King Vincent of Morovia Publishes His Memiors
By Scott Siskind

King Vincent III, monarch of Morovia for the past seven years, has published "Always a King", in which he recounts his reflections on his micronational career, Morovia, and the hobby in general.
Vincent has been absent since about the time of the formation of Hanover, dealing with college life and his burgeoning real-world political career. Although he refuses to commit to saying he is making a return, he has at least popped in long enough to share his years of wisdom.
Along with a brief synopsis of Morovian history, "Always a King" gives a bit of autobiographical info, a bit of musing on what micronationalism means, a bit of suggestion as to the future course of the hobby, and, of course some excellent quotes at the beginnings of the chapters. While those expecting a day-by-day commentary on Morovian affairs will be disappointed, those trying to peer into the mind of a successful monarch will be amply rewarded.
The King kindly allowed me to ask him some questions about his work, which, along with the answers, I reprint here:

Q: What prompted you to write your memoirs?

For the past few months I tried with varying degrees of success to put my micronational past behind me and move on to other endeavors. Initially, I thought that writing an account of my own experiences in the micronational community would allow me some closure. I also wished to share with others my opinions and thoughts on the personalities and events that have shaped our past, and the ones I believe will shape our future. Over the course of writing I discovered what many others have, that one can never truly leave micronations. While I did not find closure, I did rekindle my interest in a hobby that has been mine for nearly eight years.

Q: One hot debate in the micronational community these days is on whether micronationalism is more properly a "hobby" or a "game". In your memoirs, you refer to it as both at different points. Do you have a stance on this issue, or do you believe in can be viewed from either direction?

That is an interesting question, and you are right that in the text I refer to micronations as both a hobby and a game. I do not ascribe to the belief that it is one or the other, black or white, with no room for an in between. I respect those who might disagree with that thought, and to them I say to each his own.

Q: You discuss your involvement in American politics, at which you seem to have so far been very successful. How, if at all, did your experience in micronations prepare you for the "real world"? Do you see a lot of similarities between what it takes to succeed in these two arenas?

More than anything else, micronations taught me about people. At this point in my young life I would not characterize my career in American politics as "very successful," but I would however say that I owe much of my achievements to my time in micronationalism - which taught me the value of the written word, how to judge the character of others through their actions, and how, through my own actions, one must be an individual of honesty and integrity.

Q: How successful do you think that you've been in balancing "real-life" concerns with micronations? Do you have any advice for those of us who might be trying to do the same?

As I have written, my critics would say that there have been times when I neglected Morovia and the micronational community for my own real life, or macronational, pursuits. I must admit that I have been guilty of that. So perhaps I am not the best individual to give the kind of advice you seek, however, I would say to to others to be careful in your priorities. Remember that your family, friends, and education come before the fantasy world we have created here on the internet.

Q: What is the most memorable moment of your micronational career?

Not so much a moment, but a series of events that led me to realize that Morovia was as honored and respected as we had always hoped her to be. It was kind of like, "Hey, we've made it." That is a great feeling, and regardless of our present situation, I still have pride in the nation we built.

Q: Your memoirs end with a call to "consolidate our talents, our efforts, and our nations." Are you suggesting a literal merger between different micronations? If so, do you think this is a real possibility in today's micronational climate?

There is no doubt that our community is peopled with individuals who possess incredible and wide ranging talents. Imagine the things we might accomplish if we were to come together and harnass those talents. It is imperative to the future of micronations that, at some level, we merge our nations into larger, more active, communities.

As to whether such a move is possible in the current micronational climate, anything is possible. I would have to qualify my answer with the fact that I have been absent for some time now, and would defer to those more active and involved members of the hobby.

Q: Your title, "Always a King", can't help but lead to speculation on the future. Do you have plans for a "resurrection" of Morovia?

I would not be telling the truth if I did not admit that writing my memoir has rekindled much of interest in seeing micronations succeed. That being said, I would not rule out a Morovian revival. Regardless of whether or not that happens, however, I will always be a King.

"Always a King" can be viewed at www.alwaysaking.tk