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A place to discuss topics/games with other webDiplomacy players.
Page 1310 of 1419
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spyman (424 D(G))
15 Mar 16 UTC
Karl Marx's predictions about wages
If I under correctly Karl Marx predicted that workers wages would fall, over time, until the workers would have no choice but to overthrow the system. Can anyone tell in which book/essay he actually made this prediction?
30 replies
Open
Baskineli (100 D(B))
12 Mar 16 UTC
What I don't like about Diplomacy
Is that this is a zero-sum game. In order to win, you have to make other players lose. I, as an entrepreneur, libertarian and capitalist, find it particularly hard to see the behavior of people when they think they are playing a zero-sum game. Maybe this is why I take human behavior in the game so hard.
46 replies
Open
JEccles (421 D)
10 Mar 16 UTC
Ghost Ratings
What happens if we can't find ourselves on the list when using control+F? Does that mean we haven't been ranked?
26 replies
Open
Colonel Saloh Cin (100 D)
15 Mar 16 UTC
Is Beast Coast still alive, or did it die long ago?
Or is it just now making it's way out the door. Flatbush Zombies released their first main album on the 11th, so that's why I'm asking.
2 replies
Open
KingCyrus (511 D)
12 Mar 16 UTC
Voting Strategy
With the current political landscape, I am facing the very real possibility of the two main candidates being, in my opinion, pretty awful. I have had numerous discussions with friends over the strategy, but I bring it to you. Is it worth it to vote on principle? Should I vote third party if I think they are the best candidate? Or do I vote for the lesser of two evils among the big two?
116 replies
Open
bo_sox48 (5202 DMod(G))
14 Mar 16 UTC
A Donald Trump Conspiracy
Or, if you would prefer, a case that he is one of the best marketers and media manipulators around, something I think we already knew.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2016/03/13/donald-trumps-chicago-scam/
46 replies
Open
JenkinsCh (35 DX)
14 Mar 16 UTC
Paused Game
So about 3 months ago I started playing WebDip. I told some friends and they started to play too. Well one guy stopped playing so we paused a game... and its still paused, is their a way to unpause/draw it. Haha
2 replies
Open
kaner406 (356 D)
14 Mar 16 UTC
(+9)
2012 World Cup
A compilation of that epic match for your pleasure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oLlb5TndQs
2 replies
Open
cpman (0 DX)
14 Mar 16 UTC
Anybody up for a Low-Stakes Live Game in like an hour?
Hi!
Just wondering if anybody would be up for a low stakes live game starting in like an hour.
I'm thinking a bet of 10 and 15 minute phases?
4 replies
Open
eturnage (500 D(B))
14 Mar 16 UTC
not ready setting
Hello, I'm a newbie here. I am curious. If I put in some orders, save them and click the ready button, my orders are in and everything is great. Later, I go and click not ready. My previous orders were in and now I am changing some of them. I fail to clock watch and the time to make my moves expires. Does the software progress with my first set of orders? Or does the software cause my power to go into Civil Disorder.
4 replies
Open
JEccles (421 D)
14 Mar 16 UTC
The "Won't Hit Ready" Sportsmanship Move
What are thoughts on people not readying up when the game doesn't go their way?
15 replies
Open
reedeer1 (100 D)
14 Mar 16 UTC
Taunt
wouldn't it be great if a troop as its turn could taunt? It would create so much salt. It would do nothing but change its appearance for that turn. I know taunting could be done in global, but still it would be fun.
3 replies
Open
orathaic (1009 D(B))
25 Feb 16 UTC
Irish Election Predctions
So i'm going to vote tomorrow, and here are my predictions.
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Hellenic Riot (1626 D(G))
04 Mar 16 UTC
The fact the main parties are corrupt or inept doesn't mean the election system is the flaw :p-
Octavious (2732 D)
04 Mar 16 UTC
The system does play a role, though. One of the great strengths of FPTP is the ability of the people to vote someone out if they find their actions unacceptable. One of the things I hate about PR is the safe spots at the top of the lists were representatives are safe from virtually all public methods of ousting them.
Hellenic Riot (1626 D(G))
04 Mar 16 UTC
To be fair, STV doesn't have those safe spots. But it is a weakness in AMS, I concede.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
04 Mar 16 UTC
The main issue with FPTP is where you have a constituency with 33% lib dems, 33% labour and 34% conservative.

