NationStates Jolt Archive

Since our hardworking codemonkeys SalusaSecondus and Pythagosaurus are still busy putting the finishing touches on the game's next update, it falls to me to tantalize you with hints about the next big change in how Nationstates plays!

Version 1.10 means...

Less work for the moderators!
Much like the Influence feature, this new feature will further help reduce the moderator workload. That means faster turn-around times for players on other complaints. No more having to wait for days before you hear back from us!
More player input on moderation!
It's taken players almost 3 years of badgering the staff, but the new feature will incorporate more player input and oversight of moderation efforts. This will make it easier for the staff to both remove moderators who abuse their power AND add new moderators without all the months of agonizing debate that usually has to happen before new mods get chosen.


This change won't alter how the game is played the way Influence did, but it is a direly-needed overhaul to the way problems get dealt with, which means a better game experience for everyone.

EDIT: ATTENTION REGIONAL MODERATORS!
Regional moderators have the ability to issue warnings to other nations. It's supposed to only be in their region, but we're hearing it's global. So we'll have to get Salusa on it.

But basically this will help us catch rulebreakers by expanding player awareness, and reduce our workload because oftentime a rulebreaking nation will clean up their act after just a warning. So the game mods won't need to be involved unless it's serious.

Also, I know a lot of our new regional mods have been issuing test warnings. We expected some hiccups with the new system, so if you issued a warning by accident or to test it, could you do us a favor and post it here so we can cancel the warning?

http://rpstudios.ian-justman.com/junk/CGgoods/Modsig2.JPG
~Evil Empress Rep Prod the Ninja Mod
~Master of the mighty moderation no-dachi Kiritateru Teikoku

Edit 2: How you are chosen (By SalusaSecondus)
Regional Mods are chosen based on a complex calculation of Age, "reputation", UN status, activity level, interaction with the mods in the past (or lack thereof) and a few other things. The important thing is "Reputation". Reputation is a combination of pure mathematical analysis of RM activity compared to other mods (both in the region and the world) and manually entered numbers by GMs when needed to adjust it. RM status will be revoked (either automatically or manually) from rule-breakers or people who issue inappropriate or useless warnings.

Edit 3:
I've patched the bug where Regional Mods could warn nations outside of their region. Thanks to those who were responsible and didn't abuse their "extra" powers.

SalusaSecondus
Game Administrator
http://www.nationstates.net/images/salusasecondus2.jpg

Wow, this is awesome, because the Mods do deserve a big break when dealing with game and all. However, you said something players having influence over mod. decisions and mod pickings, well I fear that this may lead to rivalries even greater than they are now, and more or less, a popularity contest in deciding things.

While I like all the hard you guys have put into coding and everything, I just am afraid of the second thing you mentioned. It seems like that might lead to problems, or perhaps I am misunderstanding what you are saying with that.

Either way, thanks for all the hard work. :)

I'm cautiously optimistic about this. Hopefully this will lead to happier mods and happier players, which is what we all need. And certainly I applaud the work put into this :)

Im slightly wary about player-input for moderators. Seems to be leaning towards government, democracy, election and such. I've always been fine with a dictatorship, or oligarchy, so long as it works - and to my knowledge the modship has. Give players political power concerning moderators and pretty soon we'll have campaign speeches and modgate.

Though I'm probably being pessimistic, since probably all you're talking about it something much less drastic.

I won't judge the new proposed features until I see them at work. However, I am happy that there are new features that will make the game more balanced with a system that can help improve turn over rates with complaints and issues.

Good work.

Im slightly wary about player-input for moderators. Seems to be leaning towards government, democracy, election and such. I've always been fine with a dictatorship, or oligarchy, so long as it works - and to my knowledge the modship has. Give players political power concerning moderators and pretty soon we'll have campaign speeches and modgate.

Though I'm probably being pessimistic, since probably all you're talking about it something much less drastic.

That's pretty much what I was trying to say :)

You sure that those players who have hated a specific mod (as a player) won't use the new features to basically de-throne that mod?


Thats the one thing i'm worried about. I think the mods are doing a great job, but some players don't like the fact that there are mods and will do anything they can to get rid of mods who actually uphold the rules...

Assuming everything works the way it should, there will be safeguards in place to prevent grudges from enabling a vengeful player to get a mod thrown off the squad. There's still going to be overview, people, it's not like we're gonna go back to the pre-mod days of four years ago! :D

Well thats good.

Assuming everything works the way it should, there will be safeguards in place to prevent grudges from enabling a vengeful player to get a mod thrown off the squad. There's still going to be overview, people, it's not like we're gonna go back to the pre-mod days of four years ago! :D

Wow, illusions of grandeur! We all know that dissent flourishes under democratic rule and the average person is a good argument against any democratic system; I should be proof enough of that. :D The oligarchy had its potential for abuse but at least uh... err... you know what? I can't think of a good reason. So, here's to hoping the checks and balances work. Sounds like you did really did put a good amount of thought into this system.

I'm liking this idea :) Far more democratic. Power to the people, and whatnot.

I point out that it is currently a few hours until April first, depending on your timezone -- a suspicious, at best, time to introduce any new feature.

<.<
>.>

I point out that it is currently a few hours until April first, depending on your timezone -- a suspicious, at best, time to introduce any new feature.

<.<
>.>

:eek: By God, I think you might have something sir/ma'am! Let's hope that you aren't silenced by the Mod Squad :p

;12495949'] This will make it easier for the staff to both remove moderators who abuse their power

I'm curious. This has happened in the past?

I always thought we had a fairly decent bunch of mods.

I'm curious. This has happened in the past?

I always thought we had a fairly decent bunch of mods.

We are only human. We haven't had much in the way of really bad moderators, but there have been a few (mostly quiet) instances in which a member of the staff was asked politely to retire from service.

But better to have a system in place to remove problem mods and not need it, than to need it, and not have it.

So I'm regional moderator now; what does that mean?

So I'm regional moderator now; what does that mean?

I was wondering the same thing. That definitely wasn't there before. Is that what this is about?

I've got that too!

I got it as well. I'm not sure though if it's the oldest nation in the region, the found, or the nation wtih the biggest population.


But it enables whatever nation is the "Regional Moderator" to issue warnings for Spam, Griefing or "other" to nations within it's region. You have to go to that nations page to issue the warning though.


I may check my 3 puppets to see which one of those got it as they are in a region of their own...

Yeah, I'm wondering the same thing. I understand the idea, but what do these Spam/Griefing/OTHER warnings actually do? Kinda like a priority report? Do/will Regional Moderators have the power to actually remove spam from the boards?

And just a comment - thanks, y'all, for going through the regions and choosing a moderator instead of blanket giving the job to Founders/Delegates. :) That was the most confusing thing to me when I first saw that image: "how the heck did that get on this nation?"

*points out that updates have come within hours of April Fool's Day once again*

I suspect a grand conspiracy.
Do/will Regional Moderators have the power to actually remove spam from the boards?

I doubt it very much. Every region seems to have a regional mod. Giving all those people mod powers on the forum would be a disaster.

Regional moderators have the ability to issue warnings to other nations. It's supposed to only be in their region, but we're hearing it's global. So we'll have to get Salusa on it.

But basically this will help us catch rulebreakers by expanding player awareness, and reduce our workload because oftentime a rulebreaking nation will clean up their act after just a warning. So the game mods won't need to be involved unless it's serious.

Also, I know a lot of our new regional mods have been issuing test warnings. We expected some hiccups with the new system, so if you issued a warning by accident or to test it, could you do us a favor and post it here so we can cancel the warning?

Thanks!
http://rpstudios.ian-justman.com/junk/CGgoods/Modsig2.JPG
~Evil Empress Rep Prod the Ninja Mod
~Master of the mighty moderation no-dachi Kiritateru Teikoku

My puppet of Bolrasha got it when it's not the founder. So I don't know what constitutes getting this status. I'm guessing it's the nation thats been there the longest but I could be wrong.

