NationStates Issues **SPOILER ALERT**

[Lenyo]

Thanks, added.

(If it's any consolation to those who don't like the way I've edited their issues, I absolutely hate that issue, so it happens to all of us!)

Oh, don't rain on my Victory Parade.
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/c2DqWGY1QHM/maxresdefault.jpg

[Trotterdam]

I absolutely hate that issue

Huh? Why? It looks good to me.

It addresses the concern of needing more issues for communist nations in the game, and I like all three options, which all seem appropiately written from a planned-economy point of view, rather than having one be a straight-up "becoming communist was stupid, let's turn back".

[Pooshenland]

I've got #437

Blue Screen Of Economic Death

The Issue

After a major server crash ceased all economic activity in The Fortress for 36 hours, furious powerbrokers have packed your office demanding immediate government action.

The Debate

"This is a travesty!" cries ex-multi-trillionaire Larry de Vries, whose entire net worth was lost in the crash. "This would never have happened if I had all my money printed out and locked up in my safe behind my... never mind that. The point is that I have nothing to my name! I can't eat, my yacht was repossessed, and - dear Violet - I had to sleep next to filthy homeless people last night! The old system of bank notes and coinage was working just fine, and we need to go back to it NOW. We can't survive another major server crash like this."

Accept

"You can't be serious. Do you know how good digitalization has been for our surveillance programs?" asks Doris Ipugu, head of the Pooshian Security Agency. "Terrorist attacks have dropped 75% since we've been able to monitor all commerce. Seventy-five percent! Do you have any idea how much of a feat that is? Obviously the PSA should monitor our electronic records to protect us from all internal threats, both terrorist and accidental. With us safeguarding currency records and watching all telephone and internet traffic, the nation will be safer than ever."

Accept

"More regulations? Bah! Hasn't the government already proven that it doesn't know what it's doing?" questions Microcosm CEO Kirby Wu. "Such a large project as currency digitalization is clearly a job for a multinational corporation, like say Microcosm. We can outsource the data storage to other countries where the labor costs are lower, and then your precious currency data will be far, far away from any domestic problem and much, much closer to SNAFU's in Marche Noir. No downsides!"

Accept

"The internet has failed us!" dramatically declares a doomsayer outside your office. "Wireless connections are unreliable, while USB mass storage is infallible. We can carry all our monetary records around our necks. Down with the internet, long live the pendant!"

Accept


Issue by: The Ubermensch Serene Socialists of Eaischpnaeieacgkque Bhcieaghpodsttditf
Editor: Lenyo

[Golgothastan]

Thanks. Issue #438 has also been put into the game so eyes peeled for that too.

[Jute]

I've got #437

Blue Screen Of Economic Death

The Issue

After a major server crash ceased all economic activity in The Fortress for 36 hours, furious powerbrokers have packed your office demanding immediate government action.

The Debate

"This is a travesty!" cries ex-multi-trillionaire Larry de Vries, whose entire net worth was lost in the crash. "This would never have happened if I had all my money printed out and locked up in my safe behind my... never mind that. The point is that I have nothing to my name! I can't eat, my yacht was repossessed, and - dear Violet - I had to sleep next to filthy homeless people last night! The old system of bank notes and coinage was working just fine, and we need to go back to it NOW. We can't survive another major server crash like this."

Accept

"You can't be serious. Do you know how good digitalization has been for our surveillance programs?" asks Doris Ipugu, head of the Pooshian Security Agency. "Terrorist attacks have dropped 75% since we've been able to monitor all commerce. Seventy-five percent! Do you have any idea how much of a feat that is? Obviously the PSA should monitor our electronic records to protect us from all internal threats, both terrorist and accidental. With us safeguarding currency records and watching all telephone and internet traffic, the nation will be safer than ever."

Accept

"More regulations? Bah! Hasn't the government already proven that it doesn't know what it's doing?" questions Microcosm CEO Kirby Wu. "Such a large project as currency digitalization is clearly a job for a multinational corporation, like say Microcosm. We can outsource the data storage to other countries where the labor costs are lower, and then your precious currency data will be far, far away from any domestic problem and much, much closer to SNAFU's in Marche Noir. No downsides!"

