THE X-FILES / ISSUE 04

Day 3,159, 17:05 • Published in USA USA • by Hadrian X


SECTIONS
I. INTERVIEW/THE LAST STAND – Interview with eternal SecMed, Old Man Custer
II.  FEATURE/THE POWER LIST – Part 1: #16-20
III.  THIRD BASE (aka THE HOT CORNER) – Some really historic lady… just for Custer.
IV.  EDITOR’S NOTES
 

 

 
I. THE LAST STAND
By Hadrian X
 
Pottery wizard, old timey photo enthusiast and spokesman of the SecMed Club for Men, George Armstrong Custer.
 
Hadrian X:  What is your proudest accomplishment as perennial eUS Secretary of Media?
 
George Armstrong Custer: That has to be the development of the "segment format," which maintains a consistent look and feel of a newspaper from one edition to the next. Also, though I did it back in the old eUSArmy days, development of the "standard link block" we see, now in several variations, at the bottom of many newspapers.

HX:  Do you enjoy hardtack and what does it taste like?
 
Custer: Hardtack? I'm not even sure what that is.

HX:  What is the current state of eRep media and what can be done to improve it?
 
Custer: As the game moves further from "pay to play well" into "pay to win at all," the player demographics change. We simply have far less players who are satisfied with the free game, which includes media. Fishing for writers in this smaller pond yields less in numbers, and of those, less dedicated to playing without "winning."

HX:  Which musical artist do you prefer, Little Big Town or Lena Horne?  Favorite songs?
 
Custer: Little Big what? I don't think I like anything that starts with "Little Big…"
Lena Horne was so hot when she was young. Her renditions of "Stormy Weather" and "Summertime" played a big role in making those songs classics.

HX:  What is OMFG and what do you hope to accomplish with it?
 
Custer: The Official Media Filing Group (OMFG) is a consolidation of talent and efforts, due to the shortage of dedicated players, to ensure consistent and timely publication of government newspapers.
The primary goal of having the two main government newspapers, WHPR and USAF Newsletter, publishing "on time and under budget" is happening. The vision is larger, but I doubt the will or even the need are there.

HX:  What type of pottery glazing do you recommend – Ash glazing, salt glazing, underglazing or something else and why?
 
Custer: For my own purposes, I use strictly commercially available clays and glazes because I need the "food safe" certification for personal daily use items like coffee cups and bowls, etc.
Ash and salt yield can some spectacular effects or absolute crap.  This is nice for artists, but not commercial potters. I do a bit of underglazing-- more for sgraffito than color layering.

HX:  How long do you think you can continue to produce eUS content at the pace you are going?  Do you ever feel like a vacation is in order?
 
Custer: When there's news to publish, the Team is energized and we could produce incredible product all day every day. The stress and discouragement comes with having to put out newspapers with no news-- and that's self-imposed because I insist on "on-time every time" delivery whether we have editions loaded with news or fluff.  Vacation? I've taken a few days off since being killed off in the Werewolves game, but I'm easing back into my daily media duties now.

HX:  Have you ever clotheslined anyone and if so, what for?  If not, who is the last person you thought about doing it to and why?
 
Custer: Violence doesn't solve anything. I get plenty pissed off at assholes. Can't allow myself the mindset of taking violent action.

HX:  If you could pick your ideal 7th Cavalry of eReppers, who would be in your unit?
 
Custer: I'd like to see a better organization of new and D1 players who are anxious to fight. I put a lot of stock in instilling the initial motivation and ethic into people that they'll carry with them through the rest of their game.

HX:  Which nickname do you prefer: “Hard Ass” or “Iron Butt” and why?
 
Custer: Hardass is a great adjective, and I do consider myself one, but it's a lousy nickname. I'm "the Old Man" to a lot of people, and I like that just fine.

HX:  Since this interview is part of our series on eUS power players, of which you have been selected, I wanted to ask what is power?  And, in your opinion, who in the eUS has it?
 
Custer: Power has become a mix of money and influence, but real power is the ability to inspire and lead, qualities sadly lacking among most of those in power. I'm not sure there is a single currently active eUS player who is a real leader. Power lacking leadership skills means nothing to me.
 
