Europeian Embassy - In Solidarity

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

Would an onsite ban even help? These predators are behaving on-site. They aren't a danger to people on-site. Moderation's DOSing of a player doesn't protect the users of a third party site he/she belongs to. And unless the Moderation team is going to publicly express their reasoning for these offsite bans.. It still comes down to the third party site admin making a judgement call about if this (now NS-banned for unknown reasons) is a danger.

I understand this POV, but it fails to recognize that the site explicitly serves as a medium for these predators to find new victims. They are a danger to other people on site, even if they do not act on site. Removing their ability to use the site does protect people on these third party mediums, because they will not be able to join them except purely offsite, and because most all of these communities blanket do not accept DOS players. That's a judgement call that is already long made.

[USS Monitor]

This is an excuse. It is a cop-out, pure and simple. It is an abdication of responsibility.

Anybody who has read the thread on Europeia's forum - a thread that we cannot link here, a thread whose contents we cannot discuss here, a thread we can only reference obliquely, even though the perpetrator has admitted their guilt on this site can see that this is so.

The Europeian admins are to be commended for the extensive lengths they went to to authenticate the evidence they were provided - evidence that did not come from their forum, that did not come from their region, and that required extensive checking of RL records and even money - and verify the complaints against the perpetrator. It was a lot of work, and it took a lot of time, and they left no doubt that the allegations are true.

They left so little doubt, in fact, that the perpetrator had no choice but to confess. They did everything they have been accused of. They did everything for which they have been banned from the Europeian forum, and from many others to boot.

And what will the NS mods do, in the face of such overwhelming and verified evidence? In the face of an on-site confession?

Nothing.

Because it all happened off-site.

And what can we say about it, in the face of such overwhleming and verified evidence? In the face of an on-site confession?

Nothing.

Or we will be warned for "defamation".

The Europeian admins do not only investigate true complaints. Because they take sexual harassment seriously, they investigate all claims. Some are shown to be false. Some cannot be shown to be true. Some are a hell of a lot more work than others.

But what they don't do is throw up their hands just because it's hard.

It's my personal feeling that in the face of overwhelming evidence, of a community trying to figure out how to take care of our people - the vulnerable -that it is important to understand context:[link redacted by mod edit]

I don't know what the solution is. I agree that this game isn't just a game and that there might be some people who try to politicize things. Only recently, people attempted to politicize and smear a well-respected player with allegations that were not only unfounded and untrue but also disgusting and repulsive and those that picked up on them for political gain as well are of the same ilk. There was no solution there. All anyone can do is pretend to be neutral or some bullshit like that or try to block those individuals not just in the game but mentally as well.

At this point, though enough actual disgusting behavior and documented behavior happens that the excuse "on-site" and "off-site" don't really make sense. This game isn't only played onsite. That is a fact. Many aspects of this game are conducted on forums or servers or chats. Maybe moderation can't police them all but on-site moderation can take into account the massive effort made by a cadre of well respected players and their community to do something and can help rather than reiterate the one statement that does nothing to help.

I don't need to know how to easily fix the problem to argue that there needs to be a fix and ignoring it won't make it go away. "Don't sexually harass people. Don't use sexual stuff to manipulate people for political and other fucking things in a game or real life. Be a decent human being or get lost."

*** Warned for defamation ***

You are replying to a post that explains it's problematic to link to that thread, and then you go and link to it anyway.

[Unibot III]

Myself, I've never understood the value of the new rules regarding defamation. It seems to be a misuse of the word, "defamation" to include discussion of evidence. It's a "don't talk about harassment" gag-rule, not a defamation rule. I assume the justification of the rule is it's either to (A) be fair to defendants of claims, or (B) encourage less discussion on sensitive issues in Gameplay, but those are bogus reasons: we discuss harassment whether or not the mods want us to or not; a gag rule just encourages and fuels NS' rumour mill, leaving nobody better off. Some (cough) defendants learn about the complaints against them through fifth-hand sources fourteen months later and if they're really idiots, believe they're a part of a political conspiracy - give NS two more years and they'll be accused of murdering Francos Spain. As it stands, the rules silence victims on our most public forum, fuel and incubate disinformation, and leave a lot of people completely out of the dark frankly on important community matters.

