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Vote Joe Bobs; For Delegate
Topic Started: Apr 3 2006, 09:21 AM (1,375 Views)
Joe Bobs
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Former Delegate of Q102
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Well, erm, I left my speech at home! Sorry, but I'll post it up as soon as I can. I'll be sending round a PM/TG, so I'll post that up and it can do for now:

Quote:
 
Hi there.

As you’re probably aware, the time has come for delegate elections in Q102. these elections are slightly different to the usual, as the Delegate will lead a Coalition government, rather than a government selected from their own party. With this in mind, remember that you are not voting for the party, but for the candidate.

That said, why vote Joe Bobs? Well, no member of the forums has been more active than me in the last few months. I currently hold two ambassador to positions (to the GRA and Europa), I have a seat as judge in the High Court, and have led the United Opposition Party to their strongest position. I am experienced in the world of NationStates, both within Q102 and internationally. I have pioneered schemes and suggested new ideas, such as the Q102 Monthly Awards, passworded party forums, and votes for ambassadors. These have met different levels of success, as I have always regarded the consensus of the people of Q102 above all else.

If elected, I plan to bring back the UN resolution poll, introduce a second Councillorship for the Department of Immigration and Officials (in a bid to halt the declining numbers of the region) and introduce a Q102 University. I also feel that rather than just recruit new members, we should care for newcomers to the region and offer as much support as possible. Also to continue the initiative of telegramming departed nations to discover why they left.

So, when you cast your vote, vote for a candidate with experience, intelligence and commitment. Vote Joe Bobs.
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Pacifist_Cowards
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Do we really want a man this disorganised for delegate? How are we supposed to trust him to organise the affairs of this region, when he can't even organise his own election campaign?
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Joe Bobs
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See, I typed up a manifesto speech on a computer that I can't access until tomorrow, which was a mistake.

However, I've organised all the Q102 Monthly Awards, which counts for something.

Until I can get into said computer (which I sincerely apologise for), does anyone have any questions?
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Nevareion
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Bringing fabulousness closer

Question 1:
Why do you want to make another Councillor when we struggle to find enough for the posts already present and when the Councillors are all allowed to appoint Ministers to help them carry out tasks.
Question 2:
You make a big thing about ideas, speaking of three, (two of which were not accepted) but you mention no ideas for your delegateship should you be elected. What is your manifesto?
Qusetion 3:
What would a universty do? Would it not become yet another section that is underused and still? Would it not be better to make recruitment the sole and almost only focus of the next administration? Last summer we numbered around 180 nations, and now? Is that not the most pressing issue?
Thanks in advance for any answers :)
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Joe Bobs
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1) I feel that the position of Councillor adds a sense of responsibility to the role. Rather than just "helping out," one is acually responsible for an entire department. The I&O department is pretty big anyway, and two councillors could share the workload and take joint responsibility for recruiting. If everyone can be active, then my Councillor list is filled. If anyone drops out, it may mean losing a ministerial position. However, I am the only candidate that has even proposed ministers.

2) I think you'll find I do talk of initiatives should I be elected, in the third paragraph. I'll be posting a manifesto in about four or five hours when I can get to the computer with it on. I have already apologised for this.

3) I do think we should focus on recruitment, and that is my primary concern. However, we need to be able to offer reasons for people to stay. We've had many nations join then leave. If we had more institutions for people to become involved in, maybe more would stay. Surely everyone would love an opportunity to teach others of their favourite subject? If we can offer newcomers the opportunity to lecture others on something they excel in, it is an incentive to stay. I feel it could become a very active area of the forums.

To address the problem of declining numbers, I think there are a multitude of issues that affect the decline, and we cannot isolate one. There is a general decline in NS numbers, plus the fact that many nations are just dying off as the players have lost interest. These are uncontrollable factors. However, we can control 1) high levels of recruitment, which needs to be carried out by everyone. 2) offering what newcomers want. It seems many are interested in the RP side of things. Maybe offering other levels of RP (modern, future and fantasy) would help us keep more newcomers.

edit: And thankyou for the questions Nev.
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Republic of Aaronyne
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Joe Bobs
Apr 4 2006, 06:21 PM
However, I am the only candidate that has even proposed ministers.

the councillor of each department appoints ministers to their department as assistants to that department. it is not up to the delegate to appoint ministers to each department as some departments may not need a minister.
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Joe Bobs
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I believe the delegate may appoint Ministers if he/she wishes, or Councillors may appoint them (see Constitution).

