«12. . .2,6262,6272,6282,6292,6302,6312,632. . .2,6482,649»
I have a question for all the candidates:
If elected, is/are there anything, any goal or goals that you hope to achieve as a lasting legacy during your tenure? :-)
Max a.k.a. Yip Man a.k.a. Texas Jaguarundi
Texas' Ambassador to Forest
Hey everybody, it looks like I decided to comment during an election.
How is NationStates doing as a whole? And Forest? I haven't been active for about 3 years now. It seems still alive!
Nah, we've all been replaced by generative language algorithms. You're basically just interacting with a couple dozen iterations of ChatGPT, fine tuned to sing praises to the magnanimous and infallible Max Berry; he who outclasses all others in wit, intellect, physical prowess, and hair. I was programmed to be the snarky AI.
Other than that, there was a significant dip in activity once lockdowns ended, but there's probably still more activity now than there was pre-COVID, so NS is still alive.
I can confirm that what Canaltia said pretty much sums up what happened here. Including the bit about us being ChatGPT puppets and Max having the best hair.
They also rolled out these things called "frontiers", which basically allow you to create new founderless (now "governorless") regions where new nations can be summoned. We ourselves lost our founder but after the update were able to make Ruinenlust our governor and Verdant Haven our replacement delegate (which is great cause the WA was driving Ru crazy as it would me frankly). As well as a new map feature, which... yeah we don't use. Factbooks supreme.
Shelter Revolution: Homeless Havens Transform Bluff Creek
In a groundbreaking shift toward addressing homelessness, Bluff Creek is setting a new standard with the introduction of state-of-the-art homeless shelters. Spearheaded by Sonam Campbell’s visionary approach, the city’s shelters are now equipped with amenities designed to address the multifaceted needs of the homeless population. These include individual rooms, in-house psychiatry services, needle exchanges, and secure personal storage options.
Gone are the days when shelters were mere places to sleep. Today’s facilities in Bluff Creek stand as beacons of hope and dignity, offering medical care, counseling, and rehabilitation services. The shelters, envisioned as safe, welcoming spaces, starkly contrast with the city’s prior reliance on anti-homeless architecture. This shift not only offers a compassionate solution to homelessness but also underscores a proactive and holistic approach to the crisis.
The impact of these upgraded shelters extends beyond their walls. By providing a supportive environment that addresses the root causes of homelessness, including mental illness and addiction, Bluff Creek is not only improving the lives of its homeless population but is also making a bold statement against the classist features of urban design. The city’s initiative suggests that the key to solving homelessness lies not in deterring rough sleeping but in offering real, constructive support.
As the debate continues, the shelters in Bluff Creek offer a promising glimpse into what can be achieved when society chooses to tackle its most pressing issues with empathy and innovation.
Bravery Beyond Battle: War Vets Honor Loyal Bigfoot Companions
In an emotionally charged ceremony, Columbiqash honored not just its human heroes but their loyal animal companions as well. Among the honorees was a war veteran, wheelchair-bound yet dignified, and his ex-army attack Bigfoot, Lassie, who has now been recognized officially for her extraordinary service.
The ceremony, set against the solemn backdrop of the nation’s capital, Bluff Creek, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by all who serve — including the often-overlooked contributions of military animals. Lassie, who according to her handler, single-handedly neutralized threats and even entertained troops under the most harrowing conditions, was awarded a medal that symbolized more than just her acts of bravery; it acknowledged the bond and mutual respect between soldiers and their animal comrades.
This recognition has sparked a wider conversation about the treatment and appreciation of military animals. Advocates argue that these animals, who have served their country with as much valor and loyalty as any human soldier, deserve not just medals but comprehensive care post-service. The sentiment among attendees and those who followed the ceremony through various media was clear: it's about time these four-legged veterans received the acknowledgment and support they so rightfully earned.
