This is always a controversial one, so we're starting out with some rules in place.
Quite simply, we need you active.
If you are going away somewhere that you know about, let us know.
If you go red with no explanation, Counting of your settlements will begin within 48 hours. Not kinda-sorta-maybe, THERE WILL BE COUNTS ON THEIR WAY WITHIN 48 HOURS. If you come back and you have a good reason (sudden business trip, death in the family, personal injury, coma - these sorts of things - don't laugh, I had it happen in Ikariam), your settlements (or equivalent in your new area) will be returned to you as soon as you have the capability to take them, and the person(s) who took them will help in any way possible.
If you go yellow once, you will be reminded of these rules. Twice in a six-month period, and you will be fined resources. Three times in a six-month period, expulsion. Period.