RoA, sorry for that comment, as it does border on negative campaigning, which I planned to avoid completely, as I wouldn't want this to cause any friction betwixt us. I only felt I had to include it as otherwise the point I was making lacked strength in regards to Nev's question.
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Joe Bobs
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Quote:
 
Friends, citizens of Q102. I considered opening this by recounting how I came to Q102, but then I realised; this election is about looking to the future, not the past. Neither candidate has held delegacy before. Neither are from the early days of Q102, but both have truly embraced the region and become central members.

  Personally, I am active across the boards, and one would struggle to find a forum that I haven’t posted in. However, I’m sure you’re all aware of my activity. What some may not be aware of is my contribution of ideas. In just the last few weeks, I introduced the ideas of password controlled forums (not so popular in the end, but at least the idea was voiced), the possibilty of ambassador votes, the Q102 Monthly Awards, and the League of Nations, to solve the problem of how Role Play issues should be handled in politics (although the contributions of Nevareion and Zakaroo should not go unmentioned here).

  In recent times, my dedication to the region came under question, due to running for Congress in the Global Right Alliance. To ensure my ability to perform as delegate, and to show my dedication to Q102, I withdrew from the race, in which I was a dead cert to win. I do not regret this. I know I made the right choice.

  Many of you will have gotten to know me via my popular RP, the Civil War in Joe Bobs. It was via this that many of you became my friends, not just fellow inhabitants of the region. If elected, I aim to increase RP activity, as this seems to be an area particularly popular with new NS players, and could be the deciding factor for a player to stick with Q102.

  One criticism that could stand against myself is the question of recruitment, which I have not been greatly involved in until very recently. However, I have made every effort to make up for my delayed involvement and have been heavily recruiting. I will continue this regardless of the election’s outcome.

  Turning to policy; if elected, I plan to lead the Coalition government with a great emphasis on recruitment. One tactic employed will be telegramming all new nations encouraging them to join the forums. Also, telegramming any departing nations (except puppets of course) to ask why they left, to try and discover the root of the problem. I will also create (only with the backing of a poll and the Council) a second Councillorship in the Immigration and Official’s role. The job is a large one that will require even greater efforts in the coming months. Sharing this between two Councillors could help bring in new ideas and allow the work load to be shared.

  If elected, I shall bring back the UN voting threads, which have been absent from our forums for some time. I plan to vote on as many Resolutions as possible, and will only vote the opinion of the region. I believe this is an essential element of delegacy.

  I also believe in preserving the neutrality of Q102, as regards the invader/defender conflict and any other conflicts. I do not wish to destroy the alliances we have with The Exodus or Lazarus, but I will refrain from engaging in future alliances or creating enemies. Q102 is internationally recognised as “the friendly region.” This is our niche. This is what will attract new nations to us. Not military might and renown amongst the large invader/defender regions, where mid-sized regions such as ourselves are commonplace. If we are to preserve individuality, we must preserve neutrality.

  I also propose an ambassador activity check, as I have become aware that many ambassadors are inactive. They must be replaced if we are to gain fame and renown internationally.

I’d also like to propose a Q102 University. This would be split into two sections: an RP side where national and regional history can be taught, and an RL side where Q102 members can teach and learn on subjects that interest them. For example, I personally could lecture on Philosophy, Literature, or Language. I’m sure many other members have subjects they’d love to lecture on, and I’m sure many would love to learn.

  In my Councillor list, I have aimed to place people in roles they are best suited to. I would also like to formalise the role of ministers more and have them become active in their roles.

  There are two important questions to ask of any delegacy candidate: what will you offer us, and what do you want from us? So far I have only answered the former. As for the latter, I ask of you, Q102 citizens, only for activity, recruitment, but mainly enthusiasm. Be enthusiastic about Q102. spread the word of its greatness to newcomers and to other regions. Be as active on the forums as your circumstances allow, and contribute as much as you can, especially in recruitment, considering the present situation.

