7th Annual Defender Awards

[Feuer Ritter]

Seriously, Europeia the best and TBR the worst raiding group? Can't be more biased than this.
After all, they are defender awards.

[General Halcones]

Not worst raiding group, but most annoying raiding group. Basically, defenders find us really annoying because we're so awesome.

[Frattastan II]

It may be one of the highest turnouts, yet the truth is, the outcome only represents a relatively small group of players. Hopefully in future, they will be able to get more players voting through the Mass TG feature, then we'll have awards that actually mean something.

Because, well, Gameplayers are a small group of players to begin with.
Then most of the voters will be active Invaders/Defenders, and not people involved in other aspects of Gameplay (antifa/Nazi wars, etc.).
Then there's the fact that, although everyone is welcome to take part, the Awards are going to appeal more to defenders ... (because they are a celebration of "defender successes and failures", after all; and many crashers reject them as "defender propaganda" and don't want to legitimise them).

71 may seem a small number, but it's a very good turnout. I'm sure we've got all the major/'high-profile' active defenders, at least.
We are always looking for ways to make them better (for example, since a few years people are allowed to cast their ballots even on the forums of other defender regions/groups, which made the Awards less 'FRA-centric'), of course, but don't think that these results are meaningless.

Seriously, Europeia the best and TBR the worst raiding group? Can't be more biased than this.
After all, they are defender awards.

If you don't want them to be "biased", then vote. Surely, the more extensive the participation is, the less biased they will be?

Not worst raiding group, but most annoying raiding group. Basically, defenders find us really annoying because we're so awesome.

The Worst Invader Group Award
The award given to a group of Invaders for abysmal failure and/or being a large annoyance overall.

if you want to see it that way ...

[Lyanna Stark]

You also have to take into consideration who voted from where because name recognition plays a big part in this, too. A lot of the XKIers I had no idea who they were because I've never talked to anyone really from the XKI-sphere as they kind of hide a bit (apologies if this offends) off in their own forum and don't really hang out with the rest of us. It's like they're on their own little playground.

So yeah, someone awesome could have been in XKI this year and I'd never know it. But the same goes the other way, FRUDL's had some badassery with new players this year but they might still not be recognized as such if there was a higher turnout from other areas of the "sphere".

Also for some awards (such as, perhaps the WA award), the vote would get split between some UDLers voting for Mahaj and others voting for UDL. If there are many candidates from one group that might not be as well-known in other groups then those people would split the vote of the group they're from.

Also there's the "[name] did a great job this year but they're assholes/annoying/whatever so I'm not going to vote for them", which you'll always see in any Awards ceremony. If you're well-known and well-liked you'll do well. It's a bias you can't really avoid.

And then if you really want to just get into that..it's a survey. It's not a scientific study.

But either way, again, congratulations to the winners and awesome job to Woppers for organizing this.

[Kogvuron]

Halc's just upset TBR got Worst Raider Group

[Anime Daisuki]

You also have to take into consideration who voted from where because name recognition plays a big part in this, too. A lot of the XKIers I had no idea who they were because I've never talked to anyone really from the XKI-sphere as they kind of hide a bit (apologies if this offends) off in their own forum and don't really hang out with the rest of us. It's like they're on their own little playground.

Well, it's just the way it is. The fact of life is everybody's online free time is limited so they have to spend it wherever they spend it. TITO chose to focus on our own forum rather than IRC. If they had gone to IRC our forum would have less activity. So while you may call it TITO's "own little playground", it works for us.

@Wop/Frat:
Good job with organizing, and my sincere congrats to FRA for winning best defender group this year!

[Mahaj]

Then most of the voters will be active Invaders/Defenders, and not people involved in other aspects of Gameplay (antifa/Nazi wars, etc.).
Then there's the fact that, although everyone is welcome to take part, the Awards are going to appeal more to defenders ... (because they are a celebration of "defender successes and failures", after all; and many crashers reject them as "defender propaganda" and don't want to legitimise them).

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

[Mallorea and Riva]

Then most of the voters will be active Invaders/Defenders, and not people involved in other aspects of Gameplay (antifa/Nazi wars, etc.).
Then there's the fact that, although everyone is welcome to take part, the Awards are going to appeal more to defenders ... (because they are a celebration of "defender successes and failures", after all; and many crashers reject them as "defender propaganda" and don't want to legitimise them).

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

Agreed, all UDL votes should be stripped out immediately.

BOOM.