The ceremony was not just a formality but a testament to the nation's gratitude towards its bravest, both human and animal. As debates continue about the roles animals play in the military, one thing remains undisputed — their service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
Silence is Golden: Bluff Creek Embraces the Quiet Revolution
In a bold move to combat noise pollution, the streets of Bluff Creek have transformed into tranquil havens of peace, thanks to the recently implemented mandatory muffler muting law for motor vehicles. The once-noisy avenues now offer serene landscapes where the community can enjoy the outdoors without the disruptive roar of engines.
This legislation has been met with widespread approval from residents, including single parents like Katniss Pond, who can finally enjoy a good night's sleep without interruptions from speeding vehicles. Mechanics, albeit exhausted, have played a crucial role in adjusting vehicles to comply with the new standards, contributing significantly to the city's newfound quietude.
The change is palpable on every corner of Bluff Creek. Families stroll leisurely along main streets, children play safely without the need for heightened vigilance against the din of traffic, and conversations flow freely without the backdrop of incessant engine noise. Signage promoting the new law stands as a testament to the city's commitment to environmental and public health.
The community's quality of life has significantly improved, showcasing the effective impact of thoughtful legislation on urban living.
Shiny Fleet Ahead: Columbiqash Navy Unveils Chrome-Plated Battleships to Combat Rust Woes
In a groundbreaking move to counteract maintenance woes and prevent future incidents like the unfortunate sinking of its flagship last month due to rust, the Columbiqashian Navy has initiated an ambitious project to chrome-plate its battleships. This innovative approach, spearheaded by Commodore Moana Tin, aims to significantly enhance the durability and operational longevity of the naval fleet.
The recent incident at Lahabana Harbor, which saw the navy's flagship succumb to the devastating effects of rust while docked, sparked a nationwide debate on the state of military preparedness and maintenance protocols. Experts concluded that neglect and insufficient routine maintenance budgets were primary contributors to the mishap, prompting urgent calls for a reevaluation of the navy's upkeep strategies.
Responding to the challenge, Commodore Tin proposed a solution as shiny as it is practical: chrome-plating the entire fleet. Chrome, known for its corrosion-resistant properties, offers a robust defense against the relentless assault of sea water and air, elements that have long plagued naval vessels with rust and deterioration.
The initiative has not only garnered support from within the military but has also captivated the public's imagination. The first of the chrome-plated battleships, now gleaming in the harbor, stands as a testament to Columbiqash's resolve to maintain a formidable and resilient naval force. This move not only addresses the practical concerns of durability and maintenance but also symbolizes a new era of innovation within the navy.
As the navy embarks on this transformative journey, it faces both admiration and scrutiny. Environmentalists and peace advocates question the prioritization of military spending over ecological and social issues, highlighting the environmental impact of such large-scale modifications. Nonetheless, the navy assures that this step is a stride towards efficiency and sustainability, promising a fleet less burdened by the frequent and costly repairs that rust necessitates.
This bold strategy positions Columbiqash at the forefront of naval technology, potentially setting a global standard for maritime maintenance and fleet management. As the chrome-plated ships set sail, they reflect not just the sun's rays but the future of naval engineering, promising a brighter, more secure horizon for Columbiqash on the world stage.
Funding Boost to Address Teen Depression Through School Counseling Programs
In an unprecedented move to tackle the rising cases of depression-related suicides, especially among teenagers, the Columbiqashian government has announced substantial funding towards extensive counseling programs within schools. This initiative aims to provide a safety net for teens grappling with depression, ensuring early intervention and support.
The decision comes amid heated debates concerning the handling of mental health issues within the nation. Critics, such as talkback radio host Vodalus Wang, argue that depression is overstated and advocate for reduced funding towards mental health, controversially suggesting that natural selection should take its course. On the other hand, individuals like Nomfundo Parker, who have personally battled depression, stress the urgent need for comprehensive mental health services, including public awareness programs and mandatory counseling facilities.
