwithstanding the contents of the suggestion, I do not think that it is a very good way of writing proposals since it lacks arguments and intention declarations. It also lacks definitions. For example, what does "lowering economic budget" means? This should be worded more specifically in an actual proposal.
Iamloco
25-07-2007, 13:36
A brief summary of a proposal might be useful for people that dont like to read long texts but like to vote anyway.

However not all proposals can be written in just too lines and short writing doesnt mean good writing. There are people who even read the lengthier proposals. Even if you can formulate the same arguement in different ways, I am sure that the author of the proposal has formulated his arguement in the best possible way that he sees.
Gobbannium
25-07-2007, 19:21
OOC: any proposal on this subject would be metagaming, not to mention a violation of pretty much any category that was picked. This is more properly a discussion of good proposal writing styles.
New Vandalia
26-07-2007, 05:10
OOC: Welcome to the Internet, where good writing is an endangered species.
Gobbannium
27-07-2007, 02:23
OOC: it ain't just Teh Intarweb. The meeting I was at this evening was graced by many people whose idea of good English is a lot worse than several regulars here for whom English isn't their first language!
Cavirra
27-07-2007, 09:53
<nonsense Mod-snipped>
IC:
Is this mic on! Hello, Hello, testing 1.2.3.4 test 4.3.2.1
Whatever language one elects to present a proposal to this body needs to be readable to a majority to pass and become a resolution. Even if it's long one can decide if it contains what they want to see and then either vote for or against it. The NSUN folks that translate all these proposals submitted to get them up here in English the common language are not the smartest folks and don't edit any of what they have to translate. I don't think one could find and afford a suitable editor/translator to reach all the NSUN membership with a perfect proposal let alone anything else.

And in closing I'd just like to say hi mom.

Wannabe Sombody,
6th Assistant Clerk
Cavirrian UN Deligation