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NationStates Trainers 3.0 - An OOC Organization - Attn: ALL

PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2010 7:58 pm
by Jenrak
NATIONSTATESTRAINERS


tl;dr begins with '!'


To new players, at least, at the very least, for the sake of my virgin eyes, read Euroslavia's super-sexy though poorly coloured condensed version of the Stickies.

Now, back to the awesomeness. This re-application in NSTrainers has now happened because of a few things. Firstly, ViZion's too busy IRL to actually work on it. Secondly, the second incarnation has hit a snag in terms of its incarnation-founder was deleted. So, in response, to keep the tradition alive, NSTrainers has now been revived.

If you're been infected by nostalgia and can't find a vaccine, or if you have mediocre memories, then the first incarnation is here, and the second incarnation is here.

With more format and copypasta as you would expect from me. Har-har, shitty humour, sue me. Not really, though.

For those of you who are unsure, or simply do not know, Nationstates Trainers, or NSTrainers, is an organisation founded by ViZion way too long ago (actually, it wasn't that long ago, but it was Jolt era) to allow a bridge between newer and older RPers to work relations. As stated, NSTrainers (going forwards), in ViZion's wise words, was now:

As I've promised... I am transferring over NationStates Trainers to the new forums. Is it DESPERATELY clear than the new NationStates needs some training... BADLY.

NST is for all players of NS - newer and veterans alike. If you're an older/experienced RPers here on NS - it doesn't matter PT/MT/PMT/FT/Fantasy, nor does it matter what kind of government or political/religious beliefs your nation holds, or its "evil" or "good" orientation - it would be great if you're willing to help train younger/newer NSers on properly RPing, the do's and don'ts, grammar and spelling issues, and so forth. I'd much rather see a future rival ICly and a friend OOCly than to just walk over a newbie now who makes the mistake of bad RPing and starting a war right away as that may lead to losing a potentially great future RPer.

This is not only for military, but every aspect of the game. Character RPs, economy, military, nation building, diplomacy, and so forth.

Also, this is not limited to helping newer NS'ers, but can also help older NSers improve as well.

For those of you willing to become an NS Trainer, please just post and let us know, and I'll add you. If you would like to have your AIM, MSN, Yahoo Msger, etc added for people to contact you, please post that too. You're more than welcome to put "Official NST'er" link in your sig, too!
Also, if you want help on improving, please post here and I'll add your name to the below list. You can also post any questions on here too!

Remember, this is a strictly OOC-based group whose goal is pure and simple: improving everyones RP and knowledge of do's and don'ts, etc here on NS to make RPing much more enjoyable.


! In other words, if you're new and wants to RP, we're more personable than the Stickies. If you're old and want to teach or learn (this is where I scoff), then NST is also a good spot.

Now, I've put in the liberty of modifying things to accommodate both recent developments as well as little updates in terms of how things are going.

IRC Usage

    /server irc.rizon.net
    /join #NSTrainers

Chatzilla Users:
    irc://irc.rizon.net/NSTrainers

NSII, By Lord Sumguy

Current Training Exercises/Programs:


Official NationStates Trainers ("NST'er")

Note: These aren't the only ones to help. Whenever you see a new nation posting, help 'em out, and point them to this thread, too.

Seeking Help?

    The original NSTrainers and the NST 2.0 by Bryn Shander has a section where people could ask for help, and obviously, those people were new. Now, the reason why I am not going to list people who actively want help is because A) I am not on the internet 24/7, thankfully, and that means no one will be able to constantly update this thing, and B) it enforces a labeling system onto newer players who may not want to be labeled as a new player. Now, I know it's necessary sometimes to bite the bullet and admit that you're new, but a lot of new players tend to act like a stubborn hoo-hahs.

    Rather, it would probably easier and better if they simply said 'Hey, I was wondering if someone can help me set up my nation?' or 'Hey, can someone help me with a naval spreadsheet' or 'Hey, can a blood orgy fight off Sarin gas?'

    Y'know - just keeping the questions to the thread, and Trainers, thereby, can answer there or look after someone there.

