Global Economics and Trade Help Desk and Q&A

[Yohannes]

Hello all! I'm planning a Liberal Aid Development Bank topic - I've been planning it for months, but have finally got round to finishing it. (My "Let's get to it then!" response to the inspiry of this). The aim is to give aid to any/all Liberal nations who deserve it (in the short-term, on the basis of their filling in a form). Is this more suited to this subforum, or to the nationstates one? Thank you very much in advance.

It will largely depend on how the opening post will be worded out (by the opening poster) Lib. If you can word it in a smart way (word it in character/IC in such a way that people will associate it with an organisation/as an organisation in the NationStates sub forum or the International Incidents sub forum), then you can get away with doing that. This has been done by many players in the past before. However, Lib, if you are going to put the word "Bank" for the title, there will be a risk that someone will report it and ask for it to be moved to the Global Economics and Trade sub forum [ Edit: that is, if you put that thread in the NationStates or International Incidents sub forum).

Overall? I know the attraction of putting the thread in the NationStates sub forum: More potential viewers and posters (Global Economics and Trade is largely empty in comparison to NationStates or International Incidents). The thread can be posted in the NationStates sub forum, but then the word "Bank" will be a liability rather than an asset. If I own such a thread, I would change the word "Bank" to "Organisation", and to get the maximum potential posters and viewers I would put the "Organisation" thread in the NationStates sub forum. And then, I would word the thread IC-wise in a way that it is a somewhere in between a purely GE&T bank and an actual NationStates sub forum material institution. Also, if that thread is going to be created in the NationStates sub forum, I wouldn't probably reply with the usual copy-paste "application approved" posts, because then that will only increase the chance that people will report your thread and ask it to be moved to the GE&T sub forum

[Allanea]

Do you want there to just be exchange where they ask for aid, and you post 'yes, we give you aid' (but in some more elaborate IC way), or do you want to actually RP the aid being delivbered, some kind of oversight bodies, etcc. etc.?

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

Thank you both. Referring to Yohanne's comments, I must confess I'm not fussed by the idea that only sophisticated liberals are likely to see the topic, nor that they may take years to get round to it. Ausitoria has no intention of making this easy: a possible $1000 per person is not the sort of sum to be cast recklessly into the arms of those unaware of modern economic intricacies. Besides I want to make more happen in this forum.

On the other hand, the diplomacy is perhaps more suitable for nationstates? Referring to Alanea's comments, while as part of the application process, nations will be expected to confirm trading as per WAR 209, I don't personally intend to RP the aid being delivered to anyone except the government. (Although if fraud is involved in applications it will blow up faster than you can say asset seizure).

[Sacrosanct Group]

I have been thinking about Lib's idea too, have been planning to bring the Sacrosanct Bank I created here at GE&T(actually, introduce the bank) to the Nationstates or International Incidents subforum, but just like what Yohannes said, it's quite complicated, and would need the IC wording skills which I don't pretty much have.. Hopefully, in the next few months I will be able to learn life out there in those subforums..

[Yohannes]

I have been thinking about Lib's idea too, have been planning to bring the Sacrosanct Bank I created here at GE&T(actually, introduce the bank) to the Nationstates or International Incidents subforum, but just like what Yohannes said, it's quite complicated, and would need the IC wording skills which I don't pretty much have.. Hopefully, in the next few months I will be able to learn life out there in those subforums..

I know this anecdotally myself because back in 2011 when I was still a Mentor I thought really hard, "Should I try bringing my embassy and consulate/embassy exchange thread to the International Incidents sub forum?" I reworded my (then) embassy exchange thread (the one now, but it was differently formatted/worded) into some kind of a "Foreign Ministry/Diplomacy Thread" and was given the permission to move it to the International Incidents sub forum (as a result). It was legal (it was technically an international diplomacy thread, so it belonged in the International Incidents sub forum). But there was no doubt that my (not so) hidden motive was to bring that Diplomacy/embassy exchange thread to the International Incidents sub forum so I could have got more (much, much more) views and potential posters (Factbook and National Information has always been much quieter than either the NationStates or International Incidents sub forum).