Aligning with experts like Dr. Carter Cruise, who emphasizes the crucial role schools play in the mental well-being of students, the government's approach seeks to integrate mental health support within the educational framework. This targeted strategy aims to alleviate the pressures teenagers face, providing them with the tools and support necessary to navigate the challenges of adolescence without succumbing to despair.
The implementation of these counseling programs marks a significant step forward in Columbiqash's commitment to mental health, promising a brighter future for its youth. Critics and supporters alike will be watching closely as this initiative unfolds, hoping for a decrease in depression-related incidents among the nation's students.
News Template Here: page=dispatch/id=1937790
Jutsa, Atsvea, Lord Dominator, McClandia Doge 2, and 2 othersGarbelia, and Amazonian Union
Thank you for your post, Columbiqash, so I could double-post without double-posting. :)))))))))))))
Also updated my list of embassies/relations to replace Wille-Harlia with North Adria and include Eurth/Europa (ngl I didn't realize Orioni shared stuff with us, very nice). Oh and also added N-Day relations. That's sort of the big one. Those were a little tough and uh, if anyone has any recommendations on improvements (or any data clarification/addition) feel free to chime in.
* Green boxes indicate active relations, embassies, treaties, or ambassadors.
* Red boxes indicate cancelled, removed, or absent, or original region no longer exists.
Note: Another region with the same name may exist. Even if it contains the same community, only the specific on-site region is considered in a listing.
* Yellow boxes indicate pending additions / removals, suspensions (such as raids),
contested by government/citizenry, or de facto no longer exists.
* Grey boxes indicate not applicable or never existed.
*Dates and other information may not be 100% accurate or may be missing
* Some embassies may be marked as "active relations", despite the region itself having little or no activity.
* Dates based on EST and Month-Day-Year formatting
* Listings ordered from when diplomatic relations were first opened
* Listed active ambassadors and "Present" are accurate up until the last dispatch update.
* For more information on ambassadors from forest, see: Ambassadors
Regions with Current Diplomatic Relations
Region | Diplomatic Relations | On-Site Embassy | Treaty | Outgoing Ambassador | Incoming Ambassador |
04/04/24 - Present | 04/04/24 - Present | N/A | Jutsa (Available) | ||
01/03/24 - Present | 01/03/24 - Present | N/A | |||
11/24/21 (03/21/11) | 11/24/21 - Present | N/A | N/A | ||
08/12/21 (11/25/15) | 08/12/21 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
02/06/20 - Present | 02/06/20 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
12/18/19 - Present | 12/18/19 - Present | N/A | Terrawynn (On Leave) | ||
01/02/19 - Present | 01/02/19 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
11/10/18 - Present | 11/10/18 - Present | N/A | |||
08/06/18 - Present | 08/06/18 - Present | N/A | |||
06/20/18 - Present | 06/20/18 - 12/11/22 | N/A | |||
05/18/18 - Present | 05/18/18 - Present | N/A | |||
02/05/18 - Present | 02/05/18 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
01/09/18 - Present | 01/09/18 - Present | N/A | Vacant | ||