So, would there be any reason for all four people in a region to be regional moderators?

My puppet of Bolrasha got it when it's not the founder. So I don't know what constitutes getting this status. I'm guessing it's the nation thats been there the longest but I could be wrong.

It seems you're incorrect in at least one case. I'm the RM of my region, and I'm very new to it. Though I must say, the little title looks pretty cool on my page next to the UN Member thingy. Our region doesn't have much of a problem with spam, as it's passworded, though.

So, would there be any reason for all four people in a region to be regional moderators?

That's happened to a region I have puppets in, it seems to be random.

My puppet of Bolrasha got it when it's not the founder. So I don't know what constitutes getting this status. I'm guessing it's the nation thats been there the longest but I could be wrong.

I'm not the biggest, oldest, longest-in-region, or anything. I'm just an average nation.

So, would there be any reason for all four people in a region to be regional moderators?

It seems you're incorrect in at least one case. I'm the RM of my region, and I'm very new to it. Though I must say, the little title looks pretty cool on my page next to the UN Member thingy. Our region doesn't have much of a problem with spam, as it's passworded, though.


Maybe it's the size of the region then. Or there are several factors. I have no clue though cause this, even though it's cool and all, how it's designated who's the regional moderators is confusing me to hell.

:D

I logged in a few moments ago to discover that I had this new title.. along with 5 other people just on todays top 10 list in my region. Not all were even UN members. So, I'm pretty sure the "one per region" theory is shot.

Haha, funny April fools.

/miffed that the TG pages are altered and I keep writing in the "warning" fields.

*mutters about looking like a fool for creating a thread about this, when this one was already here. And how it's not my fault because I checked this thread and nothing was mentioned about what I was trying to find out about in the first page*

But anyway, at least I have nothing to worry about. Just an amstrad green graphic on my nation's page, that's all. I don't have to worry about being responsible or anything in my region of a single nation.

Maybe it's the size of the region then. Or there are several factors. I have no clue though cause this, even though it's cool and all, how it's designated who's the regional moderators is confusing me to hell.

:D

Another region I'm in has almost 20 nations and only 2 regional moderators. So I don't think its size.

I point out that it is currently a few hours until April first, depending on your timezone -- a suspicious, at best, time to introduce any new feature.

<.<
>.>
Yes i noticed that also
*Pinches and punches*

I knoticed I had "Regional Moderator" on my nations page, I take it it has something to do with all this?

Is everybody getting that on their page, or just random people?

I can't find any rhyme or reason to it. I run a region of around 200 and we've got 75 regional moderators.

Is this regional mod thing a joke?

If not, does one have the option of not being a regional mod?

Is this regional mod thing a joke?

If not, does one have the option of not being a regional mod?

Unlike the actual game mods, regional mods don't HAVE to use their powers. They just get the badge and have that option, like if they spot a spammer or something =)

Thanks for this feature :D

Whoops, sent a warning without necessity (To my own puppet). Rep said to report accidentally sent warnings so the real mods could take care of it, so..well, so I'm reporting it. The Andalite Homeworld is who I sent the mod report to, so you guys don't need to worry about actually doing anything.

Whoops, sent a warning without necessity (To my own puppet). Rep said to report accidentally sent warnings so the real mods could take care of it, so..well, so I'm reporting it. The Andalite Homeworld is who I sent the mod report to, so you guys don't need to worry about actually doing anything.

Heh, kay =) We're actually expecting and ready for a lot of accidental reports for the first several days.

So what, exactly, do these warnings do? I assume it sends a warning flag to the warned nation (A TG or something like that) and one to the real mods, but is there anything else?

I haven't seen such enthusiastic(sp?) mods since forever.

Why are they acting so happy? Is it because the users actually have more to say, or because it's not a permanent state? (if it's the first, then I find it quite odd to have something like this, when we already had the getting help page, where one could report things that .. had to be reported.)


OH AND PLEASE, please, please, pleaaaaaase change the icon to something less plain? That green in the RM, and the font chosen for it aren't my best calls :-/

You can pick some other better font scheme, I'm positive!

I'm wondering if all those UN Members are noticing that they don't have "da power!"

So what, exactly, do these warnings do? I assume it sends a warning flag to the warned nation (A TG or something like that) and one to the real mods, but is there anything else?

they're like stamps. collect enough of them and you get an invitation to the world. :D

The warning should flag the warned nation, and send them a warning message. And I'm a happy mod right now because once the RMs get the hang of it, it means less work for the game mods!

.... And the alcoholic beverage sitting on the computer desk has nothing to do with the happy bit. >_>

The warning should flag the warned nation, and send them a warning message. And I'm a happy mod right now because once the RMs get the hang of it, it means less work for the game mods!

.... And the alcoholic beverage sitting on the computer desk has nothing to do with the happy bit. >_>

whoops... I was trying to quote Kat but hit the warning thingie... please correct... quickly!

perhaps a test spammer to help us improve our aim...

OH AND PLEASE, please, please, pleaaaaaase change the icon to something less plain? That green in the RM, and the font chosen for it aren't my best calls :-/

You can pick some other better font scheme, I'm positive!
I really don't think you'll have to worry about it anymore come Monday. ;)

I just sent a practice warning to Uranus Territory.

I really don't think you'll have to worry about it anymore come Monday. ;)

Yeah, probably not.

I just sent a practice warning to Uranus Territory.
Excellent choice.

my second nation "republic of Atlantis" issued a test warning to "Most Great Britannia" please disregard, thanks

I wanna warn people :(

I've got a problem. There is this dutch proverb that states: "A warned person counts for 2". So I warned my whole 9 billion+ country, but it didn't become an 18+ billion country :( What can I do to solve this? :D

Wait? I'm a regional-what-now!?!

I'm not pissed or anything, and I understand the warning thing now... but it took me awhile to find this thread. Would have been nice to be linked to it, either by clicking on the green letters (the color of which I approve :p ), or by being warned by telegraph.

just sayin'

The Andalite Homeworld is who I sent the mod report to...Pwningly awesome nation name (even if the motto is misspelled).

And...I am a regional moderator, too. Well, I'll persist in my idealism and hope it's an actual honor.

I just got an incredibly obscene warning from Ifreann. It's too obscene to repeat here, if anyone wants to know, send me a TG.

Can I warn him back now? Obscenely?

I warned Yelda to test it out.:sniper:

I just got an incredibly obscene warning from Ifreann. It's too obscene to repeat here, if anyone wants to know, send me a TG.

Can I warn him back now? Obscenely?

You totally deserved it.

In our region we have two "Vocals" (co-founders). We also have a "Minister of Internal Affairs" position: his duties are exactly the duties of the "Regional Moderator".

Since we have elections in order to achieve this last position, I (the founder) want the two vocals and the elected Minister of Internal Affairs to be the "Regional Moderators".

Probably, the same thing will happend in other regions. So... It is possible for the founder to appoint Regional Moderators in his region?

I sent a test warning about Boniva.

In our region we have two "Vocals" (co-founders). We also have a "Minister of Internal Affairs" position: his duties are exactly the duties of the "Regional Moderator".

Since we have elections in order to achieve this last position, I (the founder) want the two vocals and the elected Minister of Internal Affairs to be the "Regional Moderators".

Probably, the same thing will happend in other regions. So... It is possible for the founder to appoint Regional Moderators in his region?

At this time, it's not possible for a founder to appoint RMs. Mostly because we kinda want RMs to be a separate thing entirely from founders/UN delegates and so on.

Sorry - I thought it was an April Fools joke and sent a warning to Neesika

Also, I know a lot of our new regional mods have been issuing test warnings. We expected some hiccups with the new system, so if you issued a warning by accident or to test it, could you do us a favor and post it here so we can cancel the warning?


