Questions I Haven't Gotten Around to Answering Yet
You can ask a question right here! If you just did that but you don't see it below, I haven't approved it yet. Got to keep out those spambots, you know.
why did you make nationstates
Hey Max!
You're probably never going to read this, but I must say, Nationstates is the greatest game ever made. You are one of the best writers, as well. I read Jennifer Government, and it was SUPERB, even more so than seeing that as your civil rights classification!
Anyway, please respond so I know you aren't a psychopathic AI who is filling our heads with extremely well-written propaganda to prepare us for your taking of the world…
Sincerely,
Ambrossa/The Orwell Society/The Galactic Federation of Avalon (NS Nations)
So why is my dryer so much nicer than my other appliances? Every other one beeps insistently with drastic alarms. My dryer soothes me with a song, asking if I'd like to fold now, or whenever I'm ready. Can't all appliances be more pleasing in this aspect? Your thoughts?
Will you incorporate something like NSTracker into NationStates?
I'm listening to Discordia and loving it. Any plans for a print edition in the future?
How do you get signed copies
write
Sorry if you've gotten a bunch of these. Apparently i don't know how to use tech. i just wanted to be sure you know how much i love Madison May. Its your best book yet. Totally gushing. Realllllly good.Thanks.
What is your favorite number?
What party do you vote for in Australian elections?
What inspired you to make NationStates?
Are you aware of a bug in NS issues that causes "ö" to appear as "ö"?
Why does my head look so funny?
Have you ever taken an MBTI personality test? I'd be curious to know your personality type.
Why did you make nationstates
At this point, "22 Murders" comes out more than a month from now. Does that mean the book is completely finished, and the publisher is simply waiting for the optimal time to release it, or there's still some work to be done on it?
Basically, I'm asking how does a book's release date get determined, and how far in advance?
Thanks.
max what is life
Let's say that tomorrow, a cataclysm suddenly destroyed all of humanity, and only one sentence, that is your responsibility to write, could be passed on to the next generation of creatures (ignoring the how). What would you write, and why?
Will there be a notice before a new card season begins in nation states?
Max,
I hope this question (more of a suggestion, actually) finds you well. Have you ever considered making NationStates open-source (hosting its code on GitHub)? Of course, things that might give a nation/region an unfair (dis)advantage if they were edited, like stats, endorsements, etc. should probably remain out of the public's hands. That aside, open-sourcing would allow someone other than you to maintain the code and update the website, giving you more time to write. After all, if they want to add war to the game, let them do the work!
Sincerely,
Your Average NS Enthusiast.
Do u control nation states? Or does someone else control it?
Hey what are some good novels I can read? What have you been enjoying in the last few years?
Would you ever consider doing another MaxChat, answering the Nationstates community's questions?
Is there a moral or life lesson to Providence?
Will you add a military to NationStates or no?
Do you ever wonder what the long term effects of you creating NationStates as a marketing ploy will be in the long term. A lot of people credit it with shaping their political beliefs, even today! Do you think that you could have, somehow, changed the course of world history, without knowing how?
Have you ever considered writing non-fiction?
Hey Max!
Big fan of Nationstates
I was just wondering, how did you go from the step of your book Jennifer Government to making a whole site about it?
Hiya Max, how much traffic do you think NationStates brings to your website?
What are your American stereotypes?
What's your favorite type of triangle?
What type of computer do you use to write your books?
How does it feel to have your own Wikipedia page?
Will
Why did you create NationStates?
What’s your favorite book that you’ve written?
Hi Max,
do you think the limited availability of the corona vaccines is beneficial to the acceptance? What do you think the effect would be if someone would, hypothetically, shoot another person trying to get that person’s dose of the vaccine?
jonas
Merry Christmas Max!
Will you shut Nation States down?
Do you think that nuclear weapons make the world safer, or more dangerous?
Hey Max,
I have a writing assessment due on Monday, and I'm considering doing it about your book: Providence. Do you have any tips or things you think I should include in my narrative?
Thank you!
Do you have a nation in Nation States and do you manage the game or do other people do that?
Wait, so are you telling me that I can type anything in this box and Max Barry will see it?
Is it proper protocol to say how I came across your work and lay some praise before I actually ask a question,and have I burned my shot by asking this given that I actually wanted to ask something else but did not want to break the cultural custom?
Hey max, my name is Sam from Wisconsin. Syrup was the first of your books I've read and I've been hooked since. I could gush about how you're my favorite author, but this is for questions; who are some of your favorite authors that we may not have heard of?
What's your favorite type of triangle?
Hi Max! I have to write an essay for my English 102 class and the topic of my essay is you. Can you help me out by answering a few questions? Where did you go to college at? How did you get started on your career? What was your work experience prior to becoming a writer? What sort of cultural impact did Jennifer Government have? I know you like writing about marketing, consumerism, pervasive technology, politics, and control of corporations with governments having limited power; are there any other topics you have written about or enjoy writing about? Thanks so much for you time.
why do you still keep and work on nationstates?
Do you feel that this thing we call Real life is a parody of a serious science fiction story?
Hello, can you tell the users of Nationstates if there will be a Z-Day 2020? Lots of us very much hope there will be, and I'd think if the answer were no that the site admins would tell us, and since most people play Z-Day glued to their computers in isolation for 36 hours, it would also probably reduce the rate of physical contact between players and other people (maybe saving lives), so, until I hear otherwise I will assume Z-Day 2020 is on. However, a confirmation one way or the other would be helpful.
How exactly can you become a volunteer for NationStates, and what do you do as one?
What inspired you to make Nation-States, and what do you think about how it turned out. Additionally, what do yo think of the community?
Max, I absolutely love you and your site, nationstates (I promise I will eventually buy jennifer government). I know it's cliche, but where do you get your ideas?
Do you get a say in who reads and voices your audio books? I think the people who narrate them are fantastic! They're also easy on the ears, as some voices are difficult to focus on what they're saying, or they make me sleep.
How does it feel to live in a totalitarian dictatorship?
Has anyone ever told you that you look like Agent 47?
Hi Max! Awesome website! I just finished Providence recently and absolutely loved it. As usual, your ideas are super-thought provoking. Of all of the writers I've read, you're one of the extremely few who can really lodge an idea into my head for, literally, decades. To this day, I still remember the C&H reference from Syrup (Watterson never forced it and knew when to quit!); the "chop down a tree" scene from Lexicon; and also the scene how the medical staff was much less sympathetic the second time around in Machine Man. You are so good with ideas and memorable passages. So, so good.
Quick question-- what are your opinions about the Hugo awards? I looked you up online and to my surprise, you've never been nominated for a Hugo! I did see that you were a finalist for the JWC Memorial Award in 2004 and 2014. But (confusingly), those aren't Hugo-related at all.
Do you feel that the Hugo awards are bogus? Or at least kinda bogus? Or more politically motivated? Or do they genuinely reflect the "best" works of that year by some respectable metric? Just curious if you had any thoughts on the subject. Thank you for reading my message! Please keep writing! I love your writing and blog! You are a gift to humanity!
EO Wobble
Sometimes, randomly, Eliot from Lexicon will show up in my thoughts and stay there for the rest of the day. What does this say about me (aside from the fact that I really really love Lexicon, and have reread it at least once a year since it came out)?
How did you get into writing in the first place?
Do you ever regret making NationStates, or wish that it was less popular, and that you'd get asked about it less often? I imagine you feel like a band who has that one song, and they have to perform it over and over again until they get sick of it.
do u think we are living in the end of earth it might be near till (my belief christian) thinks Jesus will come back but well yeah do u think its near the end of earth
this game nationstate is so fun
why'd you become an author?
If you look back at NationStates, did you think back in the day when you first created it that it would get this large?
Regarding General Assembly Resolution #1 of NationStates, what were you going to do if it didn't get passed?
What does a typical day look like for you? I read your article "Tips for Working from Home" but my question is, what is your daily schedule like FOR YOU?? e.g. wake up at x time, etc etc? I ask because I discovered NationStates, then discovered Battle Simulator, then saw you are an author. I was like "How does this guy make progress on all those fronts at once?"
why the heck do you even approve nationstates questions
Hello Max, Can I put my season one card on a t-shirt? It looks cool and I look cool so together we can be intriguing.
for my national animal in NationStates can make it aquatic animal?
Did you create Nationstates on your own?
Hello Max,
Is NationStates good for developing strategy skills?
What age is providence suitable for?
Did you know who Drew Dunil is?
What do you think of the mass arrival of players on your game NationStates due to a youtuber covering the site?
In PROVIDENCE, did the main ship have a name? If so, I somehow missed it :( Several other Providence-class vessels were named.
Do you have your own NationStates country?
Could you tell us a few words about your path to becoming an author? Was it challenging for you?
Hey Max, have you considered adding an API to NationStates that other devs could use? It could be pretty fun to have small webgames that pull information from someone's nation.
Just a thought, all the best comrade.
Bobby.
Hello, i'm a french player of your game NationStates. I've got some difficulties to understand some words in the game.
Could it be possible to make an update of your website and add translations? Thank you.
Is [violet] still an active nation or is it only active on the Forums?
communism good bad?
I noticed a minor error in your new Providence game. Search Transer. Cheers.
What is your favorite type of noodle?
hello i play your nationstates game i was thinking you should add more categories to the factbook like, science, technology, and also make it where the user can make custom categories, just a thought,
what made you want to develop nationstates?
I feel rather addicted to Nationstates, and I'm not so sure its for the better. I built something big up with many new comrades, but I am also sure most people are insane power hungry-madmen obsessed with their future. And its way too drama-full. But it feels like leaving loses me what I've gained from it; friends, a community of my own to say my opinions, a group or mortals to bend to my will by throwing anarchy-filled ideas upon. How do I step away from *Nationstates. Have you ever stepped away, and how much time do you spend on it (I believe you said it consumed your life)?
*I know this may not be the person to ask.
Relatively Sincerely,
Hey which one of your creations are you most proud of?
Your NationStates moderators have announced the removal of COVID-19 misinformation. That makes them judges of freedom of speech. A better approach would be to label what they believe is misinformation OR declare the topic to be off-limits altogether.
What book did you most enjoy writing
Which of the books you've written is you're least favorite?
How are you doing max?
-Mr. Mr.
How do you write dialog so well?
Max! are you still doing the tour to SF despite all the coronavirus craziness?
I love Nationstates, and I‘ve seen online about Nationstates 2, but that was a while ago. Are you thinking of making any new games?
Hi Max,
I am currently writing an essay about your novel Jennifer Government for my English class. I was wondering what your viewpoint is on the government and its relationship with corporations. As well as, what role you think the government and corporations should play in a society?
How can a governemnt be "tastefull", and what are your current future plans
Why did you choose to create Nationstates?
How many of your books is too many to bring to one of your readings?
What are the chances of you adding more cities to your book tour?
Will you be blogging the book tour, like you did a long time ago?
Do you have a nation on NationStates? If so, what is it and what's your government?
Hey Max! Will your new book - Providence (available 31/3/2020) - be hitting Aussie bookstore shelves? Doesn't look like it is even on Amazon Australia? What the crikey!? First bit sounded like an Ad, so added some Aussie lingo to spice it up :D
Hi Max. You got a movie made out of your novel Syrup a few years back (I remember, I was excited!), starring Amber Heard. It’s been seven years, and recently a lot of stuff has come out about how her and her relationship with Johnny Depp. Do you have a take on that, and if so is it informed at all by your experiences during shooting (if you were involved in that)? Cheers.
Are you familiar with the Strauss-Howe generational theory? I have long thought a fictional book about the real Fourth Turning we're in now would make a great read, esp. one predicting the resolutions and new global order that are achieved late in the 2020s, and also imagining what the next First & Second Turnings (2030s to 2060s) will look like. Supposedly the 2030s through 2050s will be similar to the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s.
this works? Cool
How long did it take for you to make NationStates?
Doggo?
Our book reading club in Washington, D.C. has just finished lexicon. Everyone found it incredible and we had many vigorous discussions on it. One question, absurd in its simplicity compared to the depth of the novel is as follows. Emily lives in Washington, D.C. the book says in the meatpacking district. While we are all familiar with this area in Manhattan, none of us can work out where it is in dc. Can you enlighten us? Also, which of your other books would you suggest we read for a future bookclub? Thanks for your writing. All the best. Dc readers
On nationstates.net
Is there a way to Boost my population quickly?
Thank you for taking your time with your books. I cant wait for the new one! Have you thought about self publishing your short stories if you have any?
Did it take a lot of time to make NationStates?
a question about nationstates,
can you add a disease outbreak in the region witch starts at one nation and spreads to the rest in order to stop the ourbreak the nations in the region. have to cooperate and try to contain it in the nation witch it started by doing things like building walls, cutting off trade and transport closing their borders, and ect.
this would make the game more fun and co-operative and would give me more things to do then just wating around for the next issue.
any ways nationstates is a great game it take a lot of efort to make something as ameazing as it.
Do you have a country in NationStates?
I'm starting to get bored, the issue are y'know 5 HOURS! can you do something with it.(please send me telegram or gmail i don't have a email account)
But this game is the best tho.
Do you have any resolutions for the New Year?
I'm a big fan of NationStates, I've just been wondering... How was your day?
So You Might Never Read This But I Was Wondering How Does The Card Rating System Work
Signed
The Unified Peoples Republics Of Winegardian
Hi Max,
first of all, thanks for writing awesome novels. I am really looking forward to reading "Providence".
My question needs a longer introduction but anyway, here it is:
There is a German author named Marc-Uwe Kling who wrote a book called "QualityLand" which in some parts reminded me a lot of "Jennifer Government". In the world that is described, a son's surname for example is simply the father's occupation at birth of the son (similarly for daughters and mothers). There are some other parallels as well but the message is already getting too long.
The other series of books this author is known for is "The Kangaroo Chronicles". There he describes his life, sharing an appartment in Berlin with a talking,communist kangaroo that wants to start a revolution. What I am trying to say here is that he took some of your ideas for "QualityLand" and also used a kangaroo for his stories, which is clearly Australian.
When can we expect your stories on sharing an appartment with a capitalist German shepherd?
Best wishes and have a nice Christmas time!
Martin
Excuse me Mr. Berry. I am a right leaning nation and so are my friends none of them seem to be as good in terms of the main stuff like political freedom etc. Why is that?
Yours truly a nation with Pepe in it.
What inclined you to create NationStates?
Are you straight?
I have a good idea for Nationstates:
Why don't you add immigration and plagues to make the game a little bit more challenging and help the newer players with growing populatio n faster!
Will there be a new nation states 2 any time soon? If not I would like to put forth the idea of letting people actually declaring war on people like old nation states 2.
Hello, Max, my name is Pedro. I'm a regular NationStates player, and recently I've had a streak of issues whose results are not aligned with the nature of the issue. I completely understand that certain decisions in a field may indirectly affect the functioning of another field, but I believe this goes too far when my country decided to build military bases in another country after they changed their government, and that carries a downgrade in agricultural production, as well as basket weaving and trout fishing.
I must point out that my knowledge in the issues of the game and how they're made is very limited, although for what I know they are almost completely player-made, which means that what I came to point out is not the moderator's or the creator's (your) fault, at least for the most part. In which case, I would like to know, what can we do to counter the effects of issues that malfunction like this? Can we report them to someone?
Will you be releasing another game like NationStates?
Hey, did you think of adding such categories as "Public debt" as percent of the GDP and "shipbuilding industry" to the Nation States? :)
Have you ever read any works by Michel Foucault, and if so would you consider NationStates to be a Heterotopia? Beyond this, how important would you consider NationStates to be as a an online entity, given the type and quantity of people who use it?
Can a feature be added that allows pictures to be inserted into RMB posts?
Also, can there be a Winter War event?
Hi! I found you through NationStates and have two questions: 1. What really made you go "Yeah, as an author who writes about politics and government, this is a game that needs to happen."? 2. how do you find the time to write/work and manage NationStates?
So i know you make nationstates so i was wondering about the policies... Me and my friends were wondering if there were gonna be any more new ones or cool ones, the ones we have are kinda boring...
Why do only some games on Squiggle have tips from Graft and The Arc but the rest just have Squiggle?
Hi Max,
in May 2017 you elaborated on Trump & Hillary and what evil Trump would look like...
