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Would you like to hear some Irish muzak that reminds this hobbit of home? Seriously, this may be the best music video in the world.
~I am taking some time of my military articles to try to branch my writing off into interviews. For the next couple of days, the Tales from the Shire will be releasing a three-part interview sequence (titled Hobbit Homecoming) directed to the colorful members of Ireland! Today, I got the fabulous chance to sit down and talk to an old, old citizen of Ireland and current Minister of Defense,Nithraldur!~

The Warden
~Please take the time to vote and sub Nithraldur's newspaper, The Warden.You'll be surprised to find that his articles are quite and informative. And don't forget to subscribe and vote this article of course!~

Note that this interview is pretty lengthy, but I encourage you to read it in it's entirety if you have time. It will change you.



When did you start playing eRepublik and how did you find it?

I started out on day 95, so in a couple of days I'll be hitting the 1000 days played mark. I found it through an old friend of mine, Kheops.

Wow! You are one of the original citizens of eRepublik! Speaking of which, what were you influenced to do when you first started? Any direction you wanted your eLife to go back then?

I was very interested in the political aspect of the game. I wanted to check how far that I could get in this social game, by just being myself. Call it a practical learning school without any of the downsides that you could get when trying them out, out of the blue, in real life.

And so you did! Unfortunately, just by looking at the number of dead citizens without avatars, the New World is cruel to newer citizens. Were there ever times where you were discouraged by people? Or did you do the discouraging?

Of course there were times that I got discouraged. Until I learned that that's part of the game. Part of life. You need to learn how to react to this kind of situations and know that you yourself have total authority over your actions, and to a certain degree, how you let yourself be influenced by them. I believe knowing how to react to setbacks is something you can learn.

Unfortunately at times I may have been the discouraging factor. Not because I wanted to, but I have my own typical way of saying things. I don't like to beat around the bush and can get across quite straightforward, which might upset some people. Sad, really, I only aim to do good. Lucky for me, the people seem to like the style I use when trying to get my point across. Good for all of us really, it makes for a better read and for a more vibrant active world.

Your political accomplishments have outnumbered some of the most prominent players in the New World. Parliament, you have been a member of parliament 19 times! What are your opinions of what Congress has done to benefit or neglect the Irish people? Are the fine citizens of Ireland voting in the responsible representatives or is it just a popularity contest now?

Congress is supposed to look after people and vote accordingly, to what they themselves think is best. If you look at it that way, congress really can't make a bad decision, as people should vote for the candidate that they feel has the same mindset as themselves, or at least believe that he knows his stuff and will vote correctly. If he doesn't, than either the candidate was unsuitable or the voter himself was influenced by flashy commercials and propaganda, more than their own ideology and how they wanted it to be reflected.

Because of that, I fear that elections these days are indeed a popularity contest. However, all elections are. Alas, recently the amount of 'hypes' created around candidates has caused the less experienced people to vote for the candidate they see around the most for a couple of days. Which is not always the right guy or gal for the job, it's just a boost of activity for a few days, without even having the arguments to back up all the things they claim to do or change.

Do you think you have left a mark in Parliament, for better or worse? And if so, how did you come around doing it?

I think I've left a permanent mark or am at least still writing with a large ink pencil. People have deemed me worthy of congress so many times now, that I think I must be voting right or at least be able to represent the opinions of the people adequately. Because of this, I've managed to gather large amounts of experience in all kinds of situations (over the past years), which now makes me one of the more seasoned members of congress around, which in my eyes is good, a voice of reason is always a nice alternative to hear.

And now to your presidential exposure. You have been a President of Ireland during Beta and three times during V1. That is quite the resume! During the release of V1, how did you feel when you first became Country President after Beta?

I was excited, of course. I was sure that I could make some differences for Ireland as I was completely different of what we'd have had before. Ireland was pretty stagnant before that and I believed that I could bring back some more activity, some change but still without compromising our integrity. In the end I felt that I had done a decent job, there were some 'not so happy' but we all know, you can't please everyone, at least not at the same time. He who tries will not succeed in anything because he's too busy mending things towards everyone's personal needs.

Wise, wise words. Out of those three terms in office, which single of event or series of events have been your highest point, and which as been your lowest point?

