First off, this is a trade network - not an alliance, not a binding pact. It is hoped that nations and perhaps, alliances who usually do not have access to or contact with one another could utilize the system to initiate them via [trade. No nation involved will be forced to recognize or trade with those they do not wish to, and there are no punitive actions in place for trouble between signatories - however the organization will offer mediation services if agreed on and requested by any signatories requiring such.
Think of it as more like a job board, with those nations posting services and offers, and others looking to benefit from them. Over the years we have been fortunate to establish ties with many nations of various sorts, incredibly enough, often of diametrically opposed natures and purposes. Diversity and adaptability are traits we feel important in today's world of trade, and hope that our many contacts will take this offer as a chance to broaden their horizons and benefit financially as well.
We require no permanent representation within our nation by any participating signatories, though we will establish a main office through which Association business will pass and local agreements be conducted. Additionally, we do not require that any of our current allies or contacts participate in this new venture, nor will this be tied in with any standing alliances, nor said agreements be forfeit on account of it. As things stand, we will continue to honor all existing trade agreements. We view this as an opportunity to expand, not to reorder or force change on agreements and obligations that have already been proven to be mutually satisfying.
Some services we hope to offer, and some points for clarification of purpose are as follows:
--First and foremost, we intend to develop a network where trade and business opportunities can be advertised, and where those in need of services can go for an easy reference, and to provide a new method of contact between nations and organizations who either lack the means or the proper avenues to initiate such contact for themselves. In addition, we offer our services as 'middleman' for those groups who desire the benefits of a particular trade, but for whatever reasons are unable to mediate between the two parties.
--Easy Monetary Exchange. Given our resources, we wish to offer exchange services between nations who lack the recognition or avenues to initiate such, should they be desired or required. In addition, should the majority of the Association desire it, we propose a common denomination to be used throughout, for even more ease in transactions.
--Mediation Services. For those Association signatories who run into difficulties with other signatories in trade issues or disputes, we propose to create a pool of willing mediators who would assist in the aggrieved parties coming to a solution. This would be for mediation purposes only, not to enforce any Association 'rule'.
--Shipping and Transport Services. Our own Eidolon Technologies, Inc. has the capability of providing transport for trade goods, whether it be terrestrial or interstellar in nature. Not only this, but Eidolon is open to franchise opportunities within nations, should there be an interest. More details available on request.
--Opportunities for expanded business, trade, and warehousing on the new Machiavelli Station, where a satellite office of the Association will be present.
--No signatory is forced to trade with anyone they don't wish to. This is all entirely voluntary, and intended as a service, not a requirement.
--Everything is negotiable. We wish for this network to be as free and open as possible to accommodate as many different needs as we can. Given that business and trade run rather differently than any one government overall, we propose a democratic process of clear majority rule for any future changes or additions to the Association's methods.
--Signatories are not required to be a member of, nor discontinue membership in any current alliances, pacts, or agreements prior to joining the Association.
--Signatories are free to withdraw at any time, should they feel the Association no longer serves their purposes, without fear of reprisals. We ask only that a grace period of three months be observed if said signatory also plans on discontinuing trade or business contracts along with their withdrawal.
--Signatories that leave for whatever reason are free to continue any business or trade arrangements made during their involvement with the Association. Who you do business with is no concern of ours - the Dominion's view on sovereign rights crosses over here, in full. The only loss will be the aforementioned services available through the Association.
As Minister of Trade, Bernardo di Medici, will be heading up the local offices, and all questions pertaining to it can be directed to him and his staff using the contact information listed at the end of this missive. We hope that nations will find this Association useful, and look forward to doing business with you.
--Dominion Ministry of Trade, Trade Network Association Offices
Updated Membership Listing wrote:
Signatories
The Resurgent Dream Trade Goods
Treznor
Liebermonk
Scolopendra TME Industries
Sakkra Updated Listings
Austar Union
Pantocratoria
Fodmodmadtol
Weyr Trade Goods
Vrak
Sentient Peoples
The Atheists Reality
The Freethinkers
Excalbia
The Intergalactic Trade Hub
Euroslavia
The Ctan
Tiburon
Aerion
Midlonia
Astholm Trade Goods
Amn Voss
Serbian Soviet Union
Machina Haruspex - Haruspex International Armaments & Verlaine Corporate Industries
Sultanate Of Shaff - Shaf Motors and its subsidiaries
Northrop-Grumman
Jade Confederacy - Eastern Auto Inc., Viridian International Petroleum Company, Eastern Hegemony Mining Inc., Eastern Light Shipping and Holdings Company
New Lusitaniagrad - The Royal New Lusitanian Custom Naval Co., Lusitanian Custom Arms Inc., Lusitanian PMC Co.
Pajaritos - Weapons, Cars, Beef
Yohannes - [Factbook] - Yohannesische Bundesbank, Yohannesische Börse AG, Arjuna Tea Services Corporation, Royal Beaufort Shipwrights Guild and VMK Aktiengesellschaft
Ventuus - (Un-extant)
Sonaron - (Un-extant)
Free Magogia - (Un-extant)
Konania - (Un-extant)
Lavenrunz - (Un-extant)
Knootoss - (Un-extant)
Logostan - (Un-extant)
Tonissia - (Un-extant)
Khallayne - (Un-extant)
Terre DeAnge - (Un-extant)
Kongeriket Noreg - (Un-extant)
Etaros - (Un-extant)
Wazzu - (Un-extant)
Iraqstan - (Un-extant)
Iuthia - (Un-extant)
Largent - (Un-extant)
Liverpool England - (Un-extant)
Sketch - (Un-extant)
Pilon - (Un-extant)
Commonalitarianism - (Un-extant)
Erlangen-Ansbach - (Un-extant)
Nitramda - (Un-extant)
Canaervon - (Un-extant)
Skeelzania - (Un-extant)
OOC: Signatory list to be updated as needed. If you have links to existing information on what trade you have available, please forward it along.
Hokay. So here's the deal. Just looking to set up something different here. No, not going to put up a new forum, not going to require folks to rp out every little detail, not going to force any sort of play on folks here. This is just an idea that's been kicking around for a bit that seemed to fit in with what I'm doing. Post here if you'd like to sign up, reach out, advertise services/product/etc, take it where you'd like. It's all up to people to do what they want with it. Use it as a plot device for things, a chance to make contact with people you wouldn't normally, come up with some rp ideas, what have you - open for whatever. Hope this provides some fun and interest for folks.
For reference, the original thread can be found here and backed up here. In the interest of keeping it clean, I'm not going to port over all the content from there, you can reference it as you like, or not.
--Nathi's Player