[SUBMITTED] A Seedy Predicament

[Drew Durrnil]

Coauthored by Lumio Magika.

[title]A Seedy Predicament
[description]Yesterday, the exotic Harakekara plant, a rare plant native to the @@ANIMAL@@ Forest whose seeds have extensive medical capabilities, was ravaged by an unexpected wildfire that eliminated all traces of it in the wild. After biologists discovered that the plant can not be cultivated via any known means, corporate representatives, zoologists, and nature lovers have swarmed your office with their suggestions on where to allocate the small number of seeds harvesters managed to save from the fire.
[validity]Invalid for socialist nations

[option]"We must act fast!" exclaims your Minister of Health, @@RANDOMNAME@@, as @@HE@@ slams down a stack of papers detailing the locations of local hospitals onto your desk. " These seeds are known to lose their potency if they aren't refined within two days! We already know that they heal superficial wounds, can stop nosebleeds, and speed up the recovery process of banana-peel slips tenfold! These things are also known to cure fatal diseases! Think of the lives we can save!" @@HE@@ throws a banana peel on your desk and thrusts a knife into it. "Let's show these slippery yellow menaces that we mean business!"
[effect]you enter a hospital as a patient and exit as a superhero

[option]"Do I smell profits?!" exclaims Technoking of TheBoringSpace, Epsom Tusk, as he rams through the door in a wheelbarrow filled with money. " If these seeds are so great, let's spread the word... I'll turn them into vitamin gummies and pills, so I can sell them across the nation in a limited time offer and I'll- er, I mean we'll make a mint!" He gestures to his assistant, who wheels him out the door, leaving a trail of @@CURRENCY@@ in their wake.
[effect]you are not a @@DENONYM@@ until you have purchased the MagicPlant essential oils

[option] "NO!" exclaims local indigenous tribe member @@RANDOMNAME@@ as @@HE@@ frantically places a tinfoil hat on @@HIS@@ head. "You've meddled in holy forces that foreigners like you cannot understand! Those seeds are sacred to the Tribe of Harakekara and are a Gift that our God of Medicine has sent us for our eternal glory! You must return them at once, or face divine retribution!" @@HE@@ collapses to the floor, muttering about omnipotent cats and rainbow elephants.
[effect]members of the Tribe of Harakekara are often identifiable by their unnaturally healthy appearance

[Australian rePublic]

Why do you need the whole plant? Why can't you just rip off a few leaves and give them to whoever wants them?

[Lumio Magika]

Why do you need the whole plant? Why can't you just rip off a few leaves and give them to whoever wants them?

Thanks for pointing that out! It's been updated to show that only the seeds are helpful, and that each plant only has one seed.

[Trotterdam]

So the only real dilemma I see here is whether you allow one group to have a monopoly on the plant, or let multiple groups experiment with it. And the former is pretty much impossible. You can't stop people from just going out and collecting some for themselves, and no nation in real life tries. It's a part of nature that has existed for millions of years, it's not anyone's copyright. A specific procedure for extracting an active ingredient from a plant can be patented, but the plant itself cannot be.

And in any case it'll take a lot of research before whatever supposed medical benefits this substance has can be properly utilized, and determine exactly what its capabilities and limits are, so already debating what you're going to use it for once you have it is jumping the gun.

Running out of the plant is a non-issue. The researchers who are interested in studying this plant are going to grow their own in gardens rather than keep going out to collect one from nature each time. If it becomes a genuinely valuable technology with high demand, it'll become a commercial crop.

[Lumio Magika]

So the only real dilemma I see here is whether you allow one group to have a monopoly on the plant, or let multiple groups experiment with it. And the former is pretty much impossible. You can't stop people from just going out and collecting some for themselves, and no nation in real life tries. It's a part of nature that has existed for millions of years, it's not anyone's copyright. A specific procedure for extracting an active ingredient from a plant can be patented, but the plant itself cannot be.

And in any case it'll take a lot of research before whatever supposed medical benefits this substance has can be properly utilized, and determine exactly what its capabilities and limits are, so already debating what you're going to use it for once you have it is jumping the gun.

Running out of the plant is a non-issue. The researchers who are interested in studying this plant are going to grow their own in gardens rather than keep going out to collect one from nature each time. If it becomes a genuinely valuable technology with high demand, it'll become a commercial crop.

All excellent points! I've updated it in a way that I hope covers all of this, hope it works out!

[Ko-oren]

I think Trotterdam's points still hold water. I see you've worked it into option 1 pretty well, but the fact that you can grow more plants still takes the stinger out of the issue to some extent. I don't feel a lot of pressure to choose for any of the options, it sounds like every group will eventually get what it wants anyway, regardless of my choice.