Uhhh my nation is Dezzland, in Lazarus, and I accidentally warned Killer Kitty thinking it was (and still am thinking) that it was an April Fool's joke

I like this new feature. Now when I see someone spamming I can actually do something about it.

:upyours: :sniper:

IIRC Gmail was introduced on April Fool's Day.

Sent The funhouse of Esselldee a test warning!

Funny how most of my puppets got the ability but my main nation didn't :(

This is a hell of an April Fool's joke.

So how exactly was the regional moderator decided? I ask because it seems to be random. Sure the only other two nations in my region are my puppets, but still it was quite random.

Question: using one of my nations, Syrtis Major, I sent a spam warning to The Republic of Go to Forbes for posting a 21-line recruitment message in The North Pacific.

Historically, this isn't something the mods have cared about but the residents of TNP have agreed on and posted in the WFB that all recruitment messages should be limited to 15 lines. I think that the warning was appropriate given the 15-line rule was posted, but ultimately it comes down to what the game mods are willing to put up with.

If the regional moderators in TNP use their power to enforce the 15-line rule, will that enforcement be considered spamming the game mods?

IOH AND PLEASE, please, please, pleaaaaaase change the icon to something less plain? That green in the RM, and the font chosen for it aren't my best calls :-/

You can pick some other better font scheme, I'm positive!
I kinda like the gray/green combo for mine, it's the NS colors.

this is suspiciously auspicious, but it's awesome!

This is a hell of an April Fool's joke.

Quite. Democracy on NationStates? Fass is more likely to move to America.

Oh, and Reppy, what programme did you do that avatar in?

lol I warned Doomingsland for "warning yixin for being asian"

lol I warned Doomingsland for "warning yixin for being asian"


I have been warned in excess of 35 times already...THIS IS AWESOME.

Seriously, leave this as a feature year-round rather than just today :P

lol I warned Doomingsland for "warning yixin for being asian"



a little on the abusing side isnt it?

lol I warned Doomingsland for "warning yixin for being asian"

I warned you for being ghey in response :P

Heh, kay =) We're actually expecting and ready for a lot of accidental reports for the first several days.

Hey rep...Ahh this is a little embarrassing but I accidentally issued you a spam warning....You may want to get rid of it in case one of the other mods with a vendetta decides to use it to take you down...Sorry.

You totally deserved it.

Heh. Though I am a little nervous to ask WYTYG for it. It might scar me mentally or something.

I have been warned in excess of 35 times already...THIS IS AWESOME.

Hahahahaha!!!

That post deserves to be quoted, framed and hung up in the Tate :P

What might happen if we depart from the region we have been dubbed as a moderator?

Also, I do have an apparent ability to "moderate" nations outside my region.
It remains a desirable dimension, even if it was not intended.

Of course, if this was just an April Fool's joke, NS has certainly brought this "change" to new heights ;) / :D

Hey rep...Ahh this is a little embarrassing but I accidentally issued you a spam warning....You may want to get rid of it in case one of the other mods with a vendetta decides to use it to take you down...Sorry.

*respirator* The circle is now complete. When I met you I was but the learner. Now, *I* am the master.

*cue lightsaber sound*

I just logged in and it says im a regional mod. Well thanks to whoever upgraded me for it. I'll do my best.

Welcome to April Fool's Day, folks.

Gotta say, this one's a lot less scary than the NationDates one. :p

Welcome to April Fool's Day, folks.

Gotta say, this one's a lot less scary than the NationDates one. :p

I still miss Forum 7. :(

I still miss Forum 7. :(

The NationDates one had my gf ready to decapitate me with her bare hands.

The NationDates one had my gf ready to decapitate me with her bare hands.

See! Every cloud does have a silver lining.

Also, I know a lot of our new regional mods have been issuing test warnings. We expected some hiccups with the new system, so if you issued a warning by accident or to test it, could you do us a favor and post it here so we can cancel the warning?
I issued a test warning to "Dezzan 3" that needs to be canceled.

--The Modified Democratic States of Cogitation
NationStates Game Moderator

The NationDates one had my gf ready to decapitate me with her bare hands.

Wow, I'm flattered. How did that come about?

See! Every cloud does have a silver lining.

Thanks, Fris! Love you, too! :p

Wow, I'm flattered. How did that come about?

My computer's in the living room. She was on the couch. She saw that mess come up on the screen and thought I was hitting a dating site. Thanks, y'all! That took some explaining to save my life.

You know what I think would be the best April Fools' joke? If this wasn't an April Fools' joke. We spend all day laughing about our newfound Regional Moderator-ness, expecting it to go away, and making cracks about 'It'll be gone by Monday' and 'Nice one, mod' and then it turns out it was all real, and come April 2nd, we are all amazed and realize the biggest joke of all was pulled on us.

...

Well, a boy can dream, can't he?

My computer's in the living room. She was on the couch. She saw that mess come up on the screen and thought I was hitting a dating site. Thanks, y'all! That took some explaining to save my life.

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l91/empyreanimperator/Random/awkward.jpg

I can't imagine that was a pleasant conversation.

I tested the warning thing on the nation Emerald Phoenix. So its not a real one. I wont do a test again.

Ardchoille, being a nation of purity, integrity and impeccable compliance, has of course received no warnings whatsoever.

Regrettably, though, my home region of Zhaucauozian Friendship is wild and untamed, full of boisterous, over-indulged nations without the slightest understanding of discipline.

Feeling that a short, sharp shock was called for, I have WARNED everybody therein for indiscipline, insanitary living arrangements, consorting with others and generalised lack of proper respect for their Regional Moderator.

It was necessary to BAN the nation of THESSADORIA for the crime of Ceasing to Exist, and CANADA-GERMANY has had his wrist slapped for Staying Out After Curfew.

BAHGUM, demonstrably guilty of Drinking the Regional Treasury, has been condemned to drink only LITE alcoholic beverages which may be consumed ONLY in the presence of no fewer than six Mothers-in-Law.

Even our formerly respected Chief Justice, the Wandering Naked Peoples of NEMONICUS, fell afoul of my reformist zeal for offences against public decorum, in that he did hear several cases while in a state of complete formal attire.

Elsewhere, I reluctantly but, I think everyone must agree, fairly, proceeded against The Random Fluctuations of THE SAMZOR for Exceeding the Speed Limit in a Built-Up Area, to wit, the General Assembly.

And, although driven to complete exasperation by the unbridled antics of The Daily-Driven Dictatorship of HOTRODZOR, I have merely chided him for Driving While Disqualified, Driving While Under-insured, Driving While Eating Banana-Bread and Talking With His Mouth Full. (I have also impounded all his vehicles for Mechanical Defects.)

A certain repeat offender in the field of Being Far Too Reasonable and Right Far Too Often has been summarily dealt with, so pwned, AUSSERLAND!

Though tempted to exercise my (possibly) global powers, I have not taken action against Frisbeeteria for typing too fast, The Most Glorious Hack for griefing (well, causing grief – what else would you call it when his delegate maintains order in the UN with the threat of eating people?), or Katganistan for peeking through the ceiling while people are making puppets.

This is because I am waiting for an offer I can’t refuse, possibly involving chocolate-covered marshmallow rabbits. In Kat’s case I will clear her record completely if she will promise to lend me her boots.

What?

:D

That...was...awesome, Ardchoille.

I made a few test/joke warnings in lieu of being told it was an April Fool's Joke.

Forgive me for I have sinned. :(

#Draftroom has set out on a mission to warn all posters in NSG for doing exactly such: Posting in Nationstates general. May the benefits of our crusade be bountiful!

Hmmmz



I should issue a warning to ever NS Mod there is.....just for kicks.....:fluffle:

So how exactly were the regional moderators chosen? They seem to be chosen at random, which I find odd. Sure, I controll all three nations in my region, but it's still odd.

Also, I just used Nylaria Province to give a test warning to myself.

I point out that it is currently a few hours until April first, depending on your timezone -- a suspicious, at best, time to introduce any new feature.