STV would triple the size of the constituency and put in three seats. Whereas Oct, correct me if i'm wrong. What you are criticizing about STV is that it doesn't let one party win outright as easily. (like the SNP in Scotland, where they hold almost all the seats, contrasted with UKIP who were trounced - UKIP had 12.7% of the votes and won 0.2% of the seats. The SNP has 4.7% of the vote, but won 8.6% of the seats - that is 56 times more seats with nearly one third of the votes)

To be fair, FPTP works fine if you only have two partys fighting over a given seat. But that makes for a two-party system, which i think lacks the require nuance of a electorate's opinion. Clearly the British public, in 2015, wanted a more diverse range of options. From the more right wing than Conservatives, to the actual left wing...
Hellenic Riot (1626 D(G))
04 Mar 16 UTC
I'm not sure the SNP count as 'actual left wing'. Scottish Labour are more lefty than them at this point.
Octavious (2732 D)
04 Mar 16 UTC
@ Ora

I'm a bit rusty on the details of 2015 now, but I believe I'm right in saying that if we had perfectly proportional representation what we would have had is a Tory-UKIP-Ulster Tory coalition government which would have been somewhat more right wing than what we currently enjoy. Left wing voters would be less represented by government.
Putin33 (111 D)
04 Mar 16 UTC
Not quite. Certainly the government would be more rightwing due to a coalition with UKIP, but the Tories would have many fewer seats while the Lib Dems and Greens would have done a lot better. That is, assuming Lib Dems can still be considered a left leaning party.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
05 Mar 16 UTC
@Octavious, maybe if the Tories had decided to give power to UKIP, they might have preferred coalition with the Lib Dems.

And maybe you'd be better off with a more right wing government where the reactionary people are pushed left for the next election. I don't know. And i don't see an easy way to reform a parliament system (though in ireland FF is discussing just that) Reforming a voting system is much better.

Either you think it should be representative of you don't.

Of course another form of representation is localism/devolution/regionalism/subsidiarity. Where you make decisions on the most local level which can do so competently. That would be my prefer method of improving our democracies!
Putin33 (111 D)
05 Mar 16 UTC
"Where you make decisions on the most local level which can do so competently"

That's not the American experience. Regionalism has typically been a bulwark against reform and accountability, and politics becomes dominated by powerful local figures and interests with built up patronage networks.
Octavious (2732 D)
05 Mar 16 UTC
@ ora

Cameron would almost certainly have preferred the Lib Dems, but a lot of Torys view UKIPPERS as a wing of the Conservative Party and would have screamed blue murder if we'd chosen the Liberals when UKIP was a viable alternative.

Besides which, I think FPTP represents constituents pretty well. Your video rubbished the idea that people think locally, but your video is wrong. If you look at the UKIP MP, he was elected not because he was UKIP but because he was a candidate the local electorate appreciate and trust. No other UKIPPER could have won that seat.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
06 Mar 16 UTC
Actually, i think some people think locally, and others think globally. I suspect there is a big difference, and i can recall one person referring to it, she is a linguist, and discussed how migrants learn english (in dublin) and whether they use the local colloquialisms, or are more likely to pick up american colloquialisms.

Whether they plan to stay and put down roots, or if they are looking at the world as their oyster. I suspect the locally focused people will vote more for people, and the globally focussed will vote for party. But that is a supposition on my part.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
10 Mar 16 UTC
I guess this is about as good a time as any to update my prediction results.

Today the Dail met and decided it didn't have enough agreement to do anything other than select a Chair person (non-voting position charged with holding order) and four candidates for Taoiseach (ie prime minister) were all rejected.

Now they are taking a break and having a bit of a holiday while st. Patricks day approaches, i'm sure former Taoiseach will visit the white house for the day, and we'll see about the other former ministers...

Whether they will meet back before easter is as yet unclear.

So far we are in 'failure to agree' territory, with all the original options still possible, though FF and SF both want to lead the opposition, so they are unlikely to form any coalition with each other... (nb leading the opposotion isn't a real position, it is like being the biggest loser, where winners are the ones in all the real positions)
orathaic (1009 D(B))
11 Mar 16 UTC
And then this happened: http://waterfordwhispersnews.com/2016/03/10/gardai-in-high-speed-chase-as-defiant-enda-kenny-takes-the-recovery-hostage/
orathaic (1009 D(B))
11 Mar 16 UTC
@Putin: "FG - 60 seats, FF - 35 seats, SF - 25 seats, Labour - 5 seats, Renua - 4 seats, SocDems - 4 seats, Independents the rest. "

Real figures, FG - 50 seats, FF - 44, SF - 23, Labour - 7, Renua - 0, SocDems 3, AAA/PBP - 6, Greens - 2, Independents 4 Change - 4, WUAG - 1, Independents - 18.

