Confirmation Hearing: Enduro for GM

[Enduro]

     What topics is the nominee most interested in touching upon as GM?

Any idea that pops in my head; if it is realistic, brings a change in the game, and doesn't kill any players.

Congratulations on your nomination, Mr. Representative. A few questions:

1. If I recall correctly, your past experience in public office is limited to a brief stint as the Northeast Secretary of Veteran Affairs and a single, unfinished term in the Northeast Assembly. How can you assure us that you have the necessary experience and knowledge of Atlasian affairs and federal policy?
2. Past GMs have struggled to balance the desire to create "dramatic" stories with the need for realism. How do you intend to assure that your actions as GM add excitement to the game without being completely ludicrous.
3. On a similar note, can you assure us that you will remain impartial in exercising your powers as GM - that is, you won't use your narrative authority to remake the world in your image or sway events to benefit a particular party or candidate?
4. Will you provide regular updates on the state of the economy (unemployment numbers, etc.)? How will you determine these figures?

1. One can never know everything that has happened in Atlasia, I do know as much as I could know. I'll actively try to increase my knowledge of the game.
2. The West Wing was able to bring excitement to realism, I thrive to be like them.
3. I will not let politics in the way, I'll award activity.
4. I'll try my hardest to provide these updates regularly, I admit I can't see the future and don't know what I'll be dealing with during my term; I'll determine the figures mostly based on laws already in place, and how much activity is on the issue, and, of course, the last numbers provided.

[Enduro]

In the interest of full disclosure: Enduro and I had a round of discussions in which we covered the basics of the job. He did mention that he would like to shake things up to a degree, which led me to explain how GMs have a somber responsibility to not over-react or use the office to further political or personal interests. I explained the events that unfolded in 2014 following the Sirnick Debacle/Thursday Night Massacre/Civil War; he said that he was not referring to that level of chicanery.

I can understand the Senate having questions about this nominee given the fact that he is a relative newcomer, and I fully encourage the Senate to properly vet the nominee and cast their ballots accordingly. I definitely do not want to see a repeat of a 2-1-5 vote or whatever it was when it comes to the confirmation of another important position.

President Griffin is right, I don't want the GM position to be something to exact personal vendettas.

For what its worth when Enduro has served in the Northeast, both in the Assembly and as Veterans Secretary he has been one of the most active, and involved players. Even if I didn't always agree with his policy proposals he's been extremely active-which is key for a GM

Thank you, Governor.

[Enduro]

One can never know everything that has happened in Atlasia, I do know as much as I could know. I'll actively try to increase my knowledge of the game.

In terms of your experience, though - given that you've only ever served in Regional government (and then only for a short time), do you feel that you've been around long enough to know how the system works and what is and is not under the domain of the GM?

President Griffin has pretty much spelled it out for me, anything else I don't know I can learn. They say trial and error is the best way.

[Enduro]

Question: How, if at all, do you plan to interact with regional governments?

I would be interested to hear this as well.

I would like to cooperate with the governor's of each state, so I can stay in on what's going on; I can't guarantee that's going to happen. Also, I want to be able to work with the owners of the major newspapers of each region on stories; I hope to get a newspaper going in each region, but that depends on activity.

[Enduro]

Enduro, you express a desire to shake things up whilst not going to the excessive lengths Griffin mentioned. Can you give an example or set of examples as to how you would like to change things with regards to operating in the said capacity?

I'll be making issues, that isn't very talked about, on the forefront. Not much has been said about agriculture; what if we had a famine? We could also shake up issues that we are talking about, how far of a stretch would it be if ISIS claimed to have a nuclear weapon?

[Enduro]

I'm liking the nominee so far.

Thank you!

Along the lines of Senator Yankee's question: do you intend to "shake things up" primarily through high-profile, dramatic events or through more subtle tactics? If the former, what purpose do you see these events playing beyond giving everyone an adrenaline rush?

I'll try to do both, I'm not sure how successful I'll be at subtlety, but I'll try. Also, I see the Game Moderator position to be something that keeps the game evolving; I'll personally enjoy giving people adrenaline rushes, but my actions are to try to change the game, get people doing something else besides complaining about activity and each other. No game can live without variety.

I consider Enduro to be one of the most under qualified nominees for any office ever. He will not have my vote.

Don't worry, if I win the vote, I won't hold it against you.

[Enduro]

Excuse me for butting in once more, but another reason I suggested a Triumvirate Regency for a time suggested by the Senators is this:

The Remeber Freedom of Speech Act
1. The Assembly hereby reminds any establishment in the Northeast that we support any individuals right to speak their mind freely.
2. All safe zones from freedom of speech is hereby banned.