[Lumio Magika]

REVIVAL TIME!!!! This issue is back in action!



Alright, all three options are set. Input is welcome and appreciated.

[Lumio Magika]

/bump for last call (final edits just done)

[Outer Sparta]

/bump for last call (final edits just done)

I would wait for a few more days since you've just resumed working on this issue draft.

[Lumio Magika]

/bump for last call (final edits just done)

I would wait for a few more days since you've just resumed working on this issue draft.

If you believe that's for the better, I trust you. I nearly submitted it just due to the fact that I went four days with no feedback whatsoever (I'm a somewhat impatient person)

[Outer Sparta]

I would wait for a few more days since you've just resumed working on this issue draft.

If you believe that's for the better, I trust you. I nearly submitted it just due to the fact that I went four days with no feedback whatsoever (I'm a somewhat impatient person)

If in that case you find you get no more feedback, then you should be good to submit.

[Lumio Magika]

If you believe that's for the better, I trust you. I nearly submitted it just due to the fact that I went four days with no feedback whatsoever (I'm a somewhat impatient person)

If in that case you find you get no more feedback, then you should be good to submit.

Before I do that...in the spirit of unashamed desperation, what do you think of it?

[Outer Sparta]

If in that case you find you get no more feedback, then you should be good to submit.

Before I do that...in the spirit of unashamed desperation, what do you think of it?

My initial thoughts are this:

1. This issue covers a plant, but you have it covering from a monopolistic/patent angle and another that's largely about the public good of the nation. Is the real issue about the plant or about how to use the plant?
2. I also feel that this issue needs more work and that you've put it off for a while means you should at least get back into the drafting process.

[Lumio Magika]

Before I do that...in the spirit of unashamed desperation, what do you think of it?

My initial thoughts are this:

1. This issue covers a plant, but you have it covering from a monopolistic/patent angle and another that's largely about the public good of the nation. Is the real issue about the plant or about how to use the plant?
2. I also feel that this issue needs more work and that you've put it off for a while means you should at least get back into the drafting process.

I see what you mean. The issue regarding how to use the plant, and I can see how one could get stuck on the transition from public good to corporate greed. Option Two has been a thorn in my side for quite a while, and I ran out of ideas for an appropriate one that ties in with the general theme of the issue regarding healthcare. My reasoning in writing the current version of option two was to establish two possible ways of using the seeds to the advantage of the people: A state-owned and operated medical program, or a privatized distribution method. If the discrepancies between the first two are a catching point, what would I do? Rewrite option two to be more geared toward the public good (while still maintaining the capitalist approach), or do I scrap that idea entirely and write a new one from scratch?

[Outer Sparta]

My initial thoughts are this:

1. This issue covers a plant, but you have it covering from a monopolistic/patent angle and another that's largely about the public good of the nation. Is the real issue about the plant or about how to use the plant?
2. I also feel that this issue needs more work and that you've put it off for a while means you should at least get back into the drafting process.

I see what you mean. The issue regarding how to use the plant, and I can see how one could get stuck on the transition from public good to corporate greed. Option Two has been a thorn in my side for quite a while, and I ran out of ideas for an appropriate one that ties in with the general theme of the issue regarding healthcare. My reasoning in writing the current version of option two was to establish two possible ways of using the seeds to the advantage of the people: A state-owned and operated medical program, or a privatized distribution method. If the discrepancies between the first two are a catching point, what would I do? Rewrite option two to be more geared toward the public good (while still maintaining the capitalist approach), or do I scrap that idea entirely and write a new one from scratch?

The state/private sector angles could work well, but the thing holding back the draft is how the biotech company would effectively monopolize production and they would have to capture the remaining samples. For option 1, would the state just take and then open up production of the plant?

[Lumio Magika]

I see what you mean. The issue regarding how to use the plant, and I can see how one could get stuck on the transition from public good to corporate greed. Option Two has been a thorn in my side for quite a while, and I ran out of ideas for an appropriate one that ties in with the general theme of the issue regarding healthcare. My reasoning in writing the current version of option two was to establish two possible ways of using the seeds to the advantage of the people: A state-owned and operated medical program, or a privatized distribution method. If the discrepancies between the first two are a catching point, what would I do? Rewrite option two to be more geared toward the public good (while still maintaining the capitalist approach), or do I scrap that idea entirely and write a new one from scratch?

The state/private sector angles could work well, but the thing holding back the draft is how the biotech company would effectively monopolize production and they would have to capture the remaining samples. For option 1, would the state just take and then open up production of the plant?