(FF Ceann Comhairle brings them down to 43 votes in the Dáil)
orathaic (1009 D(B))
11 Mar 16 UTC
Just looking it up, I4C have former Socialist party TDs Clare Daily, Joan Collins, former Labour TD Tommy Broughan and former property developer/anti-austerity campaigners Mick Wallace.

That makes then the third/fourth extreme left/anti-austerity party in the Dail (along with People Before Profit, and the Anti-Austerity Alliance, and of course WUAG)

Together they have all had some part of the failed United Left Alliance, which would comprise 11 seats, bigger than even Labour combined with the Social Democrats. (But even together with Labour and the SocDems they would still only form the fourth largest grouping after SF.)
Putin33 (111 D)
13 Mar 16 UTC
(+1)
Clare Daily is a favorite of mine.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
13 Mar 16 UTC
Mine too.
Putin33 (111 D)
14 Mar 16 UTC
Looks like an FF-led minority government is the most likely outcome. A new election won't change the results. Voters seem to want a grand coalition, but the party leadership teams don't want it.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
14 Mar 16 UTC
(+1)
Do you mean the collective wishes of all voters, or that a majority of individual voters would like to see a grand coalition?

I seriously doubt a majority of FF or FG voters want to see a FF-FG coalition. Whereas everyone who didn't vote for them probably does. I don't see why FF/FG should want to represent the views of the people who didn't vote for them. (At least in a democracy... I can see why the should in an ideal world...)

Also, did you mean a FG minority or a FF minority. Because while both seem plausible, i think FG is the more likely.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
14 Mar 16 UTC
Let me take back much of what i just said, recent polling supports Putin's position: http://www.redcresearch.ie/voters-looking-secure-govt/

It may be the case that, as the FF heads are saying, they didn't seek election on the basis of going into government with FG; but what their voters want today does not reflect this. Regardless of their pre-election votes, they now do want to see a grand coalition - with only SF voters being opposed.
Octavious (2732 D)
14 Mar 16 UTC
I'm going to be honest, this isn't exactly winning me over to the PR camp...
orathaic (1009 D(B))
14 Mar 16 UTC
Lets be honest Oct, in a FPTP sustem we would likely have a FG government by now - with a FF opposition.

I would argue that this would be worse, for the first reason - it disenfranchises a majority of voters; and for the second reason, it discourages compromise by the largest parties.

When in fact it is the compromise which modern parlimentary democracy is based on. We agree that no individual dictator should rule, and therefore all the views of the people should be represented in parliment - which will then be required to find a compromise that everyone accepts as the best compromise possible.

I would presume that you actually support these ideas in principle, and that it is only the implementation that you disagree with.
Octavious (2732 D)
14 Mar 16 UTC
@ ora

What the people want, judging by that survey, is a stable government getting on with the business of governing.

PR doesn't seem to be acting in the interests of anyone. The shameful rush to be the opposition from the smaller parties is frankly an insult to democracy. Vote for us and we will make sure we can impotently rage on your behalf! It's pathetic stuff.
orathaic (1009 D(B))
14 Mar 16 UTC
You're looking at the micro-instance of this happening. And not seeing what it is a reaction to.

Being in power damages a party, you can see that among the lib dems just as much as in the Irish system. So first, FF are the only party refusing to go into government, and they have just rebuilt their party support (second lowest result in history at this point) - Labour was regularily, and historically the third largest party. It now sits only 7 TDs because of going into coalition with FG (and even with the Soc Dems, Greens, and 4 anti-austerity extreme left groupings, that block now equals what SF has - as the 3rd largest party) likewise the previous to last coalition government was FF-Green Party, and it resulted in the GP being completely wiped out. No seats.

The second reason FF don't want to go into coalition is their fear that SF will become more powerful still. That by being the largest opposition party SF will gain much needed legitimacy, and that they will target FF seats - both parties are populist, and both identify as republican parties, so i suspect SF could win over many FF voters.

This set of circumstances is unrelated to the election system which allowed it to happen. (It is notable that FG/SF plus independents does not have the numbers to make a majority government, and the fractured left can't agree (SocDems just split from Labour, AAA and PBP campaigned together but are still seperate parties and also recently split from the United Left Alliance, leaving WUAG and I4C as 4 distinct anti-austerity groupings - and the AAA/PBP rejected the SF candidate for Taoiseach - who could have had more votes than the FF candidate if he was supported by every left-wing TD, though probably not the FG candidate)

STV requires more compromise, and that is a good thing - except when the politicians can't find it and put their party interest ahead of national interest. Yet more compromise can still he seen as a net positive for democracy.


