F&NI General Help Thread

[Santheres]

Welcome to the Factbooks & National Information General Help Thread!

While there are numerous threads in F&NI (and elsewhere) dedicated to specific advice and consultation, the General Help Thread is for discussion, advice, and assistance relating to all manner of topics pertinent to the board. Want help designing your factbook (gameside or forumside)? Here's the place for it, especially if you want unique formatting tips and tricks. Got an idea for a survey or a questionnaire and need help expanding it? Here's the place. Need help on designing consular or embassy restrictions? Various players are more than willing to help.

All players are welcome to provide advice and assistance here; this is not a "Mentor-only" venue. Players, however, are expected to adhere to the rules and otherwise be courteous to others. If you are curious and would like help from a specific Mentor, however, you can find a listing here. If you have not done so, it is also recommended you give the F&NI Welcome Thread a quick visit; your question may already be answered there, or you may find a specific thread you are looking for in the section dedicated to help and resources.

Beyond this, remember the cardinal rule: Don't be a dick.

Have fun and good luck!

[Destructive Government Economic System]

I stumbled across your newly-made flag request thread here and I was wondering to myself: "Wait, there's a flag request thread in F&NI too now?"

After all, there's this one that exists, though it's not in the F&NI subforum, rather in Gameplay. People are likely gonna use this thread instead, so I'm sorta confused here: Will you merge it, move it, or formally designate it as the one official flag maker thread allowed?

[On a side note, the new stickies on here are looking much better than the previous ones. Must have taken you a good chunk of time to get all this stuff done. I reward you a lifetime supply of... what do demonic goats eat, I wonder??]

[Kyrusia]

I stumbled across your newly-made flag request thread here and I was wondering to myself: "Wait, there's a flag request thread in F&NI too now?"

After all, there's this one that exists, though it's not in the F&NI subforum, rather in Gameplay. People are likely gonna use this thread instead, so I'm sorta confused here: Will you merge it, move it, or formally designate it as the one official flag maker thread allowed?

[On a side note, the new stickies on here are looking much better than the previous ones. Must have taken you a good chunk of time to get all this stuff done. I reward you a lifetime supply of... what do demonic goats eat, I wonder??]

We're aware of the one in Gameplay. We're running with both for now, given many RPers, simply put, have missed the one in Gameplay, and many RPers do not think to look in Gameplay due to sub-cultural differences - especially considering the seal/logo and map threads are here.

In short: largely two different communities (Gameplay and R/D compared to the N&I RPers), two different, appropriate threads.

[Destructive Government Economic System]

I stumbled across your newly-made flag request thread here and I was wondering to myself: "Wait, there's a flag request thread in F&NI too now?"

After all, there's this one that exists, though it's not in the F&NI subforum, rather in Gameplay. People are likely gonna use this thread instead, so I'm sorta confused here: Will you merge it, move it, or formally designate it as the one official flag maker thread allowed?

[On a side note, the new stickies on here are looking much better than the previous ones. Must have taken you a good chunk of time to get all this stuff done. I reward you a lifetime supply of... what do demonic goats eat, I wonder??]

We're aware of the one in Gameplay. We're running with both for now, given many RPers, simply put, have missed the one in Gameplay, and many RPers do not think to look in Gameplay due to sub-cultural differences - especially considering the seal/logo and map threads are here.

In short: largely two different communities (Gameplay and R/D compared to the N&I RPers), two different, appropriate threads.

Ah, I get what you're saying. Thanks for the response.

[Yohannes]

I'll be the first to bite! While checking out the in-game Factbook dispatch features, I stumbled across "Drama" under "Account" (dispatches). "Military", "Trade" and "Sport" were quite straightforward, but what would go under "Drama"? For news articles detailing civil rights related things happening in your nation, which section would be the best/most appropriate for it? There is "Culture" and "Diplomacy", but I am unsure whether I should put it under "Culture" or not. Thank you!

Edit: Hmm actually, just created the in-game article under "Culture", but can always change later!

[Kyrusia]

I'll be the first to bite! While checking out the in-game Factbook dispatch features, I stumbled across "Drama" under "Account" (dispatches). "Military", "Trade" and "Sport" were quite straightforward, but what would go under "Drama"? For news articles detailing civil rights related things happening in your nation, which section would be the best/most appropriate for it? There is "Culture" and "Diplomacy", but I am unsure whether I should put it under "Culture" or not. Thank you!

It's my general assumption that "Drama," given it is listed under the "Account" heading, would include short stories or other (re-)tellings of dramatic events, incidents, or occurrences. Also have to remember that not all of the dispatches are specifically catered to RP; some may cater to other parts of the NS community, as well, and have been added for such reasons.

As for "civil rights" and the related, I'd suggest "Factbook" -> "Culture," "Legislation," or "Miscellaneous," depending on exactly what you're deciding to define. If it's to do with major shifts in civil rights policies or legislation, I'd go with "Legislation"; if it is to due with, say, endemic issues of bias or prejudice, "Culture." If it's specifically for news articles, I'd put it under "Account" -> "Culture" or "Bulletin" -> "News."

