Join the new world

A couple of weeks ago an article was published highlighting 16 Elitists. There was some obligatory insults and accusations bereft of any proof, and then the 16 were presented. I was somewhat surprised to see myself amongst them. Don’t get me wrong. I have a had a good career here in eRepublik. I have achieved things I never would have dreamed of when I first returned to this game in 2013. However, I have a pattern (an intentional one) of taking a backseat after a term of running something. This pattern goes back to the month after my first two terms as Fed PP roughly four years ago. For those two months and the two months prior I had been heavily involved in running the day to day of the Federalist Party while also directing our internal and external political efforts. I was involved and in the know in many things. However, after I opted against a third term, Melissa Rose my close friend and confidant ran for Party President and succeeded me.

She told me she would like me to stay involved and advise her in whatever arose during her time as Party President. I readily agreed to this. Which is where the trouble started. We clashed a lot. We did not have what I would consider insurmountable differences, but the fact was they existed, and I was used to my word and wishes directing the agenda of our Party. She as the Fed Party President expected (and rightly so) her word and wishes to now direct the agenda. Those clashes caused irreparable damage in what had prior been a fantastic relationship with one of my best friends in eRepublik. We have patched things up between us but we have never enjoyed the same trust and ease of communication that we once did. I learned that once I have run something it for me is best to let go, lean back for a time because while I was in charge I took ownership of the entity I was leading and would inevitably disagree with my successor about something.



Eventually that evolved into running for Leadership posts when I saw a need and staying out of the way of others when I did not. My time as a Leader has not been about self aggrandizement. I have tried to Lead as a service to the community I have come to love so very much. I have always striven to give back as much or more to my Party, MU, and Nation than I have received. If this makes me an Elitist so be it. However, if I am considered Elite because I am thought to be a thief, liar, and power monger as was intimated in the aforementioned article then I do take some exception to that. I believe my record and personal interactions with others speaks for itself. I think the majority if not all of the other 16 players highlighted could make a similar argument. The purpose of this article is not to defend myself, my character, or those of the others but to ask a question. What makes an Elitist?

To be called an Elitist for most is not a compliment. It is a pejorative term. It is also one that has deep roots within the history of the eUSA. I have seen our favorite PTO failure hurl that word at any and all who opposed him. I myself heard it and other loveliness a time or two right around server reset via IRC pings while watching elections in my capacity of DHS. Once upon a time when many still remembered my Firebrand past I was told the Elites would never let me win CP. For those who have forgotten I had several attempts at Country President fall short before finally breaking through. I can tell you there is nothing in this game more catastrophic to your hopes of winning than thinking you are the front runner and then seeing a Gnilraps for CP announcement article.



I digress. So what makes an Elitist? For those who view Elites unfavorably the article I linked tells what they believe comprise the qualities of Elites. I have for years now viewed Elites as those who do the thankless tasks required to keep the wheels of their Party/MU/Nation grinding on. They foot the bill for the supplies given out to needy players that will not or cannot reach for plastic to make this broken game economically viable. They pay for the costs of eNPR and other Radio broadcasts that used to grace our communities. They host, fund, and administer contests, games, Award votes, grab bags, etc. They publish the articles that keep players informed and involved in the goings on of their community. They stayed up until server reset directing ATO votes even though they had to work in the morning. They stay up through the night watching battles and keeping COs flowing in crucial battles. Airstrikes and Resource Wars are a great example of this. That is my definition of an Elite. Someone who puts in the work for the good of us all. I do not however believe this group is exclusive or unattainable. Hard work and competency are the only gatekeepers, which is my answer to the question of this article.

I do not claim to be an Elite nor will I ever. However, I can tell you unequivocally that every person named in the aforementioned article has done most or all of the things I touched on in the above paragraph. Every single one of them has done more than I have the time or inclination to write about for the eUSA than many people know. They have done this on their own time and their own dime. My initial reaction was to be unsure if I was honored or insulted. After some reflection I have decided it is an honor to be included amongst them. So to the Publisher I say thank you for the compliment unintentional or not.

As always I thank you for reading, and I invite you to share your definition of what makes an Elite in the comments. Until next time.