NationStates Issues **SPOILER ALERT**

[Thinking Machines]

For Comparison of Macros. I couldn't find any other options, but I could be wrong.
A “Friend” In Need
The Issue

The aggressive nation of Blackacre has been struck with a series of massive natural disasters that have killed tens of thousands and destroyed sanitation, transit, and economic infrastructure, with the likely consequence of great suffering for millions in the coming months. This has presented you with the moral quandary of whether or not you should come to the aid of a nation that has frequently declared its hatred for Thinking Machines and the Thinking Machine way of life.
The Debate

1) “Well, it serves them darn well right!” shouts your infuriated Minister of Defense, furiously kicking your expensive imported mahogany desk and sending your papers flying. “An eye for an eye, I say! They insulted us multiple times, and they got what they deserved. As a matter of fact, now is the perfect time to truly pay them back for their slander of our great nation! They want aid? How about we aid them by sending some missiles aimed right at their capital? That’ll show them!”

2) “Not that I don’t agree with Mr. Compassionate over here, but that particular method only seems to stir up unwanted trouble,” notes Bella Bonaparte, Thinking Machines’s top chess master and military strategist. “Frankly, there’s a much better way of making our point without causing so much international outcry. Why not provide them aid, but so much of it that they become dependent on us for survival? Flood them with food, but do nothing to help their farmers. Supply them with power, but don’t build power infrastructure. Then, when they’ve lost any capacity to support themselves, start charging them! We can look good internationally while secretly waging war against their economy.”

3) “It’s just too much effort these days to try to take over another country,” sighs Tarquin Suparman, former soldier and current aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “For that matter, it’s too much effort to even provide aid when we have so much to focus on here. Crime, poverty, resources, and all that. It’s a shame what’s happened, but we aren’t the only nation in the world. Let’s cut all aid. There’s probably some other nation that’ll be foolish enough to help them out, anyway.”

4) “Regardless of what Blackacre’s government’s actions have been in the past, there are millions of innocent civilians who are going to be harmed or even killed,” suggests your secretary while cleaning the mess of papers off your desk. “How would you feel if you were homeless and hungry, and others turned a blind eye? This is a humanitarian disaster. We need to send aid and do whatever we can to help. Helping them is the moral thing to do, and that’s all there is to it.”

Issue by The Allied States of Empire of Cats

Edited by Nation of Quebec

[Luna Amore]

As some of you may have noticed, we've had a change in thread ownership.

Christian Democrats is stepping down from manning this thread to concentrate more on GA Secretariat work. We'd like to thank him for his help in maintaining this thread. I wish him well in GenSec; every time I peak in their sekrit lair, my eyes start bleeding.

I'd like to welcome the thread's new owner, Drasnia. I am slowly turning over the keys so to speak.

Thank you CD and welcome Drasnia!

[Christian Democrats]

Congrats to Drasnia, the new issues spoilers slave!

In all seriousness, GenSec duties have been taking up most of my NS forum time lately (not to mention how busy my real life has been), so I had to give up being the guardian of this thread. It was fun for the 14 months that it lasted. I'll still be semi-active in this forum.

EDIT: Also, I told NoQ that I'd eventually draft a follow-up for Issue #560. I need to get around to that . . .

[Drasnia]

Congrats to Drasnia, the new issues spoilers slave!

In all seriousness, GenSec duties have been taking up most of my NS forum time lately (not to mention how busy my real life has been), so I had to give up being the guardian of this thread. It was fun for the 14 months that it lasted. I'll still be semi-active in this forum.

Thanks ^.^

I think the story you're not telling is how much you pity the poor sod that has to take over maintaining this thread and the work that goes into it

[Nation of Quebec]

Good luck, Drasnia. You already got a backlog of over 30 issues to churn through and get them up here.

Don't forget #628, which seems to be missing from the list.

Thanks for maintaining the thread while you did, CD.

[Christian Democrats]

Well, maintaining this thread did, I believe, kill the two nations before me.

(edit: this is a reply to Drasnia)

[Drasnia]

Good luck, Drasnia. You already got a backlog of over 30 issues to churn through and get them up here.

Don't forget #628, which seems to be missing from the list.

Thanks for maintaining the thread while you did, CD.

It all makes sense now! Darn you CD *raises fist*

[Luna Amore]

Well, maintaining this thread did, I believe, kill the two nations before me.

