Laserwolf Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 (edited) Greetings. It is both and honor and a privilege to post the newest edition of the GATO Gazelle celebrating GATO's five year anniversary. The celebration is happening on our boards at gatoforums.net and at #cincodegato. [quote] [img]http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa192/CN_Vercingetorix/sillycatheader.jpg[/img] [b]Table of Contents[/b] [list=1][*]Introduction from the Convener of Cinco de GATO, Laserwolf [*]An Interview with the games oldest member, Das Girl, by Chris_Kaos [*]An Interview with the Assembly Chairman Tim Lee, by Kublakhan [*]An Editorial on What GATO Means, by Sgummo1 [*]An Interview with the Minister of Defense Wootmiester, by Vercingetorix [*]An Interview with Lavo of the Imperial Assault Alliance, by Sgummo1 [*]An Interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Arsenal, by Sadizo [*]An Interview with Pingu of the Orange Defense Network, by Politician [*]An Interview with the Minister of Finance Kublakhan, by Hankidan [*]An Article on GATO History, by Chris_Kaos [*]An Interview with Phoebus of the League of Small Superpowers, by Hankdan [*]An Interview with the Minister of Domestic Affairs Vercingetorix, by Sadizo[/list] [b]An Introduction[/b] January 12, 2006 saw the announcement of the Cross Atlantic Treaty Organization that within a week changed into what we know today as the Global Alliance and Treaty Organization. What Depraved started in 2006, I believe few would have thought would last until today. Today, January 12, 2011 marks the 5th Anniversary of the oldest alliance in CN. Today we celebrate the foundations of the past as we build for the future. Today we remember the vision cast for an alliance that upholds truth, honor, and justice. We stop to remember both the good and the bad, the ups and the downs, the friends and the enemies, all that has happened that has shaped us to be who we are today, the obstacles we have overcome to remain intact, the struggles and the victories that have united the community to work together. Today marks Cinco de GATO. A celebration of a thriving community, a celebration of memories, and the vision that is being formed for tomorrow. -Laserwolf [b]Interview with Das Girl[/b] [i]What was it like when you first joined CN and GATO?[/i] We were pretty much appointed/volunteered in government since the alliance was so small. It was quiet… we were focused on developing our own face. Friendly, democratic, all trying to build the personality of GATO. Unfortunately I think that some time in there our friendliness sort of backfired a bit… on the main boards it was repeatedly suggested that GATO was the lapdog to the NPO and there was a lot of resentment in GATO that followed. We tried to build a more assertive personality at that time which never really worked. We really were built more socially than a political/war power. [i]What would you say was GATO's defining moment was? The moment that really forged the identity it's long been known for now.[/i] I think when we pulled away from the NPO for LUE. We showed that we fought for what we felt was right... even though the potential for damage with the NPO was certainly clear. They had proved in the ODN war already that they could fight almost endlessly. Did we agree with the posting? No, of course not. Did we believe in OOC attacks? Of course not. GATO never stood for any of that. But it wasn't an attack by LUE, it was an attack by one member who had resigned. That's a story for another interview though, opinions will forever vary. [i]You spent a considerable time away from GATO during its middle years. Did you notice a large difference in feel to the alliance when you returned?[/i] No, not really. Same arguments, same battles on the forums. Same desire to always improve. The game atmosphere has changed a lot more than GATO has. When I returned, it was as if I never left. [i]What do you think that says about GATO? Do you think GATO should have changed, or do you think the personality we forged for it in those early days should remain forever?[/i] I think, as I mentioned in the earlier part of the interview, we went through a process of trying to develop our personality. We found it, and it stuck and for whatever struggles GATO has been through over the years, I would say we are as we should be. After all, they do keep coming back. [i]Last question. As our oldest member, looking along the entire history of this alliance, where do you see us going in the future?[/i] I don't know. The members will certainly make that decision themselves. I think our charter will probably grow by a dozen pages given the opportunity if anything. Damn that charter... seriously, play ball... have fun. You know how some people like to always have a billion friends… you know, the people who have 2000+ friends on facebook? That isn't GATO. GATO is the pal you look at as your brother, not your acquaintance. We will have a handful of strong allies that we will stick with through thick and thin, and the others, well… they leave us alone, we leave them alone. Everyone is happy.. that's GATO politic-wise anyway. -conducted by Chris_Kaos [b]An Interview with the Assembly Chairman, TimLee[/b] [i]Tim, I think I left my drugs in your house, unlock the door. So, elections are over; Greg and Magic have been chewed up and !@#$ out; what's next for you and GATO?