Aaryanna

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Tasha did not like splitting up, but realistically, it was the best way to search. With a planet this large, even with their ability to teleport or fly, searching it was going to be time consuming. And if what Treana had theorized about parts of it being hollow was true, then they would also have to keep an eye out for a path down into the very planet. Tasha suspected that it probably was, how else could they be on something so large and not be affected by a different gravity? She imagined that it probably wasn't the same as Earth, but close enough that they couldn't tell the difference. They hadn't gone very far when Vanyel, who oddly was up in front halted and turned back to Tasha,Triela, Amy and Rebecca, clearly thinking of something. Tasha was about to ask her what was up but she beat her too it. "[B]I've been thinking about how we are suppose to help Espers who are far more powerful than ourselves. I mean if they can't free themselves then how are we suppose to?[/B]" Once they were paying attention Vanyel turned around and continued searching. "[B]You see,[/B]" Vanyel continued, "[B]I think that when they were seperated from their bodies they lost some of that power, or rather the phenomenon that brought them here confused their minds, making them think something else was going on. That they don't realize what's going on or where they are.[/B]" "[B]Like they are dreaming? Something like that?[/B]" Rebecca asked. Vanyel nodded, "[B]Yeah, something like that. I mean otherwise, you'd think they'd simply attempt to use their own power to return to their bodies, much in the same way we used ours to get here.[/B]" "[B]Well that could be it,[/B]" Triela agreed, "[B]But what if it's not? They could be aware of it but still unable to do anything.[/B]" "[B]No, I agree with Vanyel, I've been learning how to be separate from my body and my teacher told me that once you've got the technique down pretty good, getting back isn't a problem, unless something happens to your body. And though it felt pretty odd, it didn't feel anything like a dream.[/B]" Tasha smiled a bit when the others turned to look at her. "[B]Well personally I think that all we have to do is find someone, use our psychic shield to give their mind protection from the energy field, I think doing so will enable them to realize just where they are."[/B] Vanyel shrugged. "[B]Though I don't know if that will be enough for them to return to their bodies on their own or not. We might have to help them.[/B]" The more Tasha thought about it, the more it made sense. If the people here thought they were dreaming, they wouldn't even try to leave or attempt to find them. Though if they thought they too were a part of that dream it was possible they would find them once they noticed their presence. Her train of thought was interrupted as everyone came to a halt. Confused she moved forward to see what was up. They were standing at the edge of an enormous chasm, it was obvious they were going to have to teleport to get across. But more importantly, on the other side was what appeared to be a series of caves. "[B]Great,[/B]" Tasha said with a groan. "[B]Looks like we will be searching underground after all. I went ahead and told the others, just as I told them about your idea that isolating someone by using a psychic shield might be all it takes for them to realize what's going on. If they really are confused by the energy field like you've suggested Vanyel.[/B]" As they got ready to teleport, Vanyel gave her an odd look. "[B]Can't you feel it?[/B]" She finally inquired. Confused Tasha shook her head. "[B]Even with the shield, it's like something is tugging at the back of my mind, as bizarre as it sounds, I feel like my brain is trying to sneeze, and I can't help but think that if that were to happen I'd be seperated from my body as well.[/b]" Vanyel looked away, "[b]I didn't feel it on Earth, but the closer we got to this place the more prominent the feeling became.[/B]" [I]I wonder if that's what confused them? Tasha thought. Being suddenly taken from their bodies would do that. Kind of like people who are dead, when it's sudden they don't realize that they are dead.[/I] She shook her head and turned back to watch as the others teleported to the other side of the chasm, then she too teleported over. Without a word the group made their way towards the caves. Now if only they'd actually find someone before their time ran out and they had to leave. Though how they would find them she wasn't quite sure, Tasha had lowered her telepathic shields to listen for stray thoughts, but other than the occasional one from those in here team or those of the others in the other teams she had yet to sense anyone.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Rachmaninoff'] And with that in mind I did a search and trust me, I found tons of stuff to use for this. Heh, I sent all the links to everything along with my final thoughts on the topic I think we should give them to both of you. Regardless of whoever wins, this article is going to be fantastic. Once you guys check out the links I sent you, you'll understand. :) Anyway, I'll work on it some more later today. Oh and just for the record, there's no need to consult me again as far as the topic goes, whatever you finally decide on Kathy is fine by me.[/QUOTE]Wow. The information you dredged up is impressive. Once I saw the topic I was thinking... great... a forum that no longer exists. I mean, none of us were members when that forum was around. XP Anyway, I'll get to work on my part and with a whole week before school starts again I should have plenty of time to get it all done. ^_^ Plus I've got some other ideas that I'll address in my response to your pm Rach. And yeah, as for the topic, I so agree with what you said and I've told my Mom so we'll most likely give them that topic that you mentioned. It should be interesting to see what they come up with. Heh. Anyway, since this is a contest I say we keep most of what we are doing to pm's. We wouldn't want to accidentally help them after all. :p Since I know that like us they probably check our thread on a regular basis, I know I check their thread every time a new post goes up, after all if they post it then we deserve to know! Besides as SunfallE said in the Panopticon [[SIZE="1"]shameless obscure reference used, whee!!!![/SIZE]] NO FREEBIES! Hehe. :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Coming from a divorced family myself (though my Mom and Dad are pretty nice) I'm going to jump in here:[quote name='NightmareVC;787485][COLOR="Red"]I've looked past it being her for a long time. That's why I asked for advice because it had never been this bad before. I mean, she would get angry over a few things. She even said," I don't love you!" before among other things. Never threats of bodily harm to that degree, though.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Try to understand, until you clarified this, people can't read your mind, they don't know these things until you tell them. So you got responses based on what little information you gave. And that's easy to misunderstand. No one here knew that she said "I don't love you" or that she threatened to harm you. We can't read your mind you know. ^_~[quote name='NightmareVC;787485][COLOR="Red"']Honest to goodness, I'm used to being told," I don't love you," and ," I'll beat you till _______!!" It just seemed, this time, it was more personal and demented. He is my little brother and after all we've gone through, he's like part of me. We do almost everything together and our parents always refer to one of us as " they". Because we normally think alike. [/COLOR][/quote]If you're use to hearing her say that, that's sad. Even though my parents are divorced neither one has ever said such a hateful thing to me. [QUOTE=NightmareVC'][COLOR="Red"]So it was as bad, if not worse, than if she said it to me. I could go on a rant about how much we lack, but it doesn't really matter to you (plural). It doesn't change anything about what I should do. At least, I don't think it should. Yeah, you're right. Divorced families are messed up.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]Also, don't assume people here don't care, if they didn't they wouldn't bother to respond at all. So seriously, take Rach's advice, take a deep breath and chill just a little. Obviously the whole thing is upsetting, I can only imagine. It sounds to me like your mom needs some counseling to deal with her anger. And my advice? It sounds like you need it as well, a counselor, someone who you can talk to who knows how to give you good advice on how to handle a situation like that. If that's not possible then perhaps a friend you can confide in. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Agent Fluff knew she should not go to meet the Beast, Crystia was right, Beasts do not bargin. But what else could she do? Even the doctor could not cure her mother. She had not even got out of the hospital when a tiny whine caught her attention. Startled she turned around to see Aaryanna meekly following her. "[B]No Aaryanna![/B]" Fluff said as she picked her up. "[B]You can't come! You're no match for that horrible Beast.[/B]" But Aaryanna refused to leave. With a sigh Fluff went back to where her mother was resting, slipping in quietly so as not to wake her up. With tears in her eyes she set Aaryanna on the bed. "[B]You need to guard mother Aaryanna, take care of her for me okay?[/B]" Fluff reached out and scratched her ears and then smiled a bit when Aaryanna curled up next to mother and put her head down between her front paws. "[B]Be a good girl Aaryanna,[/B]" Fluff whispered before she left, closing the door tightly to keep Aaryanna in. Though she doubted she would leave now. Aaryanna always knew when someone was sick and until they got better she would refuse to leave their side. She would stay with Mother. Minutes later Agent Fluff slipped out of the hospital and headed into Otaku City. More than anything she wished they had cured her mother. After all, why would the Beast give her an antidote? They were going to destroy OtakuBoards weren't they? Even if he gave it to her and Mother recovered, they were going to kill everyone anyway. "[B]We should not have come out here Gadget[/B]" Fluff said. "[B]Nonsense, you won't know until you try Fluff.