Rather than trying to cover the subject under the old defamation rule, I would suggest the moderators narrow the defamation rule again in its application to defamation and build a set of rules around sensitive and personal claims: including, but not limited to gag rules to protect victims that want to remain anonymous, and censoring material deemed too explicit for the forum. People with claims put against them in a public forum can put their big boy pants on and defend themselves against accusations, apologize and/or leave - the current ruleset just delays and complicates the whole process, doing it through whispers and shadows instead.

[USS Monitor]

As someone suggested a couple posts back, this might be a good topic for a discussion thread in Moderation.

[Astarial]

You are replying to a post that explains it's problematic to link to that thread, and then you go and link to it anyway.

I think, perhaps, you have not understood me.

That thread contains facts, which have been verified with exhaustive research, and which have been confirmed on this site by the perpetrator.

It is not problematic to link to that thread. It is not defamation to link to that thread. It is simply forbidden.

Unibot is right. Your so-called "defamation" rule - note, please, the scare quotes, as this is the second time I have used them - is just a gag order. Just another way to silence victims and protect on-site self-confessed predators.

[Unibot III]

As someone suggested a couple posts back, this might be a good topic for a discussion thread in Moderation.

If I had a quarter for every time I've seen that rodeo play out, I could buy NationStates in walnuts. If someone wants to start a discussion thread in Moderation, they can quote my post there if they wish.

[Mallorea and Riva]

As far as this specific case, Moderation is discussing it now, taking consideration of events in this thread and elsewhere. For the more broad concerns regarding Moderation policy as a whole, the Moderation forum is the place to go, in the form of a discussion thread.

[The North Polish Union]

EDIT: The post that was here was reposted here to comply with Mall's above request.

[Medma]

President Rach Receives Mandate After Gargantuan Referendum Victory
By Writinglegend, Edited for Distribution by Izzy

(Europeia – November 16, 2017) – President Rach has received a firm democratic mandate from the people after a gargantuan win at the referendum polls. Fifty-four citizens voted in the affirmative for the administration, which made a whopping seventy percent of the votes received. This is one more vote than the previous, now banned, president had at the polling booth during the previous presidential election.

Due to Brunhilde's administrative ban, the presidency sat vacant. Rach, in her capacity as Vice President, ascended to the office and filled the role. A petition for a removal from the office to trigger new elections was immediately made.

"This is not driven by animus towards Rach, whom I like," Skizzy Grey, starter of the referendum, stated. "But by a conviction that the interests of democracy and the welfare of the region would be best served by fresh elections."

The referendum quickly garnered the necessary signatures to trigger a binding vote. Debate lasted for seventy-two hours with much discourse from both sides. Individuals on the affirmative side, supporting the administration, noted that our region was 'tired' and 'exhausted' from recent events in our community, and that we would be best served by 'having stable leadership'.

"I think the best option is for us to heal and move on and then have a normal election after this term has concluded," citizen Nick Powell noted.

Individuals who looked to pass the motion of no conference noted Rach's lack of democratic mandate. They believed that the election was carried out under false pretenses, Rach and Darc had a limited role in crafting campaign vision, and the administration had a meager mandate to serve.

"We need to hold a new election to define a new mandate for the region," XIV commented. "If Rach believes she's the best choice to lead us in the coming days she needs to assemble a ticket and be elected on her own merit, with a vision crafted wholly by her and her running mate, and contrasted against the others who have a vision for Europeia."

Due to the victory at the referendum polls, the large majority of citizens have expressed their confidence in Rach's administration to lead Europeia forward. Rach will continue to serve as President, with Darcness, her appointed Vice President, assuming office.

"This referendum and the support Darcness, the rest of administration and I have received has been truly humbling," President Rach commented in her public speech titled 'Better Together'. "We thank you for the opportunity and trust that has been placed in us as we set out to accomplish this vision."

The speech, entitled 'Better Together', established a policy vision for the Rach/Darcness administration. The outlined policy goals were to establish a high level of inclusionary activities to generate the leaders of tomorrow and give meaningful value to Assistant Ministers, have a greater level of fairness through a systematic usage of awards and honors, and attempting to get all 'meaningfully involved'.

President Rach observed many citizens who are 'on the margins' and remain frustrated with what they perceive to be a lack of opportunities or little knowledge on how to get involved. Her sole focus is to 'bring them out' of this state.