I think everyone would agree that they remember me for the Shannon Exercise. I can't do anything else but agree with them. Organizing it and watching it unfold was one of the most exciting times I've had. Too bad there was one around who decided it would be fun for him to spoil the fun of everyon else. Ireland would have had an even greater time if that guy didn't spoil the plot early.

Another high, if I were to offer an alternative, was a certain presidential election. We only had 2 candidates, me and - I'll be honest here, I think I remember who it was but I'm not entirely sure so I'll leave the name out - the other guy. hey had formed a 5 party alliance against me at that point. The good thing back than was, people weren't lulled into cheap advertisements and propaganda. I won that election, even in the face of such a strong opposition.

I wouldn't really get a clear example of a 'low'. I'd have to say, each of my terms had a low. There's no such thing as perfection. I am pretty sure that there were issues that could have been dealt with more swiftly when I was in office and that we should have looked into more options that we seemed to have missed. That shows that the 'lows' of being President is making choices. If you make a choice, it means you lose. You lose the other options and go for one. You hope it's the right call but, you're never really sure until you've experienced it.

In your terms, what kept you going? I mean, you had some much on your shoulders, and being CP changes people's perception of the game entirely. You can actually see how the hard work of people can come together for a greater cause.

What kept me going was the confidence people showed in me by voting me. I'm not one to let people down easily, I'd rather break than bend. It's simple as that, I don't give up. I had signed up for the job and I was there to do it. Simple really, it just requires your devotion and a clear mind.

We all have our spoofs. Any embarrassing or funny events in office?

I've been referred to as 'the pantsless one' many a time before. We've actually made a Way out of it, just to have a laugh.

The military drives almost every aspect of the New World. How do you think Ireland has been doing as a military power?

Ireland's a small country. We don't have the same drive as many of the superpowers. However organization helps. Recently our organization was quite good, than we met a bump on the road again. I'm doing my best in flattening them so we can get along smoothly again. Coordination makes up for a lot of damage.

You probably know this question was going to come up sooner or later. Now, you don't have to take a side if you want to, but what do you feel about the current situation between the ICA and IDF? Do you think differences will be put aside and citizens can improve the state of both beneficial organized fighting units?

As Minister of Defense I keep myself out of that discussion. I feel it's inappropriate for me to make official comments on the proceedings. I am in function of Ireland and will not take sides in 2 party's who both fight for Ireland. However, off the record, as a normal Irish citizen, I am 100% against the organization of rogue - movements. That being said, I leave my personal opinions behind me whenever I put on my suit.

What challenges do you face being MoD, and what color is your suit?

Haha, although I've been told I look good in black (and white), I still prefer to get my hands dirty and will not hold back to strap on the old green one. The major challenge I face is reinstating confidence in the IDF and get it's organization back up and running while in the meanwhile provide assistance to our Ireland and safeguard our home soil.

As you have been playing this game for years on end, you have seen the course of the game change. What direction do you feel the game is going?

The game's getting more and more technical and getting more detailed. I think that's a good thing. However the admins don't seem to be treating everyone fairly, which is a cause of concern for many people and causes a lot of frustration. They have good ideas, but they don't execute them. I also thing they sometimes get money - hungry and hunt for the Mastercard. These are the things that should change and I hope they do.

Have you lost friends due to the Admin's changes in the gameplay? What keeps you playing a game that keeps evolving for better or worse in so little time nowadays?

I've lost friends yes, the first friend who actually got me to play the game left a few weeks ago. What still keeps me here are a select few people, who I've grown fond of and like to socialize with. I hope there are more of those around and that's why I'm sticking around, I'm still looking!

Before we cut off, what is the best advice you can give the newer citizens in Ireland? The old ones can't be here forever you know.

Stick it out. Things might not always go the way you want them to. Toughen up. Things will change, maybe you will be the one that changes them? If you don't try you'll never know. Get to know the people, join the IRC and chat. It's a pretty fun place, even if you're only looking to broaden your social horizon.

Thanks for taking the time of your hectic day to have an interview with this hobbit. Hopefully I didn't bore you.

Of course you didn't. I'm multitasking.



And if you liked what you read, please vote, subscribe, comment, and shout! Thank you!

Best Regards,

Congressman, New Hampshire
~Your neighborhood friendly hobbit.~