Mediobogdum

*raises eyebrow*
Where?
Again, I'm not on Discord, so I don't know where this lengthy discussion occurred, because it certainly wasn't here or ingame.
You seem to have a different POV than those outside your circle. I think it would be wise to consider this.
Correct and agreed. It isn't an organic change, let's not pretend that it is.
As I mentioned before, if you set the poll on Native, you can only vote if you have more Influence in TWP than any other region. And if you set it on Large Nations, nations under 1 billion can't vote. IMO you can get a fairly secure ingame vote. But it seem everyone in NS doesn't realize this. 
But then, it's a pet peeve of mine of that many ignore ingame features in favor of offisite control.
 
Also agreed. What's the rush?
Let me follow up on my comments about having made theme changes in my time. I took the Delegacy of a TWP that had a brand new inactive forum, no formal government, no constitution/charter/whatever. I was starting from scratch.  That's not the case now. 
I am afraid my feeling is that this change is being ramrodded down the region's throat, with a couple days of comment substituting for discussion, debate, and input, where any alternative thoughts are dismissed when they were never considered in the first place.  Saint Mark seems overly defensive and apologetic, which doesn't inspire confidence in this plan of action.
Or in other words, this all seems poorly handled and poorly presented.
As I said, fourth impression:  My opinion doesn't matter. Sadly, regardless of the Delegate posting promises, I have little confidence in this change under these circumstances. 
Most of us are not in the Cabinet, and nowhere do I see evidence of this. You are defending yourself instead of promoting your position.....it feels strange and makes me wonder why you are so defensive.
How often does the Delegate/Cabinet/Guardians bring such issues before the region?
Isn't it true that controversy drives conflict which drives activity?
Isn't it shutting down this same activity by rushing to a conclusion?
*nods* A Delegate, Guardian, Minister should be servants of the region.
 
 

I agree that interest in the theme change has been more than for all other subjects that have come up for debate in recent times, which is great news.  The numbers still do not, in my opinion, come anywhere near to a mandate from the player community at large.  By denying them a say, even if it is an advisory one, seems to me to be overly restrictive and may result in feelings of having been ridden roughshod and ignored.
It is understood that much work has been done by yourself and the proponents of the shortlisted themes, and that by going to the populace may seem be be against your personal wishes/judgement.  However, I fail to see what the cogent argument(s) for not doing so is/are. Of course, the final path ahead is your's to chart, but if I were a player and knew that a theme change was in the offing I would love, nay expect, to be at least asked my views.  After all, without the players, what is the region's raison d'etre?
 

I can see absolutely no reason why we cannot present these options, plus others, to the TWP players as a Regional Poll.  It would give a much wider set of opinions and might even come up with some new options. In addition, it would make the players feel much more involved and that they 'own' what is happening. 
It is understood that there might be some attempts at rigging the vote by outside influences, but this issue can be easily sidestepped by clearly stating that we are only allowing nations who have been in the region prior to 1 Feb 2019, or maybe 1 Jan 2019, to vote and to make the poll as an advisory, but meaningful, one to the Delegate.  Sorting out the false 'claims' from the probable few hundred voters might be time consuming but still worth the effort.  Just out of interest, is it possible to delete a vote from the list by the poll originator so this might be another way of cleaning the pollsters out who are not eligible?
Suggest Options: Russia, China, Japan, Pirate, No Change, Other- state on rmb with case argued.  Options randomly placed in the selection list, of course!

I agree that interest in the theme change has been more than for all other subjects that have come up for debate in recent times, which is great news.  The numbers still do not, in my opinion, come anywhere near to a mandate from the player community at large.  By denying them a say, even if it is an advisory one, seems to me to be overly restrictive and may result in feelings of having been ridden roughshod and ignored.
It is understood that much work has been done by yourself and the proponents of the shortlisted themes, and that by going to the populace may seem be be against your personal wishes/judgement.  However, I fail to see what the cogent argument(s) for not doing so is/are. Of course, the final path ahead is your's to chart, but if I were a player and knew that a theme change was in the offing I would love, nay expect, to be at least asked my views.  After all, without the players, what is the region's raison d'etre?
 

I will always respect the Delegate's will, I'm just saying we should not pretend we are being fully open to the options. I'm ok with whatever result

I think that this is a real positive idea that will help the chosen theme gain legitimacy in the region.
I agree that it feels like we are rushing into this when legit discussion is/was still taking place.
I am increasingly unsettled that the only people allowed to vote on the regional theme are Hall of Nations members.
It doesn't seem representative of the region.

