Here is a revised version of "Clarify actions". It changes which rights are guaranteed by rule 101 slightly, eliminating one which in my opinion is a direct consequence of the others, and adding the right to propose changes to the game.
In this proto I'm trying to introduce a bit of regulation for indirectly-performed actions. If this goes well I think it might be possible to simplify the dependent actions rule and the Agoran decision procedure as well, but I'm trying to concentrate on the essentials here. ---------- Protoproposal h0134 (AI=3) Clarify actions Enact a rule, titled "Means and Ends", reading: One action can be a means for another action, called its end. When the rules indicate that an actor performs, can perform, or may perform one action by performing another, the latter action is a means to the former action. Each action is a means for itself. If an action is a means for a means to some end, then that action is also a means to that end. An action is not a means for another action unless it is so specified by the rules. Whenever an actor performs an action which is a means to an end, e thereby performs the end, even if the end could not naturally be performed. If an actor would somehow simultaneously perform multiple means for the same end, e only thereby performs the end a single time. An actor can only perform an end for which there is at least one means e can naturally perform. Enact a rule, titled "Action by Message", reading: An actor "publishes" or "announces" something by sending an appropriate message to a public forum. An actor performs an action "by announcement" by announcing that e performs the action and performs an action "by private message" to some person by sending an appropriate private message to the specified person. An actor may perform multiple actions via the same message. If the effect of performing two such actions depends on the order in which they are performed, then the actor fails to perform either action if the message does not make it absolutely clear in which order the actions are to be performed. Actions performed by sending a message are performed in the most natural order compatible with the message. The first action is performed at the time date-stamped on the message, and each successive action is performed an Agoran standard infinitesimal time unit after the action it succeeds. The actions may be treated as though they occurred simultaneously for all purposes except determining the results of performing the actions. Change the title of rule 101 (Agoran Rights and Privileges) to "The Game of Agora". Amend rule 101 to read: Agora Nomic is the oldest, wisest nomic. The rules of Agora constitute a binding agreement among the players and shall be adjudicated as such. Persons have certain rights and privileges. Those rights which are enumerated in the rules or recognized by the Agoran courts may not be abridged, reduced, limited, or removed by Agoran law, and any provision of an otherwise binding agreement which would do so is unenforceable. Those privileges which are enumerated in the rules or recognized by the Agoran courts are assumed to exist in the absence of an explicit, binding agreement to the contrary. The failure of the rules to enumerate a right or privilege does not by itself imply that that right or privilege does not exist. Merely possessing a right does not by itself provide a mechanism by which the right can be exercised. However, the rules must provide mechanisms by which the following rights can be exercised. (a) Each player has the right to propose changes to the game and expect that eir proposal will be considered by the players, voted upon, and either rejected or implemented in a reasonable amount of time. (b) Each player has the right to call for judgement on the truth a statement relevant to the game and expect that the truth of the statement will be determined and published in a reasonable amount of time. (c) Each person has the right to call for the appeal of any judgement and the right to initiate an appeal on a sentencing or judicial order binding em. (d) Each person has the right to refuse to become party to a binding agreement. The absence of a person's explicit consent shall be considered a refusal. (e) Each person has the right not to be penalized more than once for a single action or inaction. Forcible deregistration is not a penalty. (f) Each player has the right to participate in the fora. (g) Each player has the right to deregister. Moreover, each player is permitted to perform any unregulated action. Please treat Agora right good forever. Amend rule 1503 (Rules Violations) to read: An actual or alleged rule violation is equivalent to an actual or alleged violation of a binding agreement to be bound by the rule in question. The proposal, fora, and registration processes shall, prima facie, be considered to be protective of a Player's rights and privileges with respect to making and changing the agreement to be bound by the rules. Other rules may further differentiate the treatment of rules violations from the treatment of violations of other types of agreements. Amend rule 2125 (Regulation Regulations) by appending text reading: Any other action is unregulated. Amend rule 478 (Fora) by replacing the text reading: A message is public if and only if it is sent via a public forum or is sent to all players and contains a clear designation of intent to be public. A player "publishes" or "announces" something by sending a public message. A player performs an action "by announcement" by announcing that e performs it. A player performs an action "by private message" to some player by sending an appropriate private message to the specified player. Any action performed by sending a message is performed at the time date-stamped on that message. with text reading: A message is public if and only if it is sent via a public forum or is sent to all players and contains a clear designation of intent to be public. ---------- -- C. Maud Image (Michael Slone) Meanwhile, I demand a raise. :) -- OscarMeyr, in agora-discussion