12/26/17 - Present | 12/26/17 - Present | N/A | Jutsa (Available) | Vacant | |
08/05/17 - Present | 08/05/17 - Present | N/A | Vacant | ||
05/10/17 - Present | 05/10/17 - Present | N/A | Jutsa (Available) | Vacant | |
04/29/17 - Present | 04/29/17 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
04/23/17 - Present | 04/23/17 - Present | N/A | |||
03/20/17 -Present | 03/20/17 - Present | The Rejected Realms - Forest | Vacant | ||
12/09/16 - Present | 12/09/16 - Present | N/A | Vacant | ||
11/25/16 - Present | 11/25/16 - Present | N/A | |||
08/11/16 - Present | 08/11/16 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
05/11/16 - Present | 05/11/16 - 11/01/16, | N/A | |||
12/01/15 - Present | 12/01/15 - 04/02/23, | N/A | Parkplace (Official), | ||
11/01/15 - Present | 11/01/15 - 08/06/16, | N/A | Vacant | ||
07/25/15 - Present | 07/25/15 - Present | N/A | |||
05/21/15 - Present | 05/21/15 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
01/22/15 - Present | 01/22/15 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
01/03/15 - Present | 01/03/15 - Present | N/A | Vacant | ||
02/27/12 - Present | 02/27/12 - Present | N/A | Jutsa/Jutsilonia (Available) | Vacant | |
01/12/13-Present | 01/12/13 - Present | Forest-Yggdrasil Treaty | Vacant | ||
10/05/12 (05/22/11) | 10/05/12 - Present | N/A | Vacant | Vacant | |
12/17/11-Present | 12/17/11 - Present | Forest - Eladen Compact | Vacant | Vacant | |
03/21/11 - 07/31/21 | 03/21/11 - Present | N/A | N/A | N/A (Moved |
Former Relations
Region | Diplomatic Relations | On-Site Embassy | Successor/Merger |
10/20/20 - 06/09/21 (233 days) | 10/20/20 - 06/09/21 (233 days) | N/A | |
07/02/20 - 06/24/21 (358 Days) | 07/02/20 - 10/22/21 (478 Days) | N/A | |
New Refugia | 03/06/20 - 05/11/20 (66 Days) | 03/06/20 - 05/11/20 (66 Days) | |
04/21/19 - 05/25/22 (1,131 days) | 04/21/19 - 05/25/22 (1,131 days) | N/A | |
02/24/19 - 09/26/19 (214 Days) | 02/24/19 - 09/26/19 (214 Days) | ||
11/13/18 - 01/14/24 (1,523 days) | 11/13/18 - 01/14/24 (1,523 days) | N/A | |
08/24/20 - 07/26/23 (1,066 days) | 08/24/20 - 01/11/24 (1,235 days) | ||
Evergreen Conifer | 02/05/20 - 08/30/20 (208 days) | 02/05/20 - 08/30/20 (208 days) | |
Conifer | 10/29/18 - 02/05/20 (465 days) | 10/29/18 - 02/05/20 (465 days) | Evergreen Conifer |
03/19/18 - 05/11/19 (419 days) | 03/19/18 - 05/11/19 (419 days) | N/A | |
01/23/18 - 03/02/19 (404 days) | 01/23/18 - 03/02/19 (404 days) | N/A | |
03/06/17 - 03/21/18 (381 days) | 03/06/17 - 03/21/18 (381 days) | N/A | |
11/11/16 - 04/16/18 (521 days) | 11/11/16 - 04/16/18 (521 days) | N/A | |
04/21/17 - 07/11/19 (812 Days) | 04/21/17 - 09/02/20 (1,231 Days) | ||
11/25/15 - 08/15/17 (630 Days) | 11/25/15 - 08/15/17 (630 Days) | ||
02/24/15 - 12/21/21 (2,493 days) | 02/24/15 - 12/21/21 (2,493 days) | N/A | |
The region of environmental nations | 03/07/14 - 03/28/14 (22 days) | 03/07/14 - 03/28/14 (22 days) | N/A |
Association of eco friendly nations | 01/19/14 - 04/01/14 (72 days) | 01/19/14 - 04/01/14 (72 days) | N/A |
Shirayuki | 06/23/13 - 08/20/14 (423 days) | 06/23/13 - 08/20/14 (423 days) | N/A |
Irene arcipelago | 11/14/12 - 04/17/13 (154 days) | 11/14/12 - 04/17/13 (154 days) | N/A |
Occupy NationStates | 08/06/12 - 11/10/13 (461 days) | 08/06/12 - 11/10/13 (461 days) | N/A |