I can see absolutely no reason why we cannot present these options, plus others, to the TWP players as a Regional Poll.  It would give a much wider set of opinions and might even come up with some new options. In addition, it would make the players feel much more involved and that they 'own' what is happening. 
It is understood that there might be some attempts at rigging the vote by outside influences, but this issue can be easily sidestepped by clearly stating that we are only allowing nations who have been in the region prior to 1 Feb 2019, or maybe 1 Jan 2019, to vote and to make the poll as an advisory, but meaningful, one to the Delegate.  Sorting out the false 'claims' from the probable few hundred voters might be time consuming but still worth the effort.  Just out of interest, is it possible to delete a vote from the list by the poll originator so this might be another way of cleaning the pollsters out who are not eligible?
Suggest Options: Russia, China, Japan, Pirate, No Change, Other- state on rmb with case argued.  Options randomly placed in the selection list, of course!

From what I'm seeing, there's three main opinions: those in favor of one of the three presented themes, those in favor of a change, but not one of the themes presented, and those not in favor of a change. 
While it's Halo's perogative and I understand the reasoning, adding either a "Different Theme" and/or a "No Change" option would have soothed people's opinions and made them feel more included and valued. As we've seen here and other places, a community involved process doesn't mean all thousands of nations are involved, this thread alone has less than twenty different posters in it. Just because it may be a little more contentious and complicated doesn't make community involvement in decision making a bad idea.
Regardless of what happens, I have faith that Halo will make it work and we'll have a successful theme, even though the one that wins won't be everyone's first choice.

57 replies during a 5 day discussion between about 9 players is not "a discussion at lenght" nor a "most people"
 
You have the right to do this, lets just not pretend it is a public driven thing when it isn't. I am all for making clear what is clear. 
 
You are merely taking the opinion of a few in something you already decided to go with, but there isn't any real option. Let's not fool ourselves. 
 
I do wonder, if you are so sure "most people" supports this, why didnt you take it to an in game poll, make it official, and add the no change option
 
That would have been the fire test to your supposed massive support. 

Excellent question!
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The Mapplication™ Thread
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I must say this echoes what I mostly feel about it. I don't like gimmicks, as they are easy to derail and harder to maintain. We already have a laid back culture which is easy to go and learn, get used to, etc.

Furthermore, the themes proposes seem forced to me... Not natural or native... I'm not a fan.

I also vote for tradition tbh

Well, finally I have gone through the plethora of offerings from both threads.
My first thought is that as a region we need to do something to get new players actually involved rather than hovering around the edges before fluttering off to do their own thing. 
I have to say, however, that I am not a keen fan of any of the themes presented and agree with Fujai that a great option would be to extend the Pirate theme which does not clash with TWP's past history of being a non-RL themed region.  I have an abhorrence of lengthy titles for those in Ministries or positions of authority which smack of NGO titles, and believe we should keep titles short and sweet. 
Second, and I have a personal leaning towards Badger's thoughts of that... less is more... for the changes but would be perfectly happy for changes that the younger, and therefore the future senior players of TWP, would like to see.
P.S.  Suggest we combine this thread with A New Theme for The West Pacific

More old Graphics....I'll spoiler them to spare the thread.

 
 
 
 
 
 

One of the reasons TWPAF benefited from its pirate theme was because that theme is well suited to West Pacifican culture. I'm all for a rebranding of TWP, as I've made plenty clear before, but making something it other than TWP doesn't make any sense. There's no reason we should be taking things from RL cultures that aren't ours when we have a perfectly good one right here in TWP. The theme should reflect TWP, not the other way around.
One can say that a new theme won't affect our culture, except it undoubtedly will. If done correctly, all mentions of TWP in government, documentation, and conversation would include the new language, and of the active members it will please some, do nothing to others, and irritate others. New nations will feel its influence even more strongly, as they wouldn't know anything else. Not to mention, if a theme either doesn't change or doesn't reflect the culture, then what's the point? People could just ignore it and all of this effort and discussion would be for naught.
To that extent, I'm not in favor of any of the themes presented, and I think we have a lot more to gain from expanding TWPAF's pirate theme for the rest of the region. It's unique, easy to understand, and meshes well with TWP's culture. On the whole I prefer when things are discussed as a region and not presented to us after closed door discussions.
Were I forced to choose from the three, however, Kawaii's Shogunate Japan theme seemed the best. Being open ended and more in favor of a reskin as opposed to something larger makes it easier to adapt to our needs. Plus it includes the only flag of the bunch that was interesting to me.
Overall, a TWP theme is the best theme.

Anything that drives healthy activity is a good thing IMHO.  I see nothing wrong with an attempt to give the region a cultural theme and I applaud the creative work being done by the region's residents.
That said.  Can we get an option for an in-game theme that doesn't involve memorizing new titles, please?  Can the Delegate and Ministers still have titles that clearly state what they do?  the one thing that really irks me about the themed regions is the crazy titles everyone has.  I need a glossary to figure out who has what job in Osiris for example.  
 

A nice historical touch, Westwind!  I love it.

But...but.....Crimson!
 

