Bureau for the Improvement of NS Businesses (Organisation)

[Yohannes]

---

The Bureau for the Improvement of NS Businesses is an organisation, which was founded by that of Falkasia in 2009, and due to the said player's inactivity and after Falkasia's permission, will hereby be re-established under a new thread.

As stated by Falkasia within the old thread.

OOC: First and foremost, this is not a storefront. For those of you who have a hunch what this is about, feel free to skim the ranting below and head straight to the last paragraph thereabout. If I know you, and you know me, and we've discussed horrible designs before, then this is the thread I've been talking about. For now, I shall be doing this solely OOCly as it helps to explain my rationale and the like without IC clutter and formalities.

For many of you, including myself, NationStates is a place we all come to have a good time and enjoy one another's company... and in Ralkovia's twisted mind, blow the shit out of something. It should come as no surprise then, that the level of enjoyment and fun has seriously degraded with the sudden influx of new and beginner nations who either don't bother or outright refuse to read the Stickies and similar tutorial threads there to help them. While this should be none of our concern, it unfortunately forces itself upon us when these new players insist on invading the threads and RPs of our creation and causing havoc in them that could have otherwise been avoided. I know I speak for many of us when I say that a good portion of my threads have failed in the past because a new player failed to read anything and jumped right in.

This, quite contrarily to what I'm saying, is not a rant about the plague of uneducated "newbs," but moreso a call to arms in protection of the old NationStates many of us veterans know and love. I am by no means "noobist," or anti-newbie, discriminatory towards beginning players. We were all there once, believe it or not. GWO was once a tiny nation, as was Greston or Lyras or Salzland. Believe it our not, even I was small once too. That's hardly noticable now, especially with a 4 billion population and a drunk as a Premier. This is beside the fact though, that these new, unmannered players have invaded our forum and are destroying it, whether consciously or not. As quite blatant evidence, take a look at the very forum this is posted in.

While I applaud anybody who takes the time out of his, or her, or it's day to make a storefront, veteran or beginner, the place Economics has become can only be described as deplorable. I come to Econ. looking to buy a new car, or read up on the latest innovation; not to learn about some new player with 5 posts' gun that can shoot miniature nuclear weapons at 1000 rounds per minute out of a barrel no larger than a toothbrush. Normally, we all expect such an "invention" to go the way it would on the old forums; sink below the waves of posts without so much as a recognition. However, nowadays it seems that such technologies have become the rule and honest, hardworking storefronts such as Questers' or Lyras' or Vault 10's have become the exception. It's so hard to find something realistic, that it's almost not worth the search.

Problem is, these new, "half-assed" storefronts that utilize "pimpmygun" and the like are so numerous, that it's giving new players the wrong perception on what it means to run a storefront. They pop on, skim the numerous forums to get their bearings; glancing over Economics and seeing how easy it is to make a storefront. Make a weapon on "Pimp," pluck random numbers out of the air, give it a scary name and number designation, and then make a thread selling it. While nothing is inherently wrong with this method, all it does is further the lack of quality that's highly notable on here. I dream of the old days where I wouldn't be able to make it past the first storefront in the thread-list without buying half the stock simply because of sheer awesomeness. Nowadays, I'm lucky if it's the bottom of the third page, although I frequently don't make it that far before I literally facepalm myself.

See, it's not so much the crap designs that are the problem. I couldn't care less if so-and-so bought this. I'd just I.G.N.O.R.E. Cannon it in RP, as it would eventually die out in Economics. As stated previously, it's the afct that there are so many of these crap storefronts, that new players aren't able to see what a real storefront actually looks like. Further, when we try to help these current storefronts improve, we get the cold shoulder or the "12 year old hissy fit" response. I know you all know what I'm talking about. The "Only post if you're gonna buy," or the "Now get out of my store," or my all-time personal favourite, "It's a game. Games don't have to be realistic." I hate to admit it, but I'm looking forward to the day some new player insists since it's his nation, he can make up the rules of nature that govern it. The designs aren't the bad part; it's the fact that this new generation of players are incapable of change that's the driving force behind my call to arms.