So, obviously, luckily evil Trump didn't happen (yet).
OTOH, every time I pay attention to US politics, it looks more and more like "Idiocracy" wasn't a so-so comedy about life 100 years from now, but an eye-opening documentary brought back to us by a time traveller.
What do you think?
Cheers,
Matthias
I used NationStates for a project in a social problems class in college. I teach intro to sociology as well and have an idea for creating a game for it but do not have the technical abilities to make it happen. Do you have any advice for me?
Could you make a new event? N-Day is in late September and Z-Day is in late October. THe two are pretty close together, which means there is a lot of time between Z-Day and N-Day(THe long period, obviously) which means NS lacks -Day events for almost 11 months. OF course there are events in between like Trivia and New Card Trading, but it is still hard to wait for the next N-Day now. (Also personal, I missed Z-Day because of a school trip, but anyways I didn't write this because of it.) Could you make a new event that exists between Halloween and September? Sure you shouldn't do it if it will make you too busy, just suggesting.
Can you make users on NationStates able to declare war on other users?
When is the next season of NationStates trading cards? We've all been waiting!
Can you make z and n day happen on weekends or during the summer? Thanks!
Hey Max!
Me and others were discussing and researching, with no prevail, and with a last resort im asking with the owner of NS!
The point is,
What is the Oldest Nation In NationStates?
We all know the Pacific is the oldest region but what is the oldest Nation. My suspicion is Maxtopia. Others claim NationStates [the Nation] is the oldest. An answer is certainly appreciated And would end years of debates and frustration... ("°~°)
Dear Max,
I am a NationStates player since Summer 17'. I really like your game, and my region TNP! But i've seen a lot of stuff should added for an advanced gameplay. You should consider adding more policies, more Pre-Titles (some people have a population below 500, you know :/) and maybe bringing Cards Against NationStates back? IDK :/
Love Your Work!
Is this the bareword “——“?
What was the Bareword? I just read Lexicon again and still can’t believe its not a movie, netflicks, hulu or amazon thing. By the Harry Wilson has a twin in John Scalzi’s books. Coincidence or a tip of the hat?
hi i am also max barry
you should make it so regions can choose to combine their RMB's but still have buttons that allow you to send the message to only regions you select or you could even make it so people only view messages from their region with the click of a button. also, i think there should be an option for anyone to easily be able to post an edit or even add decisions to any issue, so long as its reviewed and approved before it gets added.
Max, when is NationStates DS coming out? I want to play it on my Commodore 64!
(sarcasm alert)
Hi there! I am currently reading Jennifer Government for an English college course and I am writing an Informative-Analysis on the author. I apologize for this strange question but where can I find biographical information about you that is not already on this website?
Is there a way to cancel all policies?
Hey max
Probably everyone annoys you with this but will there be a season two of nationstates cards?
Thank you!
I absolutely love NationStates, I've been playing for about three years now. I've made a lot of great friends in my region and I'm very grateful to have found this site full of so many amazing people. So thank you! I assume you have a nation considering you created the game, so have you ever talked to anyone in the regional message boards as if you were just a regular person playing the game?
Can you please kick out rouges for the next N-Day? My mates are screwed because some rouges nuking at one of the countries in a faction that we treatise on. Like a kick-out button for those who dishonor faction's instructions.
What are you doing to make NationStates even better?
Greetings, Mr. Barry. I believe you are aware of the online game of NationStates, a website that you own. Say, if it is possible for you to answer,
how do you feel regarding NSGP?
How did you get your idea for NationStates?
When will the next nationstatesZ come out
Will there ever be military aspect in nation state
Lexicon is one of my favourite books ever, and I was wondering if you were able to tell me more about one of my favourite characters in the book. He's a minor character who appears toward the end - a bald Australian soldier named Max. What was the inspiration for this character? Was he based off anyone you know, or did you just invent him out of nowhere?
Do you like communism?
Are you someone who procrastinates a lot? 'Cus as an author that would be annoying.
do you like the cyberpunk genre
what r u gonna do for NS on halloween
What is your national states nation?
Any chance you could add a feature to nation states where you could re answer a question for an issue? Ive been playing every day for 55 days and i see a lot of things id like to change, after all laws do get changed in real life and im sick of having to wait 5 hours per issue because i have no life.
Is there another way of putting images on nationstates factbooks?
i think nationstates needs a design update. honestly, it looks like something from 2010. what do you think?
Hey Max! You got a nation on nationstates?
Also, what do you think about raider nations, like, um, TBH? Aren't they supposed to be Illegal?
Why does Black Market always grow? What should a nation do in order to stop it growing?
Hello mr Barry, my name is Matheus and I am from Brazil. Recently I finished your book Lexicon and loved everything about it, it is an awesome story! I would like to know if you have any books to recommend which helped you to build the lore around Lexicon, like books on psychology, persuasion, philosophy, sociology, technology, linguistic, etc. Thank you very much!
This is not a question, but an observation from a long-time player of NationStates (I created my main nation back in January 2003).
I recently ran into a group of friends who also play the game (well, I ran into their region), and who I hadn't talked to in over a decade. They're still on NS, I'm still on NS, so we reconnected. Then I resurrected a long-dead puppet nation to move into their region and stay in touch - as one does.
This puppet nation has a population of 8 billion and some change, which means it has been alive for a little over 4 years (spread out over multiple cycles of expiration and resurrection). Ok, so what, right? Well the thing is, then I look at the rankings for this puppet nation that has existed for over 4 years, and notice that it's only in the top 19% of the world by population.
Which means that 19% of nations have been around longer than 4 years.
And this gets me thinking: Wow, NationStates has a really *incredible* retention rate, you know? Here I am, a guy who's been in this game since 2003, re-connecting with friends from the mid-2000s who are also still in the game, and noticing that almost 1/5 of nations are older than 4 years.
I don't know of any other place on the internet except long-lasting social media (like Facebook) that has this kind of retention rate and old-friend-meeting potential.
So what I'm saying is: Congratulations on creating the Immortal Game! And thank you.
is the earth flat
hello I have been playing nationstates and was wondering if you will when will you releas the next seson of cards
Why does the error message on your site when I include a link in a question look so similar to the ones on NationStates?
what age audience are your books aimed at
What inspired you to create nationstates?
Hello! I've been playing NationStates for a while, and I'm enjoying it quite a lot. I've also been reading a few of your blogs, which I find quite funny. I'd like to ask - what made you want to make NationStates? I understand Jennifer Government influenced it, but were there any other sparks of inspiration?
Hi, Max. I have a small addiction to trading cards, and I'm wondering when the next season will arrive. Want to see if my nation's increasingly stupid stats will place it above Uncommon this time. Wink wink.
Hi! I am from Argentina and I play nation states for 3 months, and I want to ask you, how many time you spent on it? I mean, when you created it...
Do you have anything planned for nationstates in the future?
crowdfund a machine man comic?
Can you make it so you can manually set taxes how high for what stuff and spending choice and also add extra stuff you want for example there could be a add botton and one you click it and type for example school choice program and type persentage then one you click done it would apeure
How do i get DEMOCRATIC socialism taxing the rich and making healthcare and collge free not the policy on nationstates so called "socialism" which was communism and means of production?????
From you're confused player,
Chase M. Stiner
Hi, Max. I love NationStates. When will S2 card manufacture?
Thanks
What's it like being epic?
Are you max? like the real max? or are you a lizard
Have you ever played Minecraft?
Hey max!
I am very excited for Providence!
I've been a nationstates player since may.
I've gotten autocracy, at first I was alright with it but i've recently wanted to become a democracy.
Is there a way to get an issue faster? I've been waiting since may 23rd (yes i've been tracking) for the day I get the issue so i can free my people from this oppressive regime I run.
Also would you ever update the site's design to give it a more modern look.
Can you make a roblox-themed novel?
When can we expect the addition of NS++ or another way to send recruitment telegrams in vanilla NS? Besides the feeders, our regions are dying.
Hello, I would like to sya that I love your Book Jennifer Government and NationStates. I started playing it maybe a month ago, and I'm doing pretty well. But I have made a mistake with one of my issues and now I have Socialism. So my question is. Do you have any advice for me on how I can fix it? Thanks for your time. Have a great day!
I've been really enjoying my time with Nation States. However I find it troubling to have my nations animal the Owlbear to rise up and overthrow my nations current human rulers. Even though I've done what I could to give the Owlbears a good fighting chance. My question is whether or not it was ever considered that a nations animal may one day overthrow the humans?
Hey man, first just wanna say really loved Lexicon. Read it a few years ago, still one of my favorite books, if not, my favorite. I was itching for a new read and noticed you've got this new book coming in 2020. No rush, but when in 2020 do you reckon? Also how long have you been writing this? Cheers
Are there going to be any more developments on Nation States or do you like the game as it is?
What inspired you to create NationStates?
Why did my dad leave
Max are you dead
Do you have a nice car
Sir, would you take Alex, the creator of Politics and War, in on a fistfight or is he cool dude?
I send in a issue to nationstates and i was supposed to get a tellagram confirming it was excepted and i never got one
From, Stiner repulic on nationstates,
PS. Please respond on a nationstates tellagram
Can I change the history of my nation so I can increase military budget?
Where do you get your sense of humor?
do you like brown?
What made you think of nationstates?
In Lexicon, please explain how you developed the hierarchy of poet proxies... Is it well known in writer circles, as seems the case for characters of the agency, the ego boost of being dubbed Woolf vs Bronte?
So what is your reaction when people on NS say that you are a god to them since you created NationStates
Is Providence a lovecraftian horror novel?
Hi Max,
You pondered measuring the accuracy of projected AFL ladders on your latest Squiggle post (Apr 30). You described a positions vs wins dilema. I wonder if a "sum of MAE of positions" vs "sum of MAE wins of each position" would make more sense, especially graphed together? Each ladder projection could be graphed across those two axes with (0,0) being a ladder that had all wins and ladder positions correct. A bullseye chart. Give the ladders closer to the center a higher overall score?
Regards, Matt G
Pls come back. I miss your blogs
What made you create the game NationStates? Do you follow American politics? Are you conducting a study or profile anaylis with the ISSUES Q&A? I play for fun and pick random answers to see what the results would be.
Is There Going to be a Mobile App for
Nationstate?
when is a exact date that your new book is coming?
We all care about your thoughts if you no post we start to think you’re dead and that would be bad
Help. Struck with writer's block. Give me cure. Thank-
Can you add a system to nationstates that allows you to set your population and growth rate but only lower than the amount you have? For Example, if my country has 5 million people, I could set the population to 2,500 (but not above 5 million) so i could RP as a smaller country and then set growth rate from 1% Of the normal rate all the way to the normal rate. It would also make it easier to RP things such as losing territory, A natural disaster, etc.
You know what would be cool? A convention for NationStates, like ComiCon or MineCon. Not sure how it would work, but perhaps it could be like people who have nations in NS could sign up to create a booth displaying their country and stuff about it...like ComicCon. Merchandise wise, no idea. That would have to be made by the owner of the country. It would be a great way for people to connect and learn about each other from a real-life perspective. Feedback would be appreciated.
When will season 2 cards come out in Nationstates?
Max, what was the first novel you wrote?
did you do anything different with providence?
if so,what?
In 2018 you tweeted a photo of a new manuscript by you called "Discordia". Now "Providence" is about to be published. Are these the same book, retitled, or can we look forward to two novels from you in quick succession?
since you made the AFL ladder predictor i wanted to know if you could make a SANFL ladder predictor.
So Max, what ever got you into writing in the first place? And I’m also thinking of becoming a writer myself. Any tips or suggestions? I’m mainly thinking of getting into sci-fi/horror/action stories - mainly cause of Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, oh, and Tom Clancy.
Is therr other online games like these? Cause i would love if there is.
wat is providence coming 2020
Why don't you or whoever add stuff make an event where countries can spy on each other like the Cold War.
Hi Max! I was curious about what made you write Jennifer Government?
r ur books gud
[DUCK] Are you [v]?
What will Providence by about?
Max max max max max max? Max, max max max, max max max?
Do you still moderate Nationstates?
new book. dope.
When is the socialist revolution coming in the states? Seems like we've been waiting a while. :(
Hey Max,
It's come to my attention that you are, in fact, a die hard Richmond fan. However, between the ages of 7 and 44, they didn't win a single premiership. How did this existential misery affect you as a writer?
Looking forward to your new scifi looking book!
Why does everything look so outdated?
How are you today, Max?
egg?
You good bro?
hey for nationstates, why not include a national anthem available with (a number)citizens thanks luv your wrk
I'm currently reading Machine Man. What was your inspiration?
Now probably slightly belated Happy Birthday, Max, from the Delegate of the South Pacific!
happy birthday! ^~^
thanks for nationstates >~<
Do you have a nation in Nationstates?
Max, any chance you may come and enlighten us here in Brazil? Machine Man is one of the top three books in my list. Cheers, man. Or, as we say here, Grande Abraço (a big hug) for you.
Trump just took a page out of Jennifer Government, and referred to Tim Cook, the Apple CEO, and Tim Apple.
What is the lexicon test supposed to be about and mean?
Hail! Hogyan állítható be, hogy a kérdéseket kapjak 30 percenként? Légyszi segíts!
Why u no awnser questions
What would be your ideal setting to write in?
Your game NationStates is really fun!
Hello, is it possible that i translate NationStates into german?
Would you consider making issues in NationStates more frequent?
What are your plans for future updates for NationStates.net ?
I think the world assembly has done more for nationstates than the Un has done for the real world. Do you agree?
I read Jennifer Government for a choice novel unit in my AP English class and LOVED IT! I've started reading more of your works and your writing style is fascinating to me. I have a presentation on Jennifer Government coming up and I'm going to talk a bit about you- do you have anything in particular that you'd like me to include? Also, what events shaped the way you wrote Jennifer Government? I think it's a really intriguing book, and just want to know a little about the historical context surrounding your choice to write it (or in a shorter form, what inspired you to write Jennifer Government?)
how proud of you about nationstates, with it being your most popular creation?
Will there be anything new added to nationstates soon? It’s the best nation sim I have ever played!
are you having a robot answer you or are you literally a no lifer sitting on a site waiting for questions
Now wait a minute. Tell us more about this sock full of pennies that you found. I'm dying to know.
In the sock of pennies you found how many pennies were in there?
Hey Max, what's your life story? And if that'll take too long, how about sharing your favorite joke?
Is melbourne cooler than Sydney?
Just wanted to say that I've been checking your blog at least monthly looking for news of your next book. And whenever it's ready, I'll be first in line (metaphorically) to buy it.
You don't need to answer this. I just wanted to say I'm looking forward to whatever you publish next.
If NS is all about the Book, "Lexicon/Jennifer Government" (im not sure but I think it is) can you tell me the similarities?
This is neat. Hi Max! I read Jennifer Government when I was in highschool around 2004. It was one of those first books that got me into reading -- but I was a dumbass and didn't make the connection that if I like a book, keep reading the author.
Anyways, figured you might like hearing about this. Ill be checking out some of your new stuff. I still remember that book vividly. The sad family going to the police. The man buying shoes for a stranger - and what the lead to. The foodcourt going wild. And f***ing john nike.
And jesus dude, you aged well. I'm 30 and you look my age -_-. Since it turns out this is an ask max and not a post BS on Max's wall, what's your anti-aging secret? Also - curious if there are any specific philosophers that had a profound effect on your worldview?
~Ohmsss
When can we expect a new novel?
Are you still working on nation states?
Hey Max! Just wanted to say that I adored Jennifer Government. Are you writing anything currently?
Where would you be mapped on the Political Compass?
What is your opinion on your book, Jennifer Government?
What current events inspired you to write Jennifer Government?
can you undo the compulsory voting on my nation-state west flers moun as I didn't want to make voting necessary
are you going to make organizations like FIFA ?
'seriously'
How do we know when you answered our questions?
Can Poland into space?
Will you make more books anytime soon?
Hi! I am a player of Nation States. Thank you for creating this game. I would like to request that you add a section where we can see all the choices we have made. So, it would have the issue, plus the choice, or even a summary. The new legislation list is not very clear on what exactly was passed. If it's for spoiler purposes, this could be private. Or every one of them would work like a policy where we could see clearly what we have chosen. Thank you!
y u no post
Hi Max, loved Lexicon so I'm reading it again now. Which of your books should I read next?