Accept

"The internet has failed us!" dramatically declares a doomsayer outside your office. "Wireless connections are unreliable, while USB mass storage is infallible. We can carry all our monetary records around our necks. Down with the internet, long live the pendant!"

Accept


Issue by: The Ubermensch Serene Socialists of Eaischpnaeieacgkque Bhcieaghpodsttditf
Editor: Lenyo

I suppose that one's unavailable for nations with no modern internet?

[Nation of Quebec]

Issue #439: The Law of Exodus

The Issue

Several prominent critics of the government's ban on emigration have been captured at the border after almost managing to smuggle themselves out of the country by hiding in a manure truck. Their arrest has triggered a debate about the merits of such strict border controls on @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ citizens.

The Debate

"It almost feels as if we're prisoners in our own nation," protests @@RANDOMNAME@@, while being hauled off to custody by several officers wearing pegs on their noses. "As much as we love @@NAME@@, not all of us want to live or work here, especially when there are better opportunities elsewhere. I was all lined up to take on an exciting new teaching job in Maxtopia, only for government goons to appear at my door to tell me I couldn't. How is that fair? The ban on emigration must be lifted!"

"Having a ban on emigration makes sure that our resources, I mean people, remain in @@NAME@@," reminds one of your most trusted, and sycophantic, advisers. "In fact, I'd recommend tougher enforcement of the ban. Oh! What about a massive wall surrounding our borders manned by armed guards? Huge guard towers! Tank and helicopter patrols! Freakin' @@ANIMAL@@s with freakin' lasers on their heads! We must spare no expense in keeping our iron grip - er, our loving hand - on every last @@DEMONYMPLURAL@@!"

"You're both missing the real solution!" interrupts your accountant @@RANDOMNAME@@, while combing through your tax returns. "@@DEMONYMPLURAL@@ want to leave? Let them, but tax the Violet out of them before they go. A good 90% exit tax allows us a healthy return on our investment while getting rid of the traitorous scum who want to leave. It's win-win!"

"Have you ever thought of why people want to emigrate?" asks human rights activist @@RANDOMNAME@@, who somehow managed to sneak past security. "Look around you: oppression and pollution everywhere. There are no jobs available: is it any surprise people are looking for them overseas? If the government actually did something to fix these things, no one would want to leave. Improve civil rights, expand public works programs, promote economic recovery, and the emigration debate would disappear overnight."

Author: Yours truly
Editor: Golgothastan

[Golgothastan]

Thanks, added. 15 issues for you now, I reckon.

[Trotterdam]

"The internet has failed us!" dramatically declares a doomsayer outside your office. "Wireless connections are unreliable, while USB mass storage is infallible. We can carry all our monetary records around our necks. Down with the internet, long live the pendant!"

It's unclear if the last option is trying to ban the internet entirely, or just deems it unsuitable for the specific role of currency exchange. The former seems overkill for the intended purpose, but the text does kind of hint at it.

[Bears Armed]

Another new one, #440 _

Jumping The Sharknado

The Issue
After another movie season dominated by sequels, remakes and spin-offs, cinema boffs have come to your office begging for action.

The Debate
1. "What happened to the classics of days gone by?" rhetorically questions renowned film critic Robert Sherbert. "The Urrsish movie industry used to be known for such masterpieces as 'The Modfather: Part One', 'A Clockwork Violet', and 'Once Upon A Time In The West Pacific', not the drivel they're putting out these days. If studios want to release films in Bears Armed they should give us something original."

2. "I didn't become a director to make films like 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Goldilock Revisited'," gripes Akira Chicago. "But it's all the studios will sanction. It's such an expensive business making movies, and given the risks it's no wonder we play it safe. Perhaps if the government were to underwrite our projects, I'd finally get a chance to finish 'Heaven's Door'."

3. "Haha!" chortles Louis Woolf, while watching 'Mad Max vs. Jar-Jar Binks 2: The Unrated Edition' on his smartphone. Shovelling another handful of popcorn into his mouth, he turns to interject, "Oh my god, this is the best part, guys. Will you keep quiet back there?"

Issue by: The Oh My GOD! What were they thinking! He's a MODERATOR! of Sedgistan
Editor: Sedgistan

I chose option #1.

[Lenyo]

No fans of 440-3 in the house?

[Jute]

Another new one, #440 _

Jumping The Sharknado

The Issue
After another movie season dominated by sequels, remakes and spin-offs, cinema boffs have come to your office begging for action.