[/B]" Gadget replied, his voice slightly muffled from the duffel bag he was in. "[B]But what if the Beast simply kill me and takes you anyway? What good will that do?[/B]" Fluff reasoned. "[B]I can't stop either one of them, Gavin or the Beast.[/B]" "[B]No doubts Fluff,[/B]" Gadget said firmly. "[B]You have do do what you can.[/B]" But what can I do? Fluff wondered. She shrugged it off and continued off into the night. If she was going to do this, now was the time, while everyone else seemed to be elsewhere. Fluff continued on her way into Otaku City.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='BKstyles'][FONT="Tahoma"]My sincerest apologies to The Sunflowers, it appears though as if the rest of my team (cept Tiana, who let me know ahead of time she would be gone) have lost interest in the competition. I will present you with a topic myself in a couple of hours to keep things going.[/FONT][/QUOTE]I know I want our topic and soon. >_< If only because I start school again on the 20th. XP So I'll have less free time. And I know that my Mom is still planning on doing the challenge, and even Rach, though he too starts school on the 20th. As for the last topic problem, someone ought to go and bonk Charles. You don't list something like that in the T section. You put in in the D section. The word The does not count when organizing titles. lol My mom found out by virtue of searching for the Digimon Forum and finding it in the old Otakupedia thread and then she went and checked the list of articles again since she couldn't believe they forgot to move one of the articles over. Anyway... I'm ready to get this going. To get to the next phase of this game if you will. That and I'm planning on kicking your guys' butt! :p Whether or not we manage to actually do just that is another story. Heh.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]I think this newspaper should be held bi-weekly, and here's why.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]I certainly don't have an issue with posting more often, but the biggest issue is having enough articles every two weeks. To give an example, I have yet to be able to submit my own article on the Sci - Fi Showdown since the final judge has yet to give their vote, there are other articles that people were working on that didn't get sent in. And then there's the need for time for the editors to actually check things over and get them back. If we can find a way to counter those issues this probably could be done more often. Like my own article. I'm thinking of simply writing it up anyway, even though the winner has yet to be declared. I'm not sure if the threads being a little older is too bad though, since I'm sure plenty of people may have never bothered to read the thread so from that standpoint they don't all have to be fairly current. I think that would put to much pressure on people when it comes to writing up articles. Though it wouldn't hurt to shoot for having more current stuff in there as well. [B] EDIT:[/B] Oh yeah, I think James is going to do an announcement when an issue goes up so that should help with getting the word out about a new edition being up. I know my mom already pm'd him to let James know that the next one is up. [B]EDIT NUMBER TWO:[/B] And the announcement is up! Thanks James! :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]I'm glad you asked indifference since I was wondering what people meant too. XP Sounds like god modding if you ask me or like those stupid posts in FQFG. It's sooo much fun to have someone out of nowhere kill your character off! [/sarcasm] Seriously though if that happened here DB all you have to do is ask indifference to remove the post if the player won't. That's what she did in FQFG at Shy's request. She deleted the stupid posts and we got back on track with the real plot. Anyway, regardless, looks like the next bit is going to be fun! :catgirl: Lots of room to be creative which considering that we are all off in separate groups seems pretty easy to do without stepping on other people's toes so to speak. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Aaryanna_Mom']Just a quick heads up people, if you have an article ready please get it to me ASAP since I am going to have Aaryanna put up the next edition either tomorrow or Friday. [/QUOTE]And it's up! :catgirl: If anyone had an article that was almost ready, finish it up and get it in ASAP so we can get it to the editors and have it ready to go for next month. Also, once again I am so glad OB got updated. Posting something like that is so much easier with the changes. Hehe. Oh and thanks for leaving out the color and font tags everyone. That too made it easier. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[CENTER][IMG]http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/3185/timesjq3.jpg[/IMG] [SIZE="1"]Banner by:[/SIZE] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=4082"][SIZE="1"][U]Jeremiah[/U][/SIZE][/URL] [SIZE="1"][alink=iss2Entertainment][u]Entertainment[/u][/alink] | [alink=iss2Community][u]Community[/u][/alink] | [alink=iss2Creative Works][u]Creative Works[/u][/alink] | [alink=iss2Members][u]Members[/u][/alink] | [alink=iss2Beyond OtakuBoards][u]Beyond OtakuBoards[/u][/alink] | [alink=iss2Reviews][u]Reviews[/u][/alink][/SIZE][/center] Welcome to the second installment of the OtakuBoards Newspaper. As you can see we intend to cover each area of the boards. Just click on the link above to be taken to the each area where the articles are listed. Not only do we wish to thank everyone for their input, support and the articles and banners they made for this endeavor, but also for future involvement. Also special thanks to both [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=4033"][U]Revelation[/U][/URL] and [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=30155"][U]Allamorph[/U][/URL] for providing editing services for many of the articles. [center][aname=iss2Entertainment][b][SIZE="6"]Entertainment[/SIZE][/b][/aname][/CENTER] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57263"][B][U]Movie Limericks [/U][/B][/URL] ?Movie Limericks? is much like a guess-this-movie game by virtue of a clue given for people to use to figure out the answer. However, this thread varies in that unlike the standard simple game it requires the participants to creatively write up the clue in the form of a limerick, as can be seen here: [INDENT]A Disney gal with a set of pipes Had a world of underwater gripes Though her voice had to flounder Her prince charming found her He was one of those wish-washy types.[/INDENT] Though ?Movie Limericks? has not received a lot of responses, it is definitely one of the more fun and creative game threads to be found on OtakuBoards. [SIZE="1"]~Article submitted by:[URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=20994"] [U]indifference[/U][/URL][/SIZE] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57662"][B][U]Parents And Anime: Do They Approve?[/U][/B][/URL] It's a question that never seems to end: do your parents approve of anime? As the opening poster mentioned, many areas still have people who believe that anime is nothing more than pornographic garbage. Such prejudice is widely confirmed, as some replies have included others in a book store loudly proclaiming to everyone that all manga is garbage while another accused someone purchasing manga of supporting porn even though the manga in question was not?an act that was clearly from ignorance since, ironically, the state where the manga was being sold does not allow porn to be distributed on the shelves of a book store. Such material must be ordered online or gotten in another state. In spite of this misunderstanding, it is clear that many parents do not see it this way, as more than a few replies have been along the lines of the member's parents having little to no issue with anime. Others simply tolerated it instead of trying to keep their kids from watching it. But what makes this thread interesting is that one of OtakuBoards few parents, Aaryanna_Mom, posted in favor of not believing that all anime is bad, a fact confirmed by her claims in another thread that there are some shows such as Fruits Basket and Case Closed that she watches and enjoys. [SIZE="1"]~Article submitted by:[URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=20994"] [U]indifference[/U][/URL][/SIZE] [CENTER][aname=iss2Community][b][SIZE="6"]Community[/SIZE][/b][/aname][/center] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57609"][B][U]OtakuBoards Hall of Fame '07[/U][/B][/URL] [B]&[/B] [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57581"][B][U] The Great OtakuBoards Bermuda Triangle Mystery! [E] - Everyone's Invited![/U][/B][/URL] After a spell of inactivity in the community events area of the boards, two new events finally got underway, inviting everyone to be a part of the process. Both events are quite different from one another. The OtakuBoards Hall of Fame is primarily an admiration event in the sense that it will recognize five members each year as being ?famous? at OtakuBoards. Basically, any member can nominate someone they think that, through their posts and actions, are a prime example of what OtakuBoards is all about. The rules to the event are simple: each member is only allowed one post and one nomination. They are encouraged to explain in detail why the member they nominated should be one of the five chosen this year. There is only one exception for nominations: it must be a regular member. No staff members are allowed, though staff are encouraged to participate in nominations. Also, it?s worth mentioning that even members who have been banned or are retired staff members are also eligible to be selected. Eventually, after a judging process, five of the nominations will be selected to be the first members to become part of the OtakuBoards Hall of Fame. One serious drawback to this event is that no time frame has been given as to when the time for nominations will close or even when the judging will finally take place. Regardless, if you have yet to nominate someone now is the time if you wish for them to be part of the OtakuBoards Hall of Fame for 2007. The other event, the Bermuda Triangle Mystery, is a take off of last year?s Scavenger hunt, only with a twist. In this event, items, people, functions and threads have been strewn about the site due to the mysterious force associated with the Bermuda Triangle. It is up to the members to hunt them down and restore them to their proper place. Via special banners made by Aaryanna, the items have been placed in threads by indifference, and cryptic clues are all that the members have to go on to find the missing items. In an ironic twist, instead of being more obvious, many of the clues have been based on more than clever wording for describing the thread where items are located. As indifference put it: [indent]Just a reminder, this is also about how you find the information and not just keywords. To give you an example I'll explain this clue from the first round: [B]Clue 8: Depending on your point of view. This army stands at the top.