Here's a tip (Or 10)
Matt Oaks
In my life, I try not to come off as a person who thinks they know better than other people or someone who thinks they know best..... which is why I'm writing this novel on everything you guys (eRepublik community) have done right and wrong in recent eRep history
😃.
This is meant as objective and helpful guidance from a former 'successful' player who really doesn't give a s*** anymore which only makes this advice more valuable. I'd encourage you all to read on. I plan on covering everything I can think of as I write this at 1:50AM so buckle in.
First off, does anyone remember me?
Lol. I couldn't possibly care less (not because I don't like you people but because eRepublik no longer consumes my life) to be honest. But if you do (initiate humility), I was something of an eRepublik "prodigy" of my time. If you really care you can look at my early articles and I challenge anyone to show me someone who rose faster through the mostly meaningless ladders of eRepublik than me. Part of the reason for that I'm going to talk about now. But I expect you don't care so just know, I'm a former player who's about to give you some much needed, no BS advice.
Who am I in real life?
For those of you who remember me, I probably lied to you at some point about who I am in real life. For some reason I thought that would give me a benefit in progressing through this game but that was before I realized just how set in stone the upper ranks of eRepublik are but thats for later.
I am a 17 year old high school student from Ontario, Canada. My favourite shows are political dramas like House of Cards and the West Wing. I am an aspiring lawyer but thats just as a stepping stone to becoming a politician and participating in the broken, biased environment that is politics in the United States. I scored 35 on my ACT and am applying to Harvard, Yale, McGill and Georgetown for political science. Why does any of this matter? You'll see because we're getting to the first thing eRepublik could do better.
Play up the professionalism....a little
I joined eRepublik because in real life I want to be a politician and I saw an opportunity in this simulator to get a sense of what it's like to be one (with no delusions there wouldn't be differences, it is the internet). Hence my enthusiasm. My enthusiasm is what made me so successful. This brings me to the first person I want to thank (I'm going to do a big thank you list at then end) which is Hale26. I reached out to Hale day 1 (or 2 or something) about getting a job in WTP. Why WTP? Im a libertarian IRL they didn't force line toeing so ya. He responded positively and away I went on my journey. But here's the point:
This community has gotten a little too comfortable. eRepublik is a game. I get that. This is not the White House (though that place is a bit of a joke too sometimes) and I dont think it should be. However, I do think a little role play (oooh scary word around these parts) and a little professionalism in the operations at all level (MU's, parties, gov't, etc) makes this game much more attractive for social simulator seekers. With a game dying to attract new players, you're gonna need more Matt Oaks'. Onto the next item.
Lose Dio
What is Dio? I still don't know. Lose it. Get rid of it. It creeps out and confuses new players and it's just something the same people like saying and they've been saying it for years. NEXT.
Gov't MU = GOOD
Yeah, USAF has its inefficiencies but I dont care about that because this write up is about attracting players. The USAF is good because it provide a safe, approachable, and real world friendly first choice for new players when it comes to MU's. Play it up, advertise it big time. New players like the sound of the United States Armed Forces. NEXT.
Old guard needs to move to the back seat a little
There is a very healthy population of players who have been playing eRepublik for a long time. Yes, I just used the words "healthy population" and eRepublik in the same sentence. That's rare cause its the only healthy population. Many are taking opportunities to bring up new players and they should be commended for that (Hale, Aramec off the top of my head). These mentors are invaluable to the new player experience and made my early game very enjoyable. The same people can't sit in the seats for too long. There's something to be said for keeping the seats warm but burning holes in them is gonna cause a lot of new players to fall through (WAS THAT DEEP OR WHAT). NEXT.
Newspapers......MOAR
The newspaper in its abstract conceptual form is one of the most attractive parts of this game. Crisp government and party articles give a sense of community and immersion that can be very exciting for new players. Now articles that show up where someone is bashing someone else for something they said on IRC 3 decades ago is NOT attractive to new players. I LOVED writing articles and my writing was generally well received and it enriched my experience. Encourage that if you're smart. NEXT.
Economy
Hey, you, yeah you, newsflash. The economy in this game makes no sense. Yes you're right, real world economic theories don't apply but when a new player suggests lowering the work tax to help producers or some other common sense economic policy explain to him kindly why or why not that applies. Don't shoot him down just cause he/she gets excited about sharing what they just learned in their AP economics text book. NEXT.
