Random Thoughts

[Austi Scot]

I will add my 2 Erbs to the discussion if I may.Since I am Minister of Trade my little diatribe shall start with the economy. Several people have mentioned it already. I have been involved in micronations since the fall of 1999 and have quit three times and come back each time. Since I first joined I was interested in having economic simulation as a part of micronationalism. I think now is the time that an economic simulation might be able to take off.Granted there are those who think every effort at economics will fail – just as in the pass. And there are those who think the economy should be run differently than what I am doing. To the first I say it might fail again – but that is not a good enough reason to stop trying. To the second I say – sure, there are several if not many different ways to run an economic simulation. I’ve seen about two dozen or more ways since 1999 and talked over about two dozen or more other ways that haven’t been tried.One good thing we’ve done in Shireroth so far is to not make up a bunch of laws about what the economy should be like. I think that is one thing that has killed the economy of so many micronations. Let the Minister develop the economy to his or her liking – after a little while laws can be made that prohibit a given practice, not proscribe them. Also, if we give a person a fair chance to develop the economy and don’t like it after a while we can give a different person the chance to be the Minister and put his or her plan in place.In the meantime, an economic simulation can become a fun addition. In order for this to happen people must try to be a part of the economy. If you feel you can’t follow the way the Minister is running it – then perhaps hire someone to take care of your micronational finances. Right now I’m trying to make it fairly simply – but not a completely brain dead activity. Those who run companies and Ministries have the most to do and even that isn’t really too much. Nobility has a few more decisions to make than commoners – but that has a chance of making the economy even more interesting.Those who are Ministers should open accounts and then hire people. Those who are Nobles should charge a Nobility Tax to their “underlings” both other Nobles and commoners. Those running a business should hire people. Those who don’t own a business should hire into three or four companies. Those who do own a company should get with the stock market plan. Our Erb might be used to entice people to take our side in any given issue as we go about Shireroth, attempting to become the wealthiest. The University could charge Erbs to take classes and the military could pay our soldiers. Ministers could develop departments and pay the department heads. Right now the Ministry of Trade would consider contracting someone or hiring someone to take care of the needed website.Now let me speak to dividing up the jobs. The main reason I hired SSFSX to run the stock market was to divide up the jobs. The stock market won’t be run the way I would have done it – but we must give everyone a job if possible and let them run things however they want to run it – and we must participate in the way they do things. SSFSX might come up with jobs within the stock market. Perhaps this would be a department and perhaps the department head would have to follow what SSFSX wants or maybe would be given full control over some aspect – I don’t know.As Minister of Trade I could come up with other areas for people to handle – a job. Right now there might be a position open up for someone to work with the Ministry of the Exterior to open trade with foreign nations. Ok, even tho I have more – that is enough on the economy right now.Now, as for my thoughts on government. I personally hope we stay with the feudal system but that we add an aspect. In feudal times Nobles were sometime overthrown and a new Noble took their place. We could say that any … what, maybe 7 people could overthrow the Kaiser and put a new Kaiser in place – um, if they were not opposed by say 7 others whom the Kaiser might rally to his defense.Maybe it would take 4 or 5 to overthrow a Duke and 2 or 3 to overthrow a Baron. Perhaps a Ministry will develop that does real recruitment to people who aren’t currently involved or who once were involved in micronationalism.Maybe the actually topography of the Duchies can be developed – which could lead to another aspect of the economy being developed. Perhaps the sports aspect could be more fully developed. What about an American football league with the various Duchies having teams. Anyone know how to run a football or maybe a baseball or basketball league. Would there be enough competition to engender some territorial pride within Shireroth.There use to be a Ministry of Culture in every micronation. Each Duchie here seems to be developing somewhat of a culture. Instead of Mduo leaving perhaps he should have recruited more people who liked the same things (role playing). A person doesn’t have to do everything there is to do in order to enjoy this pastime of micronationalism, but perhaps if we helped people get a job in the micronation doing something they chose and if each of us participated in at least two or three things where we aren’t the Minister – Noble – leader – teacher (whatever) … each of us would have a great time with the job we do have here.Austi

[Shasta Rana Wanderlust]