[/B] By choosing to have the Adventure Square show all threads since the forum began and then clicking on the button to sort it based on how many views each thread has had... Depending on your point of view [SIZE="1"][times it's been viewed[/SIZE]] it stands at the top. So it's time to think outside the box since the clues are a mix of more obvious keywords and methods of how one would find the thread itself. Now as to which clue is which, that is still a mystery.[/indent] As a result, many of the clues have been difficult to find since simply typing in a key word or two was not enough to find the thread in question. So far, each round has resulted in a clue that was not found. And in yet another twist, instead of telling where they are, additional clues were provided and the clues carried over to the next round. The nature of the final battle for the title [B]OtakuBoards Bermuda Triangle Mystery Champion[/B] has yet to be revealed. Even the prize at the end is still a mystery, as neither indifference nor Aaryanna has verified just what it is. [SIZE="1"]~Article submitted by:[URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=30891"] [U]Rachmaninoff[/U][/URL][/SIZE] [center][aname=iss2Creative Works][b][SIZE="6"]Creative Works[/SIZE][/b][/aname][/center] [B][URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57362"][U]DeadSeraphim's Guide To Becoming An Internet Superstar At OtakuBoards - An Essay [/U][/URL][/B] In perhaps one of the more serious attempts at humor in regards to popularity at OtakuBoards, DeadSeraphim started the thread: [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57362"][U]Guide To Becoming An Internet Superstar At OtakuBoards - An Essay[/U][/URL] With the first three methods of How to obtain Stardom at OtakuBoards. It quickly caught on as other members started adding to the initial three methods with other methods of how one could become an OtakuBoards Superstar. However it quickly degraded into methods that as Raiyuu put it: [INDENT]As Des suggested, more lolz and less thread derailment plz. Where by thread derailment I mean posting any method where the 'mentors' include yourself. I mean, how vain do you have to be? I've enjoyed this thread so far. I think a lot of other people have too. Over the last page or so it's been dragged down with ego massagers. The lesson to remember is: you don't get to decide whether or not you are a 'superstar'.[/INDENT] The moderators felt that many replies were nothing more than shameless promotions of oneself, making it clear that whether or not one was actually a Superstar on OtakuBoards was something decided by the members and not a case of one person claiming that they were. [B][U][CENTER][SIZE="4"]The Methods:[/SIZE][/CENTER][/U][/B] [B]Method 1: Be a serious jerk.[/B] This method involves selling your sense of humour, having a one word screenname (names starting with 'R' with some vaguely authoritive conotations are a good bet) and posting in a small font. If you take this route, you're never allowed to join in on any humourous threads and you're gonna have to overreact to trolling in such a severe manner that you end up looking like an arsehole instead of the troll - it's cool though, cause people will expect that from you. You're on a grand crusade against the trolling menace, and if anyone gets caught in the crossfire, they know that this is war, and there will be casualties. RPing at a rate of a million RPs per minute will also help. You will have a great chance at becoming a mod this way. [i]Your mentors: [/i]Sandy, Retribution, Neuvoxraiha. [B]Method 2: Be a troll.[/B] Trolls are clearly the most underappreciated class of OB denizen, and usually gain a level of INFAMY over stardom, but it is a way to get yourself noticed. Short, dismissive replies that make no attempt at being serious, public mocking and defaming of other members and inflammatory avatars and signatures are a hallmark of this method, though they have to be counterbalanced by a large percentage of real posts that are ontopic and sincere, or you risk banning. Being friends with staff will keep you from banning, but only for a while - as the sad tales of Papa Smurf and the original lavalamp illustrate, trolling can get you banned if not done properly and with restraint. You have a soso chance of becoming a mod, but I wouldn't hold your breath. [I]Your mentors: [/I]Charles, Deathknight, wristcutter. [B]Method 3: Have half a brain.[/B] As has been shown time and time again, if you actually use your ****ing head once in a while, you'll have no problems making friends and influencing people. This is the least travelled route for reasons unknown, but you can be pretty sure if you try it you'll become internet famous in no time. There's no prerequisites, but having a screenname that is vaguely ominous sounding usually helps. Also, not resorting to trolling when bored as well - some of our best trolls once used this method, but later joined the dark side (largely cause this method can get shockingly boring if you've got nothing better to do). Chances of moddom are high, but not as high as being a serious jerk. [I]Your mentors:[/I] Aaryanna_Mom, Shy, indifference. [B] Method 4: Develop a creepy cult of stalkers.[/B] If you're one of the beautiful people, this is the easiest attention to get, but the hardest to get rid of. Simply post a picture of yourself in one of the recurring Photos of you! threads, and let the compliments roll in. It will take several photographs to get firmly established as an internet celebrity, but after that, you're golden. Once you've arrived, people will revere you for your beauty long after your original picture thread has been locked and forgotten. It doesn't matter if you contribute to the boards in any other way?you can be one of the most active, intelligent people on OB, or one of the most vapid and annoying?people will only remember you as their "hot geeky girl on teh interwebs!" fantasy. [I] Your mentors:[/I] Juuthena, Babygirl [B]Method 5: Be gay (or just think you might be!)[/B] OtakuBoards has always had gay members. Lots of them. However, many of these members didn't realize they are gay until visiting the site, and as a result the entire community is forced to sit through their long and difficult proccess of self acceptance. Perhaps anime message boards just attract a lot of homosexuals, or maybe it's your Dad's fault. Who knows? Since gays are always defending themselves and their lifestyle, they are prone to becoming strong writers and debaters. This makes them strong candidates for staff positions ([spoiler]and other kinds of positions, too.[/spoiler]) While some OB gays are on the "D.L." others are loud and proud of their sexual orientation. Decide which method works for you, because being gay is a surefire way to become an OB superstar! OB gays can be usually be identified by a clever (or sometimes not so clever) declaration of their homoseuxality in their avatars and/or signatures. Also be on the lookout for gender-neutral pronouns when they describe their lovelife and/or "type." [I]Your mentors: [/I]Transtic Nerve, Sandy, Shy. [B]Method Six: Be an Argumentative Slut.[/B] Manage to always insult others while drawing from both method two and three. Chances are you're rude and cruel to others because you're young, acned, and unattractive to the opposite sex as well as your own. You post in every thread that doesn't need you, because you feel that you're needed anyway and that your arguments have some merit. Your OB life however will be very short, because you'll soon be banned or on your way to being banned. Additionally, you will most likely have a nemesis that gets you and the other into serious trouble. This is why you are/have been banned. [I]Mentors:[/I] Copycatalyst, Alex, Mnemolth, Transtic Nerve [B]Method Seven: Be a Douche[/B] It's not hard to get people to notice you if your always there. It also helps if you're a total douche. Just go out there and purposefully be completely ignorant and disagree with as many intelligent opinions as possible. Eventually, people will be like, "hey, that gues a douche" but at least everyone knows you're a douche. [I]Mentors:[/I] 21st Century Digital Boy, Premonition, Kazuwa_Nomura [B] Method 8: post sapmmy-ness for about 10 posts, then show them your skillz.[/B] If you post complete stupidity then later show that you can post, you just might find stardom. This example can be seen in the past where members that post excellent today, posted really bad a few years back. Just don't get too overboard, or the mods will have at you. [I]Mentors:[/I] Tical blue, Charles (from wat otakupedia told me) [B] Method 9: Be H-O-T, Attractive.[/B] One of the oldest ways of being liked from the get go. Be good looking. It's not that complicated, and while tastes may differ, usually SOMEONE's going to like you for what your Mama gave ya. Sometimes it's unanimous, other times it's a small crowd of admirers. Hopefully it's the former for you. Just don't be shy, and it should work... oh, and don't be a liar. No body likes an identity theft. [I]Mentors:[/I] Neuvoxraiha, Anomlay, SaiyanPrincessX, BabyGirl, Sandy, Annie, Revelation, Ezekiel, The Boss, Shy, Caoimhe, White, DeadSeraphim, Retribution (hawt). [B] Method 10: Be obsessive and proud of it.