(edit: this is a reply to Drasnia)

Even worse, it turned Ballo into an Admin and Golgo into an editor.

[Drasnia]

Well, maintaining this thread did, I believe, kill the two nations before me.

(edit: this is a reply to Drasnia)

Even worse, it turned Ballo into an Admin and Golgo into an editor.

I don't think either of those are a concern with me, at least not for quite some time. *grimaces at the mere thought of what the admins do*

[Maljaratas]

Good luck Drasnia!
Hope you don't die or whatever.

[Noahs Second Country]

Good luck Drasnia!
Hope you don't die or whatever.

A few hours of work =/= death.

Anyway, good luck!

[Drasnia]

#628 has been added. I'll be working on this over the course of the next few days until the backlog has been caught up. If any of you spot errors, please do tell me

EDIT: I also received #663:

#663: A "Friend" In Need

The Issue

The aggressive nation of Blackacre has been struck with a series of massive natural disasters that have killed tens of thousands and destroyed sanitation, transit, and economic infrastructure, with the likely consequence of great suffering for millions in the coming months. This has presented you with the moral quandary of whether or not you should come to the aid of a nation that has frequently declared its hatred for @@NAME @@ and the @@DEMONYMADJECTIVE@@ way of life.

The Debate

“Well, it serves them darn well right!” shouts your infuriated Minister of Defense, furiously kicking your expensive imported mahogany desk and sending your papers flying. “An eye for an eye, I say! They insulted us multiple times, and they got what they deserved. As a matter of fact, now is the perfect time to truly pay them back for their slander of our great nation! They want aid? How about we aid them by sending some missiles aimed right at their capital? That’ll show them!”

Accept

“Not that I don’t agree with Mr. Compassionate over here, but that particular method only seems to stir up unwanted trouble,” notes @@RANDOMNAME@@, @@NAME@@’s top chess master and military strategist. “Frankly, there’s a much better way of making our point without causing so much international outcry. Why not provide them aid, but so much of it that they become dependent on us for survival? Flood them with food, but do nothing to help their farmers. Supply them with power, but don’t build power infrastructure. Then, when they’ve lost any capacity to support themselves, start charging them! We can look good internationally while secretly waging war against their economy.”

“It’s just too much effort these days to try to take over another country,” sighs @@RANDOMNAME@@, former soldier and current aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. “For that matter, it’s too much effort to even provide aid when we have so much to focus on here. Crime, poverty, resources, and all that. It’s a shame what’s happened, but we aren’t the only nation in the world. Let’s cut all aid. There’s probably some other nation that’ll be foolish enough to help them out, anyway.”

“Regardless of what Blackacre’s government’s actions have been in the past, there are millions of innocent civilians who are going to be harmed or even killed,” suggests your secretary while cleaning the mess of papers off your desk. “How would you feel if you were homeless and hungry, and others turned a blind eye? This is a humanitarian disaster. We need to send aid and do whatever we can to help. Helping them is the moral thing to do, and that’s all there is to it.”

Issue by The Allied States of Empire of Cats

Edited by Nation of Quebec

EDIT 2: #635 is missing author and editor. Also while somebody's finding that out, can they confirm whether option 2's name M.B. Winston is hard-coded? It seems like it to me but it's easy to just make sure.

EDIT 3: Can someone check #643 for names? Several options most definitely have hard-coded characters but some may or may not.

[Socialist Nordia]

The Issue

A recent study by some self-righteous college students revealed that an alarming number of recyclable items are being thrown into the garbage. In order to bring more attention to this issue, a handful of particularly dedicated environmentalists - calling themselves ‘Save Our Trash’ - are camping out in the dumpster behind your home. They claim that they will not leave until the government takes action.

The Debate

“How can people care so little for Mother Earth?” grouses a grouchy, green-haired man named Oscar, who has taken up residence in one of your trash cans. “The government needs to do a hell of a lot more to inform people about the importance of recycling. You should throw everything you’ve got at the problem: public service announcements, sorting classes for the kids, bins in every conceivable place. You could even fine those lazy people who refuse to properly dispose of recyclables.”

Accept

“There’s no reason to punish Nordians when industry bears most of the blame for pollution,” suggests Agatha Delauter while struggling to open a hard plastic stay-fresh shell containing a pre-peeled banana. “By taxing inefficient manufacturers for all of this ridiculously excessive packaging, the government could discourage commercial waste and even make itself some money. Hey, an environmentalist policy that generates revenue - now there’s an idea.”