Hi Max. I just finished Lexicon and absolutely loved it. I didn't really get what Yeats' ultimate goal was though. Hope you can answer this!
What's your creative process like?
Max,
What do you have in store for 2019?
—Randy H.
When you created NationStates, did you ever imagine it would millions of players by the end of 2018?
How are you?
I am DeltaSource and I was active during the April fools trading cards time period.... but I don't have a card.... I just want to know if I could get a card of myself (I just am really upset over it lol) btw please don't make me a common..... I deserve epic level..... I'm a founder of 2 regions for Pete's sake!
Do you want to be remembered as an author, but feel like you're mostly recognized as NationStates' creator?
What is your opinion on third-wave feminism?
Why do I smell like despacito?
Hey it's been a while... Lexicon was your most popular to date, but you haven't capitalized on it! Miss your stuff.
Dear Max,
Please give me Testlandia's password.
Love,
God
Dear Max,
Please give me the password to Testlandia. I will do many good things for NationStates.
Signed,
Russian Bot 3KH-PWJW29
FOR MOTHER RUSSIA!
Were there any other choices for the titles of any of your books? If so, which ones?
why are you called max barry
Murdered' for his trainers in Wild West Britain: Man, 20, who was found stabbed to death and barefoot outside a primary school 'was killed for his expensive shoes'
(Headline Daily Mail of today)
Hey
Me and my son Max Barry just googled his name and found you he says it's the most awesome thing ever that there's another person with the same name :) cheers from the Barry family Manchester uk
What is the idea of segments in Lexicon based on?
Do you plan on updating nationstates or you will keep it the way it is?
Will you make NationStates an app or just keep it on the internet?
lol yeet
do you have an Nation State Nation?
How much money to get off of nationstates? (you can just answer in small, moderate, or large)
How can you put your tax higher on nation states?
Do you like Metal music?
If I wanted to make one of your books into a show, what would be the best way I could go about approaching you?
oie mac barris que pasa con tu juego nationsteits
I found this if you answer issue number 500 with option number 3
“NationStates is now a popular brand of laxatives despite Max Barry's protestsâ€
Did you do this
Can you make the Nuclear war event permanent but once your nation gets destroyed, a counter counts down for 24 hours before you can participate in the event again? Once your nation "respawns" you'll have to re-create the faction if no other country is in it, to stop people from just repeatedly destroying your country as soon as you get back.
Hi maxxxxxx. Do you also play nation states? What is your nation name?
Could you add some of the aspects from Politics and war, into nationstates?
So I am the nation of Talitoa, have you read anyones factbooks or dispatches?
can you add a page for navel warfare in nation states
play nationstates it's a very fun game I think you would like it.
HOW DID YOU COME OF NATION GAME
Hey can you add a way to declare wars and build up military and trade in nations states
What inspired you to write?
Max, It's been 5 years, alright? Let's see a bit of jam here.
I found this in NationStates it is an issue about banning Jennifer Government
“I suggest we hang, draw and quarter the author of this book and take satires off the shelves!â€
Just wanted to tell you
Do you run your own nation on NationStates? If so, what's your current government type?
What were your intentions with NationStates in the beginning
I'm on NationStates and want to be able to have free democratic elections. Can that happen?
WHEN CARD GAME WILL START AGAIN ON NATIONSTATES
CAN U BUY ME A COW PLZ????!!!!!?!??!??!!??!??!??!? $2000000000000!!!!!!!!!!!
Max, this is more of a suggestion than a question, I think settings should be expanded, to maybe add frequency of elections, type of government, ethnic diversity and geography. Of coarse I think this should be on the complex setting
Why are you bald?
What inspired you to create NationStates?
Hey Max! I love your ladder predictor - any chance it would be updated to
work correctly now that the regular season is over? When tipping finals it updates the ladder still which updates the finals pyramid. Thanks!
If most of the world became an apocalyptic hellhole, and there was only one last pocket of Earth that remained neutral during the nuclear war or something, which part of Earth do you suppose that it would be, and would you bother moving there?
Hey, has anybody ever shown an interest in optioning Jennifer Government, either as a TV show or film?
Did I do something to upset you?
Anything new in the works? Think the last thing I read from you was Lexicon in 2013? Need more! Keep up the good work.
Hello Max. What should a writer do if they ceased writing out of a deep fear of not being good enough?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUY A GOAT?
What is the current ETA on the cards mini-game?
When are you planning on releasing a new novel? I’m waiting with baited breath!
How tough was it to create nationstates?
Do you have any suggestions of ways to spread the word about my region in Nation States?
Hey, may I ask a question?
Max, this is urgent. The development of a "NationStates" mobile application must be instituted at once. I can no longer than 20 minutes without receding into anaphylactic shock from the withdrawal of my NationStates account. What I request of you an application on my mobile device in which I may check on my account. Please take this to heart, I am in great pain. Thank you Maxwell
Hello Max. I have just joined to NationStates and find it hard to believe that I didn't knew about it earlier: it is a great game.
My question for you regards the system of trading. I've seen that nations can trade cards to collect them, but that's mostly all that it is. Perhaps in the future you will consider adding the trading of resources? A major stock market could appear, and upon being founded all nations could receive certain resources inside their territory that they can exploit and sell, while needing in turn to buy others. Major international and national enterprises, both state-owned and private (NPC) could appear in the global scene. Perhaps it would later be possible to pursue economic autarchy by implementing certain policies, and so on. This could generate a whole in-game economy and be the source for much fun (and valuable socioeconomic information, truth be told).
Anyhow, food for thought. I don't know how hard this would be to implement ("Probably some will suffer, but think of the money", says your Minister of Finance), yet I hope you consider it, for it would take the game to a whole new level.
Thanks for hearing me out!
When will the cards come back?
Max what's happening to the NS server omigod years of my hard work are dying pls save me
Just kidding.
Max, why are you blogging less these days?
Woah, so I can just type random stuff here and it will show up on your screen? How weird is that.
What do you think about pineapple on top of a pizza?
Are you writing a new book?
Great footy predictor Maxiumus Barrington
How long can an acoustic guitar last?
Are you working on an Improved Nationstates dark mode?
can you make a tutorial for nation-states and why you get like 10 telecoms when you start the game
Is it possible to setup a nationstates instance for a community so that its just like 100 people not 1 million
Are you dead?
What did you do? I've read Lexicon 4 times now. I have shelves full of books I have half read and won't bother to pick up again. But I can't get rid of Lexicon.
Do you sell like a NS shirt or something?
Hey Max, I've been using the Squiggle Ladder Predictor for a little while and I really like it. Are you planning on updating it at any time? I think I have a couple of helpful suggestions that can make it even better :)
At what point did you decide that writing is your life now and there is no turning back?
Could you add the AFL finals series to your ladder predictor?
Was your lack of hair by choice, or was it a condition, or just age?
WWhat's your next book finna be 'bout?
There are questions that were asked three years ago and aren't answered. Does it take you three years to answer a question?
"What is love? . . .
What is your view of Vaccination and Vaccines?
What's your favourite number and colour? Oh and, vanilla, chocolate or strawberry?
Hi
Am you not bad grammar?
Is one of your daughters Finlay?
Are you "finna woke" (as all the cool kids say)?
How many players does NationStates have?
are you working on any new books at the moment? and, are there any big updates coming to NS in the future?
Will you answer this question?
How can I become a nationstates issue editor?
Do you define yourself as a libertarian?
Hi, I got 48 endorsements from a region and I was wondering why I can't take them with me to a new region. Is there away you can make this happen.
You can add to NationalStates the ,,divorce rate"?
My Question is about NationStates. Is there a possibility to add an option to pay a fee for the game to have Issue waiting times lowered
Did you ever think nationstates would get so big?
Hi Max , it is Corganerig, and I was wondering, I was getting all these telegrams from founders of republics or stuff like that, and I was wondering if I could make my own. If that is possible can you tell me how?
Do you know John Green (Or at least heard of him)?
Do you have a Nationstates account? And if so, what is the nation name?
How are you today?
Are you working on another book at the moment?
You know those people who say "I love your books,"? Does that bother you because it's not a question and this is for questions? Or are you like "It's not a question, but it's a nice compliment,"?
what is the meaning of life?
How are you pal?
Can you add systems much like the NStracker's into the main game of nationstates?
Hi i play and love your game (NationStates) and just want to say first: Thank you for making an awesome game, i have another question, would it be ok if you put a aspect in the game were you can declare war on another country? Again thank you for making this amazing game and letting me create my own country (Flarsin).
-Thank you agian
Flarsin
How many browser tabs do you usually keep open at a time? And how long does it take you before you actually get around to looking at them?
Do you plan to add more information or a better way to count troops in NationStates? I know you said no to war, but I feel like this is different.
Do bad grammar bother you?
When are you going to do a sequel for Jennifer Government?
I am writing a novel and want to get better at writing action scenes. Do you have any recommendations ... a book or a blog where a master divulges his secrets and suchlike? Thank you. Also, Wolf rules!
Mr. Max, I'd like to know why the box that asks for your name when you click the "Click Max to Ask" bit is slanted. I keep looking at it sideways and it is not parallel with the rest of the page. Who even designed this website anyways?
Hey Max, are you okay? I heard that you got injured!!! Plz tell us that you are alright?
On NationStates, do you or did you have your own mini-nation or have you refrained from doing so?
RE: NationStates April Fools cards, what about a list of the countries with the most copies of their own cards? I've got 9 of my own
Max, I play NationStates. Now I don't know if you play or not but what is your opinion of the WA's liberation resolutions being used to attack the natives of Nazi, Fascist and Communist regions?
So my wife and I were wondering, are you a cat person or a dog person? I think you're a dog person, she thinks you clearly own a cat. Can you please settle this?
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your game NationStates. my country name is GreatEuropa just incase you want to visit me.
I'm a huge NS player, and I think that at the least, buying and selling the cards should stay in the game. I would be okay if lootboxes left. But couldn't they just be scaled similarly, but maybe to a more exaggerated extent, as the issues in the game are? For example, you might start by getting a lootbox every, say 30 minutes, but eventually (maybe after, I don't know, a week) you might get one every 12 hours. Would this be possible to keep the cards as a functioning system, like challenges have stuck around?
Dear Max Barry,
why are you ditching the Nation States Trading Card System after the 8th of April?
p.s. I am really enjoying nation states :)
Dear mr. Barry,
I would like to ask You to expand the policies and make it possible to design your own income tax system.
Moreover, it should be possible to run budget deficits.
And could You please keep the card game going?
Thanks so much.
(Notaxias)
Can you keep the NationStates Cards please?
Love you. And i love the card game!
How do you overcome writer's block? I'm struggling with this problem at the moment.
How dare you write such awesome books and make games as awesome as NationStates?
What makes a question worth answering?
What are your morals?
Do you support the death penalty?
Where did you get the idea for Lexicon? Did it just randomly come to you, or did you get inspiration from somewhere? If I were to write a story that was loosely based off a similar idea of psychological manipulation, would it be plagiarism?
Love your books!
Can you guys keep the deck card thing going? It looks fun!
HeY Max. Listen. I have a question.
My friend on NationStates was classified as Ultra Rare" during the April card-deck-thingy, yet, I, someone with more population and regional influence, was classified as "Common".
In short; I'm furious, and demand that you change up the system to make MY nation's card BETTER. or ELSE, I'll be writing you a very strong worded letter.
P.S. That little stick figure with a smiley face below this box labelled "You" does not properly represent my feelings, and I also demand you change that.
...
April Fools! Got'cha Max!
In NationStates, every time issues about kids appear, the people always say, "Or they could be spray painting trains." What's the deal with that? Jack
I love you
if there is ever a downloadable version of Nationstates what special thing would you add to the downloadable version?
What pushed you to create that self-managing web so-called game like NationStates? Honestly, that's one of the games I play on daily basis. Greetings!
Have you ever thought of giving NationStates a whole new update and add more things to it or even make it a mobile app?
Why don't you add wars to NationStates?
Do you think the world is moving more or less towards capitalizm? I only ask because I was idly looking at the Jennifer Government world map and realised the UK left the European Union, which was quite premonitory.
Max- what's this "School Class Nation" thing I've been seeing on some nations in NS?
Do you like the song All Star by smash mouth?
What was the idea behind the creation of NationStates?
Is nationstates best browser geam?
There is a wrong answer.
Do you plan to release a Nation States App?
Why did you write Jennifer Goverment
Is there any momentum on Machine Man being adapted into a movie? What studio owns the rights?
Greetings Max! I have a Question: about the classifications,are you going to add "Socialist Theocracy" classification?, Thanks and have a nice day!
Will there be a Nation-States 2?
What inspired you write the book Jennifer Government?
Mac, what are your thoughts on Game of Thrones?
Do you like pancakes?
Do you believe in God?
In NationStates, when it says that the crime rate has gone down, but it is displayed in red, is that good or bad?
I was just on the nationstates site and this was the closest I found to a "contact us" page. I was wondering if the consideration of making an app has ever come up. I used to hop on to nationstates but I just don't have time to get on my computer very often anymore. Also being in the military it's hard even with vacation mode to keep a nation alive most of the time
Can you make another political game like NationStates but with wars?
Hello Max, I work as an environmental consultant but I am just a glorified technical writer. I would love to write novels and stories but I can not write dialog nor do I understand other people and their motives. I only attended English Composition classes in High School (and still graduated) and my good Italian mother used to say I should write something for a living. Is there any hope? I suppose I could go to local writing workshops but feel free to be brutally honest.
Dan
If you were in a room with all the people who play nationstates, what would you do?
Max, I found your book left on a bus stop bench. I read in one sitting cover to cover. Loved it.
Max, I loved Lexicon and would love to see it made into a movie. I checked IMDB and it appears that Matthew Vaughn bought the rights.
Since he ripped off the "universal word" for the Samuel L Jackson mobile phone gimmick in The Kingsman. Is there any hope Lexicon will ever be made? What did you think when you saw that movie - in case you watched it.
When's your new novel coming???
I have read a lot of you talking about how much of a pain in the ass it is to get through writing the book but I can't remember you talking about how you started them. How do you get your ideas and start the very first writing?
how did you make nationstates
Did you write Lexicon chronologically and later decide which order to publish the chapters in? Or did you write it in the order in which the chapters appear? Or something else?
What is your political ideology?
Hi Max. What is your name
Star Wars or Star Trek
Will you continue to update NationStates?
Hi Max. Just finished re-reading Lexicon for the fifth time or thereabouts. Each time, I pick it up just to read the first two chapters again (since they're so well-constructed and fun), but each time, they suck me in to reading the entire book again.
So thanks!
But that's not my question. This is:
How are the Poets names determined? At first I was looking for connections between each Poets personality and their namesake writer, but I've never found those connections. Later, I realized this is probably the wrong road to look down, since each Poet tries to disguise their true personality. Yeats the character certainly seems to share very few characteristics with Yeats the actual poet.
But I'm not sure HOW they're named! Early on, Yeats says to Emily something like "when the time is right, I have the perfect name for you...", but what did that MEAN? Why was Virginia Woolf the perfect name for Emily? Why is Yeats Yeats? Why is Eliot Eliot? etc etc...
Long question... feel free to edit it down, if you decide to answer this on your blog. And thanks for answering, if you answer. Very excited to read your next novel!
Robert Orenstein
Is The man in the high castle a good book to read?
What's your opinion on Donald Trump? I do not favour nor loathe him, I just want to hear an opinion.
Can you ever see yourself retiring from writing. Finish a book and say "that's it, I'm done. I'll let the Amazon bots take it from here".
If you're playing NationStates, what would be your type of Government ?
Will it ever be possible to post pictures in the regional message boards?
My sister loved your book Lexicon, I did as well. However, she is terribly curious to know: Have you any plans to expand upon it with a sequel?
How are you not suing the crap out of the “creators†of this new Corporate show?
What the best country in the world?
Hi Max,
Was your novel Syrup secretly optioned as source material for the movie Sideways? The economics of what happened to the Pinot Noir/Merlot markets in the wake of that film are hard to believe, absent a CABAList plot with a mastermind such as yourself.
-kd
Where did you find that sock full of pennies?
