NationStates Jolt Archive

This question has long been pondering in my mind for quite some time. The Good Lord Creator of NationStates and Muckraking Author of Syrup, Jennifer Government and Company Max Barry didn’t intend for a community to grow out of NationStates. Only after it transformed itself from an advertisement for the-novel-we-know-all-too-well, Jennifer Government, did Barry decide to type up a set of instructions for educators desiring to use NS for school. But what about NS role-play? Well, this talk is going to be controversial, as there are flaws with NS….let’s get on to that, shall we? And why did I pick this topic? Cos’ I have been considering of doing an IntCit (International Citizenship) presentation on NS for a class proposal thingofmejig.

Politics, Society and Government

In NS, I’d have to say that for the most part, it’s pretty much well reflected. Well, except in certain cases like MassPwnage’s society, which wouldn’t even stand up if it tried in real life, it is well. The issues on the site itself are often exaggerated and ridiculous. Not exactly the best information for enlightenment, you’d say, no? However, one ridiculous unrealistic part on NS politics is democracy. Few people that role-play their nations as the noble free democratic warriors that combat tyranny and repression by declaring war on human rights abusing states often do not role-play the domestic consequences if they repeatedly continue the said action. Eventually, people get wary of the regime-in-charge, and will start becoming apathetic and suspicious of their leadership. And then we have the dictatorships themselves—no matter how much you brainwash the people, you cannot possible have a totalitarian super-state the way Orwell depicted. Human nature is inherently flawed, and inherently curious, and thus inherently trying to question and do the opposite—which is in this case, rebel. Other than that, it’s so fine. But the next question is, would NS international community be fit enough for an International Citizenship class?

Economies, Resources and Culture

Nothing much to say. But I do have gripes with a lot of what people are doing with resources, with the exception of the tier role-players (Pacitalia, Sarzonia and the like anyone?) and those that actually deliberately build in trade weaknesses (i.e. lacking in [insert resource name here]) and economic weaknesses and actively role-play it out. Far too many people role-play as a first world nation in comparison to the United States of America. In face mega world of billions of human souls, it is dwarfed by a good mile. Culture in NS, seems to be mostly realistically portrayed and made parallels to RL sources (notable examples include Hogsweat/Questers, Pacitalia, The Freethinkers and the like). I’m neutral on the issue of economics in NS. On resources, I’m not so sure. What do you all say?

Final Notes

In summary, NS is a flawed device, because it is made by conscious beings called ‘humans’. Overall, NS has helped me quite a good bit—it definitely helped my creative writing ability by a good mile. For inspirations on this subject and NS role-play and my style and their abilities, I thank these people: Automagfreek, Amestria, Clan Smoke Jaguar, Czardas, Democratic Colonies, Halberdgardia, HailandKill, Independent Hitmen, Isselmere-Nieland, Hogsweat, Jagada, Jenrak, Joint Conglomerates, Kahanistan, Leafanistan, Northford, McKagan, Mauvasia, Pacitalia, Praetonia, Saint Fedski, Sarzonia, SkyCapt (now Goliath Federation), Stevid, Sniper Country, The Freethinkers, The Kraven Corporation, The Macabees, The Silver Sky, Van Luxemburg, Wingarde and Xirnium….and there are probably more but I forgot to add you to the list, and if I did leave anyone out, thanks anyway for helping me in any form. Your abilities did certainly help me a lot. I hope to be here for quite a long while, and to enjoy NS so long as it exists! Discuss the subject at hand besides my first anniversary, peeps….

I think that's the first time I've ever been mentioned OOCly three times in one post. ;)

Congrats, SEA! Your RPs have always been good or better, and you're a classy guy from my point of view. You've set your own standards and from my opinion you have accomplished quite a fair bit in your first year. Here's to many more. :)

Wow, I think that was the first time I was ever mentioned in someone's post. :p :)

Happy Anniversary! :) Can I invade you to celebrate! :p J/k Here is to many more good RPs for ya! Cheers! :)

Dear God I've been mentioned! And thanked nonetheless! *Claps*

But more on topic, as for economies. Its rather hard to do, it would be more realistic to have your regional members more economically attached to you--unless you region happens to be plundged into a chaotic regional war that is slowly spiraling out of control--but thats beside the point. Also, often times people try to go for the big resources such as oil, gold, silver, diamonds, ect, ect. Thing is, most of these nations also try to portray themselves as a Britian, being an island, and being an island is great and all, but sometimes it demands you import more than you export--and you have a strong Navy by which to protect that.

Though I'd also like to ask Totaltarian States why most of their budget isn't put into Education. Surely you cannot claim private schools--that would mean they are not subsidized by the state, and thus even in totaltarian societies that could lead to dangerous ideals such as people thinking for themselves. And if dictatorships claim they allow private schools and just keep and eye on them and change any education they want--then there wouldn't be private schools. People wouldn't waste their money on schooling just so the government could tell them how to run it.

Democratic societies can get away with it--but it also means less children get schooling, as private schools are expensive. In essence, all nations should have some education budget--even mine is a shameful 4%. Though I also pour alot in public religious schools...so thats also something religious theocracies can get away with.