Congress, make it more accessible
When I was in Congress I voted on the party line or whatever the one guy I looked up to voted. Let me explain something that many of you may not realize. First time congresspeople that haven't been appropriately coached, DONT KNOW WHAT THE HECK THEYRE VOTING ON. Teach them. Explain. Spend the time. NEXT.
Clear up foreign policy confusion
I don't care how you do it. Newspapers, messages, guides I dont care. Explain to new players who havent been a part of the eUSA for 5 years what the current rivalries, friendships are and why theyre there. Why are we fighting Indonesia? Tell them. NEXT.
Bring back eNPR
That was awesome. I don't know if it's back but if it's not, bring it back. NEXT.
Government portal is FANTASTIC
Scott's gov't thingamajig? Brilliant. That is EXACTLY what this game needs. Remember the professionalism thing? Giving the gov't a clean look with an official aura to it even if noone appreciates it yet, makes it so maybe the next time someone stumbles upon eRepublik they might be like "Oh this is official looking I want in on this". This is also why official looking party websites are important too. Anyways, great work Scott, keep it up. NEXT.
Don't condescend new players. You know who you are
I did an article when I was starting out talking about my successes so far and the amount of comments I got saying things like "oh here comes another 3 month burnout" was staggering and very discouraging. ENCOURAGE enthusiasm don't belittle it. NEXT.
What do you say we all be a little nicer?
Naive? Probably. But let me say this: There is nothing more intimidating than a bunch of veterans arguing about some irrelevant point noone but veterans understand. It gives a sense of hostility in the game and scares away new players. MAKE THIS GAME APPROACHABLE.
And that is it right there. eRepublik MUST BE approachable. You veterans, you old guys and gals, the old guard, you're an intimidating bunch to a first time eRepublik player. But you're also their greatest gift. Help them out, take them under your wing, show them the ropes. You don't have to be part of a gov't education program to do that. You just have to be a good eRep player.
Now to my thank you list:
Hale26 - My original boss as party leader of WTP. Thanks for giving me my start in this game, meant a lot back then and it still does.
MazzyCat - So.... mazzy. Remember when I went on eNPR and you thought my voice was attactive? 17! Hehe. Thank you Mazzy so much for my time in WTP. I know I left for the Feds abruptly but I was shooting for the stars (or so i thought XD )
Aramec - My late career mentor. Many of you don't know this but Aramec approached me with this huge plan for my pathway to POTeUS. That's right. This was a half-year long detailed plan to get me into the big chair. Though I deserted before we could see it through I thank you my friend.
Orik - My boss over at the Feds. Thanks for listening to Aramec and giving me a shot at Media at the Feds. Had a great time.
Yui - I'm better at Rocket League.
Lucius - My fellow enthusiastic new player. Don't know if you're around but it was great playing with you.
MrCarey - Duo in crime. Our exit from WTP ruffled some feathers but we had a plan haha. Idk how you've done over the past little while but I imagine it's a good story.
I may edit this later as I reminisce about my eRepublik days and remember great people but for now that's all I got.
So that was it. My big, no BS advice pitch to you guys. Take it or leave it. I can honestly say it won't have a big emotional effect on me either way.
For those wondering why I left: I had a close family member near the terrorist attacks in France when they happened so my life was hectic for about a week around then. I then made a life choice for school and my social life to stay away from eRep. Its most likely that will continue.
So while this was not the purpose of this, I guess this is also my official farewell to all you people. I truly do hope this game has a second wind.
Adios amigos.
Now I get to read all these great incoming comments. Yay.
Comments
It's been real friends. Well it's been fake but you know what I mean
>less Dio
Nice read.
BTW, you know Gnilraps removed Dioism as the national religion of eUSA, yes? That was a decent move in my opinion. I am fine with Dioists ofc. It i can be a fun kind of role-playing a la identity politics with a made-up identity. Some of the Dioist principles are noble. And people should enjoy the game as they like it. But I am not cool with an e-theocracy or institutionalized racism, so opposed to imposing e-religions on others.
Anyway. Keep on keeping on. Fake it until you make it.
That's my motto in real life so I guess I'm doing something right!
I don't know how I lived my life before seeing these enlightening words of wisdom!
I know right? I'm gonna write a book I think. Cause I kinda feel like wasting mine and everyone else's time a little more 😃
Who the hell is this guy? lel
I almost regret missing your coming. looking at your thank you list. you would have been right in my path.
wtf u still play?
Nice
I don't know how I feel about this. The content, the nature of it, etc. I will say this though, "Take care dude, and don't be a stranger outside of this game." Also, your donation to me went to the Federalist Party Treasury.
