Osiris Fraternal Order

Most of you know me. For those who don’t; I’ve been in Osiris, with a two year hiatus for medical reasons, from a week or two after its creation as a Sinker. I was a regular government member of the Republic, and I’ve been the Security/Citizen Vizier since our current government was installed post-Whale. I’ve been in almost every conceivable position within Nationstates, from citizen to Delegate/Head-of-Government. When it comes to experience: I’ve been there, and done that.

That was the past, and this election is about the future. The Chief Vizier must be resolute, confident and dedicated to steering Osiris through these troubled times.

So, do I have what it takes?

Yes, I do.

I run a tight ship. The viziers I chose will have a unified vision of the future, one that we will work out with the Pharaoh, so we’re all on the same page and waving the same flags. A government should present a solid face to the world. I book no bullshite, but I am fair. That said, I’m not a dictator, and I like to find fit people who can operate with autonomy and don’t require micro-management. I always welcome suggestions, criticism, and open questions about the region’s future and political direction. Questions and ‘what if!’ scenarios, along with a diverse and activity citizenry, are what make a region strong.

As Chief Vizier, I would work tirelessly to bring the region and government back together as a solid, unified whole. I would cut the number of viziers down and institute a vice-vizier style position, so that the government isn’t so top-heavy. Right now, we have a whole lotta chiefs, and not so many indians.

Of course, our dwindling citizen base is probably our biggest issue - and has been for quite some time. This is an NS-wide problem, exasperated by the fact that we don’t get new nations. We, as a region, have already started advertising to a wider base of new players. I aim to continue this move by buying stamps myself, and setting up a system for anyone else who wants to join in. It’s a sad statement on the game that money is now required, but the region of Osiris is being trolled by advertisers. We must, unfortunately, do the same in order to hold our own.

I would also like to see the region have a larger footprint in other areas. Skype, as our only chat medium, has made us inclusive; we no longer have much contact with other regions. I would offer incentives for people to hang out more on the General forum, and the IRC chat. There is always the possibility that we will draw one or two people to our halls through exposure... and every person we get is a victory.

Having a stable and/or growing citizen base will solve a lot of our current problems for us. If our citizen base continues to shrink, however, I will open up discussions to the region at large for new ideas on how to proceed. That will be a decision for the legislature, I believe, I’m not vain enough to think that the Chief Vizier can shoulder everything and expect to get results.

I believe that the new government we have has promise, it’s up to you to chose the person who will guide the region to a new level of greatness. If you vote for me, you will be voting for stability and far-reaching vision, with a steady hand and experience in managing governments of all sizes and alignments. I have the skills, I have the dedication... you have the choice.

We are The Osiris Fraternal Order, and we will not fail.

Questions welcome! (Hint, Admins - we need a feline/cat emoticon)
~B

You can check my signature for my history and current disclosure.

Some questions I'll be asking all candidates unless they've already addressed them in their platforms:

1. We have a rough time getting in-game residents onto the forum. As Chief Vizier, what kind of plans would you want to implement to address that? Are there other ways besides recruiting our own in-game population you would like to draw in people?

2. How do you see the relationship between the Pharaoh and the Chief Vizier? And the relationship between the Chief Vizier and the Council of Viziers?

3. What do you see as the most pressing foreign affairs issue to be addressed during your term, if you're elected Chief Vizier?

4. You log in and you're told that there has been a coup perpetrated by Grand Central in The East Pacific, but also that The Land of Kings and Emperors has abruptly gone founderless and been invaded by the Grey Wardens. How do you respond to this situation?

5. You log in on a different day and you're told The Rejected Realms has been invaded by The Land of Kings and Emperors. What does Osiris do under your direction?

That's all for now. I might come up with more. Best of luck in your campaign!

Some questions I'll be asking all candidates unless they've already addressed them in their platforms:

1. We have a rough time getting in-game residents onto the forum. As Chief Vizier, what kind of plans would you want to implement to address that? Are there other ways besides recruiting our own in-game population you would like to draw in people?

As I said in the platform: Stamp telegramming and a spread of communication from places other than Skype (IRC and General). I wouldn't say no to a festival of some sort either, though they're usually not that popular.