The Debate
1. "What happened to the classics of days gone by?" rhetorically questions renowned film critic Robert Sherbert. "The Urrsish movie industry used to be known for such masterpieces as 'The Modfather: Part One', 'A Clockwork Violet', and 'Once Upon A Time In The West Pacific', not the drivel they're putting out these days. If studios want to release films in Bears Armed they should give us something original."

2. "I didn't become a director to make films like 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Goldilock Revisited'," gripes Akira Chicago. "But it's all the studios will sanction. It's such an expensive business making movies, and given the risks it's no wonder we play it safe. Perhaps if the government were to underwrite our projects, I'd finally get a chance to finish 'Heaven's Door'."

3. "Haha!" chortles Louis Woolf, while watching 'Mad Max vs. Jar-Jar Binks 2: The Unrated Edition' on his smartphone. Shovelling another handful of popcorn into his mouth, he turns to interject, "Oh my god, this is the best part, guys. Will you keep quiet back there?"

Issue by: The Oh My GOD! What were they thinking! He's a MODERATOR! of Sedgistan
Editor: Sedgistan

I chose option #1.

I had that one, too! Didn't know it was so new it hadn't even posted here yet.

[Outer Sparta]

Another new one, #440 _

Jumping The Sharknado

The Issue
After another movie season dominated by sequels, remakes and spin-offs, cinema boffs have come to your office begging for action.

The Debate
1. "What happened to the classics of days gone by?" rhetorically questions renowned film critic Robert Sherbert. "The Urrsish movie industry used to be known for such masterpieces as 'The Modfather: Part One', 'A Clockwork Violet', and 'Once Upon A Time In The West Pacific', not the drivel they're putting out these days. If studios want to release films in Bears Armed they should give us something original."

2. "I didn't become a director to make films like 'Rise Of The Planet Of The Goldilock Revisited'," gripes Akira Chicago. "But it's all the studios will sanction. It's such an expensive business making movies, and given the risks it's no wonder we play it safe. Perhaps if the government were to underwrite our projects, I'd finally get a chance to finish 'Heaven's Door'."

3. "Haha!" chortles Louis Woolf, while watching 'Mad Max vs. Jar-Jar Binks 2: The Unrated Edition' on his smartphone. Shovelling another handful of popcorn into his mouth, he turns to interject, "Oh my god, this is the best part, guys. Will you keep quiet back there?"

Issue by: The Oh My GOD! What were they thinking! He's a MODERATOR! of Sedgistan
Editor: Sedgistan

I chose option #1.

Ah yes, the good old film issue. Love the movie references, though, and I agree with Lenyo about option 3!

[Sedgistan]

I have to admit that issue idea came from a submission I saw years ago when I first started editing. The submission wasn't great, and I had other drafts to work on, so it was discarded. The idea stuck with me, and I went looking for the original submission a few weeks ago - unfortunately, it's long since been permanently deleted, so I had to write from scratch. I'd love to credit the person who came up with the idea, but at this stage have no idea who they are, and little chance of finding out.

[Outer Sparta]

I have to admit that issue idea came from a submission I saw years ago when I first started editing. The submission wasn't great, and I had other drafts to work on, so it was discarded. The idea stuck with me, and I went looking for the original submission a few weeks ago - unfortunately, it's long since been permanently deleted, so I had to write from scratch. I'd love to credit the person who came up with the idea, but at this stage have no idea who they are, and little chance of finding out.

And you title mentioned Sharknado, too.

[Trotterdam]

Sharknados make another appearance in the effect line for the third option.

#438 is pretty clearly based on a certain recent development in the U.S. :)

[Phydios]

Sharknados make another appearance in the effect line for the third option.

#438 is pretty clearly based on a certain recent development in the U.S.

Have you seen it? If so, could you post it? It's not in this database yet.

[Golgothastan]

#438 is pretty clearly based on a certain recent development in the U.S.

The issue was actually submitted months before that - I just gave it a topical rewrite.

[Bears Armed]

No fans of 440-3 in the house?

I'm trying to improve the nation's culture...
^_^

Anyway, choosing option '1' got us " cinemas play art-house movies to ever-shrinking audiences as film critics rule the industry."

