General Assembly Q&A

[Phydios]

Not entirely sure this would fall under gameplay, but I'm fairly sure.

Just a question that I've found quite funny.

What would happen if a GA proposal deemed illegal by the GenSec, but then reached quorum, what would happen?

I don't think it can. If a proposal is ruled illegal through the game (not just by an opinion on the forum), it's either not allowed to advance to vote or just discarded.

[Sierra Lyricalia]

A proposal deemed illegal via the GenSec control panel cannot come to vote, even if it reaches quorum; if it does come to vote, that's a coding glitch.

The control panel disappears when the proposal reaches the voting stage. We can only hold proposals before they come to vote.

Theoretically, if a proposal went to vote but GenSec later voted (not through the panel) that it was illegal, we would have to ask the mods to Discard it at the end of voting. That is an ugly and unfair result, and both the control panel setup and our basic procedures were specifically designed to make sure it won't happen. Doesn't mean it still couldn't, but we do try to make sure it won't. So far successfully (knocking on wood).

[Joey Wu Empire]

What power does the GA really have and what does it mean that nations have to comply with GA Resolutions? I mean, you could still theoretically answer issues in blatant violation of GA Resolutions (i.e. Dictatorships like myself in the WA who I'm sure, have answered an issue in a way that violates WA Resolutions at some point or other).

Should the WA and the issue-answering aspects of the game be construed as totally separate?

[Araraukar]

What power does the GA really have and what does it mean that nations have to comply with GA Resolutions? I mean, you could still theoretically answer issues in blatant violation of GA Resolutions (i.e. Dictatorships like myself in the WA who I'm sure, have answered an issue in a way that violates WA Resolutions at some point or other).

Should the WA and the issue-answering aspects of the game be construed as totally separate?

The GA resolutions that are passed by a general vote by WA member nations have an effect on the member nations' stats the way daily issues do. What stats and in what direction the change happens, depend on the resolution's category and strength or area of effect (some categories have strengths, some have areas of effect).

Other than that, your gameside account isn't affected.

As for roleplay forums, it's basically bad forum conduct to come partake the GA forum and blatantly advertize not complying to some or even all of the resolutions. You're allowed to be sneaky or apply "the letter of the law" rather than "the spirit of the law". That's called "creative compliance".

On the other roleplay forums it's up to you to decide as to whether you want to even roleplay as a WA nation and if yes, what level of compliance you're adhering to.

EDIT addition: For issue choices, it's also up to you whether you want to "roleplay" your choices according to your roleplay reality or WA status and resolutions, or whether you just want to see all the wacky effects that weird choices can give.

[Greater Miami Shores]

I applied to join the WA with my nation of Paradise Island Nation from Balder. I also accidentally applied to join the WA with my nation of Greater Miami Shores from the LCN. Both nations are under the same e-mail acct. I hope, trust and hope I will be accepted with my nation of Paradise Island nation. I have been trying to find a way too withdraw my application to join with Greater Miami Shores. But don't see how, don't know how. I just found this site to post on, so I'm trying here. Thanks. GMS

[Wallenburg]

I applied to join the WA with my nation of Paradise Island Nation from Balder. I also accidentally applied to join the WA with my nation of Greater Miami Shores from the LCN. Both nations are under the same e-mail acct. I hope, trust and hope I will be accepted with my nation of Paradise Island nation. I have been trying to find a way too withdraw my application to join with Greater Miami Shores. But don't see how, don't know how. I just found this site to post on, so I'm trying here. Thanks. GMS

If you want to resign a nation from the World Assembly, you can click the "resign" button at the top of the WA homepage. As to your accidental multi-ing, I'm fairly certain that the automated system will give you enough time to fix the issue before you have to worry about ejection.

[Bananaistan]

They haven't accidently multied at all yet as neither nation is in the WA. I don't know how the system works when there's concurrent applications from the same email address but if you have received two "application successful" emails, you should only click the link in the email in respect of the nation with which you want to join the WA.

[The New European Order]

Would referring to IQ in a GA proposal be deemed a rl reference?

[Marzicon]

I have a draft for miners' safety standards. It's on the forum right now. What is the next step to getting it through the WA? How much discussion do I need to justify a proposal? Any thoughts?

Here's the link, by the way:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=409426

[Bears Armed Mission]

Would referring to IQ in a GA proposal be deemed a rl reference?

Good question. If you're referring specifically to 'IQ' as tested by the kind of 'IQ tests' that are used in RL then my own opinion would be that it is.

[Bears Armed]

Would referring to IQ in a GA proposal be deemed a rl reference?

Good question. If you're referring specifically to 'IQ' as tested by the kind of 'IQ tests' that are used in RL then my own opinion would be that it is.

I've now raised this question in the Secretariat's forum, to get the other members' opinions.

[Marzicon]

Good question. If you're referring specifically to 'IQ' as tested by the kind of 'IQ tests' that are used in RL then my own opinion would be that it is.

I've now raised this question in the Secretariat's forum, to get the other members' opinions.

Could we take it to the extreme and argue that all units of measurement, like meters, ppm, and scientific theorems be considered RL references?

[Bears Armed]

I've now raised this question in the Secretariat's forum, to get the other members' opinions.

Could we take it to the extreme and argue that all units of measurement, like meters, ppm, and scientific theorems be considered RL references?