United peoples of the awakened lands | 07/22/12 - 04/11/13 (264 days) | 07/22/12 - 04/11/13 (264 days) | N/A |
05/25/12 - 08/27/20 (3,019 days) | 05/25/12 - 08/27/20 (3,019 days) | N/A | |
05/05/12 - 12/04/13 (579 days) | 05/05/12 - 12/04/13 (579 days) | N/A | |
Region of elyswer | 04/17/12 - 09/13/12 (150 days) | 04/17/12 - 09/13/12 (150 days) | N/A |
Domicilium | 04/07/12 - 12/04/13 (607 days) | 04/07/12 - 12/04/13 (607 days) | N/A |
Misty lake | 03/10/12 - 05/10/12 (62 days) | 03/10/12 - 05/10/12 (62 days) | N/A |
02/25/12 - 11/04/15 (1,349 days) | 02/25/12 - 11/04/15 (1,349 days) | N/A | |
Deep blue planet | 02/24/12 - 04/25/12 (62 days) | 02/24/12 - 04/25/12 (62 days) | N/A |
Redwood | 02/08/12 - 12/14/13 (676 days) | 02/08/12 - 12/14/13 (676 days) | N/A |
Emeraldise | 01/19/12 - 10/09/13 (630 days) | 01/19/12 - 10/09/13 (630 days) | N/A |
01/17/12 - 02/21/14 (767 days) | 01/17/12 - 02/21/14 (767 days) | N/A | |
Ecotopia | 12/11/11 - 11/04/15 (1,425 days) | 12/11/11 - 11/04/15 (1,425 days) | N/A |
Underground economy | 10/06/11 - 03/27/12 (172 days) | 10/06/11 - 03/27/12 (172 days) | N/A |
Valletta | 06/17/11 - 09/13/11 (89 days) | 06/17/11 - 09/13/11 (89 days) | N/A |
05/29/11 - 11/28/17 (2,376 days) | 05/29/11 - 11/28/17 (2,376 days) | N/A | |
California | 05/29/11 - 10/25/15 (1,613 days) | 05/29/11 - 10/25/15 (1,613 days) | N/A |
Green Planet | 05/23/11 - 11/04/13 (897 days) | 05/23/11 - 11/04/13 (897 days) | N/A |
10/07/12 - 11/21/12 (45 days) | 10/07/12 - 11/21/12 (45 days) | ||
Hippiedom | 05/22/11 - 09/25/12 (494 days) | 05/22/11 - 09/25/12 (494 days) | |
The Artist Coalition | 05/22/11 - 07/21/11 (60 days) | 05/22/11 - 07/21/11 (60 days) | N/A |
N-Day and Special Event Relations:
NOTE: SMALLER EVENTS LIKELY NOT LISTED. EVENTS BEFORE 2021 (N-Day 7) HAVE MISSING INFO AND WIP. PLEASE TELEGRAM ME IF YOU HAVE INFORMATION.
Region | Events | Coordinators |
N-Day 5 (An Alliance of Potatoes), | ||
N-Day 2-7 [2017-2022] (Forest, Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 2-8 [2017-Feb 2023] (Forest, Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 3-5 [2018-20] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 3-6 [2018-21] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 4 [2019] (Canopy) | "CraftyDrac" |
|
N-Day 4 [2019] (Canopy) | ||
N-Day 4-5 [2019-20] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 4-5 [2019-20] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 4-6 [2019-21] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 4-6 [2019-21] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 4 [2019] (Canopy) | Unknown at this time | |
N-Day 4 [2019] (Canopy) | ||
N-Day 4 (+?) [2019] (Canopy) | Operated under 10000 Islands | |
N-Day 4-8 [2019-Feb 2023] (Canopy, PA) | ||
N-Day 5-8 [2020-Feb 2023] (PA, Canopy) | ||
N-Day 6 [2021] (PA) | Haganham, Areuldar | |
Jellyfish Elite Fighting Force | N-Day 9-10 [Fall 2023 - Spring 2024] | The Region that Has No Big Banks under New United Common-lands |
"Government's closed" Good thing I'm not government and these aren't official documents ;p
UDCS, Atsvea, Lord Dominator, McClandia Doge 2, and 4 othersZerphen, Wille-Harlia, Garbelia, and Furilisca
Bigfoot in the wheelchair for the W. Thank you for your service Lassie. 🫡
The map feature is so bad IMO lol. Factbooks are certainly better until they can make the feature look a lot better.
