Debate Question (05/06)

[Skwerrel]

A question for all the candidates:

How can we increase the political activity in 10,000 Islands and sustain it beyond the election cycle?

- if you see this you are a winner! PM Grub to claim your prize. Boltor won this treasure hunt contest 10/14/10.

[Lythian]

The formation of a Party debate area is key I think. Also, I believe the requirements of being a party are too extensive, maybe have a Major Party requirement, and a Minor Party requirement, allowing for more parties. Cleaning out the party forum is key as well, as it is really hard to see what parties are active when there are 50 threads containing dead parties. Cleaning it out, maybe archiving it, is important, but we need to make it cleaner, and easier to use. I'll post more later, for now I have to leave for a baseball game.

Edit --

Like I said, clearing up the Party Board is vital to increasing activity. It allows users to find what they are looking for faster. If we have an up to date list of all parties and their respective members, then we shouldn't have a problem increasing activity. Also, allowing party heads to meet and discuss regional happenings personally with the Co9 MIGHT help, however, I am uncertain of this at the time.

[Jesioneka]

What I would suggest is something quite similar to what Lythian has said and what the UPP has advocated. It seems that all the parties would like a separate subboard under the 10000 Political Parties thread in order to discuss current issues. Under that subboard, I think there should be individual threads dedicated to each issue (ex: how to solve immigration, how to recruit, how to improve education, what foreign relations we should have, etc.) Each party would then state it's platform as its first post. After that, each party could then begin to debate.

Once the debate is exhausted, it would be great to have the admin of the subboard post a summary of what the parties agree and disagree upon. Then the government can see what common action to take. In this way, the parties will act more like "thinktanks" -- feeding the government ideas -- than they do now. Again, this isn't too far off of what others have suggested, but that's the specific organization I'd like to see.

There are other ways too. Even simple things like having each party sponsor a team in a Taco Island sporting event. That won't yield policy ideas or hot debates, but it will keep the parties' competitive spirits alive.

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

So a parliamentary style debate chamber, where decisions can reflect public opinion, party opinion, and bounce ideas off one another? It seems to me that some of our more 'hardline' senators quelled this suggestion when it was presented a while ago on the grounds of too much red tape or some-such.

I would of course support a debate chamber being set up. This would keep up interest outside of election time. It was as a UPP member that i made such a suggestion to the senate last time, so this reflects both my belief, and that of the party.

I will now quit hogging the stage, and let my esteemed colleagues raise their own individual opinions on the matter of political activity.
Sinn.

[Bratesbourgh]

You want a Parliament Debate Chamber? Isn't this whole message board a giant Parliament Debate Chamber? And after we discuss all the lovely stuff, and make love to each other with poetry and prose, what then?
You want a Parliament? Then you'll have to set up a system of equal branches of Government, or sole power in Parliament. Otherwise, what you are discussing is a glorified Social Club.

Bratesbourgh

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

Ok, but you fail to address the fact that nothing seems to happen outside of these lovely tête-à-têtes we have during election time in terms of debate. Not politically anyway. If you can show me any examples between the last election results and before the present campaign then i will eat my hat.
It's all very well discussing things about anything in between. Heck, i love talking more than the average man, but i mean parliament (without the legislative and executive branches) in its very basic sense of the word Parler! Talk! Debate! A chamber, with vaguely regulated debate. Given some form. Keep the parties active. We have three parties now, who do nothing in the 2 month interim. It all works together, adding a beneficial layer to our society, enriching us culturally, all of that stuff. Incentive.
Sinn.

[Jesioneka]

I guess I fall between the two extremes. I'm not exactly sure I support a full-on Parliament because I'd like all party members to participate. On the other hand, a glorified Social Club will serve no purpose.

What I envisioned in my proposal was a sort of academic model where each party forms a platform and then engages in debate. At the end, all the parties can act as a unified interest group to see that their common interests are set into legislation. Where interests diverge, there still remains room for parties to influence government since their ideas will be stronger, having defended and refined them publicly.

This might be more along the Social Club model than the Parliament model. Even so, I think Sinn is right in that there needs to be something to make sure that ensures accountability, dialogue, and political activity between the elections. I wouldn't go so far as to push for a "Parliament" proper, since that usurps the Senate's role. And, as I've said, I want it to be more inclusive. Butt certainly, a parliamentary-debate-style, inclusive body is in order. And I think that can be accomplished fairly simply with just a subboard and set debate threads.

[Bahamamamma]

I certainly support the creation of debate threads whether they be under the Political Parties threads, a Parliament, or perhaps, somewhere else (like 10000 islands magazine or some sort of Soapbox Plaza).

I really don't think the degeneration of the threads or a Parliament into a "glorified Social Club" is a tangible threat. Of course, there will surely be friendly banter over the issues. That is the way politics works best. Furthermore, it necessarily behooves the political parties to form a platform and a unified vision of each issue prior to any "public" debate, or they run the risk of appearing scattered and disorganized to would-be members.


