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Dispatch → Meta → Reference
Useful Dispatches
Here is a list of numerous useful dispatches you can find on NationStates!
Feel free to recommend other dispatches.
Valid: Everywhere
Tags: b, i, u
I [b]really[/b] like text that [i]makes a point[/i], you [u]know[/u]?I really like text that makes a point, you know?
Valid: Everywhere
Tags: strike, sub, sup
I [strike]like[/strike] [sub]love[/sub] love [sup]love[/sup] this region!I like love love love this region!
Valid: Everywhere
Tag: nation
Shortcut: @
Options: long, noflag, noname
I am [nation]Testlandia[/nation]. Or, to use my full name, [nation=long]Testlandia[/nation]. If you prefer to omit flags, you can call me [nation=noflag]Testlandia[/nation] or [nation=long+noflag]Testlandia[/nation]. In dispatches (only), I can be a mere flag: [nation=noname]Testlandia[/nation]I am Testlandia. Or, to use my full name, The Hive Mind of Testlandia. If you prefer to omit flags, you can call me Testlandia or The Hive Mind of Testlandia. In dispatches (only), I can be a mere flag:
(Tip: When writing a post or dispatch, hit "@" and begin typing a nation name for an auto-completing shortcut.)
Valid: Everywhere
Tag: region
Shortcut: @
[region]The Pacific[/region] was the very first region in the world.The Pacific was the very first region in the world.
(Tip: When writing a post or dispatch, hit "@" and begin typing a region name for an auto-completing shortcut.)
Valid: Everywhere
Tag: proposal
Option: proposal ID
Please support [proposal=separatist_peoples_1416233457]my proposal[/proposal]!Please support my proposal!
Valid: Everywhere
Tag: resolution
Option: council ID (GA, SC, or UN)#resolution ID
The foundation of modern WA legislation is [resolution=GA#2]the Rights and Duties law[/resolution].The foundation of modern WA legislation is the Rights and Duties law.
Valid: Everywhere
Tag: spoiler
Options: text to display on button
[spoiler]Surprise![/spoiler]
[spoiler=Try this one, too!]Boo!![/spoiler]
Valid for nationstates.net links: Everywhere
Valid for other sites: Dispatches, WFEs
Tag: url
Options: URL
Did you know the guy who wrote NationStates is [url=http://maxbarry.com]Max Barry[/url]?Did you know the guy who wrote NationStates is
Max Barry?A lot of people live in [url=http://forum.nationstates.net/]the forums[/url]!A lot of people live in
the forums!You can actually omit the [url] tag for full URLs, like this: http://www.nationstates.net/page=faqYou can actually omit the [url] tag for full URLs, like this: page=faq.
But it's usually most helpful to provide descriptive text, so people know [url=http://www.nationstates.net/page=faq]this link leads to the FAQ[/url].But it's usually most helpful to provide descriptive text, so people know this link leads to the FAQ.
Valid: Everywhere
Tags: list, *
Options: 1, a, i, A, I
[list][*]One [*]Two [*]Three[/list]
One
Two
Three
[list=1][*]A more complicated list, which contains a nested list: [list=i][*]"1" is 1, 2, 3... [*]"i" is i, ii, iii... [*]"a" is a, b, c...[/list] [*]And the above can be capitalized, for A, B, C... and I, II, III...[/list]
A more complicated list, which contains a nested list:
"1" is 1, 2, 3...
"i" is i, ii, iii...
"a" is a, b, c...
And the above can be capitalized, for A, B, C... and I, II, III...
Valid: Everywhere
Tag: pre
[pre]You bold like [b]this[/b]![/pre]
You bold like [b]this[/b]!
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: size
Sometimes you want [size=150]big text[/size] but other times only [size=90]small text[/size] will do.Sometimes you want big text, but other times only small text will do.
Valid: Dispatches, WFEs
Tag: color
Alternative name: colour
Options: name or hexidecimal code of color
I [color=red]love[/color] a little [colour=#FF9900]color[/colour].I love a little color.
Valid: RMBs
Tag: quote
Options: name of author;post ID
[quote=testlandia;4970610]It's an outrage![/quote]
Valid: Dispatches
Tags: background, background-block
Options: name or hexidecimal code of color
Backgrounds can be applied to [background=yellow]highlight a few words[/background].Backgrounds can be applied to highlight a few words.