Thanks guys!

Oh, and Azazia, if you're reading this, thank you as well, cos' your character (Alistair Tetley) did have somewhat an influence on my own.

...Automagfreek, Amestria, Clan Smoke Jaguar, Czardas, Democratic Colonies, Halberdgardia, HailandKill, Independent Hitmen, Isselmere-Nieland, Hogsweat, Jagada, Jenrak, Joint Conglomerates, Kahanistan, Leafanistan, Northford, McKagan, Mauvasia, Pacitalia, Praetonia, Saint Fedski, Sarzonia, SkyCapt (now Goliath Federation), Stevid, Sniper Country, The Freethinkers, The Kraven Corporation, The Macabees, The Silver Sky, Van Luxemburg, Wingarde and Xirnium…[/SIZE]

Oh my god, it's in alphabetical order!

Oh my god, it's in alphabetical order!
That's freakin insane....whoa..mad crazy...* Head explodes*

That's freakin insane....whoa..mad crazy...* Head explodes*

*Screams as torrents of blood falls like rain* Aaaaaaaah! Oh my god!

But on a slightly more serious note, congrats on your first anniversary.

Actually, if it truely was alphabetical order it would be Freethinkers, The or Silver Sky, The.

:p:D

Actually, if it truely was alphabetical order it would be Freethinkers, The or Silver Sky, The.

:p:D


....How would that work for one word names? Such as..Pacitalia?

They would stay in the same place, and anyway, they are not in alphabetical order, notice how Northford is in front of mckagan.

They would stay in the same place, and anyway, they are not in alphabetical order, notice how Northford is in front of mckagan.

Clearly that doesn't count.

Riiiight.... I personally would say most people dont RP the backlash of their actions properly (including me), and are way too trigger happy as a result I.E. If nukes got used in the real world, the user would never have an ally again, like, if there was anything left of the world, while on NS countless nations have been "glassed" for defying vastly superior forces. On which note, back to my nuclear/biological standoff with Undershi which could spell the end of both our nations...

Oh, and congrats :)

Happy 1st SEA.

Great guys. And how about using NS as an education tool? What do you feel about it? I need to know some opinions before finalizing my PowerPoint Presentation...this thread has dual purposes.

Happy first anniversary and thanks for the citation. I never imagined I could actually do something helpful. :D

Well, I think it's nice to wish you a Happy Birthday. On NS, ofcourse. :D

Thanks for thanking me. :p

I'm glad you found my advice useful, and happy NS anniversary. Mine's coming soon (August), but I doubt I'll be writing anything similar to this. I'm just not that well-known in NS, nor have I worked towards that. But anyway, congratulations. ;)

Great guys. And how about using NS as an education tool? What do you feel about it? I need to know some opinions before finalizing my PowerPoint Presentation...this thread has dual purposes.

PowerPoint?! Well, you've got Wingarde and I hooked. ;)

Oh, I forgot to ask, how the hell did I make it on the list? :p

Please explain. :)

The Silver Sky: Because you were sort of an inspiration for me as well due to your factbook, and I really liked how well it was done. And you do have talent at writing, and the joint design you made with Sarzonia (the Neptune)....it sort of made me realize that it would be more important for me to focus more funding on my navy due to my nation's geography and how important the sea was (even though for me, I'll always have the ground forces as part of my heart).

Wingarde/Czardas/Van Luxemburg: Thanks for the comments guys!

Yea, also I have to ask how I got put on that list, Southeastasia and Jagada seem very...different. You being Oriental and Secular, me being Oriental and Highly Religious.

As for educational purposes. You could always say that in Nation-States decisions, how their outcomes are ridiculous, you could always point out that certain decisions that leaders make have absolutely ridiculous outcomes and are not what was hoped for and when people made a decision regarding their nation they must take everything into considersation.

Yea, also I have to ask how I got put on that list, Southeastasia and Jagada seem very...different. You being Oriental and Secular, me being Oriental and Highly Religious.
Because your religious fanatics did provide me with some inspiration in my own nation's history. And I respect your ability as a writer.

Great guys. And how about using NS as an education tool? What do you feel about it? I need to know some opinions before finalizing my PowerPoint Presentation...this thread has dual purposes.

It shows the erratic decisions that could be made on either terms, and that most to most people a democratic society will not be the best, but certainly the most feasible nad most difficult to achieve and maintain.

Politics, Society and Government
. And then we have the dictatorships themselves—no matter how much you brainwash the people, you cannot possible have a totalitarian super-state the way Orwell depicted. Human nature is inherently flawed, and inherently curious, and thus inherently trying to question and do the opposite—which is in this case, rebel. Other than that, it’s so fine. But the next question is, would NS international community be fit enough for an International Citizenship class?




It is said, that only 68% of brainwashing is sucessful, which is why Kraven executes 42% of its populace, ensuring our brain washing success rate is 100%, but a nice rant, and congrats on your first year!

Executions won't neccessarily aid brainwashing Kraven, there will still be resistance that can slip through. Oh, and thanks for the compliments!

It is said, that only 68% of brainwashing is sucessful, which is why Kraven executes 42% of its populace, ensuring our brain washing success rate is 100%, but a nice rant, and congrats on your first year!

