The Rejected Times

[Blood Wine]

I doubt we'll see much big from DXIV,although he will be present a decent lot I doubt he'll produce much to match or supersede "liberate panem"

[Intelligent Holograms]

I doubt we'll see much big from DXIV,although he will be present a decent lot I doubt he'll produce much to match or supersede "liberate panem"

There's that enthusiasm and nurturing of new players that The Bruce spoke about in his interview.

[Blood Wine]

I doubt we'll see much big from DXIV,although he will be present a decent lot I doubt he'll produce much to match or supersede "liberate panem"

There's that enthusiasm and nurturing of new players that The Bruce spoke about in his interview.

I'm actually being realistic here and simply commenting on the "rising star" part of the article - I consider this moment the height of him for a while and don't expect much more for the time being

Then again,I'm hoping he will see this as a challenge and prove me wrong

[Blood Wine]

Also,what constitutes an achievement on NS? CoF is getting a lot of attention recently but not alot of it positive

[Shizensky]

I think we all set our own standards for what constitutes an achievement. When I came back I set out to rebuild my region. I succeeded in that, and surpassed it. I'd say that is a personal achievement at least. How many others care? Probably not many, but why should I expect anybody to care?

For the most part, those of us who dive into the deeper realms of GP probably have some sort of goal in mind. That goal probably changes, but at least there is a goal. As my region has grown and stabilized, new goals come up. At what point have I actually a achieved something? I guess that depends on when I feel satisfied with the work I've done. But if you are going to leave it up to GP at large to make that decision, you'll find yourself left disappointed in most cases.

[Intelligent Holograms]

There's that enthusiasm and nurturing of new players that The Bruce spoke about in his interview.

I'm actually being realistic here and simply commenting on the "rising star" part of the article - I consider this moment the height of him for a while and don't expect much more for the time being

Then again,I'm hoping he will see this as a challenge and prove me wrong

I am well aware of what you are doing, it is simply a shame that merely three posts after an interview containing a segment about older players being overly critical about the ambitions of newer players, an older player criticises a younger player and writes-off any success in said player's immediate future. You have very nearly proven the point of that segment of the interview.

Reiterating Shizensky's point on the achievements we reward ourselves, District XIV is in no way indebted to you in answering any challenges you set. Nobody joins NS with the intention of living up to the expectations of the other people who play, we join so that we can try something different and have some fun along the way - it is absurd to think that any NS player should be doing anything else other than play their own game, be that region building, R/D or anything else.

[Darkesia]

IH might just have become my favorite nation.

[Ananke II]

Gameplay has a tendency to favour drama and name recognition. Seems to me though that all the people who quietly work to build up new communities or better their own region are at least as commendable as anyone who post in Gameplay. Often few people outside their own region recognise them, but they help create the bedrock of stability that most regions need in between the drama and excitement.

[Blood Wine]

I am well aware of what you are doing, it is simply a shame that merely three posts after an interview containing a segment about older players being overly critical about the ambitions of newer players, an older player criticises a younger player and writes-off any success in said player's immediate future. You have very nearly proven the point of that segment of the interview.

Reiterating Shizensky's point on the achievements we reward ourselves, District XIV is in no way indebted to you in answering any challenges you set. Nobody joins NS with the intention of living up to the expectations of the other people who play, we join so that we can try something different and have some fun along the way - it is absurd to think that any NS player should be doing anything else other than play their own game, be that region building, R/D or anything else.

I have this a lot,what i actually mean differs from what i write
I'm by no means an older player,sure I've been around since 2007 (i think) but with a long break inbetween btw

See it like a graph,DVIX fame being the line,it started out steady/rising for some while,liberate Panem cause the line to spike upwards and now it's pretty steady again,it's like a MMORPG level system,he gotten pretty high with levels,now the rest are more important but harder/take longer to get

With "see this as a challenge" I meant something among the lines of "fuels the fires to better himself"

[Intelligent Holograms]

IH might just have become my favorite nation.

*Bows to the Lady Dark*

See it like a graph,DVIX fame being the line,it started out steady/rising for some while,liberate Panem cause the line to spike upwards and now it's pretty steady again,it's like a MMORPG level system,he gotten pretty high with levels,now the rest are more important but harder/take longer to get

With "see this as a challenge" I meant something among the lines of "fuels the fires to better himself"

You've missed my point entirely.

