Changes to Section 7 of the Game Rules

[jamescfm]

Please note that Moderation has implemented a few minor changes to Section 7 (Cultural Protocols) of the Game Rules. The only substantive changes are:

• the removal of Section 7.5a
• the addition of a new section requiring players include real-life equivalents

In the former case, a similar rule already exists in 3.1b and having it in two separate sections of the document seems only likely to confuse. In the latter case, this is something that we feel is essential to the proper functioning of cultural protocols but that was not codified until this point. Approved cultural protocols that do not meet this standard will have real-life equivalents noted in the debate section of the passed bill by Moderation.

A few other minor changes were made too, but these were primarily correcting errors or rewording sections to improve clarity. Below is the new Section 7 in full, followed by the previous version that has been replaced for the sake of record and comparison.

The new version

Section 7 - Cultural Protocols
Cultural Protocols provide a set cultural background for a respective nation within the game. There are two statuses that a nation may have: Culturally Protected (meaning a Cultural Protocol was approved by Moderation and the players within the respective nation) and Culturally Open (meaning that the nation has no defined culture). Cultural Protocols are enforced by Moderation and players are obligated to respect them when playing in Culturally Protected nations. These Cultural Protocols define in detail the ethnic, religious and linguistic makeup of the respective nation.

1. Cultural Protocols can be implemented or updated by passing a bill entitled "CP: Cultural Protocols of NATION - DATE" with the support of a two-thirds majority of players with seats, and then posting a link to the passed Cultural Protocol in the appropriate thread located HERE;

2. Cultural Protocols implemented or updated will be reviewed by Moderation and left open for 48 hours for any community member to raise objections to the proposed Cultural Protocol. Moderation will also review the proposed Cultural Protocol for accuracy and continuity;

3. Proposals for new Cultural Protocols in Culturally Open nations must have the support (voting "yes") of one party that has been continuously active (i.e. no inactivations) within the respective nation for 30 days;

4. Moderators will approve after 48 hours and any answers to reasonable questions provided, once approved players are required to leave a copy of the Cultural Protocols in the "Bill under debate" section of their nation;

5. Cultural Protocols should generally be reflective of RP conducted within the nation and should not significantly alter or modify the ethnic, religious or linguistic composition without considerable and reasonable role-play or other justification;

6. Cultural Protocols cannot directly contravene long-standing or historically significant role-play or cultural groups within a nation. Cultural Protocols are meant to enhance the cultural and role-play experience within a nation;

7. Cultural Protocol bills must provide a real-life equivalent or short description for the ethnic groups, languages and religions contained in them, such that it would be easy for an unfamiliar player to understand (e.g. "Dundorfian = German");

8. Moderation reserves the right and discretion to approve or deny any submissions for Cultural Protocol approvals;

The previous version

Section 7 - Cultural Protocols
Cultural Protocols are a set cultural background for a respective nation within the game. There are two status' that a nation may have: Culturally Protected (meaning a Cultural Protocol was approved by Moderation and the players within the respective nation) and Culturally Open (meaning that the nation has no defined culture). Cultural Protocols are enforced by Moderation and players are obligated to respect them when playing in Culturally Protected nations. A nation may determine its culture via Cultural Protocols. These Cultural Protocols defined in detail the ethnic, religious and linguistic makeup of the respective nation.

1. Cultural Protocols can be implemented or updated by players passing a bill entitled "CP: Cultural Protocols of NATION - DATE" wth the support of 2/3 (two-thirds) majority of players with seats and then post a link to the passed Cultural Protocols Approval thread located HERE;

2. Cultural Protocols that are implemented or updated will be reviewed by Moderation and left open for 48 hours for any community member to raise objection to the proposed cultural protocols. Moderation will also review the proposed cultural protocol for accuracy and continuity;

3. Moderators will approve after 48 hours and any answers to reasonable questions provided, once approved players are required to leave a copy of the cultural protocols in the "Bill under debate" section of their nation,

4. Proposals for new cultural protocols (not updated cultural protocols) must have the support (voting "yes") of one party that has been continuously active (i.e: no inactivations) within the respective nation for 30 days;

5. Updated cultural protocols should generally be reflective of RP conducted within the nation and should not significantly alter or modify the ethnic, religious or linguistic composition without considerable and reasonable role-play or other justification;
-- 5a. Constitutional titles and party names (with accompanying Latin-based translation/transliteration) are recommended to be in the language of largest ethnic group or noted lingua franca of the nation listed in the Cultural Protocols.

6. Cultural Protocols cannot directly contravene long-standing or historically significant role-play or cultural groups within a nation. Cultural Protocols are meant to enhance the cultural and role-play experience within a nation;

6. Moderation reserves the right and discretion to approve or deny any submissions for Cultural Protocol approvals;