Hardin - A FAQ

Why is Hardin running?

I am running because I love this game and I want to see it get better. The issues that led to the creation of the Council of Stellar Management did damage the credibility of EVE and CCP and I had several friends who quit in disgust. While that episode is in the past now, I want to ensure that such events never occur again and believe that we, as players, should sieze this opportunity to actively scrutinise CCP's operations.

Why vote for Hardin?

I believe I have the qualities necessary to make a good CSM representative and I hope that at least some of you believe that too :-)

In brief, I have experienced both the 0.0 and Empire elements of this game. I have been involved in both the 'small gang' and 'big blob' elements of PvP. I have been taken part in both attacking and defending POSes. I have spent months mining, I have spent months mission whoring, I have spent months NPCing and I have spent even more months PvPing. All of this gives me a broad overview of game mechanics and how EVE operates (although I have to admit I wouldn't know one end of a BPC from the other :P)

I have also taken an active involvement in other 'out of game' EVE related activities. I organised the first ever EVE meet in London back in 2004 and have attended pretty much every one since. I have also been to EVE meets in places as diverse as Amsterdam, Prague, Copenhagen, Nijmegen and Southampton o_O

Ingame, I operate probably the best known and respected alliance creation service. The numerous references and comments from happy customers ( http://myeve.eve-online.com/ingameboard.asp?a=topic&threadID=492021&page=1#1 ) are testimony to my honesty and ability to get things done.

I am a member of the Curatores Veritatis Alliance (CVA) and am proud to be so. The CVA is one of only a handful of NRDS (Not Red Dont Shoot) alliances currently controlling space in EVE and has spent the past four years developing Providence into probably the most neutral friendly region of 0.0. We support neither side in the 'Great War' and I have no issues or axe to grind in relation to any other alliance or player group. (although I honestly do not expect to win much support from either Ushra'Khan or Star Fraction :P)

With regards to 'roleplay' I will be the first to admit that I am probably not the best roleplayer in EVE nor the most consistent, but I respect what roleplay brings to this game and, if I am fortunate enough to gain your support, I will ensure that roleplay/storyline issues are highlighted to CCP.

Out of game I am a Director of a small business based in Wimbledon, UK. I also have previous 'scrutiny' experience having spent four years serving as a local Councillor in London.

In summary, I believe I have the experience both in and out of game to do a good job in representing the EVE playerbase in Iceland.

Oh and... Amarr Victor!

Hardin has a real life job can he spare the time?

I have already booked those days off as holiday time. If selected I will ensure that I also spend more time online and be accessible in the evenings so that players can contact me with any issues or questions they would like me to highlight with CCP.

The CVA is only a small alliance does Hardin really expect to get elected?

I wouldn't be standing if I didn't think there was a good chance that I would get elected. Whilst the CVA is only a small alliance (and I am not even taking their votes for granted :P) I have made many friends and allies in EVE during my five years playing the game and believe I can count on a lot of support across the galaxy. I believe I offer a strong 'neutral' option for anyone worried about the CSM being dominated by members of the mega-blocks.

Is Hardin standing because he wants a free trip to Iceland?

While Icelandic babes, hospitality, geysers and fermented shark are all legendary I am quite happy to pay for these pleasures myself :p. I am not looking for a 'free trip'. I fully intend to attend this year's Fanfest whether or not I get chosen for the CSM!

Is Hardin biaised?

Yes. I think anyone who says they are not biaised should be shot as a liar right now. There are things in my EVE history and how I play the game which have influenced my perspective on certain things. These perceptions could be regarded as 'bias' but similarly can simply be seen as my point of view. While I do believe I am open-minded and open to new ideas (as every Amarrian should :p) I will be honest and say that I am not a blank page and that I will not automatically endorse every idea suggested to me in an effort to win this election. That said I am in general an amiable chap and will judge every idea on its merits - not on the basis of which person or alliance proposed it.

Is Hardin only standing for the prestige of the position?

Again I think it would be disingenous for anyone standing to say that ego and prestige did not play some part in their decision to stand. After all the chance to be elected and represent over 200,000 people is not one that comes along every day! However, while that is all good, the fact remains that this is an opportunity for the players of EVE to really get an insight into how CCP operates, to scrutinise those operations and to have an opportunity to improve things. That is my prime motivator.

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I will answer additional questions and provide further information as the campaign progresses...