[Vladisvok Destino]

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

I'm assuming you have some foolproof definition of 'defender' that every single person in the game agrees with? While I was surprised to see some of the people involved in nominations/voting I can just imagine the problems it would cause for FRA to try and limit voting to specific groups (see Malls post above as a lighthearted but accurate example of what would happen.)

[Frattastan II]

Thanks, AD.

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

The vast majority of voters are Defenders (it's hosted on a defender forum, it's most advertised in defender regions, it celebrates defending ...), but we think Invader participation makes the Awards a more interesting/enjoyable event.
Plus, it has that 'Christmas truce' feeling!

The next year's organisers may decide to allow only defenders to vote, of course (but I doubt).

Halc's just upset TBR got Worst Raider Group

Pft. It's a defender award, so "worst" = "most awesome".
In the same category the GGR arrived second, thus being only second most "awesome" invader group.

[Lyanna Stark]

Well, it's just the way it is. The fact of life is everybody's online free time is limited so they have to spend it wherever they spend it. TITO chose to focus on our own forum rather than IRC. If they had gone to IRC our forum would have less activity. So while you may call it TITO's "own little playground", it works for us.

It wasn't meant as an insult at all. I completely understand the desire to keep things on the forum and have definitely seen how IRC can pull severely away from forum activity or even people just checking the forum. I've seen people who are active IRCers in UDL but haven't been on the forum for months. It's a preference, definitely, but it for sure in name-recognition plays a part in voting.

[Northern Chittowa]

It may be one of the highest turnouts, yet the truth is, the outcome only represents a relatively small group of players. Hopefully in future, they will be able to get more players voting through the Mass TG feature, then we'll have awards that actually mean something.

Halc, how many do you get for a regular raid - or to swing the other way, for a defence?

How many active people are there on your average forum? Indeed, how many individual people have responded to this topic here alone?

When you put this together, to get 70 individual votes is fantastic and shows that these awards are continuing to grow. There are things that can change for next awards to get more votes, including the new TG system which i am sure will be used in someway or another. Indeed, while i do not know the breakdown between neutral, defender and invader, hopefully we can encourage more from all sides to participate next year.

As i said on the FRA forums;

Congratulations to all winners! And of course the organisers!

It is so pleasing to see how strong these awards are. We may not all agree on the awards that are included, we may not all agree on the general set up - yet here we are, celebrating the 7th year and it is the most successful yet!

I am already looking forward to the 8th and all the new controversy it brings!

These awards are growing each year, and evolving each year - i can't wait to see how the 8th awards turn out!

[Unibot III]

Well, it's just the way it is. The fact of life is everybody's online free time is limited so they have to spend it wherever they spend it. TITO chose to focus on our own forum rather than IRC. If they had gone to IRC our forum would have less activity. So while you may call it TITO's "own little playground", it works for us.

It wasn't meant as an insult at all. I completely understand the desire to keep things on the forum and have definitely seen how IRC can pull severely away from forum activity or even people just checking the forum. I've seen people who are active IRCers in UDL but haven't been on the forum for months. It's a preference, definitely, but it for sure in name-recognition plays a part in voting.

Similarly I keep all UDL activity to #udl and haven't been a fan of projects like #defenders or #udl-public which could draw from the main channel's activity.

[Blackbird]

Then most of the voters will be active Invaders/Defenders, and not people involved in other aspects of Gameplay (antifa/Nazi wars, etc.).
Then there's the fact that, although everyone is welcome to take part, the Awards are going to appeal more to defenders ... (because they are a celebration of "defender successes and failures", after all; and many crashers reject them as "defender propaganda" and don't want to legitimise them).

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

Agreed. No right we defenders grant ourselves should be accorded to invaders.

[Weed]

I'll say there are around 60 "regulars" on these gameplay forums.

I'm four of them.

[Cromarty]

I'll say there are around 60 "regulars" on these gameplay forums.

I'm four of them.

I knew you were Spartz.

[Klaus Devestatorie]

Then most of the voters will be active Invaders/Defenders, and not people involved in other aspects of Gameplay (antifa/Nazi wars, etc.).
Then there's the fact that, although everyone is welcome to take part, the Awards are going to appeal more to defenders ... (because they are a celebration of "defender successes and failures", after all; and many crashers reject them as "defender propaganda" and don't want to legitimise them).

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

I actually wondered this too, about 4 years ago when I first saw them.

[Luna Dancing]

Then most of the voters will be active Invaders/Defenders, and not people involved in other aspects of Gameplay (antifa/Nazi wars, etc.).
Then there's the fact that, although everyone is welcome to take part, the Awards are going to appeal more to defenders ... (because they are a celebration of "defender successes and failures", after all; and many crashers reject them as "defender propaganda" and don't want to legitimise them).

