NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Ok, I've been on the NationStates forum for a good 4 months, and I've never seen such an big boom of n00bs joining until these past 3 week, what's up with that? I mean some might turn out to be good RPers with a little help, ut most just show disregard to most rules and don't read the stickies.

So with that said, I want to ask these 2 questions. How the heck did n00bs get the run of the forum? And what can we do about it?

There are probably a lot of newbs/Noobs appearing because of summer break, bored kids with computers.
As to what to do about it, direct them to the stickies and hope they mature.

There are probably a lot of newbs/Noobs appearing because of summer break, bored kids with computers.
As to what to do about it, direct them to the stickies and hope they mature.

OOC: "Hope" being the key modifier there. ;)

The forum's main problem is the gun stickies, they are truly annoying and used by n00bs often.

Lol, yeah, we can only hope, but some of the more experinced players have dropped to there level, it's sad...

Whilst fairly new I hope I don't come into the newb category, (I had a nation back in 2003, but I forgot about it and it got deleted), I rediscovered this site back at the start of May and have since begun an effort to get into more RPs. Though of course I am often ignored due to my May 05 state. However I am beginning to get back into it and am amazed at the new nations recently who just seem to post along the lines of "I AM TEH GOD!!!111!!1" and try to invade everywhere and take on much older nations. I hope this doesn't last too long as at least 25% of all posts nowdays are of those type. Anyway here's hoping some of them will discover the stickies soon.

Whilst fairly new I hope I don't come into the newb category, (I had a nation back in 2003, but I forgot about it and it got deleted), I rediscovered this site back at the start of May and have since begun an effort to get into more RPs. Though of course I am often ignored due to my May 05 state. However I am beginning to get back into it and am amazed at the new nations recently who just seem to post along the lines of "I AM TEH GOD!!!111!!1" and try to invade everywhere and take on much older nations. I hope this doesn't last too long as at least 25% of all posts nowdays are of those type. Anyway here's hoping some of them will discover the stickies soon.


Ahhh yes the God moding.. It gets really old fast doesn't it.

N00bs/Newbs and petty OOC Arguments are going to be the Death of NS roleplaying. *Sigh*

Oh please do me a favour!


When does a new player become experienced then?

Just because someones nation is two weeks old doesn't mean that they are any less of a player than someone who has been using nation states for longer.
It also doesn't show how long that person has played elsewhere for or how much experience they have.

And of course the reverse applies as well.

Whilst fairly new I hope I don't come into the newb category, (I had a nation back in 2003, but I forgot about it and it got deleted), I rediscovered this site back at the start of May and have since begun an effort to get into more RPs. Though of course I am often ignored due to my May 05 state. However I am beginning to get back into it and am amazed at the new nations recently who just seem to post along the lines of "I AM TEH GOD!!!111!!1" and try to invade everywhere and take on much older nations. I hope this doesn't last too long as at least 25% of all posts nowdays are of those type. Anyway here's hoping some of them will discover the stickies soon.
Well there are 2 kinds of newbies, 1) n00bs= a general disregared for rules and proper RP style, they also frequently godmod. 2) newbs= people who are new but actually try to learn the proper way to RP, I'd say anyone under 700 million pop. or under 1 month on the forums wold count for that, so, I'm still a somewhat newb.

And yeah, godmodding get's old pretty fast, unless it's just for fun, which in that case it can be funny...

Oh please do me a favour!


When does a new player become experienced then?

Just because someones nation is two weeks old doesn't mean that they are any less of a player than someone who has been using nation states for longer.
It also doesn't show how long that person has played elsewhere for or how much experience they have.

And of course the reverse applies as well.
Once a nation has showed good RPing skills they will be given regular status usually, and when a play goes back to godmodding they become a n00b, or just really annoying, there really are no set boundries.

Oh please do me a favour!


When does a new player become experienced then?

Just because someones nation is two weeks old doesn't mean that they are any less of a player than someone who has been using nation states for longer.
It also doesn't show how long that person has played elsewhere for or how much experience they have.

