Elite Travel Writers' Cooperative and Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation

[madbilly]

NEWS FLASH! UMBPC attacked by the United Bylgit bast defence force; UMBPC could takeover Napier Dock! - interested commanders go to last post for latest updates.
------------------------
Dear fellow Commanders,

Great things are afoot!

[note this was written pre-2.2, still valid though]
With the impending arrival of passenger missions, and inspired by wise writings, I thought I would start to try and provide my own take on travel in the ED universe. To give a basis for my rambli- er well-considered essays, I created a player group, a player faction, and in-game construct and I'm currently working on ideas for in-game characters.

The Elite Travel Writers' Cooperative (logo needed, probably involving a Cobra MkIII crashed on a desert island):
This is the player group. The current size of the group is 1, me. The focus is PvE, since it is generally the environment that provides the context which a travel writer will write about. There will no doubt be interesting members of the Pilots Federation which travel writers may encounter, but since travel writers are, on the whole, fans of self-preservation (rarely ones to let a good story get in the way of avoiding death, unlike investigative journalists) the common spotted travel writer will tend to avoid PvP.

Due to the current size of the cooperative, there is no need for a private group. Also, because traveling is best done with others, all research will normally be done in Open.

The main purpose of the Cooperative was originally to allow the creation of a faction. However, I think it's also nice to have a cooperative for all the freelance writers that exhabit the galaxy and may want to write about their travel experiences free from association with corporations (see below). All are welcome to join the cooperative.

 

[madbilly]

Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation

Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation (logo needed, probably a bear eating a book):

This is the player faction. Some of you may recognise a reference to a well known book (and series of books, radio shows, TV shows, stage shows, a film, a computer game, etc...) in the name of the faction. This is intentional, imitation being the sincerest form of flattery and all that.

Here is the description I submitted with the faction request, which I haven't yet found in game so is subject to change (and flirts outrageously with breaching copyright rules so maybe that's why I haven't found it) - it's there, pretty much as I wrote it except the last sentence:

The Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation is a wholly remarkable organisation. Perhaps the most remarkable, certainly the most successful ever to come out of the great media wars of Kocab. Renowned throughout uncivilised space, and reviled in much of civilised space, for its best-selling title "Wing-Rider's Guide to the Cosmos", indispensable for all curious travellers who wish to enjoy and survive the galaxy's most deadly and delectable experiences. Excerpts from "the Rider's Guide" are frequently published on GalNet and are currently the subject of a centuries long legal battle with the Pilot's Federation.

[note - I wish I could change media wars of Kocab to media wars of the Col 285 sector, but it's too late now]

The UMBPC (I know, catchey isn't it) has its headquarters in Kocab, also known as Beta Ursae Minoris, and is already in the game, whoopdidoop! Obviously anyone can interact with the UMBPC, do missions, attack it, etc. I don't mind. It would be great if it could at some point expand to another system, and "open new offices" but since Kocab has a huge population I know this will be difficult. I will try and keep track of its state, but since I'm currently trying to find my way across The Abyss, it will be difficult. I realise that this post on the Groups forum is the equivalent of a locked cupboard in the cellar of a local government office (yes, with a sign on it saying "beware of the leopard") and it is extremely improbable that anyone will see it, never mind read it this far, but there is a million to one chance that someone will, so I hope they take a screenshot of the UMBPC staff and post it here to give them a much needed morale boost.
[note I'm out of the Abyss, now I've made it as far as 15 Sagittarii! Then I got lost and went round in circles - space madness it's called. CMDR Furrycat came and mended my ship and then I realised I was going the wrong way, so now I'm going to get to Colonia asap, sell my exploration data and play the rest of what the game has to offer]

 

[madbilly]

Wing-Riders' Guide to the Cosmos

Wing-Riders' Guide to the Cosmos (logo needed, it would be nice to pay homage to this without obviously copying it)

So you see that the UMBPC publishes the "Wing-Rider's Guide to the Cosmos". I know, this is a fairly blatant reference, so blatant that it could well be why the description hasn't made it into the game yet I'm surprised it made it into the game! However, until it is officially refused I will roll with it.

You will also see that the description refers to excerpts/ripoffs from "the Riders' Guide" appearing in Galnet. My idea is that I will write news stories that are more like travel articles and submit them as player news, noting that they are excerpts from the guide. They will always be about places, and will note what's interesting about them. E.g. "Sqornshellous Zeta is home to the native sentient mattresses, all called Zim". Even better, if there are current events involving this location or are nearby, e.g.