<.<
>.>

I was a bit surprised the thread made it 11 posts before this was brought up. The majority of the nations in my region all have the same "authority". ;) But I knew something was up the MINUTE I saw that the mods had me as a "regional moderator".

Welcome to April Fool's Day, folks.

Gotta say, this one's a lot less scary than the NationDates one. :p

eh I'd use the April Fool's Day warn power too but eh I'm just too tired...maybe I'll warn everyone on E2 for being on E2?

<snip>

Okay, that has GOT to go in the Memorable quotes thread. That was nothing short of pure comedy GOLD! :D

You know what I think would be the best April Fools' joke? If this wasn't an April Fools' joke. We spend all day laughing about our newfound Regional Moderator-ness, expecting it to go away, and making cracks about 'It'll be gone by Monday' and 'Nice one, mod' and then it turns out it was all real, and come April 2nd, we are all amazed and realize the biggest joke of all was pulled on us.

...

Well, a boy can dream, can't he?

Touche...

Welcome to April Fool's Day, folks.

Gotta say, this one's a lot less scary than the NationDates one. :p

We really should have a NSWiki article listing off what each year's April Fool's Day prank is.

I liked the one with the bogus national ranking.

I liked the one with the bogus national ranking.My favorite is still when we put everyone at 5 million population.

my favorite part is that as a "regional moderator" you can "warn" nations that aren't in your region. i'll miss this come monday.

I refuse to believe this is an April Fool's joke. Now, the "accidental" ability for regional moderators to warn globally, that I can accept as a joke, but this regional moderator bit is just too sensible to accept as an April Fool's Day joke altogether. Far too much time and effort must have gone into it to make it work in the first place, so I will maintain the only part that is joke-wise is the so-called accidental global warning abilities until told otherwise by a mod.

Okay, that has GOT to go in the Memorable quotes thread. That was nothing short of pure comedy GOLD! :D

Agreed! :D

Unlike the actual game mods, regional mods don't HAVE to use their powers. They just get the badge and have that option, like if they spot a spammer or something =)

Good to know, thanks.

How come Regional Mods don't have the power to delete posts on forums?

And also I tried out my RM powers on my puppets and they don't work.

So I'm expecting that nearly all of us will lose it tomorrow and this is just an advertisment.

NOTE: I've patched the bug where Regional Moderators could warn nations outside of their region. Thanks to those of you who didn't abuse your "extra" powers.

I got two quick questions. As the founder of my region wouldn't I be better informed as to who would be the best for the job? I currently have regional interior ministers which actually serve this purpose by telegram already though none of them were even selected to be RM's. I like the idea but is there a flaw in the logic of allowing the Founder or Delegate to choose who the RM's are?

NOTE: I've patched the bug where Regional Moderators could warn nations outside of their region. Thanks to those of you who didn't abuse your "extra" powers.

but Salusa, that was my favorite part!
oh well, it was fun while it lasted; next time i'm warning you.

is there a flaw in the logic of allowing the Founder or Delegate to choose who the RM's are?

Yes. We want separation of powers to help prevent abuse of the system.

Yes. We want separation of powers to help prevent abuse of the system.

So how are regional moderators chosen, then?

I tested the warning feature...it doesn't seem to do much of anything. Am I missing something? No apparent notification to the person I warned...

How it is chosen is covered in the first post.

We're still working on getting the queuing system and the backlogs handled properly. We see the warnings and they will make there way through in time.

There are still a few bugs left that we're working out.

How it is chosen is covered in the first post.

We're still working on getting the queuing system and the backlogs handled properly. We see the warnings and they will make there way through in time.

There are still a few bugs left that we're working out.

Oh, I see. I'm still not understanding why it somehow picked my puppet, but okay, I see now.

Of course, since this isn't your April Fool's Day joke...what is?

My favorite is still when we put everyone at 5 million population.

Indeed, though sadly it was canceled before I could take proper advantage of the opportunity with any of my warmonger puppets.

I refuse to believe this is an April Fool's joke. Now, the "accidental" ability for regional moderators to warn globally, that I can accept as a joke, but this regional moderator bit is just too sensible to accept as an April Fool's Day joke altogether. Far too much time and effort must have gone into it to make it work in the first place, so I will maintain the only part that is joke-wise is the so-called accidental global warning abilities until told otherwise by a mod.

When I saw the news posting, my initial thought was that it was a joke, but it does look like quite a bit of effort was put into this.

Agreed! :D

Likewise.

Of course, since this isn't your April Fool's Day joke...what is?

Precisely what I'm wondering. This is the first time I remember that it hasn't been obvious fairly quickly.

Of course, since this isn't your April Fool's Day joke...what is?

Haven't you seen the Mod wars on the main page and in the forums? Fris declared that he was taking over the game as supreme Moderator, and began to delete the other Mods. Hack has been trying to stop him, and they're both deleting anyone who's getting in their way.

Either that's an April Fool, or we should all be quietly worried.

;12495949']
Edit 2: How you are chosen (By SalusaSecondus)
Regional Mods are chosen based on a complex calculation of Age, "reputation", UN status, activity level, interaction with the mods in the past (or lack thereof) and a few other things. The important thing is "Reputation". Reputation is a combination of pure mathematical analysis of RM activity compared to other mods (both in the region and the world) and manually entered numbers by GMs when needed to adjust it. RM status will be revoked (either automatically or manually) from rule-breakers or people who issue inappropriate or useless warnings.



I still don't get why I was chosen.

"Regional Mods are chosen based on a complex calculation of Age,"

I'm 27. Maybe that is old enough. I'll give that one.

"reputation"

I don't have any. I keep to myself and don't talk to anyone else in this game except my friend.

"UN status"

I was made a regional mod before I joined the UN. I only just joined tonight.

"activity level"

OK. another given. I play the game quite a bit. :p

"interaction with the mods in the past (or lack thereof)"

No interactions with the mods or anyone else.

"and a few other things"

another given since i don't know what the other things are.


I'm not complaining. I'm honored to be chosen. But I am curious. :D

Like our methods for detecting UN Multis, we're not going to give out the exact formula. The last thing we need is people gaming the system to get RM status.

"Regional Mods are chosen based on a complex calculation of Age,"

I'm 27. Maybe that is old enough. I'll give that one.



I'm gonna go ahead and assume that they mean age as in "how long has your nation existed", seeing as they don't really know your real age (OR DO THEY?)

Edit: well okay, you can set your date of birth in your forum-profile, but it's not like anyone would know if you're lying or not

Also, I'm kinda leaning towards the april-fools scenario, I don't think they would do a real feature like this, but since we don't really have anything to suggest there is such a feature beyond the fancy green text at various nation-pages, I'm gonna go ahead and call baloney.


That green text looks pretty neat though.

We have hidden cameras in every room. There is no escape.

We have hidden cameras in every room. There is no escape.

B-but I'm not even wearing any pants!

I'm gonna go ahead and assume that they mean age as in "how long has your nation existed", seeing as they don't really know your real age (OR DO THEY?)

Edit: well okay, you can set your date of birth in your forum-profile, but it's not like anyone would know if you're lying or not


That's what I was thinking. My date of birth in my profile. :D

But my nation is pretty new. So that makes it stranger. :D

Don't forget to see what date it is today :)

If you move out of your current region are you still a regional moderator in the region you move to as well?

Obviously the yearly april fool's joke. Nobody would implement something this stupid.

As I said,

The mods had consumed a great amount of beverage, and came to the conclusion that they have ran out of April Fool's jokes. Therefore they quickly scrapped something (in their alcoholic state of mind) that was very similar to the 'getting help' page and supplied it to the users, in the hope that this would be today's joke.


Don't warn me for that! :p

You know what I think would be the best April Fools' joke? If this wasn't an April Fools' joke. We spend all day laughing about our newfound Regional Moderator-ness, expecting it to go away, and making cracks about 'It'll be gone by Monday' and 'Nice one, mod' and then it turns out it was all real, and come April 2nd, we are all amazed and realize the biggest joke of all was pulled on us.