Do you have a Nintendo Switch?
Why is there no app for nationsstates
what song do you love to listen to when doing work
Do you think North Korea will do something to disturb world peace in 2018?
Anyway, happy new year Max!
Emus vs Ostriches?
Are you working on a secret book at the moment?
What do you think of the decentralization movement (crypto)?
Do you think the world will exist past 2020?
Did Syrup really make a loss of $24 million?
Do you think that in the future that humans will become extinct and that robots will dominate the world?
Is our life better than our forefathers?
Is there a teapot in orbit around the sun?
Thanks for Nation states!
What is the source of your header photo of a guy with a pointer and a model of a mushroom cloud? And date?
why do we look derpy
Hi Max Just was interested on who your favorite sports player is ?
Have you tidied your bedroom yet?
Morocco Mole asks, "Do you prefer rugs or bare floors in your home?"
Please add wars to nation states to make it more realisitc please boi!
Having a good day?
Is There Any Way You Could Remove The Time Limits For The Question's On NationStates?, I Love The Game But Would Love It Even More If The Timer Were Removed So I Could Just Play The Game Without Having To Wait Forever To Play The Game, Its Really Frustrating.
What are your thoughts on communism if it could be implemented properly?
Can I ask you a question?
Is your first name actually Max or are just quantifying the degree of your Barry-ness?
what do you think the world will be like in 100 years?
Do you think that memes are a form of intelligence or of stupidity?
are you gonna make a nation states iphone app?
Dear max would you kindly sign these important papers that aren't totally annexation paperwork.
*passes annexation paperwork*
In Lexicon, why are the non-compromised (or promising poets) all dog people? Have you got something against cats? The whole thing struck me as odd because cats, with their fuck-you attitude, are about as uncompromised by anything as I could imagine, while dogs will do anything you say just to get on your good side, the suckups.
why did you make nationstates?
What if I bought all your books in the world including the copies and just burned them all and posted on youtube, how will that make you feel?
What would you do if Net Neutrality got slashed?
Any updates to the bookshelf?
Are you a robot?
Do you think more people know you for NationStates or your books?
Can you try to implement a trading aspect in NationStates or try to have an ability where you draw your nations topography and that like effects weather so you see exactly what happens in the nation.
1. Why make NationStates?
2. How well did you think NationStates was going to turn out compared to how well it did?
3. How does one go about enforcing sunblock laws to stop almost a quarter of their people from dying of cancer? (In reference to NationStates.)
I've read Lexicon and loved it. IS there any other forms of writing that you have wrote, besides novels?
Why did you make this game ?
When the next event going to happen in NationStates?
How is your day going?!
It's weird to think that I am older than NationStates by only a few months... is that weird for you, too?
What's your favorite non-monumental moment?
What was your inspiration to start nationstates?
Hi Max! What's your NationStates Nation?
With all the new crypto currency out there, I was wondering what your favorite one is and why. Please post a reply.
What is your favorite book?
I like the new feature being able to see what issues we approved. Can we have a way to change them if we have changed our opinions?
When did you find a sock full of pennies and how many pennies was it? Were they Australian?
Hi Max, great program! We're using it in school to build a Nation. Any fun approaches for Middle School kids?
i love nationstates so can you make a game about history
What made you think of creating NationStates?
How old are you
Hi Max, what the heck is going on with the MOVIE version of your book? COME ON - I would love to see this visualized on screen. BTW have given no fewer than 9 copies of you book to friends, family and even my orthodontist!!!
Hello, what frameworks and software did you use to make nationstates?
Max, I wanted to let you know that I recently introduced my Democratic Socialists of America chapter to Jennifer Government. I'm not sure what your personal politics are, especially as an Australian lad, but I wanted to personally thank you for being the "best new thing" to a bunch of my conrads.
What do you think of the same-sex marriage debate here in Australia?
Hi! I'm a fan of your books. That's all!
How do you fell about the depth some of the countries take? Did you expect it when you made NationStates? (Like Wikis, Forums, TeamsSpeaks etc.)
also... do you play NS yourself?
can you please put something witty and funny to respond to this question?
Hey Max, I've been reading through your blogs, and read to the incident when the Swiss company called Allevia threatened to sue you for a player in NationStates having the same name. I went the searched, turns out Allevia (the nation) ceased to exist 10 years ago. Care to take a moment of silence?
Where did you get the inspiration to make NationStates?
Why do you have to murder NS with your zombies, just why?
Do you have a nation in nationstates? Please actually give an answer instead of saying "i'm not telling". Thank you.
why did you create nationstates?
How do you cope with being a writer? Thanks a bunch for your things!
You can make to national states,,The divorce rate"?Please...
Hi Max do you have a Nation in NationStates?
How you doing?
Stock Market in NationStates?
What is your favorite book that you wrote?
Why are you even writing anyway?
Do you like Netflix?
What do you think of Trump?
How was your childhood?
What is the best thing that every happened to you?
Could I make a logo for NationStates?
Max, I want to have a war with another nation. What shall I do??
Will Nation States be an app? I really enjoy the game and I hope it would become an app.
What is your favorite piece of literature.
would you rather be blind and only know sign language or be deaf and only know braille?
In the past you said you support Australia becoming a republic. Might I ask why? (I personally don't agree with the position so I want to hear what you have to say on the matter, because honestly people that disagree with me tend to be more interesting than people that do agree with me)
Are we ever going to have another major updated of gameplay on nationstates
How often do you brush your teeth?
Are any books coming up? If so, names, hints, anything? Thanks so much,
Do you play NationStates? If so,what is your nation?
Hey Max, could you please please do a mini course on the subject of "mechanics of storytelling" for beginner writers like me.
How do I succeed at NationStates?
-Timbs
Still alive?
Can you make a "note" feature on dossier entries for NationStates? It would be quite helpful.
I don't so much fancy apple juice, you?
ARe you Testlandia in nationstates?
Do you have an Australian accent?
If I told you I wanted to become an author when I grow up, what advice would you give me?
(Do you still/have you ever) actively (play/ed) NationStates?
Do you like Roller Coasters? If so, what's your favorite that you've been on?
Hello, Sir!
How is the "Machine Man" script adaptation going... Was it not to be a collaboration with the filmmaker, D. Aronofsky? He is in now with all of the MOTHER! publicity. Love to see that upon the silver screen. Or, perhaps Spike Lee could acquire the rights if available?
Yukon_Golde -- Silent Poet
This is not a question.
Thanks for making NationStates
What inspired you to make your Jennifer Government Book?
What new updates are you planning on adding to NationStates
Can Max maximise truthfulness in Max's response to Ask Max questions? Or can Max not maximise truthfulness in Max's responses from Ask Max, making Max not a very good Max? And how often does Max have writer's blocks?
Would you be willing to take concepts for the updating and improvement of Nationstates from fans? Such as introducing maps?
What is your primary language you code in! And what inspired you!
Hey Max. I love NationStates and was wondering any tips to keep my civil rights high with how I answer issues. I feel like I do everything wrong! I love Jennifer Government by the way.
What was your main message about the dangers of extreme capitalism in Jennifer Government?
Max what's your name?
Have you thought on creating a micronation? If you are, or just started thinking about it, what would your micronation be called, and how would it's flag look like?
As I've been reading Jennifer Government and Lexicon I couldn't help thinking that they would make great films. Are they already in development?
Hello, are you going to give nations in NationStates the ability to declare war, and simulate war, or are you planning to make another NationStates 2, with battle features?
I really don't want to wait for some sort of an Apocalypse on NationStates.
Why did you create NationStates?
Are there any Easter eggs in NationStates? If so,name a few?
Is it at all possible to have "largest drop in score" as one of the final nuclear stats on NationStates? Because that would be funny as well as fairly relevant.
Oh and on a writing note, something I've always had trouble with is writing scenery. No matter how I try it always sounds either too long-winded or too cursory and I can't hit the sweet spot for the life of me. And of course, since painting a setting is one of the first things you do in a composition, all of my story ideas haven't really progressed past the first paragraph. Do you have any tips on how to actually write scenery?
are u a kool kid
Hey Max? What's your opinion on the whole Nazi rally in Charlottesville?
I am trying to make sense of all of the role playing on Nationstates does it serve any purpose or it just for fun
Yo, how's life?
Is it alright to create a cult dedicated to Jimi Hendrix?
Are you a good person?
Does communism work?
What inspired you to write? And do you have any tips for people wanting to write books about fictional governments?
Why did you nation state?
Hey Max! I'm a long time fan of NationStates, and I've loved it since I started. I recently had the idea though, that something was missing from the nations. And then it hit me, anthems! National songs! I know we have the motto, but we dnot really have an actual song. I'm not sure how to go about the idea, or if it's even possible for you. And even if it is it'd probably be a whole lot of work. But what are your thoughts on the idea?
WHAT IS LOVE
Could you give some tips on query letter writing, as in what's worked for you and what hasn't? I'm about 40,000 words into my novel and the idea that six months or more from now i'll have to condense it all down into a page both scares and confuses me.
Would you like to write book series instead of stand-alone novels?
What is your opinion on the idea of adding "Regional Issues" to Nationstates, just an idea
Max, you've said before that writing a novel requires you to be deluded for a long period of time so you think that what you're writing is the best thing ever, because how else would you go on? I feel I am lacking this required delusion. I'm painfully aware of how illogical or stupid my stuff seems every few days I try to write. I go to a weekly writing group which forces me to be somewhat disciplined and produce at least a few thousand words each week, but I go through cycles of illusive hope and despair, and spend most of my time in the despair of clarity. Do you have any advice for how to delude myself into success? Thanks for being rad.
Hey Max, can you answer this question? If not, why? Btw this is a trick question because you answer it either way. Or you just ignore it and prove me wrong
Are you someone who tends to edit while writing, or get everything on paper as quickly as possible and edit afterwards?
Do you ever think about the fact that Elon Musk may have seen your movie?
Let me explain:
Syrup stars Amber Heard.
Elon Musk is dating Amber Heard.
If I had a girlfriend who was a movie star, I'd watch her movies.
Therefore, Elon Musk may have watched Syrup.
Thoughts?
Do you ever regret making the godforsaken game we all know as "NationStates"?
What was is it like crating NationStates? Did you think it would be as popular as it is today?
What's your opinion on the Fake News fiasco? Is a lot of the MSM really a spreader of fake news?
Do you have any plans for future updates to "NationStates"
Is there going to be a NationStates 2 after the disastrous first attempt at a sequel? If so, will it have a better form of diplomacy besides roleplay?
I made a rap about you: Yo yo max! You dont pay your tax(es)! You made Nation States! From selling lots of crates! Your last name is Barry! That means your hairy! Are you a fairy? Because your so hairy.
Do you like it?
Do you take holidays? Where do you go?
Fave nation on nationstates?
"Max also created the online political game NationStates, for which he is far more famous amongst high school students and poli-sci majors than his novels."
I've seen 6 graders play it too.
And congrats! You were copied! I cants post the URL, but it's call ars-regendi .com
Can you please add the option in your game NationStates to remove your coutrys laws if you dont like them?
This Q&A format is clever! Where do you come up with ideas like this? What inspires you?
What kind of berry do you like, Max "berry". ;)
I really enjoy reading your books in order of release. There's definite improvement from one book to the next. Syrup was phenomenal, but I really dig how every book seems to be getting better. Thanks for writing such
great work, your books are among the few I have bought physical copies of.
do you oil your head or is it naturally that shiny
I think globalization could work in the future by taking power away from the hands of humans and to a sentient AI that knows about human plight and wont kill us due to its programing. This idea was thought of not by me but paulsego of the drunken peasants
How u feel bout thems T-34's?
Also would you think that they would win against a M4 sherman?
I need a new book from you. Can I have one soon?
What Gave You The Idea Of Making NationStates
how much money do you make?
Whats Your Favorite Video Game, Other Than NationStates. Also, What Inspired You To Make NationStates?
I teach political communication at a large U.S. university. Do you think your books offer some insight into political action, why or why not?
Hi Max, I always remember your Dogs and Smurfs essay and shared it with someone today as a way of trying to explain the phenomenon that we think of everyone as male, as part of a conversation about why we really need to know someone's gender anyway. The question for you is, do you think the Dogs and Smurfs situation has improved, particularly with regard to children's literature/TV/content?
Hello Max! If you lived somewhere other than Australia, where would it be, and why?
Swiss cheese or cheddar?
How do you even find time to answer our idiot questions?
What's your the name of your nation on Nationstates?
Hi Max,
First off, big fan of your work and NationStates. Now for the question. Where do you lean on economics? I, myself, am a capitalist/trickle down economist. But, I recently saw a quote: "Trickle down doesn't work if the top scoop of ice cream refuses to melt". I happen to believe that reducing spending and taxes at a large rate is best for the economy to grow and for jobs to be made. Long story short, this quote shook my faith a bit and I was wondering what your stance is, out of mere curiosity.
Max what is your political tendency?
My question concerns the game Nationstates. Why do countries with a market economy have a much higher income than the countries with a planned one? Did not you say that players of all political preferences are equal here?
NOTICE ME SENPAI
Hey max what's your opinion on dank memes? Should be some category in nation states.
I'm drestovia and jesruriz btw
:3
I have an idea for a NationStates category: Population growth. It determines how little time it would take to get a million citizens. Let's say that someone encountered an issue, and they chose one that would negatively effect the Population Growth. It would be Population Growth: -4.1%, and if their population growth was three hours for a million citizens, it would be three hours and twelve minutes to get a million citizens. I think my idea would really change the way population increases, being put into relevance by issues.
Have you ever visited NationStates secretly (like a "EPIC RETURN")?
Will NationStates 2 come out someday?
Hey Max, do you have a nation on NationStates?
What did you make Nationstates with? Also is Barry Yalen a reference to Barry Allen, The Flash in that issue about a guy named Flashy?
Hello! I don't know if someone else has already asked, but how/where did you find a sock of full of pennies?
Have you got a favorite sports club or just favorite sport in general?
I'm a huge fan of all your books! Any new novels in the works?
Have you taken the political compass test? If not, can you?
Did you read the 3 Body Problem? Recommend any new fiction?
Do you have a cat or dog? Or a great white shark? I heard they are common in Australia
Technical question: in percentage, how much of what you write in the very first draft see the light in the final version of a novel?
Did this percentage diminished from your first novel, compared to the latest one?
Do you have a nation in NS?
Are you vegetarian?
i cant read
pepsi or coke max/
How old are you
Am I a sandwich
Boxers of briefs
Are you secretly Donald Trump? If so, when will you nuke North Korea?
who did you vote for in the 2016 election?
Why did you create NationStates?
How and why did you write machine man? Also, what were your motivations for writing it?
Hey Max! I don't have any of your books, but I play NationStates! I think it's amazing. I can't really think of any good questions though. So... Keep doing what you're doing!
When is your next book coming out? :D
Hi Max
I was wondering how you chose the poets names in Lexicon. Was it a form of characterization or random? Which traits were you trying to convey with the name Woolf, Eliot & Yeats (and others)? I loved the book and am trying to get a little more insight (I picked this book for the oral Matur aka Swiss final exams).
Thanks!
Do you have a nation on NationStates (p.s. Thanks for making NS, my only hobby and supportive community in my life XD)
What's your favorite book (other than your own, even though they are awesome...*hugs copy of Lexicon*) ever written?
I have a class assignment I hope you can help with. Info to follow: You will be concerned with looking at this novel and analyzing it based on the literary elements that you learned while studying short fiction. To prepare for that analysis, use the Web to find out as much as you can about Max Barry, as well as how and why he wrote Machine Man. For this discussion, write a short paragraph about the important things you learn when you research the author. Next, write a few sentences about how the novel was created and what your research leads you to believe might be Barry's motivations for writing it based on our cultural practices, beliefs, and/or misunderstandings.
What do you think of the emoji movie?
Can we have capitals on regions instead of founders in NS?
So is this where I'm supposed to write the question?
What do you think about Brazil?
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow?
Do you actually answer these?
Could make a new event, like invasions, please?
Do you like cats? If yes, then why? Do you have one?
Oh yeah, and do you think he could write it on a Toshiba laptop?
Do You think it's possible for a man diagnosed with Parkinson's disease to complete a novel he (which is me) started about 10 years ago? I know I can't go back to my regular job.
