4 years ago today, (or tomorrow, depending on when I eventually post this and where everyone in the world is at the time), I typed up and signed the document that led to the creation of what was then the Principality of Rukora. It was about 3 months previously that I discovered the wonder that was (and still is) micronationalism. After months of planning everything out, reading a vast array of guides and case studies, I decided I could give it all a go for myself. Soon after setting up a YouTube account, I stumbled onto the MicroWiki, writing a small low quality article declaring my fantasy to the world wide web. For getting beyond these original stepping stones, I must thank the early administration team, whose stricter approach to the MicroWiki encouraged me to work much harder on my article: eventually this led to much harder work on the nation itself. Those days may seem long ago now, but the effect of each and every day remains, primarily for the better.
I have gained great memories and experiences from micronationalism; meeting new people and learning new skills have been just a part of it. I’ve even gained a small level of pseudo-importance (aka: becoming Secretary-General on the OAM). What started off as a naive plan to create a new independent country has resulted in, well, see for yourself! Rukora was able to provide me with purpose during a low period of my life I hope never to revisit; it provided me with the opportunity to escape the cycle of adolescent anomie and build up a level of confidence that I believe has helped me in every other endeavour I have undertaken since. This was not just the micronation alone, this was the whole community that I found myself involved with. Each and every person in the MicroWiki community has been able to teach me something, and I appreciate every lesson I have received from you all.
Apparantly, I didn’t do too badly either. My experience in micronationalism has seen me elected to the position of Secretary General twice in what was then a major centre of the MicroWiki community. It has also seen me appointed as temporary Vice-Chair of the Grand Unified Micronational. I can’t possibly understand why anyone would want me in such position (many of course didn’t, perhaps sensibly), but I got something done nonetheless. With the first role in particular, I had the opportunity to make mistakes, learn from them, and then work out how not to make the same mistakes again. Essentially, even more learning took place.
And all of that happened before I even met anyone. The two Intermicronational Summits and the Chairs of East Anglia Summit were all great experiences, where we could all finally converse face to face on topics that most people simply can’t be bothered to follow through. Although slightly less personal, PoliNation 2012 provided plenty of us with an excellent day to remember, where we all had the opportunity to showcase our work to a slightly wider audience of micronationalists (as they showcased their work unto us, in case you had forgotten).
Everything I have experienced through micronationalism over the past 4 years has been worthwhile; most of it has additionally been enjoyable. However, whilst I hope remain a part of this community for many years to come, the maintenance of a micronation is something that I feel I have got as much out of as I am ever going to. I feel I still have much to gain from this community, just not from the centre-point that brought me to it. Therefore, on the day Rukora turns 4 years old, the small amount of territory that remains Rukoran will be returned to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. I will not be leaving micronationalism completely, I plan to integrate my plush animals into a Juclandian Overseas Territory; Rukora will simply no longer be a micronation. Rukora, the noun, will remain within my vocabulary: I plan to keep many personal projects going with the name associated with it, but the micronation will stop being an entity at 22:00 GMT on 22nd September 2013 C.E.
Yet I must reiterate the appreciation I have for all members of this community, and a couple of you in particular for providing me with extra lessons and solutions along the way (you may or may not know who you are). The experience I have had in the MicroWiki community is not one I believe I could’ve had in just any online community, or political entity, or argumentative friendship group; I believe I have been able to become a better person due to micronationalism, and I shall remain amongst you even after my nation is gone. Overall, I must simply say one thing:
Thank you.
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News of Rukora 