And of course the reverse applies as well.
This thread is not about New Members in general, just the New Members wo spam the forums, make incredibly idiotic Threads, have no regard for the rules, don't read the stickies, etc., etc., etc. You seem willing to learn, therefore are only a 'Newb' or new player, not a n00b. If you wish for RP help, just contact me, I'd be glad to help. :)

OOC: Ok, I've been on the NationStates forum for a good 4 months
That said it all. Also complaining about pointless subjects might help too. And if you think this forum has a bad 'noob' problem, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, this doesn't even compare to other forums I'm on in the slightest way. From my experience, there is nothing that can be done to change a person's behavior over an internet forum, no matter how annoying. Simply put, just ignore them and tell them what they should and should not do. Half of the 'noobs' are attention whores to begin with, the others are still learning the jist of things.

When does a new player become experienced then?Basically, I'll tell you what was told me when I asked the same question in my early days. You stop being a newb when you stop being a newb. There's no magic formula like "oh I have 500 million people. I'm now an experienced player. I'm teh 1337!!!!111". There's also no set time period like, "I've been RPing for three months. I'm now better than AMF! I pwn j00!!!!111".

If you're going to be a good player in NS, in some cases (such as Praetonia or Skinny87), you start to show signs early on. Hell, even some *mistakes* can be signs of someone who shows promise as a newcomer (I think one of my first RP posts was when I severed diplomatic relations with Doujin before I read the full thread about why he did that).

The short version is, it takes time before you go from being a newb to being an experienced RPer. Keep getting into RPs and keep working at it and you will eventually become one of the respected players of this game. It took me a long while before I got there.

That said it all. Also complaining about pointless subjects might help too. And if you think this forum has a bad 'noob' problem, you are sadly mistaken. In fact, this doesn't even compare to other forums I'm on in the slightest way. From my experience, there is nothing that can be done to change a person's behavior over an internet forum, no matter how annoying. Simply put, just ignore them and tell them what they should and should not do. Half of the 'noobs' are attention whores to begin with, the others are still learning the jist of things.
Again, don't judge by dates, I'm on plenty of other forums too, and yes this is nothing compared to what I've seen, I've actually seen forums shut down from to many n00bs and I've quit some too. Ignoring is good in the short-term, but have you seen a n00b that's ever been completly ignored? Nope, cause some other person just has to post in there thread, I know someone suggested this, but how about a test to see if they're proper RPers (Not very practical, but hey, it's an idea)

Tut tut, Sarz, you know full well that the only reason Praetonia and Skinny87 are accepted is because they know me! :)

Thanks for the offer Inkano, but you see this isn't my only Nation and Nation states isn't the only roleplay I do.

However, you have helped me prove the point.
You assumed that I was 'new' because of the amount of posts I have made and the age of my nation that I am posting from.

I successfuly run and play in another virtual system.
I moderate for three role play boards.
I run and play in two Live role play groups.
I play in nation states.
And my business is making armour and costume for live role play.

What really gripes me about this type of thread is the sort of statement that Lesser Ribena made.
Feeling that he has to justify his existance by telling us that he did have a nation two years ago and making a statement like Though of course I am often ignored due to my May 05 state.
Why the heck should he EXPECT to be ignored just because his nation is about a month old?

Yes I agree, there are always ones who want to spoil the fun and think that they can walk over everyone and everything, but lets see the bigger picture here eh?

OOC: Ok, I've been on the NationStates forum for a good 4 months, and I've never seen such an big boom of n00bs joining until these past 3 week, what's up with that? I mean some might turn out to be good RPers with a little help, ut most just show disregard to most rules and don't read the stickies.

So with that said, I want to ask these 2 questions. How the heck did n00bs get the run of the forum? And what can we do about it?

