Join the new world

Today, we have the opportunity to interview UK’s Finest, former military unit leader, regular instigator of new member schemes on eRepublik and a man whose opinion changes as often as Alfagrem’s does. We’ll be looking at some of the things UK’s Finest has done and ask whether he really is the finest we have to offer.

---

1. First, let’s talk about a recent incident that someone reported on the eUK national forums. Reportedly, you stole Derek06079’s money and then only returned the money after pressure from him. How would you respond to the accusations that you’re not a trustworthy character?

I run a bank offering on interest on all investments. Players donate the money they wish to invest and after every month the money remains in my account I add 10% of the initial investment in interest. I received a message from Derek06079 asking to withdraw his investment, only I had let my inbox become cluttered and I did not read his message till almost a week later. On reading it I returned his investment, the interest owed to him and an extra 3000 GBP as an apology for my mistake. I would urge anyone who doubts me to ask either Derek06079 or Scrouch of my credibility who I have recently returned large investments [1] [2].

2. Another example of misplaced trust is arguably in your running of your former military unit, 1st Armoured Division. Quite a few people reported that you did not give them supplies for two weeks or more. How do you respond to people who now mistrust you because of this?

When I stopped being able to commit the time needed to run the companies of 1st Armoured and the unit itself. I handed Octavian and Woolfie (my 2IC and 3IC) the last round of supplies. I said to them issue these as you see fit as I am unable to do so. I am sure on whether the supplies were issued according to activity, IRC activity, responding to a PM or what. At the time I was just happy to be able to relax knowing everything was getting sorted.

Only later did I find out that people had stayed on working at some of my companies using the WRM's my rubber plantations made. These people left at varying times and I have no idea who made what or why they stayed on. Maybe it was not made clear that the companies where to close or some just didn't believe it was over, either way I take responsibility for the situation. However I would direct people's attention to the fact that 1st Armoured was subsidising the standard supplies by about 50 GBP a day! Let alone bonuses and extra 'emergency' kit. I spent a tonne on 1st Armoured and I don't regret a penny of it, however I wish people didn't jump to the negative way the unit ended, but rather celebrated all the great we did, the fun we had and the success we had.

Also I would like to make clear I'm not trying to blame either my 2IC or 3IC as they did exactly as I sai😛 issue this kit as you see fit. Furthermore Octavian and Woolfie were nothing short of amazing, great organisers, people and I would like to even consider them great eFriends.

3. You’re a notable critic of the major parties, arguing that none of them offer something for the “new player”. How would you change the structure of the political parties or what schemes would you introduce if you were a party president?

I am a critic of the major parties as I believe there is a lot of complacency around. I do though thing there is some great stuff that goes on and there are people I respect in all of the top 5 parties. If I was to be a PP today I woul😛

- Organise free-food-give-aways to anyone who wants it, collecting donations of food from the party I represent. (Focusing on young players)
- Organise a group to update the wiki pages (inside the party) and to stay in place regardless of PP.
- Role out impartial advice articles.
- Set out in fairly regular articles what the party is doing, why we are doing it, and what we are going to do/hope to do.
- Create an area in the party forum that all forum members regardless of party can see and post in with no special party moderators (no censorship).
- Remove all 'roles' that parties have such as Election Co-ordinator, or Party Editor or w/e. Everyone would be equal in my party except maybe a 2IC.

I'm sure I will think of more ideas later but hopefully this gives you a flavour of what is in my mind now.

4. In less than a week, the nation will decide who will lead it through these difficult times. The candidates are: Dishmcds (UKRP); Kravenn (TUP); and Angela Williams (UKPP). Of those candidates, who are you most likely to vote for and why?

I cannot say yet. Normally I save my final decision right up until the voting day once I have read every article and formed my final opinion. I have voted for every party in the top 5 previously, it depends who I believe has the best ideas and who is going to actually implement what they say they will.

5. As someone who owned an independent military unit, how would you respond to proposed changes in the national military where the national army is abandoned in favour of a more specialised “elite” unit with additional funding?

I think it is important to fully equip the strongest most active players, but I strongly believe everyone matters and not one person should be left behind, so to speak. Our country is small enough in numbers, we must utilise every single person if we are to be as great as we possibly can be.

6. We’ve seen quite regularly now that you run programs for new players with free food and weapons being offered. Why do you feel you have to do things when both the government and parties run individual schemes?

I don't feel I have to, but I like to. What good is GBP or Gold to me? I can't take it out of the game. So instead I give it to others, as hopefully the good will makes the person behind the online character receiving the donation feel a little happier. And if that is the case even once out of all the times I do it, I have achieved more than I could ever hope to ingame by adding a little difference to wall in a mini-battle somewhere.

7. You’re now a member of the United Kingdom Advancement Party (UKAP) and provided them with a military unit, Liberty. How will Liberty be any different to the path that 1st Armoured Division took and why are you involving yourself so noticeably with this party and not others?

I am not a member of UKAP nor is Liberty a UKAP MU. That is the first I have heard of either [2]. I hope that is not a widespread view as I am quiet happy in my largely neutral world.

Liberty is all about DEFENDING the eUK and her allies and neutral nations. Notice I say defending not fighting for, as Liberty is about protecting those that associate with the eUK and nations that don't want to be involved in the global alliance struggle. The idea is to fight for peace, not to fight for profits.

8. Finally, a lot of people don’t trust you because of past experience and you’re not a user of the national forums. How would you respond to critics of your character who say you’re untrustworthy and that you do very little for the eUK?

I would say in the case of past experiences, people have said one thing and I have not challenged the public opinion that has been created. Instead of ignoring negative things people say regarding me. I intend to state my case, admit where I have been wrong but stand up for what I believe is right and at least put my point across instead of leaving people to assume the worst of me. This has been a flaw of me in the past and I intend to address it.

One day I might use the general forum you speak of, but at least for the short term I do not have the time or desire to go down that road.

Also if you say I'm untrustworthy, talk to recent customers Derek06079 or Scrouch who have deposited large amounts in the UKF Investment Bank and have been happy with the interest on their investments.

Talk to the ex-members of 1st Armoured Division who have not a bad word to say and many great memories, rather than ex-members who received alot and are still unhappy because of a regrettable ending.

---

[1] The source for this information came from this thread.

[2] We verified this with Derek06079. While it is true that UK’s Finest did send an additional 3,000GBP as a token of apology, Derek06079 confirmed that he would not be dealing with him again.

[3] The source for this information came from Liam Charlesworth’s newspaper article [MU] Join Liberty Today