[/i] Not necessarily they both have their strong points to bring to the advising table. But Internal Activity has been improving continuously and I love it. Foreign Affairs you will see a bit more activity on the OWF and beyond. Tech we are going to get moving a bit better and prepare for battle when/if it comes. [i]What would you like to see happen in these next two months in the ministries of Defense, Finance, and FA?[/i] Defense- Continue our warchest build-up and investment in military wonders. Foreign Affairs- Sign a few treaties and continue to focus on Synergy, but not solely Synergy. Finance- Roll Tech Roll. [i]What do you see as GATO's biggest weakness internally?[/i] Inefficiency from traditionalism. I hope to make GATO realize it is indeed 2011. Some examples are the ways we operate with Congress. I'm not suggesting dissolution, but perhaps a redistribution of power. [i]What would you say is our greatest strength?[/i] Our Democracy. Unwavering support for our ideals in the face of adversity. [i]Some would say that the inefficiencies come from that very democracy and argue for a less democratic GATO to improve, what would you say to someone making that argument?[/i] It's illogical to equate democracy with inefficiency. It's all in the manner of how the democracy is setup. [i]Alright, last question; where do you think the next great conflict is going to come from?[/i] Some alliance's protectorate most likely. People like to build wars off them. -conducted by Kublakhan [b]What Does GATO Mean?[/b] This week's gazelle editorial, in celebration of GATO's 5th anniversary on Planet Bob, will concern itself with two facets of GATOan identity. First, I'd like to touch on our existence as an alliance. GATO has been through a lot; we've been at the top and at the bottom; we've been stomped out and we've done some stomping; the point is that GATO is a resilient son-of-a-*****. Throughout our entire storied history, GATO has maintained herself. After 1V, it would have been easy for us to just sit down and die (many alliances cannot withstand such destruction). We could have just called it quits and absorbed into other AAs. The point is, we didn't. Why? This brings me to my second point: GATO's membership and General Assembly. We here at the Global Alliance have an interesting cast of characters that we call our family. We've got hard workers, we've got whistleblowers, we've got honorable people and we've got ***holes. That's the greatest part of GATO; you can't be kicked out for your views or your rhetoric. This inclusive atmosphere incites debate and argument, but also cooperation and hard work. You'd be hard pressed to find any other alliance with such a diverse group of people. This, in my opinion, is our greatest strength. In recognition of 5 years in the Cyberverse, I ask every GATOan to ask themselves: "What does GATO mean to you?" I guarantee, you won't get the same two answers from anyone. This place, our alliance, is not just an AA. It is a home; full of family. We are the Global Alliance. We are GATO. -by Sgummo1 [img]http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4678/catquote.png[/img] [b]An Interview with the Minister of Defense, Wootmiester[/b] [i]What do you think has been GATO's MoD's finest moment?[/i] In recent history, we performed very well in the war with TSO. Everyone was courteous to the enemy and performed their duties well. [i]How well are we prepared to meet future challenges?[/i] We are more prepared now than we have been for any other conflict, or we will be once some of the new MoD roles have been broken in. There should be far less confusion on the forums during any conflict now. It is obviously still untested though. [i]What's your personal favorite MoD experience?[/i] My favorite MoD experience would have to be the first night of the TSO war. Everything went really smoothly and we were not in an unfortunate position. [i]Any major goals for this term in particular?[/i] To implement all my changes which will hopefully make the MoD rely on less people, but use the activity of all MoD staff to our advantage. -conducted by Vercingetorix [b]An Interview with Lavo, Recipient of the GATO Cross, and Member of the Imperial Assault Alliance[/b] [i]Today I'm here with a member of one of our greatest allies, the Imperial Assault Alliance; Lavo. Welcome Lavo, thanks for the chance to interview you. [/i] Anytime, glad to share my thoughts on GATO. [i]Lavo, how long have you been with IAA? [/i] Well that depends on if you mean IAA 1 or 2. For 1, I joined CN, and IAA, the day IAA formed. 2, I joined a little while after it formed. I've been in IAA 2 for over a year however. [i]Interesting. If you won't mind indulging me, what were your personal thoughts on GATO during your time in IAA 1? [/i] GATO appeared to be a bunch of people who were playing to have fun and a good time, and not be utter dicks in the process, which is something IAA thought as well. [i]GATO and IAA have gone through a lot of **** together. How do you feel about GATO these days? [/i] I think you guys are a fun bunch, screw up sometimes, just like us all, and are a loyal bunch of ****ers. Wouldn't trade you guys for the [CN] world. Well 'cept maybe if it included LoSS, because I love those guys too. But yeah, you're one of my favorite alliances in CN, after IAA of course [i]Thanks for the time Lavo. It's a pleasure and an honor to get a personal view of GATO from the standpoint of our best friends. [/i] No problem! -conducted by Sgummo1 [b]An Interview with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Arsenal[/b] [i]Hey Arsenal, happy Cinco De GATO![/i] Thanks Sadizo, a happy Cinco De GATO to you too. [i]Coming from ODN, do you like it here in GATO? Why or why not?