No, by previous rulings and convention standard units of measurement are acceptable... even ones named after RL people, as long as the names are generally written with lower-case first letters when used in this context (e.g. 'volts'). Less-standard units that are actually defined in terms of RL people (e.g. the smoot) or places, howewer, I probably would consider illegal for this reason.
Also, bear in mind that the requirement to write proposals in English probably appllies only OOC rather than IC as well, with the texts being translated as necessary for people who don't understand the languages used IC by the authors, so that any units mentioned might themselves get converted to ones in systems with which the intended readers are more familiar: the use of units that exist in RL might therefore be considered a conversion for our benefit OOC.

[Araraukar]

Also, bear in mind that the requirement to write proposals in English probably appllies only OOC rather than IC as well, with the texts being translated as necessary for people who don't understand the languages used IC by the authors, so that any units mentioned might themselves get converted to ones in systems with which the intended readers are more familiar: the use of units that exist in RL might therefore be considered a conversion for our benefit OOC.

There's actually a resolution for the ambassadors getting things translated into units they understand: viewtopic.php?p=2035614#p2035614

[The New European Order]

Could we take it to the extreme and argue that all units of measurement, like meters, ppm, and scientific theorems be considered RL references?

No, by previous rulings and convention standard units of measurement are acceptable... even ones named after RL people, as long as the names are generally written with lower-case first letters when used in this context (e.g. 'volts'). Less-standard units that are actually defined in terms of RL people (e.g. the smoot) or places, howewer, I probably would consider illegal for this reason.
Also, bear in mind that the requirement to write proposals in English probably appllies only OOC rather than IC as well, with the texts being translated as necessary for people who don't understand the languages used IC by the authors, so that any units mentioned might themselves get converted to ones in systems with which the intended readers are more familiar: the use of units that exist in RL might therefore be considered a conversion for our benefit OOC.

So in this context,

Defines "Mental Retardation" as [goes on about topic] as well as an established "IQ" of 70 or less.

That would be legal, yes?

[Frisbeeteria]

Defines "Mental Retardation" as [goes on about topic] as well as an established "IQ" of 70 or less.

Given that you'd have to understand the ranking numbers of the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales (or whichever similar system you used), I'd say that's a definite RL violation. It's a GenSec call, though.

[The New European Order]

Another question. Would naming specific sports be classified as a RL reference as well?

[Boiadio]

Hello,
I have a question about the resolutions we vote as members of WA. When a vote is over, countries receive a telegram telling them that laws have been enacted to bring them in compliance with the WA decision. Ok, my question is: do these resolutions change the stats of a country? For example, in the recent resolution about responsibility in trasferring arms, did my arms manufacturing industry lose its rate?

I apologise for my bad English and thank you in advance for your consideration

[Separatist Peoples]

Hello,
I have a question about the resolutions we vote as members of WA. When a vote is over, countries receive a telegram telling them that laws have been enacted to bring them in compliance with the WA decision. Ok, my question is: do these resolutions change the stats of a country? For example, in the recent resolution about responsibility in trasferring arms, did my arms manufacturing industry lose its rate?

I apologise for my bad English and thank you in advance for your consideration

Yes, that is correct.

[Fantasia Landia]

Hi! How can I become a delegate?

[Whovian Tardisia]

You have to get more endorsements than anyone else in your region. It's out of your control, but you could persuade others in your region to endorse you. This may not go well, however.

[Bears Armed Mission]

Another question. Would naming specific sports be classified as a RL reference as well?

My personal opinion -- without having consulted the rest of the Secretariat -- would be that that's so only if they have the name of a RL nation (or another clear RL reference) in their name, otherwise no.

e.g.
Australian-rules Football, Gaelic Football, Eton Wall Game = RL references.
American Football, clear RL reference... but calling it something like 'Gridiron Football' instead should be okay.
Association Football -- because that technically refers to a specific RL organisation -- would probably be a RL reference unless a majority of my colleagues decide to allow it... but using the term 'Soccer' instead for the same sport should (even though the word 'Soccer' derives from 'Association') be perfectly legal.
'Rugby' is named after a RL place, but as it now applies to [at least] two different 'codes' of play rather than just the one originating at that place has arguably become a 'generic' term for a whole general style of play, and so I'd be willing to allow it.
Basketball, Baseball, Cricket, Rounders, Netball = not RL references.

[Imperial Kingdom of Kaosagi]

Imperial Kaosagian Foreign Relations Department

Taichi, Hase - Director of Foreign and Worldwide Relations, Main/Primary Ambassador

With Sincere Inquiry Intent, Regards

I am the foremost ambassador for the Imperial Kingdom of Kaosagi, and my Emperor His Majesty, Shirou Naginata, has requested the knowledge of the answers to the following inquiries by my words. In compliance, this letter has been drafted and submitted to whoever is dutied to assist in such ventures of answer.

Our Majesty, in lieu of recent World Assembly documents and bills passed, would like to obtain the knowledge if these passed in fact apply to all nations, or simply those involved and registered within the World Assembly. If in fact it applies to all states established, then our Emperor would like to speak with those in charge of the World Assembly for negotiations, as some of these newfound laws will not be acknowledged by the Kaosagian government.

With the Fullest Sincerities,
Taichi, Hase - Imperial Kaosagian Director of Foreign Relations and Primary Ambassador

[Sierra Lyricalia]

OOC thread: General Assembly resolutions only affect WA member states. It is specifically illegal for resolutions to claim action on non-members.

[Gordon Ramseys Hair]

Is there a way to wage war in this?