I think this will be a worthy endeavour for the U3P to start up. In a prior post I had done an analysis on the costs of the U3P opening its own bastion factory. I think this is something that is quite feasible for the U3P to do.

However, I don't think the same system used for the exp exchange will work here. I think a quota system where people sign up to meet a weekly production is the best way to ensure consistent production.

Two potential systems.

System 1 - Bastion Distribution

Smaragdus=6d (10%) (2 bastions)

Silicon=18d (31%) (9 bastions)

Art=5d (9%) (2 bastions)

Walls=11d (19%) (5 bastions)

Base=4d (7%) (2 bastions)

Floor=4d (7%) (2 bastions)

Rations=.5d (~1%) (1 bastion)

Gear=5d (9%) (2 bastions)

Framing=4d (7%) (2 bastions)

Leftovers=5 bastions^x

^x Yes, I know that technically some of these materials should be worth a little more, but the left over bastions will go to a)maintenance costs, b)paying the manager of the co-op, and c)repaying the people who helped built the factory in the first place. These bastions are to be sold in order to do this.

Total=~58d worth of materials (Total cost of materials may have increased from the time the original analysis was done)

Produces=~144d of bastions (market value of about 4.5 eachx32)

System 2 - Diamond Conversion

This system basically says forget dividing up the bastions and just sell them directly to consumers. The proceeds of which go to paying maintenance, the members, the manager, and the initial investors (roughly in that order).

Smaragdus=6d (10%)

Silicon=18d (31%)

Art=5d (9%)

Walls=11d (19%)

Base=4d (7%)

Floor=4d (7%)

Rations=.5d (~1%)

Gear=5d (9%)

Framing=4d (7%)

The Co-op will claim 10% of the gross proceeds in order to pay the manager, maintenance costs, and initial investors.

Of that, the manager gets paid 5d/run of the factory. After maintenance costs, any remaining funds are distributed to the initial investors.

The remaining 90% will be divided up amongst contributors given the above breakdown. (Example: 100d is made from the sale of bastions.

The co-op will claim 10d. The remaining 90d is split up using the above ratios, minimum 1d).

We can continue to discuss the distribution of the bastions amongst contributors, but I would like to go ahead and take pledges for the creation of the factory 2 runs of the factory.

What your contribution will get you (negotiable):

• Preference in weekly quotas over non-initial contributors

• First shot at the first piping hot bastions out of the factory (limited edition)

• Being a badass

I will post updates here on the progress of donations to the factory.

Beyond the initial costs of setting up the factory. A weekly quota will aim at producing a run of bastions a week. More if we can maintain the pace of production (so a 1/week minimum).

I'll also take applications for manager of the co-op. Not a high paying, but definitely prestigous position. High potential to make money if quotas aren't being met.

Duties include:

• Insuring that weekly quotas are met. If someone is failing to meet their quota, it is up to the manager to step up and fill in the gap. If the manager steps in to fill in the gap, they get that share of the quota instead of the original signee.

• Coordinates with contributors to collect materials and to distribute bastions/diamonds.

• Gathers materials together and makes bastions

• Bastion maintenance (this will tie into quotas)

• Selling of Bastions at competitive prices

Benefits:

• Paid salary (at least 5d/week proceeds from meeting failed quotas)

• Make friends, be popular