[background-block=yellow]Backgrounds can also be applied at the paragraph level, which is especially noticeable... ...when it flows over multiple lines.[/background-block]
...when it flows over multiple lines.
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: font
Options: name of font(s), in order of preference
[font=Courier]What a beautiful font![/font]What a beautiful font!
[font=Times New Roman, Arial, sans]What a beautiful font![/font]What a beautiful font!
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: align
Alternative names: center, centre
Options: left, right, center, justify
[align=center]Centered text.[/align]
[align=right]Right-justified text.[/align]
[centre]This is also centred, especially if you're British.[/centre]
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: img
Options: view (standout, shadow, border)
[img]http://www.nationstates.net/images/foot_jg.png[/img]
You can also set some visual options:
[img view="shadow"]https://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/Switzerland.png[/img]
[img view="standout"]https://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/Switzerland.png[/img]
[img view="standout border shadow"]https://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/Switzerland.png[/img]
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: float
Options: left, right
[float=right][img]http://www.nationstates.net/images/foot_jg.png[/img][/float] [float=left][img]http://www.nationstates.net/images/foot_jg.png[/img][/float] Images float on either side of this text.
Images float on either side of this text.
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: box
[box]A pretty box.[/box](You're looking at it. Sadly, boxes cannot contain other boxes.)
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: sidebar
[sidebar]Sidebars are very similar to box + float-right, but don't stretch across the whole screen (except on mobile devices).[/sidebar]
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: tab
Option: number of pixels to indent
[tab=100]Some indented text[/tab].Some indented text.
Valid: Dispatches
Tag: anchor
Option: name of anchor (no spaces or punctuation!)
[anchor=JUMPHERE][/anchor]Useful for tables of contents. Jump to [url=#JUMPHERE]my anchor[/url].Useful for tables of contents.
Jump to my anchor.
Valid: Dispatches
Tags: table, tr (table row), td (table cell)
Options: plain
[table][tr][td]A table's first row looks different[/td][td]Next cell[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Second row[/td][td]Next cell[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Third row[/td][td]Next cell[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Fourth row, which goes on at some length about nothing. It also has a line break in it. Here it comes. Ready? Okay!! Here it is!! See?[/td][td]Next cell[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Hovering over a row highlights it[/td][td]Not bad, eh?[/td][/tr] [/table]
A table's first row looks different | Next cell |
Second row | Next cell |
Third row | Next cell |
Fourth row, which goes on at some length about nothing. It also has a line break in it. Here it comes. Ready? Okay!! Here it is!! See? | Next cell |
Hovering over a row highlights it | Not bad, eh? |
[float=right][table=plain] [tr][td]Table type:[/td][td]Plain[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Decoration:[/td][td]None[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Excitement level:[/td][td]Low[/td][/tr] [tr][td]Usefulness for formatting:[/td][td]High[/td][/tr] [/table][/float]
Table type: | Plain |
Decoration: | None |
Excitement level: | Low |
Usefulness for formatting: | High |
hereImportant: I have replaced all colons with a semi-colon to show you the code. To use the macros, you MUST replace the semicolon with a colon
Population
Type: [data;population]
Becomes: 15,662 million, a number that updates daily.
GDP
Type: [data;GDP]
Becomes: 6,764 trillion second best currencies
Region
Type: [data;region]
Becomes: The North Pacific
Taxation
Type: [data;tax]
Becomes: 0%
Regional Influence
Type: [data;influence]
Becomes: Minnow
Average Income
Type: [data;income]
Becomes: 431,879 second best currencies
National Animal
Type: [data;animal]
Becomes: second best animal
Capital
Type: [data;capital]
Becomes: second best capital city
Census Scores
Type: [data;census-score-86]
Becomes: 599,461.00 Bank
Census Rank
Type: [data;census-rank-86]
Becomes: 5th
Regional Census Rank
Type: [data;census-regionrank-86]
Becomes: 1st
Currency
Type: [data;currency]
Becomes: second best currency
If you found this useful, upvote!
TG me if you found any more!