A Few Key Tips and Terms

    NS - NationStates, both the Game and the Forum (compared to International Incidents).
    II - International Incidents (the forum you're in right now, unless you're google caching it because you're baked at 4 in the morning).
    NST'er - NationStates Trainer - it may also be a term to describe someone who pontificates on all subjects of RPing on a regular basis. I kid, I kid.
    TG - Telegram (The little message system on everyone's homepage). Telegrams are handy at both connecting people together as well as pissing off people off.
    RP - Roleplay. What you came here for, because I warn you, there is no pr0n here.
    IC - In Character (meaning you're RPing), so if you have a tendency to say stupid things, like what I am doing right now, it will have consequences.
    OOC - Out of Character (meaning you're posting as yourself, not RPing) - a means that lets people know that you're you and not RPing as your characters.
    SIC - Secret IC post to a specific person, or just for reference. Damn, no commentary I can add.
    PT - Past Technology. Y'know, Crusades and shit. Or whatevs.
    MT - Modern Technology. Y'know, Aircraft Carriers and shit. Or whatevs.
    PMT - Post Modern Technology. Every Killzone game.
    NFT - Near Future Technology. Where you can have robot prostitutes but not planet-sized awesomeness.
    FT - Future Technology. This is where you see a lot of Eldritch Abomination players. And planet-sized awesomeness.
    Fantasy - Fantasy Technology.
    n00b - Crappy RPer, no matter how long the person's been RPing.
    Newbie - Different from n00b in that they're new, but not horrible, though they can quickly turn into a n00b if you don't treat them with love and tender care.
    Ignore Cannon - Used against n00bs to ignore them from here until whenever they improve - if not forever! It now runs on 30% less lithium ion and 20% more hatred.
    Godmod - Basically, cheating. This is pretty where you cross techs, refuse to accept losses or have impossible logistics.
    Hijacking - The thread getting overrun by unrelated posts.
    Open - Anyone can join the RP.
    Semi-Open - Ask for approval before joining. Generally the creator will tell you how to apply. If not, then ask via TG is best.
    Closed - Unless specified by the creater of the RP, you can't join.
    Char RP - Character RP, meaning you're RPing as a specific character, not a nation, company, etc..
    Sig - Signature.
    OP - Opening post, or Opening Player. Whatever floats your boat.

General Tips

  • Don't use the smilies while roleplaying.
  • Using correct spelling and grammar is very important! And this will help you with that...
  • Don't start a war right away... rather, start up things such as an embassy, an introduction thread, airport, building up your economy by starting companies, doing peaceful roleplays, and making allies, among other things.
  • Ask for help if you need it when growing your nation... most of us are more than willing to help across NS - rather they're an official NST'er or not.
  • Set it to allow you to see signatures (See further down on how to)
  • Set it to auto subscribe to threads (See further down on how to)
  • IC and OOC should NEVER be mixed
  • Look at the stickies and ASK FOR HELP.

Nuclear Newbies (and n00bs)

    Please note for all you new nations that it is generally said that you will need to wait til around 100 million people before you can begin to make serious progress in your nuclear department. Please do not simply say "I HAVE N00KS! I BOMB YOU!!!" as that gets you nowhere but ignored or laughed at. Or both. And, for good measure, many will proceed to stomp on you anyway, even after ignoring and laughing at you.

    Once you DO obtain your first nuclear weapon, please go ahead and test it, but give some description, talking about where it's taking place, etc. Sometimes you'll get retaliation simply for testing it, but you WILL get retaliation if you go out and 'test' it on a population. It's suggested you watch your step here since you likely wont have the military power and allies to cope with such a retaliation that would turn your country into a very large glass bowl.

    In addition, with regards to the 100 million population thing, if a larger nation helps you or simply donates such technology to you, that obviously changes things. However, doing it on your own is when that guideline comes in.

Helpful Threads

PostPosted: Fri May 07, 2010 9:06 pm
by ViZion
I'm not sure about my "wise words", but I'll take it. :-p lol btw nice update on the thing... and ya, I'll stay off the NST'er list for the fact I cant promise activity these days :( alas... enjoy! lol

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 2:31 am
by Solarva
It seems to me that this thread was rather difficult to find, after flipping though several pages....

Bump for reference and recommended for any players, new or experienced for learning or guiding.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 8:47 am
by Jenrak
Solarva wrote:It seems to me that this thread was rather difficult to find, after flipping though several pages....

Bump for reference and recommended for any players, new or experienced for learning or guiding.


Just do a search for it. It's the most 'recent', IIRC.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:13 am
by Dimoniquid
I reckon I could shed a few tips on character RP's... could I apply? Do you need extracts?

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:17 am
by Jenrak
Dimoniquid wrote:I reckon I could shed a few tips on character RP's... could I apply? Do you need extracts?


No problem - what tech do you tend to stick to, or that you have confidence in teaching?

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:19 am
by Sailsia
I would be interested in adopting a n00b. I could use a loyal ally. I've been playing since March 2009. I can provide links to some of my rp's.

EDIT: I'm Modern Tech; Post Modern Tech only.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:20 am
by Jenrak
Sailsia wrote:I would be interested in adopting a n00b. I could use a loyal ally. I've been playing since March 2009. I can provide links to some of my rp's.


Well, I wouldn't say 'adopting', but generally more along the lines of tech.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:20 am
by Sailsia
Jenrak wrote:
Sailsia wrote:I would be interested in adopting a n00b. I could use a loyal ally. I've been playing since March 2009. I can provide links to some of my rp's.


Well, I wouldn't say 'adopting', but generally more along the lines of tech.

just edited my post.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 9:20 am
by Dimoniquid
Jenrak wrote:
Dimoniquid wrote:I reckon I could shed a few tips on character RP's... could I apply? Do you need extracts?


