Peter Grimes said:
Are you sure we want to mention that General_W is making our President send this note? Sort of sounds like our President doesn't have the power to send notes on his own... Maybe he should say simply "...and so I'm sending this note, as a rightfully elected representative of the Followers of The Leader, may He live forever."
Ok - that's a fair point... but a bit cumbersome, imo. The main reason that's even in there is to try to save me some political capital with Innovia. It's just a gamble on wheter or not it would work anyway.
How about we just divert a little bit… I'll go ahead and send the note, and just say something like this: "For what it's worth, I wanted to extended the deal one more time to make things a bit more equal in terms of territory explored… but 'the people' have spoken."
When all else fails, blame democracy.
Peter said:
Also, that reference to territory explored could backfire. For one thing, I read that as a dig against them reminding Innovia how much more of their land we were able to scout than they will see of ours. I'd humbly submit that the wording be changed:
"For what it's worth, General_W wanted to extended the deal one more time" Full Stop.
I see what you're saying, but I really disagree. Just because we don't mention it, doesn't mean that's not the absolutely first thing they're going to think of – especially if they get that circumnavigation notice on the same turn. I suppose there's a small chance that they'll take it as mocking, but placed as it is, in the center of apology, I'd say that's pretty unlikely.
And lastly, I wouldn't say "Hopefully happier days lie ahead.." After all, these are not unhappy days in any way! Maybe just a more empty rejoinder, like "To Health and Wealth, Memphus"
Another good point. That line is pretty much just a survivor from the original note. I like your suggestion much better.
So that makes the new note, to come from the formerly cowardly General_W read like this:
Dear Innovia,
I know you're not going to like this much, but I regret to tell you that our team has voted overwhelmingly not to extended our Open Borders deal for another 10 turns.
For what it's worth, I wanted to extended the deal one more time to make things a bit more equal in terms of territory explored… but 'the people' have spoken.
We're open to renegotiation of some kind of an OB deal (maybe one that doesn’t allow any units to cross?) if you have any interest in that.
To the Health and Wealth of both our peoples,
- General_W
Servant of the Leader
Epsilon Team!
EDIT: SENT 3/28/07
Any final thoughts or comments?
We just need to send this off before we play our next save. I'd actually prefer NOT to send it until after Innovia plays their turn… just incase they get any crazy ideas.
P.S. Thanks for being willing to take the hit Mr. President… the day may still come when that's needed
]
and whatever is left of Loco.
