Got it.  G'Norlisk hopped in to fix up the ballot and provide a running tally.

A bit off subject, but here's a little gem in the Modding forum: Space Weapons Fix Mod

Should be of interest to the modders - qrtxian I'm looking at you

Basically fixes the issue with Korx, Drath, Altarians, Terrans, and the Minors neglecting weapons techs - usually until it's too late.  It's quite timely, since I've just been noticing in autoplay testing that the minors were reluctant to research Space Weapons for some reason.  There's a fix in there for Thalans, too, but they seem to militarize pretty well.

It's almost too bad we're playing an old version of my mod.  I've been working pretty much non-stop on everything from minors to techs UP issues.  Things are getting interesting.  Of course, I say it's almost too bad because I can guarantee that you're in for a pretty interesting run as things stand.

Off-topic post:

Curious about some of those UP issues. Have you managed to get any of the currently inactive ones working?

Just caught that one on my own.  Thanks and fixed.  I'm big on that, too.  I usually proof at least once or twice, but I was in a hurry at the end.

Well, it's mostly been tweaks in terms, duration, or how the AI would vote.  For example, I reduced the duration on a number of them from 3 years to 1 year since 3 years may as well be the whole game in some cases, especially for the "no evil trade" laws.

There was one broken issue that I fixed, the one where it asks if you want to increase trade routes by 2, then gives the option of none, 1,2,3, or 4.  The way it was coded, the only way to increase trade routes was to vote for 1 - but if 1 was passed, it would give 2 additional routes.  All other choices resulted in 0 additional routes.  I changed it to a yes/no vote for 2 routes and it works as intended.  Using the same fix it would be possible to create issues to add or subtract any number of routes.

Which other issues have, um, issues?

Soooo . . .

Been a while with no activity.  I realize this is a bit of a nothing ballot, but does anyone else plan on voting?

Are we having a case of holiday season slide?  Almost half the council hasn't checked in for two weeks or longer.  I realize we're in a bit of a slow period, game-wise, but I'd like to head off any decline before it turns into full blown abandonment. 

Anything we can do to keep it interesting?  Are we stifling discussion by focusing too much on only the next quarter?

Seeing that we have 5 identical votes so far, I would assume it's safe to move forward?
Though indeed outside of technical issues, let's all try to keep actively involved people... a ballot vote takes only a couple of minutes

Yes the 1st time I tried voting I had that too....

Boo, school!

It's all good.  I remember the days.  I probably (read definitely) spent too much time goofing around and not doing my school work, so I can't throw any stones when people do the right thing.

Tolmekian can I ask what screenshot site you are using to post yours? Seems quite good

I like it.  May I suggest an alternate scheme of +,-, and 0 for yes, no, and neutral?

Alrighty then, the report is done.  Sorry if it's too much, I actually canned at least half a dozen screen shots.  There's a bit more to consider this time around, which should make for some fun.  A note about the trading issues:  I know that every trade doesn't need a vote.  I assume the Gnolams trade is a non-issue.  It's simply connected to the Translator vote.  The Yor trade is a pretty big exchange with an evil race, so I figured the council would want a say on it.

Since we're using the Arcean tech tree . . . Did you know . . .

1. The Arcean starting tech A Glorious History allows construction of the Stellar Forge.  It also gives the Arceans unique access to the Lite Constructor Module, which is the same as a Constructor but costs only 30 instead of 70.
2. Since Arceans don't have access to engine techs, they also don't have access to the starbase modules to boost ship speed.  Warp I and III are required for those.  I was going to have the commander propose construction of a highway, but it'll be a while before we could do it.

Any idea how to get the thumbnails for Photobucket? Preferably without running into ads? My own Drengin AAR is having some issues.

Personally I feel you've struck a good balance on the report. You do risk getting rather long responses from my character though, even if I try to whittle it down to the items where I have some opinion to express 

Good reminder, I have to admit it's been a long time since I played so I definitely don't know all the specifics and unique techs of the Arcean tech tree anymore.