To the Right Honourable Checkers McDog
Following your TM, I have given some thought as to how Regional members, old and new, can become involved in Regional affairs and activities.
I now realise as my thoughts begin to order that this will take longer than first anticipated. Oh well... in at the deep-end *SPLASH* :wacko:

Personally, I think that one of the main reasons for players not getting involved is the is the "veteran", or "v" factor. Those who have been playing a long time (over 4 months say), have a good idea about what to do, and how to go about it. It can end up with newer players feeling swamped, over-powered, or lost compared to those who know what they're doing. Another thing is that posts in off-site forums are often quite long (a radical generalisation I will concede). This means that you have to read all of the previous posts and any other stuff relating to it. If it's about UN business, a Region invasion, inter-regional war, or inter-nation(al) war you can often find yourself getting lost in technicalities and jargon which deviates from game-play and the NS experience (much the same as 'dice-chucking' or power-gaming via system manipulation in table-top role-playing (which I detest - role-playing is about the RP not how high a level your "Mystical Mace of Demonic Doom" is, or how many Undead you can off with a level 27 Vortex spell etc).

It's the little things that make people want to get involved. More importantly, those who want to get involved should be encouraged to do so even if they're not sure how to. After speaking with Boardz down the pub one night he mentioned that (I'm not sure if it's in this forum), there are certain threads with themes such as God at War.
I hurl a lightening bolt at you unbeliever!
Oh yeah? I catch you lightening bolt and turn it into a fish!
You get the idea...
Silly things often help break the ice and help people get involved. I mean, if you're new and you don't know anybody, your experience is going to be fairly poor. If more accomplished players take the time to TM or send a greeting it's the first step into meeting other players and not feel as though you have to learn on your own - there are those who will offer help and answer questions.

You could even go so far as to hold an off-site competition like "Miss Canada 2004", or "Biggest Feet", where Nations can nominate a candidate to represent that Nation at the event. I guess gimmicks always sell a product well, and it's just a case of finding one that appeals to most people within the Region. You won't be able to please everyone - but something to plug the forum may be a good idea that's just a bit of fun.

My advice to those wanting to get involved is just do it. Learn by doing, and do by learning. It's probably the best way to progress and recieve advice from others - it's not like it actually happens and that's why most engage in this type of thing - for the experience not XP before you ask - and no: you can't sell all your wordly posessions to buy the level 99 spell "I win".
That's just silly. :P

Seriously though, perhaps a three point plan of meeting, greeting, and encouraging players to join in the off-site RP stuff would be considered. Or 'buddying'. Not sure. A new topic/category could be put up inviting Reginoal members to say what would get them involved.

I've now exhausted my ideas for a short while and am in need of Caffiene.
So I'll submit this and go get a brew. :huh:

You did all that WITHOUT caffiene? :o B)

One of the first items need to address this issue is identifying the newer players in the region. Which may be a little trickier that it sounds since you can't always go by the population.

I suggest we draw up a simple survey (guess we shouldn't ask for their password huh?) as a place to start.

Dear Hudson, you could always just keep an eye on the Canada page and the Regional happenings. It would mean checking, but would save the bind of a survey and all the accompanying b*ll-ache associated with it.
No. Let's not go around asking for passwords. That's a one-trick horse and some sarky idiot's already tried it - and failed I hope.

Personally I think the role-playing forums are excellent for new-comers. Even though I have been a part of this for a while, I still find it daunting to read some of the posts, especially about the big issues. The role-playing forums can be funny, and can involve anyone, with or without broad knowledge of political affairs. We should also post something in a telegram about forum events so people who don't often come here know what's going on, and when.

-Melissa

I personally message every new player to the region that I see based on the "recent happenings" component of the NS Canada page. IF I see someone new has come to the region, I send them a welcome note. I'm pretty sure that Checkers does the same thing.

Between the two of us, I am certain we contact every new player at least once.

Also, Checkers has been great in TGing the entire region when issues of importance come up.

Lastly, I post reminders about the UN on the NS regional board almost constantly.

The trick is figuring out what to do beyond what we are already doing.

My point was just because they are new to the region does not mean they are new to the game. Just because their nation appears new does not mean they are new to the game.

One would have to be selective as to who was targeted with the survey. (i.e. Not the experienced players). A negative reaction by some might stir interest in others.

[the password bit was a joke, sorry thought that would have been clear]

Whether or not they're new to the game, as lone as they're new to the region, I feel that the welcoming tgs are a good way to promote activeness. (and I do send tgs to all new nations entering canada).

My problem with the survey idea is that nations that respond to the survey, are more than likely to be nations that are willing to get involved and are already here, or planning to join. I don't feel surveys are the right approach, because I'm not sure what new information could possibly be gained out of it, that can't just be discussed here.

btw carb (if you don't mind me calling you that), thanks for getting so involved

The Dutiful Melissa
I totally agree. The esteemed members of the Cabinet do a fine job in welcoming new Nations and I'm this will probably be a topic of hot debate for some time to come. I suppose you can get involved as little or as much as you like. ^_^

The Venerated Bweezy
I am fully aware of your dedication and admire your extra-curricular committment whole-heartedly. I am inclined to agree with your last point - figuring out what to do besides what is already being done will be hard. The headache will continue I guess. :)

The Esteemed Hudson Bay
A valid point well put. Implied ingorance can be a truly wonderful asset at times.
Sorry dude - I did get the joke - it was kind of a late reply to the post put up about the Survey on Delegate activities. :lol:

The Honourable Checker McDog
Call me what you will (within reason).
I totally agree. Very eloquently put. Negative effect can sometimes be a very motivational-force (yes, I did psychology as well as sociology *yawn*. As mentioned to Bweezy, I'm sure your headaches will continue as you try to figure this out.
If I can help or make suggestions or pass a critical eye over options, I would be happy to do so. -_-