The only thing more popular in the galaxy than alcohol is biowaste from Ceos. There are many different variations on the theme, but most of them involve the fermentation of natural products that, in ancient times, had been forgotten about and left to go off. In the absence of alcohol for sale it is possible to make ones own, using a Quinentian Still, only available from Jaques the Cyborg in his travelling space station. However, given that Jaques is currently over 20000 light years away from Earth in the heart of the Colonia Nebula, the smart money is probably spent on old fruit.

Excerpt from the Wing Riders' Guide to the Cosmos, Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation.

Chances are that most will only be local news, not on Galnet, but it's fun so I don't mind too much. The objective is to be a little light-hearted in the face of the overwhelming Winter that is most assuredly coming.

Speaking of which, I think I hear a new transmission coming in from one of our researchers...

*Update*

err...., no I don't. GalNet has stopped receiving submissions from players, so until then all news will be submitted straight to this thread

 

[madbilly]

Notable characters

Morris Cowley, freelance researcher, really knows where his towel is.

Cherry Speranza, PR spokeslady for the UMBPC.

CJ Willis, Editor-in-Chief

Lloyd Hartnett, Commercial director

Doris Astra, field journalist

Ohta Jidosha

* - Holo-Mes to be made and added.

 

[madbilly]

Last chance to see the Col 285 and Alrai sectors?

Submitted for publication; neither variation were accepted for publication

Title: Last chance to see the Col 285 and Alrai sectors?

Location: Galnet, or Kocab, Coritab, Darian, Freng, Lunduwalaya, Vanayequi, Eol Prou RS-T d3-94, Maia, Sothis, Ceos, Robigo, Quince, Sol, Achenar, Alioth, Eravate, Lembava and HIP 72043.

Time: Immediate but not urgent

Description:
With the recent announcement from the United Research Council, thrill seekers, nature lovers and beach bums alike have been wondering what is in store for their favourite holiday hot spots in the Col 285 and Alrai sectors. Despite assurances from the major powers that the region will remain free from their influence, rumours abound that many governments are slowly being coerced by unknown astropolitical forces.

What changes these forces bring to the tourism sector remains to be seen, but since the current trend in the galaxy is to move from fun-loving to doom-mongering, I recommend booking your last minute holiday to the area while you can still get tickets. If you've never visited this little known corner of the Orion spur before then I highly recommend Obambivas, which has a stunning natural earth-like world filled with bizarre native flora and fauna. With the current economic uncertainty, stocks of Vanayequi Ceratomorpha Fur are likely to sell out quickly, so get your souvenirs for the family back in Kocab before you leave.

Morris Cowley, freelance researcher, Elite Travel Writers’ Cooperative

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Due to the postponement of the URC's research programme I resubmitted this article after some much appreciated editing from the Interstellar Press on reddit:

Title: Last chance to see the Col 285-Alrai-Scorpii corner?

Location: Kocab, Clayakarma, Nauo, Gyhldekala, Boga, Kpaniya, Vanayequi and Eleu; or Galnet if it's worthy.

Time: before Thursday and the start of the URC lockdown.

With the recent announcement from the United Research Council, holidaymakers have been wondering what is in store for their favourite hot spots in the Col 285, Alrai and Scorpii sectors. Despite assurances that the region will remain free from political influences, rumours suggest many governments are being slowly coerced by as yet unknown astropolitical forces.

Whether you're a thrill seeker, nature lover or beach bum I recommend booking your holiday to the area while you still can. If you've never visited this little known corner of the Orion spur before then I highly recommend Tpheirset, which has a stunning natural earth-like world filled with incredible native flora and fauna, and an adjacent terraformed "pleasure-planet". Elsewhere in the area the current economic uncertainty means that stocks of Vanayequi Ceratomorpha Fur are likely to sell out quickly, and Eleu Thermals may become even more popular, so get your souvenirs for the family back home before you leave.

Morris Cowley, freelance researcher, Elite Travel Writers’ Cooperative

 

[madbilly]

Submitted but not accepted for publication I'll keep trying!

Location: Galnet, or Kocab, Nakako, Pribrog, HIP 68796, Bylgit, Parhaiya, Kongga, Daibara, Eol Prou RS-T d3-94, HIP 72043, Alpha Centauri, Lave, Epsilon Indi, Maia, Sothis, Robigo, Ceos, Quince, Eleu, Mikunn, Manite, HR 8444, Sol, Achenar, Alioth and LHS 3447…..that's probably too many, right?