...

Well, a boy can dream, can't he?
I concur. *That* would be interesting.

I think EVERYBODY has become a Regional moderator.

I can't see why I was chosen.

Age: 21 That's okay, I guess. And my nation has been around for a while.

Reputation: I keep to myself.

Activity: I'm on every day, but not with the forum.

UN Status: I'm not even IN the UN.

Interaction with Mods: I don't.

I guess this is a "Mod for a day" joke.

As I said,

The mods had consumed a great amount of beverage, and came to the conclusion that they have ran out of April Fool's jokes. Therefore they quickly scrapped something (in their alcoholic state of mind) that was very similar to the 'getting help' page and supplied it to the users, in the hope that this would be today's joke.


Don't warn me for that! :p

this must be the run-off from St. Patrick's Day lol http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w107/Cookesland/drinks_drunk.gif

I'm, like, drunk with power...

I think EVERYBODY has become a Regional moderator.

Nope.

1.) I think EVERYBODY has become a Regional moderator.

2.) I guess this is a "Mod for a day" joke.


1.) not true

2.) i issued a warning to one of my puppets as a test :p
and yet it did nothing, so i would agree with you there.

In Kat’s case I will clear her record completely if she will promise to lend me her boots.

Bu-bu-but my BOOTS? My wonderful FOOTGLOVES?.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/Katganistan/FaireGarb-5lores.jpg


...would this be the appropriate time to tell ya they're worn barefoot, and I wear them a LOT?

....how about some hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne?

*abuses her power*

see? that will show you, can't trust me with anything of the sort.

*abuses her power*

see? that will show you, can't trust me with anything of the sort.

That is very true... sadly enough...

*activates the deflection shield around her nation* BWAHAHAHaHA!! Nothing can get in or out! Super weasel powers!

I for sure hope that this regional mod thing isn't an April Fool's joke. I like the pretty green text under my nation name ^_^

B-but I'm not even wearing any pants!

We know. Put them on. PLEASE.

About 12 hours ago I issued #1175400958 (inter-region) and #1175401175 (intra-region) to my puppets as tests. No violations by either nation were observed other than they were in my --er-- line of sight and I'm the experimental type. I noticed some interesting things. Now, when I look at a nation in another region the Moderation box no longer appears and, neither warned puppet has received any TG nor is there anything on the CHQ.

If this is the latest joke of the year it's a great one! What fun.
;12495949']Also, I know a lot of our new regional mods have been issuing test warnings. We expected some hiccups with the new system, so if you issued a warning by accident or to test it, could you do us a favor and post it here so we can cancel the warning?

http://rpstudios.ian-justman.com/junk/CGgoods/Modsig2.JPG
~Evil Empress Rep Prod the Ninja Mod
~Master of the mighty moderation no-dachi Kiritateru Teikoku

I remember when the Department of Homeworld Security blocked the site :D

I for sure hope that this regional mod thing isn't an April Fool's joke. I like the pretty green text under my nation name ^_^

ditto :D

btw how do we get on this so called "chat"...

You go, Smunkee!

In light of how outstanding a success this mod related humour has been I think next year the April Fools joke should be to make me mod for the day.


http://www.bautforum.com/images/smilies/shifty.gif

I remember when the Department of Homeworld Security blocked the site :D

That was before my time. My earliest AF joke here involved pink! *shudders*

That was before my time. My earliest AF joke here involved pink! *shudders*

It was funnier then the pink, I think theres a link to the page on NSWiki somewhere.

It was funnier then the pink, I think theres a link to the page on NSWiki somewhere.

Click on News on NSG, click 2005, scroll down to April 2nd, and click the linky

I issued a test warning to one of my other nations Manussa from the nation of Wencesca

Click on News on NSG, click 2005, scroll down to April 2nd, and click the linky

Heh I knew it was somewhere.

So that explains it.

I can't beleive i'm a mod.

Everone thinks i'm unimportant or useless... :(

So that explains it.

I can't beleive i'm a mod.

Everone thinks i'm unimportant or useless... :(

apparently not :)

Ardchoille, being a nation of purity, integrity and impeccable compliance, has of course received no warnings whatsoever.

Regrettably, though, my home region of Zhaucauozian Friendship is wild and untamed, full of boisterous, over-indulged nations without the slightest understanding of discipline.

Feeling that a short, sharp shock was called for, I have WARNED everybody therein for indiscipline, insanitary living arrangements, consorting with others and generalised lack of proper respect for their Regional Moderator.

It was necessary to BAN the nation of THESSADORIA for the crime of Ceasing to Exist, and CANADA-GERMANY has had his wrist slapped for Staying Out After Curfew.

BAHGUM, demonstrably guilty of Drinking the Regional Treasury, has been condemned to drink only LITE alcoholic beverages which may be consumed ONLY in the presence of no fewer than six Mothers-in-Law.

Even our formerly respected Chief Justice, the Wandering Naked Peoples of NEMONICUS, fell afoul of my reformist zeal for offences against public decorum, in that he did hear several cases while in a state of complete formal attire.

Elsewhere, I reluctantly but, I think everyone must agree, fairly, proceeded against The Random Fluctuations of THE SAMZOR for Exceeding the Speed Limit in a Built-Up Area, to wit, the General Assembly.

And, although driven to complete exasperation by the unbridled antics of The Daily-Driven Dictatorship of HOTRODZOR, I have merely chided him for Driving While Disqualified, Driving While Under-insured, Driving While Eating Banana-Bread and Talking With His Mouth Full. (I have also impounded all his vehicles for Mechanical Defects.)

A certain repeat offender in the field of Being Far Too Reasonable and Right Far Too Often has been summarily dealt with, so pwned, AUSSERLAND!

Though tempted to exercise my (possibly) global powers, I have not taken action against Frisbeeteria for typing too fast, The Most Glorious Hack for griefing (well, causing grief – what else would you call it when his delegate maintains order in the UN with the threat of eating people?), or Katganistan for peeking through the ceiling while people are making puppets.

This is because I am waiting for an offer I can’t refuse, possibly involving chocolate-covered marshmallow rabbits. In Kat’s case I will clear her record completely if she will promise to lend me her boots.

http://www.freesmileys.org/emo/happy081.gif

Obviously the yearly april fool's joke. Nobody would implement something this stupid.
Wish I could've got on here before the global warning thing was patched, so I could've warned you for not sending me chocolate...

It's quite an odd prank if only a small fraction of the nations (ie players) got the regional moderator status.. either on all, or on none. And if it's on none, then.. you hate us, NS mods!

Silly old me, I went and warned Rioule, Exploding Penguins, and Forgottenlord's Commm.
















And expect more to come!

I have got 32 of the little darling RM's in my region....32!!? Is that not a tad bit shall we say...excessive?

I must have spilled the plot too early -- I didn't get to be a regional mod. :(

I have no idea if this question has been stated already or not, as I'm not interested in reading through 11 pages of this, however, I have a few questions I wish to ask.

Firstly, do the NS Moderators (NSM) believe the implementation of Regional Moderators (RM) will in one way or another affect gameplay in their given regions?

Secondly, will a RM lose their status if they are ejected from a region based on gameplay (not by bugs or other tampering)?

I would like to state as a Feeder Delegate, I do feel that this system can help me reduce the level of spam and other unsavory things that from time to time float up onto my region's RMB. Hopefully this will work out well.

EDIT: Unless this is a crank-update, atleast :P

We really should have a NSWiki article listing off what each year's April Fool's Day prank is.

I liked the one with the bogus national ranking.

I don't remember that one, was that 2003?

My favorite is still when we put everyone at 5 million population.

I missed that one too I think... :(

Oh, I see. I'm still not understanding why it somehow picked my puppet, but okay, I see now.