Most people assume that the default BBcode colors are only colors like red or gray. However, there are 140 different colors . Here is a quick list. (don't open the spoiler if you want to continue reading).
Antiquewhite | FAEBD7
Aqua | 00FFFF
Aquamarine | 7FFFD4
Azure | F0FFFF
Beige | F5F5DC
Bisque | FFE4C4
Blanchedalmond | FFEBCD
Blue | 0000FF
Blueviolet | 8A2BE2
Brown | A52A2A
Burlywood | DEB887
Cadetblue | 5F9EA0
Chartreuse | 7FFF00
Chocolate | D2691E
Coral | FF7F50
Cornflowerblue | 6495ED
Cornsilk | FFF8DC
Crimson | DC143C
Cyan | 00FFFF
Darkblue | 00008B
Darkcyan | 008B8B
Darkgoldenrod | B8860B
Darkgray | A9A9A9
Darkgreen | 006400
Darkkhaki | BDB76B
Darkmagenta | 8B008B
Darkolivegreen | 556B2F
Darkorange | FF8C00
Darkorchid | 9932CC
Darkred | 8B0000
Darksalmon | E9967A
Darkseagreen | 8FBC8F
Darkslateblue | 483D8B
Darkslategray | 2F4F4F
Darkturquoise | 00CED1
Darkviolet | 9400D3
Deeppink | FF1493
Deepskyblue | 00BFFF
Dimgray | 696969
Dodgerblue | 1E90FF
Firebrick | B22222
Floralwhite | FFFAF0
Forestgreen | 228B22
Fuchsia | FF00FF
Gainsboro | DCDCDC
Ghostwhite | F8F8FF
Gold | FFD700
Goldenrod | DAA520
Gray | 808080
Green | 008000
Greenyellow | ADFF2F
Honeydew | F0FFF0
Hotpink | FF69B4
Indianred | CD5C5C
Indigo | 4B0082
Ivory | FFFFF0
Khaki | F0E68C
Lavender | E6E6FA
Lavenderblush | FFF0F5
Lawngreen | 7CFC00
Lemonchiffon | FFFACD
Lightblue | ADD8E6
Lightcoral | F08080
Lightcyan | E0FFFF
Lightgoldenrodyellow | FAFAD2
Lightgreen | 90EE90
Lightgrey | D3D3D3
Lightpink | FFB6C1
Lightsalmon | FFA07A
Lightseagreen | 20B2AA
Lightskyblue | 87CEFA
Lightslategray | 778899
Lightsteelblue | B0C4DE
Linen | FAF0E6
Magenta | FF00FF
Maroon | 800000
Mediumaquamarine | 66CDAA
Mediumblue | 0000CD
Mediumorchid | BA55D3
Mediumpurple | 9370D8
Mediumseagreen | 3CB371
Mediumslateblue | 7B68EE
Mediumspringgreen | 00FA9A
Mediumturquoise | 48D1CC
Mediumvioletred | C71585
Midnightblue | 191970
Mintcream | F5FFFA
Mistyrose | FFE4E1
Moccasin | FFE4B5
Navajowhite | FFDEAD
Navy | 000080
Oldlace | FDF5E6
Olive | 808000
Olivedrab | 688E23
Orange | FFA500
Orangered | FF4500
Orchid | DA70D6
Palegoldenrod | EEE8AA
Palegreen | 98FB98
Paleturquoise | AFEEEE
Palevioletred | D87093
Papayawhip | FFEFD5
Peachpuff | FFDAB9
Peru | CD853F
Pink | FFC0CB
Plum | DDA0DD
Powderblue | B0E0E6
Purple | 800080
Red | FF0000
Rosybrown | BC8F8F
Royalblue | 4169E1
Saddlebrown | 8B4513
Salmon | FA8072
Sandybrown | F4A460
Seagreen | 2E8B57
Seashell | FFF5EE
Sienna | A0522D
Silver | C0C0C0
Skyblue | 87CEEB
Slateblue | 6A5ACD
Slategray | 708090
Snow | FFFAFA
Springgreen | 00FF7F
Steelblue | 4682B4
Tan | D2B48C
Teal | 008080
Thistle | D8BFD8
Tomato | FF6347
Turquoise | 40E0D0
Violet | EE82EE
Wheat | F5DEB3
White | FFFFFF
Whitesmoke | F5F5F5
Yellow | FFFF00
Yellowgreen | 9ACD32
This is my personal favorite html colorizer. It provides gradients and hex codes, as well as bbcode, for the colors you select. This is an example of what it can do. This is an intuitive color picker, which can help you find the hex code of a certain pixel on an image. These two resources are basically all you need to create a well colored dispatch! http://html-color-codes.info is another useful site, thank Abhichandra for this useful resource.Color can be applied in 3 primary ways: The [background-block] tag, the [color] tag, and the [background] tag.