Thanks Custer!
 

 
II. THE POWER LIST – Part 1 of 4
 
Who are the most powerful and influential citizens in the eUS?  We took a completely unscientific poll to find out.
 
Methodology:  I sent inquiries to nearly forty eRep players based in the eUS.  All those approached were party leaders, cabinet members, congress people and current and former PotUS’.  A few legacy players (oldfgts) were thrown in for good measure.  Over thirty individuals accepted and some twenty-five questionnaires were returned in time for publication.  On each ballot, voters were asked to rank fellow eMericans based on their power and influence on the eUS stage from #1-20 and a point score given to each, the highest value for the #1 position and lowering for each consecutive descending ranking.  Point totals were tabulated and these players were rated as the top twenty most powerful in the eUS.

All players were encouraged to vote honestly with the assurance that their selections would be kept confidential.  Voters were not allowed to include themselves on their own ballot.  The totals were tabulated and these are the players who were chosen by their fellow players as the most powerful and influential in the eUS currently.
 
I present to you, THE X-FILES 1ST POWER LIST – Part 1:   RANKINGS #16-20
 
#20 Arrden


What is your current title and what do you do?

Arrden:  Arrden The Builder, of House Blacksheep and member of The Honor Guard. (The Blacksheep Family leadership council)

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Arrden:  U.S. Deputy Chief of Staff - more than once, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Co-Chairman of NSC, Deputy Director of NSC - more than once, Deputy Speaker of the House - more than once, Deputy Secretary of Interior - more than once.  But, my happiest and proudest accomplishments are,  Co-Founder of the Blacksheep Political Party, 11x Blacksheep Party President, Founder/Creator of the Bank Up 2 Strength Up Program, 4x Secretary of Interior, 2nd Commander of the Blacksheep MU, Member of the Blackhseep Family Honor Guard.
 
If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Arrden:  I thought that question to myself 3 years ago when I was a Deputy Secretary of Interior. What could I do to make our country better? Stronger?  That's when I drafted my idea for the Bank Up 2 Strength Up program. Awarding Gold to lower level and new players for the purpose of upgrading training grounds faster. In turn, further participating in the mentoring of new accounts and strengthening them up quicker. Better for the player and better for eUSA.

What others say about Arrden:

“He's only influential within BSP, but they're a top 5 party so his power is still relevant.”

“Basically the bizzaro Pfeiffer. He controls BSP no matter how much they want to deny it.”

“[The] most consistently influential and active voice among all T5 parties.”


#19 Derphoof

 
*EDITOR’S NOTE: Derphoof was approached for comment (twice), but did not respond.  Therefore, we asked Major Trite to answer on his behalf.*

What is Derphoof's current title and what does he do?

Major Trite for Derphoof:  Wannabe CP. I am sure he is active somewhat on the forums, though the forums aren't really all that active. Isn't everyone just waiting as the new gimmicks take their time arriving?

What other positions has Derphoof held and what would you consider his proudest accomplishments?

MT4DH: Besides seated in front of a monitor, supine?  Proud as in pride, he has somewhat succeeded (see current title) in mingling with those that are kingmakers in the eUS.

If Derphoof could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

MT4DH: Break with the fluffer dominated USWP, and help form an opposition to the past/current/future top five. Imagine actual contests for elected offices and the ensuing article writing and vote buying. Players might actually get involved if it was worth something to them.

What others say about Derphoof:

“Despite his sometimes lackluster activity, he still has been included in almost every cabinet of recent times.”

“Derphoof hasn't done anything in years but he's running for president so I'm putting him here just in case.”


#18 Ilene Dover

 
What is your current title and what do you do?

Ilene Dover:  Co-Secretary of Citizen Affairs. I (along with Jessina) oversee the department's programs (Bank Up 2 Strength, Stack the Wall, Meals on Wheels, Question of the Day and the American University. Jointly Jess and I are responsible to Congress through the President for the Department of Citizen Affairs budget.

