Randalla

That's my guys, holding down the fort while I'm gone.

I am assisting as one of the coordinators, and I'm moving fast! Please sign up, or PM my nation--though we would prefer that you sign up to keep the other coordinators on their toes, as well.

Coffee first. ALWAYS.

Countdown to vacation. When the cat's away...

Hello, Dame, an informative post as always! I do apologize for causing your coordinators and members a bit of grief, and I personally take full responsibility for exchanging efficiency for enthusiasm. That aside, it's one thing, I suppose, to "go out the right way"... if it's really and truly "the right way". In my book, that doesn't include sending private messages that are in poor taste and contain questionable language. After all, nobody twisted this fellow's arm into going rogue. He could have slipped away quietly, and he wouldn't have had to take retaliatory attacks personally at all. There was at least some potential for a good fight, if not for taking it to that level of poor sportsmanship. A shame, really, but in the end, with an attitude like that, it's not so much of a loss to our community as a whole.

o7

That looks positively awful.

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LOL

Our favorite time of day. Coffee time.

I fear I might be a little old to be tangling wits with some of the kids around these parts. I'll retire to bedlam.

[center] [url=http://cnapparatus.proboards.com]The Apparatus[/url] [IMG]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc318/Pensare/Boards/Apparatus/safetygoggles.jpg[/IMG] [/center]

I keep tellin' her that, but she shuts me up with really *really* good coffee.

I get to use the top hat piece.

Nah, I don't set out to willfully annoy. To answer a legitimate question, we have a bit of settling in to do, first and foremost. We're bringing together a lot of different personalities, and it wouldn't be fair to say just yet until we actually recover from the celebrations and get down to business. We're looking forward to branching out in ways we might not have done in our previous, separate lives, and we're definitely looking forward to getting to know some of the other folks we've admired from afar for a while now. There are indeed a few of those left. One thing remains, beyond the shadow of a doubt. I don't shed blood for just anyone. All that coffee in my blood stream, I'm running off of a limited supply as it is.

Happy birthday, guys!

Congrats, my tree huggy friends. As much as I tease them, they do that whole neutrality thing right. It's not every day that a new alliance survives and thrives, much less one completely dedicated to a peaceful existence. I know these things. It's like a sixth sense. Looks like you guys have turned into the older sibling, after all. Age before beauty and all that. I'll be in for coffee tomorrow.... afternoon....

Indeed! Half a million edits later... I fuss too much. Obviously, as a work in progress, updates will be made accordingly.

I do love how some folks think they have the monopoly on cute, clever and witty around here. Fact is, some just don't like it when they get a mirror held up to their faces, and a small dose of their own snarky medicine poured down their throats. If approached civilly, I certainly would be willing to discuss our various policies, including why I like to help people. Sometimes, people just like to help because.... well, they like to help. It isn't about a sense of self worth, I certainly don't need anyone's approval when I agree to provide some sort of assistance or guidance. I would say I can try to keep a certain individual's inevitable disappointment in mind next time I help someone who wouldn't be given a second glance or chance by some who are too full of themselves to try and make a more positive mark on Digiterra. But you know what? I'd be lying, I don't really care who has a temper tantrum every time a protectorate is announced. I seem to remember saying something similar a time or two before, and my stance has not, nor will it change to suit some squeaky wheel who has never bothered to come and have a civil conversation with any of us. Treat others how you would like to be treated--and if you don't like the way you're responded to, perhaps you should look at the way YOU approach others, first. With that said, and with thanks to our friends for their unwavering support during this exciting transition, I'll be happy (as always) to answer any questions, comments or concerns--preferably through private channels. I've never really been a fan of conferences, but I'll try to keep up. I'm not as young and spry...or cute and clever.... as I used to be.

[quote name='Amossio' timestamp='1314435150' post='2789239'] ... This will be interesting, wonder how much of ezequiel you will manage to tolerate on a more personal basis, you guys might wana say but we are all very close allies and yadda yadda well it will be interesting to see how long you remain close, if you do then hats of if you don't then that's expected. [/quote] That's the mistaken assumption a lot of folks here seem to have, because few tend to bother to come and chat with US personally, and get the history from the horse's mouth, so to speak. We've been good friends for several years now, despite his enthusiastic youth and me being a grouchy, anti-social old woman. [quote name='Vasuda' timestamp='1314436142' post='2789240'] Congratulations to all of those involved. I'm sure that this was a good move on everyone's part, and that this alliance will be more than the sum of its parts. [/quote] Kahn, my dear friend! I'm happy to see you doing well, also. You've pretty much hit the nail on the head, there, the whole point of this endeavor of ours. Thankya, dear.

Ah, one of our biggest fans. Who was it that failed in order to form The Last Remnants, again? Shocking, indeed. Good night, sweet princes, I think it's time for an early nap, for once.