[/B] Find something to obsess about -- something other than Naruto and Kingdom Hearts, mind you -- and display your obsession proudly. The more eccentric the obsession is, the more likely you are to get noticed. Take every opportunity to display a wide range of knowledge about your object of obsession, make references to it frequently, and find ways to relate it to other subjects of conversation. Keep it up consistently and you'll build a reputation as, "that person who's crazy about...." If your obsession happens to match up with one of the forums you'll also have a decent chance of becoming a moderator this way. Just be careful not to come off as a stupid fanboy/girl. [I]Your mentors:[/I] Desbreko, Aaryanna, Charles [B]Method 11: Be a mod[/B] Being a mod pretty much guarantees that regardless of your level of intelligence, strength of your sense of humor, writing ability, ability to use ridiculous font choices or general hygiene you will be liked and lauded by some group of people. Even if they don't understand the main point of your argument (assuming there is one at all), your very existence will be appreciated on some level. Expect numerous pointless PMs and IMs from out of the blue that are likely not welcome at all. [I] Weaknesses:[/I] Chances are that unless you're actually, genuinely likable this will disappear along with your title if you ever resign. [I]Mentors:[/I] Every mod ever. [B]Method 12: Write an Awful Lot[/B] If you write enough, most people will not have the time to actually read every last word of your post and thus assume you're the smartest person in the thread. You've automatically won whatever the debate entails by default in the eyes of more than half of the userbase and since popularity is all that matters you've essentially won at The Internet. [I]Mentors:[/I] Fill this in yourself. [B]Method 13: Use an Army of Flying Monkeys[/B] Using an army of flying monkeys to strong-arm your way into OB stardom is a concrete and well-used method of acquiring fame. Strutting your stuff physically or proving your intelligence is far too common for the likes of you. Simply arrive with your simian posse in tow and watch the compliments, friend invites and PMs roll in. [I]Weaknesses:[/I] Whole lotta falling poo. [I] Your mentors:[/I] Sephiroth, Sara, DeadSeraphim. [B]Method 14: IM[/B] Start IMing all the major members of the boards. Everyone seems to do it, and eventually youll be mentioned in someone's sig or have your own story based on the IM conversations in the anthology. There are members out there who expanded their popularity just be IMing someone like Charles or Shy frequently. [B]Method Number Next: Don't Give a Flying Monkey's Arse[/B] While not exactly a discipline for those who aspire to fame, this method will ensure that you remain unaffected by wherever you end up in the hierarchy of the internet. It's almost the same as Method Three, but with more "meh," involved. Those who follow this method strictly will probably never even be aware that such a hierarchy exists, and so it is perfect for them. [I]Your Mentors: [/I]How the devil should I know? [B] Get Banned In a Spectacular Way[/B] Some members actually acquire more "fame" once they have been banned. Although momentary fame often accompanies a public banning, this category uniquely belongs to members who are remembered for years after their banning. Hilarious/bizarre/supremely obnoxious situations much surround the banning of a member in this hierarchy of shame. Former staff member, kuja, is remembered for receiving a banning for threatening to sue Adam and James for his removal from the staff. Zeh, another staff member, is remembered for impersonating the administrators and offering members jobs. Alex is often remembered for mass flaming members and fighting with James in dozens of essay-length posts about a video game before getting banned. [I]Mentors:[/I] Rick Hunter, kuja, Poisontongue, zeh, shift [B]Using a font colour that could glow in the dark[/B] People think it's cool, unique, and gives you an identity, but it is just annoying. It's barely readable and results in having to highlight the text in order to read it, not that it helps much. This and Method 7 go hand in hand. [I]Mentors: [/I]2007DigitalBoy, 2007DigitalBoy, 2007DigitalBoy, 2007DigitalBoy, 2007DigitalBoy [B]Method 18: Pretend To Hate It[/B] Find something about the 'Boards that you don't like and make that the crux of your apparent OB hatred, taking time to complain about anything else that happens to irk you along the way. Insults should be thinly-veiled (unless directed at the less popular members) to avoid being banned. This way you can just about escape warning-free. It helps to throw in crude jokes or the odd swear word. Pretend to be better/cooler/know more than everyone else, so every post is apparently a waste of your time. Woe betide anyone who should criticize you. Through your stinging commentaries on various members, thread topics and site designs; your sarcastic, semi-insulting comments will glean you a charm amongst the OB populace, and while you have a cantakerous, argumentative and rude outer facade, inside you will be standing proudly on your OB podium with a smile on your face and a tear in your eye. [I]Weaknesses:[/I] Don't expect to get modded if you start like this from the off. And make sure to hide those early posts wherein you were a lowly, unconfident newbie with a font two sizes too big for your words, asking sheepishly 'Can I post my wallpaper here?', otherwise your big 'bad-boy' image is shattered forever. And of course, you leave yourself open to the one fatal flaw in the 'Pretend To Hate It' method; the simple question: If you dislike the site so much, why are you here? And then you may just have to admit that, actually, you really do love it here and cry every time you get torn away from the screen to go to bed. This method can sometimes be confused with Method 1, but while those using that method can just be jerks, people who Pretend To Hate It are not always necessarily jerks. [I]Your mentors:[/I] cloricus, Altron Gundam, DeadSeraphim [B]Method 19: Love Yourself[/B] Some would argue that the best way to acquaint everyone with yourself is by a massive self-advertising campaign. After all, who knows you better than yourself, hmm? How will all these people appreciate your greatness if someone doesn't tell them how good you are? Write humourous fan-fictions starring yourself, constantly, and don't let up for a second. Self-confidence is a great thing, so use it to your advantage! [I] Weaknesses:[/I] Believe it or not, people can have too much of a good thing, so it's best to give them a break every now and again. Heavens, even you may tire from seeing your own face too often! And that would be a great shame. [I]Your mentors:[/I] Dragon Warrior [I]Accompaniment to Any Method:[/I] Once your popularity is established, by this or other methods, you may want to start self-gratifying threads about OtakuBoards so you can count how many times your name pops up. You may want to namedrop as many people as possible in order to get reciprocation. This is an indulgence many people undertake, popular or not, so don't worry if someone has beaten you to it. Either way, if your name doesn't come up enough, it's time to get working again! [B]Method 20: Pretend your sister died.[/B] Think your OB history is just a little too respectable? Want to shake things up a bit? Luckily for you, the solution to your problem is a simple one; tell everyone you just went through a horrible tragedy! To apply it properly, wait for someone to criticize you. Don't worry, its OB; it'll happen in no time. Respond to that criticism with a simple "you jerk my sister just died today," and you're in! The harsher the criticism the better, but timing is also a factor. Use your judgment. The best part of it is, it's foolproof! Who's going to question that story? There's no need to keep up the charade on other OB related message boards; it's not like anyone's going to check, right? Just sit back and bask in the attention. The Downside? Sooner or later, somebody will figure it out. Chances are, if you have to resort to something like this, you're not the brightest bulb. As such, the ill-gotten superstardom will fade quickly, often in a day or two, and you will then become an OB pariah. Keep up crap like this, and you're sure to be banned, which makes this method the perfect lead-in to the "Getting Banned in a Spectacular Way." In all actuality, it's a win-win! [I]Mentors:[/I] Ultimia. [B] Method 21: OMG POST COUNT[/B] A by-product of almost all of the above methods is an increasing post-count. This is great, because a having a high postcount is a form of superstardom all by itself! To really reach Superstar status, though, you need to post a lot?we're talking an average of fifty times a day. This means you need to post in every thread on the boards, multiple times?it helps to have a fellow candidate for superdom to work with, because that allows you and your partner to raise your counts simultaneously by holding converations in multiple threads. Another option is to join the hell out of as many RPGs as possible and just go at it. [I]Drawbacks:[/I] This is an old-fashioned method, made almost obsolete by the current format of the boards, which does not automatically display your post count in the header of your post. Don't worry! You can add your post count to your signature, custom title, avatar, or simply mention it in every post you make! [I]Bonus:[/I] Everyone knows who you are, not only because of your post-count (that's why they respect you), but by sheer force of presence. You're inescapable. You're everywhere! [I]Your Mentors:[/I] thimoc, firemac, ulitmia, neuvoxraiha [B]Method 22: Form an elitist clique, mention it frequently, and don't let anyone else join.[/B] Choose your clique members wisely! You don't want nondescript members dragging your group down?no one would care about a club made of ten Naruto fans! You want to associate yourself with high-profile (or upwardly-mobile) members. This is best used in combination with one of the above methods to cement your status in the minds of others. Not only are you great... you're so great that you're in an exclusive club! And everyone else is out-of-luck, because unless they're already in... they're just not good enough to join. [I]Your Mentors:[/I] Adam's Angels, Otaku Triad [B] Method 23: Super-annoying catch phrase[/B] Coin yourself a phrase and use it as often as possible, preferedly in every single post. No matter how many cease and desist PMs and annoyed posts people send at you, keep using it as if you don't even notice it. Pretty soon it'll be in every OB parody that comes around and become synonymous with your name. [I]Mentors: [/I]Gavin [B]Method 21a: Start ten trillion threads[/B] Run out of threads with which to up your post count? Start some new ones! But make sure they're all along the same lines - you don't want people just thinking "so-and-so started loads of threads today". You want people thinking "OMG where did all those game threads come from". When they work it out your name will become synonymous with that subject. [I]Mentors: [/I]ChibiHorsewoman (game threads), Adahn (pretentious pseudophilosophy) [B] 24: Rephrase everything that's already been said, bashing members in the process. Also, whenever people attempt to actually participate in the discussion, throw a wrench in the works by holding a completely unrelated conversation with another member in the same thread.