Accept

“Meh. Is this really such a big deal?” yawns city worker Tom Bond, finishing off his tea in a delicate porcelain cup, before throwing the whole thing into the nearest garbage can. “Being neurotic over trash just makes people unhappy and forces them to feel guilty about shopping. You should actually be encouraging people to throw stuff away without thinking too hard about it - a culture of disposable items drives consumption, which in turn makes for a strong economy. And that’s what matters.”

Accept

Dismiss This Issue

Issue by The People's Republic of Socialist Nordia
Edited by Lenyo

[Drasnia]

The Issue

A recent study by some self-righteous college students revealed that an alarming number of recyclable items are being thrown into the garbage. In order to bring more attention to this issue, a handful of particularly dedicated environmentalists - calling themselves ‘Save Our Trash’ - are camping out in the dumpster behind your home. They claim that they will not leave until the government takes action.

The Debate

“How can people care so little for Mother Earth?” grouses a grouchy, green-haired man named Oscar, who has taken up residence in one of your trash cans. “The government needs to do a hell of a lot more to inform people about the importance of recycling. You should throw everything you’ve got at the problem: public service announcements, sorting classes for the kids, bins in every conceivable place. You could even fine those lazy people who refuse to properly dispose of recyclables.”

Accept

“There’s no reason to punish Nordians when industry bears most of the blame for pollution,” suggests Agatha Delauter while struggling to open a hard plastic stay-fresh shell containing a pre-peeled banana. “By taxing inefficient manufacturers for all of this ridiculously excessive packaging, the government could discourage commercial waste and even make itself some money. Hey, an environmentalist policy that generates revenue - now there’s an idea.”

Accept

“Meh. Is this really such a big deal?” yawns city worker Tom Bond, finishing off his tea in a delicate porcelain cup, before throwing the whole thing into the nearest garbage can. “Being neurotic over trash just makes people unhappy and forces them to feel guilty about shopping. You should actually be encouraging people to throw stuff away without thinking too hard about it - a culture of disposable items drives consumption, which in turn makes for a strong economy. And that’s what matters.”

Accept

Dismiss This Issue

Issue by The People's Republic of Socialist Nordia
Edited by Lenyo

Number and name?

[Outer Sparta]

The Issue

A recent study by some self-righteous college students revealed that an alarming number of recyclable items are being thrown into the garbage. In order to bring more attention to this issue, a handful of particularly dedicated environmentalists - calling themselves ‘Save Our Trash’ - are camping out in the dumpster behind your home. They claim that they will not leave until the government takes action.

The Debate

“How can people care so little for Mother Earth?” grouses a grouchy, green-haired man named Oscar, who has taken up residence in one of your trash cans. “The government needs to do a hell of a lot more to inform people about the importance of recycling. You should throw everything you’ve got at the problem: public service announcements, sorting classes for the kids, bins in every conceivable place. You could even fine those lazy people who refuse to properly dispose of recyclables.”

Accept

“There’s no reason to punish Nordians when industry bears most of the blame for pollution,” suggests Agatha Delauter while struggling to open a hard plastic stay-fresh shell containing a pre-peeled banana. “By taxing inefficient manufacturers for all of this ridiculously excessive packaging, the government could discourage commercial waste and even make itself some money. Hey, an environmentalist policy that generates revenue - now there’s an idea.”

Accept

“Meh. Is this really such a big deal?” yawns city worker Tom Bond, finishing off his tea in a delicate porcelain cup, before throwing the whole thing into the nearest garbage can. “Being neurotic over trash just makes people unhappy and forces them to feel guilty about shopping. You should actually be encouraging people to throw stuff away without thinking too hard about it - a culture of disposable items drives consumption, which in turn makes for a strong economy. And that’s what matters.”

Accept

Dismiss This Issue

Issue by The People's Republic of Socialist Nordia
Edited by Lenyo

Since you got the issue first, do you remember the number or name (that'll be helpful)?

[Drayxaso]

I don't know if you found this already, but it wasn't in the list of issues, so I'm posting it.

A Microchip On Your Shoulder

The Issue

Contactless payment, internet banking and robust consumer credit mechanisms are already making shopping easier than any time in history. However, a technology think tank is proposing that you could stimulate the economy by going one step further, with universal subcutaneous microchips linked to a national Stellarite Identity Database.