I suggest the nominee concede that he would accept a triumvirate of regents being able to overturn his actions if the Senate agrees. I personally believe this would be a waste of talent, but oh well.

Once again, I will not let politics influence my decision making, that act was a mistake. Written so we could debate something. I recognized that it was a bad bill, and withdrew it.

If that is what it takes, then I'll do the triumvirate. It'll be a waste of time because I keep my promises.

[Enduro]

I cannot support establishing the advisory "triumvirate" proposed by Mr. Kingpoleon: such an arrangement would be inefficient and serve mainly to undermine the office of the Game Moderator. If we're going to give the Senate veto power over the GM, we might as well abolish the office entirely. Policy makers don't get to pick the results of their actions in real life, and it makes little sense for this to be the case in Atlasia.

That said, I am not certain that the nominee is ready for such a consequential appointment. For all his obvious integrity and ambition, it worries me that he has so little experience on the public stage. He is, in essence, an unknown quantity - he has never been subjected to a 'trial by fire,' never forced to endure the "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune." It is these experiences that bring out the best and the worst of us and that reveal our true character: for Mr. Enduro, this post would be his first such trial. I applaud his enthusiasm and work ethic, but I think it neither wise nor kind to place a man in the GM's chair who is still learning how to operate the levers of power.

Furthermore, while I am all for a proactive GM, it worries me that the nominee seems to be endorsing chaos for the sake of chaos. I think it's important to note that, while Governor Blair is correct in saying that governance is more often the art of reacting to various crises than following a personal agenda, these crises are often not the high drama, attention-grabbing narratives that have sparked the imaginations of past GMs. A timeline where the country is constantly battling against any combination of famine, civil war, invasions, terrorist insurgencies, etc. is not realistic, nor is it creative. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding the nominee here, but from his response to my and Yankee's questions it sounded to me like his main goal was to give everyone a buzz, not to simulate realistic events that make the game more interesting and true-to-life.

At this point, I could still be persuaded to support the nominee, but I have not heard anything that would assuage my concerns thus far.

Allow me to relieve of your concerns; I never meant to give the impression that I was planning on basically destroying the nation, I want to have a main issue that would be media's main focus for a month or two, combined with a few smaller issues, and then move to a new one. Also, I don't plan on having things out of nowhere; some things can only happen out of nowhere, like a hurricane, but I do want to build up to somethings, let them develop over time.

As for my experience, you are completely right in that I'm inexperienced, maybe that's not a bad thing; I'm excited for the game, that'll lead me to work harder to give players a good game.

As for the mudslinging that'll undoubtedly coming my way, I have 7 siblings, 3 older sisters, 2 older brothers, and 2 younger sisters. I have experienced a lot of mudslinging already; I already have experienced some of the Atlasian mudslinging too. From Winfield and Dkrolga, Winfield wasn't as much as Dkrol; I respect both players, and don't hold anything against them, because they were mostly right.

[Enduro]

Allow me to relieve of your concerns; I never meant to give the impression that I was planning on basically destroying the nation, I want to have a main issue that would be media's main focus for a month or two, combined with a few smaller issues, and then move to a new one. Also, I don't plan on having things out of nowhere; some things can only happen out of nowhere, like a hurricane, but I do want to build up to somethings, let them develop over time.

Makes sense - thanks for clearing that up.

You're welcome!!

There is already a "triumvirate" of sorts in the story-telling department: the Game Moderator, flanked by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State. The Secretary of the Interior is allowed to craft stories relevant to the domestic front, the SoS can craft stories relevant to international affairs, and of course, the Game Moderator can tell stories from either category. Additionally, the Game Moderator has a little-mentioned "veto" power over both the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of State when it comes to voiding story-lines. I understand that is not what is being outlined here, but it's worth iterating.

Assigning even more people to the story-line team - whether they already hold/can hold other offices or not - is going to run into even more of the same problems we already face: people tend to not want to do it. Furthermore, the GM is the GM. The Senate would have to amend existing statute (possibly the Constitution?) to change the role of the Game Moderator and to subjugate him to the restraints of others, and at that point, well, it ceases to be Game Moderator, doesn't it? That's not going to happen within the confines of a confirmation hearing (not the intended purpose) or in enough time alongside it in a separate debate (the process would take days, if not weeks).

If only we still had a mechanism in place for a singular authority - maybe a President? - to be able to dismiss the Game Moderator if things got out of control...

Since the President brought it up, I'll talk about the veto power. I'll only use it if it's too much for Atlasia, conflicts with another story, or doesn't make sense. I plan on using the SOS and SOI to help a lot in my storytelling, hopefully this cooperation will negate the need for the veto power.

[Enduro]

The GM is not a position you give someone just because they have spunk. It's for time tested players who are committed to the success of the game and who have proven their stability and reliability. Enduro is not fit for the office.

