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by The Eternal Misfortune of Pencil Sharpeners 2. . 46 reads.

June '18 LC interview

Note: This interview was conducted... months ago, but for various reasons never got published. It's hopelessly out of date now, but it might as well be published

June 2018 LC interview

I walk into the LC office - a cluttered room with various piles of paper left everywhere and a ping-pong table in the corner. Sitting behind the desk are a fox and a dragon - The Solar System Scope and Si-topia respectively, who have recently been elected onto the Local Council. For TSSS, this is familiar territory, as he had previously served on the LC back in 2016, but this is Si's first foray into TSP governance. It's a relaxed atmosphere as I take a seat opposite them and exchange pleasantries.

PS2: So, both of you have recently been elected. How did it feel to win among a large field of candidates?

Si: It felt amazing, I was so happy! When the election first started, I honestly thought I didn't have a chance because I was running against people who have way more experience than me.

TSSS: When I saw the initial votes, I was somewhat disappointed to see that I had none, but was pleasantly surprised to see myself leading extraordinarily later on, with an overwhelming amount of support I never expected to occur. It is quite an honour to serve TSP again, really, especially with such an agreeable team!

PS2: One thing which makes you stand out from the RMB crowd is the incredible (and adorable) friendship you two have built up over the last couple of months. What impact do you think your closeness will have on how the LC works together this term?

Si: I think our relationship helps us to be more open to accepting the other’s views on what things are allowed or not allowed on the RMB. I'm hoping that seeing our relationship on the board will encourage others, who might still be following the old LC rules of no role-playing, to join in on the fun.

TSSS: Hopefully, it will encourage others to participate in an atmosphere of closeness, love, and respect, which will help the region become a tightly knit community which readily accepts newcomers, and a haven of compassion and interest for each other so that one can find oneself refreshed no matter what troubles and problems one has to face in real life.

PS2: Now let's go back to the beginning. TSSS, you have been a member of TSP for a long time, having been on the LC a couple of years ago. What led to you getting involved the first time, and what has led to you wanting to run for LC again?

TSSS: I can't really say exactly what I felt back then, since it was so long ago, but it probably has to do with me being a very active poster on the RMB, and had developed a welcoming programme before such a practice became commonplace. I have to admit, though, that I was nowhere near as proficient with online communicating as I am now—I cannot read through my early posts without getting somewhat embarrassed—but I have become a familiar face that has become associated with kindness and niceness. I decided to run again because I have finally grasped the full extent of a Local Councillor's powers, so I wanted to give more to the community yet again, even better than before this time.

PS2: I'm sure we all hope that you will achieve that goal. Si, you're much newer and this is your first time holding an elected position in TSP. What was it that made you decide to get involved?

Si: I honestly just wanted to give it a shot. And so far it's been one of the most fun things I've done on this year. I'm so glad I did it, I'm learning a lot about TSP and meeting a lot of lovely people!

PS2: Now, onto a more serious topic. RMB moderation has been a significant talking point for the past few months, and one which some believe the previous LC failed to adequately address. How do you both intend to approach the balance between leniency and keeping the RMB reasonably tidy?

TSSS: The importance is to not distinguish between different people, but have the same rules put down for everybody. If a government official tries to double-post because "editing the post is inconvenient" for example, that does not put them above the law. The only ones who should receive leniency are newcomers not yet familiar with the rules, who should learn them fairly fast as editing one's post is not a difficult task.
Furthermore, on the topic of spam, all posts should contain legible messages which can constitute as communication which respects other people's identity and integrity, not a message which is filled with unintelligible text or characters which no-one can derive any meaning from. That basically sums up many of the clauses of the past guidelines, namely the one about spam, inappropriate content, trolling and flaming, and English-only interactions.

Si: My feelings about the double posting issue are probably a bit old school. I feel that double posts are unnecessary, that's why we have the edit button.

PS2: Obviously, we're very early on in your terms, but could you see yourself running for another position in the future, such as Cabinet or Delegate?

TSSS: Well, whether or not I run for a position always is dependent on the opinion of the people; I will only run for positions I and others think I can fit the qualifications for. I am probably the person that thinks the least about myself, as I have always been surprised from the high esteem people keep me in, so I am not very good at gauging my abilities. I will definitely attempt to run for any position that I have a reasonable chance of doing good in.

Si: I'm not sure if I want to run for a bigger position yet. Maybe a few years from now. Of course I'd start out with another small cabinet position. My goal is to eventually run for delegate at some point in the future.

PS2: What would your advice be to any new nations wishing to get involved?

Si: I would say ask the people with past experience some questions. Maybe start coming up with ideas on what you want in your campaign. Another great thing is to help out on the board for practice if you want to become an LC, like welcoming new nations or helping them learn how to play the game.

TSSS: Well, being active and also establishing a good relationship with the residents by displaying good behaviour and qualities goes a long way. Being able to take responsibilities and being trustworthy is also important to gain a spot in the government.

PS2: Now I must ask the question everybody is thinking about, if you could design your own lampshade, what would it look like?

TSSS: Ooh! It'd have the most flattering, adorable, cute, sweet picture of Si! It would also have pointy edges here and there to look like an actual dragon!

Si: I would want something to represent my nation, so lots of fire and dragons. And of course, it wouldn't be complete without a picture of my sweetheart on it!

PS2: I’m sure you two would look great in your matching lampshades! And now for the final question: will you assist me when I coup the region?

TSSS: We love you and think you're doing a great job, but I do not support breaches of code. Sorry, Panda. You should try running instead. Winks at Pencil Sharpeners 2

Si: Hmm... Maybe?
laughs
I'm kidding, I would never do that to our lovely region!

PS2: I feel betrayed! And with that I must end this interview, it’s been a pleasure talking to you two!

Si: Thank you for having us!

TSSS: All the same!
Drags Si and Panda into a group hug.
I could hardly wish for a better team!

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