I fail to see why non-defenders should be allowed to vote in the "Defender Awards".

Because raiders have a pretty good idea of who is a good defender and who isn't We all have little things about our puppets which make us recognisable or are used so frequently against tag raids that they're spottable.

[Andacantra]

There's one other thing to consider about allowing non-defenders to vote: a defender who spews their mouth off, bullies raiders/dissenters all the rest of it, is that really something we want to reward? Within the defender community, they might be a -fantastic- defender, but actually, how a person deals with groups who they're not totally friends with is a very big and important part of being well respected and "good". And those on the "other side of the fence" per se, are in a good place to judge that. This is probably partly why Fratt did so well - not only is he an exceptional defender out on the field, but he's willing to push aside battlefield rivalries and actually have frank, honest and -civil- discussions about things (even if you don't agree with him). That takes the "defender cause" (as much as I hate to use that) much further, in persuading people that perhaps their point of view isn't quite so silly, and that you can "do the right thing" without taking things omg serious.

Just a thought, perhaps.

EDIT: Holy hell, run-on sentence.

[Spartzerium]

I'm four of them.

I knew you were Spartz.

I don't count as a regular, I never post.

[Unibot III]

There's one other thing to consider about allowing non-defenders to vote: a defender who spews their mouth off, bullies raiders/dissenters all the rest of it, is that really something we want to reward? Within the defender community, they might be a -fantastic- defender, but actually, how a person deals with groups who they're not totally friends with is a very big and important part of being well respected and "good". And those on the "other side of the fence" per se, are in a good place to judge that. This is probably partly why Fratt did so well - not only is he an exceptional defender out on the field, but he's willing to push aside battlefield rivalries and actually have frank, honest and -civil- discussions about things (even if you don't agree with him). That takes the "defender cause" (as much as I hate to use that) much further, in persuading people that perhaps their point of view isn't quite so silly, and that you can "do the right thing" without taking things omg serious.

Some of the people you consider uncivil *cough*, are more than capable of being "civil" in discussions with people who not only disagree with them fundamentally, but also hate them to the core. The reason for these discrepancies is because civility is not a virtue of individuals that exists in isolation but a two-way street --a system of cooperation for the betterment of the quality of discussion, as well as a tool for political optics.

You expect human beings to be your doormat under the rules of civility, when you yourself rarely engage in civil dispute. I have seen you question the intellectual autonomy of people who agree with defenderism, use your "right to an opinion" as an excuse for an insufficient defense in an argument, victimize yourself and outright dispute the existence of "Argument from Moderation" as an informal logical fallacy and continue to use that fallacy almost doctrinally.

Civility is so much more than maintaining a temper, it is the path to the truth -- only those concerned with making political points when their opponents show a temper, would do such a disservice to civility as define it so thinly.

An occasional "Go f**k yourself" from someone is the least of an offense to the rules of civility, because it usually ends a conversation and is purely emotional interjection. Calculated circumvention of civility from a rational mind, like those that cleverly question one's intellectual autonomy or re-write the rules of a debate to conquer a discussion are more dangerous when taken to subtle extremes and thus, more of a concern for the state of civility. In comparison, the truth will never be obscured with "Go f**k yourself" -- anyone and everyone knows that isn't a substantive point of order.

This isn't just a problem for you, but a societal problem -- when one of our legislators swears in parliament, he or she makes the news... when one of our legislators veiledly undermines truth and logic, he or she is unlikely to even be called out for it. Yet the consequences for society are so much greater with the latter failures of civility.

- Uni

[The Blaatschapen]

There's one other thing to consider about allowing non-defenders to vote: a defender who spews their mouth off, bullies raiders/dissenters all the rest of it, is that really something we want to reward? Within the defender community, they might be a -fantastic- defender, but actually, how a person deals with groups who they're not totally friends with is a very big and important part of being well respected and "good". And those on the "other side of the fence" per se, are in a good place to judge that. This is probably partly why Fratt did so well - not only is he an exceptional defender out on the field, but he's willing to push aside battlefield rivalries and actually have frank, honest and -civil- discussions about things (even if you don't agree with him). That takes the "defender cause" (as much as I hate to use that) much further, in persuading people that perhaps their point of view isn't quite so silly, and that you can "do the right thing" without taking things omg serious.