XIV does not and, indeed, should not need to match himself to your expectation. XIV is continuing on as he wants to play NS; it is true that the game is built around the player rather than the inverse, by this I mean the player chooses what they want to do on NS and then they find ways to make it happen, be that building forums, running/performing in RPs, debating etc. - NS is what it is because of the players rather than because of the tools offered by the game. The preceding rings true for all aspects of the game, XIV is not playing the same game or for the same goals as anyone else in NS, therefore it is impossible and foolish for anyone (yourself, for example Blood Wine) to tell them to 'better themselves' because you have no idea what goals XIV is playing by, the pinnacle of NS for you is likely to be completely different to the pinnacle of NS for him.

The fame graph you have drawn is largely irrelevant other than for telling what type of player you yourself are, Blood Wine.

[Blood Wine]

I'm just not saying this right......

Judging from our posts back and forth,I think we're miscommunicating a lot,so lets just leave it at that

[Consular]

The only one misunderstanding is you blood. IH could not possibly be any clearer in what he is saying.

[PhDre]

Seriously, I don't think you understand what IH is saying but what you are saying is perfectly clear and pretty condescending.

[Blood Wine]

Condescending? how so?

I'm hoping to see more from DVIX - I'm just saying I expected him to go into hibernation for a while before returning big,his efforts are on Panem atm,so he'll spending a lot of his energy there

[District XIV]

he'll spending a lot of his energy there

Indeed >_>

[Blood Wine]

he'll spending a lot of his energy there

Indeed >_>

I was planning to send a TG about this,I meant no disrespect towards you - sorry if it came across like that

[District XIV]

Indeed >_>

I was planning to send a TG about this,I meant no disrespect towards you - sorry if it came across like that

Nah, you're good.

[The Rejected Times]

"Back to School" for NS Universities?
FEATURE | KINZVLLE



Are NationStates Universities a "dying breed"? Kinzville considers possible causes of their decline...

Earlier this year I became the dean of Equilism University. When I first arrived in Equilism, I was engulfed in the sheer wonderment of the university. The dean at the time had worked tremendously hard before classes ended and the whole institution grinned to a halt. The same phenomenon repeated itself again when all of the teachers, besides my Assistant Dean, failed to accomplish anything with their courses. Granted, this is partly because I started right before the dreaded "summer hole". However, I reckon this is not the only factor playing a role in the decline in the University,

1. Real life: This is all a game. Real life comes first, surely, in all matters. Sadly when it comes to something like teaching a course, this can take time that many simply do not possess. Between typing documents, researching, editing, and teaching a class is no "lunch break" feat. Make no mistake: I am in no way blaming professors, just merely identifying real life as a key factor.

2. Losing interest: At one time or another, we are all guilty of doing this . In fact, the more you do something the less dopamine intake you get from that activity (brain fact). While losing interest halfway is by no means not a sin, it is a problem for the University. While a student losing interest is normally not a huge issue, a teacher is a whole new can of worms. Especially, if you are using the "class system" which Equilism uses, where any truancy by professors leaves a class stranded with no teacher.

3. Focus on the wrong subjects: Courses on World War II or the culture of Finland are amazing and fascinating, but they should not be the focus of a NS University. The last term the university was active, all of the courses were Non NS based (with the exception of Role Playing 101). We have to remember this is NationStates, the school ought to train new (and veteran) members in the fields of fancy and interest in regards to the actual gameplay sphere.

4. Necessity: As dean, I did attempt to get classes restarted but there was one snag... they weren't seen as necessary, and really are they? Most military training is done internally for good reason, same with Foreign Affairs and Diplomacy. With countless guides available on a range of subjects, I had to wonder if these classes really were needed...

We at the Equilism University are considering new arrangements, while those at the Europeia University are already transitioning from ongoing classes to pre-made courses with detailed guides. With this method, all the materials and information are provided, but can be worked on at a student's own pace and, since it is all to be presented as a finished project rather than post-by-post, a teacher's departure does not affect the overall system as much.

Of course, as with every system, there are flaws. First, it takes quite a long time to, not only get a class prepared and refined, but for an entire class to be completed. With this preparation time, I have to wonder whether this process is any slower or faster than that of open classes? It varies but the benefits outweigh this, I believe. The biggest issue with guide-led classes, however, is that just reading a guide isn't always what is needed to learn! Hands-on, practical learning can be extremely critical. The East Pacific may have found a compromise, however, between Europeia and Equilism's education systems: a system based on guides, in addition to a number of Q&A sessions, and supervised practices.