[/B] People will then realize that you are "too cool for rules" and blindly follow you in admiration. Blatant sarcasm works, too. [I] Mentors:[/I] Like I'm actually going to list names. [B]Method Number 25: Dont be an AJeh[/B] These membertypes are the (very loosely said) 'all-rounders' who dont seem to excel in any of the other 24 previously mentioned methods. Instead they linger on in the forums for prolonged periods of time before decidingly disappearing very suddenly, lest they become too visible. Because of this, these members usually have extremely long but inconsistent (and regrettably forgettable, in the bigger picture) lifespans compared to most. Though this may suggest that these members may have a real social life they are more dedicated to, the odds are against it (just like with most other anime forum member types). [I]Non-mentor(s):[/I] AJeh, other forgettable oldies, current few in the making [B] Method 26: Get away with stuff[/B] The saying 'Go big or go home' applies here. The idea is to violate the rules so frequently and in such significant ways that you will inspire shock and awe among your fellow members. The moderating staff will be so blown away by your blatant disregard for authority that they won't know how to react, and in the end, probably won't react at all. As long as you get away with it people will respect you (or probably hate you, but either way you'll get your name out there.) [I]Weaknesses: [/I]Unfortunately, your rebellious nature will be your undoing when you are banned for one of your relatively minor offenses (as opposed to one of the really big offenses you have been committing for months.) The trick is to keep outdoing yourself and stay away from gaming discussions. Just remember that there will come a time when you have to choose between violating federal law or losing your reputation at an internet message board. I think you know which choice to make. [I] Role Models:[/I] The term 'role model' doesn't seem quite fitting with this particular method. I'm sure they have some examples listed at your local post office. [B]Method 27: Brainwash Others[/B] So maybe you're not the best-looking person around. Maybe you don't practice what some call "good hygiene." Maybe you're just totally fugly with no redeeming qualities whatsoever. To put it simply, maybe you're a gigantic douche. But you still have a chance to be a superstar at OB. Just get a few of your IRL friends to register at OB, and position yourself so they'll start a "[your name here] for Moderator" campaign, including banners, avatars, etc. Pretty soon everyone will know who you are, regardless of whether you actually became a moderator or not. [I]Drawbacks:[/I] One problem with this method is that if your friends happen to be bigger douches than you, are crazy, or go crazy, or screw something up, it'll reflect poorly on your campaign, which will reflect poorly on you. It's like modern American politics. [I] Examples: [/I]PoisonTongue, Drix D'Zanth (it was an obscure campaign, but it was there), Barack Obama. [B]Method 28: Actually Be Nice[/B] Far less certain or even obtainable than the other methods since it actually requires lots of ridiculous behind the scenes work. Such as answering the pm's of poor newbies who are lost or confused. As well as avoiding obvious trolling or clobbering of members who really should be clobbered. It also requires at least attempting to respond politely to personal attacks instead of going off the deep end. It's also rarely done since like method three, it can be shockingly boring. Still chances of modship are a possibility as well as eventually being recognized. [I]Drawbacks:[/I] Chance are no one will ever know that you're pretty nice to people. You'll just slip through the cracks and be considered nothing more than an ordinary member. Also, it requires actually having patience. [I]Your Mentors:[/I] Panda, James, SunfallE, Shy, Aaryanna_Mom [B]Method 69: Suck Up To People Like You're Sucking On a Popsickle[/B] When Ken posts complaining that he's only a troll, or say someone else feels down in the OB dumpster, give them a nice fellatio and say things of import to them which aggrandize their Ego to heightened degrees; almost like giving a Mitchbackmassage, one could say, in some sense, or a Jehburger with extra cheese. This method is perfect, for once taking the blow-up doll of another's Ego and blowing and blowing it, it arises largesse and colossus like the end boss on Shadow of the Colossus, or like a nice breast augmentation (only this is a beast augmentation); and lo and behold, you have become the boy wonder of the Supermen, a side-kick superstar like Flash Gordon on crack going to the OB halls as if it's some justice league. [I]Models:[/I] Your mom. Definitely. She is a gooood model. [B]Method 70: Actually post once in a while.[/B] As 2007digitalboy said, if you're everywhere, it's hard not to get noticed. This is where I fail. [I]Mentors: [/I]2007digitalboy, DeadSeraphim. [B] Method 71: Always be right[/B] Okay, not technically "right," but post stuff others can't argue with. For example, if someone asks you what the meaning of life is, give 'em a dictionary definition. Most imoprtant person in your life? HUGE pic of Jesus Christ. [I]Mentors:[/I] DeadSeraphim [B] Method 72: Troll your butt off[/B] This is the one where you either type Leik diss OMG!!! or pick a member and follow them around flaming them. The upside is you get noticed. The downside is you get IP banned and most of your posts are deleted. [I]Mentors:[/I] Well, you don't wanna tread this path anyway. But... maybe me on a bad day. [B]Method 73:[/B] Be absolutly cool, all knowing, philosophical, and do so in a nice way so that everyone looooves. When I try, people tell me to change my font color. (I know, I'm a conformist) [I]Mentors:[/I] Charles [B] Method 74: Perv it up.[/B] Talk dirty. Mention hentai in every post. Say "that's what she said" in response to things that don't even sound remotely sexual. Pros: You will get noticed. I guarantee it. Cons: you just might get arrested. [I]Mentors: [/I]2007digitalboy. [B]Method #29: All your posts call for a "WTF?!" reaction.[/B] If your posts are just so ridiculous that people laugh at you and don't even bother replying, you're on the right track. If you can keep this up without being banned then you are definitely on the right track. However nobody has really gotten away with it (eventually getting kicked). Nonetheless these mentors are still Superstars in my books. [I] Mentors: [/I]Naps the Cat and Prick Wizard. [B] Method 75 or 30: Post with your friends and annoy the crap out of everybody.[/B] If you post insults, friendly comments or even threats against your friends in a thread you will get noticed. [I]Pros:[/I] People will post about it. [I]Cons:[/I] they'll will hate you in that post. [I]Mentors:[/I] 2007DigitalBoy, Premonition [B] Method 30: Be Deathknight[/B] It doesn't matter what the state of your hair is, or that you have a turtleonhead fetish, just being Deathknight is enough. Spreading fear and terror where you go, but being loved by everyone simultaneously, you can't help but be a superstar. Unfortunately, the usage of this method has run its course, and no longer works. It is included strictly for posterity. [I] Mentors:[/I] Deathknight [B]Method 31: Be okay where you stand[/B] If your not popular, and people know that, be okay with your rank. Soon after resuring yourself that being you is good, people will begin to notice you. Soon you'll become more known around OB, as "the guy who just doesn't give a crap about popularity."The process may take long, but it's worth it. [I]Mentors: [/I]Premonition [B] Method #?? - Play Literati.[/B] It's a great way to make contact with other members (new and old) in a fun and relaxed environment, you might learn new words to add to your vocabulary, the games will usually provide brilliant quote material for your sig, and if you're really lucky you could earn yourself a 24-hour ban from OB! [I] Mentors: [/I]Sara (Queen of Literati), Shy (King of Literati), Kei (Literati Boss), Shinmaru (Literati Ace). [I] Bonus Mentor:[/I] Charlie/Heaven's Cloud (Literati Joker). [B] Method [insert what ever number here]: Something Productive..[/B] Whether?s it?s by allying yourself with random people just being weird or something of the sort, do something. Add to threads, post anthology works, just do something productive. Realize that people have their noob moments. I?ve had them, and if you saw my PM inbox, I could give a list of names. Just do something. Yes, it?s fun to irritate others in a plethora of ways, but think: Is it really getting you anywhere? Also, post things that make others think. Hell, you could even make a friend whom you PM constantly and have random discussions with, thus having most of your pm?s from that person. [I]Role Models: [/I]The Boss. The Mods. Raiyuu. Shy. Shinmaru. In the end the list was meant to be a fun poke at all the different ways people get noticed at OtakuBoards instead of a set of guidelines for members to actually follow. [SIZE="1"]~Article submitted by:[URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=17833"] [U]SunfallE[/U][/URL][/SIZE] [B][URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=57470"][U]What is OB?[/U][/URL][/B] The universe, in all its grandiosity, is an illusion. All things belong to the collective mind which links us to the state of being. We disperse, though, and become nothing more than frail humans. Our society has become a corrupted hub of ADHD madness and despair! Even the places we once considered to be of value in alleviating our sorrows have been corrupting into stations of conformist bigotry! Can?t you see? What good is the world when even a forum like Otakuboards, that is meant to be a place for everyone to be fun, is fraught with overbearing rules and herd mentality meant to drive out those it does not accept?! [B]What is OB?