I have nothing negative to say about this. All the things that have potential (potential, nothing more) for less-than-pure-cake are things that are inevitably updated, recycled, and refined no matter what the faction design is and as far as I can see couldn't be changed for the better now anyway.
Since I became part of the Disco Help Skype Chat several months ago I have made many acquaintences and friends in Discovery, certainly many more than I otherwise could have. Those that joins this community this year, were nudged into the Help Chat, and have since become veritable veterans I got to know easily through the various topics of help and general discussion that goes there. I can count these people on one hand -- but when has quantity ever entered into these things? -- and Ben is definitely one of them.
Some time ago there began a rising movement among the corporations, primarily of Liberty. This has resulted in several initiatives, some dead, some flourishing. Most importantly, it resulted in closer ties (by way of yet another Skype chat) between the corporate leaders of (again, primarily) Liberty. There aren't many of us, but those of us who are active have collectively and continuous racked our brains to improve Discovery in specific ways within our realm. Ben has always been one of the most prominent of us, if not the tip of the spear.
Over the past few days -- or is it weeks? -- Ben and I have shared portions of our corporate faction-related work. I shared the discarded written material from Duchess Industries (the unofficial faction that precursed DSE) some of which seems to have inspired the design of this faction and Ben shared parts of the early draft of this faction request (if I remember correctly) which inspired the recent overhaul of DSE. In general, it seems that we see eye-to-eye on most things in this field, and as far as I know not altogether dissimilarly from the community at large (this thread exhibits that, I think).
However well I know Ben, I am confident he is as competent a faction leader as anyone. His ideas are creative and backed by abundant initiative. My impression of his leadership style is that of strength and moderation, but also leniency and flexibility governed by a tuned common sense.
I would completely lose confidence in my judgement if this faction is not approved. I will watch the development of it once it has officially seen the light of day and froliced in it for a while, then I will give whatever specific feedback I might have.
And Obnoxious, guessing you're representing SOB when you talk about roleplaying with us?
You know, I've been talking to a lot of factions about Cryer diplo, but shockingly I really haven't done anything Outcast-wise. I mean in a straight fight we'd lose every time, but we have to work out some kind of 'war' anyway!
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Right, I can't actually comment on your ingame, seeing as I've never encountered any of you. Spend more time in Leeds and I'm sure that'll change. What I will do is comment on your write-up.
Well, faction status pages are like an arms race - the longest, the most well written, the most visually pleasing. So far as this write-up goes it has everything needed, plus some. You've tonnes of information here that really helps give a good insight as to what the group is really about. And the best thing is it doesn't give a one-dimensional view - Cryer's shady side is nicely represented too!
In this arms race, however, this isn't a sleek looking fighter-jet. It's something with far more wires and pipes exposed. A little messy. That could be changed with some formatting. Bold and underline section titles, then increase the font size. maybe look into varying the colours on different parts to draw the eye and keep people's attention.
Some people find that blending images into the posts can work to great effect as well.
And I absolutely love the reward and corporate ladder system. The Slavers Union works in a similar fashion with the allotment point system, which is used to buy new ships, equipment or take out loans. Some of the rewards are hilarious as well - I especially like the Yacht reward for snubbing poor people.
So long as your ingame corresponds accurately to what's written here, I can't fault you. Just remember to stick to and raise the high standards you've set yourself here.