Therefore that is why I'm creating this; the Bureau for the Improvement of Nationstates Storefronts.

Bureau for the Improvement of Nationstates Storefronts is a brainchild of mine, one which I have been discussing with numerous counterparts and associates for quite some time. We are not an IC alliance of storefronts, nor will we ever be, but an OOC organization whose goal is to make Economics a better place. We wish to reinstate the level of quality and fun lost in the year or so after the Jolt transition and through that helps new and beginning players discover the world of NationStates in the manner they should. Through persistence, numbers, sound reasoning, repetition, and calm demeanours, we shall force existing "crap storefront" operators to change their tactics and create realistic designs, as well as offer friendly advice and critiques to any and all who request it. For those who resist this change, things will only become harder down the line as they slowly but surely return to their position as the exception, amongst the rule of quality storefronts.

For those of you who wish to join, simply post below to let me know you're up for it. We, meaning myself and selected people who join, reserve the right to deny anyone we deem unfit for such a role as a Bureau for the Improvement of Nationstates Storefronts Associate/Moderator. This failsafe is in place to prevent the very same thing from happening on the Economics board in here. Keeping the riff-raff out of those who truly know what's up. As I stated above, if I know you, you know me, and I've seen your storefront or sound reasoning before, you'll be accepted with a doubt.

Only the names of these respective members below may ever utilise the Bureau for the Improvement of Nationstates Storefronts name/likeness in their arguments or advice, as well as claim to be aiding or advising in the name or stead of this organization. If any player is to give advice to another player, using the Bureau for the Improvement of Nationstates Storefronts/BINS name/likeness, who is not expressedly notated on this list, please send a Telegram to myself or one of the selected moderators so said person can be dealt with accordingly. However, any players are within their full right to provide advices in this thread, provided that the aforesaid advices are that of sound nature.

Even if your admittance is pending or you are utilising an alternate/puppet nation, you may not go off and grant advice in the Bureau for the Improvement of Nationstates Storefronts' name or stead until you are put on this list. The members below are well-versed on their respective designing and/or storefront sectors within the NationStates Ge&T sub-forum.

Thus it is the main focus of this organisation to assist the new generation of Global Economics & Trade sub-forum roleplayers to perhaps, one day, replace us as the main body of the Ge&T community successfully. Just as the present generation has successfully replaced that of the previous, and thus the cycle of development and learning may be passed on for the betterment of the Ge&T sub-forum, and ultimately that of NationStates and the roleplaying community of NationStates.

Current Members:

Allanea
Amastol
Anemos Major
Crookfur
Jungastia
Lamoni
Lyras
Maltropia
Mikoyan-Guryevich
Milograd
Questers
United Earthlings
Van Luxemburg
Vitaphone Racing
ViZion
Yohannes

[Yohannes]

Bump.

[The Floor Kippers]

Me again, My new improved Blue Star Storefront is ready to be scrutinized
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=159013

[Countriopia]

I'd like to have my storefront improved. Can you help me please? viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156958&hilit=countriopian

[Dukopolious]

Very nice thread, I'm glad you've brought this back, maybe now perhaps the standards of storefronts on GE&T will improve?

Do you mind taking a look at my current storefront? I am not opening until my civil war RP is done (because it would make no sense to be selling expensive robots world wide when I can barely afford to arm my nation). I've already had some advice from many other nations prior to posting this, but I feel the Bureau would by far be the best place to look in terms of improvement.

Here is a link to Duka-Droids!

Also, is there certain criteria for joining?

[Amastol]

Ooh, new thread.

[South Estovakia]

Could you look at this? It's not exactly the most detailed thing in the world, but I think most of it makes sense. I also used pimpmygun, because I cannot draw weapons. At all....