[/B] That?s what [B]CopyCatalyst[/B] (aka [B]Mitch[/B]) asked the boards, though apparently it wasn?t really what he wanted to know. While most of the thread?s replies took the question literally and explained what OB was to them, Mitch was truly questioning what was wrong with the site and was trying to demand it be fixed. As much as he continually assured people that he was ?having fun? and didn?t hate the site, he continually stood against it and delivered harsh criticism to those he opposed. While the frontlines of his battle weren?t entirely contained in this thread, the final battle would be held there. [B]James[/B] stepped into the thread and delivered a harsh slice of reality onto Mitch before striking down on him with his mighty mod-rod and banning the pseudo-intellectual page-filler for his 3rd time. A sigh of relief resounded from the depths of OB, and dozens came forth to praise James? decision. Oddly enough, all turbulent events across the OB abruptly ended, as if Mitch had been single-handedly weighing down the entire community. [SIZE="1"]~Article submitted by:[URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=29754"] [U]2007DigitalBoy[/U][/URL][/SIZE] [center][aname=iss2Members][b][SIZE="6"]Members[/SIZE][/b][/aname][/CENTER] Member of the Month: [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=33065"][B][U]Konata[/U][/B][/URL]. She's a new member who has blended in beautifully with great posts and worthy suggestions. [CENTER][aname=iss2Beyond OtakuBoards][b][SIZE="6"]Beyond OtakuBoards[/SIZE][/b][/aname][/center] [U][B][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/major_announcements,_part_1:_who_is_gia?/2569/"]Who is Gia?[/URL][/B][/U] As it says in the update over at [URL="http://www.theOtaku.com"]www.theOtaku.com[/URL] Gia Manry, formerly the head writer of FUNimation's animeOnline, has agreed to join the news team at [url]www.theOtaku.com[/url] with the primary mission of making them a more competitive force in daily otaku news coverage. If you haven't yet, be sure to go and give Gia a warm welcome. [U][B][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/otaku_democracy:_original_characters/2527/"]Otaku Democracy: Original Characters[/URL][/B][/U] Recently there has been a huge cry among artists that characters created by artists for a specific series do not fit in the hub or category for that show. The debate among artists was fierce to the point that moderators such as [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=17833"]SunfallE[/URL] often had to step in and break up fights that had degraded to personal insults and attacks. Finally after much deliberation Adam posted a poll to see just what people wanted done, if only to end the pointless arguments. A few days later the results of that poll were known and a new hub was adding at [url]www.theOtaku.com[/url]. [URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/original_characters_verdict/2533/"] [U][B] Original Characters Verdict[/B][/U][/URL] The verdict? Original Characters for a series now have their own hub [U][URL="http://fanart.theotaku.com/category.php?id=224"]Fan Characters (OC)[/URL][/U] to call their own. Whether or not this solution is ultimately accepted. One hopes that artists will go back to drawing instead of arguing over where their art is displayed. [U][B][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/theotaku_reaches_500,000_members/2543/"]theOtaku Reaches 500,000 Members[/URL][/B][/U] On a more fun note, [URL="http://www.theOtaku.com"]www.theOtaku.com[/URL] reached an important milestone. Congratulations on having half a million members! [SIZE="1"]~Many thanks for the news updates [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=20994"] [U]indifference[/U][/URL][/SIZE] [center][aname=iss2Reviews][b][SIZE="6"]Reviews[/SIZE][/b][/aname][/CENTER] Though there were no reviews submitted by members of OtakuBoards for this edition. Panda, a member of both sites often writes reviews of new DVD releases and posts them at [url]www.theOtaku.com[/url] OtakuBoards sister site. Many thanks to indifference for taking the time to obtain the links. We look forward to reviews written by members here in the future, just send any you write directly to [URL="http://www.otakuboards.com/member.php?u=27884"][U]Aaryanna_Mom[/U][/URL] [U][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/beck_vol._1_%28dvd_review%29/2531/"]Beck Vol. 1 (DVD Review)[/URL][/U] [U][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/peach_girl_vol._3_%28dvd_review%29/2532/"]Peach Girl Vol. 3 (DVD Review)[/URL][/U] [U][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/solty_rei_vol._5_%28dvd_review%29/2550/"]Solty Rei Vol. 5 (DVD Review)[/URL][/U] [U][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/tsubasa_vol._2_%28dvd_review%29/2551/"]Tsubasa Vol. 2 (DVD Review)[/URL][/U] [U][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/suzuka_vol._2_%28dvd_review%29/2561/"]Suzuka Vol. 2 (DVD Review)[/URL][/U] [U][URL="http://www.theotaku.com/news/view/black_cat_vol._6_%28dvd_review%29/2562/"]Black Cat Vol. 6 (DVD Review)[/URL][/U]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='RavenTsubasa'][COLOR="DarkOrchid"]Dose anyone feel isolated in how they cannot make friends or that they are outcasted from certain activities in result of liking anime/games/geekStuff? I don't mean as in impossible but not with the ease that others can. I only say that because I find it harder to make friends because I do not drink, smoke, party, listen to the crap the tv calls music and the like. I feel I am like that partly because I enjoy other things that don't... advocate it like certain rap music advocates drinking/partying to a certain extent. So, I suppose, outcasted from the society at large without physcial altication but rather with just not being welcomed? If this is incoherent, I'll try to explain it in a differently, gomen.[/COLOR][/QUOTE]I wouldn't say incoherent, but rather that it makes sense. I don't have the issues over music, but the no drinking, smoking or partying? I run into that all the time, the you're a loser if you don't join in mentality. Even if I wasn't underage I have no interest in that sort of stuff. Especially if it's illegal. In the past year I've lost a number of friends to underage smoking, drinking, sleeping around, partying and doing illegal drugs. It's kind of annoying since now some of them refer to me as a stuck up B behind my back. All because I said no thanks to booze, cigarettes and illegal drugs. I wouldn't say it isolated me too bad though, since there are plenty of other teens my age who feel the same way, it just sucks to lose friends that you grew up with. And by lose I mean they wouldn't accept someone as a friend who didn't do the same things they did. They made it a condition that to be their friend you have to drink/smoke, etc. with them. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='2007DigitalBoy'][COLOR="DarkOrange"]I think it was my youngest brother was the one who really ended it for me. Unlike my romantic self, he's a total realist. He was like 6 when he said "duh! Of course santa's not real!" to my parents when asked. [/COLOR][/QUOTE]*laughs* That's so me. I was the same as your youngest brother, somewhere between five and six I was totally saying... Duh! Santa, easter bunny, tooth fairy... all of them are your parents! And it wasn't too much longer that I felt the same about religion. I must have argued with my mom over not going to church for years until she finally gave in and let me do what I want. Which is to not believe in that sort of stuff. I just don't. Bottom line, all those books and such were written by a person. I haven't been religious since I was about eight and going to church became a think of the past shortly after I turned twelve. I'm very much the type of person to at least try to be logical and not accept everything at face value. Though I'll give Aliens the benefit of the doubt. After all, there's a lot out there that we have yet to be able to explore. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Well I just got through watching this and I must say I did enjoy it. It was a bit odd since I'm more use to having a character that is more central to the story, or rather one that is more present. But in the end it didn't matter. Momo and Daniel were fun to watch. Especially Daniel. What I found most interesting was how the whole series focused more on Momo [spoiler]taking an interest in those who she would someday take to the next world. How she wanted all of them to live to the fullest before they died. And making that happen by helping them to move past regrets they had, both the living and the dead. [/spoiler] So I agree, it's a nice short little series that's well worth the time to watch. Oh and by far, one of my favorite moments was when [spoiler]Daniel was teasing Momo about not having a boyfriend and she grabbed his cheeks and pulled. [/spoiler] for some reason that really made me laugh. