Gameplay Advice Thread - We're here to help!

[Toddlrsta]

How would I go about shrinking my black market? Also how do I keep all my government descriptors and add well organized without gaining corrupt?

[Kaboomlandia]

This might be Technical, but is there any way to set my recruitment/welcome telegrams to mention the name of whoever gets them?

As in,

"Greetings (Examplestan),

blah blah blah"

With Examplestan being the recipient of the telegram/

Just put this in:

@@NATIONNAME@@

It works only in telegrams though.

Okay, thanks!
I might have to wait a bit, as The North American Union raided my region

[Valrifell]

How would I go about shrinking my black market? Also how do I keep all my government descriptors and add well organized without gaining corrupt?

You'd go about shrinking your black market by buffing up your police force or make whatever they're selling legal to sell.

Corruption is simply something that NationStates issues authors equate with bureaucracy. However, you can freely check your politicians by reducing wages, putting them under close watch, and allow for unrestrained reporting on their actions.

[In Gentem Et De Libris Scientiam]

is there a good template for region recruitment/news threads?

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

is there a good template for region recruitment/news threads?

I don;t know about any specific template - my best bet would be to look at some of the existing ones, and if you need some ideas for code, either look at code in general or use the quote feature to view the OP's code and borrow snippet - I'm not saying plagiarize a format and just change the content, but taking a snippet from here and a snippet from there isn't a horrible idea.

Often they start out with some sort of symbol, image, or flag, and you should always make sure to describe what, among all the regions of NS, makes *yours* special and unique.

[Union of Kiwi Socialists]

Quick R/D Question here:

Are there any publicly available regional update time calculators? Our previous update timer is broken, and I was wondering if there were any that still worked I could use?

[Ivo Mullur]

Quick R/D Question here:

Are there any publicly available regional update time calculators? Our previous update timer is broken, and I was wondering if there were any that still worked I could use?

You can use NS++, known for being notoriously inaccurate.

Or you could join "mainstream" defenderism and gain access to our tools.

Alternatively, you could toil through the making of your own sheets. It builds character.

[Valrifell]

Quick R/D Question here:

Are there any publicly available regional update time calculators? Our previous update timer is broken, and I was wondering if there were any that still worked I could use?

You can use NS++, known for being notoriously inaccurate.

Or you could join "mainstream" defenderism and gain access to our tools.

Or you could join "mainstream" Raiderdom and gain access to their tools.

[The Great state of Atlantis]

Okay, I have a question pertaining to both a stat as well as a much more questionable effect of some of the issues. I'll start with the weather stat. Why on earth is that even in here? No government, no matter how large or small is able to affect that. You could argue that a government which heavily favours industry inevitably affects the weather in an adverse manner through global warming so the inverse would be the case for an eco-friendly government. However, with that said, doesn't the above fly in the face of the statement that NationStates in essentially a simple game?
Another irritation I have is the fact that in spite of my sincerest efforts, my scientific progress is going down. I mean come on now, what crap is that? It was as high up as 265 and two issues later (which in themselves DO NOT have ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with anything scientific) it has dropped four points. When it comes to the game in general, I'm willing to bend the truth a little but it irritates me that the game's effects are entirely beyond any and all forms of logic. If this keeps going on, I'll just take my whole kaboodle and ship off to micronations or something of the sort, or any other game which has a greater degree of realism.

Edit: another irritation: I had corruption all but stomped out to -17 and now it's back with a vengeance for no apparent reason.

Another edit: why has the algo which distributes issues no A.I.? I mean, why does it keep shoving me not only repetitive BS, but it obviously seems to have a very distinct lack of self-learning as I always respond to the same issues in the same manner. Why shove this BS down my throat again and again?

Third and final edit: in spite of all the bruhaha about the chain I still haven't received it. If it comes, I'll go to war. Consequences be damned.

[Valrifell]

Okay, I have a question pertaining to both a stat as well as a much more questionable effect of some of the issues. I'll start with the weather stat. Why on earth is that even in here? No government, no matter how large or small is able to affect that. You could argue that a government which heavily favours industry inevitably affects the weather in an adverse manner through global warming so the inverse would be the case for an eco-friendly government. However, with that said, doesn't the above fly in the face of the statement that NationStates in essentially a simple game?
Another irritation I have is the fact that in spite of my sincerest efforts, my scientific progress is going down. I mean come on now, what crap is that? It was as high up as 265 and two issues later (which in themselves DO NOT have ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with anything scientific) it has dropped four points. When it comes to the game in general, I'm willing to bend the truth a little but it irritates me that the game's effects are entirely beyond any and all forms of logic. If this keeps going on, I'll just take my whole kaboodle and ship off to micronations or something of the sort, or any other game which has a greater degree of realism.

Edit: another irritation: I had corruption all but stomped out to -17 and now it's back with a vengeance for no apparent reason.

Another edit: why has the algo which distributes issues no A.I.? I mean, why does it keep shoving me not only repetitive BS, but it obviously seems to have a very distinct lack of self-learning as I always respond to the same issues in the same manner. Why shove this BS down my throat again and again?