Really though, with gameside factbooks, you're not going to get a mechanically "wrong" spot; it just depends on how you want to view things. For quite some time now, given factbooks have a limit (25, if I remember correctly), I've been recommending folks just make a table of contents factbook then use dispatches.

[Yohannes]

Thanks Kyrusia!

[West Leas Oros]

Where would I go to find what I’d need to properly “complete” my factbooks? I have a lot of them, but am missing lots of information including maps, anthems/themes, and most images. Where do I find these sorts of things?

[Marcianus]

Right now I call myself a Constitutional Monarchy, however, unlike a Monarchy, the Monarchs power doesn't go to people from a bloodline. The "monarch" is elected by the people, like in a democracy. Basically, the leader is someone who acts like a royal leader, like a king or queen, but is really a president.

What should my nation be called?

[The South Falls]

Electorate? I mean, you elect the monarchy, and the ruler is the Elector, right? Is that the title?

[Destructive Government Economic System]

Right now I call myself a Constitutional Monarchy, however, unlike a Monarchy, the Monarchs power doesn't go to people from a bloodline. The "monarch" is elected by the people, like in a democracy. Basically, the leader is someone who acts like a royal leader, like a king or queen, but is really a president.

What should my nation be called?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elective_monarchy

[Kyrusia]

Where would I go to find what I’d need to properly “complete” my factbooks? I have a lot of them, but am missing lots of information including maps, anthems/themes, and most images. Where do I find these sorts of things?

My number one recommendation would be not to "find" them, but to make them. I have a general hobby of making flags, maps, and other graphics; I like to think I'm pretty good at it at this point in time, but I didn't start out that way. My first examples were... pretty sub-par. Probably worse than sub-par, in fact. I seem to remember a lot of my older work, frankly, as being quite shitty. But I kept practicing, and I kept making them, even if they were beneath what I personally wanted at any one time.

My recommendation would be not to find them, but to make them. There are a variety of free programs which you can use in graphic design, from MS Paint (Don't knock it; I've seen a lot of expert work made in Paint over the years.), Paint.NET, GIMP, and Inkscape. All of these are free to download and use, and all of them work on a variety of platforms, as far as I am aware.

Beyond this, you could consider dropping by one of the art request threads for maps, flags, etc.; WikiMedia Commons also has a deluge of public domain images you might find of use. We also have at least one guide on map making, and another on 3D modeling with the free program DoGA that you might find of use.

[West Leas Oros]

Where would I go to find what I’d need to properly “complete” my factbooks? I have a lot of them, but am missing lots of information including maps, anthems/themes, and most images. Where do I find these sorts of things?

My number one recommendation would be not to "find" them, but to make them. I have a general hobby of making flags, maps, and other graphics; I like to think I'm pretty good at it at this point in time, but I didn't start out that way. My first examples were... pretty sub-par. Probably worse than sub-par, in fact. I seem to remember a lot of my older work, frankly, as being quite shitty. But I kept practicing, and I kept making them, even if they were beneath what I personally wanted at any one time.

My recommendation would be not to find them, but to make them. There are a variety of free programs which you can use in graphic design, from MS Paint (Don't knock it; I've seen a lot of expert work made in Paint over the years.), Paint.NET, GIMP, and Inkscape. All of these are free to download and use, and all of them work on a variety of platforms, as far as I am aware.

Beyond this, you could consider dropping by one of the art request threads for maps, flags, etc.; WikiMedia Commons also has a deluge of public domain images you might find of use. We also have at least one guide on map making, and another on 3D modeling with the free program DoGA that you might find of use.

Thanks. My factbooks are in dire need of content.

[Estado Novo Portugues]

I have updated my Manners & Etiquette survey to have a more detailed OP that promotes discussion. But can the intro text be an IC post, instead of an OOC description? My thread opens with a letter from my nation's leader.

Lisboa 9. 6. 2018

Dear nations,

it is often said that "manners maketh man" – chivalry is what sets humans apart from other animals. All civilisations have laws to prevent society from breaking down, but they can't possibly cover every potential scenario. So cultures also have unwritten codes for interactions between their members. Just like traffic rules are necessary to keep a smooth flow, manners and etiquette are a must unless you want a dog-eat-dog world. Or more like "man-eat-man".

How much do manners and etiquette matter in your nation? Are politeness and social protocol held sacred, or do your people not care? Somewhere in between?

By responding to this open survey, you will contribute to humanity by parting the clouds of ignorance and uniting the world's flock under the light of our Creator. Please feel free to deviate from the format of the questionnaire if there are additional peculiarities from your nation's culture, that you feel are important to be aware of.