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='Premonition'][COLOR="Navy"]Quick get Aaryanna captured before it's too late! I kid! :p[/COLOR][/QUOTE]*zaps Prem* Anyway... I loved the last two chapters. ^_^ Especially that last one where White and Tiana clobbered the security and the cops. Hehe, I can totally see those two doing that as well as them dumping marbles all over everyone. Poor Ezekiel though. >_< Man if that had been real I bet she would have had a heart attack. I know I would have. Good thing she was captured before she hit the floor. Though I suppose that makes sense, that Sandy would interfere instead of letting her fall to the bottom floor. Also... Pity I didn't follow up on my threat to zap BKstyles. :p I kid. Anyway, I look forward to seeing how this finally wraps up! :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Great work everyone! Just a reminder, in a few days this round will come to a close. However since we'd like for all of the items to be found we've tracked down some clues to help you find the remaining items: [B] 2 [/B]- It may have been a race, but who?s watching? [B]5[/B] - Are you a boy or a girl? [B]7[/B] - This thirst was never fulfilled. [B]10[/B] - I was supposed to be a contest, but what happened? [B]2[/B] - Is located in [B]Hardwired[/B] [B]5[/B] - Is located in [B]Suggestion & Feedback[/B] [b]7[/B] - Is located in [B]Adventure Square[/B] [B]10[/B] - Is located in [B]Art Studio[/B] This will be up for a few days and then the final round will begin! Also, just a reminder... this is not a new round so if you've already found something please do not post another answer. Thanks! [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]My number one interest or hobby is animals, especially my dog. ^_^ I plan on becoming a vet eventually so I love learning about animals. The other hobbies I have include scrap booking, even though I've only been on a few trips. Though I also like to put in regular pictures that I take for fun as well as special occasion pictures, like for birthdays. I also love to read, I usually spend at least an hour or two reading every day. I like lots of different stuff, from Fantasy to Sci-Fi to manga. About the only thing I don't care to read is Romance books. But stuff by Timothy Zahn, Christopher Stasheff, Terry Brooks, Mercedes Lackey and a few others are very enjoyable. After all that I also enjoy watching anime and playing video games. Especially RPG games like Tales of Symphonia or Tales of the Abyss and Zelda is a definite must.[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]In addition to what the others already said I'd wait until about a week into September to put the thread up for sign ups. Say around Friday the seventh or Saturday the eighth. That way everyone will not only be in school, but will have been so long enough to have an idea what their schedule is going to be like. Otherwise you could end up with people signing up only to realize that they really won't have the time for it. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"]Crystal was just about to head to the cafeteria for the Council Center when she got the chime indicating there was an incoming transmission. Even though she was halfway out the door she turned back and took it. "[B]Crystal,[/B]" Stevens nodded, "[B]I'm sorry to bother you but do you have any idea when you'll be done with the analysis of the Council members genetic code? The update you sent was pretty vague on the time frame.[/B]" "[B]No Stevens, I do not. Depending on the amount of irregularities that have to be tracked down it can take anywhere from two weeks up to two months to completely map someone's genetics. Surely you were aware of that, after all it took me over a month to finish the modifications on both Jason and Celestia, mapping someone's code isn't a simple process.[/B]" She paused to think of the best way to put it. "[B]Well in a sense the actual process is pretty simple, but it's still time consuming[/B]." Stevens sighed a bit. "[B]I see, I'll leave you alone then.[/B]" Crystal just laughed, "[B]Don't worry Stevens, the moment I'm done with one I'll contact you immediately. I've already isolated a few that have less irregularities, I'm giving those samples priority so we can find out just what Erica is talking about.[/B]" "[B]Understood. Stevens out.[/B]" Crystal terminated the communication and left to go and get some lunch, it didn't take very long. As large as the Council Center was, the one advantage of the Genetics Lab was that it was fairly close to the recreation area where the gardens, cafeteria and other facilities for taking a break form work were housed. But as she gathered her lunch and choose a spot out of the way, she hadn't been there for long when footsteps approached and then Dr. Jacobs came into view. With a cheerful smile he helped himself to a seat across from Crystal. "[B]Crystal, I haven't seen you in a while, even though I've known you were here.[/B]" "[B]Ah, well I still have work to do obviously.[/B]" "[B]Still as closemouthed as always I see. It's not like it's a secret that you've been doing the testing in regards to the illegal modifications.[/B]" Jacobs leaned forward a bit as if to convey a secret. "[B]Just as word is that Stevens has you doing some more top secret research.[/B]" Crystal just gave Jacobs an irritated glance, "[B]You know Jacobs, one of these days you're going to get yourself fired for being such a gossip.[/B]" "[B]Oh come now Crystal, just as you tell the High Council to shove it without getting in trouble, they ignore my tendency to gossip, after all I am good at what I do. One does not get a position on the medical staff for the Council Center if they lack the necessary skills.[/B]" "[B]You're still going to land yourself in trouble one of these days.[/B]" Crystal said flatly, even as she prepared to leave, but Jacob's next words caused her to freeze before she could do more than grab her tray. "[B]You mean for mentioning that Jason and Celestia got attacked by a number of the researchers they were working with? Talking about something like that?[/B]" Jacobs smiled at her dumbfounded expression. "[B]You're so buried in your work that you must be the only person who didn't know about that.[/B]" "[B]What...when...[/B]" Crystal started to say. "[B]The day of the execution. Apparently Celestia is easily upset by violence and one of the other researchers decided to take exception to her sentiment that killing others is wrong by insulting her. Both her and Jason were brought to sickbay to be checked since Jason took exception to what he said and slugged him. I understand that when James arrived all of them were going at it, with most of them ganging up on Jason.[/B]" Jacobs laughed. "[B]Not that anyone really cares that Jason slugged him, most of those guys on the team that's working on hacking into the Council data vaults are arrogant jackasses.[/B]" "[B]Are they alright?[/B]" Crystal asked. "[B]You mean Jason and Celestia? Yeah, they're fine, all they got were some bruises, though Celestia's stress levels worry me a bit. I had intended on contacting you about it since something has happened that has her all tied up in knots and naturally neither one of them will tell me what it is. They just keep saying it's because they're tired.[/B]" "[B]I see. If you really want me to check them over I will.[/B]" Crystal replied. "[B]Just give me some time to look at my schedule to see when I can fit it in.[/B]" "[B]Thanks.[/B]" Jacobs said as Crystal got up to leave. "[B]Oh and one other thing Crystal, I don't need to talk to you to find out what Stevens has you working on. Even if the exact details aren't known, I'm not the first to hear rumors of Civil War between the factions that have been cleared and those who are refusing to cooperate.[/B]" Jacobs sighed. "[B]It's pretty obvious that you're a part of finding out just what would cause such a thing. I just hope that you find nothing, that's all.[/B]" Crystal caught herself starting to agree and then stopped. With a nod she simply turned and left. Feeling a little unsettled by what Jacobs had said. As well as feeling like he was prying, sure she knew he had always been a gossip, but lately it made her uneasy. With a shrug she shook it off. No what was making her uneasy was the thought of Civil War as well as what she would find when she finished the tests.[/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Heh, at least you are back. ^_~ I was beginning to wonder what happened. lol The idea of you staying away from the Internet willingly just didn't fit! Anyway, I'm definately ready to get this show on the road. After all I'm very curious about the phenomena that took Joe's mind as well as the minds of other espers. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Feh! Some of us are virgins by choice. Not from lack of overly sexed guys trying to fix that. XP Though if that chart is correct at all, then it's going to be too bad for me. I like Math and Science. Besides I'm with Crystia, it's an issue of being smart enough to not sleep with just anyone. :p That and I find the idea of having sex with someone in their twenties a bit creepy. I mean you'd think those fools would know I'm jail bait! Though I'm sure they just don't care. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Well I would say isolated, except for my real friends don't care and the only ones who have ever been rude to me about liking anime have been adults who can't be bothered to take the time to find out just what anime is about. However, it is a given though, take something anime related to the High School I go to and you will get laughed at. I've seen it happen to other students. :animesigh I don't have anything to take to school beside manga since I don't have other anime stuff. It's too hard to find that kind of thing around here and I can't afford it anyway. Not that there aren't a couple of things I wouldn't mind getting. Anyway, I guess the only isolation I would feel is that there aren't enough people that I know who do like it. I'm sure they must be here, I just haven't found them. :catgirl:[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Fluff didn't clearly remember when Webster found her and Mother struggling towards Otaku City. From the very beginning, from the moment Gavin and the Beast had left, Mother had been unable to move without help. And all Fluff could remember was how with each step her Mother's strength gave out, little by little. Without her and Webster to help her, Mother would have collapsed, overcome by the poison long before they reached civilization and the startled moderators who had been helping with the search for them. All she could do was stare blankly at her surroundings as help was organized and Mother and Webster were both swiftly taken to Otaku General Hospital. Even as she was taken there as well, Fluff couldn't forget Gavin's words about how she had fooled herself in to thinking she could do more. [I]It's my fault.[/I] She thought miserably,[I] It's my fault that so many died and Mom was hurt.[/I] Fluff held Aaryanna tightly as she was ushered into the hospital, responding dully to the staff there as well as to the other agents who were glad to see that she was alright. Once it was clear that her injuries were not serious, she was ushered to the pristine waiting room while they tended to her Mother. For now, she would have to wait, but surely they could do something, couldn't they? The doctors here were the best weren't they? Fluff was fighting to hold back the tears when Crystia finally found her. Without hesitation she came over and put her right arm across Fluff's shoulders when she sat down next to her. "[B]I'm glad you're safe,[/B]" She said with a smile. "[B]I was worried when we got seperated by the darkness. I was about to go and hunt for you myself.