Third and final edit: in spite of all the bruhaha about the chain I still haven't received it. If it comes, I'll go to war. Consequences be damned.

*Sigh* lets get this over with.

1. Weather. Pollution effects weather. Boom, lack of regulation = poor environment. (just uh... ignore the fact that high culture contributes very minorly to this stat)
1.5. Never assume NationStates is a simple game, it has an extremely devout group of admins willing to supply their freetime to adding all the sweet features you see today.
2. Yeah, I'm gonna need to see which issues you got and what answers to give anything purely solid. But, when dealing with issues, you have to think of unintended consequences "What is this option saying and how can it affect my people/government/[insert stat here]"
3. Issue editors generally associate bureaucracy with corruption, that could be it. However, it's also plausible that you're simply not regulating the process of government enough. Banning things like lobbying and private funding should reduce corruption and keeping your eyes on your politicians never hurt.
4. There is a method to the madness, every issue has a validity or prerequisite that must be met in order for it to be added into the pool of issues you will randomly receive every twelve hours, since issues tweak and change your nation, you should be eligible for more issues as you answer more of them. However, many issues repeat in case of a change of opinion or mindset since you last answered it, like realizing that banning heavy metal was an absolutely terrible idea.
And finally, the Chain is only available to those with a military and emigration.

[The Great state of Atlantis]

Okay, I have a question pertaining to both a stat as well as a much more questionable effect of some of the issues. I'll start with the weather stat. Why on earth is that even in here? No government, no matter how large or small is able to affect that. You could argue that a government which heavily favours industry inevitably affects the weather in an adverse manner through global warming so the inverse would be the case for an eco-friendly government. However, with that said, doesn't the above fly in the face of the statement that NationStates in essentially a simple game?
Another irritation I have is the fact that in spite of my sincerest efforts, my scientific progress is going down. I mean come on now, what crap is that? It was as high up as 265 and two issues later (which in themselves DO NOT have ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with anything scientific) it has dropped four points. When it comes to the game in general, I'm willing to bend the truth a little but it irritates me that the game's effects are entirely beyond any and all forms of logic. If this keeps going on, I'll just take my whole kaboodle and ship off to micronations or something of the sort, or any other game which has a greater degree of realism.

Edit: another irritation: I had corruption all but stomped out to -17 and now it's back with a vengeance for no apparent reason.

Another edit: why has the algo which distributes issues no A.I.? I mean, why does it keep shoving me not only repetitive BS, but it obviously seems to have a very distinct lack of self-learning as I always respond to the same issues in the same manner. Why shove this BS down my throat again and again?

Third and final edit: in spite of all the bruhaha about the chain I still haven't received it. If it comes, I'll go to war. Consequences be damned.

*Sigh* lets get this over with.

1. Weather. Pollution effects weather. Boom, lack of regulation = poor environment. (just uh... ignore the fact that high culture contributes very minorly to this stat)
1.5. Never assume NationStates is a simple game, it has an extremely devout group of admins willing to supply their freetime to adding all the sweet features you see today.
2. Yeah, I'm gonna need to see which issues you got and what answers to give anything purely solid. But, when dealing with issues, you have to think of unintended consequences "What is this option saying and how can it affect my people/government/[insert stat here]"
3. Issue editors generally associate bureaucracy with corruption, that could be it. However, it's also plausible that you're simply not regulating the process of government enough. Banning things like lobbying and private funding should reduce corruption and keeping your eyes on your politicians never hurt.
4. There is a method to the madness, every issue has a validity or prerequisite that must be met in order for it to be added into the pool of issues you will randomly receive every twelve hours, since issues tweak and change your nation, you should be eligible for more issues as you answer more of them. However, many issues repeat in case of a change of opinion or mindset since you last answered it, like realizing that banning heavy metal was an absolutely terrible idea.
And finally, the Chain is only available to those with a military and emigration.

Yeah, I already see what has transgressed here: "Artists are pillars of society", so resources were diverted away from scientific advancement and poured into culture (up from 37 to 41). But stomping on stolen valour? What has that got to do with anything scientific? (And for the record: I DO believe stolen valour should be prosecuted, as it offends those who [have] really serve[d]. )

Furthermore: I have banned lobbying, put a clamp on senators' time in office and derailed the gravy train, to paraphrase the issue's title, but still it comes back to haunt me.

And finally I do have a huhuhuge military as well as emigration so I'd say give me the chain and let me nuke Brasilistan to the stone age. On a side note: Funny how you can bomb any fictitious country to smithereens if you want to,Lilliputia, Bigtopia and the lot, but real trade or real war with existing players isn't included. A real reason for that has to be found yet.

[Valrifell]

*Sigh* lets get this over with.