I think the key to garnering greater and more consistent political activity across the board in the XKI lies with understanding how the typical member user navigates the forum. The debate threads have to be structured to encourage and invite questions and ideas from nations of all sizes and activitiy levels - whether or not they are associated with a political party. If we can make the XKI population as a whole feel less intimidated and disenfranchised by, and more invested in the process, whether that be via a Parliament or not, we all win.

[Gluuland]

Just to add some more info.....

Ive brought up a "lower" half of government in the Co9 previously, but the fact is that we are not large enough as a region to warrant such a localized government. I love seeing political parties back in action, and I'd certainly like to see a forum for debates...

Another prospect that ive brought up is a convention center... While slightly on the business side (there would be a per-day rental fee), it would encourage "private functions" and could also support any guests of the xki in any interregional events... Political conventions, however, were my insperation...

A note to the political party heads: i believe you have forums, so feel free to host debates off-campus...

[Otupia]

I think that we should create a Party Debate sub-board in the political parties thread. Where <b/>1<b/> apointed or choosen Party member could debate a subject chosen by the delegate or Co9.

[Lythian]

I think that idea's proposed to the C09 should be allowed to be discussed by the parties. The senators do know what they are doing, but the parties, in an attempt to get the party system more involved long term, know just as much, and could probably point out things that the Co9 doesn't see. The final decision would be up to the Co9 of course, but the debate is what makes it interesting.

[Bratesbourgh]

Sinn says:

Ok, but you fail to address the fact that nothing seems to happen outside of these lovely tête-à-têtes we have during election time in terms of debate. Not politically anyway. If you can show me any examples between the last election results and before the present campaign then i will eat my hat.
It's all very well discussing things about anything in between. Heck, i love talking more than the average man, but i mean parliament (without the legislative and executive branches) in its very basic sense of the word Parler! Talk! Debate! A chamber, with vaguely regulated debate. Given some form. Keep the parties active. We have three parties now, who do nothing in the 2 month interim. It all works together, adding a beneficial layer to our society, enriching us culturally, all of that stuff. Incentive.
Sinn.

I think that is the point of what I'm getting at. What will this Parliament do besides Parlez? Will it have equal powers to the Senate? What is it suppose to do besides talk. If it is talk, we have it. The reason why it dies down between elections is because everyone knows the talk doesn't lead to anything. Your party promised a whole bunch of stuff in the Delegate election. What have you fullfilled?

[Skwerrel]

I disagree. Through working through an issue and exploring various solutions, you can get great ideas. You don't need to be in the senate to have great ideas.

[Lythian]

Exactly, everybody can have great idea's, and by discussing the various aspects of each issue that comes forth, the islands will benefit by having every good brain working on a solution.

[New Dracora]

bratesbourgh said:

Sinn says:

Ok, but you fail to address the fact that nothing seems to happen outside of these lovely tête-à-têtes we have during election time in terms of debate. Not politically anyway. If you can show me any examples between the last election results and before the present campaign then i will eat my hat.
It's all very well discussing things about anything in between. Heck, i love talking more than the average man, but i mean parliament (without the legislative and executive branches) in its very basic sense of the word Parler! Talk! Debate! A chamber, with vaguely regulated debate. Given some form. Keep the parties active. We have three parties now, who do nothing in the 2 month interim. It all works together, adding a beneficial layer to our society, enriching us culturally, all of that stuff. Incentive.
Sinn.

I think that is the point of what I'm getting at. What will this Parliament do besides Parlez? Will it have equal powers to the Senate? What is it suppose to do besides talk. If it is talk, we have it. The reason why it dies down between elections is because everyone knows the talk doesn't lead to anything. Your party promised a whole bunch of stuff in the Delegate election. What have you fullfilled?

Let's see, return of UN polls, development of the region economy system, more emissaries, more active newbies, better RP, revival of TITO, etc, etc - all this has happened whilst Glu has been delegate.

Now all we need to do is work on immigration and the XKI university whilst continuing to build up our other projects.

Of course, the islands is run by a team and everything done here is a team effort so I won't be so arrogant as to assume one person is responsible for doing everything. But then perhaps maybe I should ask who do you think have been putting up more initiatives of late to help the islands?

[Lythian]

How much of that though is Gluu's doing? I know that me, being a "nooby" to the region, am not active because of Glu, I'm active because I enjoy the political participation the region allows. The party system is one of the few reason's I have stayed active. As far as Roleplaying, I haven't seen him RP once. I rp a lot, IOR does, Skwerrel, ND, GL2... those are the RP'ers, not Glu. Goldenloser is a big part of the TITO revival aswell.

As for the people taking the initiative lately, I say Sinn, Goldenloser, Bah, Eastyland, myself, Jes, Skwerrel, Grub and even Glu have put up effort in some way or another, whether it be through recruiting, or getting active in another ministry.