May peace be upon you,

Afonso Salazar
Prime Minister of the Ecclesiastical State

[Kyrusia]

I have updated my Manners & Etiquette survey to have a more detailed OP that promotes discussion. But can the intro text be an IC post, instead of an OOC description? My thread opens with a letter from my nation's leader.

Lisboa 9. 6. 2018

Dear nations,

it is often said that "manners maketh man" – chivalry is what sets humans apart from other animals. All civilisations have laws to prevent society from breaking down, but they can't possibly cover every potential scenario. So cultures also have unwritten codes for interactions between their members. Just like traffic rules are necessary to keep a smooth flow, manners and etiquette are a must unless you want a dog-eat-dog world. Or more like "man-eat-man".

How much do manners and etiquette matter in your nation? Are politeness and social protocol held sacred, or do your people not care? Somewhere in between?

By responding to this open survey, you will contribute to humanity by parting the clouds of ignorance and uniting the world's flock under the light of our Creator. Please feel free to deviate from the format of the questionnaire if there are additional peculiarities from your nation's culture, that you feel are important to be aware of.

May peace be upon you,

Afonso Salazar
Prime Minister of the Ecclesiastical State

IC is perfectly fine. Strictly speaking, as the board description states, this is an IC board.

[Estado Novo Portugues]

I have updated my Manners & Etiquette survey to have a more detailed OP that promotes discussion. But can the intro text be an IC post, instead of an OOC description? My thread opens with a letter from my nation's leader.

Lisboa 9. 6. 2018

Dear nations,

it is often said that "manners maketh man" – chivalry is what sets humans apart from other animals. All civilisations have laws to prevent society from breaking down, but they can't possibly cover every potential scenario. So cultures also have unwritten codes for interactions between their members. Just like traffic rules are necessary to keep a smooth flow, manners and etiquette are a must unless you want a dog-eat-dog world. Or more like "man-eat-man".

How much do manners and etiquette matter in your nation? Are politeness and social protocol held sacred, or do your people not care? Somewhere in between?

By responding to this open survey, you will contribute to humanity by parting the clouds of ignorance and uniting the world's flock under the light of our Creator. Please feel free to deviate from the format of the questionnaire if there are additional peculiarities from your nation's culture, that you feel are important to be aware of.

May peace be upon you,

Afonso Salazar
Prime Minister of the Ecclesiastical State

IC is perfectly fine. Strictly speaking, as the board description states, this is an IC board.

Thanks!

[Kyneland]

Hi!

Where could I find a good political parties factbook template?

[Vallermoore]

I don't know if it is ok so I will ask it here. Better that then doing it without warning and getting in trouble. Could I put a military ranks thread in the Factbooks and National Information board for people to list their military ranks?

[Kyrusia]

I don't know if it is ok so I will ask it here. Better that then doing it without warning and getting in trouble. Could I put a military ranks thread in the Factbooks and National Information board for people to list their military ranks?

You've already started a discussion on precisely that; if your OP were to be of similar composition, your best bet is just carrying on the current listing right where it is. If you wanted to expand upon the OP and purpose beside just "list your military ranks" (something that would be more at home in a factbook to begin with), then sure, but if it's just that, I'd say your question is fine right where it is.

[-United Republic of Freedonia]

There's any list of usable fonts?

[Kyrusia]

There's any list of usable fonts?

Presumably you mean for gameside? No. What fonts are visible will be based upon what fonts you have downloaded on your computer and what others have downloaded on theirs. If neither of you have the font, it'll appear as whatever the default font is set for the site on dispatches. Here's a list of fonts included with Windows OS; while not everyone will be using Windows (they may be using an Apple OS, Android, a Linux distribution, etc.), using fonts on this list is likely a safe bet that most people will have them.

[-United Republic of Freedonia]

There's any list of usable fonts?

Presumably you mean for gameside? No. What fonts are visible will be based upon what fonts you have downloaded on your computer and what others have downloaded on theirs. If neither of you have the font, it'll appear as whatever the default font is set for the site on dispatches. Here's a list of fonts included with Windows OS; while not everyone will be using Windows (they may be using an Apple OS, Android, a Linux distribution, etc.), using fonts on this list is likely a safe bet that most people will have them.

Ah, i though that gameside factbooks only allowed some fonts. Thanks for the heads up.

[Arthropol]

Hi!

Where could I find a good political parties factbook template?

I don't have a political party template, but if you want, feel free to copy my formatting.
https://www.nationstates.net/page=dispatch/id=864332
Scroll to the bottom and click "raw", where you can copy the raw code and edit it to your heart's content.

[Mangahhan Super Region]

Does the FNI Forum can be used for asking other players on how to help in RP Problems (I.e help on making anthems,making a better OP and others?

[Kyrusia]

Does the FNI Forum can be used for asking other players on how to help in RP Problems (I.e help on making anthems,making a better OP and others?

This thread and the variety of other resources can be, certainly. Errant help threads will be merged either here or to one of the aforementioned resources, where it is more likely to be seen and responded to.