07-05-2005, 02:02 AM
Well, my fondness for simple flags is well known because I'm a simple guy. 
So on one level, the answer is yes. However, I'm a firm believer that each jurisdiction is free to adopt whatever flag it likes. I just note their choices may influence the effectiveness of the graphic representation of the jurisdiction. This is especially evident in flags below the level of sovereign nation.
For instance, most US state flags are not only too busy but too similar to one another (so much so that many states added the name of the state for clarity -- totally defeating the graphical as opposed to textual nature of a flag). Successful state flags focus on one feature and are quite striking and successful. Texas, New Mexico, South Carolina and Colorado readily come to mind. I think the Bear Flag would be improved by removing the lettering "California Republic."
And not to pick on US states; the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are too busy too.
However, if there were a poll of custom NationStates flags, I'm sure you'd be in the top quarter based on:
No lettering (counting the big cursive "D" as more graphical than textual).
Meaningful symbolism.
While you have shades of colour, you have few base colours. (Unlike, for instance, RL Uganda which is otherwise a rather striking flag.) Blue and white are excellent colours incombination.
Furthermore, NS flags have fewer limitations than RL flags. You don't have to sew them. They don't blow in the wind. They don't get faded in the sun. I try to make all my NS flags so that they could be created in RL if you wanted to.
So, be busy and be proud if that's what you would like to do.
For those following Adam Island's historical regression over the last couple of months, he has changed his flag during the epochs. I think his current flag is simpler, bolder and more effective than the flag he originally had when he joined. However, it still has his very distinctive pyramid, and reflects well on his country's principles and history. Well done, sir!
So on one level, the answer is yes. However, I'm a firm believer that each jurisdiction is free to adopt whatever flag it likes. I just note their choices may influence the effectiveness of the graphic representation of the jurisdiction. This is especially evident in flags below the level of sovereign nation.
For instance, most US state flags are not only too busy but too similar to one another (so much so that many states added the name of the state for clarity -- totally defeating the graphical as opposed to textual nature of a flag). Successful state flags focus on one feature and are quite striking and successful. Texas, New Mexico, South Carolina and Colorado readily come to mind. I think the Bear Flag would be improved by removing the lettering "California Republic."
And not to pick on US states; the Canadian provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are too busy too.
However, if there were a poll of custom NationStates flags, I'm sure you'd be in the top quarter based on:
No lettering (counting the big cursive "D" as more graphical than textual).
Meaningful symbolism.
While you have shades of colour, you have few base colours. (Unlike, for instance, RL Uganda which is otherwise a rather striking flag.) Blue and white are excellent colours incombination.
Furthermore, NS flags have fewer limitations than RL flags. You don't have to sew them. They don't blow in the wind. They don't get faded in the sun. I try to make all my NS flags so that they could be created in RL if you wanted to.
So, be busy and be proud if that's what you would like to do.
For those following Adam Island's historical regression over the last couple of months, he has changed his flag during the epochs. I think his current flag is simpler, bolder and more effective than the flag he originally had when he joined. However, it still has his very distinctive pyramid, and reflects well on his country's principles and history. Well done, sir!