[/i] I have been quite pleased with my time in GATO. Being that ODN is a close ally and quite similar culturally, the transition to GATO was a smooth one. I've been able to get active and involved in the alliance with minimal downtime, which is what I had hoped for. [i]Cool, glad you like it here. What's on your agenda for GATO this term?[/i] I don't really have an "agenda", per se, for GATO this term. I will continue to evaluate all of GATO's foreign policy options, and use my experience to advise GATO as to its best courses of action. There are some alliances I'd like to see us talking to a wee bit more, and maybe some that might be a wee bit less. [i]Interesting. Well thanks for the interview![/i] Anytime. -conducted by Sadizo [b]An Interview with Pingu of the Orange Defense Network[/b] [i]Firstly, tell our readers... when did you first join the ODN and what positions you have held in your time here? [/i] I joined in February 2006, among the founding generation. I have served in every branch of government, from Secretary General to Senator to Ombudsman. I've mostly been a very active member of the General Assembly, though, which is the core of the ODN. [i]Over the time you've been in the ODN, what can you say about the development of relations between our two alliances? What would you say, have been the most defining moments?[/i] I'm not sure I can pick specific moments. I think rather of an arc whereby over time GATO's identity as a democratic alliance became clearer and that began to be increasingly reflected in your foreign policy, most obviously in developing a friendship and alliance with us. [i]What are vividest memories you have of GATO's past? [/i] There are many. But I probably remember most clearly GATO's role as an occasionally sympathetic bystander during the Citrus War, some of Chris Kaos' more exciting diplomatic antics, and the signature and ratification of our current treaty. [i]What do you wish GATO would change? [/i] I'd love to see you be more vociferous advocates of the advantages of democracy. Planet Bob suffers from a myth that autocracy is the only way to run an alliance effectively. It is clearly not true, as both our alliances show, along with a couple of others. It's hard work, but well worth it. I'd live to hear that more loudly from both our alliances and the other democracies, too. [i]What do you foresee in the future of our two alliances? [/i] It's full of stars... -conducted by Politician [img]http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/2272/gatosoldierswithstars.png[/img] [b]An Interview with the Minister of Finance, Kublakhan[/b] So GATO, 5 already, what a long and interesting history its been... What does the current Gov think of GATO turning 5? We asked the MoF, Kublakahn to find out. "It's only really at these birthdays that I really realize how much history that GATO has, When I see people arguing about NPO, or CK or any of those other deep cuts that are still fresh, I can't really understand it but at birthdays I realize that we have a history and if I ignore or forget it I will understand even less." Kubla however, has no idea where GATO's going to go in the next 5 years, "I forgot my tea leafs at home." What's so special about GATO that we're able to reach 5, the only alliance to ever do it? "It's been the ability of the older guys to connect and pass down values and knowledge to each new generation; we build an extremely tight knit community and a core of nations." What about the greatest challenge? "We have had pretty much every bad thing that can possibly happen to an alliance happen twice at GATO, coups, crushing oppression, dogpile and subsequent decimation in a war, splinter alliances." But, even through all that, GATO's still here, and we're not going anywhere. So Happy 5th birthday GATO! -conducted by Hankidan [b]GATO's Defining Moment: The LUEnited Front[/b] If you were to ask anyone in the Global Alliance who was present for it, I think they would all agree that the Great War was our defining moment as an alliance. Our decision to enter that war, for better or for worse, forged the identity that has long been associated with GATO. We stood up, we took a stand, we said "No" firmly and loudly, and we defended those we called friends. The decision, its consequences, and the outcome will be debated forever, as long as two people from opposite sides of the war are around to talk about it. Vladimir and I, for example, will never agree on anything about that, and it's long been a point of debate between the two of us. It's useless to talk about in that context. However, what we as GATOans can take out of it is what it meant for us, ultimately. It made us who we are. When we look back upon the transcripts of the discussions which immediately preceded hostilities, you'll find me and other representatives of GATO cautiously agreeing to terminate our pact with the LUEnited Nations, and that we would use the notification period as a debate time to decide what was to happen afterwards. I cannot say whether we would have entered the war against LUE had we had time to cancel the treaty and debate the issue, but I know for a fact that we made the right choice that day to defend LUE, and I'm glad that that decision was taken out of our hands. Did any of us agree with what that