[quote name='New Frontier' timestamp='1314426028' post='2789192'] Cybernations thanks you for doing your part to limit the amount of awful alliances. [/quote] ::Chuckles:: We try. [quote name='King Wally' timestamp='1314426642' post='2789197'] Good luck guys! By the way is there a pop-culture reference to this theme or something? I'm interested to know what it means etc. [/quote] I can provide some interesting reading material, but probably better to do so through our forums or private channels. It's very ... fitting for us.

[center] [IMG]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc318/Pensare/Boards/Apparatus/AppBann.png[/IMG] “A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril” Founded August 26, 2011 through a true merge of cultures and ideas, as it should be. The Apparatus is a Black Team alliance formed by a merge between Amazon Nation, Sajasabie, The Grand Federation, Darkslaying Order of Goons, and Status Quo. We assist all newcomers financially and through the establishment of tech deals and trades with fellow Black Team members. There is always room for growth and improvement within The Apparatus, and we enjoy a very manageable mix of activity with our busy schedules outside of Digiterra. Come and visit us, and feel free to ask questions! New and experienced alike are welcome! [color=Red]~~~[/color] [/center] [quote] [center][IMG]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc318/Pensare/Boards/Apparatus/ApparatusPeace.png[/IMG][/center] [center]--- [b]Public Charter of The Apparatus[/b] (Preamble)[/center] It is the purpose of this grand alliance to promote the advancement of our members, to recognize the individual talents and contributions of every member for the good of the alliance, and to protect our own and our allies from outside aggression. We are a collaborative, cohesive, coherent entity under a single affiliation. We welcome the advancement of our members and other alliances as we incorporate all those who wish to become a part of our own noble experiment. [center]--- [b]Code of Conduct Within The Apparatus[/b] (Expected Behavior)[/center] - The Apparatus expects loyalty, respect, support and defense from all members at all times. - The Apparatus does not knowingly harbor criminals. Any concerns regarding any applicant, member or official will be resolved promptly. - No member may declare war on any other nation, nor employ the use of spies or nuclear weapons [b]without[/b] obtaining proper prior authorization. - While The Apparatus prefers diplomatic resolutions to all conflicts, it may eventually become necessary to go to war. All members are expected to deploy upon orders without reservation or delay. [center]--- [b]Admission[/b] (Joining The Apparatus)[/center] Aspiring members are to be held to the following guidelines in order for their application to be approved: - Settle all unresolved issues and outgoing raids. - Properly resign all previous connections to any other affiliation, and repay all debts therefrom prior to posting an application to join. - A request for mediation to resolve all previous disputes may be made at the time the application is posted. - Become a member of the Black Team if not already in a stable, established trade circle. - Register and post a membership application in the appropriate forum: [center][url=http://cnapparatus.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=welcome]Apply Here[/url][/center] Once the above steps are completed, there will be a brief wait while the application is reviewed, ensuring that any and all pending issues are resolved. During this time, members and officials are encouraged to ask the applicant any questions prior to being accepted. The applicant is encouraged to respond to any and all questions promptly and candidly, in order to hasten the application process. We welcome all who follow these rules with open arms. However, those who are found flying the affiliation for more than 24 hours without complying with the above listed rules, or without attempting to initiate private contact by any means, will be considered a ghost and will be exorcised accordingly. [center]--- [b]Executive Authority[/b] (Ruling Body)[/center] Patron(ess) - Holds the term for life or until resignation. The Patroness shall hold the final authority over all matters, including but not limited to declarations of war and approval of peace terms, foreign relations, and the rendering of decisions involving the internal affairs, officers and members of the alliance. Director - Elected by a simple majority for a term of six (6) months. The Director shall hold authority and approval over matters not handled directly by the Patroness, including but not limited to the appointment of various assistants, veto power over the passage of new laws and amendments, and the formation of panels and civilian task forces. [center]--- [b]Executive Departments[/b] (Appointed by the Director) [/center] Defense Corps (General) - Responsible for coordinating military strategy and training. The General shall have the authority to amend the alliance's battle readiness recommendations at any time, to keep the General Membership informed of all recommendations by any means necessary and available, and to coordinate responses to attacks against the alliance while diplomatic resolutions are being reached. Engineering Corps (Chief Engineer) - Responsible for mechanical and technological advances and improvements concerning the operation of the alliance. Not to be confused with "Tech" or "Technology" which falls under the description of finance, engineering is concerned with such things as forums, calculators, communications, etc. Diplomatic Corps (Emissary) - Responsible for managing foreign relations, establishing and maintaining foreign and domestic embassies, and creating negotiation dialogue during war time. The Emissary shall have the authority to draft treaties or negotiate cease-fires under the direction of, or in the absence of both the Patroness and