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Ilene Dover:  In the eUS? Congress, twice. I am a migrant from eAustralia though where I've held every position on the Country home-page, up to and including Country President.  My proudest accomplishment? Having two happy, healthy and well adjusted kids.  🙂  Oh, you mean in-game? Ummm... eAustralia was kept intact and on the map through the Day 3000 shenanigans while I was CP. When you're part of a small country that can't fill all the congress seats every month, even staying on the map is an achievement. Getting my first Top 10 International Article the other day was pretty exciting too, I must say.

If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Ilene Dover: Better is a challenging concept. I'd bring back some passion for things. The country feels tired, and used up. We need new blood into the place, and some new ideas.

What others say about Ilene Dover:

“Ilene is the next rising star in the eUS.”

“Somehow manages to flaunt her SFP affiliations while also providing valuable work in the cabinets she's been appointed to.”

“Probably going to attempt to run for CP once that NSC/FA box is checked off.”

“Expect to see her name higher up the list in the next few months.”
 

#17 Molly Emma

 
What is your current title and what do you do?

Molly Emma:  Executive Advisor, Part-time Executive Historian, Congressman and Keeper of the Kool-Aid.

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Molly Emma:  I have held just about every government post in the game and meta.  Proudest accomplishments?  Sticking it hard to Ajay while PPing in the Feds in 2012.  Making that vein on Keer’s forehead pop out when I pulled the US out of Sirius.

If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?

Molly Emma:  I still have dreams/nightmares about PTOing Kanadurr and running it as a US proxy with Rylde serving as the royal footstool.  The gods require more seal blood!  KKP Forever!  Until that happens, I would only wish for the USA to become more willing to tax and spend more, become less risk-averse and embrace MORE WAR!  It's the only thing that really matters in this game and we just aren't willing to make it happen.

What others say about Molly Emma:

“Very smart player, might be the most intelligent Fed.”

“A Federalist voice of Reason. And War.”

“Still liked within the community, but has been on vacation for a bit and [her] activity has dropped.”

“Just because she is behind the scenes doesn't mean she isn't influential.”


#16 George Armstrong Custer

 
What is your current title and what do you do?
 
Custer:  I'm officially the Secretary of Media (or Minister of Propaganda), but have formed the Official Media Filing Group (OMFG) to manage five of the government's official newspapers.
I've been SecMed probably ten or so times, under six or seven Presidents. 

What other positions have you held and what would you consider your proudest accomplishments?

Custer:   I am President Emeritus (that is, I'm still in charge, the title 'President" is being passed around randomly) of the Old Fucks United Party (OhFU).  I was the founder of the original American Military Party, back on Day 835.  I'm most proud of my work as SecMed. Some things I put into play years ago are still the standard, no matter who's SecMed.

If you could do any one thing to make the eUSA better, what would it be and why?
 
Custer:  Strip Congress of powers over the President, especially the President-as-Dictator. Congress is totally out of control.

What others say about Custer:  

“His meteoric return to the helm of the Media department has meant some of the most reliable and best we've gotten in a while.”

“Continues to be successful at all things media.”

“He's always done great work, and has helped this most recent month to shape the narrative. Here's hoping he sticks around.”
 
Part 2 - #11-15 / Coming soon!
 

 
III. THE HOT CORNER
 
Ooh-la-la... Custer buddy, this one is for you!
 




 
IV. EDITOR’S NOTES

Thanks to a generous donation by our old pal, Colin Lantrip, we have officially named our $1k giveaway – The Colin Lantrip Memorial Award of Commenting Excellence.
 

 
The WINNER of this issue's award and $1,000 USD/cc is INWEGEN!
 

 
BALL SO HARD!
 
Do YOU want to WIN the Lantrip Award and $1,000/cc!  Of course you do!  WRITE A COMMENT and if it gets the MOST LIKES, you WIN!
 
See the illustrious previous Lantrip Award Winners HERE.
 
And thanks for reading and voting!
 

 
Catch ‘em all!   BUT FIRST, VOTE THIS UP.  THEN, catch ‘em all!  Thanks!
 

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