How do you feel about the 2005 Cronulla riots?
Which one of the books you've written is your favorite and why?
Have you thought about doing a graphic novel or adapting one of your books into a graphic novel?
I'm just now watching the show "Better Off Ted". Have you ever noticed that it really has a lot of thematic elements in common with "Company"? Is that because they ripped the general ideas off of you? Or is because companies are really like that?
You Should add war to NationStates but when you go to war it is like a bunch of issues that determines who wins
He Max, I know of the failure of NS 2 but how would you like to give it another try? Been working on concept art
Hi Max! My question's to you is that what was your reaction to such an awesome success of nationstates?
Yo max! Can you give me a shoutout? My ns name is Pokemanland
Hey Max - not long now and machine men will help you with that bag of mulch of bucket of paint https colon slash slash qz.com/983409/lowes-is-giving-its-workers-exoskeletons-to-help-lift-very-heavy-things/
did you make nation states by your self
Hi Max! I'm currently in business school in Europe, but unsure about the future. How did you realize you were better off writing rather than working for a corp?
I'm in high school and want to learn how to make games. I have this idea for something that has the simple, easy to understand format of the issues from Nationstates that have the things that they change without you having to manually find something, for example: your nations stance on Creationism vs Evolution or gun laws or welfare to name a few, take that and cross it with the game Democracy 3 with all its micromanagement of one of the countries that you can choose to run,.
Which is why I'm wondering how you calculate the stats for the nations such as GDP, youth rebelliousness, corruption, etc?
Would you ever consider publishing the source code for nationstates and if not that, the way it calculates the stats?
What's the best thing since sliced bread?
Hi. So you're an author (obviously) and I was wondering how publishing companies are to work with and whether it's a a good idea to use them or not. However, you live in Australia and I don't so this may not be relevant. (I'm terrible at questions, I'm sorry).
What do you think about the environment? should we protect it?
Why do people post anything on here?
Your thoughts on Fascism?
Bro I've been reading a lot of your stuff and you mention Catholics way more than most people. What's the connection, my dude.
Do you think you will ever add some sort of form of war in nation states
Why does your website say "Legionnaires' disease free since 1990"? Is this a hint about an upcoming book?
Do You play your Nation States Game?
max i was wondering if you could work even more on NS like im addicted
Could you allow us to change the name of regions on nationstates
Not a question but a statement: I really enjoyed Jeniffer Government and that's not just because of the Chadstone and Dandenong Road references. I'm halfway through Lexicon and that's great too. Thanks for writing. :)
How do you feel about Donald Trump becoming president?
What is your ideal government and what would it be like to live under it?
Are you religious?
Are you Australian ? You look Australian.
Does Cambridge Analytica owe you money or did they pay for their copies of Lexicon?
Is there a Lexicon movie in the works?
Are u going to make more games like nation states
Max?
What special event is in store for NS next?
Hey there, I'm looking to jumpstart a project of mine by creating a website, and by observing the set-up of your NationStates game, I'd love to use that sort of format for what I'd like to do. Since I lack a bit in experience, I'm asking around to various creators that I can observe and see how I can get started. So any feedback saying you'd like to give some advice or tips toward how to approach this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Could you set in NS a kind of map of interaction for raids? or Invasions?
How did you start out as an author? What inspired you to pursue writing books?
How did you learn to code?
What will be in the next NationStates update?
Do condemnations actually affect said regions?
It looks like life is imitating your art again, this time with anti-virus attacking the systems it protects. See the Wired article: The Clever 'DoubleAgent' Attack Turns Antivirus Into Malware.
What key factor led to writing the Oracle known as Jennifer Government? Did you happen to buy some strange Eastern tea that has temporal folding properties?
Hi Max, Why did you decide to include Chapter 5 at the end of Lexicon? I have a group of students reading it for class, and they think it contrasted the suspenseful style of the whole novel.
Hi! Why are you Australian
What is your favorite book that you have written?
Actually it is more of a request than a question but I was
wondering if you could "wars" to United Nations just to spice things up.
I can't think of anything constructive to ask. Any suggestions?
So, when playing NationStates, why is that the wait time between getting issues such a long time? While I love playing, the fact I have to wait 3-5 hours between issues that usually only take a few minutes to resolve seems like a bit much.
Do like you like to go fishing
What's your general reaction to seeing some of the technology you write about as SciFi becoming more of a reality each day? This specifically referring to Hugh Herr's progress on prosthesis and then becoming more and more like what we saw in Machine Man.
Do you drop the bass a lot?
What inspired you to write these books?
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?
Hey Mr. Barry,
I was wondering is there an actual headquarters of NS? It would be totally cool if we had a headquarters in like DC where we could have like a real life WA meeting and stuff. That would be awesome! Could that be a possibility in the near future?
Hi Max! This is very random, but 12 years ago, when I was in 10th grade, my friend group got extremely hooked on NationStates, and I read JENNIFER GOVERNMENT as a result. I have to say that it's still one of my all-time favourites books that also shaped who I am as a writer, and I've probably read it eight times or more. I was just gushing about your work to a colleague, and I'm excited to dive into MACHINE MAN and LEXICON. Cheers to you and your upcoming work!
Yours,
Samantha Beiko, Canada
You should add a way to make certain things only visible to certain nations in dispatches. Such as if you want to make part of the dispatch only visible to your region mates but no one else.
Is the inspiration for your stories sudden or from daily life or from what?
How do you get your ideas for short stories?
What are the populations of Maxtopia and Bigtopia?
Why is? Just, in general?
One of the NS mods said that orphans mine coal to provide you and the mods with your luxurious lifestyles. Is that true?
Hi, when you are coming to Brazil? I suggest you the city Fortaleza, we are waiting you.
Do you play NationStates? What's your nation?
Max, do you have published any book in Albania? I wan't read one of it.
Ok so I'm wanting to write a book about my region (People's Federation of Qandaristan) but I get stumped on how I should explain to people why there are different countries than the ones we have. What should I do?
Do you time answering this question? I saw a lot in queue.
How come you're so funny? Are you a natural comedian? Can you teach me?
Max, in your blog "Talk to Me, Baby" you stated that the only reason you visit this site is to read and respond to comments. This was back in 2006. Now, 11 years later, is this still the case? Are you reading old comments over and over again? If this is the case, wouldn't you blog more for more comments?
I enjoyed reading your Machine Man for a college class, I now have to read a essay on how technology is a distraction and then becomes a safety issue to us. I was wondering if you could give me some quotes on this? Like to the book machine man.
Do you like donuts?
Who are you?
Max, do you like pie?
Why are you bald? Stress?
Would you consider posting a first draft AND a final copy side by side for curious onlookers such as myself?
Can you educate anyone without their will & choice to be educated?
How do I not look like a noob on nation states
When it comes to "NationStates" Didn't you feel that there should have been more things to do? Like for example,
-Building a Army
-Making cities
-Writing Laws
-Building a Police force
Stuff like that?
I've got to most of the way through the last chapter of Lexicon, and it's since been sitting beside my bed for almost as long as it's been published. Is it safe to read the rest, or will it end in me reading the word I shouldn't read, and doing something like emptying my bank account to yours?
Are you writing anything new?
Max, what is the least interesting topic one could possibly write a novel about?
On a scale of 1 to 999999 how awesome are you?
I am the head of state of a nation at NationsStates and would like to know if you could make improvements in WA.
So what are your political views?
why does WA page still contain the abbreviation of the bureacy that cannot be named but sounds a lot like united stations?
What's your favorite? (There are correct and incorrect answers to this question.)
Can you buff planned economies in nation-states? I've noticed that a lot of fellow leftist have the same complaint that economic growth is tied too much to economic freedoms.
What IS the deal with airline food?
Do you believe in Jesus?
This is less of a question but more of a comment for nation states. It would be really neat if there were more random scenarios for nations, regions, or even the world. Scenarios such as plague's, famine's, natural disasters, etc. It would definitely make the game more interesting and realistic. Thank you for all you have done already. I certainly hope these scenarios become reality for the game.
Yo Max, Any reason why China's 2 child policy isn't a choice in the Issue of "Won't somebody think of the children? I feel like it would be a better option IMO
What are your favorite books, you've read more then 5 times and will continue re-reading?
Kate (Toronto, Canada)
if all of your novels got into a royal rumble wrestling match, who would win and why?
Ar you bald or do you shave your head? ðŸ§
How can I succeed at NationStates.net?
Max, how do you plan on celebrating Christmas this year, or how did you spend Christmas this year? How are you going to spend New Year's Eve? Do you have any big plans for 2017? Like a book tour or possibly a meet and greet in the US? I mean, you won't have a new book or anything, but maybe you could do something for your American fans.
Do you like to go to parties?
How can you only have five novels? I feel I've been reading you forever and I look at the sidebar and there is only five. Perhaps it's the blog and the short stories (the 'cement' story was a welcome reminder of your pithy story-telling abilities) and the fact that I re-read the novels all the time. Or maybe I'm just getting older and remembering the past differently, like when you go back to grade school and stuff that was so big back then now seems tiny and you can't fit in your locker anymore. But never mind, get back to work and I welcome some new additions in 2018.
For how long do you plan on supporting NationStates?
What is the meaning of life?
I'm surprised that only one person has asked a question. What do we have to look forward to for NationStates in the coming year? Any top secret things planned, like maybe not having a hard drive crash on the host for more than a year? :p
Hello! Have you considered to open a youtube account? I'd love to watch videos in which you talk about writings and stuff like that!
All best,
Francesco
Have you considered to crate another game similar to NationStates
What is your favorite genre to write in?
Are you still an active nation in your game nationstates, or are you a lurker or inactive?
Mr Barry wondering if you have seen the new show Incorporated which in my opinion is very close to stealing ideas directly from your books, BTW Jennifer Government is still one of my all time favorite books, bought both paperback & ebook
How long did I t take to make nationstates?
Do you agree: According to Prof. Michal Kosinski, the latest elections in the UK and USA were widely influenced by bigdata-fuelled psychologic ocean-models ? (Cambridge Analytica /Alexander Nix) ? -Sven, Hamburg, Germany
Hi, Max! Loved "Lexicon". When will your next book come out? What is it about?
Can you make a nationstates app
Have you ever had the ending of a movie spoiled?
I am an American who recently moved to Australia. I just finished Lexicon and loved it but could not help but relate it to Trump, does he have a bare word? It would explain a lot.
Can you make a guide to all the little rank and Easter egg icons at the bottom of your nation page, please sir?
My friends have custom actual map images in their nation's geography factbooks. How do I get one?
Have you ever thought about starting your own country or seceding from a country?
Do you feel like Communism will happen in the next Decade or Century?
We only have a narrow perspective of the world in which we live and believing what we see to be true is an easy illusion to trust?
Hi Max, huge fan of NationStates here. I was wondering what you think of how it's turned out. Did it end up anything like your expectations? What do you think should be done about some of more aggressive nations that are beyond punishment from the WA?
How did you make nation states?
Are there aligators in your bathtub?
How are you?
Can you ban countries from nationstates?
Hi Max, how did you get away with using all those trademarks in Jennifer Government? Did you ever get contacted by lawyers? Are you blacklisted from buying Nikes? Love,
Hey Max your pretty cool i just have one question is this where you expected to be when you were younger?
I've been a big fan of your work since college and I snatched up "Machine Man" and "Lexicon" as soon as they were published. That said, I saw the "Syrup" film, and was kind of disappointed. For one, the ending wasn't anything like the book. For another, I thought the casting of Kellan Lutz as Pete was totally wrong (maybe that's on me, I had pictured Pete was Asian). I'm not trying to be overly critical - like I say, I love your work - but I wonder: what did you think of the final product? Does it make you more or less eager to turn your novels into films?
Hey Maxy boy! <insert witty one liner in here about Trump, his hair and sausage dogs> Just wondering if you have any news re: a new book? My current Max Barry book collection is getting lonely. Thanks!
the speech bubble is cool - are we all going to die at the hands of T...p? That word will not exist in my lexicon until he is gone...how about President elect
Pmurt?
Hi Max! I'm a big fan of your website, NationStates.net, and I was wondering, do you own a nation, or play around on its forums?
Are you always going to keep NationStates free?
Which of your books is your favorite?
What is your nation?
Max Barry will you ever close NationStates is my first Question My Second Question is if you die who will take over NationStates The Moderator's?!By have a great day,Jacob.
Do you do your own coding?
If you were to write a sequel to Lexicon featuring Clinton, Trump and Duterte, what would be their poet names? Who wiuld be the reluctant hero, the villain, and the extra?
Will NationSates ever get a war mechanic?
Hey, Max how do you feel knowing NS is becoming a great website to use?
Hey Max, I'm relatively new to your blog, as in a month or so new, and I found your blog and found it so very useful. That being said, I'm a senior in high school and we have a thing called senior project. For my senior project I chose to write a 7 chapter novella (roughly). Do you have any tips on writing styles or just writing skills in general?
Does nation states have issues remembering account details because I just made an account then lost it
are any of my questions going to be answered or you just going to ignore me?
What is your opinion of Rodrigo Duterte and the situation in the Philippines?
are you hitman?
Will we ever see an official, functional, NationStates app?
Are you an evil alien cyborg?
Do you think you'll ever be able to top NationStates?
Hey max! First off, You are an amazing person for making Nationstates. It allowed me to meet most of my current friends, so thanks for that! Now, I have to ask, Do you ever come on nationstates or just sit back and watch the fun?
In NationStates, why can't we cure our own nation of zombies?
Are you ever going to try to develope NationStates II again?
Hey Max! Did you ever have the feeling that the only thing you want to do right NOW is to write but you... sort of... procrastinated? I'm mad at myself because I want to write, I just don't start. Any tips?
Hey Max! I'm sure you had post about aliens writing your novels, and now it's gone. Was it also written by aliens, or it was blog of someone else, or maybe I was hallucinating?
how do you feel about your country being a poison covered desert where you fight over fuel and eat dog food compared to beautiful green NZ?
Is this a question?
What's the best nation name that you've ever seen on nation states?
Do you enjoy raiding in nationstates?
Is zombie role play Mandatory?
Is your legal name Max? My name is Max too.
Hey max, have you ever heard back from the UN about your lawsuit?
When will NationStates get a major update?
Hey Max, love the site, but are there any plans to update your bookshelf section.
Hey Max,
I picked up Lexicon by chance in SFO and I couldn't put it down until it was finished! I would go as far as even saying it's my new favorite book.
I was wondering if there's been any progress on the movie adaptation? (Or a sequel of some sort?)
Thank you!
Kind Regards,
Derick
You are very cool. What inspired you to create this wonderful game?
Do you have a nation on NationStates?
Which book do you think I should read first?
Also, do you follow politics?
Anynomoumus
Did you see kangaroos before?
I have decided just now that Ellen Page must play Emily in a film version of Lexicon. I just watched Into the Forest and she is a perfect fit.
Max, could you convince my English teacher to let me write a mini-biography about you? We have this long project, and it would really make things quick if you could respond to this. Also, how over-the-top is your satirical view of marketing in Syrup? I mean, I get that it's supposed to be portrayed in a very vicious way, but is it really that cut-throat?
I live in the USA and it's turning into Jennifer Government realworld. please send help
How do you feel about text language?
(Or, as said in text language:)
how due u feel abot txt lngyge?
Check out Stubborn Soda. Designer soft drinks for people who need to express their false individuality through beverages but don't like alcohol. Genius. Thanx, Maxx Barry.
Where do you fall on the political compass? Are you Liberal, Conservative, Moderate?
I'd like to thank your creation of Nation States! Without it, I would have never been able to reconnect with my best friend a few years back through the telegram system, and thus would have never began work on my movie. It's a sci-fi film about two warring factions in space called "System Strike." Not much else to say about it, since it's only halfway finished now, but all I have to say is thanks for writing great books and getting me into politics.
What is your nation in NationStates called?
Bees?
Have you thought of adding a comment feature to questions? I've seen some I know the answer to, and I'm not you, but an answer to a non-open ended question is an answer.
Hi Max, I'm French. Since you obviously like words, which French words are your favorites ones and do you use some in your books ?