Examples:
[color=goldenrod]Goldenrod![/color]becomes: Goldenrod!
This can be used throughout the site, except on the RMB.
[background=goldenrod]Goldenrod![/background]becomes: Goldenrod!
This can also be used throughout the site, except on the RMB.
[background-block=goldenrod]Goldenrod![/background-block]
This can also be used throughout the site, except on the RMB.
Alternate Way:
You can also use hex codes to apply custom colors. The hex code for goldenrod is #DAA520. Use
[color=#DAA520][/color]instead of
[color=goldenrod][/color]Aaaand... that is all you need to know! If you liked this dispatch, upvote! TG me if you have something to add, questions, or suggestions! You can use these three tags to create headlines, well colored dispatches, and more!
You need: an existing factbook, an blank dispatch, a factbook you want to copy
1. Open a random dispatch from your factbook and click the edit button on the bottom right hand side of the page
At the top there is the url of your factbook. Note the ID of the example factbook: 228140
Keep the window open you will need it.
2. Open the factbook you want to copy. Then find the Factbook ID.
In this example it is circled as 97589.
3. Copy the ID of the the other nation's factbook
4. Paste the copied ID over your factbook's id
Make sure it has the ID from the other's factbook and click enter.
5. If you had done this correctly you should see coding from the person's factbook, however you aren't done yet. Create a entirely new factbook and copy everything onto there. Edit when needed and publish!
Thank you for Reading! Please Up Vote!
Wanting to expand your NS experience? Well, look no further. Here is a list of sites and tools to add more depth to NationStates.
Though I have tried, this is most likely not an all-inclusive list. If there are any sites or utilities that you believe should be added to the list, or if one of the items listed stops working, please TG me. I always appreciate the help.
NOTE: All of these sites and utilities have been created by third parties and are not affiliated with the NationStates website or myself. While I believe all of them to be safe, you are using them at your own risk.
If you find this dispatch useful, please "up-vote" it.
Auto Telegramming Programs
If you are tired of having to use stamps to send mass telegrams, or you just need help sending large numbers of TGs you may want to try one of these. NOTE: Be sure to follow all mass telegramming and API rules, or you will face the wrath of the Mods.
NationStates AutoTelegram- This is a utility to allow you to send mass telegrams without using NS Stamps. I have used it many times in the past. It has been extremely useful for WA campaigns and mass TGing my region. This is no longer supported, meaning bugs and errors will not be fixed.
pyNSrecruit- This is another auto telegram program. It has a straightforward and easy to use interface, plus it supports use as a recruitment tool.
Agadar's Telegrammer- This is a desktop application that automates sending telegrams, so you don't have to use stamps. It is useful for recruitment, WA campaigning, and region-wide telegramming.
Communiqué 8 Telegram Client- Communiqué is a simple open-source way to send telegrams through the Telegram API. It is built using Java (you will need an up-to-date version of Java), so it will probably run on your home computer.
nstg-web- stg-web is a free and open source web application that allows you to easily send telegrams to a list of NationStates nations. This also has the benefit of being a web app, so you don't have to download anything.
Flag Creators
If making flags in MS Paint is too basic, and Photoshop or GIMP is just too much try one pf these flag creators.
FlagMaker 2.0- FlagMaker is a tool to easily create flags that includes many different flag elements and emblems. You can create a flag with six different base types and then add as many overlays as you like. It even has a random function if you are all out of ideas. (Special thanks to Zambara for finding this.)
