How do you keep NationStates interesting?

[Reploid Productions]

I have created so many different nations, each with different scenarios which I've played out for a bit but then gotten bored of, given up on the game for a while, and then coming back with a new idea for a nation.

This time though I've had enough of this stop go cycle of nation building and now I want to stick with the one I've got. All I really do on the game is answer issues, simulate elections and update my nation's factbook in a Wikipedia-esque style. What can I do to make my NS experience more interesting and longer-lasting?

[KindaFreeXP]

I have created so many different nations, each with different scenarios which I've played out for a bit but then gotten bored of, given up on the game for a while, and then coming back with a new idea for a nation.

This time though I've had enough of this stop go cycle of nation building and now I want to stick with the one I've got. All I really do on the game is answer issues, simulate elections and update my nation's factbook in a Wikipedia-esque style. What can I do to make my NS experience more interesting and longer-lasting?

There's a whole bunch of roleplaying threads in the forums where you can interact with other nations. Whether that's joining a war, engaging in diplomacy, sending athletes to compete in tournaments, or literally anything else you can think of. Heck, there's a bunch of non-Nation RP here as well if you're into that. And if it doesn't exist, you can start a thread for it and get it going!

Truth be told, I was in the same cycle you were until I started joining RP's. It took me a while to come around to it, since I am a bit of an introvert, but it really is a lot of fun. Now I've been able to narrow myself down to a small handful of nations that I RP with regularly to semi-regularly.

There are other things as well, such as raiding and defending regions, discussing politics/current events, and playing forum games, but I'd say the RP is the best activity to engage in involving your nation.

If you have trouble finding something you want to join let me know and I'll be more than happy to take a peek around the forums to see if I can find what you're after!

[Luziyca]

The forums honestly were what kept me on this site and helped break me free of that cycle (to an extent). While many nation concepts I have did not last long, especially early on, I have stayed on because I've engaged myself in debate on NSG, RPs in II and the NationStates forums, and because I developed a sense of belonging with my regionmates (many of whom I knew in my previous region) and with other communities.

[Aerlanica]

Well, I'm in a pretty cool Region called the Cape of Good Hope. We do RP's and just chat and be crazy. But the main selling point is our casual RP's.

Honestly, so long as you can make it fun for everyone and don't make Mary Sue things, Hijack other people's nations and the like, it's fun for everyone. Right now there's an RP going on where an Underwater city is being researched, while a space war is going on between an ancient Empire and a coalition of other nations.

You can also use your Puppets to, but they stay in the Dreams of Good Hope; the place where we do the RP's.

Region RP's are especially fun IMHO, but I haven't really done any forum RP's.

[The Church of Satan]

Plus a lot of regions hold festivals, contests, you can try getting involved in running regional governments, write for a region's newspaper (or start one yourself). You can search around for a region that suits you and dive right into its community's activities. There's still a lot to do if you look for it.

[The Hazar Amisnery]

I just run my region and do forum stuff like this. This is the only good browser game.

[Jinwoy]

Maybe try a creative outlet, like flag making/map making for people. There's lots of ways to express the full color of the nations you create, because NS itself is so open with the interpretation of what your nation is.

Obviously getting more involvement in the community definitely helps. Maybe talk around? Join the community threads? Make some gaming/DC friends?
Of course, with any hobby (and I am using the term loosely here, don't look at me like that) there is a time sacrifice. If you do choose to get more involved with the community, RP aspect, etc., then great! But remember that you'll be using that time at the expense of another activity, maybe one more important.

If you find yourself getting bored with NS, then no issue (heh) either - find something else to do. Maybe, some sort of political activity; anything from amateur journalism to non-violent protest and everything in-between. If you find yourself genuinely returning to NS to play around for a while, maybe take a note of the aspects you like that keep you returning. It'll help you stay a little more consistent.

Whatever you do, goodluck with it!

[Deacarsia]

In addition to participating in the game itself, I spend time developing my nation further and making it more detailed. I also made friendly connections with other players on the site, including socializing on on-site and off-site platforms. It really is up to you to make it interesting for yourself.

[Warzone Codger]

NS got a lot more interesting for me but I accepted that it is not about fun.

It is interesting when I treat it as part of my life and it is about pushing though whether it is fun or boring or whatever.

[Wille-Harlia]

I keep things interesting by participating in regional government/events.

[The Dodo Republic]

My region probably

[The Blaatschapen]

Mostly by crushing my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentations of the trolls!

I might have watched Conan the Baarbaarian last night.

[Queen Yuno]

you just look around and see what's out there.

I made some cool friends from this game.

[Grenartia]

This time though I've had enough of this stop go cycle of nation building and now I want to stick with the one I've got.

*sees that the OP got DEATed*

Well, this post certainly aged like milk.

[Sedgistan]

The OP was an adspammer, but the thread was left open as there was some decent discussion emerging.

[Caedmare]

Well thank you for the hard work mods.

I was going to post a small recruitment of my region, but it seems that's out the door.

For anyone left that is interested in a well rounded, active and realist roleplay, please visit my regio

[Jazksrkeal]

The OP was an adspammer, but the thread was left open as there was some decent discussion emerging.

Who are you to pass judgement on how they made NS interesting for themselves!