New theme... *waits impatiently*

We are so sorry to lose you Neenee but, like many others who have risen to position of trying to make NS and TWP a better place to become involved in, RL often takes its toll.  We thank you for your tremendous service during your delegacy... it has been wonderful to have an 'old hand' at the helm and you have done much in your short time in office. 
Hail the Glitter Queen Neenee!
I have known Halo since the start of his NS 'career' and it has been great to see him go from strength to strength in his player development and, like you, have full faith in his ability to do the region justice. 
Hail Halo!

We are so sorry to lose you Neenee but, like many others who have risen to position of trying to make NS and TWP a better place to become involved in, RL often takes its toll.  We thank you for your tremendous service during your delegacy... it has been wonderful to have an 'old hand' at the helm and you have done much in your short time in office. 
Hail the Glitter Queen Neenee!
I have known Halo since the start of his NS 'career' and it has been great to see him go from strength to strength in his player development and, like you, have full faith in his ability to do the region justice. 
Hail Halo!

Greetings to my fellow TWP citizens, our allies and friends and the regions and nations of NS.
    I am honored that Neenee has chosen me to succeed her as Delegate of TWP. She, Badger and Davelands have been my mentors and best friends ever since I joined. I have always had their support and am grateful for their promise of continued support in my new role. While I am excited for this opportunity to lead my native region, I am also humbled by the thought of trying to build upon the accomplishments of the legendary Delegates that have preceded me. If Neenee hadn’t been couped by rl, her tenure in TWP would have been magnificent.
    While not completely without experience, I know that I am an infant compared to many of my peers here. The Holy Principality of Saint Mark was “born” in TWP a mere two and a half years ago. TWP has been my primary region, my home, ever since. During this time, I have represented TWP as an ambassador to several of our allies and was the principle author of The Etiquette of The Hall of Nations while I served as the first Speaker of The Hall. I was Minister of Foreign Affairs and am currently a Guardian and Minister for Recruiting and Citizenship.
   Maybe because of my early focus as an ambassador, I have been a bit of a cosmopolitan. Even though this may have competed with my TWP duties at times (sorry Badger ), it allowed me to make many friends throughout NS. I serve or have served as a Priest of Osiris, an Arbiter of TEP, Pyo Sage of Karma, a regional officer of The Sasquatch Republic and Archbishop of Albion.
    TWP is a friendly, active, snarky GCR that believes in the supremacy of the Delegate and awards merit. Neenee is our glittery goddess, all of our chocolate belongs to Dark and a pirate shanty stirs our blood. I have always found TWP to be a good fit for me. I consider myself friendly and imaginative … my snark could use work.
    NS is a game and games are meant to be entertainment. It is most important then that TWP be fun! I pledge to do my best to always make it so. I also pledge to do my best to make TWP a safe place to play. There are many minors among us and it is our responsibility to protect them. Even adults, though, deserve to be treated with respect. Bullying and intolerance will never be acceptable in TWP. Toxicity is why I rarely hang out in GP (although I guess I’ll be around a lot more now … maybe I can help set a gentler tone? ). I see no point in digging up old grudges or launching the same old personal attacks. I will always try to conduct myself with civility and kindness, and will expect the same behavior from the people of TWP. Finally, it is my opinion that, as a feeder, TWP should strive to educate the new players about the world they have entered. To that end, I will also try to improve the educational opportunities in our region.
  I have a lot of ideas that will help us achieve these goals, but TWP isn’t just the Delegate.  A very strong central government, be it an absolute delegacy or an oligarchy, can lead to stagnation. That is why it is crucial to award innovation and hard work. The region will flourish only if it enjoys the creativity, support and efforts of its residents. TWP has terrific people. I am honored to have been chosen to serve as its Delegate and look forward to working with my fellow citizens to realize our region’s full potential.
    Long Live Neenee! Long Live The West Pacific!   

Greatly enjoyed the Point & Counterpoint on the Supreme Court. 
As a British subject I was frankly appalled at the disgraceful treatment of Kavanaugh and the left's position that he was 'required' to prove his innocence rather than be permitted under democratic principles that he be innocent until proven guilty.  And, yes, I do understand that the hearing was not a court of law, but it's about as close as you can get without being one. 

Sun Tzu called it the 'Divine Manipulation of the Threads'.
When these five kinds of spy are all at work, no one can discover your secrets and systems. 

1. Local spies - services of local inhabitants
2. Inward spies - making use of officials of the enemy
3. Converted spies - using the enemies spies for your own purposes
4. Doomed spies - taking false information to the enemy 
5. Surviving spies - execute operations based on information gathered or situations created by other spies
 

Hmm...   I am not the best one to ask about this. TAO is the expert. It was TAO's puppet, Mr. Stick, who enlightened the NSverse about the evil Marsupials and roo-fur madness. I am uncertain if it began in TWP. But it was TWP that evangelized it and even used it's military in battles against marsupial scum. We even had a delegate (BBD) succumb to roo-fur oil and eucalyptus addiction and had to be removed from office after a month. 
TWP is firmly anti-marsupial.