The idea behind option one is that the state would take the samples and immediately distribute them to state-owned medical facilities for use in emergency situations, while option two would see TheBoringSpace convert the samples into a vitamin that would then be sold to the general public, bypassing state facilities entirely.

[Outer Sparta]

The state/private sector angles could work well, but the thing holding back the draft is how the biotech company would effectively monopolize production and they would have to capture the remaining samples. For option 1, would the state just take and then open up production of the plant?

The idea behind option one is that the state would take the samples and immediately distribute them to state-owned medical facilities for use in emergency situations, while option two would see TheBoringSpace convert the samples into a vitamin that would then be sold to the general public, bypassing state facilities entirely.

Yeah, I'm just having trouble trying to comprehend the situation and I don't believe this draft could have much more potential. You have two workable options but that's merely it.

[Lumio Magika]

The idea behind option one is that the state would take the samples and immediately distribute them to state-owned medical facilities for use in emergency situations, while option two would see TheBoringSpace convert the samples into a vitamin that would then be sold to the general public, bypassing state facilities entirely.

Yeah, I'm just having trouble trying to comprehend the situation and I don't believe this draft could have much more potential. You have two workable options but that's merely it.

Hmm... what are the odds that It'll be accepted in its current state, in your opinion?

[Outer Sparta]

Yeah, I'm just having trouble trying to comprehend the situation and I don't believe this draft could have much more potential. You have two workable options but that's merely it.

Hmm... what are the odds that It'll be accepted in its current state, in your opinion?

I think if you put in more work you can certainly make it more workable as an issue, but I don't see it making in this current state, unfortunately.

[Lumio Magika]

Hmm... what are the odds that It'll be accepted in its current state, in your opinion?

I think if you put in more work you can certainly make it more workable as an issue, but I don't see it making in this current state, unfortunately.

I'm willing to put in as much work as needed for this thing to go through. Earlier, you mentioned the monopolization of the plant by TheBoringSpace. Is there any problem regarding why the player could not just give some of the specimens to each, or is that already accounted for?

[Daarwyrth]

A plant whose seeds have extensive medical capabilities

It could be that I have it wrong, but I don't think 'whose' can reflect back on inanimate objects (please correct me if I am wrong). I would suggest changing this to "A plant of which the seeds".

[Fallout One]: Hospital patients often leave healthier than ever before.

Two remarks here: first, fallout lines should not be capitalised (but granted that is a very small remark). Secondly, I feel like this line could be a little bit more humorous. Maybe something along the lines of 'recently unemployed hospital personnel curse the day the Magic Plant was discovered'.

"I smell profits! If these seeds are so great, let's spread the word! I'll turn them into vitamin gummies, and sell them across the nation in a limited time offer! I'll- er, I mean we'll make a mint!"

While I understand that he is exclaiming these things, perhaps use the exclamation mark a little bit more sparingly in this sentence. In other words, try to replace one or two exclamation marks with a period. The context should already convey that he is quite enthusiastic

[Fallout Two]: "Tis but a flesh wound!" Is @@NATION@@'s most popular saying.

Same as with the first fallout line, I think it could be a little bit more catchier. Maybe something like "9 out of 10 doctors recommend the new Magic Plant essential oils as the cure for all".

local lunatic

Maybe replace this with "local conspiracy-theory expert"? The phrase "local lunatic" sounds somewhat odd, but that could just be me!

Overall, I really like the tone and subject of this issue draft. You've given each of the characters a distinct and entertaining personality (and three hurrays for a new Elon Musk alter ego) if you want to use my suggested fallout lines, absolutely feel free to do so!

[Lumio Magika]

This one will be going on hold. A mixture of IRL health concerns, family stuff, and personal business means that I'm away too often. I should be back soon, though.

Feel free to continue giving feedback. I'll get to it when I return.

[Lumio Magika]

Alright, things have gotten worse. My health has gone to shite due to a resurgence in anemia and other conditions, so I am unable to continue this issue draft, and will likely be unable to for several months, at least. As such, I am passing on the creation of this issue to anyone that wants it, along with full credit for authoring it. Just ask on this thread, and it'll probably be yours. Thanks, all of you who helped me get it this far.

[Drew Durrnil]

Alright, things have gotten worse. My health has gone to shite due to a resurgence in anemia and other conditions, so I am unable to continue this issue draft, and will likely be unable to for several months, at least. As such, I am passing on the creation of this issue to anyone that wants it, along with full credit for authoring it. Just ask on this thread, and it'll probably be yours. Thanks, all of you who helped me get it this far.

can I take over?

[Lumio Magika]

You can. Have fun with it.