Some of the people you consider uncivil *cough*, are more than capable of being "civil" in discussions with people who not only disagree with them fundamentally, but also hate them to the core. The reason for these discrepancies is because civility is not a virtue of individuals that exists in isolation but a two-way street --a system of cooperation for the betterment of the quality of discussion, as well as a tool for political optics.

You expect human beings to be your doormat under the rules of civility, when you yourself rarely engage in civil dispute. I have seen you question the intellectual autonomy of people who agree with defenderism, use your "right to an opinion" as an excuse for an insufficient defense in an argument, victimize yourself and outright dispute the existence of "Argument from Moderation" as an informal logical fallacy and continue to use that fallacy almost doctrinally.

Civility is so much more than maintaining a temper, it is the path to the truth -- only those concerned with making political points when their opponents show a temper, would do such a disservice to civility as define it so thinly.

An occasional "Go f**k yourself" from someone is the least of an offense to the rules of civility, because it usually ends a conversation and is purely emotional interjection. Calculated circumvention of civility from a rational mind, like those that cleverly question one's intellectual autonomy or re-write the rules of a debate to conquer a discussion are more dangerous when taken to subtle extremes and thus, more of a concern for the state of civility. In comparison, the truth will never be obscured with "Go f**k yourself" -- anyone and everyone knows that isn't a substantive point of order.

This isn't just a problem for you, but a societal problem -- when one of our legislators swears in parliament, he or she makes the news... when one of our legislators veiledly undermines truth and logic, he or she is unlikely to even be called out for it. Yet the consequences for society are so much greater with the latter failures of civility.

- Uni

Go f**k yourself

[Unibot III]

Go f**k yourself

See?

*huggles Blaat*

[Defender Awards 2013]

Welcome to the 7th Annual Defender Awards, 2013.

First off I'd like to personally thank all players who have taken part, voted, or expressed interest in this year's Defender Awards. We have had a record number of nominations, and have had 71, yes Seventy One Ballots, a record for the Defender Awards surpassing 2011's 45 Ballots.

The ballots have been counted and recounted and verified, in what can only be described as the closest awards we've ever had. In some cases the vote came down to the very last vote.

I'd like to thank Astarial for this year's graphics, and awards. I think we can all agree they are pretty special.

SO without further ado:


The Defender of the Year Award


The formerly named 'EuroSoviets' award is given to the nation who is viewed by the NS community as the one nation who has helped the defender cause the most in the last year. The most popular voting award with 67 people voting on this award which saw a three way race between Wopruthien and Improving Wordiness (Wordy) narrowly missing out to eventual winner ..... Frattastan. Wordy was an early front runner streaking ahead but after a last minute flourish of votes, Frattastan came out as the eventual winner.





The Ananke Award

The Ananke Award is given to those nations who spend their own time looking out for any invasions that are taking place. This spotter award involves spending hours and sleepless nights scouring nations and saving regions from invasion. In this strong line-up four individuals stood out, Improving Wordiness and Aersoldorf coming in joint third, however, Frattastan and Karputsk were tied going into the very final ballot. Karputsk took the honours pushing Frattastan into second place.






The Anarchotopia Award

This award is given to the region or organisation which has proved the most successful in preventing invasions. There was only five regions/organisations up for this award with Mordor and Westphalia battling it out for the 'Wooden Spoon'. Despite a surprisingly strong showing, Westphalia was beaten by Mordor who finished 4th.

This award is usually contested by the big 3, TITO, UDL and FRA. 66 votes were cast with a third going to the eventual winner. One vote separated 2nd and 3rd but with a very strong independent/neutral showing FRA came out as the surprising victors, with one ballot exclaiming 'with smaller resources it has more than surpassed expectations in my view'.






The Blackbird Award

A special award that is given to the invader group which the NS community considers the best out there due to whatever reason. True to the theme of these awards three raider groups stood out. The Black Riders, who were beaten into third place by The Black Hawks and Europeia who like The Ananke Award were tied going into the final few minutes of voting. But with the final ballot, Europeia took the Blackbird Award.







The Sir Lans Award

The old 'Updater of the Year Award' is for the person who has been involved in more update missions than any other, and has shown dedication to be there if they are needed. Anyone of the nominees were worthy winners with each nominee receiving a high number of votes. Karputsk, Ravania, Earth and Improving Wordiness pushing the eventual winner Frattastan close, but were unable to prevent him from taking his second award by a very narrow margin.







The Operation of the Year

The mission which stands out from all others from the last year due to the success, the numbers involved or any other reason. In a surprisingly small number of nominations the Operation of Anarchy and Italia slugged it out for top honours. Anarchy ran in comfortable winners which saw the three main defender groups all working together to prevent a large scale invasion.