the Director. Civics Corps (Professor) - Responsible for introducing new members to the ideals of the alliance, for assisting in the establishment of tech deals and trade agreements, and for the further economic and educational development of individual members. The Professor shall have the authority to keep the General Membership informed of all recommendations for the growth of individual nations and the alliance as a whole by any means necessary and available. Recruitment Corps (Propagandist) - Responsible for bringing interested, stable new members into the alliance. The Propagandist shall have the authority to introduce interested alliances to the Council of the Apparatus and the process by which said interested parties may go about merging into The Apparatus. [center]--- [b]Judicial Authority[/b] (Apparatus Tribunal)[/center] Justice - Responsible for fairly and impartially administering justice, and settling disputes and accusations brought to trial. Investigator - Represents the alliance, serving as the prosecutor during proceedings against accused member-nations. Advocate - Responsible for the defense of accused member-nations. [center]--- [b]Legislative Authority[/b] (General Assembly)[/center] Speaker of the Assembly - Representative elected by the General Assembly to speak on their behalf in order to expedite the various approval processes. General Assembly - Consists of all regular members not already a part of the executive or judicial branches, who have advanced from the Initiate stage and have been regular Members for at least thirty (30) days. [center]--- [b]Council of The Apparatus[/b] (Representatives)[/center] Being the product of several different elements and cultures in the alliances that came together to form The Apparatus, it is a goal of this alliance to preserve the best qualities of each. In order to achieve this goal, one representative from each contributor, or from each Protectorate, is chosen to serve on the Apparatus Council for purpose of further exchange of information and ideas for the duration of the current election cycle. [center]--- [b]Membership[/b] (Regular Members)[/center] Upon graduation from the Initiate stage, the new member shall choose their own identifying nickname which may be placed in their nation's Bio and/or Apparatus forum account. The name is to be used in place of a member ID number. The Initiate will then be elevated to full Member level status, which must then be maintained for at least thirty (30) days prior to being able to vote in alliance elections as a member of the General Assembly. [center]--- [b]Initiates[/b] (Approved Applicants)[/center] New blood and new ideas are the future of The Apparatus. Once an applicant is approved for membership, Initiates are to be well educated, well informed, and well prepared to enter into the ranks as a full fledged member. In order to graduate from the Initiate stage to full Membership, the new member shall submit to a nation audit by the Civics Corps in order to ensure that certain benchmarks for growth are met. Upon completion of a successful nation audit, the Initiate will then be elevated to full Member level status, which must then be maintained for at least thirty (30) days prior to being able to vote in alliance elections as a member of the General Assembly. [center][IMG]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc318/Pensare/Boards/Apparatus/ApparatusWar.jpg[/IMG][/center] [center]--- [b]Peace-Time Declarations[/b] (Tech Raids and Training)[/center] Tech Raids as an act of declaring war on a nation for the sole purpose of acquiring tech, land and cash, and any aggressive declarations of war not specifically authorized are strictly forbidden. In lieu of Tech Raids, members will be encouraged and rewarded for defending and assisting fellow members and friends of The Apparatus against rogue attacks, aid thieves, and ghost nations. Gunners - Members who actively participate in retaliatory actions against rogue and ghost nations shall be awarded the Gunner mask. Snipers - Members who have successfully neutralized a number of rogue and ghost nations shall be awarded the Sniper mask. Bounty Hunters: Members who quickly, reliably, consistently and with minimal direction, neutralize any and all threats possible within a given Nation Strength range, shall be awarded the Bounty Hunter mask. Mercenaries: Members who have earned the Bounty Hunter mask and continue to seek out valid rogue and ghost targets shall be awarded the Mercenary mask, as well as the privilege of seeking out additional valid targets on the Member’s own initiative from sources outside of The Apparatus target list. Any and all targets chosen by Mercenaries are still expected to fall within the alliance’s rules and guidelines. Should any instance occur in which a non-approved target is attacked through negligence, the member responsible shall be held accountable for making all appropriate reparations. Repeated offenses and continued negligence may result in the removal of certain privileges within the alliance for a period of time to be determined on a case by case basis. [color=Red][center]Wilful negligence or failure to comply with any laws, or any direction of the officers of The Apparatus, may place your nation at risk and result in expulsion.[/center][/color] [/quote] Our private Compendium goes into a little more detail regarding our various processes--it's much more boring than the shorter, public version. [center][IMG]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc318/Pensare/Boards/Apparatus/steampunklike.png[/IMG] and it's pretty [IMG]http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc318/Pensare/Icons/awesomesteampunk1.jpg[/IMG] [url="http://cnapparatus.proboards.com"]Come and visit us![/url] [/center]

I think someone may have mentioned "Dodad" at least once.

Thank you all, and our thanks go out especially for everyone's patience while some of our folks may be delayed due to a bit of rough weather headed their way.