Jutsa, Atsvea, Lord Dominator, McClandia Doge 2, and 2 othersZerphen, and Garbelia
[insert witty commentary here]
Alright, so day three four means more questions for our candidates. The first round of questions were about you as an NS user and a person, this time the questions are about your governing style should you win the election.
1) What is the number one thing you wish to change in Forest? This is widely open-ended.
2) In terms of governance, what level of activity do you think is important? Do you think the Forest Keeper and their cabinet should be as active as possible for the full extent of the term? Or do you think the government of this region should only be active and engaged when necessary?
3) Do you have any plans for community engagement? Do you have any plans for major annual events such as N-Day or Z-Day? Do you have any plans for community traditions such as MS’ annual photo contest? Perhaps you wish to introduce a new contest or regional event that may have the ability to become a new tradition. This is another question that is wide open for any kind of answer.
4) In terms of our embassies with other regions, what would your policies be? Are you okay with the current involvement we have with our embassies or would you want to push for more involvement? Less involvement? Are you going to seek ambassadors to send official updates to and from their posts in other regions?
5) What does your ideal cabinet look like? Are you planning to have a large government or a small one? Would you have high or low expectations for your cabinet? What kind of roles do you have in mind, if any?
6) How important is transparency to you? How is your government going to be run? Are you going to act quickly and directly to get things done? Or are you going to rely on direct democracy and public input instead? Are government discussions going to be public, summarized in a report, or available upon request? Or, rather, are government discussions going to be limited to those who need to know about them? What level of transparency are you going to aim to uphold?
And most importantly, 7) What is your favorite wild animal? Not sure I can clarify that any more simply than the question already has.
Jutsa, Mount Seymour, Atsvea, Ruinenlust, and 6 othersLord Dominator, Zerphen, Garbelia, Velichye, LontraNutria, and The Realizer
So there's a meme going round with two crows standing there, and the caption "attempted murder". The sharer says "most people too dumb to get this."
But I note the beak shape and post "but these are ravens, so I guess there's actually a little unkindness here."
Bro completely fails to get the joke, and people are all "who cares if theyre ravens?". Please tell me that I'm not alone in getting the joke behind my comment.
No need to respond, just hit the thumbs up if you understand my pain.
Never knew the word for a group of ravens, but I feel like I would have gotten it via the context available.
I love that birds get such fun names for groups of them though. My personal favorite is a flamboyance of flamingoes.
Not a bird watcher...had to look both up.....
Kannap, Jutsa, Atsvea, Ruinenlust, and 6 othersLord Dominator, Canaltia, McClandia Doge 2, Zerphen, Garbelia, and Belerus
Eh, they're all flocks to me. Non-birds included. Saw a flock of rabbits yesterday.
That's actually hilarious, had to look up what a group of ravens was called because of this and you made a double layered bird joke. Magnificent.
Some other fun groups include.... A cauldron of bats, a Parliament of Owls, or perhaps the Gang of Buffaloes?
Speaking as the only remaining human entity on the site, I can also confirm that it's entirely AI based now, I remember the day when Max Barry's iPod Nano bots came to collect our consciousness' and plug them into the servers causing the universal data crash of December 2022... I only managed to survive because of a deal I have with Max where I deliver him boxes upon boxes of cookies to his door every month.
Einswenn, Candlewhisper Archive, Jutsa, Atsvea, and 7 othersRuinenlust, Lord Dominator, Canaltia, Zerphen, Garbelia, Station 8, and Bastile
🤖
He-llo fellow humans being. As your real and actual person leader, please stand by for the results of Robotober 2029 Forest Beeper Election. The AI are now vote. All is well. ProForestation is projected to win, with 117% of vote for an auto-renewing 19-year term. Victory to transparency! Beep boop.🤖
Funniest thing I've seen all year!