Hey Carey, first off I'd encourage you to take a look at what I said in response to Orik below. I knew writing this some of the points people would agree with and some people would take issue with so I'm not totally worried about the content other than its my honest opinion that this community can take or leave. The nature of it? While I will absolutely try to not be a stranger outside this game, this is it for me in eRep. I have no one to impress, no one to lie to and don't have to pretend I like certain things about the game that I don't. That's what this was about. A Donald trump style (I don't think that's a good thing 😃) not PC bundle of hastily written advice to be used or not used.
P.S Thank you for accepting that donation. Had a great time in the Feds so good place for it, appreciate it.
I'll mirror Carey's sentiments. I'm not sure how I feel. Sad, maybe?
Definitely don't be stranger, and unblock me on Steam, ya crazy.
Bro when I decided to quit it was hard. I needed to sever every time I had to this thing or else I would have been sucked back in haha. I will unblock u 😃. I hope this didn't come across like I didn't have a fantastic time playing this game. The people I played with were great but I was always making observations while playing of what could be better that I surprised at the time because I was, well, playing. Figured I'd get em off my chest as my last act in this game.
P.S I blocked more than u on steam so I'll get around to unblocking all of you haha
I honestly don't understand
Hey Paul, neither do I and I wrote XD but I'm willing to stick around a little longer if you have any questions
"First off, does anyone remember me?"
Not really.
"I challenge anyone to show me someone who rose faster through the mostly meaningless ladders of eRepublik than me."
I truly started playing eRep in July of 2012. By October 5th 2012, I was the CP of Canada. Get #rekt, kiddo.
Dammit derphoof. Ya got me 😃. You play a mean game of eRep haha
Btw that "not really" hurt deep down. You've left a hole in my heart I hope you know that. XD
Very useful. Good luck young person.
Wish I had gotten to know you; gl irl \o
best regards moi
Appreciate it! Thanks.
I remember you as the guy was SecMed and dropped the ball on your job and never wrote more than 1 of 2 WHPR's....If I'm remembering correctly. RL got in the way, which as always is fine. It was probably more of the administration's fault that you weren't replaced.
Good article though, I think you bring up a lot of good points, especially those about USAF having an attractive name for new players.
Foreign policy is difficult to explain. I've been planning this game for over a year and been well involved and I honestly still don't understand anything about FA and FP.
Yes! Thank you Tom I couldn't for the life of me remember how I knew him. I am old... my memory is going...
Don't blame you Melissa, if memory serves me right we only met in passing. The fact you remember me at all is comforting that maybe I left some mark on this game XD
Hey Tom, you remember correctly. It was very unlike me at the time considering I prided myself on never missing a beat when it came to my responsibilities. I assumed I was replaced immediately? I guess not :/. I now feel bad it had an effect on the country as I had a great time writing that one WHPR. I apologize for this of course.
You're a huge gigantic liar i'll tell you that much
Hahahah. Um statistically I am the better rocket league player soooo come at me XD
Great article. A lot of things that really needed to be said.
I wish I had taken the chance to get to know you better and I'm sad to see you leave. I wish you the best on what the future brings!
Let me get this straight, you're RL Canadian and want to get involved in American politics? No wonder you were attracted to eRep, glutton for punishment!
Haha, I know I know. Frankly Canadian politics is like watching paint dry. American politics means getting to paint things yourself, except big corporations and special interests tell you where how and when to paint. Toss up really
Matt, my friend who I've never really spoken to, best of luck pal. Online RPGs can be an addiction of sorts, and coming from someone who has been in this game for a long time, but only recently even dabbled in the political spectrum I can see how you can lose yourself in it. The attention swing on about all of these online RPGs generally starts out high, then drops over time, so your refocusing on your life is in my opinion much more important than anything this game could offer you, as no matter what nobody will be on eRep forever.
With whoever you are outside of this game(in real life), I hope that health and fortunate circumstances follow you and your loved ones. Hopefully from the day you no longer sign on this game, eRep is not a blip on your personal radar, and you move ahead full force in whatever endeavors you feel will impact you positively.
Hey Derek, I appreciate that and I totally agree with what you're saying. I had a great time in eRep while I was playing and on that 'high' part of the attention swing but moving on I think was the right choice. Again, I appreciate your kind words and I also wish you well.
Oh, I just thought you were a multi.
Haha so many did. I took it as a compliment XD. I regret not putting you down on my thank you list Oblige, definitely had an impact on my eRep career in my WTP days. So thanks for that.