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The UKRP Party President race just got interesting with a candidate debate that was hosted on IRC. It was a fascinating event, attended by LongShotzZ, Madacaion and Sir Rex Fleddington. Absent was Seranok and the no-manifesto candidates, as well as James Scarlet, who has unfortunately dropped out. The debate was presided over by Robalbinio, who did a fantastic job answering questions.

As one of the spectators present, I thought of compiling the content of the debate into an article, sort of like a tl,dr version for those who don't want to sift through the logs. I've bowlderised it to change IRC text into formal text, which will hopefully make it an easier read.

Q1: How, without using general terms like 'mass message more' and 'more articles' do you intend to raise recruitment? Ie actual plans to implement

LongShotzZ: I intend to raise recruitment by generally focusing on retention rates of new members and by getting them involved in the community further by hosting a weekly quiz night and frequent chats on both Skype and IRC.

Madacaion: Increased membership will be down to the recruitment team working hard and us leading the way for the rest of the eUK to follow. Our party is a beacon of democracy – true democracy where every member has the opportunity to achieve and every member has an equal voice. By building upon this with the rest of our activities, excellent community and strong morale focus we will attract like minded individuals and retain existing members. Basically, I aim to increase our membership by being the best we can be and chatting to people. I also want to get a UKRP based guide set up so we can give out useful information - not just party patter.

Sir Rex: My methods will involve giving newer members more responsible positions within the party. I have brought a few methods forward last term that worked quite well. I would like to follow on with the idea that we should work off referrals. I would like to use Mada's podcast as an advertisement - if he says no, then he isn't part of the party! He's probably swearing at me now, but I've muted my mic.

Side questions

LongShotzZ, you say your weekly quiz will help retain new players. Judging that many are a bit hesitant to come online to the IRC, how would you help them using ingame methods?
The quiz shall be held in an article and the answers shall be messaged in and prizes shall be given! Bribery shall succeed!

Madacaion, how would a UKRP guide be of any benefit when we already have many great guides already out there, eg Kravenns?
because I would have a better guide. I'm already working on video guides that would kick ass - and get our name out there.

SirRex, giving newer members party positions is all well and good once they have joined, but how would you get them to join?
I will use this to our advantage. I give to you the example of Anahi Harrison. She has recently joined and is doing a terrific job. I will give people like her, who have done a good job but know what newer players like, a chance to gain some experience. It would be beneficial to the whole party including the new members who join who get to talk to such amazing people...like Cotton! [Picken]

Q2: On the matter of congress, how would you pursue UKRP policy? Would you leave it to congress members themselves or have a set party mandate? This can also include election plans/organisation

LongShotzZ: I would ensure that party policy is upheld by appointing a senior member as our congressional leader, who can advise the people who are new to congress on which decisions would benefit the party whilst upholding policy. I would like to set a party-wide policy system that is followed by the majority of congress members representing our party, but would not force it fully upon them. I plan to give away both fifth and seventh spots in congress to parties with twenty plus members so we can ensure we get 5 seats at the minimum.

Madacaion: I want to give our congress members the most information possible. To that end I will be putting together, along with some helpers, a congress guide, to the end that we will be educating our members and showing them where our party policy is. It will, however, be up to the individual members to decide on the best course of action based on logic, reason and advice if they wish to ask for it.

Sir Rex: I want to tell you lot a story. I believe that a system be set up to allow our congress members to give information on why they think a certain proposal should be allowed or not. This can be made via a forum post or googledoc. This will allow any member, if they are interested in learning more, to be fully aware of the implications of each proposal. This idea is a rough sketch, but I believe with the guidance of others, this can altered to get the best results.

Q3: The issue of a UKRP Military Unit has been brought up a few times. What's your opinion on this?

LongShotzZ: I frankly don't see a military unit being beneficial to UKRP. Most members are already dedicated to another MU and so it'd be pretty pointless and waste our resources. So stuff having an MU. Look at 1V, they went down the swanny as soon as they started up their MU.

Madacaion: I fully support non party MU's and strongly suggest people to mix and mingle in MU's. PS...national units FTW!

Sir Rex: Unfortunately have to agree with Mada, on the basis that it isn't worth it. We have to remember that the MUs are supposed to unite the entire country against our foes. If we make our own, then we are saying that we do not want to associated with other parties. I am part of the Legion, who are one of the top ranking MUs in the world. I don't think anyone feels pride for the party that set it up, but for the entire country coming together to show how strong and resilient we are.

Right, I think we've covered the basics here so I'll start to wrap up. Give me a closing statement, which I shall question on why you should be the UKRP PP for March/April 2013 what sets you apart from the rest?

LongShotzZ: I think that I'm the best option for PP because I care deeply about the community, and would love for UKRP to grow not only as a party but also as individuals. New members are good and all that, but we need active, lively members that don't suck balls! Vote for me!

Madacaion: I’m a do-er. I've worked on plenty of bigger projects and have been involved in politics of all levels. My drive and commitment to the UKRP is unrelenting. We have huge potential within the eUK . I will help us achieve it. My main objectives are increased membership, (Total 130+) congress seats, (4, 5 with space for one small party to run under us) increased UKRP communication, training and development plans for party, congress and cabinet roles and cross-party communications. This isnt just me, this isnt a one man band. This is UKRP standing up, standing proud and generally being the best group of people in the eUK. Please consider me for PP.

Sir Rex: I believe I'm the best candidate because I'm a planner. I have done this since I started eRep. I got on and went off, when I got bored and came back with solutions on how to make it better for people like me. This happened last term and it worked so well, I decided to stay. I don't just go ahead with things. I ask the people beside me what they think, and if they like it, it is introduced. Honestly, I don't expect to stay in power for more than one term, but I believe the plans I have come up with will help propel the party to a position where the next guy can come in and keep it steady.

End

As you can see, we have some great candidates! Don't forget to vote on the 15th.