So my question is quite simple, I have joined Nationstates because someone said I should who knows that I would enjoy this sort of thing, the only problem is I don't know what to do? I mean I pick my issues and that all fun and everything, but what the hell else am I suppose to do?

Some constructive points would be greatly appreciated.

NationStates has two aspects.

The first aspect is the on-site NS game play. There, you can join the UN, vote on UN issues, sort through your daily issues, and check in on the on-site board of the region in which you reside. You can also endorse other UN Nations, and put forth UN proposals.

The second aspect is the off-site game play. In some more developed regions, nations from within the region have united and created constitutions, laws, governments, legal systems, etc. Also, fun "off topic" areas are created where you can mingle with your fellow residents.

In Canada, you'll note that we have an off-site area with many opportunities for involvment.

Whenever there is a UN resolution, our constitution mandates that hte Delegate must vote in accordance with the wishes of the region (UN Delegate votes are weighted on the amount of endorsements the delegate has, in our case, that's over 60 votes). One way to participate is to vote on the open topic, and provide your feedback.

You'll note that we have a functioning government. You can participate in the interm by trying to become a Deputy Minister, or an Ambassador to another region. We also have a House of Commons, where those not in Cabinet can debate issues and demand answers from the six elected officials who "run" Canada.

Every two months we have elections, and everyone is encourage to run for a spot in Cabinet.

We also have a Canadian Intelligence Agency, where we amass intelligence on elements that might be a threat to regional security (like roving bands of Crashers who try to take over regions through UN endorsement schemes, then kick out the former leadership from the region).

We also have roleplay forums, a map of the region, and Off-topic forums where we discuss fun issues, and political issues.

I'd suggest you read through forums that catch your interest, and if you have any further questions, respond to this thread. We'll be happy to answer your questions, and look forward to your participation here.

The other aspect of the game occurs on the off-site forums, such as this one, where there is a degree of Role-play from a political standpoint. some Regions openly attack others using the Endorsement engine to conquor other Regions, whereas other Regions are defenders of this. The off-site forums present an opportunity to meet new people, participate in inter-Regional activities such as Cricket competitions in England, and Hockey tournaments in Canada etc.
There is also the option of 'spying' on other Regions for the defence of the Region you are in and this also includes political espionage and so forth. There are plenty of informal forums on this board and the best thing to do is get involved in the current conversation/dicussion. The topics of these change frequently, so it's not essential to read the entire thread. As an example, I'd say take a look at Standing Around the Water Cooler. It's a fun, and easy way to become involved. Alternatively, if you like playing Government, there's always Your Government. Just take a look at what's going on and throw you two-pence worths in. :D

Thanks so much for the help. I just started two or three days ago and was wondering about all the dynamics. So how do I get more involved on the on-site situation other then voting on my issues. I have applied to the UN, is this just some sort of instant entrance or do they actually care about your status?

Beyond the issues and the UN, what else can I do on-site?

UN is automatic. You usually wait 24 hours, and they approve you.

The onsite game is pretty limited. The focal point is the UN - voting on resolutions, drafting resolutions, getting endorsements from other nations in your region, etc.

The other aspect is governing your region, handling the daily issues, and then seeing where your nation ranks on the top ten list each day (it's viewed as prestigious to make the regional top ten list in a category. I wouldn't know, as I've never made it in the top ten, ever).

Beyond that, there isn't much else to the game onsite.

Didn't you make the top ten somewhere on your cross canada tour?

Yeah, I made the top ten a few times, as the regions were smaller. But I've never made the top ten in Canada.

Shocking..! :P

Thanks for the insight. I'll keep playing with it and see what happens. Baby steps I guess, even though I hate that shit.

Yeah, that's what I thought at first... it's slow starting... if you want it to pick up a bit, you could always change your settings to get two issues a day...

But like I said, slow at first... but now I'm deputy minister deputy of justice, and am hoping for the deputy of foreign affairs soon! :P

And I'm just the regional crazy :wacko: , with a kickass avatar ^_^ . Yeah the actual NS game is EXTREMELY limited. Apart from picking and choosing your issues, which basically change the way your nation looks on its mainpage "Your corrupt, dictatorial government...." etc etc, theres not much else to do. Joining the UN is fun too, but severely limits what answers you can give to your issues before being declared a psychotic dictatorship.

In this forum is where most of the fun takes place. ^they all told you about it. I'm in charge of the map so send me a personal message to reserve yourself a spot. It could come in handy. Right now there's talk about creating a roleplay aspect to the forum, apart from government and 007 stuff. We hope (I hope anyways) to see a system of trade, cooperation, alliances, and maybe even internal war in the near future. That's where the map'll come in handy most. Anyways until we all have an idea of what we're going to do to create this Roleplay fantasy, then feel free to read the rest and stuff and such. And stuff.

Well gotta go

I like the map idea... if that internal war feature is added im going for sw ontario :P
by the way im new here and i was wondering why people were interested in this game. This thread has helped a bit. :rolleyes:

Welcome to Canada, Monks :P Introduce yourself properly in the Country Introductions forum and many more will greet you! :D

The map has been done, and can be found here. Ask MrPopo about getting on the map.

Enjoy your time here! :D

Lelana