Also,we used to answer people's questions back in 2011-2012 concerning "should we put my [xxx] thread here (Global Economics and Trade) or in the International Incidents sub forum? (Back then a lot of the more popular 'alliance/organisation threads were posted in the International Incidents sub forum, not NationStates sub forum). And my advice back then was always: "It can be both here and there (NS/II)." As an example, the International Association of Slave Exporting Nations (IASEN), which was an old organisation that, in character wise/IC-wise, exported "slaves" and encouraged imperialist powers to enslave other people's nations. That thread was placed in the International Incidents sub forum (instead of the Global Economics and Trade sub forum), although it was a blatantly "exporting" commercial/trade thread, with some of its members promoting their storefronts left and right in the thread itself (meaning more potential viewers as there has always been more people in the International Incidents sub forum than here)

So Lib (or you, Sacro, or I myself) can get away with doing the same thing. The precedents are there. It would depend largely on how the thread is worded/organised and how the opening poster interact with the people posting there

Edit: Of course, Allanea would remember IASEN very well and funnily IASEN is also mentioned under the current World Assembly Security Council Resolution At Vote

[Allanea]

Thank you both. Referring to Yohanne's comments, I must confess I'm not fussed by the idea that only sophisticated liberals are likely to see the topic, nor that they may take years to get round to it. Ausitoria has no intention of making this easy: a possible $1000 per person is not the sort of sum to be cast recklessly into the arms of those unaware of modern economic intricacies. Besides I want to make more happen in this forum.

On the other hand, the diplomacy is perhaps more suitable for nationstates? Referring to Alanea's comments, while as part of the application process, nations will be expected to confirm trading as per WAR 209, I don't personally intend to RP the aid being delivered to anyone except the government. (Although if fraud is involved in applications it will blow up faster than you can say asset seizure).

To be clear, I am involved in several RPs where Allanea is delivering aid packages to various nations. I have worked tihs out in terrible levels of detail.

[Libraria and Ausitoria]

I do remember the old anti-slaving wars well... not that I'm not still fighting them. But anyway, Ausitoria is more interested in giving this aid to well-run governments: this particular aid is about trade.

Anyway, I'm glad there's precedent for such organizations in both forums - thank you for clarifying. I shall consider the matter further.

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Anyone have any suggestions to lengthen out my mall-like storefront, or would you guys say that it would probably do best without as much information (I swear I'll get my other storefront done someday but I took so long with it that now I have to remake some of my aesthetics & text because the company in that storefront fused with another & the program I use doesn't want to use the font I usually use)?

[Neu Engollon]

Anyone have any suggestions to lengthen out my mall-like storefront, or would you guys say that it would probably do best without as much information (I swear I'll get my other storefront done someday but I took so long with it that now I have to remake some of my aesthetics & text because the company in that storefront fused with another & the program I use doesn't want to use the font I usually use)?

The key is not to be verbose, but to get as much information in to shorter, concise points as possible. So 'lengthening' without having more to say does not serve you and your potential customers any good whatsoever.

Also, I have restaurants, pubs and maybe a pet care supplies vendor that would work great in your mall.

EDIT: I forgot about the magic. I will have to think about that some more.
Additionally, I would suggest maybe just a couple more pictures, featuring the interior of the mall. Perhaps describe features that the mall (not the renting retailers) will provide, like fountains, play areas for kids, lounge/meeting areas,food courts, indoor vs outdoor like a greenhouse garden or outdoor courtyards.

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Anyone have any suggestions to lengthen out my mall-like storefront, or would you guys say that it would probably do best without as much information (I swear I'll get my other storefront done someday but I took so long with it that now I have to remake some of my aesthetics & text because the company in that storefront fused with another & the program I use doesn't want to use the font I usually use)?

The key is not to be verbose, but to get as much information in to shorter, concise points as possible. So 'lengthening' without having more to say does not serve you and your potential customers any good whatsoever.

Also, I have restaurants, pubs and maybe a pet care supplies vendor that would work great in your mall.

EDIT: I forgot about the magic. I will have to think about that some more.
Additionally, I would suggest maybe just a couple more pictures, featuring the interior of the mall. Perhaps describe features that the mall (not the renting retailers) will provide, like fountains, play areas for kids, lounge/meeting areas,food courts, indoor vs outdoor like a greenhouse garden or outdoor courtyards.

Well the magic may be the least of your worries, since Parfuhmerie attracts visitors from most universes, including far future tech guys. But yes, I never considered the features that the mall would have, I'll probably have to state something for that.

[Neu Engollon]

Well the magic may be the least of your worries, since Parfuhmerie attracts visitors from most universes, including far future tech guys. But yes, I never considered the features that the mall would have, I'll probably have to state something for that.

Well then I guess this is the part that confuses me, not that it would directly affect myself so much as restaurants don't need to specifically rely on modern or future tech to operate. I'm merely curious on the behalf of others who it might affect:

Do note, however, that most modern-tech or non-magical objects do not work well in Parfuhmerie's world, & as such, any foreign workers will undergo appropriate training to reduce the risk of accidents due to a lack of experience with magic. While we can temporarily create fields where more advanced technology can work, it is not possible to enchant the whole of the marketplace with this field.

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Well the magic may be the least of your worries, since Parfuhmerie attracts visitors from most universes, including far future tech guys. But yes, I never considered the features that the mall would have, I'll probably have to state something for that.