In the Republic of Saarenmaa there will be elections for the President of the Republic of Saarenmaa. The elections will be held from March 16 to 19, during these days I will send a link (don't worry, it's not a fishing rod :p ) to the voting. On March 20 I will post information about the winner and the results (I don't know exactly how long I will do it in this "beautiful format", but I will quickly explain the most important things in 2-3 lines) The election will be held in the format of online voting on a third-party server "StrawPoll", where NS nations will choose the president of the Republic of Saarenmaa for 4 real years, so I need a turnout, but I will say that there will be no quorum, but I would like a lot of nations to vote, so that everything will be fair :3
At the bottom you can read about the candidates and their programs, give ideas about what needs to be fixed or improved, it will be useful for me because it's my first time doing this kind of activity :)
And this is a publication from RMB Europe, it will be nice if you put a like on it.
Jutsa, Atsvea, Lord Dominator, McClandia Doge 2, and 2 othersGarbelia, and Furilisca
I love that one, but a murmuration of starlings is my favourite. When my middle child was younger he got obsessed with collective noun and we learnt hundreds of them.
Of course, such as things are, he now recalls none of them whereas they are indelibly etched in my brain.
That and dinosaur trivia. All tiny boys want to know about dinosaurs. Most medium sized boys forget about them entirely.
Jutsa, Ownzone, Atsvea, Ruinenlust, and 5 othersLord Dominator, Northern Wood, McClandia Doge 2, Zerphen, and Bastile
I did enjoy the crows/ravens joke, so I'm not just being grumpy here, but these collective nouns are a strange thing because they're not real words. Nobody says "I saw an unkindness of ravens today." It only come up in discussions about how bizarre it is that the collective noun for ravens is an unkindness. They occupy a self-referential linguistic island. You even get a word for a group of owls (a parliament) despite the fact that owls are solitary, territorial birds that don't gather in groups. It seems a distillation of the question about whether dictionaries dictate what language means or describe how it's actually used.
That said, a relative once coined the wonderfully expressive collective noun "a collaboration of bastards."
I once read that most of the popular collective nouns were all coined during something of a fad for the idea of them. Previous to that, there were some that more or less arose organically, and when the need arose for special cases. But as more scientists and naturalists cottoned on to their existence, and that there were even some whimsical ones, a kind of Cambrian explosion of them occurred. There was an arms race to come up with the most fanciful and poetic collective nouns. But none of these more artificial examples had a need for their existence which would warrant their continued use, so no one did. Except in cases which you mention, pointing out their oddity.
True, with the owls, though also MPs are solitary predators who have to be forced together to form a group, so maybe Parliament works.
Another one that doesn't exist in real life us an ambush of tigers...
Having said that, I don't mind that these words were made up arbitrarily for poetic reasons, nor that they are used rarely. Constructed words and phrases can be beautiful even in the absence of frequent use, be they jabberwockies that terrify, or macguffins to enthrall.
To swing to seriousness, I think there is often a need to create a word then tell people the meaning. For example, cisgender and "my pronouns" are phrases that many would say are "just made up Liberal crap", and they are indeed deliberately constructed phrases. But should they exist in language? Absolutely.
I agree. The extensibilty of language is one of it's great strengths. I love playing around with it.
May I offer...
- A chorus of consultants
- A wunch of finance workers
- A hod of numpties
Yes
Yes
1. Create the Forest Army to raid other regions
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. We should definitely create some more embassies, with regions like Suspicious, Osiris, The Black Hawks and The Brotherhood of Malice.
5. Puppets :)
6. Yes
7. Yes
«12. . .2,6262,6272,6282,6292,6302,6312,632. . .2,6482,649»
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