Regardless, there is still one more factor that help determines a university's survival. Are they relevant? As I stated earlier: with the way most subjects are taught there may not seem a pressing need for more training for these areas. Without that need what purpose does a university fill? This answer varies from region to region, topic to topic. Some fields like speech and debate fair better in a classroom than say immigration. Some regions would rather outsource training of ambassadors and such to public-run universities, while others still would view that as unsafe and prefer to keep it in house.

Rounding back to the topic, are NS Universities a dying breed? Regardless of the ideal system, the pulse rate of an academic institution is tied to its relevance. Not just in terms of actual relevance, but also in term of the public's perception of their relevance. If players see a value in keeping these institutions afloat, investing their time in there and maybe even attending classes, then mark my words: there will life. Sadly most universities nowadays have not found that enthusiasm and their "pulse lines" slowly but surely flat-line. As with past universities, many do hold great potential, but they may never live to realize it. There are some regions where universities may still grow and prosper, but for the most part, "the university" as a institution has outlived its relevance.

[Blood Wine]

I would actually take a class in RPing,but things often get into the way for me

[Unibot III]

I would actually take a class in RPing,but things often get into the way for me

Common sentiments with University Classes in NS - hence the article!

[Joe Bobs]

Gameplay has a tendency to favour drama and name recognition. Seems to me though that all the people who quietly work to build up new communities or better their own region are at least as commendable as anyone who post in Gameplay. Often few people outside their own region recognise them, but they help create the bedrock of stability that most regions need in between the drama and excitement.

Couldn't agree more Ananke! The region builders are the real heroes of this game, and as you say many may not be known outside their regions.


To all: If there is anyone out there you feel should be in the next Rising Stars issue, please telegram me! Also, if there's anyone from the class of 2002/3 you would like to see interviewed, let me know! I think I know who the players from that era who still play are, but there may be some of which I'm not aware.

[District XIV]

I thought this next part would've attracted some controversy

JB: As a Gameplayer who is interested in RP, what are your views on the recent Liberate Haven / Ixnay / etc controversy? Should RPers be able to opt out of being raided?

DXIV: Mall was acting independently in the World Assembly, as any player has the right to do. The whole "Mallorea and Riva should resign" was a hilariously immature reaction to situation, for two reasons:

1. We all know "Liberate Haven" wasn't going to pass, much less go to vote.
2. As I stated before, Mall has the full right to act independently as any player, moderator or not, may do.

Although, I do think roleplaying regions should have an easy "opt out of R/D" ability; similar to the "Intergovernmental Organizations" feature Esternial suggested.

[The Rejected Times]

War between Osiris and Lazarus Motioned
Osiran Pharaoh motions to declare war on Lazarus
COMMENTARY | TRR STAFF


Osiran Legislature Convenes to Discuss an Osiran-Lazarene War

PALACE OF DESHRET, THEBES – The Pharaoh of Osiris, Cormac Somerset, has proposed a motion to the Osiran legislature, The Deshret, which would declare war on Lazarus, a fellow sinker.

The War Declaration notes that Lazarus’s harbouring of Karpathos and former members of The Empire, Dalimbar and New Kervoskia, stands against Osiris, especially given an off-the-cuff remark from Karpathos (“Go endotart man, I'm starting to get ideas”). While accusing Lazarene officials of anti-imperialism and hostility towards other Game-Created Regions, the Declaration also condemns Lazarus’s “[doubling down] on tyranny by adopting an authoritarian communist regime”. The full statement can be read here.

Chairman Funkadelia’s election and rise to power has already sparked a severance of relations between Lazarus and Osiris, earlier this year, when Osiris found the new Chairman to be an anti-imperialist. But this more extensive declaration may prove to escalate the conflict greatly.

Concerns have surfaced that the spectre of hostility and fear which comes with any large-scale war may overshadow Lazarus’s hosting of the 2014 Regional Sovereignty Conference, as well as the recent passage of the “Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between The South Pacific and Lazarus”.

Lazarene officials have told The Rejected Times that they would not comment until after a statement from the PRL is published. The Osiran Pharaoh was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.

The motion is currently passing in The Deshret, 8-4. Voting ends late August 28th, 2014.

[Waldeck-Pyrmont]

Fools.

[Alterran Republic]

Bloodshed!
Like this will accomplish anything e.e