That is confusing to the max.

Yike... um, kraven... y'know 68+42=110... You're executing some of the converted... lol.

Yike... um, kraven... y'know 68+42=110... You're executing some of the converted... lol.
Agreed. :D Too bad he's leaving temporarily, and even though it ain't for good, that's sad... :(

Agreed. :D Too bad he's leaving temporarily, and even though it ain't for good, that's sad... :(
He is? :( Despite my IC differences with him I dont want him out of the way. (horror of horrors, we may even run out of big corporate scum types and imperialists to smite...)
Oh, and to get back on topic, I'd suggest seeing if admin can get you in contact with a teacher who uses NS for education, get their opinions on it?

NSSA, I did, but they only left a cryptic reply (search threads started by me). And as for Kraven's departure: One, fear not, it is only temporary. Two, there's an old saying that says "There's always someone worse off." The same logic can apply to Kraven, and there will always be someone better off. Something tells me, sooner or later, there shall come another big fish that will make Kraven look like an insignificant worm in comparison....

Yike... um, kraven... y'know 68+42=110... You're executing some of the converted... lol.

Intentional, Executing some of the Converted means that the rest are less likely to "Stray" from the path... so to speak... I may be taking a break, but I'm still watching... and my Jackboots are still right next to me...

Intentional, Executing some of the Converted means that the rest are less likely to "Stray" from the path... so to speak... I may be taking a break, but I'm still watching... and my Jackboots are still right next to me...

Fair enuf. and hope you get back soon.
Oh, and theres a fairly promising replacement coming on, although 3 of us are kind of stepping on him at the mo. It remains to be seen if he can stand up to us and survive.
SEA, I'd go with what someone in one of your threads said. NS can be a useful adjunct to a politics or similar lesson, but It cant replace that lesson entirely on its own. It does do well to show people what the extreme decisions they make can cause, and possibly to show them that they may be forced into making extreme decisions, tho. anyway, good luck with your presentation.

Thank you, NSSA. And anyone else? How about those that have only wished me a happy anniversary and not contributed any comments about my PP idea?

Happy anniversary SEA and thanks for mentioning me.

NSSA, I did, but they only left a cryptic reply (search threads started by me). And as for Kraven's departure: One, fear not, it is only temporary. Two, there's an old saying that says "There's always someone worse off." The same logic can apply to Kraven, and there will always be someone better off. Something tells me, sooner or later, there shall come another big fish that will make Kraven look like an insignificant worm in comparison....

There already is - his name is Automagfreek. Say, where is AMF recently anyways?

There already is - his name is Automagfreek. Say, where is AMF recently anyways?
But AMF's been around for ages. and he's not quite evil enough ICly to be the next craven. Or silly enough to annoy people enough to dogpile him..

Add to the fact that AMF, when you actually look closely enough, is really quite heavily shaded in gray. Hell, all of the Gholgoth states are actually shaded in gray (it even says so in the region's entry), they just lean slightly to either the light or the dark.

Add to the fact that AMF, when you actually look closely enough, is really quite heavily shaded in gray. Hell, all of the Gholgoth states are actually shaded in gray (it even says so in the region's entry), they just lean slightly to either the light or the dark.

I think AMF is more of a tough love kind of guy. He'll help you out if he thinks you're doing what is probably right, but if you're just being a nuisance, you're either ignored or taken out.

Amestria: Thanks bud.

Jenrak: Isn't that technically shaded in gray as well?

Amestria: Thanks bud.

Jenrak: Isn't that technically shaded in gray as well?

I'm not saying it's not.

I'm not saying it's not.
Personally, I feel so it is. But nevertheless Jenrak, I respect your opinion. But AMF will agree with me on that. IIRC, he said in the stickied Helpful Hints series of threads that doing an underhanded task to get a good deed done is considered by many that it's shaded in gray. And tough love is technically so from my POV.

Personally, I feel so it is. But nevertheless Jenrak, I respect your opinion. But AMF will agree with me on that. IIRC, he said in the stickied Helpful Hints series of threads that doing an underhanded task to get a good deed done is considered by many that it's shaded in gray. And tough love is technically so from my POV.

Ah, okay. But what does POV mean? Just curious.

POV=point of view... :D

POV=point of view... :D
Correct. Thanks for answering the question for me, NSSA.

You're welcome...
oh, and sudden thought, you could try TGing the really ancient players who dont RP at all, y'know, the 7+bil pop guys at the top of most of the UN ranking charts, like...

You're welcome...
oh, and sudden thought, you could try TGing the really ancient players who dont RP at all, y'know, the 7+bil pop guys at the top of most of the UN ranking charts, like...
Thanks for the comments yet again NSSA. I will consider that. And as for my presentation, I'll do it over the summer and will present it to Year 11/Grade 10 in the early part of the school year. I guess I left one day (my school ends on July 7 as a half-day) earlier than expected, due to my flight schedule (I'm spending my first week of summer vacation in Singapore with my family members in Singapore). Thanks all for wishing me luck and a happy anniversary! :D

Singapore? nice. have fun, like.