FlagMaker Jr.- FlagMaker Jr. is a simplified version of FlagMaker. It is also an online app, so you don't have to download anything. There is a bit of a learning curve and the options are arranged in a way that is not immediately intuitive, but once you get the hang of it, you can create good looking flags.
Fake Flag- This is a flag creator app that allows you to mix and match elements from real flags. You can create unique, and interesting flags that also look professional. The only downside is that you can't add art or colors of your own. This is a very good option if you want a realistic flag.
Flag Designer- This is an extremely simple flag making app. Not too many options, but the user interface is very straightforward and easy to use. This is a good way to make decent looking flags quickly. Plus, the flags are made in SVG files, so they scale without pixelating or distorting.
Flag Designer - Tennessine- This is another online flag making app. You start with a real-life flag and then insert different elements into it. There are plenty of options that allow you to make pretty unique flags.
Flag Creator- This flag creator allows you to make flags completely from scratch, rather than using real flags as a base. This app can be a little tricky to use at first, but with a bit of playing around it becomes intuitive. This is a pretty good option if you don't want a flag that looks like every other one.
Name Generators
Having difficulty coming up with names? These name generators will help you come up with as many as you need. These are not strictly for NationStates, but they are site commonly utilized by NS users.
Random Name Generator- This is a basic name generator that will give a block of names according to the simple parameters you set. This is ideal for generating a list of names for an entire sports team or military unit.
Behind the Name- This name generator allows you to choose the category of the name, and how many names the person has. You definitely want to narrow the options before making a name, or you may get very strange ones.
Fake Name Generator- Despite the name, this generator doesn't just give you a name but also gives you a full online profile for the character. Very good if you want details, but don't have the time to make them up yourself.
Nation Stats Calculators
Are graphs and descriptions on your nation's NS page not enough for you? These stats calculators will give you the specific numbers and details about your nation. They are perfectly suited for getting stats for Role Playing.
NSEconomy- This is the stat calculator I personally use. It is simple and easy to use.
NSDossier- This stats calculator provides the most regional information but is also the slowest loading calculator.
Phone Apps
Looking for a better, or at least different way to look at NationStates while on your phone? Try out one of these apps for your phone.
Stately- This is an Android App for your phone. It allows you to answer issues, compare stats and graphs of multiple nations, and track your nation stats over time.
NSDroid- This is another Android App to make using NationStates on your phone easier. It allows you to post to your region's RMB, send and receive TGs, and keep track of nations in your dossier.
NationStates++- This is a browser extension for the NationStates site. It adds stats and reorganizes some of the pages to be easier to use. It also has a feature that allows you to switch between nations you control with one click. It is very nice and kept up to date. This is a third party extension, so use at your own risk. However, NationStates is in the process of acquiring the extension, so it may gain "official" status in the near future.
LibreNS++- This is another, similar browser extension for the NationStates site. Much like NS++, this extension adds more functionality to the NS website, including mobile support, puppet management, automatic RMB updates, and IRC chat added to the region pages.
SerinApprox- This is a bot for your NationStates IRC channels that automatically calculates regions' approximate update times. It is an extremely useful tool if you are using your IRC for NS gameplay. SerinApprox is a plug-in for the mIRC client, so if you are the one running the bot on the channel you must use mIRC. Everyone else on the channel will be able to access the bot regardless of their IRC client.
NSBreeze- NSBreeze is an extension for Chrome, to add keyboard shortcuts to the NationStates site. This gives you the ability to navigate using the press of a key. This is a very useful extension if you are involved in the R/D game.
FluffyCogs- FluffyCogs is a module for the Red Discord Bot. This module will add NS-related commands to your region's Discord bot, such as displaying region data or WA resolution texts. Its a great way to integrate NationStates into your Discord.
Political Graphing Sites
Looking for a way to graph your nation's place on the political spectrum? Well, these sites will help you do that. Now, These are not strictly for NationStates, but they are site commonly utilized by NS users.
The Political Compass- This is the most common political graphing test used on NS. It provides a good measure of one's political stance or the stance of your nation.
Political Spectrum Quiz- This is a good alternative to the Political Compass site. It allows you to weight each question according to how significant you feel it is, so you can add another layer of personalization. However, due to this added feature, it may not be very compatible with the Political Compass results.