Have you watched the movie War Dogs? I think it has some relation to your 2016 American Presidential Elections post. If not, you should totally watch it cuz it delivers some pretty nice commentary on industry and politics in general and the characters rock, as well as how the actors portrayed them.
Why haven't you put nationstates up on the App Store?
why did you write the book MACHINE MAN? Like what inspired you to write about a man who wanted to turn himself into a machine?
Can you give some direction on the power of minimalism in your writing. How was that developed into simple yet powerful sentence structure. Giving the reader just enough description to have them paint the picture in their minds eye.
why did you write the book machine man?
Is NationStates still apealling to you?
how big was the sock full of pennies?
What is your main nation in Nation States?
Top 10 best novels right now?
Who on earth do you think you are?
have you ever thought of writing a book that has it's own theme music? everypage could have one of those sound thingys like the musical birthday cards have.... Great Idea isn't it? my gift to you... have a nice night
What was the last movie you watched? and was it good?
If you could rewrite part of it what would it be?
Do people spam you a buttload of silly questions very often?
What is the most confusing question you have never been asked?
Do you play NationStates? If it's right, where is your nation?
Max - I write about Virginia Woolf (among other things) & have published a monograph about Woolf references in contemporary fiction. I'm still tracking them, & thus I read Lexicon & will be posting on it at Blogging Woolf. My question - why Woolf? I know you use a number of actual writers, but as Woolf is one of your main protagonists I wonder if there was any special reason for assigning her this particular name.
Hey Max, what's your opinion on Brexit?
I just happened to stumble upon your interestingly unique forum-run game NS, and I'm thoroughly enjoying raising my North-Korea-like nation, aka Guerillas, from the hole in the ground it was a few weeks ago. From what I gathered, you seem to be gathering information on big nations with a ton of political, military, and economical power to write your next novel. But how do you keep track of all of this information? Do you play this game yourself just to have a dossier on interesting looking nations in the WA, or do you have some other method?
Hi Max! Why don't you implant the ability to change your name in Nation States? Just like the title of the Nation?
Have you considered creating a way on NationStates to actually wage war with another country?
If you had to join one game-created region in NationStates, what would it be and why?
I play nationstates and i wonder how did you come up with lexicon in the first place???
Hello Max, What i do for my success life??
Are you going to create a second nationstates game?
Is Jennifer Government a young adult novel?
Just wondering, might we have a new book from you by the end of 2017? I'm jonesing for some new material. I guess I'll go back through and reread your old books again.
when you created your NationStates?
Do you actually even answer any of these questions?
Hi Max. My name is Luana. I'm from Brazil, I'm love Lexicon. I'm love Emily. Congratulations, your book is amazing. My question is Lexicon will continue? Forgive my english.Thanks.
What was the idea behind NationStates?
where did you get your information when you were writing about supernatural werewolves
I've only recently discovered your books, and I'm quite enjoying them. But all the online discussions seem to have taken place when they came out, which means I'm too late for that kind of community enjoyment. So now I'm determined to be more timely with your next release. What are you working on next, and when should we expect it?
Is there anything that you could tell us about nation states 2 such as gameplay and what it would have been
I just read Syrup and Jennifer Government, please forgive any misunderstandings. Were the parallels between (Nike Liaison) John Nike, and Sneaky Pete intentional? Or do they just seem similar in a 'These people represent the sorts of people that corporate ideals attract and encourage.' way?
Hello max!
I am very happy when I first joined NationStates, and would loved to give the gratitude to you when we meet...because we are so close...nationally. (Australia and Indonesia (me!))
Anyway, have you ever consider to convince the publisher to release your books to Indonesia? I would loved to read one of yours.
Regards,
Have you ever written a D&D campaign? I'm having a lot of trouble getting started because of the sheer scale of something like this, even though I have a basic idea of what I want to do and a well fleshed-out setting on which to base it. How do I get started when all I can see is how much work I still have to do?
When are you going to write a new book?
Dammit.
I was wondering if there wil be a thing for nationstates players to change the name of there nation if they got bored with the old name of the country?
Question about NationStates:
After my 1st 2 nations soon died of inactivity, I made a 3rd one in Dec'2014, but after a month stopped answering issues. I don't do anything besides login after Apocalypse notices, yet everything has been perfect in my nation, no decline whatsoever. I was wondering, what do you think of making another consequence to idleness, like some sort of slow-moving entropy factor?
Sincerely, the Republic of Rippleton.
Do you think the snowflake method is the fastest way to write a novel? If not, what do you think is the fastest way?
If you couldn't use Ubuntu, what Linux distro would you use?
Why Brasilistan, Maxtopia, and Bigtopia?
Could you make a nation states app?
What is your favourite cheese?
Nationstates Question: You can place an option that shows the results of issues in nationstates?
Will you ever make a Mobile app for NationStates?
I know it's a bit personal, but what is your political leaning?
This isn't a question so much as it is an observation, a lot of what's been stated in Jeniffer Government is actually happening in real life. Mr. Barry I as a veteran want to thank you for your insight on the world of big brother and government control, the events described in George Orwell's 1984, and your Jennifer Government, have opened my eyes to just how dangerous the times are. Keep up the good work Max.
What did you think about the brexit vote?
how does your life relate to jennifer government?
Re: Lexicon: "Huh," I thought. "Ruff, that's an interesting last name for a character." Then I got to the journal with references to a "Matt R." So, I'm a fellow fan of Matt's work (and yours*) but am wondering about the specific reference--did Bad Monkeys in particular inspire you? Sewer Gas Electric? Do you know him personally?
Best,
Greg Machlin
*Company, Jennifer Government, Syrup. All f--king brilliant.
Is your job profitable? If so...how do you get that much money?
Do you read "The Asylum For Wayward Victorian Girls" by E.A.?
Do you have a cat?
Any plans for extra features?
Can thy holy lord Maximus Barryus implement a way for us mortals to take down the World Assembly? Possibly summoneth a divine region being related to the World Assembly?
What do you think about Pepsi?
If you had to move to a different place in order to keep writing, where would you move, or would you move at all?
Hi! I have been playing NationStates for a while now... What would you say is your favorite part about it? Or, do you find anything particularly interesting about the concept of the game? (By the way, I love it! It's so much fun and I've met many internet friends playing it.)
Have you considered kickstarting a nation states app?
What is your opinion on Authoritarian Democracy as a state ideology? How do you think it will benefit a nation? And what do you think the disadvantages of this ideology are?
I love NationStates (I will be honest, I had four major nations, and three died with one reaching at least 5 billion. Currently on my fourth and I will stick with it.) Anyway, more importantly, I love your books. Are there any currently in planning or something like that?
If you happened to live FOREVER, what three items would you choose to keep on you at all times? Whatever they may be....
I was using the mobile version of Nation states and I accidentally click "exit mobile version" how do I get back to the mobile version.
Hey Max, I really really love creating factbooks for my nationstate, so I was really shocked and kind of disappointed, when I had to find out, that there is a maximum of factbooks. I could start merging similar articles together but eventually I would run out of factbooks anyway. Is there a way to remove the limit? Or at least to extend it? I would even be ready to pay/donate money, in order to do so, similar to the way you can spend money in order to increase the size of your telegram inbox.
How is it that you always manage to go the extra mile, and please everyone with your perfectly coherent explanations of everything?? It's magical! Eg. "P.S. You might ask why the icon for the bar chart is a picture of a column chart. To which I say: Shut the hell up."
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like your book machine man and the transhumanist element in it, do you think that limbs will soon replace body parts? If it did happen would you see it as a good thing?
Have you seen the "Max Barry's Nation States" Mod for Civilization 5?
It is on the front page!
are you divorced
Hi. Wanted to tell you how enamored I am of Lexicon. As a student of psychology, and a dabbler of bard-like persuasion tactics, the book really shook me up. After finishing, I had weird dreams about words as weapons.
I digress.
Just wanted to tell you how *spot on* the psychology of persuasion is in this book. How did you go about researching (if you did at all) for this book to be as accurate about mental processes the way it is?
When you first made Nationstates, did you think it would ever succeed?
Hey Max, can you tell me about your childhood life?
What inspired you to write Jennifer Government?
Hey Max, do you make any money off of nationstates?
Hey max I've been using Nationstates for a year now and is there a way to give reviews or something?
What was Wil Anderson like in highschool? any embarrassing stories of him?
Are you ticklish and where? Yes I'm weird, don't judge me :p
Would you consider making a mobile app for NationStates? That would be awesome!
My name is Owen!
How much of Lexicon if any is based on fact, I mean as in words doing what they did in the book?
Would you rather the governments of the world spend their money on public defense (military, police, protection, weapons) or space colonies on Luna and Mars?
What is it like to program NationStates? A bit of a technical question, but I'm a beginner programmer and I'd love to know what language it was made in.
Thanks!
orley.
are you ever going to die
Hey Max, what is wrong with politics nowdays?
If you were American, who would you support for President?
When's the next book?
Are you ever going to go ahead and take a survey of how many people have which government type in NationStates?
What is your opinion about Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott?
What plans do you have for nation-states? Will you some day just decide to stop supporting the website? If yes, what will you do?
Syrup is my favourite film of all time and I am about to purchase the book. Before I would, I would love to write up my thoughts on the film in terms of the idea of image and marketing incorporating the idea of social currency in play. Would you be interested in reading as I would love to hear your thoughts?
Max, I have several good ideas for fiction writing inside my head, but am having trouble getting started, putting the words in writing. Any suggestions? Do you work from beginning to end? Or sometimes start in the middle?
What inspired you to create NationStates?
In Lexicon, what significance does the name of the poet hold on the characters of your novel? I've chosen your novel to explore for an extended essay and wanted to discuss the novel as a social commentary (potentially).
what is your net worth
What's your nation in NationStates?
Hi Mr. Barry,
I enjoyed very much reading your book, Lexicon. I actually barreled through it, but I plan to read it again in a much more relaxed and attuned state of mind, now that I know what happened. You probably hate these kind of questions, but it bothered me that in the end Emily was able to distract Yeats by throwing water on his shoes. This was the second time Yeats was in Broken Hill and he should have known not to wear good shoes. A second question is more of a speculation, but could Harry being immune have had anything to do with the mobile his father built?
Thank you,
Sandra
What were your motives for writing Machine Man?
Would you rather fight 1 Jennifer Government sized duck, or 100 duck sized Jennifer Governments?
I enjoyed your cameo towards the end of Lexicon! But I didn't notice you in any of your other books. Are you in those too? Is this a new thing? Will you be 'cameoing' in your next book?
What inspires you to write these books?
hey max. you talk a lot about editing. i was just wondering, after completing a first draft, do you wait/ how long do you wait before going back in and reworking it. i'll take my answer off the air.
Hey, I am an aspiring teen author, how would you suggest goign about a first novel?
Do you ever have the fear that what you're writing will ever be worth reading? I'm trying to be an author, and I write what I like to read, but there's so much uncertainty in whether or not someone out there would pay to read my stories. To me, writing is not only an act of perseverance, but also an act of courage.
Are you making money from nation states?
what is your favorite book to read?(one from a different author).
What is your most favorite movie?
Did you read any how to be a writer stuff when you were coming up? Any recommendations or did you just kind of wing it?
Max, how does it feel to know that your little promo for Jennifer Government, NationStates, has become as large as it has?
hi max! i just wanted to say how much i love nationstates. i have been playing for more than 4 years now. I just wanted to say that you are a genius and i love your work.
Max,
I am a big fan of your book Lexicon, and even was able to let my Literature teacher use it for our reading group. However, I am stumped on something that may seem obvious. In regards to the 'words of power' (i.e. the raw word carved on the stone in the hospital), how were they created in the first place, and what did they cost to the makers who carved them?
I think nation states would make an excellent movie whereby the game morphs into reality and real countries play to develop strategies and the govt secretly uses the site to test ideology policy, which gets out of hand and creates a real world crisis.
Hugh Jackman can play lead role and I'd take a bit part and 2% royalty.....
Do you personally have a nation in Nationstates? Because i've been playing the game for awhile and always wondered if you do.
hay just wanted to know if you have any weird fears or phobias i have one that is called submechanophobia which as a fear of underwater objects such as hulls of ships.
Hi Max, what are your favorite sci-fi novels?
In Lexicon, what significance does the name of the poet hold on the characters of your novel? I've chosen your novel to explore for an extended essay and wanted to discuss the novel as a social commentary (potentially).
Hi man,
Sorry for the Odd Nationstates question
I was writing an article and I would just like to ask if you think that the WA would become more powerful in the future?
Will you do NationStates Zombies anytime soon again?
If there was one word you could use to describe Emily from Lexicon, what would it be?
I started writing a book and I'm at about 13,000++ words so far two years ago. Then after that I got busy with schoolwork and other stuff and couldn't go back to it. Now, I revisit it and realize that, well, it's total crap and that my writing style essentially changed. Now I've got to do a major re-edit and I haven't even finished it yet. Should I abandon it and start writing other things?
Are you writing another book? I have a feeling your next book will be a smash success.
If China invades Australia in a possible World War III Scenario (There is a video about it, titled "if World War III started in January 2016", Australia would be mentioned) What would be your plan?
Are there any plans to make NationStates multilingual? I'm Spanish and, although I speak English, many other people all around the world that could like to be in NS now cannot due to language barriers.
I hope you reply me soon
why did my wife leave me
Why did you call it nationstates?
It was really a big surprise when I found your book at my city public library.
PS: I live in Brazil
What did you buy with your sock of pennies?
Any plans for the Machine Man movie? I think playing up the horror/comedy of it all would work if done well in an Eli Roth/Clown kinda way...
Is there a God?
Max! I love your Novels. I have purchased Machine Man at least 10 times to hand out as gifts. My all time favorite book of yours is Lexicon. Would you ever consider writing another book set in the same universe as Lexicon? I would love to read about the Poets and their many missions and travels.
I look forward to new books from you!
Silly question, but if YOU made a country, like, a real one with actual recognition as a country and stuff, what would you call it?
Max, how did it feel when you found that sock full of pennies?
When you worked with her on the Syrup movie did Amber Heard strike you as the sort of person who would smuggle dogs, or marry Johnny Depp?
Are you familiar with the Sad Puppies?
The test to know my segment it's really? The result?
hey i think nationstates was a cool idea. have you ever thought about udating it to where the nations could be run in different times periods? or players could start out with a nation from cave man times and progress it to a futuristic nation? by upgrading your nation you could unlock more content. You could also have nations able to participate in wars with other nations in their time period. Guild wars would be a cool idea too. I haven't read any of your books so i don't really know what type of writer/ game designer you are, but if you feel like taking up my idea that would be cool.
MAX! Here's a thought that I want your opinion on. Okay so you know how when you buy a blu-ray movie you usually get a digital copy too? How come books aren't like that? Lets say someone goes into Barnes & Noble and buys a physical copy, they should do something like print an e-code on the receipt to download a version to your kindle or something. Do you think it would be a good idea? If not then whats do you think? I like to use the physical copy when I'm at home but I take my kindle with me on trips and that would be awesome for someone like me.
Max, what's something you always wanted to write about, but never have?
-Thinking maybe something historical that needs a little research, etc.
What's next for NationStates after the addition of WA Secretary-General?
I am writing a novel about a Itlain Mafia and I was wanting to include JFK his wife, his brother and the CIA. But I need ideas to include them in the story. Any ideas?
Can i be mod in nutrition states
How do you manage to code the April fools games so well on nationstates? How long do you spend on it?
What political ideology do you affiliate with or at least agree with in real life? After reading Jennifer Government seems like you are anti capitalist or at least left wing lol.
Are you proud of the game you've created? This obviously being NS.
Where do you live in Australia? Just wondering since I'm a fellow Aussie.
Max. Can you create other positions in the WA besides a Seceretary General. Like Deputy General. Or Chairman of the Secuity Council or Chairman of the General Assembly...
Are you a Republican or Democrat?
What do you like most about writing books?
What kind of cat do you have and how helpful is she when you are trying to write?
>^,,^<
So what segment would you be? ;)
How do you feel about the fact that me and my friends sometimes call you "Min Nut" instead of "Max Barry"?
If you lived in the United States, which presidential candidate would you support and why?
Hello, I am Gabriella, I am from Brazil and I am making a school work about your book ( Machine man), and I would like to know who is Minter and why did you dedicated the book to him/her. Can you help us?