Of course, since this isn't your April Fool's Day joke...what is?

Unless the joke is there is no joke!!!

We have hidden cameras in every room. There is no escape.

That sucks for you guys, man you must be sick to your stomachs.

I remember when the Department of Homeworld Security blocked the site :D

That one was my favorite one!!!

The only ones I remember was that one and the dating service. That accounts for 2 of the 4 that I've been there (this one included). So what's the one I missed. I was here April 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007. The Homeworld Security one got me bad because I didn't see "Homeworld" at first, I went "Shit...What'd they do!"

My favorite is still when we put everyone at 5 million population.

That was good. I'm starting an NSWiki article. My first question is, does the game trigger April 1 on April 1 UTC? Last night the joke was in effect here in California on March 31. No complaints nor do I think things should wait for us on the edge of time, but I wanted to add this to the article. :)

http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/April_Fools_Day

Also what pranks were played on what year? I'd like to link the threads of the pranks to the article as well. Screen captures would be cool too.

I don't know if this question has been asked already, please forgive me if it has, but how come some regions have 2 or more RM's and some don't have any?
And as some one stated before me, do the RM's lose their power if they get ejected? Not that i would or anything . . . .*shifty eyes*

I don't know if this question has been asked already, please forgive me if it has, but how come some regions have 2 or more RM's and some don't have any?


I don't anyone can answer that question other than the mods, who of course won't as it probably would be too revealing as to how the RMs were picked out in the first place.

I think this ia an April fools prank. I cant see why a region that has 94 members needs 34 regional mods. Also I sent warnings from one of my nations to this one and the warnings never arrived. I went through my dossier (13 pages of nations over half of them were mods why do you need so many if this is not a mass practical joke.

I think this ia an April fools prank. I cant see why a region that has 94 members needs 34 regional mods. Also I sent warnings from one of my nations to this one and the warnings never arrived. I went through my dossier (13 pages of nations over half of them were mods why do you need so many if this is not a mass practical joke.

well duh it's kinda April 1st :rolleyes:

Posted on my Regional Message Board:

HAIKU

I See Something New
Regional Moderator
It's April Fools Day!

Love Conquers Fear

lol yes it is I can remember the the nation dates thingy

LOL! I created a region only for myself and my alt nations, and I became a RM in it.

The system is amusing. ;)

If it is a joke, then I will be sad.

I'm not a RM, but I like the idea. I think maybe the multiple RMs are the joke.

Who knows...

I think I was warned by Hotdogs2 in the region of Greater Dienstad. I don't want to get him in trouble, but if he did, I'd like to get the warning erased. All I know is what he said on the regional board:

" Now for some mod warnings....Mac comes first :P. "

I understand the purpose of the warnings, but I haven't had the time to read this whole thread. Can someone tell me what a griefing warning is and why Spam warning adn griefing warning come up with gray boxes beneath?

I just wish I knew more about what my job is and what I'm supposed to do. My nation is the same as this name, obviously, if anyone will telegram me with help I'd be very appreciative.

And I'm proud to be a moderator. Thank you whoever instated me.

I think I was warned by Hotdogs2 in the region of Greater Dienstad. I don't want to get him in trouble, but if he did, I'd like to get the warning erased. All I know is what he said on the regional board:

" Now for some mod warnings....Mac comes first :P. "

As another regional moderator, would you like me to warn him for warning you? ;)

Also how is it that there are 9 regional moderators in ONE region?

That confuses me, especially if you choose regional moderators on the basis of their activity so that they'll obviously be active enough to deal with any complaints or warnings needed.

I'm confused especially since one hasn't been on in 3 days.

:confused:

As another regional moderator, would you like me to warn him for warning you? ;)

You can't do that can you? Unless you're in the same region?

You can't do that can you? Unless you're in the same region?

Version 1.1 has a bug. Regional moderators can warn anybody anywhere anytime. Bwahahaha.

Version 1.1 has a bug. Regional moderators can warn anybody anywhere anytime. Bwahahaha.

had a bug, Salusa fixed it

had a bug, Salusa fixed it

*sniff*

This true. I can no longer exert my authority in other regions.

*sniff*

This true. I can no longer exert my authority in other regions.

yea *looks wistfully at the sky* if only

I came across the Regional Mod label before I heard NS 1.10 was out, and I was thinking What the...?

I'm not sure what to think of this; hopefully, it will help lighten the load on the mods, but I fear it may lead to an abuse of power. I guess I'll have to wait to see it in action.

yea *looks wistfully at the sky* if only

Only if your region has the clout to make any threats would you go outside it. Hehehe.

I kinda figured it was a joke when I tired to go to the IRC server and only found someone's blog. Then I came here and read this thread and realised it was April 1st. Then I felt like an idiot.

I don't think it's a joke. The server's blog is about technical problems and fixes.

I don't think it's a joke. The server's blog is about technical problems and fixes.

Blog, but no IRC.

Face it. We've been pranked.

Edit: now it's changed to this:
Welcome to the non existant home page of Windows.esper.net Windows is an IRC server on the EsperNet IRC Network. This server is dedicated to RoboBob.

I think the mods want to prank us for hours in their basement.

I'm sad that these warnings don't reach their intended targets. I've done some good ones.

I felt this was appropriate given the situation:







Look sharp, stay on top of your game
Always looking out for number one
You can feel the tension in the air
On these streets there's no where to run
Live fast, excitement runs through your veins
Go wild on the wrong side of town, wrong side of town

Hey, here come the mods!
Look out!
They're coming for you
Here come the mods

Step up, never stop for the cround
It's not your place, be a face 'ever young
These moments are forever
To worry 'bout tomorrow's
Just a waste of time
Yeah it's a waste of time, yeah

Hey, here come the mods!
Look out!
They're coming for you
Here come the mods

De-oh-e-oh-e-oh-oh-oh [x2]
The mods, they're coming for you!
You gotta step up

Hey, here come the mods!
Look out!
They're coming for you, yeah
Here come the mods

De-oh-e-oh-e-oh-oh-oh [x2]
They're coming for you'

NOTE: I've patched the bug where Regional Moderators could warn nations outside of their region. Thanks to those of you who didn't abuse your "extra" powers.You mean like me (using Flibbleites Puppet) when I warned you.:D

The irc channel most definitely works...there are 30+ mods in there now.

Alright....THIS KICKS ASS!
I feel so cool that I'm a Regional Moderator.
I'm so tempted to test it.
Mybe I'll go wander about and find someone that actually needs a warning.
Alright....I'M OFF!

Question.
How does one get into the regional moderator chat thingy?
EDIT: I entered irc.esper.net into a url and it came up with:
if you're seeing this, you tried to access this system where there's no page configured, this may be due to IPs changing, or you're just plain poking around
Someone care to answer?

The irc channel most definitely works...there are 30+ mods in there now.

Really? I can't get on at all.:( It says my name is not registered.

Question.
How does one get into the regional moderator chat thingy?

If you click on someone in your region you'll see the info under the warning thingy.

Well just incase it's not a prank I sent a test warning to Little tirana, so scrap it! :upyours:

If you click on someone in your region you'll see the info under the warning thingy.

I know, I've seen that, but how do I actually get on the chat server with that information?

I entered irc.esper.net into a url

IRC is an entirely different protocol. You need an IRC client like mIRC or Chatzilla to join that world. You can't get to it from a web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox (though you can get a Chatzilla plug-in for Firefox).

There are instructions for how to get onto IRC in stickies in various forums. Look around, you'll find instructions.

I know, I've seen that, but how do I actually get on the chat server with that information?

i've been trying to get on all day too

IRC is an entirely different protocol. You need an IRC client like mIRC or Chatzilla to join that world. You can't get to it from a web browser like Internet Explorer or Firefox (though you can get a Chatzilla plug-in for Firefox).

There are instructions for how to get onto IRC in stickies in various forums. Look around, you'll find instructions.