[/B]" "[B]Gavin was toying with me, wasn't he?[/B]" Fluff asked Crystia, but when she hesitated instead of answering, Fluff turned and glared at her. "[B]Answer me![/B]" "[B]Fluff, it's not that simple.[/B]" Crystia hedged. "[B]Don't treat me like a kid.[/B]" Fluff said, starting to cry. "[B]If I hadn't thought I could do more than I can then Mom...[/B]" she choked. "[B]Mom wouldn't have gotten hurt saving me from being killed. So please tell me the truth.[/B]" Crystia sighed a bit. "[B]I'm sorry Fluff, but even though you did tie Gavin to the tree with the spoiler tags, it was clear that he was far better at battle than you are. [/B]" Crystia looked away. "[B]To be honest, I doubt I could beat him either."[/B] "[B]I'm sorry Crystia,[/B]" Fluff sobbed. "[B]It's all my fault.[/B]" "[B]No Fluff, you did not fill Gavin's soul with hatred, he did that himself. The only thing you're guilty of is being overconfident.[/B]" She ruffled Fluff's hair. "[B]Now no more crying okay? The doctors will fix Mother up in no time you'll see.[/B]" Fluff just nodded, but inwardly she couldn't forget the Beast's words about an antidote. The Beast had sounded so certain, so confident that Mother would die without it. Fluff just kept holding Aaryanna while she waited for the doctors to tell her how Mother was doing. [I]She just has to get better! [/I][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"][quote name='GuyYouMetOnline']Yeah, probably. I wasn't surprised at all when I was told what it was.[/QUOTE]Figures. XP I'd love to say I wasn't surprised by my objective but part of it hasn't been given to me yet so I don't know what it is. I'm assuming its related to project three in sector fourteen that wasn't revealed, but in the end I don't know. Though now upon second thought I'm thinking that if Jared finds out what Kerstin knows... Both William and Daniel had better get the hell out of sector one before Kiva returns! lol At least that's what I'm thinking. If I'm wrong... I blame it on being blonde. >_>[/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Oh you guys! *pokes* I swear! All this hinting about Jared needs to die if such and such happens. [[SIZE="1"]though that's a given anyway, that Jared needs to die[/SIZE]] As well as the how interesting things will get depending on which route is taken. XP You all need to post and satisfy my curosity once and for all! LOL! About the only person I haven't a clue as to what their objective entails is Kiva and Daego. Other than them returning to sector one I've no idea. >_< This is giving me a headache! Hehe, it's fun though! And I'm sure if I think about it I'll put it together. Or it will be one of those duh moments when GuyYouMetOnline posts again where they are back in sector one. I'll probably read that and go: [I]how did I not see that coming![/I] Hehehehe. [/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]"[B]Gah![/B]" Agent Fluff exclaimed as she stumbled over an unseen rock. It had been dark before, but now with the spoiler tags Gavin had strewn over the area, vision was impossible. She couldn't even seen Aaryanna and she was holding her in her arms! "[B]I hope we're almost to the others,[/B]" She told Aaryanna who merely whined a bit. Agent Fluff had only taken a few steps when with a growl Aaryanna leaped from her arms and took off. Instantly vanishing into the darkness. "[B]Aaryanna! Come back![/B]" Fuff cried as she took off after her, running as fast as she dared. Several times she tripped and went sprawling only to get back up and keep running. [I]I have to find her![/I] Fluff thought as she ran. [I]Aaryanna would never run away! She must have heard something important.[/I] A few minutes later Fluff reached the edge of the spoiler tags that Gavin had used to confuse the group. Upon entering the faint light that was available Fluff stopped and looked around, she was at the edge of an old abandoned town, the buildings mostly in ruins. Just at the edge of the ruins was Aaryanna, standing on all paws, growling at something just out of sight. "[B]Aaryanna! You come here![/B]" Fluff shouted as she ran to where she was located. She was about to pick her up when she realized someone was standing between the two buildings, the shadows hiding their face but she knew who it was. "[B]Gavin,[/B]" Fluff said with a growl as she pulled her mod rod free. It was still combined with the spoiler tag rod. With a hiss Gavin activated his own lightsaber mod rod. "[B]Don't think I'll fall for the same trick again Fluff. You should have accept my offer from before. Now even if you did give me Gadget's head, you are still going to die.[/B]" Agent Fluff took a defensive posture, "[B]No one is going to die Gavin.[/B]" In the next instant Fluff shot a beam of darkness at Gavin, but this time he simply deflected it with his light saber mod rod. [I]Damn![/I] Immediately he countered with a strike meant to cut her in half, but Fluff jumped backwards out of range and countered with a strike, sending shards of mod power to skewer Gavin, only for him to dodge the shards. Fluff took advantage of her smaller size to slip into one of the demolished buildings through a crack too small for him to fit through. Once inside she turned and started charging up a wave designed to send the outer wall crashing down on Gavin who was cutting the building with his light saber to make an entrance. At the last second as the wall started to collapse from the wave of power from Fluff's mod rod he jumped backwards narrowly avoiding the falling bricks and debris. Quickly Fluff attempted to move to a more defensive position, leaving the building and entering a small clearing in the ruined town, only to halt when Gavin suddenly landed right in front of her, his blade already swinging down. Fluff moved to dodge before the blade hit, [I]NO![/I] She thought as she realized it would hit. But then a small white blur caught her attention as Aaryanna once again caught Gavin's robe and gave it a yank, throwing him off balance, resulting in his swing going wild. "[B]Meddling pest![/B]" Gavin snarled as he attempted to strike Aaryanna who had already moved out of range. Without hesitation Fluff struck again, leaving Gavin with barely enough time to counter. But then before either one could move Aaryanna let out a pitiful whimper and ran straight to her mistress, running right between Gavin's legs causing him to stumble backwards. "[B]What is it Aaryanna?[/B]" Fluff asked, but then as something terrible emerged from the shadows she knew. It was the Beast. Fluff went stiff with fear. [I]Gods! [/I]And for a moment she couldn't think, she knew she lacked the power to stop the beast. [I]I have to delay them somehow, until the others realize I'm here! [/I] "[B]Go and find the others Aaryanna![/B]" She cried as she readied her mod rod once more. With a shot Aaryanna took off. [I]I hope she finds them in time.[/I] Fluff thought as she slowly backed away. [I]I don't know how long I can keep them at bay. [/I][/FONT][/COLOR]

[COLOR="goldenrod"][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]Shades and Sanguinius came in view just in time to catch the edge of Gavin's declaration as he waved his lightsaber mod rod a mere a foot away from Crystia and Fluff. "[B]So what'll it be?[/B]" Gavin inquired. "[B]That's a problem,[/B]" Shades said thoughtfully as he watched Crystia and Fluff backing away slowly, their own mod rods held up defensively. "[B]Look,[/B]" Sanguinius indicated Webster who was tied to a tree. "[B]We've got to get him down, he won't last long like that.[/B]" Sanguinius and Shades started to move along the perimeter of the area towards where Webster was tied to the tree only to halt when a barely perceptible noise of a pebble being dislodged caused Gavin to whirl and face them. "[B]Well, well, well. Not much in the way of help I must say.[/B]" Gavin grinned. "[B]It does make it more fun though.[/B]" He readied his lightsaber mod rod. "[B]Now the question is who wants to die first?[/B]" He took a step towards Shades and Sanguinius only to halt at an audible clicking sound. "[B]No one's going to die Gavin.[/B]" Fluff said disdainfully as she raised her mod rod, now combined with the spoiler tag rod. Without hesitation she activated it, sending a beam of darkness out, only now when it touched something it was tightly bound by the band of darkness, having been reinforced by the power of her mod rod. Aaryanna was no where to be seen. Gavin dodged to the right narrowly avoiding the beam of darkness, and then again backwards to avoid Crystia who had moved to capture him with her own mod rod. The fight continued, with Fluff attempting to trap Gavin while Crystia tried to get him as well. Shades and Sanguinius along with Webster and Aaryanna forgotten as the battle raged on. "[B]Surely you can do better than that[/B]." Gavin grinned maniacally at them as it was clear that he was evading their attacks with ease. While they struggled to evade his own attempts to kill them. Fluff just narrowed her eyes and then whistled shrilly while Crystia launched another attack meant to catch Gavin. An attack that he dodged with ease but not in time to avoid a small white blur as it caught the back of his robe with a growl and pulled him off balance, just enough for Fluff's next attack to catch him full on, slamming him back into another tree not far from where Webster had been tied up. The darkness wrapped itself around Gavin, pinning him to the tree. Fluff sagged to her knees with relief, opening her arms to Aaryanna who excitedly jumped into them. "[B]Good girl![/B]" Fluff exclaimed. "[B]Well, that takes care of that.[/B]" Crystia said as Shades and Sanguinius came over, carrying the still unconscious Webster. Fluff put Aaryanna down and stood back up. "[B]No it doesn't. Gavin's got a mod rod, all that will do is hold him for a while. We'd better hurry and get to the others before he breaks free.[/B]" With renewed determination the group continued on their way as fast as possible. If Gavin got free too soon and caught up with them, Fluff was sure he would not fall for the same trick a second time. [/FONT][/COLOR]