[Nomic] Proposal

[Adam Biltcliffe]

On Sep 22 2004, Martin O'Leary wrote:

> I propose the following rule:
> 
> The Rule Of Names
> 
> Each rule shall have a name, consisting of a string of alphanumeric
> characters, spaces and punctuation. These names shall be unique, up to
> case changes and changes to spacing. All rules, when referring to other
> rules, must use the name of the rule in question.

I counter-propose the following rule:

 The Rule of Structured Names

 Each rule shall have a name that is a string of the form 'Rule X, Y'. In 
this string, X stands for an integer which is assigned to the rule when it 
is added to the ruleset and is one greater than the largest integer 
currently assigned to any rule. Y shall stand for any string of 
alphanumeric characters, spaces and punctuation which is distinct up to 
changes to case and spacing from the Y of any other rule in the rules.

 X is assigned only when a rule is added to the rules; Y must be specified 
along with the text of the rule when it is first proposed. All rules, when 
referring to other rules, must use the full name of the rule in question.

As part of the same proposal, I suggest that the names of all existing 
rules be modified so as to bring them into line with the Rule of Structured 
Names (becoming Rule 1, Existence of the Game and so forth).

Sorry, but I feel it does help to add a sense of continuity to the ruleset 
if rules are numbered sequentially. We can arrange that all the rules are 
indexed alphabetically by name on the website, if you like.

adam