Ok, thanks :)

Taken directly from wikipedia:

"NationStates runs an annual hoax on April 1st. In 2004, the hoax was that there was a population bug and all nations' populations would be reset to 5 million people. In 2005, there was a message (supposedly from the United States Department of Homeland Security) that NationStates was illegal by US law. In 2006, 'NationDates' was created. It used a quiz similar to the one taken at the sign-up page, and matched that nation with a random country in the same region. In 2007, all users received "Regional moderator" icons with the promise that they would be able to "wield their awesome power" over other users."

For more info see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_fools
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=522796

We know. Put them on. PLEASE.


But it's more comfortable without them! What are you going to do, dispatch a striketeam to dispos

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_fools

From that article's History page11:23, 1 April 2007 Gekedo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Gekedo) (→By websites - Adding nationstates 2007 prank. Tum de tum.)So basically one person's interpretation is law, eh? There's never even been a nation by the name of Gekedo (though it could be anyone, given the anonymity we allow here).

Hardly authoritative. Who are you trying to convince? Us? Or ... yourself?

Taken directly from wikipedia:

"NationStates runs an annual hoax on April 1st. In 2004, the hoax was that there was a population bug and all nations' populations would be reset to 5 million people. In 2005, there was a message (supposedly from the United States Department of Homeland Security) that NationStates was illegal by US law. In 2006, 'NationDates' was created. It used a quiz similar to the one taken at the sign-up page, and matched that nation with a random country in the same region. In 2007, all users received "Regional moderator" icons with the promise that they would be able to "wield their awesome power" over other users."

For more info see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April_fools
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=522796

Someone needs to fix that wikipedia entry, the warning came from the Department of Homeworld Security.

And not "all" users have received RM status, either! :mad:

I'm still not sure about this whole RM thing. I just have a not so good feeling about this.... <_< >_>

Oh and the IRC channel doesn't work. Unless I'm doing something wrong. :(

I'm still not sure about this whole RM thing. I just have a not so good feeling about this.... <_< >_>

Oh and the IRC channel doesn't work. Unless I'm doing something wrong. :(

I finally got it to work.

Bu-bu-but my BOOTS? My wonderful FOOTGLOVES?.....

<snip> eyecandy <snip>

...would this be the appropriate time to tell ya they're worn barefoot, and I wear them a LOT?

....how about some hand-dipped chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne?

Have you looked at your record lately? Talk about "how charged with punishments the scroll"!

*Implacably*

The boots!

AND the strawberries! AND the champagne! You have until ..

*checks watch*

Uh ... oh, damn ... It's April 2 ...

*backs quietly away*

I finally got it to work.

How? Please do share.

How? Please do share.

I don't know. It kept not responding, so I restarted my computer and then it worked. I just kind of clicked what looked right and got it to work. I'm sorry I don't really know how to help.

Thanks anyway. Maybe if I get bored enough, I'll try it again. :D

And not "all" users have received RM status, either! :mad:

No kidding, I'm one who didn't (at least with this nation).

No kidding, I'm one who didn't (at least with this nation). Yeah, me neither.

Uh ... oh, damn ... It's April 2 ...

*backs quietly away*

It still looks like April 1 over here. ;)

Also what pranks were played on what year? I'd like to link the threads of the pranks to the article as well. Screen captures would be cool too.You're missing a couple.

2004: In addition to setting population to 5 million, all the forum titles were completely reworked. I'll be damned if I can remember the temporary names, though.

2005: In addition to Homeworld Security, that was also when the bogus "Most likely to be deleted" ranking was sent through.

What I'm wondering, and AFAIK nobody has pointed out yet, is why the changelog hasn't been updated yet.

http://www.nationstates.net/HISTORY

http://www.phpbb.com/community/images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif

What I'm wondering, and AFAIK nobody has pointed out yet, is why the changelog hasn't been updated yet.

http://www.nationstates.net/HISTORY

http://www.phpbb.com/community/images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif
That is only one argument for this being a joke. We will only find out tomorrow if this is a joke or not.

What I'm wondering, and AFAIK nobody has pointed out yet, is why the changelog hasn't been updated yet.

http://www.nationstates.net/HISTORY

http://www.phpbb.com/community/images/smilies/icon_twisted.gif

Actually I pointed that out here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=522669).

After re-reading the description and purpose of Regional Mods, I have to ask a very important question...

Why does Katganistan have both Game Moderator AND Regional Moderator Status? Doesn't that seem to defeat the purpose of additional mods? And further, anyone else find it odd that the region Kat is in, Kat is also the founder?

Shouldn't the formula for determining Regional Mods include a line to verify if the person is a Mods?

I'm just asking because it seems kind of funny.

That is only one argument for this being a joke. We will only find out tomorrow if this is a joke or not.

Well it's almost tomorrow in Eastern Time :)?

We will only find out tomorrow if this is a joke or not.

I hope its a joke. And if it's not, I thought it was, so don't delete me. (yeah, I bet you can guess what I did, lol).

Well it's almost tomorrow in Eastern Time :)?
NS doesn't operate on US Eastern Time, but US Pacific Time (GMT-8).

NS doesn't operate on US Eastern Time, but US Pacific Time (GMT-8).

Yes I wasn't sure if it was Pacific or GMT...

You're missing a couple.

2004: In addition to setting population to 5 million, all the forum titles were completely reworked. I'll be damned if I can remember the temporary names, though.

2005: In addition to Homeworld Security, that was also when the bogus "Most likely to be deleted" ranking was sent through.

Thanks, I'll update the NSWiki "April Fools Day" article to include this. Was there a April Fools Day joke in 2003?

Thanks, I'll update the NSWiki "April Fools Day" article to include this. Was there a April Fools Day joke in 2003?

You know, I don't think there was anything for 2003. Granted, April 1st, 2003, I had only been playing for about a week! :D

A 15-page thread on this? Yeesh... :rolleyes:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jennifer_Government:_NationStates

Should have something special for the awesome April Fool's Day jokes you guys have got us on :).

You know, I don't think there was anything for 2003. Granted, April 1st, 2003, I had only been playing for about a week! :D

Thanks.

And I just quoted you on that. ;)

http://ns.goobergunch.net/wiki/index.php/April_Fools_Day

You are the "number 1" reference. The article would be better if one of the NSWiki admins would delete the image I put up there there year so I can reupload the better image I took this morning.

I also could use links to previous year's threads.

I'm going to agree with Reppy on this one. I'm pretty sure there was no '03 prank. Of course, I had only been playing a few weeks then, but I don't remember anything. It wasn't until '04 when we Mods were able to corrupt Max.

The article would be better if one of the NSWiki admins would delete the image I put up there so I can reupload the better image I took this morning.
I don't understand why you can't upload a new image and then attach it to the article.

Um... let me add to the joke theory by saying that Typhodus, which hasn't been active nearly since he joined, randomly became a Regional Moderator. I don't think that matches the formula quite, since he is in quite a large region...

Um... let me add to the joke theory by saying that Typhodus, which hasn't been active nearly since he joined, randomly became a Regional Moderator. I don't think that matches the formula quite, since he is in quite a large region...
In my region, all RM are very active and match the formula quoted. However there are three of them.

Again, I think the April Fools Joke comes from setting the standards low and thus matching more than would be needed for a single region.

BTW, I think Reppy should be given bonus points for the Mod Olympics for keeping up such an impeccably straight face and convincing tone during the first astonished wave of posts.

Well, do only regions with a certain amount of power/number of members get regional mods? My region doesn't have a mod.

I don't understand why you can't upload a new image and then attach it to the article.