Why give to someone more experienced? I've looked back on some other GM's, and I don't think Atlasia likes their term very much. If it doesn't work, why not try something else?

[Enduro]

Senator DKrol, I agree that Enduro is untested and inexperienced, but don't you think you're being a little too hard on him?

I care about this game. This game needs strong, tested leadership. I will not let this games go down because people are afraid of hurting Enduro's feelings.

This is assuming your childish attacks hurt my feelings; I do want to thank Senator Kent for coming to my defense.

[Enduro]

When speaking to your positives, people have often mentioned your high level of activity. What do you think is an appropriate amount of activity for a GM? At what level of inactivity would you consider yourself or any other GM a failure?

A GM's activity is dependant on everyone else's activity; this job isn't just being active, it's about getting others active too, that's what I want to do. As for myself, I want to be very active, but that activity is for nothing if I can't get people to respond. I'll try to have the activity that's appropriate for how much activity is Atlasia has, but I'll also try to increase activity, so I can increase mine own.

[Enduro]

I think Enduro could make a good GM. His inexperience is a worry, sure, but how many "experienced" people do we have that are willing?

I also agree with Blair's take--that more interesting events make for a far better Atlasia. The art of being the GM is to make things interesting without pissing too many people off--a major step in making Atlasia more active is to have a GM that can master this fine line of, shall we say, interest without insanity, and grumpy people not driving him/her out of office due to their unhappiness of a valid story. Maybe we can make a set of guidelines for GMs--kind of like a "style guide?" Elements of Game Moderation? Although that's more of a meta concern and off the important topic at hand--Enduro's confirmation hearing.

And DKrol--the concerns you're raising might be valid to a degree, but your saying it with the tact of a machine gun. Asking the necessary questions is a good thing, but don't risk turning a confirmation hearing into a flame war. And in this case you're less asking questions and more saying flat out that "Enduro's not fit for the office." Just start there: pretend that you're undecided, it'll go a long way in avoiding conflict and finding good answers.

Regarding the "triumvirate," Adam's spot-on--that their kind of is one, but constitutionally the GM is the head of it. BUT...I'm willing to bet Enduro would take criticism and suggestions:

I already have experienced some of the Atlasian mudslinging too. From Winfield and Dkrolga, Winfield wasn't as much as Dkrol; I respect both players, and don't hold anything against them, because they were mostly right.

Especially with the added emphasis, this sounds to me like he'd be more than willing to correct mistakes as they come, and accept criticism, without need for a formal tribunal.

Not that I get a vote, but I'd like to ask the nominee a question: what do you plan to do to keep your powers in check--as in, consulting with the SoI, SoS, and perhaps others to help create an interesting but not insane stream of storylines?

First, I want to thank you for voicing your support.

Also, I want to ask Dkrol to give me a list of questions to answer.

As for your question, I plan on talking to the positions you mentioned, it'll be good to have people cooperate with each other. Secondly, as mentioned earlier, I plan on contacting the owners of the major newspapers for each region, and getting them involved in the process. If a region doesn't have a major newspaper, I'll try to recruit them. Ultimately, I won't let these people create their own stories, just stuff like rewrites, if I approve of the rewrite, and allowing them to report stories.

[Enduro]

You want a drawn out list of questions like an elementary school home work assignment? Ok, I'll play your game.

1) What makes you qualified to serve as Game Moderator?
2) Do you understand the duties of the Game Moderator? Please explain them, in detail.
3) What experience do you have in Atlasia?
4) Why do you think you should be Game Moderator?
5) Do you understand macro economics? Please explain, in detail.
6) Do you understand current international relations? Please explain, in detail.
7) Do you agree with the assessment that there are far more qualified candidates than yourself for the office of Game Moderator?
Why do you want to be Game Moderator?
9) How would you respond to an internal rebellion within Atlasia?
10) Please name the last three Presidents of Atlasia, preceding the incumbent.
11) How firm is you grasp of the English language? Please include a 500 word writing sample.
12) Explain your reasoning for running in the Northeast Regional Senate Special Election in February.
13) Were you a Griffin or Bore supporter?