Well then I guess this is the part that confuses me, not that it would directly affect myself so much as restaurants don't need to specifically rely on modern or future tech to operate. I'm merely curious on the behalf of others who it might affect:

Do note, however, that most modern-tech or non-magical objects do not work well in Parfuhmerie's world, & as such, any foreign workers will undergo appropriate training to reduce the risk of accidents due to a lack of experience with magic. While we can temporarily create fields where more advanced technology can work, it is not possible to enchant the whole of the marketplace with this field.

For the people with different tech levels, there are some wizards who could simulate their devices or set up those aforementioned fields. Alternatively, portals back to the home universe can also be used for testing. For example, with ATMs, they will receive personal regions so they can work, while a seller of devices & such will receive areas where their customers can use their devices. Expressly to make it difficult to change from fantasy tech to any other tech, these fields grow exponentially in magic costs, so a few square meters may take the same as a somewhat advanced spell whereas covering the whole market or even a whole store would take an absurd amount of magical power. Any other points of confusion?

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Okay, so I spent some time trying to find a post that I wanted, but I still haven't. Does anyone have the link or name of the post with that nation with the flower flag explaining why an economy calculator isn't good when you have 100% tax rate?

[Yohannes]

Okay, so I spent some time trying to find a post that I wanted, but I still haven't. Does anyone have the link or name of the post with that nation with the flower flag explaining why an economy calculator isn't good when you have 100% tax rate?

You mean the great Questers?

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Okay, so I spent some time trying to find a post that I wanted, but I still haven't. Does anyone have the link or name of the post with that nation with the flower flag explaining why an economy calculator isn't good when you have 100% tax rate?

You mean the great Questers?

Tis indeed, thankee.

[Common Territories]

You mean the great Questers?

Tis indeed, thankee.

I believe you're looking for this thread? viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5578

[Shwe Tu Colony]

Tis indeed, thankee.

I believe you're looking for this thread? viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5578

Ye, I found it by sifting through Questers's posts.

[Claremont]

I've been away from nationstates for a couple of years now and I'm trying to get back into it, with my main focus of running an arms based storefront. I already have a few concepts for ships and aircraft, but I'm not too sure about small arms. I'm free handing in GIMP, trying to base this current design loosely off of an M4, but something about it feels empty; like it's lacking something.

How could I modify this design to make it pop out more? Any tools other than GIMP I should be using?

Not entirely sure if this is the right section, I'll delete my post if it's not.

[Unified Heartless States]

but something about it feels empty; like it's lacking something

Ya, shading. . .

Though, on a serious note, if it is based off of the M4 you are missing a charging rod and the blowback.
Grip should not be part of the frame, draw a line separating them or something.
Add some kind of definition to the mags, like vertical grooves.
Rear sights too, unless it's a shotgun.

[Crookfur]

I've been away from nationstates for a couple of years now and I'm trying to get back into it, with my main focus of running an arms based storefront. I already have a few concepts for ships and aircraft, but I'm not too sure about small arms. I'm free handing in GIMP, trying to base this current design loosely off of an M4, but something about it feels empty; like it's lacking something.

(Image)

How could I modify this design to make it pop out more? Any tools other than GIMP I should be using?

Not entirely sure if this is the right section, I'll delete my post if it's not.

The cyoe thread might be of more help:

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=385928

There are a lot of details you can still add such as a charging handle (depending where on the gun one might be), magazine release etc as well as adding line to show seperate peices like the upper and lower receivers and delineate things like the magazine well. Have good look at several diffetent diffetent rl guns and see where they tend to have lines, pins etc.

[Britonisea]

Excited to announce a new totally up-to-date chic stoefront will be available to you all mid-2018!

I am totally not just expanding on failed attempts to create a storefront in this sector

All I need to do is plan...

[Tippercommon]

Hi. Just wanted to let everybody know that I've updated one of my storefront formatting guides to be specifically about Storefront Navigation. This will be part of a series of upcoming guides that will be about Visual Design and user experience for storefronts.

If anyone has any comments I'd be happy to hear.

[A m e n r i a]

Hey, I've been reading some of the guides here and I just wanted to ask what I need to put up if I'm going to sell a train. Also, if anyone has a good example of a train selling post, that would be great.

[ViZion]

Hey, I've been reading some of the guides here and I just wanted to ask what I need to put up if I'm going to sell a train. Also, if anyone has a good example of a train selling post, that would be great.

I'd probably use a solid civil aircraft storefront as a basis for how to create a good storefront for these type of products, except of course provide the information on trains instead of aircrafts.

[Maltropia]

One of the most thorough trainvending storefronts I've seen is Orbis Rail Systems. I'd also recommend looking at Karlberg Locomotives, but the owner tragically CTE'd. As in anything, pick the metrics that you think your customers would want to know: passenger count, top speed, etc. Be thorough and don't cut corners.

Other storefronting tips also apply.