[Milograd]

I didn't realize that there was a new thread for this lol.

[Amastol]

Could you look at this? It's not exactly the most detailed thing in the world, but I think most of it makes sense. I also used pimpmygun, because I cannot draw weapons. At all....

Honestly it all looks great to me. The product descriptions are suitable if not expansive, and the PMG is competently done. The only real suggestion I have is to move the News part down below the Rules section, as the Products and then subsequently Rules should be the main focus points.

[StarArmy]

Why not create an image (a seal or something) that storefronts can use to show their approved status?

[Yohannes]

Me again, My new improved Blue Star Storefront is ready to be scrutinized
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=159013

Even your last thread was already nice The Floor Kippers. I've seen that you're one of the regular in the civilian sector of NS Ge&T by now, and I've seen as well that you've got the going of things well with your storefront.

Of course, you can always try to standardise the size of all the pictures, but that is not really necessarily, to be honest.

I also remember when we both started our storefronts at the same time back then (you with Blue Star Ocean Liners and I with my Bundesbank), so yeah I noticed we both have grown quite well in Ge&T's atmosphere.

In overall, nice one!

[Yohannes]

I'd like to have my storefront improved. Can you help me please? viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156958&hilit=countriopian

The OP is quite good, but somehow from my own perspective as a potential client/customer, it is lacking in information. You've not convinced me, by the time that I've finished reading your OP, that I should really participate in your thread and roleplay together with you In-Character wise by becoming your client/customer.

You need to convince potential client/customer(s) more. For example, it says:

Until recently, the economy of Countriopia was devoted to Cheese Exports. Due to the Countriopian Crisis, lots of factories were closed. As a result, Countriopian people lost their jobs, and an economic foundation was needed. Its result was the promotion of the Republic of Countriopia as a tourist destination. One of the consequences was the creation of Countriopian Hotels, the most important chain of hotels in the whole country.

Don't jump straight to

We want our next hotel to be in your nation!

Its too fast a jump. In between the above two sections, put something akin to a section which explain your hotel (its short history, why is it a good hotel chain in your opinion). Even things like a foreword from the leading executive of the Board members or the President-Director/head of company himself/herself will do good for your storefront.

Also, and although this is not necessary, I would recommend creating a customised and neat, small-sized logo for your hotel chain. It has been proven that a decent, well-sized and matching logo (in relation to the OP) of a storefront bring more customer/client(s) in, and attract more of the potential ones.

[Yohannes]

Very nice thread, I'm glad you've brought this back, maybe now perhaps the standards of storefronts on GE&T will improve?

Do you mind taking a look at my current storefront? I am not opening until my civil war RP is done (because it would make no sense to be selling expensive robots world wide when I can barely afford to arm my nation). I've already had some advice from many other nations prior to posting this, but I feel the Bureau would by far be the best place to look in terms of improvement.

Here is a link to Duka-Droids!

Also, is there certain criteria for joining?

Hey, how are you Duko?

Firt thing first;

• You should standardise the size of the images used to accompany the description/writing of the product your storefront sell.
• You should change the images; For some reasons you've managed to pick the bad ones... For example some of the pictures are of low-quality and/or not really clear.
• Some obvious mispelling in your product section ("Titainium" instead of "Titanium). This is a huge turn-off for the regulars (regular customer/client(s)) of Ge&T.
• Expand on the information Duko... For example in the "Step One: Select Materials", there's the one for "copper". Don't just do a "insert spoiler, insert picture, and say a one line description". It is a huge turn-off as well, especially if you're doing it for the rest of your section. You don't have to do a one paragraph explanation (that's just silly, although some players prefer to do that), but you definitely do need to expand more upon that section.
• Spoiler for "Robo-tachment" doesn't work.

There are, and I am sure of this, more things to look into in your storefront. However, the above listed are just some of the most obvious ones that should be looked upon.