The Debate

Stefanie Tenhorn, head of the think tank, is enthusiastic. “No need for wallets or purses any more: just walk out with the goods, and your credit account is updated! Also, you could link medical data, GPS-tracking, biometrics data... the benefits are legion! I mean, we’re not talking a barcode under your left eye or anything mad like that, just an unobtrusive digital implant, anywhere on the body. Oh brave new world, that has such gadgets in it!”

Accept

“We must reject the Stellarite Identity Database!” raves Apu Apollyon, leader of the Drayxaso Resistance Against the Identity Database (D-RAID) campaign group. “In the name of ‘national security’, law-abiding citizens will end up being forced to lose their privacy. The right to use cash and hard currency is vital to protecting our rights to avoid taxat... uh... to avoid Orwellian monitoring!”

Accept

“That’s not enough!” screams conspiracy theorist Jonty Apostle, adjusting his tinfoil hat to keep radio waves out of his brain. “Do you know how many databases there are out there gathering intelligence on us all? Credit reports, search engine histories, e-mail archives, medical records, criminal records, driving licences... All these little revelations, and you still think it’s crazy when I say that we’re always being watched? President Ex, give people back their freedom! Ban government and corporations from tracking our data in any way!”

Accept

“Look, we want to keep tabs on our population, but do we really need to deal with all this outrage?” muses Lucy Fir, a promising junior delegate from the Ministry of Creative Solutions. “Why not secretly implant the microchips while people are still in the birthing vats? Sure, people won’t be able to shop with a chip that they don’t know is there, but in terms of national security and crime prevention, secret surveillance is far more effective than open monitoring.”

Accept

The issue number is 666, which seemed notable. The last option seems to be only available for nations with vat-grown citizens. I don't know if there's other options.

[Drasnia]

The Spoiler Thread has been updated. That was a long day's work.

[Trotterdam]

The issue number is 666, which seemed notable.

Yes, it was drafted in this forum with the specific intention of being #666. It was submitted a while ago but held up in editing until we reached that number.

The author is probably Minoa, though it seems to have been edited significantly. Who's the listed editor?

The last option seems to be only available for nations with vat-grown citizens.

Funny (and convenient!) that the first person to post it just happened to already qualify for that one

I don't know if there's other options.

I don't think so, based on what I've seen so far. If anything, I think it's more likely the recycling issue has one, if "literally dirty hands" is anything to go by. Nevermind, that's probably #665 option 1.

Could you be a dear and tell me what option you picked on #666 with your nation? It looks like it's option 1, but it's not totally obvious, so I'd like confirmation.

[Drayxaso]

Yay! I successfully discovered an issue!

The issue number is 666, which seemed notable.

Yes, it was drafted in this forum with the specific intention of being #666. It was submitted a while ago but held up in editing until we reached that number.

The author is probably Minoa, though it seems to have been edited significantly. Who's the listed editor?

I had assumed it was probably intentional, but didn't remember seeming a contest for it like there was for issue 451.

I don't remember the author (I don't think it was Minoa though), but the editor was Candlewhisper.

The last option seems to be only available for nations with vat-grown citizens.

Funny (and convenient!) that the first person to post it just happened to already qualify for that one

The NS stat scientific advancement is used the determine the tech tree of my region, so I generally choose options to provide myself with more scientific advancement.
Considering my nation's supposed to be science-obsessed anyway, it makes sense.

I don't know if there's other options.

I don't think so, based on what I've seen so far. If anything, I think it's more likely the recycling issue has one, if "literally dirty hands" is anything to go by.

Could you be a dear and tell me what option you picked on #666 with your nation? It looks like it's option 1, but it's not totally obvious, so I'd like confirmation.

The option I picked was indeed 1.

[Minoa]

I had assumed it was probably intentional, but didn't remember seeming a contest for it like there was for issue 451.

I don't remember the author (I don't think it was Minoa though), but the editor was Candlewhisper.

Hola,

After trawling the archives, I found that there was an semi-formal Issues Contest for #451 in late 2015, which was won by Sierra Lyricalia (see: https://nsindex.net/wiki/NationStates_Issue_No._451).

The contest took place before I event thought about having a go at Issue writing — to take my anger out at all those crazy microchip conspiracy theories.

-- Minoa

[Agadin]

I am too lazy to edit the macros, sorry.