Time: Not urgent

Description:
The Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation is pleased to announce the return of its headquarters to Kocab. A wholly remarkable organisation that recently emerged from the "great media wars of Col 285”, the UMBPC is again recruiting freelance travel writers to contribute to its bestselling title, the "Wing-Riders' Guide to the Cosmos". The guidebook is indispensable for all curious travelers who wish to enjoy and survive the galaxy's most deadly and delectable experiences.

So, if you've survived the trip to Hutton Orbital; know your Lavian Brandy from your Indi Bourbon; navigated the Abyss; had a drink with Jaques; tickled a Barnacle; got your Tranquility Base selfie; shaken your Capitol snow-globe; celebrated the end of the Wiccan Ware race; experienced the freedom of life on the frontier and run the gauntlet from the outer colonies, then we want to hear about it.

If you like what you hear then visit our offices in Kocab equipped with their most exciting stories of discovery and packed ready to hit the spacelanes, life insurance certificate* and towel at the ready.

Cherry Speranza, PR spokeslady, Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation

*The UMBPC accept no liability for the increased insurance premiums its writers must pay.

 

[madbilly]

Pilot's Federation cracks down on freedom of the press

In response to the change in GalNet news submissions method, because now we can't read the submissions of others and therefore miss out on a lot of non-official news. This started off as a test for the new submission form and turned into a full blown article.

Title: Pilot's Federation cracks down on freedom of the press

Date: Any time

Location: Shinrarta Dezhra, Kocab

Tex:
The Pilot's Federation this week cracked down on the popular practice of freelance journalists publishing draft versions of their articles in public for all to read. The organisation currently holds a monopoly on galactic news publication through it's ownership of the GalNet system, as well as local news boards. Until this week freelance journalists would submit their articles to GalNet via an open forum, where they were available for all to read. A new submission system has been introduced which prevents the draft articles being seen by the public. Many independent journalists claim this is in violation of the principle of press freedom, and must not be allowed.

"The Pilot's Federation have gone too far this time, they're abusing their position as humanity's de facto news provider." explained Cherry Speranza, spokesperson for the Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation. "The previous forum allowed all budding journalists to share stories from around the bubble, whether or not they were selected for publication by GalNet. Now this is not possible, at least officially; the Pilot's Federation have driven the free press underground."

The Pilot's Federation have yet to comment further on the reasons for the changes to GalNet submissions.

 

[madbilly]

Civil war in Kocab, UMBPC responds - PUBLISHED!

Location: Kocab, Nakako, Pribrog, HIP 68796, Bylgit

Time: Immediate

Description:
Last week residents in Kocab awoke to find themselves embroiled in civil war. Among the usual local suspects for this kind of behaviour the Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation was a surprising addition.

"We are desperately in need of additional office space,” explained Lloyd Hartnett, commercial director at the renowned imprint. “We made a bid for the lease of a unit at Kratman Holdings but the current tenant, Bureau of Kocab, has not welcomed our enquiries.”

When pressed for specifics, Lloyd Hartnett was surprisingly candid, “We were at first wrong-footed by the way the Bureau responded. War is obviously not part of our normal business; however we’re now countering the Bureau by leveraging our expertise in printed media. We are recruiting freelance activists to take part in targeted leaflet strikes in select parts of the system where we think our brand values will find the most traction”.

Doris Astra, field researcher

This has been published in Kocab, Nakako, Pribrog, HIP 68796 and Bylgit.

 

[madbilly]

Record breaking tourist trip - PUBLISHED!

Title: Record breaking tourist trip

Location: Galnet, otherwise Procyon, Laksak, Wolf 1453, Shinrarta Dezhra, Kocab and HIP 72043

Since the Pilots' Federation lifted its embargo on transporting passengers, and the Beluga luxury liner became available for public ownership, the tourism industry has boomed. I was lucky enough to join a once-in-a-lifetime record-breaking holiday trip to the far side of the galaxy, aboard the "Endeavour X", piloted by seasoned explorer CMDR Duck of Death.

This yacht was truly top of the range, it was clear that the commander had cut no corners to ensure this vessel was capable of taking its patrons on a remarkable journey. Hand-finished by some of the most talented workshops in the galaxy, this craft was engineered to perfection. "I started preparing for this trip some time ago with the Cutter and Anaconda", explained the commander, "components have been tailored to maximise jump range and also for the best possible defensive capabilities, including prismatic shields and fully engineered pulse lasers." We were certainly safe from hazards both astronomical and anthropomorphic.