[Yohannes]

Why not create an image (a seal or something) that storefronts can use to show their approved status?

I am sorry, but that will without a doubt, create the problem of elitism and the such.

While there is no doubt that the members of this Bureau are all notable members of the NS Roleplaying community, and especially most are known for either being major players in the Global Economics & Trade sub-forum (having well-established quality storefronts in Ge&T, having quality designs in Ge&T, etc.), however that does not mean that we can abuse this position to create something as what you've described.

I mean, for one thing, it sounds silly. When you come here, you don't want an approved seal or logo or some sort of recognition. Visually speaking, there's none. Well.. There's something actually.. And that's the fact that you've tried to be open-minded, and want to improve upon your storefront.

Giving "approved storefront" seal and/or logo will also create another problem, that of the fact that it'll be unfair for others which do not have that seal and/or logo.

The fact of the matter is that, no matter what we say and/or suggest, at the end of the day it is up to you as the OP and/or storefront owner to rectify the problems and/or see for yourself that there's something which need to be fixed upon with your storefront.

Hope that clear things up.

[Yohannes]

Ooh, new thread.

Yes.

[Yohannes]

I didn't realize that there was a new thread for this lol.

Well, for one thing Falkasia gave me the go-ahead for this thread when I was about to go inactive briefly (until you convinced me that going back to NationStates' indeed more than worth it). Somehow as a result, I myself even forgot of this thread, until The Floor Kippers posted something.

[The Floor Kippers]

Me again, My new improved Blue Star Storefront is ready to be scrutinized
http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=159013

Even your last thread was already nice The Floor Kippers. I've seen that you're one of the regular in the civilian sector of NS Ge&T by now, and I've seen as well that you've got the going of things well with your storefront.

Of course, you can always try to standardise the size of all the pictures, but that is not really necessarily, to be honest.

I also remember when we both started our storefronts at the same time back then (you with Blue Star Ocean Liners and I with my Bundesbank), so yeah I noticed we both have grown quite well in Ge&T's atmosphere.

In overall, nice one!

Thanks for that. I felt a need to change the structure of the Storefront because my one post only one was getting to hard to find the relevant parts to edit when I needed to.
As for the pictures, I have to make do with the best I can get, not easy when some URLs are reused for when someone changes a picture I'm using or it just totally vanishes. I just take the best quality I can and don't worry about the size, just so long as people can see what the picture is Size doesn't matter, so long as it isn't tiny or obscenely huge.
....

I didn't realize that there was a new thread for this lol.

Well, for one thing Falkasia gave me the go-ahead for this thread when I was about to go inactive briefly (until you convinced me that going back to NationStates' indeed more than worth it). Somehow as a result, I myself even forgot of this thread, until The Floor Kippers posted something.

I only found this because I posted a link in the old thread and got redirected here by Tergnitz

[South Estovakia]

Could you look at this? It's not exactly the most detailed thing in the world, but I think most of it makes sense. I also used pimpmygun, because I cannot draw weapons. At all....

Honestly it all looks great to me. The product descriptions are suitable if not expansive, and the PMG is competently done. The only real suggestion I have is to move the News part down below the Rules section, as the Products and then subsequently Rules should be the main focus points.

Thanks!

[Dukopolious]

Very nice thread, I'm glad you've brought this back, maybe now perhaps the standards of storefronts on GE&T will improve?

Do you mind taking a look at my current storefront? I am not opening until my civil war RP is done (because it would make no sense to be selling expensive robots world wide when I can barely afford to arm my nation). I've already had some advice from many other nations prior to posting this, but I feel the Bureau would by far be the best place to look in terms of improvement.

Here is a link to Duka-Droids!

Also, is there certain criteria for joining?

Hey, how are you Duko?

