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You are reading an article written by a citizen of eRepublik, an immersive multiplayer strategy game based on real life countries. Create your own character and help your country achieve its glory while establishing yourself as a war hero, renowned publisher or finance guru.

A Newb's Perspective: Interview with Oblige

Day 1,535, 21:45 • Published in USA USA

• by Malarkey83

Greetings my fellow eRepublikans!

WHPR posted an article recently, which can be found HERE. This article contains part two of my interview with none other than our POTeUS Oblige.

I'm currently re-posting this interview for the benefit of the readers of Something something news.

An Interview with the President

Malarkey83 publishes the Something something... newspaper, currently running a series of interviews targeting new players with advice from experienced players.

A while back, he sent a set of interview questions to the President.

1. Who or what helped you the most when you were a new player?

When I got my New Citizen Message from the President, I read and re-read it, and clicked on every link and read every bit of resource material that was offered. I applied for Meals on Wheels. I got on IRC and made friends, and asked a ton of questions.

2. What is the biggest mistake you made early on?

Like many new players, I probably fought myself broke the first time I could fight. Easily cured by a couple friends' donations and a little guidance.

3. What do you think would be the most valuable tool for new players to have?

Common sense, and good communication skills-- primarily listening, more than talking. Put your social networking skills to work, join groups and volunteer for duty with your political Party and Military Unit, and make friends with people who will help you just as you help them.

4. What should new players not waste their gold/money on?

New players should not jump into playing the monetary market.
You haven't asked but I want to tell new players this. Self-sufficiency is the greatest persoanl goal you can strive for. Save up to purchase Companies, to produce as much raw materials and finished goods as possible for yourself. And really, primarily Food, because most Military Units will provide weapons in exchange for working in their in-house commune, but the more Food you can produce yourself is less you have to buy.

5. What is the difference between the in-game and meta-game interface? How have they affected your game play? Which would you prefer if given the choice?

The game and meta-game go hand-in-hand. The full experience requires participation in both. There is no preference or choice about it, if you're going to play you're going to play.

6. Name one thing a new player can do (or has done) to impress you or get your attention (in a good way).

I read a lot of newspapers, both US and foreign media. When I read a new newspaper by a new player who expresses himself intelligently, I go back to that newspaper regularly and watch for that player to appear in the military or political or economic game.

7. Players have said/claimed that eUSA is mostly ruled by a small group of "elites" who have acquired enough power to manipulate the system so that this power group is essentially closed indefinitely. How do you respond to that?

The word "elites" used to mean something but has become an overused cliche, an excuse people use while whining about the things they themselves lack the motivation or skills to change. There are no limits other than those each player places on themselves.

Follow up: Is there a realistic chance for a player just joining today for the first time to be successful at the highest levels of this game in the long term. If so, how?

There are "generations" of players. Entering the fifth year of this game's existence, we have seen several generations of "oldfags" and "elites" drop out or scale back their game play. The current top level of players is comprised of players anywhere from 3 years old to six months old. Much of the old xenophobic barriers are gone as well, with players "playing an international game" and pursuing their fame and fortune in many countries beyond their RL homelands.

How? Make friends, play smart, listen more than talk, then speak and write intelligently, work hard, volunteer, inspire others, ask questions, help others.