However all was not always rosy in the recent life of our captain, "My original home, Laksak, was thrown into that civil unrest plague which seems to have befallen a lot of systems recently", so regretfully, "I relocated to Procyon and eventually sold enough tickets to make this trip possible."

The trip visited The Black in Green Nebula, Sagittarius A* and the Red and Green Glory Nebula, three fantastic locations, but that was not all. We soon learnt that our commander had a surprise for us "I've planned to go to Beagle Point for a few months, as I haven't yet completed the Distant Worlds Expedition", we listened over dinner one night, the nebula colours lending a mystical air to proceedings. "I went back to the bubble after waypoint 17 of 23, as I had lost contact with 'the peloton'. Since I am on the original roster, I still feel I have a duty to complete the expedition," explained our host, then "Who's with me?". You could have heard a pin drop!

Needless to say we weren't immediately sure about this turn of events. Did we have a choice? After all, we had no way to refuse. However, the commander's contagious spirit of adventure and the manner of the journey so far meant that we responded unanimously "yes!", with one caveat, we had to get back before one fellow passenger's mothers' birthday. "I love a challenge!" laughed the commander!

The next few days we traversed the Styx, the Bleak Lands, the Abyss and finally entered the Solitude Void. All this time spirits remained high, though one could sense the primordial fear building; we were a long way from home and the bright lights of the core were far behind us. Finally we arrived at Beagle Point and set down at the final basecamp of that renowned expedition. I have to say that it was initially an anti-climax, this little rocky world is no stunner. But then it revealed its majesty to us. Before us was the Milky Way as we'd never seen it before, smaller and further away than ever; and behind us, the rest of the universe. We were truly standing on the edge of infinity.

The tourism distance from Sol was not the only record set. On our return trip CMDR Duck of Death also found the widest ring ever seen at a staggering 54 million km radius. After a brief sojourn at The Neon Lights we made it back home with time to spare and without a dent on the beautiful ship.

Morris Cowley, freelance researcher, Elite Travel Writers’ Cooperative​

Unfortunately this is too long, the new submissions form rejects it. So I submitted a much shorter version with a link to here:

Since the Pilots' Federation lifted its embargo on transporting passengers and the Beluga luxury liner became available for public ownership, the tourism industry has boomed. Seasoned explorer, CMDR Duck of Death led us on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the far side of the galaxy.

We visited The Black in Green Nebula, Sagittarius A* and the Red and Green Glory Nebula, three fantastic locations, as well as the widest ring ever seen at a staggering 54 million km radius. But that was not all. “I've planned to go to Beagle Point for a few months,” we heard over dinner one night, “Since I am on the original roster, I still feel I have a duty to complete the expedition” explained our host, then “Who's with me?”!

As we traversed the Abyss and finally entered the Solitude Void spirits remained high, though one could sense the primordial fear building as we got further from home and the bright lights of the core disappeared. Finally we arrived at Beagle Point. Before us was the entire Milky Way, somehow smaller and further away than ever; and behind us, the rest of the universe. We were truly standing on the edge of infinity.​

This will be published on Saturday.

 

[duckofdeath]

That is awesome! Thanks for taking interest in a small explorer's quest for the ultimate space madness and other space oddities!

oo7
CMDR Duck of death

 

[madbilly]

NEWS FLASH!

That is awesome! Thanks for taking interest in a small explorer's quest for the ultimate space madness and other space oddities!

oo7
CMDR Duck of death

You're welcome, I enjoyed writing it, I'm glad you liked it!

NEWS FLASH!
The UMBPC has recently taken over Kratman Holdings! This is astonishing, since only a few days ago the corporation was disappearing in a downward spiral of influence stuck in civil war with the Bureau, a classic race to the bottom. After the initial war that I reported on a few weeks ago, the Bureau took a quick break to have a famine, then immediately started civil war with the UMBPC again. I thought the corporation was done for, but somehow they've risen like the proverbial phoenix to take over Kratman Holdings and become the third most influential faction in the system. Was this the work of the background sim or were some independent commanders at work?

I'll write a proper news article and submit is asap. If anyone has any knowledge of how these events came to pass then please tell me, and I'll include it in the article.

Cheers

 

[madbilly]

NEWS FLASH!