Firt thing first;

• You should standardise the size of the images used to accompany the description/writing of the product your storefront sell.
• You should change the images; For some reasons you've managed to pick the bad ones... For example some of the pictures are of low-quality and/or not really clear.
• Some obvious mispelling in your product section ("Titainium" instead of "Titanium). This is a huge turn-off for the regulars (regular customer/client(s)) of Ge&T.
• Expand on the information Duko... For example in the "Step One: Select Materials", there's the one for "copper". Don't just do a "insert spoiler, insert picture, and say a one line description". It is a huge turn-off as well, especially if you're doing it for the rest of your section. You don't have to do a one paragraph explanation (that's just silly, although some players prefer to do that), but you definitely do need to expand more upon that section.
• Spoiler for "Robo-tachment" doesn't work.

There are, and I am sure of this, more things to look into in your storefront. However, the above listed are just some of the most obvious ones that should be looked upon.

I'm not so well actually, my fish just died Thanks for asking.

Firstly, I'd like to say the storefront isn't complete, if you read the last post, it's a list of thing i'd like to improve on, this includes replacing the images with originals, and making them properly fit.

I'll fix that, any other spelling errors? I ran it through a checker, it's odd that it missed that.

I'll defiantly be expanding the descriptions, but the one thing is, I need to keep it sort o vague so it doesn't specify a certain era (As it says in the subject-title, it's MT/PMT/FT). Any advice as to what I should say?

I don't actually have an image for "Robo-Tachment" , but I need one. I left the spoiler there as a reminder that I needed an image for it.

Do you have any Ideas as to where I can look for image makers? I am terrible myself.

Also, any good things you see in it? I don't want to mess up any good parts of my storefront when I edit it.

Thanks!

[United Earthlings]

Since, just saying TAG seems like a waste of a perfectly good post, just to show you all I'm still active with this however just like Falkasia RL has been unkind time wise, that and between working on getting my new storefront up and running.

What I'm trying to say is, NEXT ONE'S MINE SO HANDS OFF!

[The Greater Aryan Race]

Could someone take a look at my storefront? It's not much and I feel that there is plenty of room for improvement.

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=150055

Comments and feedback are much appreciated. Thank you.

[Yohannes]

Hey, how are you Duko?

Firt thing first;

• You should standardise the size of the images used to accompany the description/writing of the product your storefront sell.
• You should change the images; For some reasons you've managed to pick the bad ones... For example some of the pictures are of low-quality and/or not really clear.
• Some obvious mispelling in your product section ("Titainium" instead of "Titanium). This is a huge turn-off for the regulars (regular customer/client(s)) of Ge&T.
• Expand on the information Duko... For example in the "Step One: Select Materials", there's the one for "copper". Don't just do a "insert spoiler, insert picture, and say a one line description". It is a huge turn-off as well, especially if you're doing it for the rest of your section. You don't have to do a one paragraph explanation (that's just silly, although some players prefer to do that), but you definitely do need to expand more upon that section.
• Spoiler for "Robo-tachment" doesn't work.

There are, and I am sure of this, more things to look into in your storefront. However, the above listed are just some of the most obvious ones that should be looked upon.

I'm not so well actually, my fish just died Thanks for asking.

Firstly, I'd like to say the storefront isn't complete, if you read the last post, it's a list of thing i'd like to improve on, this includes replacing the images with originals, and making them properly fit.

I'll fix that, any other spelling errors? I ran it through a checker, it's odd that it missed that.

I'll defiantly be expanding the descriptions, but the one thing is, I need to keep it sort o vague so it doesn't specify a certain era (As it says in the subject-title, it's MT/PMT/FT). Any advice as to what I should say?

I don't actually have an image for "Robo-Tachment" , but I need one. I left the spoiler there as a reminder that I needed an image for it.

Do you have any Ideas as to where I can look for image makers? I am terrible myself.

Also, any good things you see in it? I don't want to mess up any good parts of my storefront when I edit it.

Thanks!