//applaudsSometimes intentionally, sometimes merely by acccident, I have been doing most of the things above.Currently, I am attempting to recruit poeople who would have a unique view and standpoint on all of these issues. I have created (and listed jobs within) KSHR as an attempt to first: enjoy myself, and second: create a new aspect of Shireroth.I have also gone out of my way to involve myself in things I wouldn't have before. For instance: A poetry class. Last time I was here, I wouldn't have doen such a thing. Maybe I would have participated, but now I'm actually running it. I've attempted to draw people into the Duchy of Brookshire through the cunning use of the VtM game. It hasn't been successful, but I've tried.I personally don't understand the economy, but I dont' understand most economies. As such, I'm appointing a CFO wihin KSHR to handle the economy. There are job opportunities everywhere, and that is what I believe to be the main focus of Shireroth's future. We have finished government. Now we need to finish everything else. So, if god is falliable, does that mean that this universe (or plane of existence, depending on your style of thought) could be nothing more than a metaphysical trashcan?Platypi point to this being true.

[Alexandra Decens]

Quote:Let the Minister develop the economy to his or her liking – after a little while laws can be made that prohibit a given practice, not proscribe them.The Minister on any ministry is allowed to make his/her own laws on how their ministry is run as long as it does not violate any current laws, decrees, etc... I have no custom signature...oh wait...

[Shasta Rana Wanderlust]

But he's referring to Landsraadian laws that are set forth to govern the economy before it gets off its feet. So, if god is falliable, does that mean that this universe (or plane of existence, depending on your style of thought) could be nothing more than a metaphysical trashcan?Platypi point to this being true.

[Erik Mortis]

I'm not to keen on that overthrow thing..But I think it is generally agree the economy needs to be integrated into the nation. Erik Mortis BrookshireCommoner of Alexandretta

[Philip Locke]

First, Aure was one of the finest rulers Shireroth has ever had. Were it not for the hostility heaped upon her by the Old Boy's Club, we may have been able to enjoy her rule for much, much longer.Second, I totally support the suggested increase in the power of the peerage. Now it's time to kick out the jams, motherfucker!

[Erik Mortis]

Democracy is evil. (save in the real world)... She was completely inexperienced and tried to on several occasions rebuild basic parts of the government.Anyhoo.. Can we get off the Aure topic? Erik Mortis BrookshireCommoner of Alexandretta

[Scott Alexander]

Not before I interject my opinion that I, too, believe she was one of our best, and certainly our most interesting, rulers ever.

[Emir of Raspur]

And prettiest?

[Erik Mortis]

Can we please just move on? Erik Mortis BrookshireCommoner of Alexandretta

[Jadie of Goldshire]

*takes offense to the prettiest comment*Great..now I am ugly Jadie of GoldshireCarry on with your lives people...nothing to see here.

[Emir of Raspur]

Did I say you were ugly? I've never seen a picture of you that hasn't been obscured by Harvey's blue hair. Otherwise I am sure you are beautiful too. Edited by: Emir of Raspur at: 3/4/04 5:23 pm

[Shasta Rana Wanderlust]

//sighs "Noone said that."In addition, I used the example of Aure because, though she was a good ruler, thrusting her into the forefront of everything before she fully understood how everything worked burned her out (as she said in her emigration notice). And, I repeat that she is no longer present or active...an example of the worst thing that can happen to a new micronationalist. So, if god is falliable, does that mean that this universe (or plane of existence, depending on your style of thought) could be nothing more than a metaphysical trashcan?Platypi point to this being true.

[Alexandra Decens]

shireroth.org/citizens.html Here ya go..pic of just about all of us... I have no custom signature...oh wait...

[Scott Alexander]

Wow, Jadie, you've been rather touchy lately. Listen and listen good. You are NOT a witch, you are NOT ugly, and you are most CERTAINLY NOT Josef Stalin's illegitimate granddaughter. We love you! *disclaimer*

[Erik Mortis]

Indeed.. but back to the topic at hand.. Shireroth... Erik Mortis BrookshireCommoner of Alexandretta

[Austi Scot]

oh, I'll comment more later. Edited by: Austi Scot at: 3/4/04 11:12 pm