I've just received this issue for The Ursine Northlands -- which, in case you didn't already know -- is actually an autonomous section [and is sittuated several hundred miles from the 'Mainland'..] of Bears Armed: They have chosen option '2'; report to follow.

[Trotterdam]

I know what the options say.

1. cinemas play art-house movies to ever-shrinking audiences as film critics rule the industry
2. tax-payers are funding ever more extravagant movie projects
3. 'Police Academy 36' and 'Sharknados On A Plane' are vying for top spot at the box-office

What can you tell us about the effect of each option on your Culture stat? Note that censorship is in general bad for your culture in NationStates, even when you're censoring "tasteless" stuff like graffiti.

[Annihilators of Chan Island]

Quite a lot of new issues in a short time. And they are great.

I definitely agree with Lenyo on 440- 3

[Jute]

Sharknados make another appearance in the effect line for the third option.

#438 is pretty clearly based on a certain recent development in the U.S.

Another hidden issue, an easter egg?

[Stormwrath]

Found Issue 438.

Author: Auralia
Editor: Golgothastan

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of @@TYPE@@ ruled that an obscure clause of the Constitution invalidates a government bill reaffirming the ban on same-sex marriage. Two groups have gathered in @@CAPITAL@@, one to protest the decision, the other to applaud it.

The Debate

1. "Could somebody please explain to me why a few unelected codgers in black robes are allowed to dictate public policy?" rants @@RANDOMNAME@@, the infuriated MP whose bill was overturned by the decision. "Judges are supposed to enforce the law, not legislate from the bench. This is a judicial putsch! A threat to @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ democracy! Tyranny! Parliament was elected by the people of @@NAME@@ and so the only checks to our power should come at the next election, when voters can decide for themselves whether they approve of our policies or not."

2. "Democracy is nothing more than a tyranny by majority without constitutional safeguards," cautions civil rights campaigner @@RANDOMNAME@@, whose amicus curiae was referenced in the decision. "The very fact that the Court is unelected means that they won't be afraid to make bold decisions, while our politicians are busy pandering to the lowest common denominator. All Parliamentary laws should have to be reviewed by the Court!"

[Trotterdam]

Please post the issue's name, author, and editor.

EDIT: A bit of a shame for it to be specifically about gay marriage in such an explicit allusion to the U.S. situation. That's not the only controversial decision the U.S. supreme court has made lately, and the main refrain that keeps getting repeated in these controversies (federalism versus state rights) is something that would be more widely applicable than just to those nations who happen to mirror the U.S. situation of having (in many states) banned gay marriage yet finding that they're somehow supposed to have it anyway.

[Bears Armed]

I know what the options say.

1. cinemas play art-house movies to ever-shrinking audiences as film critics rule the industry
2. tax-payers are funding ever more extravagant movie projects
3. 'Police Academy 36' and 'Sharknados On A Plane' are vying for top spot at the box-office

What can you tell us about the effect of each option on your Culture stat? Note that censorship is in general bad for your culture in NationStates, even when you're censoring "tasteless" stuff like graffiti.

I forgot to check these nations' Culture stat before answering the issues: Checking it now, it's definitely up from my last recorded data (the world survey on 05th April said 247 for BA & 26 for TUN, whereas it's now 262 & 39) but some of those improvements could well be due to other issue answers during the intervening period as well.

I wasn't trying to censor anything, just to encourage the production of better films... Do you think that the use of a critic as the viewpoint speaker there was meant to imply increased censorship? (I'd argue that the effect was actually slightly counter-intuitive, too, because I wouldn't consider either 'The Godfather: Part One' or 'Once Upon A Time In West' -- two of the RL films being used as the basis for examples of good films in that speaker's opinion -- to be "art-house movies"...)

[Sanctaria]

Please post the issue's name, author, and editor.

EDIT: A bit of a shame for it to be specifically about gay marriage in such an explicit allusion to the U.S. situation. That's not the only controversial decision the U.S. supreme court has made lately, and the main refrain that keeps getting repeated in these controversies (federalism versus state rights) is something that would be more widely applicable than just to those nations who happen to mirror the U.S. situation of having (in many states) banned gay marriage yet finding that they're somehow supposed to have it anyway.

It was actually submitted and edited before the SCOTUS decision, and a) the author is Canadian, and b) the editor is British. FYI and all that.