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

jesioneka said:

This might be more along the Social Club model than the Parliament model. Even so, I think Sinn is right in that there needs to be something to make sure that ensures accountability, dialogue, and political activity between the elections. I wouldn't go so far as to push for a "Parliament" proper, since that usurps the Senate's role. And, as I've said, I want it to be more inclusive. Butt certainly, a parliamentary-debate-style, inclusive body is in order. And I think that can be accomplished fairly simply with just a subboard and set debate threads.

hear hear.
Also, thanks to New Dracora. A lot HAS happened under Glu. Its been a team effort, but whilst no ostentatious leaps and bounds have come along yet, you fail to appreciate the behind the scenes stuff, Bratesbourgh. In Education, many of us have written entire syllabuses for the uni. We try to recruit as much as we can, fulfil labour duties, and get a whole bloody economic system and private sector running etc. All of these companies havent just turned up over night. People work hard, especially my collegues in the Party. If we could deliver on every single pledge within the first couple of months then we'd be hot property politically.
EDIT: I address this last bit to Lythian as well. A lot of the stuff is behind the scenes. Glu has a hand in helping the Private Sector, IMM to a degree, and Labour.

[Lythian]

I never doubted Glu's involvement, and I agree he is doing a great job. I just... disagreed that he deserved credit for ALL that stuff... and ND failed to mention the members like yourself who have had such a large hand in the return of the Islands..

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

Oh well, he said it was a team effort. No one here can take credit for everything. I'm not suggesting Glu is superhuman -much as he'd like to believe it ;D -
No, we all play a part. yourself included by taking part in this election.

[Bahamamamma]

Well, to address the original question further: I have noticed that there are so many XKIers that are very active in NS, but don't bother to check out the forum. There is an obvious disconnect between these players and the further development of the region's political complexity. I think if the RMB ocassionally contained posts referring to debates and discussions ocurring on the forum (beyond the "Elections are Now Taking Place" type of posts) we might be able to pique the interest of some heretofore political slackers.

Also, it would seem that these active NS'ers would be interested in helping develop what is to be the next layer of NS play - economics and intra- and inter- regional trade policies. Maybe understanding that XKI is on the forefront of this development, and that they have an opportunity to actually impact how NS is played as a whole, might make them want to be more involved.

[Gluuland]

As much as im flattered for all the credit, /my/ achievements are not the topic for discussion here...
True, i hope that I have played an extensive role in the region's revival, but we're not there yet....
If you want to ask me about everything ive done, start another thread. Id be more than happy to talk about it...
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Bah bring up a good point... There are /alot/ of people in the xki who dont check the forums... However, i myself used to be one of the nations who was always in the forums and never checked NS... (until i became delegate) There needs to be ways of joining the two effectively...

Trade is tricky, because other regions dont have a currancy, and are skeptical about its use. Id like to see some international events in which we bring in nations from other regions for a good time... This can incorperate our currency, and even our RP-ing skills....

[New Dracora]

newdracora said:

I won't be so arrogant as to assume one person is responsible for doing everything.

I was refering to Glu in that statement. I'm well aware Glu doesn't do something in everything - that would be impossible. I'm also aware that many (repeat: many) others play a very active role in running and building up the islands - from both sides of the political spectrum if you really want to look at things that way.

As for Bah's statement - yes often wondered about those people myself. Are they some kind of XKI underground? Constantly lurking in the shadows, waiting for that moment to strike and claim the region for there own? Or maybe they are part of some fanatical cult that sacrifices newbies to the mod-gods?



Or maybe they are just shy. I dunno.

edit - speak of the devil

[Gluuland]

What? Where?
There's alot of stuff on my agenda, but I cant really discuss it too often...

[Lythian]

Trade is tricky. I have a puppet who is involved in the government of a new, growing nation, the Supreme Union. I am trying to get the region set up, and then I am going to help them develop a currency. This will create a region that 10KI can trade with. I think it would be wise to set up an Embassy in that region, while it isn't very old, it has 100+ members, and soon will have a completely functioning Senate and Citizens Assembly. I don't know, but they might be a region to keep an eye out for. I've noticed a lot of activity from them.

[Bahamamamma]

Trade will naturally develop as more and more regions get their own currencies. It will be great for those that have businesses that work outside the region (e.g. the lottery, or design firms, etc.). But it will all take time. I am going to go take a look at S.U., Lyth, sounds interesting.

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

I still reckon i need to take a couple of people with me and go knocking on regions doors, like acting as a missionary, going round, selling people the idea of a currency. It'd mean a lot of time out of the region, but could be really beneficial.

[Lythian]

I'd be glad to help. I can help with whatever you need. I'll do whatever it takes to help the region.

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

Thats the spirit. I'd like to think of it as a cross between a global tour, door to door sales, and a road trip.

[Lythian]

just tell me what you want me to do. I'm currently working with the Supreme Union on getting theirs set up.

[Sinn Féin's Ireland]

ooh good. When you think they've done it successfully, let me know.