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Dilemma #2: Circle the Wagons or Open the Gates?
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Dilemma #2: Circle the Wagons or Open the Gates?

Make your choice known in the input survey linked below

May 29, 2025
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The Climateverse
The Climateverse
Dilemma #2: Circle the Wagons or Open the Gates?
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selective focus photography of gray metal fence
Photo by Calvin Ma on Unsplash

So you’ve decided to keep to yourself, nevermind the Unified Collective for Civil Restoration (UCCR), the government, or even this new mysterious Analog Futures group.

Waiting to see how things pan out.

(100% based on last week’s input survey!)

Around you, however, the information divide continues to fracture communities.

It’s been a couple months now with no internet. No longer a shock, it’s becoming a way of life.

The world hasn’t ended, but it’s gotten smaller.

Neighbourhoods have become islands.

You can feel your mind clearing from the internet-era dopamine addiction, but heightened alertness in a world with no more alerts quickly replaces the pull on your mental energy.

In your area, a small mutual aid network has formed–people pooling tools, food, knowledge.

It’s fragile but growing. It’s giving you a sense of purpose and community.

…

Not far away, a heavily guarded camp has gone dark.

Word is they’ve blocked the roads, turned people away, and have managed to become heavily armed. Some say they’re hoarding, others say they’re organized, clearly part of the UCCR crew.

A few of your neighbours want to approach–propose a trade, or even a merger of resources with them. Others warn that it’s too dangerous.

“We don’t really know their values,” someone says. “How can we trust them? They chose fear, and so far, we’ve chosen care.”

But resources are thinning. (Our highly digitized global supply chains have churned to a stop in the face of no internet and local food systems are struggling to keep up.)

What would you have to give up in exchange for their resources and so-called safety?

Security is a growing concern. And as the situation continues, the lines between safety and scarcity become blurry.

You have to decide:

Do you advocate reaching out—or walling off?
Do you prepare to defend, or to collaborate?
Where is the line between safety and scarcity?

What will it be?

Signed,
Dispatch Control

Who would you wish were part of your community/huddle in this situation?
Bring them in!

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New to the simulation?

Check out the Opening Scenario and Dilemma #1:

Welcome to a World Without Internet 🚨

Welcome to a World Without Internet 🚨

Alicia Richins
·
May 14
Read full story
Dilemma #1: Truth in the Void

Dilemma #1: Truth in the Void

Alicia Richins
·
May 21
Read full story

✍️ Weekly Artifact Prompt

Design a “community charter” for a post-internet neighborhood.

What values do you uphold? What rules keep people safe? What trade-offs must be made?

(If you feel called to share, tag us on Instagram @theclimateverse with the hashtag #WorldWithoutInternet)

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© 2025 Alicia Richins
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