#665 In Nomine Ecclesia

The Issue

Troubled by the number of technophobic zealots, book burning fundamentalists, and knife-waving cultists constantly parading through your office, a coalition of concerned churchgoers are trying to remind you that organized religion can do good too.

The Debate

1. “Don’t let the weirdos and extremists color your perception,” pleads faith leader Siko Eliot, dropping a bushel of pamphlets and tracts into your in-tray. “Followers of a major religion help the people of our good nation with a multitude of community outreach programs. We don’t need money, Leader, but it’d set a great example to the people if you personally would head down to one of our shelters once a week to do some hands-on volunteer work, sing a few hymns, serve some soup to the homeless and hungry, that sort of thing. Just think, you could lead Agadin - or indeed all of Forest - into a new age of altruism and charity!”

2. “Let’s not forget the festivals and the songs of praise,” adds Matilda Grossweiner, an enthusiastic community volunteer with an acoustic guitar. “a major religion has always been at the heart of our nation’s identity and culture, and I would say that the music is the route to brighter lives and stronger souls. I suggest you invest in a performance arena where we can all come together in celebration of the Divine. Who knows, it might even attract tourist pilgrims from far away lands.”

3. “Now hear the testimony of a proud son of a major religion,” bellows televangelist Johann Garrison, entering your office through a cloud of laser-filled mist and to a backdrop of deafening music. “The purpose of religion in society is the purpose of salvation. Ask not what a major religion can do for your nation, but what you can do for a major religion. Fund me, and I can broadcast our holy message all across Forest! Donate now, Leader, and save your soul. Praise be! PRAAAAAAISE BE!”

4. “Couldn’t help but overhear,” interrupts Hayley Vana, a retired history teacher apparently on a tour of the building, poking her head through the door of your office, “but if you ask me, the separation of church and state is fundamental to modern government. Taxpayer money should never be given to religions or religious organizations - we must rid you of turbulent priests! After all, have you seen how many of these religious nutters are technophobic zealots, book-burners, or knife wielding cultists?”

Issue by The Ecclesiocracy of Holy Oranz
Edited by Candlewhisper Archive

[New Glubbdubdrib]

#667 One Man’s Trash Is Another Man’s Recyclable

The Issue

A recent study by some self-righteous college students revealed that an alarming number of recyclable items are being thrown into the garbage. In order to bring more attention to this issue, a handful of particularly dedicated environmentalists - calling themselves ‘Save Our Trash’ - are camping out in the dumpster behind your home. They claim that they will not leave until the government takes action.

The Debate

1. “How can people care so little for Mother Earth?” grouses a grouchy, green-haired man named Oscar, who has taken up residence in one of your trash cans. “The government needs to do a hell of a lot more to inform people about the importance of recycling. You should throw everything you’ve got at the problem: public service announcements, sorting classes for the kids, bins in every conceivable place. You could even fine those lazy people who refuse to properly dispose of recyclables.”

2. “There’s no reason to punish New Glubbdubdribians when industry bears most of the blame for pollution,” suggests Tina Ramirez while struggling to open a hard plastic stay-fresh shell containing a pre-peeled banana. “By taxing inefficient manufacturers for all of this ridiculously excessive packaging, the government could discourage commercial waste and even make itself some money. Hey, an environmentalist policy that generates revenue - now there’s an idea.”

3. “Meh. Is this really such a big deal?” yawns city worker Matilda Frederickson, finishing off his tea in a delicate porcelain cup, before throwing the whole thing into the nearest garbage can. “Being neurotic over trash just makes people unhappy and forces them to feel guilty about shopping. You should actually be encouraging people to throw stuff away without thinking too hard about it - a culture of disposable items drives consumption, which in turn makes for a strong economy. And that’s what matters.”

Issue by The People's Republic of Socialist Nordia
Edited by Lenyo

[The United Providences of Perland]

Thanks for updating! I can finally link right to my authored issue!

[Candlewhisper Archive]

Great job, Drasnia!

We are going to be keeping you pretty busy in the next few months, as the editing team is now bigger and more active than it has ever been. Thanks for taking on this difficult task!

[Lenyo]

Great job, Drasnia! We are going to be keeping you pretty busy in the next few months, as the editing team is now bigger and more active than it has ever been. Thanks for taking on this difficult task!

Completely agreed. Thanks for keeping the issue list tidy for the NS community, Drasnia