With Scott's latest departure, I have come to realise something. My idealistic, optimistic bubble has been abruptly popped. If we do not do something now, Shireroth will end. That is a plain fact. It is not too late. It is much like the debate topically discussed today about CO2 (assuming for arguments sake that it is, indeed, a real threat etc.) - even if it were too late, it is not a wasted effort to try to prevent it, as there is too much at stake, too much that is deserving of going, of continuing for time to come.
Shireroth... ack, what is Shireroth? A grand nation. A long-lasting idea, community, people. One of the greatest micronations ever to grace our sector, certainly one of the best around still today. Is this worth keeping alive? Your decision will affect its future, so please take time to consider. Happy memories you may have had? Sad ones, too - character building events that have shaped the person you have grown to be. Shireroth does much more to us and for us than some of us believe. Shireroth is a part of us, as we are a part of it. Letting it die will eventually kill a part of ourselves. Do so if you wish - I cannot stop you, and I don't want to. Shireroth needs not those who wish to diminish it, those who would not bring themselves fully to the frontline for the cause. They would help, though.
Alot of blab and waffle so far. But I hope it has put you in the mood. Rejuvenation and revival is necessary for Shireroth's survival. Now or never, ladies and gents, now or never. Take the risk, make that leap of faith, and the rewards you may reap will be great.
Multiple citizens first and foremost. Oy vey! I am fully in support of this idea, that it is ridiculous to have micronationalists running around with too many citizenships, that cannot give themselves wholly to Shireroth, or at least substantially. However, reforms are needed. We don't stand a chance without these people, the half-givers, because their parts they throw in make wholes. And we could always use more wholes.
The micronational scene. Today, if Shireroth died, its webspace deleted, nothing would happen. It pains me to think of this. Micras - we are the oldest micronation on there, and the only effect our death would have is a short land grab and a few memorial posts in Babkha and other older nations. This is unacceptable. We must become prominent once again. Prominence in the community through strength of spirit, through effort in Foreign and Military Affairs. These are important.
Ministries and Nobility... this is a bigun. Shireroth has ever been cursed with inactive officials; this is a part of micronationalism as a hobby. However, we should really, really try to purge those that are basically gone and make space for any new recruits. Shireroth gets the most number of random newbs I've seen for a long time, but when they get here, they lack the space in which to make their peice, do their thing, become part of Shireroth and add to it.
Land. I have an immense pride in Shireroth's land. We stretch over quite a large area, each single pixel having a story behind it almost. However, history and culture points can sustain us for only so long. We must prove to the MCS that we are deserving of that land! For to tell you the truth I believe we are, but there are undoubtably those that don't.
Rejuvenation! Rebirth! Revival!
Shireroth will end only when you deem fit. If you wish death on this peice of yourself, go right ahead, I will not judge you, neither will the rest of the populace I should think. However, if you could give all you can give to keep the Mango Banner flying in glory for a year more at least - that reward is a feeling like no other.