I don't see a significant problem. There's been a larger number of 'n00bs' (I prefer to call them 'poor players' myself...), sure. There have been and always will be poor players, and the amount that crop up varies over time. It was much higher than this at one point, as I recall. But from what I can see there's also been a larger number of decent new players who'll go on to be great players. But as with everything else in this world, everyone must always focus on the negative and overlook the positive. It may also be attributed to of the ever-present 'auto-newbie ignore' system that's been in place since before I got here, and as described eloquently in the post above.

I fully agree with Sarzonia. You know what the difference between a n00b and a good Rper: n00bs use smilies like ( :sniper: ) that in IC posts ;) Easy.

Really you can't judge a person by the date they joined. For example I joined in Aug 2004, but I hardly qualify as an excellent RPer like the likes of RB, Praetonia, Sarzonia, Credonia, and the many other great RPers. So there isn't really an effective rule or formula ;)

Thanks for the offer Inkano, but you see this isn't my only Nation and Nation states isn't the only roleplay I do.

However, you have helped me prove the point.
You assumed that I was 'new' because of the amount of posts I have made and the age of my nation that I am posting from.

I successfuly run and play in another virtual system.
I moderate for three role play boards.
I run and play in two Live role play groups.
I play in nation states.
And my business is making armour and costume for live role play.

What really gripes me about this type of thread is the sort of statement that Lesser Ribena made.
Feeling that he has to justify his existance by telling us that he did have a nation two years ago and making a statement like Though of course I am often ignored due to my May 05 state.
Why the heck should he EXPECT to be ignored just because his nation is about a month old?

Yes I agree, there are always ones who want to spoil the fun and think that they can walk over everyone and everything, but lets see the bigger picture here eh?

HAHAHAHAAHA

youve seriosly give me the best laugh for a lnog time

Zarbia,
If your post actually made any sense at all, I would be able to tell you if I was Insulted or flattered.

On the flip-side of what Space Union said, I'm a fairly new nation. But I do consider myself a fairly good writer, and I think that's translated over well to my RPs. But if there's one thing I've learned in years of drifting to and from various Internet forums, it's to learn the rules, or customs, if you will, of "the locals," that is to say, the people who've been here for a while and who've garnered respect. You don't try and go out and do something internationally before you understand how things work. That's how I ended up leaving my first region, North America: I made a semi-n00bish mistake and the other nations of North America refused to help. Of course, some of them were not really very friendly to begin with, but that's another story. More importantly, though, I don't recall any of them trying to help me, and that's a key thing. As it turned out, I ended up pulling out of North America anyways and learned the proper ways of doing things here in I.I., which is arguably more important than any regional forums. Call me conceited for sounding sort of egotistical here if you wish, but this is what I think. And if anyone wants to agree or disagree with what I've said about my RPing skills, feel free to do so; I'm interested to see what other people think of me.

I suppose my point wraps up to this: when a n00b comes on and posts something like "I DECLARE WAR ON THE WORLD BECAUSE I CAN!!!!!! :sniper: :mp5: :mp5: :gundge: :gundge:", I'm going to look at them with the utmost contempt, and probably ignore them. But when a newb with good writing skills and the right frame-of-mind pops up, I'm probably going to RP with them, and help them out if they need it.

EDIT: Hey, 555th post...

Zarbia,
If your post actually made any sense at all, I would be able to tell you if I was Insulted or flattered.

I think you're supposed to be insulted, but that's just me.

OOC: Guys, the best thing to do is not even give the n00bZ the time of day. Just go about your business and let them post their :sniper: :mp5: threads, and don't reply to them. Just keep filling the forum with quality RP, and eventually the n00bZ will fade away. They always do.

However, I have seen a few decent newbs around here, some of which have impressed me. So you see, with the bad comes the good, and the next great RPer may be just starting out.

I think you're supposed to be insulted, but that's just me.

Ah well then I will just have to go off into a corner and cry for a week or so then won't I?

Ah well then I will just have to go off into a corner and cry for a week or so then won't I?

You do that, I'll wait here.

You do that, I'll wait here.

Only if you promise you'll still be here ?

Only if you promise you'll still be here ?

I'll be waiting right here.