1. Weather. Pollution effects weather. Boom, lack of regulation = poor environment. (just uh... ignore the fact that high culture contributes very minorly to this stat)
1.5. Never assume NationStates is a simple game, it has an extremely devout group of admins willing to supply their freetime to adding all the sweet features you see today.
2. Yeah, I'm gonna need to see which issues you got and what answers to give anything purely solid. But, when dealing with issues, you have to think of unintended consequences "What is this option saying and how can it affect my people/government/[insert stat here]"
3. Issue editors generally associate bureaucracy with corruption, that could be it. However, it's also plausible that you're simply not regulating the process of government enough. Banning things like lobbying and private funding should reduce corruption and keeping your eyes on your politicians never hurt.
4. There is a method to the madness, every issue has a validity or prerequisite that must be met in order for it to be added into the pool of issues you will randomly receive every twelve hours, since issues tweak and change your nation, you should be eligible for more issues as you answer more of them. However, many issues repeat in case of a change of opinion or mindset since you last answered it, like realizing that banning heavy metal was an absolutely terrible idea.
And finally, the Chain is only available to those with a military and emigration.

Yeah, I already see what has transgressed here: "Artists are pillars of society", so resources were diverted away from scientific advancement and poured into culture (up from 37 to 41). But stomping on stolen valour? What has that got to do with anything scientific? (And for the record: I DO believe stolen valour should be prosecuted, as it offends those who [have] really serve[d]. )

Furthermore: I have banned lobbying, put a clamp on senators' time in office and derailed the gravy train, to paraphrase the issue's title, but still it comes back to haunt me.

And finally I do have a huhuhuge military as well as emigration so I'd say give me the chain and let me nuke Brasilistan to the stone age. On a side note: Funny how you can bomb any fictitious country to smithereens if you want to,Lilliputia, Bigtopia and the lot, but real trade or real war with existing players isn't included. A real reason for that has to be found yet.

You know, it might've been more of column A then column B, that is to say, maybe it was the effect of one issue and not the two.

Than do as I suggested, watch them. Closely.

Than the Chain is in your pool of random issues to be received. Also the reason for that can actually be found in the FAQ:

Many people have suggested a more sophisticated version of NationStates, with trade and military conflicts, but this is unlikely, as it would fundamentally change who we are. At its core, NationStates is a political game, not a wargame.

[Toddlrsta]

My government's state own industry on the chat vanished a few days ago, my economy is still getting stronger only through government though and it looks like on my spending the same or maybe even more is going to industry, does anyone have an idea why this is?

[Shalour City]

Is there any way to boost my economy? I really need help with it.

[Valrifell]

Is there any way to boost my economy? I really need help with it.

Answer issues that would deregulate business, or subsidize everything to oblivion.

[Pollaetorian]

How do I take over another GCR by force and stop the complaints on the RMB and people challenging the delegacy?

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

How do I take over another GCR by force and stop the complaints on the RMB and people challenging the delegacy?

People not to ask:

Milo
Stu
Liz Lemons
Durk?

People to ask:

CoKoVe?

[Fin Dovah Junaar]

How do I increase my agriculture and possible mining sectors?

[Hobbesistan]

How do I increase my agriculture and possible mining sectors?

Any issues that come up with a pro-agriculture/industry option, take them.

[Fin Dovah Junaar]

How do I increase my agriculture and possible mining sectors?

Any issues that come up with a pro-agriculture/industry option, take them.

Any that I should look out for?

And what issues will help increase spirituality?

Edit: I also need to make greater inequality economically.

[Kaboomlandia]

Any issues that come up with a pro-agriculture/industry option, take them.

Any that I should look out for?

And what issues will help increase spirituality?

Edit: I also need to make greater inequality economically.

To increase spirituality, I usually pick the first option whenever the "pick your religious advisor" issue comes up.

[Valrifell]

Any issues that come up with a pro-agriculture/industry option, take them.

Any that I should look out for?

And what issues will help increase spirituality?

Edit: I also need to make greater inequality economically.

Income inequality can be obtained by generally letting the rich get richer while screwing over the working man.

You can increase your spirituality by choosing the religious option of most issues.

For specifics, this is your friend. http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=88

[Shogun]

Could someone familiar with recruiting methods, and relevant rules related to it make a little synopsis about that topic here for me. I'm not familiar with that sphere at all.

I've got warnings in my past due allegedly illegal recruiting on RMBs, and I don't want repeat previous mistakes. There are plans for creation of Cimmerian Raider Merc unit/Heavy Infantry auxiliary for R/D purposes, which would need every kind morally questionable, frustrated folks, undesirables, outcasts, ready for performing dirty and destructive raiding activities with their WA-nations, but I have no previous experience on these recruiting fields, so basic introduction would be nice to have.

For example, I'm not even 100% sure can I just move with puppet to GCR and start RMB harvesting from those idle, ignorant piles of passive WA-slaves, and maybe cultivate them to proud and free raider individuals and hard boiled, determined raider soldiers with minimal moralistic prejudices about justifications of electing delegates out there... in the game, and during updates. Where, in what kind circumstances, and how I can legally send direct recruiting TGs to potential players?

Anyway, for Cimmerians recruiting would be manual thing. Such synopsis on the issue wouldn't be bad generally to have on hand. This thread looks suitable for this request too. Thx.

[Valrifell]

RMB recruiting rules are somewhat simple; you can only RMB recruit from regions labeled "Recruiter Friendly" or if its a GCR (but you'll most likely find your post suppressed and your puppet booted)

However, Telegraming nations is fine in all cases.

[Shogun]

Thx. Do I have to use some special tags for such TGs?