Yes I know, another one!

The UMBPC are in elections with the Kocab Blue General Company.

Things have suddenly started getting very interesting in Kocab, like some mysterious guiding hand is at work. I've been too busy to write the articles I've been considering, and now the events are coming thick and fast. I haven't even been able to see what's happening with my own eyes, since my CMDR is presently on the other side of the galaxy. All I know is what the system map tells me, so whatever news, propaganda and rhetoric is being flung about in local news I've no idea. As well as repeated civil wars the other factions are now in famine and having epidemics. The mind boggles.

Whoever is having fun in Kocab, well done, you're certainly playing the background sim like a pro

 

[madbilly]

UMBPC opens new headquarters at Kratman Holdings

Submitted for publication.

Title: UMBPC opens new headquarters at Kratman Holdings
Location: Kocab, Nakako, Pribrog, HIP 68796, Bylgit

The Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation has opened its new headquarters at Kratman Holdings. Only days ago the corporation was in a bitter struggle with the Bureau of Kocab for this facility.

"The Bureau refused our request to lease office space in their back yard, but we didn’t expect them to attack us," explains Lloyd Hartnett, Commercial Director. The conflict destroyed the reputation of both organisations. "At one point, they ran out of food so called a truce, then when our backs were turned they pounced on us again. We were locked together in the proverbial race to the bottom."

Astonishingly, something happened to change their fortunes. "Due to this ongoing tiff with the Bureau the circulation of our dailies and weeklies reduced to almost nothing," confessed CJ Willis, Editor-in-Chief. "Then, we published a few stories about the daring-do of explorers racing to other side of the galaxy to help those in need, and the next thing we know the Bureau have given up and moved out.”

The new offices are already open and the printing presses are apparently "Ticking along nicely”.

Doris Astra, freelance researcher

 

[madbilly]

Trying to leave Old Earth behind

Submitted for publication

Title: Trying to leave Old Earth behind
Location: Galnet, or Kocab, Nakako, Pribrog, HIP 68796, Bylgit, Sol, Achenar, Alioth, Lave, Jaques.

War, famine, civil disorder, outbreaks of virulent diseases. People have tried to leave these things behind them for millennia, as they leave their homes to seek out a new life beyond the frontier. Unfortunately, without fail, the weaknesses of old Earth's civilisations come with them. For example, in Kocab, the population are beset by civil war, food shortages and disease, hardly the utopia their ancestors dreamed of finding.

Despite goodwill in the hearts of all emigrants, we can't escape these things, our only hope is to use our better nature to triumph over them. So, in this time of festive cheer the Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation are asking all of humanity to work together to help anyone who needs food, medicines and safety.

Wherever you are in the galaxy, whatever the local political climate, think about what our ancestors dreamt of when they left earth. Let's try to change the galaxy for the better.

Who knows, change for the better might even become popular one day.

CJ Willis, Editor-in-Chief, Ursa Minor Beta Publishing Corporation

 

[madbilly]

Well, the elections finished without any victor or change of ownership of planetary outposts. However, influence levels are equal so high likelihood of another election, and the United Bylgit Defence Force are steadily losing influence so may start a war with either the UMBPC or Kocab Blue General Company. Stay frosty.

And either Galnet submissions is on Xmas holidays or my latest articles were a flop. I'll try again in the new year.

 

[madbilly]

Back from the festive season, and the UMBPC are again in elections with Kocab Blue General Company. Both are losing influence but remain equal with each other, so it looks like this is going the same way as the civil war with the Bureau - race to the bottom followed buy some other negative states and eventually one will win. If this happens then it'll become a 4-way fight with the Bureau and League getting involved as well, so it'll be messy.

 

[madbilly]

Famine in Kocab

The UMBPC are desperately in need of food supplies at Kratman Holdings! Please bring what you can spare.

Also, there's a new kid on the block, the Federation-friendly Nakako Transport PLC have posted a commercial manager to the system. Whilst their business interests would not normally overlap with those of the UMBPC, field researchers are advised to respect the NDA they signed as part of their contract with the UMBPC.

 

[Voidwake]

My adopted 'home' system is near there so i might bring you some meats if you're still hungry tomorrow [big grin]

 

[madbilly]

That would be great! Tinned synthetic stuff is fine, we're not fussy

 

[Voidwake]

Well i dumped several hundred tons of fish all over your landing pads earlier. Hope you're not space-vegan.