I can't replace an image that I uploaded to the server. I can upload a new article, with a new name, but that would leave junk on Goober's server and I would rather store as little as possible on NSWiki. For all the UN graphics that I create, I load them on NSWiki, because when I go, they will still be of interest to many players. But for anything related to Mikitivity (other than my resolutions), I host my images on photobucket. Sadly this means if I choose to peak at work, that I can not see those images. California considered photobucket to be an adult web site. :(

Hack, thanks for the notes on the April Fools Day history. I updated the article and gave Reppie a better notation. :) In general it would be appropriate for the game moderators that actually made the changes to come forward so we can recognize their hard work. Judging by the volume of threads devoted to this, the pranks are appreciated by many of us. :)

I issued a test warning as Thordren to one of my puppets, just to see what it looked like from the user's end. I have to say that I didn't see anything as the nation receiving the warning. Should I have seen something?

Well, do only regions with a certain amount of power/number of members get regional mods? My region doesn't have a mod.
Do you have any UN Members?

I can't replace an image that I uploaded to the server. I can upload a new article, with a new name, but that would leave junk on Goober's server and I would rather store as little as possible on NSWiki. For all the UN graphics that I create, I load them on NSWiki, because when I go, they will still be of interest to many players. But for anything related to Mikitivity (other than my resolutions), I host my images on photobucket. Sadly this means if I choose to peak at work, that I can not see those images. California considered photobucket to be an adult web site. :(
You are making no sense. Just get another screen-cap, upload it, and then add it to the article! You should have known that image would have been a problem to begin with!!

Why do you keep insiting that it is an April Fools Day prank? We have gotten ZERO confirmation that it is, one way or the other! What if it turns out that RMs are for real? What are you going to do then?

wow, i thought this was a prank, because it was made on april 1st(april fools day, but wow!

yay for me, ima regional mod!!!!nationname olopsy

die spammers:gundge: :sniper: :mp5:

New delfur;12502278']wow, i thought this was a prank, because it was made on april 1st(april fools day, but wow!

yay for me, ima regional mod!!!!nationname olopsy

die spammers:gundge: :sniper: :mp5:
The feature was releashed on March 31st and people seem to keep forgetting this fact.

In general it would be appropriate for the game moderators that actually made the changes to come forward so we can recognize their hard work.Most of the heavy lifting (code-wise) was done by Salsa.

I believe the Homeworld Security idea was from Scolo.

I don't remember who came up with NationDates (might have been Sal). The bogus ranking was probably Siro's idea (or, at least the idea of a bogus ranking).

I think population-to-5M was Max's idea; the forum title changes were Reppy's idea (pretty sure).

The feature was releashed on March 31st and people seem to keep forgetting this fact.
You seem to be forgetting that both Max and [violet] are from Australia - and the 'feature' definitely began before midday AEST, April 1st. No need to be America-centric.

Do you have any UN Members?


You are making no sense. Just get another screen-cap, upload it, and then add it to the article! You should have known that image would have been a problem to begin with!!

Why do you keep insiting that it is an April Fools Day prank? We have gotten ZERO confirmation that it is, one way or the other! What if it turns out that RMs are for real? What are you going to do then?

I'm making plenty sense. You can upload images to Goober's server (NSWiki is privately owned and paid for). But you can not delete images unless you are a NSWiki admin.

The image I made was a full screen capture that I placed a mask over the majority of the image in order to trim it down to the relevant part -- this is standard graphic design work. What I forgot to do to my gif image was to go back and cut the transparent space of the image. Obviously I'm still a rookie as graphics -- no argument there.

That said, I would rather give the NSWiki admins a few days to delete the current image so I can reload a new one with the same name. If you've ever talked to Goober, he will tell you he is happy to host NSWiki, but the server problems it experiences are in part due to the large number of uploads people submit to it. I personally try to limit my uploads to "core" images. People are less interested in the flora, fauna, cuisine, and geography of Mikitivity than they are in the history of the game itself.

And I'm insisting it is an April Fool prank because it IS. I've been playing this game for three previous pranks and seen this all before. They are great fun, but the joke was old by mid-day. This doesn't mean it wasn't well played on the part of the moderators ... but not being one gives me *some* liberties (I could tell you other things about the game, but I've been asked for forget those). ;)

You seem to be forgetting that both Max and [violet] are from Australia - and the 'feature' definitely began before midday AEST, April 1st. No need to be America-centric.

:) Right! I think it is fair to give everybody some slack and just loosely say that "April Fools Day" runs from sometime on March 31 til as last as April 2 in some places.

Jolt (which is not connected to the Regional Moderator business) is also based in England, so when we are not logged in, it returns different "days".

And I'm insisting it is an April Fool prank because it IS. I've been playing this game for three previous pranks and seen this all before. They are great fun, but the joke was old by mid-day. This doesn't mean it wasn't well played on the part of the moderators ... but not being one gives me *some* liberties (I could tell you other things about the game, but I've been asked for forget those). ;)
And I've been playing as long as you have and all the jokes before this affected everyone. If they really wanted to be funny with this joke, they would have made everyone a RM.

Not every site is partaking in pranks this year. In fact, I vist a forum that has been scared to death of a prank all day because the site owner said he was in the mood to play jokes this year. Not playing a prank, was the joke!

And I've been playing as long as you have and all the jokes before this affected everyone. If they really wanted to be funny with this joke, they would have made everyone a RM.

Not every site is partaking in pranks this year. In fact, I vist a forum that has been scared to death of a prank all day because the site owner said he was in the mood to play jokes this year. Not playing a prank, was the joke!

There you go ... you pointed out that sometimes expecting the joke is the joke. They've changed things by making this joke high visibility, but selective. They've added a feature that is not only unnecessary and ultimately non-functional (we've got UN Delegates whom can kick / ban), but they've done it to just enough people randomly to get multiple threads debating the logic behind the decisions.

I know they are simply letting people whom have not figured it out or are also trying to throw fuel on the fire continue to do until about 12:01 am April 2 in whatever timezone is on the edge of the real world. They've done a wonderful job!

There have been plenty of clues, including few from the moderators themselves. I'm not going to play "Murder She Wrote" and connect the dots for everybody -- I could show folks a bloody trail and smoking gun and they still would not believe me. Folks either see it or they don't. I'd rather spend my time documenting what is a really clever joke. :)

p.s. I'll add that I feel your edit to NSWiki was appropriate. Thanks!

There have been plenty of clues, including few from the moderators themselves. I'm not going to play "Murder She Wrote" and connect the dots for everybody -- I could show folks a bloody trail and smoking gun and they still would not believe me. Folks either see it or they don't. I'd rather spend my time documenting what is a really clever joke. :)
I can also point out reasons for this not being a joke. Why would SalusaSecondus patch a feature that was a prank (him making sure RM can't warn people outside their region)? Why not make us all RMs?

Everyone's population was lowered to 5 million, we all thought we were tagged by Department of Homeworld Security, and we all had dates last year! The idea of pulling a prank on a site, is to involved the whole site and they didn't do that this year.

Maybe RM is real, but I'm thinking the over-population of the RM is the prank or maybe NS1.10 still has a few bugs before they commit to the version. Until they tell us it's a joke, I rather take it at face value.

Aww, I'm not a regional mod anymore...

Oh well, maybe next April Fool's I can be one again

BTW, I think Reppy should be given bonus points for the Mod Olympics for keeping up such an impeccably straight face and convincing tone during the first astonished wave of posts.

Aw, thanks! ^_^

April Fools

Hope you all enjoyed the day. We're looking through the warnings now and having a good chuckle.

April Fools

Hope you all enjoyed the day. We're looking through the warnings now and having a good chuckle.
You should have made everyone a RM. I kind of feel left out.

You should have made everyone a RM. I kind of feel left out.We decided it would be more believable if only some people were.

Looks like we were right.

We decided it would be more believable if only some people were.

Looks like we were right.
I kind of knew it was a joke. However I was just trying to argue against jumping to conclusions, seeing as this "joke" didn't match your MO and I thought the RM was a good idea (just limit one per region).

I will also be leaving the forum, because I more or less came looking for info for my RMs. If you want to keep talking about this, send me an in-game telegram. You know how to find me.