With a resounding mandate to lead Europeia, President Rach is now committed towards articulating and establishing the policies of her administration.

[Swift Sure]

Throughout our history we have witnessed many talented players come and go, we have endured crisis as well as great accomplishments. The one bright thread that has remained the same since we became a Republic has been our commitment to democracy, civil rights, community and the wellbeing of its members. It is this commitment that has allowed us to recover from disasters that would have devastated other regions. It is this commitment that has allowed us to continue to grow and succeed year after year.

The recent crisis, while devastating has once again been an opportunity to demonstrate the strengths of our region. Many of the players we have ultimately banned were active in other regions and organizations. Yet it has been our region which time and time again has shown the greatest commitment to not compromise on our members wellbeing for the sake of in game success. It is due to Europeia that many other regions and their members can rest more easily.

These bright threads demonstrate the most profound purpose of democratic government; to aid as many of its citizens and residents as possible. Particularly those who require it the most to improve their condition, while holding on to their liberty so that they may best pursue what brings them joy. Protecting and improving the condition of the most vulnerable in our society is vital to this cause. It speaks to how it is the role of democratic government to not forget about those on the margins of our society.

During my travels across Europeia on the campaign trail, there were many citizens on the margins who spoke of how they wished to be able to pursue greater involvement in the region even if they could not express how they felt government could aid them in doing so. This occurred at all levels of our region where citizens felt they were not being given a ‘square deal’. Nations not sure what our forums could do for them. Talented but frustrated individuals who felt they were not being given the chances or recognition they deserved. Citizens unsure of how they can get meaningfully involved.

To best aid all our citizens and residents as possible, we will continue to develop content on the forums and seek to reach out to nations to understand what we can do so that they can best pursue what they wish to. Furthermore, we will work on including Assistant Ministers in meaningful activities and planning. When our administration engages in discussions with foreign governments, we will bring interested Assistant Ministers when able so that they may be part of the process. In discussions on how to best implement policies such as the themed competitions for Interior, we will utilize mediums so that Assistant Ministers are involved. All these types of inclusionary activities are about ensuring that we are developing the leaders of tomorrow, implementing policy as best as we can and ensuring Assistant Ministers have a meaningful role in their Ministry.

Fairness is an important aspect of government’s interaction with its constituents. Despite the immense value in awards and honours to incentivize and reward virtuous deeds, these have not always been pursued in a scientific or comprehensive way. We can recall when our greatest private media moguls, editors and writers had not been rewarded for their efforts with the Order of Mercury despite this award being “issued to citizens who go beyond the call of duty to encourage growth in the Republic's journalism industry as well as providing outstanding news articles to the citizenry”.

It is our aim to promote greater fairness and utilize the award and honour system more systematically. To this end, we are planning on releasing awards for deserving citizens throughout the term. Hardworking citizens should not feel short changed because they have been overlooked for awards that they have worked to earn a right to.

These are a few of the ideas that we will be pursuing to best aid all citizens in Europeia and are all aimed at further improving the community that we have developed. Improving the bonds between us through projects such as the Good Vibes Project, the Flag of the Week Project and other initiatives is paramount to that. Despite the rivalries and grudges we may have, how we sometimes cannot stand one another or the isolation that many of us feel, we are better together.

This referendum and the support Darcness, the rest of administration and I have received has been truly humbling. We thank you for the opportunity and trust that has been placed in us as we set out to accomplish this vision in addition to the specific policies and goals developed during the campaign.

Yours truly,
President Rach aka Solorni

[Cormactopia Prime]

Congratulations to Europeia on working all of this out. Having known her for over five years, I think Europeia is lucky to have Rach as president during this difficult time. This initial speech was very good and I'm sure we'll be seeing even more good things in the months ahead.

[The Church of Satan]

I'm looking forward to seeing Europeia persevere and thrive as its community moves forward.

[Glen-Rhodes]

When President Rach’s posts offend others now, will she be President of Europeia, Queen of Balder, or just a lowly player?

(Ps, concentration of power in so few people is a big problem in Gameplay, partly responsible for the stagnation in activity and the acidity of relationships.)

[Derpsles]

When President Rach’s posts offend others now, will she be President of Europeia, Queen of Balder, or just a lowly player?