54 replies
VillageIdiot (7813 D)
10 Jun 15 UTC
ODC Tournament Update
.. let's check in and see how things are shaping up.
779 replies
Open
reedeer1 (100 D)
13 Mar 16 UTC
More Than, or less than?
My mom is creating a recipe book that is going to be published, and she came to a point where she didn't know weather to capitalize as part of the title: "More Than, or Less Than" or not "more than, or less than"
Which way do you guys think is right?
39 replies
Open
brainbomb (295 D)
04 Mar 16 UTC
Buy used copies of Windows 95, 97, XP
I also have free copies of AOL 2.0 And Netscape 3.5.1 from 1999. TOP NOTCH SHIT. Ill cut you a deal yo. Half off the price + HJ under the table ;). Also free copies of the King James Bible.
4 replies
Open
brainbomb (295 D)
13 Mar 16 UTC
It's No Longer Valis Birthday
But it is mine.
The guy who stole the crown for most annoying webdipper. In the spirit of shameless self promotion, roast me if you want. Feel free to call me an assholio.
8 replies
Open
wjessop (100 DX)
25 Feb 16 UTC
(+2)
RECLAIM THE NIGHT
Women should feel and be safe walking in the streets every day and night. Sadly, this just isn't the case, all across the world. But once a year UK feminist groups hold a Reclaim the Night march across our cities. Tonight is that night, reclaiming the night for our mums, sisters, daughters, family and friends that just happen to be women.

http://www.reclaimthenight.co.uk/why.html
212 replies
Open
brainbomb (295 D)
05 Mar 16 UTC
Rivalries
Who is your biggest rivals on webdiplomacy? Is there anyone you cannot stand playing against and why? Share your rivalry tales here.
63 replies
Open
brainbomb (295 D)
11 Feb 16 UTC
(+1)
Roman's never recorded anyone named Jesus being crucified
For an empire which was renowned for record keeping; it always struck me as odd that nobody named Jesus was ever Crucified. I asked my Mormon girlfriend once and they told me it was because Romans were afraid to let the truth get out that they had killed the son of God.
217 replies
Open
Al Swearengen (0 DX)
12 Mar 16 UTC
Checking In
.

Gentlemen, I'm back. What did I miss? How are the times and tides of our beloved community?
10 replies
Open
Jamiet99uk (1307 D)
13 Mar 16 UTC
(+1)
UK in crisis
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/emergency-biscuits-flown-into-uk-due-to-national-shortage-a6927561.html
1 reply
Open
Bob Genghiskhan (1258 D)
11 Mar 16 UTC
What's the point of hidden draw votes in a gunboat?
I don't really see any, but perhaps I'm blinkered.
6 replies
Open
MohawkFox (100 D)
13 Mar 16 UTC
Join in for another round of classic diplomacy!
Hosted by MohawkFox, we play another round of good old Diplomacy.
Join here: http://webdiplomacy.net/board.php?gameID=176027
0 replies
Open
Maniac (189 D(B))
13 Mar 16 UTC
U.K. Games expo
Is anyone going!

http://www.thenec.co.uk/whatson/uk-games-expo
0 replies
Open
bo_sox48 (5202 DMod(G))
12 Mar 16 UTC
I Demand a Refund
I paid for a car wash after I got gas at Shell this evening but their wash was out of service. I asked for a refund and was told that it wasn't their fault that the wash was closed and that I should come back some other time when it's open and use the code then.

I'm curious to see what other stupid things you all should but can't get a refund for because of jackass cashiers.
35 replies
Open
bo_sox48 (5202 DMod(G))
13 Mar 16 UTC
(+4)
It's Valis's Birthday
The guy who stole the crown for most annoying person on webDip (before having it swiftly taken again by brainbomb) is turning 74 years old today.
17 replies
Open
Patburu (0 DX)
12 Mar 16 UTC
(+1)
GL 5-min EOG
I'm just posting my notes beginning in 1903. 4 way draw. We could have eliminated Italy, but we had other obligations that caused us to hit draw


5 replies
Open
Yoyoyozo (95 D)
11 Mar 16 UTC
(+1)
Congrats on your well deserved solo!
Please use this thread to congratulate people that decide to solo a game because of a CD that gives them the solo.
13 replies
Open
brainbomb (295 D)
12 Mar 16 UTC
Why Freya is a better Deity than Yaweh
Freya actually helps harvests and stuff
11 replies
Open
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