Firstly, I'd like to say the storefront isn't complete, if you read the last post, it's a list of thing i'd like to improve on, this includes replacing the images with originals, and making them properly fit.

Okay, I understand.

I'll fix that, any other spelling errors? I ran it through a checker, it's odd that it missed that.

Yeah, sometimes that'd happen however. Even in my past case MS Words spell checker was not effective in some cases.

I'll defiantly be expanding the descriptions, but the one thing is, I need to keep it sort o vague so it doesn't specify a certain era (As it says in the subject-title, it's MT/PMT/FT). Any advice as to what I should say?

Hmm... Well that'd be a little bit hard.. Don't you think so..? Why do you need to keep it vague..? Why don't you just simply choose one? After all, you do can take inspiration what the Japanese has done in real life, and bring forth that into the NationStates Ge&T sub-forum.

Or if you're going to go into the robotic power-into-the-future possibility realm, then I'd advise not to mix the storefront up as it can be confusing for potential clients.... And yes, sadly clients in Ge&T tend to be lazy at first sight (of his/her first time visiting a specific storefront).

I don't actually have an image for "Robo-Tachment" , but I need one. I left the spoiler there as a reminder that I needed an image for it.

Fair enough.

Do you have any Ideas as to where I can look for image makers? I am terrible myself.

Image makers? Why don't you just try instead to creatively edit images from the internet, and add your own logo from that? There are some free-downloadable programmes out there such as GIMP which can allow you to easily edit images, allowing you to add your own touch and style.

[Yohannes]

Could someone take a look at my storefront? It's not much and I feel that there is plenty of room for improvement.

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=150055

Comments and feedback are much appreciated. Thank you.

Since United Earthlings has expressed his interest to review your storefront, I'll wait for him first.. Although I am, as we speak, looking already at your storefront (merely the fact that I just love browsing through various storefronts in Ge&T for leisure reading).

[United Earthlings]

Could someone take a look at my storefront? It's not much and I feel that there is plenty of room for improvement.

http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=150055

Comments and feedback are much appreciated. Thank you.

Since United Earthlings has expressed his interest to review your storefront, I'll wait for him first..

Done and Done...Here's the review...and thanks for waiting...

The Good: Well organized and thought out which includes everything from the German matching your English spelling of your company's name {yes, I did check that} to giving a good overview of your company's history, what it does and individual product write-ups.

The Bad: Minor, but I found a few spelling and grammar mistakes-though after doing some research a few of those I was able to attribute to the differences between American and British Grammar example vapor verses vapour. Those I couldn't were the word "specialises" in the following sentence: Degesch specialises in four fields of activity; I'm pretty sure the word "specializes" needed to be used instead, especially because you used the same word spelling wise just a few paragraphs back from the following sentence-Degesch is a company that specializes in the field of pest control. Both imply the same thing, yet you spelt it two different ways.

Finally, every single use of the word "it's" in your write up needs to be fixed to just "its". No apostrophe.

and Ideas for Improvement: Keep in mind, this is a section on what I would do. That stated, instead of having the images separate in a spoiler, you could just have the product name link to the image. Next, from the following sentence: We have a proud and long history of manufacturing only the best products aimed at the combatting and control of pests and rodents and are committed to providing excellent service to our valued and trusted customers.

Note the underlined word...best is a subjective word open to interpretation. How are your products better? Furthermore, just two paragraphs down you proceed to outline exactly how they are better. So, instead of saying best you could replace it with the word quality instead and depending on how you word it integrate the two sentences together that describe the quality of your products.

Just a thought...

Overall: I rate your Storefront at Excellent

[Astholm]

I am looking for feedback on my new storefront which is at viewtopic.php?f=6&t=159786
OK, so it's a work in progress and my products will probably be in a separate closed thread, but all opinions are welcomed.

Celsan as a brand is discontinued on here for various reasons, so I started afresh with a new brand, which means "white sun", a positive-sounding name.