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The Viridian Entente; A Short Re-introduction
Topic Started: Jun 8 2008, 01:12:52 AM (328 Views)
Ardus Cadogan
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Good evening, gentlemen.

For those of you who do not know me, I am Ardus Dolomus Cadogan I, Lord of the Viridian Entente, The Viridian Hammer, Destroyer of /b/, and a Little Teapot, too. I originally joined the Viridian Entente at the end of November 2006 and have served the Entente directly for the vast majority of my own history in a number of varied positions, from Battalion Commander, to Minister of Defense (GWIII), Lord of Obsidia/Oceania, Lord of Viridia (at the onset of the unfortunate Green Civil War), Secretary of Defense (UjW), Secretary of the Interior, and, as I stated, Lord once again. Yet, regardless of official position, I've always played a role as a sort of public face for Viridia, especially in the post-Egore era.

The Viridian Entente is a Green Team alliance through and through, as is made evident by our storied history. From the original Free Green, to United Green, the "Green Civil War" front of GWIII, the full blown Green Civil War between Green Solidarity and WUT, the fall of the GPA, and, more recently, to the reunification and liberation of the Green Trading Sphere, the VE has always played its part in moving the world. We're a constitutional monarchy of sorts, with a Lord empowered and, at the same time, restrained safely by the Charter, supported by a Parliament of three appointed Secretaries (Defense, State, Interior) and two elected Regents. Despite these restraints, the Lord's will is the will of the Entente--as he goes so goes Viridia. All of this is in the hope of a single goal--perfect meritocracy. We haven't nailed it yet, and perhaps we never will, the goal contrary to human nature. But by God, such is the hope, the dream, and the ever-present culture that defines us: the best from only the best for our members and for all of the Green Team.

In recent history Viridia has suffered a handful of internal issues that led to instability, confusion, and withdrawal. An inactive and vacant government resulted in an alliance without direction, its once pristine institutions degrading over time. The personal desires of certain members resulted in foreign stresses and, ultimately, mass exodus. Our image in the world faded as we failed to maintain positions of unquestionable moral authority in foreign affairs, our position as a "city on a hill" forgotten and tarnished. Culture conflict divided the general membership, and many wondered if the Entente would fail or flounder again, one year after the Green Civil War. And yet, we've endured. As I speak, the last votes for new Regents are being cast in one of the closest elections in our history, the first round being decided by but a single vote. As I speak, freshmen Secretaries, brimming with new ideas and proposals, refine and polish our institutions back to an emerald glow. A new refined charter stands championed by both the government and the membership, awaiting the end of elections for adoption, tearing away cumbersome details to better allow for rapid response and policy decisions, as well as the implementation of a long-needed, long-demanded second-in-command position--Duke of the Entente. Slowly, but steadily, Viridia reaches out to both her friends and enemies to reaffirm old friendships and bury the hatchet with rivals. And of course, perhaps above all else, the membership stands again united, undivided by the petty bickering and infighting suffered only weeks before. As the last stragglers of the exodus abandon the field, Viridia looks inward, among her most loyal members, and counts her blessings--numbers may come and go, but Viridia lives on!

With our recent events in mind, I hope to speak to you all very soon about "Culture Clashes: the Conflicts and Chaos Brought On by Acquisition and Merger". In this essay, I hope to use my personal experiences in the Ententes--the ACID-Tetris Mergers, the Rage Company Acquisition, and the Atlantean Influx & Exodus--to paint a full and comprehensive picture of the kind of chaos that reigns when highly differentiated and highly identifiable cultures attempt to congregate in a single alliance. At the same time, I hope to present an example of at least one successful cultural assimilation--what exact example I am not yet sure of. I may have to bow to The Big Bad of The Phoenix Federation for an example of a merger-born alliance that has proven to be "doin it rite".

If you have any questions about the Viridian Entente, our current government, our status, direction, or anything at all, please, please, feel free to ask away. I'll do my damnedest to answer your inquiries in a full and satisfying manner. I look forward to reading all of your reports, presentations, questions, and idle chatter. :)
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Buffalo Niagara
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very cool overview, if I had more than 3 hours of sleep I am sure I could come up with a multitude of questions for you, but I digress for the time being and yield the floor to others....thanks for the overview though it is a nice insight into your alliance.
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Hakim
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Former NATO
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I look foward to hearing how you handled internal disagreements...as we have had the same in our recent past.

Do you find sometimes that it is impossible to please everyone in a game like this? and if so, how do you choose which path to follow reagrdless of the outcome?
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bigwoody
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I'm going to throw in shameless flattery here and say that Ardus is one of the best posters in CN, period.
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Duncan King
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Welcome Ardus! :) Thanks for coming!
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Ardus Cadogan
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Hakim
Jun 8 2008, 09:55:15 AM
I look foward to hearing how you handled internal disagreements...as we have had the same in our recent past.

Do you find sometimes that it is impossible to please everyone in a game like this? and if so, how do you choose which path to follow regardless of the outcome?
Yes, it is impossible sometimes, but it's best to not let the possibility of impossibility keep you from at least attempting to resolve people's differences. When it becomes clear that people will be unhappy with whatever outcome, all one can do is pursue the route that will be most beneficial to the most people.

For example, some time ago the issue of tech-raiding was the #1 subject internally in the VE. Upon our reformation we opted to allow it to a limited degree to provide military training opportunities to smaller members. Over time, many who were against tech-raiding began to object to our newfound allowance of it (as such had been outright banned in the original Entente) and demanded that it be banned again. Meanwhile, some of the more libertarian members, such as those from Rage Co. or former \m/embers, objected to the idea of further government control and rules. These two sides simply couldn't be resolved and, as time continued to pass, the arguments on the subject became increasingly vitriolic. I distinctly remember chastising Ragers for flaming and Antonio Salovega for comparing raiding to rape. In the end, with both sides arguing nearly equal in size, the best route we could take was to simply ban the practice as we had before. The Ragers promptly left--some of 'em I'll admit I was glad to see go, but others had been damn fine members. Just have to suck it up and move on.

Also, bigwoody, is that a banana in your pocket or are you just glad to see me? :awesome:
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Wentworth the Brave
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Quod in nex , ego vadum teneo pacis

I will agree, you're one of the best posters i have seen :)

Tell me my good sir, what is the best way for future ambassadors to get there foot in the door and start establishing relationships with the leaders and members of other alliances?
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Ardus Cadogan
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Wentworth the Brave
Jun 8 2008, 05:42:17 PM
I will agree, you're one of the best posters i have seen :)

Tell me my good sir, what is the best way for future ambassadors to get there foot in the door and start establishing relationships with the leaders and members of other alliances?
According to The Shadow Wanderer, the VE ambassador to MCCF prior to GWIII (the guy who pretty much started our love-affair), it's spamming.
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Duncan King
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Quote:
 
To: Duncan King From: Shadow Wanderer 6/12/2008 2:15:46 PM Subject: On behalf of Ardus...
I must regretfully inform you that his internet connection is currently down, and will probably not be back in working order for several days.

As such he asked to inform you of the situation, and to apologize on his behalf for not being able to present as he was originally planning to.

Hope you understand, and that you have an enjoyable day.

-the Shadow Wanderer


We'll send him the video!
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