"Elementary school home work assignment," some of us believe in progress instead of wasting time with needless attacks. Here's your answers:
1. I like storytelling, it is my greatest passion, I think that this is the greatest job in Atlasia when it comes to that; that's why I think I'm qualified, I know how to tell a story.
2. The duties of a Game Moderator, I'm my opinion, is too keep the game from dying, more or less. Without good storylines for the players to react to, the game becomes repetitive, and boring. Furtherly, it is to keep people up with what's going on, regular updates from the Game Moderator keeps people informed.
3. A stint as the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs in the Northeast, and currently a representative in the Northeast Assembly.
4. I think I should be GM because I love the game, I haven't been here long enough to be worn down by it; I have been here long enough to know that we have an activity problem, people won't play a game that doesn't challenge them. I'll be actively trying to give them the challenge.
5. Forgive me if my answer isn't very good, I find it easier to understand things then to get people to understand things. It is how the economy works on the big picture, explaining government, corporations, etc. role in the economy. GDP, unemployment, and other similar numbers are important to understanding this.
6. Yes, I understand that ISIS is causing a lot of problems in the Middle East, that Russia is trying to regain power, that Iran's nuclear capabilities has some people worried, that China's economy is quickly growing, that the some people want the Cuban embargo to end, International affairs are hard to keep up with. Although I know a lot, I admit I don't know everything, if only there was someone whose job it is to keep up and report international affairs. (SOS)
7. Yes
8. See number 1
9. If it was caused by me, I would resign, and try to make it right. If not, I'll try my best, through stories or my influence as Game Moderator to bring a peace.
10. Bore, Lumine, Cranberry; I think this question is stupid because there is a wiki I could've visited.
11. I like to think it's pretty good, because I speak it. Also, forgive me for not writing 500 words, I have real life responsibilities, I can't provide the wanted answer right now.
12. Oh, you're still caught up on that, I'd think someone who won would've gotten over it by now. Anyway, I ran because I wanted the people to be able to vote for someone or someone else; instead of a default.
13. I don't see how this is relevant.

[Enduro]

You want a drawn out list of questions like an elementary school home work assignment? Ok, I'll play your game.

1) What makes you qualified to serve as Game Moderator?
2) Do you understand the duties of the Game Moderator? Please explain them, in detail.
3) What experience do you have in Atlasia?
4) Why do you think you should be Game Moderator?
5) Do you understand macro economics? Please explain, in detail.
6) Do you understand current international relations? Please explain, in detail.
7) Do you agree with the assessment that there are far more qualified candidates than yourself for the office of Game Moderator?
Why do you want to be Game Moderator?
9) How would you respond to an internal rebellion within Atlasia?
10) Please name the last three Presidents of Atlasia, preceding the incumbent.
11) How firm is you grasp of the English language? Please include a 500 word writing sample.
12) Explain your reasoning for running in the Northeast Regional Senate Special Election in February.
13) Were you a Griffin or Bore supporter?

"Elementary school home work assignment," some of us believe in progress instead of wasting time with needless attacks. Here's your answers:
1. I like storytelling, it is my greatest passion, I think that this is the greatest job in Atlasia when it comes to that; that's why I think I'm qualified, I know how to tell a story.
2. The duties of a Game Moderator, I'm my opinion, is too keep the game from dying, more or less. Without good storylines for the players to react to, the game becomes repetitive, and boring. Furtherly, it is to keep people up with what's going on, regular updates from the Game Moderator keeps people informed.
3. A stint as the Secretary of Veteran's Affairs in the Northeast, and currently a representative in the Northeast Assembly.
4. I think I should be GM because I love the game, I haven't been here long enough to be worn down by it; I have been here long enough to know that we have an activity problem, people won't play a game that doesn't challenge them. I'll be actively trying to give them the challenge.
5. Forgive me if my answer isn't very good, I find it easier to understand things then to get people to understand things. It is how the economy works on the big picture, explaining government, corporations, etc. role in the economy. GDP, unemployment, and other similar numbers are important to understanding this.
6. Yes, I understand that ISIS is causing a lot of problems in the Middle East, that Russia is trying to regain power, that Iran's nuclear capabilities has some people worried, that China's economy is quickly growing, that the some people want the Cuban embargo to end, International affairs are hard to keep up with. Although I know a lot, I admit I don't know everything, if only there was someone whose job it is to keep up and report international affairs. (SOS)
7. Yes
8. See number 1
9. If it was caused by me, I would resign, and try to make it right. If not, I'll try my best, through stories or my influence as Game Moderator to bring a peace.
10. Bore, Lumine, Cranberry; I think this question is stupid because there is a wiki I could've visited.
11. I like to think it's pretty good, because I speak it. Also, forgive me for not writing 500 words, I have real life responsibilities, I can't provide the wanted answer right now.
12. Oh, you're still caught up on that, I'd think someone who won would've gotten over it by now. Anyway, I ran because I wanted the people to be able to vote for someone or someone else; instead of a default.
13. I don't see how this is relevant.

The "nominee" has failed to answer any singular question satisfactorily. He has not won over my support. His "answers" to questions 5, 6, and 9 are particularly troubling.

The "senator" has given me a question, 10, that only has one correct answer, I gave it. Also, I told the truth of my campaign for Senate over and over, apparently truth isn't satisfactory.