In Nationstates, as an all powerful dictator I feel that if I do not agree with a "solution" to an issue that I should be granted the "POWER!!!" to execute the stupid advisor that suggested the dumbass solution at will.
What was your favorite part about creating NationStates?
Why did you create NationStates?
With the masses of book series out there, if your publisher were to convince you to write a sequel, or threequel to one of your books, which would you choose?
- Matt
Hi Max ! I'm French and I picked up Lexicon in a bookstore during a trip to New York two years ago and I loved it ! Which one of your books do you think I should start reading now ? Which one is you favorite (if you have one) ?
Hi!
how are you? I've been wondering for a while why did you make nation states??
I was introduced to you on Wil Andersons podcast. Somi decided to Real Lexicon, so glad I did. I really enjoyed the book. No question, just praise.
If an nationstates fan made an fan sequel of nationstates would you allow it?
Lexicon was an exceptional piece of work Max. I really enjoyed reading it. My question is why did you choose Broken Hill? What is it symbolizing? I noticed that all the events were somehow always linked back to that one place.
Max, does your game NationStates use any machine learning
or neural networks to generate issues & stats?
Hi Max,
Im sure the answer is somewhere on the internet, but i cant find it. That being said, i was curious as to what your next project is and when it might be coming out, not gonna lie im kinda jonesing for some more Barry.
Thank you.
Do you get bummed out that you are not more widely known? Lexicon was my favorite book of last year, why didn't it get more notice?
Is this thing on?
How many questions from Nationstates can you answer before your aorta bursts?
If you could become President/Prime Minister/King/Emperor/Chieftain/Grand Potentate of any country in the world, which would it be?
What is your least favorite book?
What do you do besides writing? Do you play board/video games? I'd love to know and stuff to make this sound sentimental.
Hi Max! By far my favorite writer. . . My question is, when is a film for "The Company" debuting?
You will have to take Nationstates to the cinema?
If you would like and what year will be ready?
What role does Carl serve in the novel? How does he contribute to the main conflict and climax of the story’s plot? How does his personality contribute to the theme of the novel?
Hi Max! I'm writing a book but it inconveniently refuses to be planned anywhere other than in my head. Am I doomed to a creative internally narrated aneurysm? Also thanks for NS!
How many questions can this website handle before something breaks?
How many questions will you preserve for posterity; the graveyard of inquisitive idiots not suitable for front page publication?
Are you intimidated by other writers, if so how do you keep going?
Max! Will you add new games?
In the inevitable event of a zombie apocalypse in Australia, what would be your plans to ensure your survival?
Will you still write books for the non-infected population?
So what can we ask here?
Not so much as a question. More of an applause. I absolutely love nation states that is my favorite place to visit along side youtube. The new features for issues every three hours and instant confirmation is the best. It has boosted traffic to the site and one of the coolest parts is how it tells a person all the stats that updated. I am very excited for the future of the site and hope it goes on to grow larger than facebook, as it is a better outlet for socialization then fb (just my opinion).
Hi Max. I've had the pleasure of reading "Machine Man" for my college, English 102 class. I was just wondering, where your inspiration for this novel came from? Personal experience, perhaps?
In what programming languages did you develop Nation States?
Where did you get the idea of writing Machine Man?
You should allow people to edit the tax amount on nation states and more issues even if they are random and i know it is alot of work to get that done but it would be nice you also should have a like country that you can share with people where everyone in the country can vote a senate and a president and all that stuff so like a multiplayer nation
Will you ever make a NationStates app? That would be really cool.
The city-state I call "home" has announced plans to start tracking motorists by satellite, with intentions of eventually pricing the roads by distance driven and level of congestion instead of the current zonal system. How does it feel to be a modern-day Nostradamus (more commonly known as a Charlie Brooker)? Or have you simply been consulting for the Land Transport Authority of Singapore?
PS: I asked Siri to remind me to write this, and my iPhone's screen now says "Send an email to maximum battery".
What's your astrology sign/ birthday?
Hey Max! I'm sure writing has highs and lows. Have you ever had a point where you thought about packing the whole gig in? What was that point? Why didn't you?
(please don't pack it in)
In Lexicon: the mobile that Emily finds in Harry's house - is it a broken bareword that came out the mine? And is it the source of Harry's immunity since it hung over his crib and he was exposed to it in a fragmented state before he could speak?
Hi Max,
Im in my second year of collehe and I recently read Machine Man for my English class and it was awesome and now I'm writing an essay on it (whoohoo) I was wondering do you relate yourself to any of the characters?
-
Hi Max, I have a lot of questions. Mostly I'm excited to see how many (if any) you answer. Also I'm excited about lists.
1) What author gets you really excited?
2) Do you ever binge-read authors? Read one book, proclaim it to be sheer brilliance, and then desperately seek out everything else they've ever written? (Just finished Lexicon, and I've seen the movie Syrup (which, actually, I didn't love, but I'm going to blindly attribute that to the fault of movie adaptations), and I'm now hungrily awaiting Jennifer Government and Company.)
3) How would you react to being likened to the bastard love child of Christopher Moore and Stephen King?
4) Can you write a sequel to Lexicon featuring Eliot in the afterworld kicking some ass and banging Charlotte a ton? Eliot was phenomenal, and he really got shafted. Of course, he had to, for the book and all, but don't you think you could toss him a small bone? Maybe just a novella? I'd settle for a short story.
5) You wrote that you like good first lines because they make you want to read the next line, or write the next line, and that's helpful. What's your advice to someone who maybe has a few decent first lines, but is lazy as sin? And also distracted by an unhealthy penchant for making lists. Lists usually do not make for very engaging reading.
6) Do you prefer to read physical books, or ebooks on some sort of device? I will pretend to not lose a little respect for you, depending on your answer, and I will also pretend that my respect could matter to you.
7) Have you ever noticed the main problem with lists is that, much like my botched attempts at writing stories, they don't really have a good way to end?
Are bald men really men at all?
TONG TONG TONG TONG TONG TONG TONG TONG BUTT DUCKS. Okay, now that my crazy is out, I have question.
Would you prefer near nuclear annihilation or alien takeover?
Max you have anything good happening soon?
What do you think of your apparent beauty pageant career on NationStates?
Hello Max,
Could you put some hair on my head? and maybe give me a nose too, please.
What is your beef with the Kitten Softness Rating? is that not the most important rating ever?
Do you like pizza? If yes, what type? If no, what do you like?
Do you vote Republican or Democrat?
Max,
I always wondered, why is there no such government as communism in NS?
where did you get your idea in which you wrote Jennifer Government then you made
NationStates?
Hey Max!
Regarding your World Census news announcement in NationStates, I noticed it had some similarities to the way people took control of Senior Management in Company. Of course nobody knew how to actually run Zephyr, but let's not focus on the details.
Was it intentional, or do you just have all those plots in your subconscious, fighting to find their way to the surface?
So I hear there will be a new Cencus design. Can you tell me when it will be implemented?
Pancakes or Waffles?
When is the next Nationstates update?
What is your segment, and can you provide a description of your segment profile? And what would your Poet name be?
I have been working on a novel for five-ish years. Seeing as everything I wrote eventually became obsolete plot-wise, and to an unfixable degree, I am sort of starting from square two. (Not really square one, I at least know now how the plot will go.) But I had to scrap most everything. I am trying to just work and finish the darn thing, but am just somewhat daunted by the project at this point. This book has become a part of me, and I can't just let it go. Any advice?
I know this is probably cheating, but I’m a college student, and I recently read “Machine Man†for my English 102 class (great book, definitely going to be a keeper). Anyway, I need to write an essay on the theme of the book, and I’m not 100% sure what that would be. Since you’re the author, maybe you could give me a few pointers as to where to go. I would also like to know if you’re going to be publishing any books soon. Thank you!
Thank you,
Christian Thomas
How many of your books do you think would still work if you'd written them 10 years earlier or later?
Hey Max, what is your worst nightmare?
Why did you create nationstates? What is your nation?
How can mirrors be real if our eyes aren't real?
hey max,
I assume you purposefully pitched and wrote your work for the US audience or US publishers. I gather this was, from your perspective, a much better idea then simply writing clichéd Australian ‘literature’ (oh, the boredom....) or/and trying to pitch your 'type'/genre of novels to Australian publishers.
cheers,
From a Melbourne writer, whom, just quit his awful public service job and is writing a novel.
Hey Max! I just read Lexicon and I absolutely loved it! I read it for a book talk for my English class. What inspired you to write this book? I literally read it for six hours straight and am referring it to my friends. Keep on the great writing!
Is Australia better than Austria?
Being the true capitalist that I am, I'm always keeping an eye out for new ways to line my pockets by fueling other people's petty conflicts of ego. Might you ever consider offloading ownership of Nationstates to an opportunistic entrepreneur?
Hey Max! I just got into NationStates (something I know you made) and I'm very interested in it. I just would like to ask you if you plan on adding anything new to it. Just saying.
Dear Max
I was just playing Nationstates (the thing people actually care about) and I happened to stumble across this site thing. So I did some reading and it turns out you're fairly, somewhat, barely interesting, which leads to my question; Have you thought to expand your books to other interests of people or are the books that you've already published the ones that get you going.
As an American, I expect people the world over to only read/watch news about the US. I'm glad you recognize that and, when you speak about politics or laws or news, etc., it's primarily about what is going on in America (America=US; CA, MX, the rest have their own names). However, it strikes me curious; Besides the odd lost kangaroo, does nothing noteworthy go on in your country? Do you even have news channels is it all just broadcasts of what we're doing?
I'm an independent bookshop owner who has loved your work since Syrup. I love it for it's bleak view of marketing (which I think is chief among things currently destroying the world). I have found it hard to attract customers, but am ethically against engaging in marketing. How do you balance this dichotomy (hating the marketing required to sell books) in your work?
We just started learning orbital mechanics in class, so I'm curious to what's your methods of relaxing and *not* smashing your head into a desk?
Until you pay me for the damage you did to my fence, my dogs will continue to poop in your yard.
Vengefully yours,
hey buddy are you workin on anything new? i'm on the toilet right now at work and can think of no one i'd rather have in here with me. davem
Hey Max, sorry if you have heard this question before but how did you come up with Nationstates
Can i work at nationstates
What's your favorite pizza topping?
Did you think JGNS would be as famous as it was?
Can you intervene in NationStates decisions at all?
How did you think of making a in depth government based game?
Hi Max,There seem to be a lot of motions been put be put up for consideration in the World assembly that never get more then 20 or so approvals is this normal? And way is it allowed if it is such a waste of time if it never get to be voted on? It just seems to be a place where how to put this silly things are put forward for voting or maybe i just see it a little different to others. Sorry for been so long just wanted to know.
What is the weirdest issue you have ever seen on NationStates?
Will there be an apocalypse for Christmas like Santa invasion or something, i think it would be funny!!!!!
Hey Max, so, after reading Lexicon multiple times, I just have to know. who is the man at the end of the story? a part of me says it's Harry, but both him and Emily are dogs people. and the man and Emily have a cat. just save me from my misery of not knowing please!
Hey Max,
I am a huge fan of NationStates and after i heard it is based of your novel the "Jennifer Goverment". I might read it as well. I respect you for writing and making this cool site. But how hard was it for you to get it all started?
Hey max I love nationstates it's super fun but I have a question do you have any interest in making a app version of it to work better on phones? Funny thing is I'm asking you on the phone I play nationstates so just wondering if that is any interest to you?
Hey Max, how do you feel when people berate your work? It probably does not happen that much (although in this day in age there is a plethora of keyboard warriors and critics so it's not impossible.) I'm an aspiring writer, so what advice would you give for ignoring the 'haters'?
Hey, Max. I checked in the current questions tab and this question wasn't there, so I'll ask again. I'm 12 years old and have a passion for writing, but I'm nervous that once I get through with my first novel that no publishers will take me seriously and read it. Any tips?
Also, can you tell me if your own questions are displayed in the "Questions" tab? If so, sorry for sending you the same question twice.
What is the Avrage time to rank up in NationStates?
Our of your published novels to date, which would you say was the most difficult to write?
Hello Max,
If memory serves me correctly, you wrote a blog about cement being your prefered way to hide a corpse quite a number of years ago. But what would be your prefered (if not favorite) way to kill someone?
[Insert greeting here],
What would have to be the most controversial thing you've ever written and/or spoken?
Hey max, I joined about two months ago, and recently I've wondered, do you have a nation in NS? The original version, not CN or NS2.
Hi Max - Do you have any weird writing superstitions or habits? Like you always write while wearing the same pair of unwashed socks?
Hi Max - Do you have any involvement with NationStates? Or do you just let "your people" manage the site?
Hi, Max. I am 12 years old, and love to write. I don't see it as a profession, but am very enthusiastic about it. I want to write a book, but I'm afraid publisher's won't take me seriously because of my age.
What inspired you to do what you do?
This question has been stuck with me ever since I heard about your book 'Jennifer government': Why choose the title 'Jennifer government'?
Hey Max,
I found Lexicon at a barnes and noble near my house in L.A. I loved it and went back to buy more of your books, but guess what? Thats was the last max barry book they had and they don't carry any more of your books. Did you know that there are no bookstores in L.A that carry your books? (i've checked all the BN's)
What is your all time favorite movie?
How are you?
Why gave you your inspiration for your novels and nationstates.
I'm currently reading Jennifer Government. What is your background in government or where have you learned everything needed to write this novel?
P.S. You have nice hair :)
Do you have a bitcoin address? I was going to buy a copy of Jennifer Government, but since it was only going to cost 1 cent, I figured you wouldn't get much of a cut and just pirated it instead.
What Happend if you create Nationstates 4
Oh, right. I really probably shouldn't be trying to inflate your ego with my words, but I adore your books. They're arguably some of the most clever things I've read recently. So thank you for that!
In the tiny type under your name I've read "will write for food" & "writes for cash." How about a paid food product placement of my new hot chili soy sauce, Soyracha, in an upcoming short story or novel? Also, would you be interested in taking a look at my short film Trumpopolis, you being a film guy yourself? Best regards, Dailey Pike
Hello Mr. Barry! Where did you get the idea to make Nation States?
Do you fear figs?
Why do you ask people to include a duck when sending emails to you? As in, why did you pick ducks, and not, say, some other waterfowl?
Could you envisage any of your existing characters crossing over into the future worlds and stories you create?
I just read your AMA where you talked about Syrup being a CULT HIT instead of an ACTUAL HIT. I read Syrup for the first time when I was 15 and it was the first book I really loved. This isn't really an ASK MAX as much as it is a COMPLIMENT MAX, because Syrup fans *are* hardcore :~)
how do you find ideas to write your books ?
Who is [violet] on NationStates?
Syrup was such a box office smash, is there going to be a sequel?
How do you stay focused enough to write long things, and how is it that you guys (authors) can structure something so that your stories stay interesting and keep moving? I find it super difficult to write more than a few pages of anything on the same topic.
hello max i would like to ask you do you like trains
what is it with you and ducks?
Any updates on Jennifer Government the movie?
I'd love to gift someone a signed copy of one of your books.. do you have anything like that available?
Any big future additions to NationStates?
What do you believe is your best book?
Did you ever epect your books to inspire a game that would be so popular?
I have nearly finished Company. I wish I'd written it! I love it and don't want it to end. I just wish it was true fiction and not the reality for so many of us drones! Thank you
How did you create the wonderful environment that is NationStates? How does a genius such as yourself be so awesome? How hard did you laugh after reading the email from the UN?
What does your mind create first: the storyline or the characters?
Hello Max, on NS, I am the Free Republic of Lamoni, one of the NS RP Mentors. I'd like to ask you about your personal opinion of the program in general, and what you think that we could be doing better.
Thanks!
Like most fans, I really hope we get some kind of adaptation of Lexicon someday. I think the thriller-style of the book, along with your quick-paced writing, would really lend itself to a visual medium. However, I wonder how the SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER Harry-is-Wil plot twist would work visually. It works really well in the book, because (obviously) you're imagining the character in your head while you're reading, but in a medium where you can see both characters, I wonder if there's any way that this twist would work, and still carry the same weight. Is this something you've thought about in trying to negotiate an adaptation of the novel, and if so have you come up with a possible solution?