No problem - what tech do you tend to stick to, or that you have confidence in teaching?

MT, although I can do FT.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 10:58 am
by Argonius
Really good post. Very useful for newbies like me.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 11:00 am
by Ozymos
Hell yes. Good to see this is back up and running.

If you don't mind, i'll lend a hand. My specialty is in FT, but I can provide information that covers all tech bases if required. Also, I won't give out my email because I check it very rarely, so you're better off TGing me.

Might even have an RP in the works. Some sort of 1940's spy-thingy, in SPAAACE. Maybe.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 11:09 am
by Jenrak
Modified, added, and sounds good, Oz.

If you ever need help, Argonius, feel free.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 12:18 pm
by Revolvisia
Nice to see that this has been remade. It's good to see the veterans passing on their knowledge to those that would accept it.

In that vein, would any NSTer be at all willing to do a training war with me? I'm good at RPing, but I'm not nearly as good as I should be. A bit of training wouldn't go amiss and it's not like you guys have a massive list of newbies to help yet, so it can't hurt for one of you guys to give me a bit of training in the war RP department, can it?

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 1:25 pm
by Jenrak
Revolvisia wrote:Nice to see that this has been remade. It's good to see the veterans passing on their knowledge to those that would accept it.

In that vein, would any NSTer be at all willing to do a training war with me? I'm good at RPing, but I'm not nearly as good as I should be. A bit of training wouldn't go amiss and it's not like you guys have a massive list of newbies to help yet, so it can't hurt for one of you guys to give me a bit of training in the war RP department, can it?


Depending on how my current threads go, I may be up for it. It's good to simply ask any Trainer that's listed to see.

I suggest a sign-up. If you are signing up, give me a link and I'll post it up.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 2:48 pm
by Aidannadia
I need a trainer for FT TG me

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 3:02 pm
by Sailsia
I'm starting work on making an rp (for new guys of course) I'll post the link when its ready.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 3:46 pm
by Jenrak
Aidannadia wrote:I need a trainer for FT TG me


I have notified all FT Trainers, Aidannadia.

PostPosted: Sat May 08, 2010 4:07 pm
by Dimoniquid
Aidannadia wrote:I need a trainer for FT TG me

Telegrammed.

PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2010 6:19 am
by Satirius
I wouldn't mind helping out with MT.

PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2010 6:28 am
by Abruzi
I and my horde of alternate nations would be interested in helping out,any spots open for MT or PMT trainers?

PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2010 10:27 am
by Jenrak
Abruzi and Satirius, both of you guys have been added.

PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2010 1:33 pm
by The Master M
I'm happy to help. I'd be more confident in helping out with the Modern Tech. side of things, but I can offer advice on basically anything.

I can usually be reached via TG, or just hit up the IRC.

PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2010 2:34 pm
by Jenrak
Added.

Re: NationStates Trainers 3.0 - An OOC Organization - Attn: ALL

PostPosted: Sun May 09, 2010 4:22 pm
by The Kafers
Since Bryn Shander is no longer maintaining this list, I am able to volunteer (I was on Bryn's permanent ignore list, and he would have banned me from participating in the mentor program had I offered my name; such is the power of OP thread ownership).

My specialty is early FT, especially hard SF; I also work with space combat involving small numbers of spacecraft and small ground battles, especially in exotic environments (low or null gravity, such as battles on moons or asteroids, as well as unusual atmospheres). I'd be happy to serve as a sparring partner or punching bag for players getting started in FT.

MSN: bdhungerford@ameritech.net



BTW, I'm also active (although currently less so) in MT as Allemande, and can assist players who are interested in MT RPs, especially involving low unit counts. My specialty in MT is submarine warfare, small unit and covert ops; I can provide advice w/re to strategic weapons (the Parthians recently thanked me for teaching him how to stage a pre-emptive nuclear strike, although such things are only advisable with mutual consent) and satellite or anti-satellite operations; for players seeking to conduct a realistic space program as an MT/PMT nation (up to and including lunar and Mars landings, asteroid fly-by operations, etc.), I can help in those areas as well. Currently, Allemande is undergoing an overhaul/retcon, but I'm available for limited war threads.

IRL, I have a degree in economics and am a hardcore political junkie (when Allemande is overhauled, it will actually have demographically defined electoral districts and an issues-driven political model that can provide feeder data for regular legislative and presidential elections, but one that can be modified for parliamentary systems). I'm a big fan of simulation gaming, and one of the things I can do is help you visualize almost any process as a mathematical model in order to produce realistic random events and then feed those back into your story lines. As you may have gathered, I'm big on realism, but also understand how important it is to link that realism back into the story aspect of a thread to produce unexpected results. For me, the main purpose of "gaming" events out is to jog one's creativity, forcing the writer in each of us to step outside the range of what is expected to produce threads that have the same strangeness as real life (I mean, what author of political fiction could have ever come up with something as unlikely as Richard Nixon's "Checkers" speech, or the "Dean Scream"?!?)