Puppet Managers
Have you recently started participating in NS gameplay and now you have so many puppets you don't know what to do with them all? These programs will help you stop them all from CTEing.
NationStates Nation Manager- This is a small application that allows you to log in to a long list of puppets with one click of the mouse. I used to use this program frequently when I was juggling 50+ puppet nations. It is very helpful.
Autologin Script- This is a simple Python script to automatically log in to your puppet nations. It also provides you a list of notices that your puppets received, so you can better monitor what is happening with your nations. It does require that you download Python 3 in order to run the script.
Scorinators
Want to run a sports RP? These programs and spreadsheets will help you generate scores fairly according to the inputs. I personally have little to no experience with these, so my descriptions will be limited.
xkoranate- This is a fairly versatile scorinator that allows you to simulate a wide variety of sports, both individual and team. It is the most widely used scorinator.
NSFS- This is a scorinator design specifically for football (soccer) scoring.
Leagion- This is a Java-based program for american football scores. Written by Rejistania.
Tennis 0.3.1- This is an Excel based scorinator for tennis match ups. Openoffice version. Written by Schiavonia.
League Ranking Sheet 3.2- This is a spreadsheet for league standings and rankings. Written by Osarius.
Wiki sites
Are you looking for a good place to post a world factbook or your nation's history? These Wiki sites are the perfect place for it.
NSWiki- This is a reboot of the now-defunct wiki site of the same name. It is filled with bot generated pages, so the entries may or may not be accurate. It is well kept and managed, and it is highly recommended.
IIWiki- The "II" stands for "international incidents", so this is a strictly In Character wiki. That means nothing can be posted that breaks the "fourth wall".
WikiStates- This is another alternative wiki site. It is rather small but has an active community.
NSIndex- This wiki site was made in response to the chaos created by NSWiki changing owners. The benefit of this site is that it has full access to Wikimedia Commons and there are no computer-generated pages.
NationStates Issue Results- This site collects data from nations answering issues to determine the results of each choice. It gives you the observed range of each stats change as well as the average change. Very useful if you want to fine-tune your NS stats, or if you just want to be a cheater.
NationStates Battle Simulator- This is a great tool to help war RPs. Instead of just rolling dice or arbitrarily deciding the results of a battle, you can just plug in various factors for both sides of the conflict and have the simulator crunch the numbers for you.
NSHistory- This site allows you to look at the history of nations and regions. How many nations were in the North Pacific in June of 2008? This site will let you know. (The answer is 3,602 nations, by the way.)
NSEmbassy- Regional Embassies make a web of connections across NationStates. How are they all connected? This will show you... In several different ways.
NSRegionFlags- Have you ever wanted to look at all the regions' flag on NS all at once? Me neither. But if you get bored you should check it out.
Planet Creation Kit- This is a random planet generator. It allows you to set some basic parameters and then generates the scientific details of the planet. What is it useful for? I dunno.
This Person Does Not Exist- This is a site that uses a computer algorithm to generate a picture of a fake person every two seconds. If you are looking for completely unique photos of people for your nation's factbook, this is a great utility... Though, you may need to refresh the page a few times before you find one that's suitable.
It will start at 5 million, and increase exponentially as follows:
5 million to 10 million - 1 million per day
10 million to 20 million - 2 million per day
20 million to 32 million - 3 million per day
32 million to 40 million - 4 million per day
40 million to 50 million - 5 million per day
50 million to 62 million - 6 million per day
By my calculations you should reach 62 million in 20 days, after 62 million, population increases 5-7 million per day randomly.
Below are the lower and upper extremes of how many days to the population milestones:
58 days maximum to 250 million.
108 days maximum to 500 million.
158 days maximum to 750 million.
208 days maximum to 1 billion.
47 days minimum to 250 million.
83 days minimum to 500 million.
119 days minimum to 750 million.
155 days minimum to 1 billion.
47 - 58 days to 250 million.
83 - 108 days to 500 million.
119 - 158 days to 750 million.
155 - 208 days to 1 billion.
250 million: Your nation will receive an issue that allows you to set a Capital City in some circumstances.
500 million: You can write a custom pretitle in your Settings.
750 million: The Leader issue.
1 billion: The Faith issue.