How do you decide which questions to answer? Do you ever feel like people are asking so many good questions that you don't know which ones to choose or is it more like "Wow, I actually got asked an interesting question today!"?
Where did you get your inspiration from? At one point did you feel comfortable and/or confident that you could be a full-time author/satirist?
how did you come up with nationstates?
are you on nationstates yourself if not you should make one
Can you please introduce to my class what NationStates is about? Where can I buy your books in Shanghai, China?
What inspiried you to make nationstates?
What is my name?
Hey Max!
You're clearly a nerd (a handsome and charismatic nerd, but a nerd nonetheless) yet you have a cool, badass job as an author. This is a confusing concept. What do you find is the 'nerdiest' part of your job?
Felt so hopeless looking for answers to my qunesiots...until now.
Keep on writing and chgiugng away!
Hey, I'm using your book Lexicon for my grade 12 novel study because I personally love thrillers because the feel of being held on the edge of your seat is amazing. What I'm quite curious as as to what your inspiration for the book was? Or was it one of those things that just came to you late into the darkness of night?
If a man held a gun to your head and made you pick one of your books, which would you pick?
Hello, I am wondering if I would get banned or kicked for having the Dukes of hazard gerneral lee, other people call it the confederate flag, as my flag?
Well damn, that was a mistake.
You have a really counter-intuitive ask max interface. Shame on you.
Going right back on topic, Here is my question.
Hi Max,
Other than the *the bureaucracy that shall not be named*, have you ever received any copyright infringement notices from companies? I can imagine having Nike's main marketing campaign be shooting kids who wear their shoes (spoilers haha!)is bound to get some attention from Big Brother.
Does changing your banners affect your country, so could changing your banners affect your economy?
Hey max, at what point in your life will you decide to be an author? Cheers.
J. Smith
What's a timeline for another book tour? Or, specifically, who do I need to bribe to get a personalized and signed book sent to Italy.
How difficult is it to get you to appear at a place and talk about your books? As in, how enticing must an offer be to convince you to leave the Prison Island?
Are you working on a new book?
What do you think of the Welsh?
Have you ever talked about your process before a first draft? Do you do a lot of prep, outlining, or notes collation, or that sorta thing?
What do you think of the works by Chuck Palahniuk (author of fight club)? Your novels both seem to knock on the typical American dream?
hardly anyone knows about you in australia. why do you think that is?
I started reading Lexicon but I haven't finished it yet. So far I really like it. I thought of how awesome if it was turned into a movie! Am I hoping to much...?
Max when is your next book due out since I'm anxiously awaiting a new Max Barry Book.
Please explain the last chapter in lexicon. I love the book and your way of writing so much but that chapter is driving me insane!
Hi Mr. Barry, I had a question for you regarding Lexicon. What was your reasoning behind Yeats' obsession with his shoes and do you like the way he turned out as a character? He seemed so weird and interesting to me and maybe that's why he remains in my memory even after I finished and he freaked me out. I would love if I got a response but if not it's understandable and thank you for your time!
would you please be my friend?
Hi Max,
First of all, I have to say that Lexicon is definitely a must-read book. It is complete and full of complex ideas, and it made me question a lot, even events that occur in our modern-day society.
That being said, I have a lingering question about the book that I would love to have answered. In chapter Three of Babel, Eliot and Brontë have a discussion in which Eliot says "I have this idea that it would have been a girl... She'd be grown now. A young woman." This, of course, made a my heart break a little, and I began to question what he was talking about. Thus, my question is the following: Is Emily, the young woman who just so happened to grow on the streets without her parents, Eliot and Brontë's daughter? It may be a stretch, but in my mind, the pieces add up to Emily being their daughter, explaining Eliot's compassion towards her. I really hope you can answer this! Thank you for your time.
If you could be on character from your book Lexicon, who would you be?
How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck was paid slightly above minimum wage and worked a moderate amount of shifts, but had a second job too to make ends meet?
What is the story with whuffy.com (last page of Lexicon IV, Two)? I get re-directed to a page about Australian TV. There does not seem to be a whuffy.com.
Where are you currently living?
Hi Max. You're back! Not really a question here. Just glad to see you weren't kidnapped by pirates and forced to read them Moby Dick in an old man's accent for the last eight months, though that might've made for a cool story. Can't wait to see what you're working on next.
do you actually reply to these
Hi Max
What's your policy on granting permission for a site to re-blog one of your blog posts.
On 25 November 2014, your blog post titled, 15 Ways To Write A Novel, appeared on Aerogramme Writer’s Studio.
It’s an informative article and it would be wonderful to share it with the online writing group which I help to administrate.
Michelle
I simply want to tell you that I am just new to bnggoilg and site-building and truly loved you're web-site. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your blog post . You actually come with exceptional stories. Appreciate it for revealing your blog.
why do you have a big head
Do you have a nation(s) in NationStates and are you were willing to share one of their names? (I know the answer to my second question is "NO." I'm sure you wouldn't be interested in receiving 500+ telegrams per day:)
Also, do you take part in discussions in the NS forum? (Maybe I've already talked with you and I don't know it)
Sincerely,
Whats it like being a famous author?
Are there new books coming up? Can't wait!
Hi, Max, I'm sure you've been asked this before, but could you please tell us your most important rule for setting up a writer's website? For instance, you've got a nice picture at the top of your site, but what if we're not as handsome as you are? Should we lead with something else? Or is a picture not the most important element of a website? Thanks very much.
are you open to any book ideas?
Hi Max-
I was looking for .epub versions of your books to purchase, and ran across your article "My stupid industry." Well, that's awesome and all- but I still can't find .epub versions for sale anywhere. Can you suggest a place to get them, and/or do you want to do something off the wall like run a kickstarter for your next novel that supplies .epubs of older works for contributing?
I really like your stuff, and hope to see a lot more of it going forward. That means you need to get paid for it one way or another so you don't end up finding a different job because the industry is messed up. But I already carry a phone, a tablet and a laptop everywhere, and I'm not going to purchase a stupid Kindle to do something my tablet already does like a champ (I prefer Bookviser Premium on Windows 10 for my reading- it does what I want without hogging resources, and I already paid for it.)
I'm ready to buy your books right now- if I could find them in the right format. I don't want any more paper books at this point, and just want to have them in a cloud-based drive where they can sync with all my PCs whereever I'm at. So, I'm hoping you know- who is selling that? Can your publisher offer them directly if the resellers won't carry them?
Thanks,
Jesse
Don't respond to this question if you are [violet].
If you were a Poet, who would you be named after?
What's it like living life as a minor public figure, both from your authorship and from your hit game?
Do you watch Doctor Who? And if so do you have a favorite Doctor?
What's the best way to take over the world (and keep it)?
When do you think your new book will be available to your audience? I have read all your books and am patiently waiting for your next piece of work.
Why am i a cow?
Did you ever imagine that so many people would go on nation states now knowing how many people are on the site
Does it ever sadden you that half of the questions asked to you are nonsensical and/or not relevant to the profession that you spent the past decade and a half of your life devoted to?
Canyou tell us what are you working on? Or you just sitting and doing nothing?
Why did you do it?
What is your favorite food?
Max, do you plan to add any more features to NationStates, or leave it alone and silently watch regions develop until DEN crushes us all?
Would you be a raider or defender on NS?
Have you heard of you Reggie-singing name twin? Look it up on YouTube, "Max Barry Money." Is this secretly you? Is it really all about money? Where does all the money spent on stamps go? The song says, "you know what, if you don't have no money you can't do no thing," is this true?
Thanks!
Is the new game NS3?
I just want to let you know that I'm honored to have had my questions approved for the past two days.
Is the Who Are You dialog deliberately wonky? It makes me adjust my glasses as if I'm the one with the wonk. Every time. Like a practical joke that just isn't practical at all.
Is Ask Max just a way for you to avoid doing what you're supposed to be doing? I know it's working a treat for me, so for that I doff my cap to you.
I imagine that the life of a writer is, by necessity, a solitary one. Even if it isn't, engage your imagination to see it as one. I know that when I work from home for prolonged periods (more than one day in a row), I become starved of human interaction and find myself chatting away to shopkeepers for an embarrasingly long time when I duck out for lunch. Do you, the imagined solitary writer, find yourself craving human interaction and creating wild excuses to seek out and interact with other people?
Is it physically possible to shoot bullets out of my mouth like the Russian Lexicon cover? If so, how much would it cost to surgically implant a firearm into my mouth?
Hi Max, Any updates on your Feb 18, 2006 blog post about getting sued for using corporate names in your novels? McDonalds plays a big role in my novel? Am I going to jail ;-) or am I safe? Could you please give us an update? Thanks Max!
Was Barack Hussein Obama actually born in the US?
Are you Tupac?
After reading Lexicon, I wonder why you choose RosalÃa de Castro as the main representative of Spanish chapter for the organization. As far as I know, RosalÃa is a major poet in Galician language but within Spanish literature she has a minor role, as far as the academy goes. So I wonder why you choose her! - Actually, I'm from Galicia so I'm sympathetic with the election, but the wonder goes anyhow. If you want/have the time to explain how you choose other poets it'd be awesome too!
What can you suggest to read in what is left of the summer? As an author, I'm sure you have to have had encountered some good books.
Dear Max, I'm just curious as to your thoughts about ebooks vs Paperback. Which is better for Authors? And which is better for readers?
Thanks, Baz
what is your take on Nationstates current dramma over the resolution that created the "World Space Administration"?
Max, please tell me you are bringing Tales of Corporate Oppression back? I just submitted a new tale, I think you might like!!
What other sites did you make just like NationStates. Ne
Do you even lift?
So what did you think of Mad Max: Fury Road? I assume viewing is mandatory for Australians.
Max, you've no doubt heard of Xlibris and their exploits. Is there an efficient way of warning all new writers about them?
Which, if any, of your characters do you think is most like yourself? Also, if you were to make the casting decisions for a movie version of Company, who would play Eve?
Aloha Max, glad you're back. When you write near-future work, do you ever despair? If so, how do you handle it?
Yours, Ilsa
Max, I moved to Melbourne in early January and you went silent on Twitter on that exact moment. I feel like I've jinxed you. P.S. When are we hanging out to talk about the frustrations of writing?
Hi Max,
Although initially I'd assumed that all questions typed inside the Ask Max Super Cute Bubble must be related at least tenuously to the art of writing the quick scan I made of of your blogs suggests a more inclusive question-scape. I like inclusive . I like that I just coined the term 'question-scape' even more... So here's my question:
I have a pet lamb named Martin who has developed a vitamin d deficiency due to lack of sunlight. Martin is a special needs lamb and can't spend endless hours outside and so to remedy the situation I purchased a metal-halide hydroponic grow lamp and suspended it from my lounge room ceiling directly above the spot where Martin and I have out daily 'hood massage and burp snuggle' session. His vitamin d deficiency is almost a thing of the past now so it's working - great news! But When I think of telling someone other than via a cute bible interface I feel a mixture of anxiety, restraint and the kind of spectacular, shooting star, glamourific, hurts-so-good pain that can only be truly experienced outside of a tour bus by standing in close proximity to a stream of hot metal shavings.
Question 1 (a&b) am I just channelling the baggage created in my youth when I hesitate in speaking of this 'indoor hydro-lamb' situation? Could the 'Try to grow weed in my bedroom closet' debacle from 25 years ago still be affecting my decisions to such an extent?
Question 2: is this enquiry sufficiently long enough to have made the Cute Bubble forever tied to the frustration felt in knowing that a rope a crossbeam are indeed nowhere to be found and to not finish reading the whole message would be like not watching Xanadu through to the final credits?
Thanks Max!
Kindest regards,
Blythe and Martin the Imagination Lamb
Even if you want to keep quiet about the game, can't you tell us anything? Something as abstract as concepts (Time management, moral decisions, resource optimisation) or as geeky as technology (programming language or challenges.) I might regret it since it would be a tease, but I'm willing to undergo that risk! ;-)
Did you ever read "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and if so did you like it and are you going to read the newly released other novel she wrote "To Set a Watchman"? (Sorry, that's 3 questions, technically.) And welcome back, can't wait for your next book!
What kind of wildlife you you normally see around your house? Does this influence your books in any way?
I have a question, if you're not too busy.
Your books, rather than sitting in a single genre like many writers, are much more varied than most I come across (sci-fi, action, satire, fantasy usually more than one in each book).
Do you think there's anything that unifies your work? Any particular concept or idea that keeps popping up in your books that you think drives you to write?
Max, you've broken the silence, hooray! Admitting you have a problem is the first step. :)
What dystopian ideas have you pondered and then seen happen in real life?
Why is everything in Australia up side down?
Is the game you're making a MUD? Because I love MUDs.
-Molly
When is the next serial?
What was the first fictional world you remember falling in love with? I mean total immersion, the kind where you don't want to return to real world.
Hiya Max! Glad to see you back, looking forward to new stuff. I was wondering how you come up with the ideas for your stories?
-Katie, Chicago
As a gamer how do you feel about the current trend of remaking and remastering previously released games?
What does a typical day of writing look like?
A game by you would be very cool. I tried out NationStates for a short while but couldn't give it enough time. I will for this one! My question is: what programming language are you using, and do you need any help :)
Max,
How fast are you going to get sick of people abusing the "Ask Max" feature of your website just to keep themselves entertained at work.
lol,
p diddy
Max,
I have a life size cut out of you in my bedroom. Do you prefer to be the big or the little spoon?
Cheers,
Pee tear.
What are ten items which should NEVER be used in the bedroom? If you tape a list to your wall until you come up with ten that's fine :D
long time no hear or see Max - I would not follow you through the social network route - my intuitions weren't auguring positively - I am also busy writing my first [hopefully] novel - it has been percolating since 1984 - [the year my first book was published [actually 1985] - what types of variations to handwriting and console tapping - other than these two aforementioned do you use any other mediums? - your old fan, stan
I've written an unpublished novel, and I'd like to remove the "un." Do you have any tips for getting a publisher or agent to give me the time of day?
Max,
I have an abscess on my inner thigh. What ratio of milk do you put with your eggs when making scrambled?
Might be completely cliched, but I'll throw you an easy one: If you knew somebody that wanted to be a writer like you, was in a similar sort of spot in life (married, kids, tall, balding, etc), what advice would you give them to rock the shiz as hard as you do?
Why even, like, wear clothes?
It's awesome you are doing a game, games need great writers.
What genre is the game?
Max,
I noticed you've started brushing left to right instead of up to down. Are there dental benefits from brushing in this manner I am not aware of?
Max,
Last month I found out I was pregnant. Off the top of your head, do you think I should keep it?
Thanks,
Peter
Are you really answering questions?
Which one of your books you've written is your favorite? Also... how about Pluto? Freaking awesome huh! Why doesn't Australia have a space program? (that I know about?)
What is your process on getting started with a story and making that an appealing read that fans like me want to pay for?
Hey Max, can you please confirm this new computer game is *not* Nationstates 2.
When are we going to see the new book! I have gone through all your books and love it, I have been holding on Lexicon because I want to save it for the right moment! The rest I ate through them!
When is Company coming to the big screen? BTW reading about Ask Max was the best thing I've done all week.
What's your thoughts on Plenti, the multi-company loyalty program just starting in the U.S.? Are we getting closer to Jennifer Government?
if you were to one day snap and cut off a limb and replace it with something, which do you think it would be? oh and what would you choose to replace it with, a fork? a chainsaw? potato peeler? back scratcher?
Need any help programming or beta testing? I am here for you. Also, have you seen the movie "Frequencies"? Had some intriguing Max Barry allusions, not as good as Lexicon though!
How can the net amount of entropy of the universe be massively decreased?
Did you die? Love your work. You disappeared. How was the other side?
Did it give you a warm, fuzzy and rewarding feeling to help The South Pacific, from NationStates, pinpoint its creation date? :)
Max! Welcome back - all is forgiven. So will this game be safe for Good Game SP, or is it more for the 'grown ups' Good Game?
Do you think universals exist as real and distinct entities, or only as mental constructs?
How involved are you right now with the nation simulator you made, Nationstates?
What is your stance on microwaves? The machines, not the particular wavelength of electromagnetic radiation. Though you could also present your stance on those too, if you want.
Why are you so sexy?