2. How do you see the relationship between the Pharaoh and the Chief Vizier? And the relationship between the Chief Vizier and the Council of Viziers?

The relationship between Pharaoh and Chief has to be close, and stable, or the region will pretty much grind to a halt. Given most power is in the Pharaoh's hands, especially.

The Council exists to handle day-to-day operations, the Chief is there to make sure all the jobs get done and be the spokesman. The Chief points out special projects and gathers the necessary manpower to get them done, as needed. I intend to chose a mix of people for the council, those I know and those I don't. I can't release a list right now, as I haven't actually asked anyone. When the viziers are chosen, if they're not doing their job, I have no fear of replacing them. I don't think that will be an issue though, we have a lot of qualified people who aren't afraid to speak up when necessary.


3. What do you see as the most pressing foreign affairs issue to be addressed during your term, if you're elected Chief Vizier?

Frankly, our biggest concern lately has been the rising number of 'harassment' claims being made. Such claims are now in-vogue as a way to get back at one's political enemies. So, I suspect our FA department will be busy shaking fact from fiction as we get more and more requests to block/ban people and organizations from Osiris operations.

I think I'd like to set a solid line as to what constitutes 'proof' for said issues. And set up a very specific set of rules as to what we do, and don't, consider acceptable. That should make working and/or allying with other groups easier. Our internal policy is rather simple- board TOS.


4. You log in and you're told that there has been a coup perpetrated by Grand Central in The East Pacific, but also that The Land of Kings and Emperors has abruptly gone founderless and been invaded by the Grey Wardens. How do you respond to this situation?

Has anyone ever told you that you're a dick, Cormac?

This one would really depend on the relative situation. At this moment, we have a small military and GC is on our shite list. Of course, we have treaties with both LKE and TEP, but you've just described a near apocalyptic event in which our forces would be split. And, either (much less both) would require a cooperative effort with allies and other NS armies.

Unless LKE can be quickly retaken, I'd be focusing on TEP. I rather doubt that a defender group would let go of LKE anytime soon after grabbing it, so any plans we have for them would be on hold until a liberation proposal went through. Taking TEP, however, would be a bloody mess. The last time Osiris really got into such an operation, it took over a month of regular updates. I was on the strategic council for that liberation, so I obviously have the patience for it.



5. You log in on a different day and you're told The Rejected Realms has been invaded by The Land of Kings and Emperors. What does Osiris do under your direction?

Pop popcorn and pour beer. We have a non aggression pact with TRR, we couldn't join in. Given the LKE treaty, it'd be impolitic to defend TRR, too.

...I suppose we could also sell flags on the side for both parties, the cash could be useful for stamps.

~B

Edit: Clarification.

What is your position on Lazarus?

What is your position on recruitment among GCRs?

Lazarus: I'm not too fond of them for sticking their noses in our collective business post AJW. However, I was also just coming back at the time, so my level of investment in irritation is small. Thus, I wouldn't be against hammering out some sort of deal with them - assuming they will respect our sovereignty. I'm big on 'our business is our business'.

Recruitment in GCRs: All for it, absolutely. The Feeders especially.
I'm not completely up on the coding for scripts in the game, but I'm fairly sure that we can't target (or untarget specific regions.) We're cool with TEP right now, and THAT region would be my only concern, since we have a treaty with them. If it causes problems in the future, we can work out something with them that gets us both new blood.

The rest of the feeders and GCRs are not a concern for me. We're being targeted for recruitment, and we can target others - that's the nature of a game. We're a sinker, so if we don't advertise, we're at a natural disadvantage.

~B

I just had a talk with Cormac about this whole subject, and together we came up with the bare bones of an idea for a general Summit for all the GCRs, to lay down ground rules for recruitment in the regions. Those regions that don't play along (or even join the summit) become recruitment bait - no one region will be allowed to scuttle the Summit.

I think I will add that to my FA agenda for discussion and viability. It has potential, since we're now in the mass recruitment game.

~B

To say that I'm a little curious about this summit would be an understatement.

I thank you for your answers

I'll flesh it out, whether I win or not. But it won't be today.

Cheers!

What do you want to be when you grow up?