As you may be aware, Moderation is currently drafting new rules for Particracy. The upcoming redraft covers a wide variety of areas and aims to introduce a number of significant changes to current systems while introducing new ones; in addition, a number of minor alterations and clarifications will also be included. In other words, it's a pretty huge set of changes, and will take some time, given our limited amounts of free time to work on this. However we intend to get these new rules out ASAP, and so we have elected to release the rules in three smaller chunks. This ensures that all of the rules can be implemented as soon as possible, and all of the rules can receive the same level of scrutiny in consultations without things getting too confusing.
While the following list is not necessarily accurate, with some concepts being added, removed, changed significantly, delayed or moved forward before release, hopefully this can give you an idea of what we're planning to implement and how:
Release One:
- Behaviour Policy
- Inactivations / Reactivations
- The GRA
- Minor changes regarding the GRC
- GRC Mediation Process
- Mod Powers: Clearer Boundaries
- Appointment Transparency
- Culturally Open Nations
- New Foreword
Release One is expected to be out very shortly, likely within a week to two weeks, expected to be implemented after a short consultation.
One's changes focus mostly on minor adjustments to the game and some of the more immediately necessary changes. This is one of the least significant releases and mostly comprises the areas we feel are near completion at the current point in time and ready for release. They are very unlikely to change.
Release Two:
- RP Laws
- Changes to the GRC
- Cultural Protocols: Basic Changes
- Expanded Transparency Alterations
- Clarifications and Simplifications of Various Former Rules
While Two's changes are less vast, they are more significant. These can be expected fairly soon, but do not be surprised if they are still several weeks, even a month or more away before entering consultations. We need to make sure we get them right. While some of these are as of yet uncertain and may be reviewed, this should still function as a strong rough guide of our thinking. The list is far shorter, but the importance of changes to the GRC and RP Laws are far more significant.
Release Three:
- Political Protocols Style System
- Nation Playstyle Categories
- Improvements for New Players
- Tutorial System
- Possible Cultual Protocol Overhaul
- Third World Nations
- Final Minor Alterations
Release Three is the most vaguely defined, most significant, and least certain set of changes. Our ideas for these areas' changes are still embryonic and will require significant thought, while they are also likely to impact the game massively. Additionally these are the most likely to change vastly before release. Expect these much further down the line. Three will require the longest consultation and may be split into a fourth release if necessary and practical.
Please note that none of this is set in stone -- the lists may change, the timing may change, everything may change. Still, hopefully this gives you an idea of where we are now. We may update this list if anything is added or changed, but don't take it as gospel.
Additionally, while your gut reaction may be of pure joy or, alternatively, pure disgust at some of the more radical ideas here, please be aware that the specifics are as of yet undefined and we are always aiming to reach a good balance that has the interests of all community members at heart. While you may strongly dislike other players' versions of, say, political protocols, you may find our ideas far more attractive. Plus, you can always have your say in the consultation, where many of our ideas will likely change and develop further with the full viewpoint. In other words, don't jump to conclusions at this point -- these are very vague titles for many embryonic ideas, so please don't be immediately reviled or overjoyed if you see something you feel strongly about and reserve judgement for now!
Finally, if you have anything else you'd like to see us discuss regarding the redraft, please give us a heads up and we'll add it to our internal to-do list (though there's no guarantees it'll end up in the final release).
Thanks!