Pffft, oh yes. Praetonia, Skinny87, Sarzonia, blah blah blah. What about ME?! I deserve to be praised too, blah. >_>

Zarbia,
If your post actually made any sense at all, I would be able to tell you if I was Insulted or flattered.

yuo were actualy suposed to be neither you jsut really gave me a good laugh haha

"And today Ladies and Gentlemen for your entertainment only we have religous fundamentalists, NationStates n00bs and people who dont indicate properly all up for public execution! Vote now on (A) Cyanide Gas, (B) Marbles fired from machine guns or (C) Rusty Implements..."

A little dream of mine...

yuo were actualy suposed to be neither you jsut really gave me a good laugh haha

See Mini Miehm!
I'll not be suprised if he's dashing over to the me now, flowers in hand and willing to declare undying love for me!
(I bet he wants to have my babies as well!)

*Puts box of paper hankies down and dusts off hands*

Pffft, oh yes. Praetonia, Skinny87, Sarzonia, blah blah blah. What about ME?! I deserve to be praised too, blah. >_>

I forgot TIOR. Sorry :(

See Mini Miehm!
I'll not be suprised if he's dashing over to the me now, flowers in hand and willing to declare undying love for me!
(I bet he wants to have my babies as well!)

*Puts box of paper hankies down and dusts off hands*
Could be kinda awkward, what with him being a he and all, for him to have your babies.

This happens every Summer, and, beleive it or not, its actually GOOD for NS. We get newbs, which are a vital resource for the forum. n00bs are a fleeting annoyance and soon banned.
Just wait it out and it'll go away.

*shrugs*
I'm not sexist........if he wants to he can.....
*huff*

*shrugs*
I'm not sexist........if he wants to he can.....
*huff*

Well, if you happened to be female I'd let you have my babies, hows that sound? :fluffle:

"And today Ladies and Gentlemen for your entertainment only we have religous fundamentalists, NationStates n00bs and people who dont indicate properly all up for public execution! Vote now on (A) Cyanide Gas, (B) Marbles fired from machine guns or (C) Rusty Implements..."

A little dream of mine...
I choose D) All of the Above

I choose D) All of the Above

Carbolic acid

"And today Ladies and Gentlemen for your entertainment only we have religous fundamentalists, NationStates n00bs and people who dont indicate properly all up for public execution! Vote now on (A) Cyanide Gas, (B) Marbles fired from machine guns or (C) Rusty Implements..."

A little dream of mine...
I vote for rusty Implements, although Machine Guns would be quicker.

I forgot TIOR. Sorry :(

Bah, don't be sad. Get glad, no seriously that stuff works.

Well, if you happened to be female I'd let you have my babies, hows that sound? :fluffle:

*sigh*
Whats this then?
Pick up a 'newby' week?

*Squints*
You were going to sneak into my corner when I wasn't looking weren't you?

*sigh*
Whats this then?
Pick up a 'newby' week?

*Squints*
You were going to sneak into my corner when I wasn't looking weren't you?

Well, yeah, you caught me, and I'm nearly as new as you are.

Well, yeah, you caught me, and I'm nearly as new as you are.

See?
Whats wrong with new players then?
Me and Mini are almost engaged now!

Carbolic acid!? thats the stuff used to kill germs in the late 1800s by Joseph Lister, and simply roughens the skins and makes things smell.

Anyway, the new option added is "old records with crap music on sharpened to a killing edge coated in petrol set on fire and flung like frisbees"

See?
Whats wrong with new players then?
Me and Mini are almost engaged now!

Well, if you're on the eastern seaboard maybe the newbuies can pick each other up... :D

*LOL*
I'm on the eastern seaboard, but I'm not sure it's in the same country!

Carbolic acid!? thats the stuff used to kill germs in the late 1800s by Joseph Lister, and simply roughens the skins and makes things smell.

Anyway, the new option added is "old records with crap music on sharpened to a killing edge coated in petrol set on fire and flung like frisbees"

I vote for that option. :D

No, you want muriatic acid. Word says that stuff will eat through nigh near anything, but it has been awhile since I fooled with anything involving chemicals.