lone, former member had posted? Of course not. It was the most despicable of things. Did any of us agree with the members who had jeered at it? Absolutely not. But we at the Global Alliance have long believed that the actions of a few do not damn the many. Perhaps LUE deserved to be reprimanded for what had transpired, as a reminder that everything was not always about the laughs, but they did not deserve to be sentenced as they were. Yes, our declaration of war against the Orders severed ties with them and set the tone for the next two years in Cyber Nations, and yes that would ultimately lead to a series of defeats at their hands, but we learned something important about ourselves and our friends that day. We would forever stand up for each other. Would the New Pacific Order have stood up for us, even if it meant their destruction? I think that the NPO that we all knew at that time would not have done so. LUE, however, did exactly that less than a year later, just as we had been prepared to do for them when we stepped up and defended them, twice. For that, every GATOan owes them a debt of gratitude we can never repay. The LUEnited Nations did not go gently into that good night. -by Chris Kaos [b]An Interview with Phoebus of the League of Small Superpowers[/b] Well, Its GATO's 5 year anniversary, and very few allies today have had our backs for as long as LoSS has. We've been fighting and dying for one another almost since the beginning. What does LoSS have to say about GATO turning 5 you ask? Well, according to Phoebus, "It's only one more year, then we can throw you in kindergarten and get a break from you." Well, gee, thanks Phoebus, what about your favorite memory of GATO and LoSS together, besides Treaty Signings? "GATOWEEN, when we dominated you guys in the spam competition." What about your least favorite? LoSS not dying for GATO in GATO-1V." Well, I think that just about says it all, we are luckily to have such solid allies with us in LoSS. /o GATO /o LoSS -conducted by Hankidan [b]An Interview with the Minster of Domestic Affairs, Vercingetorix[/b] [i]First question, is our MoDA staff still able to bring in as many recruits as we've shown we can?[/i] Absolutely. It's my firm belief that GATO recruits as well as it does because of who we are; there's something about the culture that draws new players into our alliance. All we need is the time to get our message out, and we have people willing to do just that. [i]Being MoDA is a tough job in the alliance, why do you choose to do it?[/i] I like projects. I like taking ideas and bringing them to life, starting from the ground up and using my own hands to build the structure and edifice. Also, I do it because I think I have enough left in this old husk to offer GATO, and this position gives me the place to do it from. [i]Also, why did you bring back the GATO Gazelle? It had been dead for some time until last year.[/i] Well, back under the first charter we had a Minister of Media, where the Gazelle got its start. All three of them suffered from serious natural or family related disasters that cut short their terms, and the position was abolished with the first reformation. It would be a pity for something with so much history to just disappear. [i]Last question, what do you think of GATO turning 5? Since you've been a GATOan for a very long time, what have you seen in this alliance over the past years?[/i] I joined just a month into the game and stayed with GATO until the end of GWI, so I saw the top, and I rejoined during the viceroy when an old friend said they could use me again, so I saw the bottom. I'm amazed at the vitality this alliance shows, at how these forums can mean so much to old and new members. I'm excited to be a part of the celebrations, and wish everybody that GATO means something to a happy Cinco de GATO. -conducted by Sadizo [img]http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/2757/gatocake.png[/img] [img]http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/steelrain_photos/Collage45.png[/img] [url=http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8684/mosaicp.jpg]GATO Mosiac Flag[/url] [size="1"]Sorry about the title, our... oh, wait.[/size][/quote] EDIT: Added Mosaic Flag and made a couple of edits. Edited January 12, 2011 by Laserwolf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dia Lucrii Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Congrats on the anniversary guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Inferno Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 [center]Hail gato o/ [IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/PabloPerotti/CN/GATO5.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/PabloPerotti/CN/GA5.png[/IMG][/center] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