  To conclude, vote Joe Bobs for an active, intelligent and committed Delegate.


There you go Nev, as promised.

edit: grammar
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Zakaroo
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thanks JB for that manefesto. I will be asking questions later and commenting on what you have said but I have to go now so....sorry. However I just wanted to acknowledge I had read it ;)
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Republic of Aaronyne
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JB. i hope you don't take this as negativity but i do believe TGing departing citizens is harrasment in a way. How do you plan to do this in a non-harrassing way?
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Joe Bobs
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Firstly, the TG should be worded politely and should make it clear that its sole purpose is to discover reasoning, not to pressure a nation into returning. Also, only one TG should be sent. If the nation does not reply, we just have to let it go. I think this is reasonable and fair.
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Nevareion
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Bringing fabulousness closer

Thanks for answering and congratulations on posting a manifesto :)

A point:
The Delegate may appoint Ministers for his/her department only, as can each of the Councillors. It does not say that the Delegate may appoint Ministers anywhere:
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All Councillors may appoint a Minister or Ministers to assist them.


I feel you have not really answered my question about why add a Councillor. If someone is not prepared to take a Ministership seriously (as others have in the past, such as Leinster) why would they take the more important role of Councillor more seriously?

Why do you need a University? Anyone could use the Culture forum to hold lectures, I even tried to start one, but no one seems very interested so how would it help?

Why will you cut off the possibility of new alliances when such things are a recognised way of increasing membership and activity accross the NS world?
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Joe Bobs
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Thankyou Nev

1) Firstly, the role of a Councillor is clearly defined in the Constitution, whereas minsterial roles are not legislated as clearly. It is very clear if a Councillor is not performing their duites, and can therefore be replaced; this is not as simple with a minister. So a Councillor should have more responsibility and dedication to their job. At a time when recruitment is vital to the region's survival, an extra I&O Councillor can perform the requirements more effectively and with more dedication than a minister.

2) A University will formalise this and give a forum in which these lectures can be hosted. Many may not have considered the opportunity to give lectures, and the mere presence of a University spark new ideas.

3) Alliances can also drag us into wars that expose the region to new dangers. I would encourage building diplomatic relations with regions and forming new embassies, and I believe this will be enough to boost activity without exposing the region to dangers which alliances bring.
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Zakaroo
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OK here are my questions regarding your pledges.

1. OK my first point is about what you said re. ambassadors. I wish to make clear that if the I&0 councillor, combines with forgein are doing their job properly, then this shouldnt even be a issue. You will see I was very hot on this and I still hit brick walls. My question to you is how will you try to convince people to become, and to remain active ambassadors. As we have several embassies, and very few active ambassadors. How will you maintain this?


2. Regarding recruitment-another one of my interests, how do you propose to encourage people to recruit? yes councillors are meant to do this, but what will you do if they dont, and how will you encourage the citizens of Q102 to recruit also?

3. My final question regards RP, I notice that a you are heavily involved in this area, and that you have said how you plan to concentrate your efforts in creating new RP's etc. however 1. what will you do to encourage those who dont like RP's to be active around the forums i.e. what other activities might you propose? and 2. the RP forum is still very active, why concerntrate there when you have so many other forums i.e that nature reserve which is extremly quiet?

Thanks in advance for your answers ;)
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Joe Bobs
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1. I propose an ambassador activity check thread, where ambassadors will have to post to show they are active (or give a reason prior to this in the absences thread). Ambassadors that remain inactive for a period of time will be given a warning and then removed, and replaced by someone else. If no one else offers themselves, I'll personalyl muck in and do it.

2. I must concede RoA's ladder idea is an excellent one, and one that should be sonsidered regardless of who wins. However, I have also considered the idea of assigning days for recruiting given to each Councillor. Other Q102ers will be encouraged to do their part too.

3. The RP forum is quite active, but other regions have far more active ones, and RP does a lot to attract new members. For those that aren't interested in RP, (as stated on the RMB) the University may be attractive, as this will have an RP side where players may give histories etc of their nations. Those that dislike RP can give lectures on RL subjects. There are also the ever popular areas of Real World and Rants and Spam Games, plus Politics etc.
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