(Ps, concentration of power in so few people is a big problem in Gameplay, partly responsible for the stagnation in activity and the acidity of relationships.)

I imagine you have the same concerns about your own region's prime minister and MoFA, both of which hold positions of power elsewhere?

Congratulations on the victory, Rach, and good luck with your presidency!

[Oakrugia]

I'm thinking of a commonwealth..
But anyways, good luck to Rach! <3

[Unibot III]

I'm tempted to claim the Flag of the Week Project as intellectual property. (I kid! I kid! Don't eat me, you lot!) Here's wishing Rach all the best as President.

[King HEM]

I'm tempted to claim the Flag of the Week Project as intellectual property. (I kid! I kid! Don't eat me, you lot!) Here's wishing Rach all the best as President.

Random: But do you still have that photo of a figure with the Europeian flag? I think it was originally featured in an article mocking Europeia (perhaps in regards to the Grand Architecture Project)?

[Unibot III]

I'm tempted to claim the Flag of the Week Project as intellectual property. (I kid! I kid! Don't eat me, you lot!) Here's wishing Rach all the best as President.

Random: But do you still have that photo of a figure with the Europeian flag? I think it was originally featured in an article mocking Europeia (perhaps in regards to the Grand Architecture Project)?

There were a few images I made for TRT with Europeia in it.

I think you're referring to the last one...? One of the first editorial cartoons I did for NS... (I concede having no artistic talent and barely a sense of humour.)

[Ever-Wandering Souls]

When President Rach’s posts offend others now, will she be President of Europeia, Queen of Balder, or just a lowly player?

(Ps, concentration of power in so few people is a big problem in Gameplay, partly responsible for the stagnation in activity and the acidity of relationships.)

I imagine you have the same concerns about your own region's prime minister and MoFA, both of which hold positions of power elsewhere?

Congratulations on the victory, Rach, and good luck with your presidency!

I snorted hard. Definitely a bit of pot and kettle.

[King HEM]

Random: But do you still have that photo of a figure with the Europeian flag? I think it was originally featured in an article mocking Europeia (perhaps in regards to the Grand Architecture Project)?

There were a few images I made for TRT with Europeia in it.

I think you're referring to the last one...? One of the first editorial cartoons I did for NS... (I concede having no artistic talent and barely a sense of humour.)

It was the last one! I think I was also confused about a potential other image, but it wasn't yours.

[Ambrella]

Harassment and Off-Site Evidence in NationStates
TONIGHT, Saturday, November 18th
8pm EST
Host: Cpt.Carrot
Panel:
Astarial; Creator of the Harassment and Off-Site Evidence in NationStates Petition/Discussion
HEM; Founder and Chief Administrator of Europeia
Malashaan; Administrator of Europeia

http://mixlr.com/ebc-radio/

Tonight's EBC Radio broadcast is incredibly relevant and a great opportunity to continue the discussion on one of the greatest issues currently facing NationStates and its communities. The Mixlr platform allows for live chat during the broadcast, and everyone is welcome to participate.

[Reploid Productions]

A region's embassy thread in the Gameplay forum is not the appropriate venue for discussion of Moderation matters. As such a post originally made here has been relocated to the appropriate location.


~Evil Forum Empress Rep Prod the Ninja Admin
~She who wields the Banhammer; master of the mighty moderation no-dachi Kiritateru Teikoku

[Conservative Values]

A region's embassy thread in the Gameplay forum is not the appropriate venue for discussion of Moderation matters. As such a post originally made here has been relocated to the appropriate location.

(Image)
~Evil Forum Empress Rep Prod the Ninja Admin
~She who wields the Banhammer; master of the mighty moderation no-dachi Kiritateru Teikoku

You missed an e and a i Reppy.

This is Europa.

[Reploid Productions]

A region's embassy thread in the Gameplay forum is not the appropriate venue for discussion of Moderation matters. As such a post originally made here has been relocated to the appropriate location.

(Image)
~Evil Forum Empress Rep Prod the Ninja Admin
~She who wields the Banhammer; master of the mighty moderation no-dachi Kiritateru Teikoku

You missed an e and a i Reppy.

This is Europa.

Fuck, one moment. Fixed.

[Kylia Quilor]

You missed an e and a i Reppy.

This is Europa.

Fuck, one moment.

It's a diplomatic release from the Europeian government, Rep