potato Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Happy birthday, GATO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wu Tang Clan Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 This is absolutely awesome. Much deserved congrats to GATO, and good luck moving forward. Awesome publication by the way. (Only read the LUE story by CK, will read the rest when I have time). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Kaos Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j54/steelrain_photos/Collage45.png http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/8684/mosaicp.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hadrian Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Five times three-hundred and sixty five and a quarter days is a...long time. Well done GATO, congrats on surviving for so long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg23 Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 CK those are awesome Btw im the pyramid of beer cans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gibsonator21 Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 (edited) Congrats GATO. You guys rock. We'll be seeing birthday announcements from you guys until CN is dead. Really, one of the best (if not then the best) community in all the game. Also Chris, I found my avatar in that second one. Edited January 12, 2011 by Gibsonator21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ragashingo Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Good job guys. Five years is an incredibly long time to hold something like this together. Also I spotted my hippo in that image. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GulagArchipelago Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 (edited) Congrats to GATO! EDIT: NEED MOAR CAKE!!!! Edited January 12, 2011 by GulagArchipelago Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mary the Fantabulous Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Congratulations on the aniversary, GATO. Aside from making me feel older than dirt, this event makes me wonder how many are left that remember "CATO" becoming "GATO," the INC-GATO War (I think that's the right acronym) or even the Dove Doctrine and the Unity Covenant. (I remember discussing the UC being dropped with my fellow GPA members over on the alliance's very first boards.) Happy Birthday, guys. Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greg23 Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 I joined in May of 2006 so I remember many of those things, except I was not here for the name switch and the INC war. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Empress Elizabeth Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Happy Birthday GATO!!!! We sure have been through a lot in the past years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SyndicatedINC Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 A very happy birthday you old sons of guns! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Kaos Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 [quote name='Mary the Fantabulous' timestamp='1294855630' post='2573228'] Congratulations on the aniversary, GATO. Aside from making me feel older than dirt, this event makes me wonder how many are left that remember "CATO" becoming "GATO," the INC-GATO War (I think that's the right acronym) or even the Dove Doctrine and the Unity Covenant. (I remember discussing the UC being dropped with my fellow GPA members over on the alliance's very first boards.) Happy Birthday, guys. Well done. [/quote] I think there are two people in CN who still remember CATO and the CATO-INC War. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordSlade Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 I wasn't around for the first time we were allies in the Great War era. But I have been around since we have been solid allies in Synergy. I knew you well enough before Synergy and was damn proud when we made our partnership official. I have had a blast hanging around with you all. Congrats GATO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qazzian Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Happy birthday, GATO. Five years is an impressive feat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Fingolfin Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 A very impressive accomplishment, congratulations GATO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Politician Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 o/ GATO Another year goes by. Time does fly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shimmer Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 5 Years down at least as long as CN is around to go. Much love to my fellow GATOans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Londo Mollari Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Congrats to our GATOan allies on turing FIVE. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fyfe XIV Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 Congratulations to our allies in GATO Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheListener Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 (edited) Certainly one of the greatest announcements ever, and most certainly from the best alliance in this game. GATO, congratulations on fives years here on planet bob, now onwards to 10! I think in honor of this momentous occasion everyone should sport the GATO Sanctioned Alliance image for the day Edited January 12, 2011 by TheListener Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Wilson Posted January 12, 2011 Report Share Posted January 12, 2011 A Glorious day for GATO indeed: 5 years of Awesome [quote name='Inferno' timestamp='1294854470' post='2573210'] [center]Hail gato o/ [IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/PabloPerotti/CN/GATO5.png[/IMG] [IMG]http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e107/PabloPerotti/CN/GA5.png[/IMG][/center] [/quote] Fantastic designs, sir. I hope you don't mind my using the smaller one in my sig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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