No, really, I'm serious.
Boukert posting his video about @pmya trying to get Germany made me remember Bode's Downfall, which I posted in that thread. That got me thinking about Diplomacy, and how I'd like to be involved in it again, but with the people I actually know and like, AKA you guys since my friends IRL won't play with me (for the very reason you said, @Boukert, people get all butt-hurt when you plunge the dagger and twist hard, so they don't want to play with me. No mercy in competition!)
Playing would be nice, but I actually thought it would be more interesting if I ran the game as a neutral GM; this would allow me to compile moves and help people who maybe don't know the rules that well (or at all), and ensure everything is run smoothly and fairly. I could also post information regarding the game, how it's played, and maybe some basic strategy if people are unfamiliar, so new players will have a legitimate way to play somewhat competently.
There is a free software available here, that lets anyone plot out moves, adjudicate games, etc, with a nice little digital map that's pleasing to the eye. GMing the game with this would be relatively easy.]
I expect it wouldn't be played real-time, more likely we would have a couple days for each phase, so people can communicate via PM or on IRC, and then everyone can PM their moves to me (or more likely, PM a set of moves right away, then send in corrections/improved moves later).
So, gauging interest here. Can we get 7 people down for a game?
EDIT: Currently confirmed: @PMYA, @redviiper, @fluf, @jidlaph, @boukert (2 more needed)
i'll play if you want. i have never played before but i did look at the rules once - though i have completely forgotten them. wasnt too complicated iirc. at any rate, i could use something to distract me from my steadily growing s3 plans; i have to start breaking my scribblemaps maps up into different parts, my master map crashes scribblemaps.