I vote for that option. :D

No, you want muriatic acid. Word says that stuff will eat through nigh near anything, but it has been awhile since I fooled with anything involving chemicals.

What was the chemical which made up the Alien blood in Aliens? That defiantly could rip through anything.

*LOL*
I'm on the eastern seaboard, but I'm not sure it's in the same country!

Well, I'm from the only country where you can get a pizza faster than an ambulance, that help any?

I vote for that option. :D

No, you want muriatic acid. Word says that stuff will eat through nigh near anything, but it has been awhile since I fooled with anything involving chemicals.

I was gonna make them drink it and starve to death when all the micr-organisms in their digestive tract died.

Carbolic acid!? thats the stuff used to kill germs in the late 1800s by Joseph Lister, and simply roughens the skins and makes things smell.

Thats to wash mouths out when they say all them there naughty words!


Anyway, the new option added is "old records with crap music on sharpened to a killing edge coated in petrol set on fire and flung like frisbees"

You've been watching too many spoof zombie movies haven't you?
Go On admit it! *grins*

Well, I'm from the only country where you can get a pizza faster than an ambulance, that help any?

Hmmmmmmmm................have you been having a lot of rain lately?

Hmmmmmmmm................have you been having a lot of rain lately?

Yes I have, way too much, why?

Just for the record, I am not what would be considered a newbie. I had a 2003 nation that I left because I felt like it.

I personally have no porblem with newbs. The good ones usually turn into excellent RPErs, and the bad ones... turn into comic relief.

So there, it's win-win.

Lol, yeah, we can only hope, but some of the more experinced players have dropped to there level, it's sad...

stfu u nerd i will kil u an ur nation :gundge: :gundge: :sniper: :sniper:
i deploy 50 snipers
they kil alot of ur ppl
but they die after a tank kills them
200000000000 of my men with mp5s attak u :mp5:
ur nation wil surender or i wil nuke u cos i bought some nukes on my first day here yo

I think the reason that there is a huge noob increase and the fact they go unchecked is that alot of veteran players have left recently . . . if anyone pulled the above sort of shit in March 04 (or even 03, but i dont have any recollection of that.. I didn't rp back then) they'd be flamed back to whatever CS server they came from.
It's a damn shame.
SHAMELESS PLUG http://fluffeh-bunneh.deviantart.com/ look at it or i :sniper: u

Odins Forgiven, where are you from, I'm insatiably curious, so just tell me, your country is good enough.

OOC: Wow...way to totally derail a thread..... :rolleyes:

Yes I have, way too much, why?

So......you in the UK then?

OOC: Wow...way to totally derail a thread..... :rolleyes:

Gimme a break, I'm easily distracted.

So......you in the UK then?

No, that hellish little country across the pond, America.

Just for the record, I am not what would be considered a newbie. I had a 2003 nation that I left because I felt like it.

I personally have no porblem with newbs. The good ones usually turn into excellent RPErs, and the bad ones... turn into comic relief.

So there, it's win-win.

Why do you feel the need to tell us that you 'had' a nation before?
This is my point, I don't see the difference between someone who has just joined or has been here for ever. If I wish to role play with them I will, if I don't like their style of playing I won't.

No, that hellish little country across the pond, America.

Now isn't that funny, we both have had two much rain and both live on the east coast and are both in different countries......Ah well, virtual love lays lost again......*sniff*

Because it would seem a little odd to me to have a newbie talking about the excess of newbies... just kinda seemed a little odd to me.

Know what really bugs me? Anti-n00bs who take and ruin any possibility of education or reasonable discussion by turning every n00b thread into flame and spam central. Like this one, for example.

NationStates isn't in danger from the n00bs. It's the anti-n00bs who respond to trolling and flamebait that encourages the idiots to come back instead of wandering away bored.

Who are the anti-n00bs? Look in a mirror, why doncha.