The Best Newcomer(s) Award

Given to the region, nation or organisation which has appeared within the last year, and impressed the defender community the most. This award has two recipients, and although Mordor received the overall majority of votes, the race for the second individual award for the Best Newcomer was much closer. Escanaba and Sovreignry fought it out, with the vote swinging back and forth. It was Sovreignry who stole the honours.







The Dipes Award

Given to the nation who has best served the Intelligence cause. A two horse race between two popular figures within their respective organisations, Land Filled With People of TITO and Eluvatar of UDL. Despite a strong turnout for Land Filled With People, Eluvatar received 40 individual votes and there can be no disputing his overall victory.







The Worst Invasion Award

The award given to the operation which was classed as the worst invasion due to defender mistakes, invader cunning or any other reason. A very controversial award with a number of suspect 'invasions' and debates sparking what should and shouldn't be eligible for this award. Despite this there was one runaway winner, with the accidental delegate switch of Osiris taking overall victory with twice as many votes as second place, the Eastern Islands of Dharma.






The Worst Invader Group Award

The award given to a group of Invaders for abysmal failure and/or being a large annoyance overall. Two regions stood out in a list of worthy nominees. The Greater German Reich and The Black Riders. In a very tight vote, with Illuminati finishing way behind in third, The Black Riders were deemed the Worst Invader Group of 2012!





The Best Defender Quote

A light hearted award, given to the nation whose quote or motto has been considered strange, funny or different. This Award is seen as an ice breaker and despite Wopruthien's Rap skills he was unable to beat Luna Dancing’s Uni dramas, but both finished just behind Cormac's rage-quit.

[quote=Quote 5] [01:14] <+Cormac> TNI just took Christmas.
[01:14] <+Cormac> While we were occupying it.
[01:14] <+Cormac> Because our point man has not logged in, wait for it
[01:14] <+Cormac> FOR 6 MOTHER******* DAYS
[01:12] <+Cormac> Oh my goddddddddddd the UDL is incompetent.
[01:15] <+Cormac> I'm sure they're going to want a press release for this but unless it's "lol we're ridiculous"
they're going to have to get someone else to write it.
[01:16] <+Tim> UDL Press Release? nah
[01:16] <+Tim> TNI Press Release, I plan to tear apart though
[01:17] <+Cormac> We'll need a press release because this is just one in a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong laundry list of examples of us demonstrating our
[01:17] <+Cormac> total f****** incompetence.
[01:17] <+Cormac> If TNI -doesn't- grief this region, it will be a miracle.
[01:18] <+Cormac> I quit. I'm done.[/quote]

The Meltdown of the Year Award

Given to a nation, region or organisation which has self-imploded in spectacular and often hilarious style. Despite a number of candidates two stand out nominees emerged. The vote was almost evenly split on Unibot's Gameplay Summit Reaction, or the UDL aftermath of discovering Unibot had been WA permabanned. Voters were unable to split the nominees but finally in the last few hours of voting, UDL's 'mourning' of Unibot's WA was voted as the Meltdown of the Year.





The WASC Award

Given to the nation, region or organisation that is viewed to have contributed most to the defender cause through the World Assembly Security Council. Despite Mahaj and UDL's combined best efforts, the first region ever to reach 1000 WA endorsements on their Delegate, 10000 Islands claimed top honours.




The Lifetime Achievement Award for Dedication to Defending

Some say, this award is the biggest and most prestigious award in Defender History. It is the hardest Award to win, and requires years of dedication to the Defender cause. There really could only be one winner, despite a very strong turnout for Unibot, Wopruthien, MinnaCaroline and Improving Wordiness, the recently appointed Nationstates Admin, Free4All/Ballotonia took overall victory.

Free4all/Ballotonia started his defending career with the Allied Liberation League and worked closely with the ADN leading the largest liberation of all time, Operation Puppetmaster, freeing The North Pacific from Great Bight in 2004. He has been one of the voices of defending since 2003 until 2012 when he was given Admin status.

It is my pleasure to announce Free4all/Ballotonia as the winner of the 7th Annual Defender Awards Lifetime Achievement Award for Dedication to Defending.




Once again I'd like to thank everyone who has participated in these awards. Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and or received an award, and my personal thanks to Asta for her assistance in these awards.

[General Halcones]

How does it make sense that The Black Riders came third in the Blackbird award yet first in the World Invader Group award??