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Everything posted by James
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[color=#808080]wrist cutter, if you look at the ideas presented in this particular forum, you might understand [i]why[/i] most of them are unworkable. lol I'm not objecting to the [i]idea[/i] of having custom titles. I'm just objecting to the format that Shyguy has proposed. This is what I mean when I talk about it being workable; it has to be implemented in a suitable way. I myself have been thinking about the best way to include such a feature. But it's a very difficult thing to do, especially if you're using some sort of custom template. It takes a while to develop and it takes a [i]lot[/i] of skill. So it's no easy task. If it were easy to do this, my answer would probably be a definite "yes". You will find, if you actually perform a little simple research, that I've approved quite a few ideas over time. But when I'm rejecting card game forums, "spam forums", debate forums etc...it can probably look as though I reject everything that comes my way. Not so. It doesn't take much attention to understand my reasoning. The reason I'm posting more than a simple "no" is because I'm explaining the specifics of my stance to Shyguy and others. If I had just said "no" and closed the thread, would you be any less critical of me? No. It doesn't matter what I do; if I dare make an autocratic decision about my site, I'll be cast in a negative light. So, these threads do get longwinded...but they get that way because I'm trying my best to explain myself to everyone. That is my option; I don't [i]need[/i] to sit here and reason with anyone. I could simply do everything in secret without any input from the staff whatsoever. But, as all the staff know, I'm a pretty consultative person. I usually consult with staff before I ban someone, I consult with staff before I make a major decision...etc etc. So don't complain; you're lucky that you're getting what you have now. lol Regarding what Charles said; I agree. I've also been thinking about expanding individual Moderator titles to be a little more specific. So, yes...even staff titles can be a big issue. When I'm doing it manually, when I'm adding and removing staff are moving staff from one place to another...there are a lot of manual processes involved. And if I added the manual implementation of custom titles for members, it'd be a ridiculous overload. I don't want to create unnecessary time wasting; the time that Charles and I spend on implementation of such a system could be better spent on dealing with day-to-day boards issues (or longterm issues like new skins and such). But to reiterate; I'll discuss some options with Justin B. If we can find a way of implementing a custom title system in an appropriate way, I will be more than happy to do it.[/color]
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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Shyguy [/i] [B] [size=1]Perhaps they could only be available to members then. If people want to know what sections I run they can look at the main page. Some people are unable to find the rules on OB, are we expected to completely add copies of the rules to our sigs?[/size][/b][/quote] [color=#808080]You'd be surprised how many people take no notice of the front page (I learned this myself a few days ago lol). You can't equate the rules to custom titles. You simply can't. The two are very different. The rules comprise a large and comprehensive list of information. Your status, as a staff member, is designed to be very direct and disctinct. Whenever you post, it should be viewable. What we're really talking about here is the way in which information is presented to visitors. It's much [i]easier[/i] if your staff status is located clearly in your postbit, even if it's also located on the main page. It's a very direct way of identifying yourself within a thread. Whatever happens regarding custom titles, staff will [i]always[/i] need to be clearly identified within their posts. I cannot overstate the importance of that point.[/color][quote][size=1][b] I never siggested that the members get free control over their custom titles. They would only be available ot certain members based on how long they have been to the site. Similar to changing a user name, this function could only be carried out my an admin. Anything offensive would have ot get past them first. [i]And it's not like they couldn't put something offensive in their sig, avatars or posts...[/i][/size][/b][/quote] [color=#808080]So you would now want to burden the site's Administration by causing us to manually change user titles? This is unnecessary. Both myself and Charles already have more than enough to do; and Charles' responsibilities will increase over time anyway. I really don't think that, on top of the dozens of PMs we both receive combined (on many issues, including things like name changing), we should also have to manually change member titles. The only thing I see as being workable in this situation is if we install something in our software to facilitate custom titles. I would also add that, once again, you can't compare titles to something like signatures. Even with signatures, we're always trying to moderate them; it's very difficult as you know. I'm not going to just open the floodgates to something else that could be abused, which [i]could[/i] happen if we were using some kind of software. However, if we can create a system that censors words in titles...and if you and the other staff are prepared to deal with people who post something offensive as their status, then I'm much more willing to accept a viable alternative.[/color][quote][b] [size=1]This might be true. I was basing the entire suggestion off of something I saw on a UBB board. I have no idea how different VB Bulletin and UBB are. You win this round, heh.[/size][/quote][/b] [color=#808080]As I mentioned above, even if your suggestion were workable...I would turn it down. It doesn't fit within the parameters of what I require on this site. But, as I also said, if someone can bring me an alternative that satisfies my requirements, I'll consider it.[/color][quote][b] [size=1]Whatever it is, I am sure that Bosko would be a much better choice. [/size] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]Since when does Bosko have anything to do with anime [i]or[/i] gaming? lol You can have him in your sig, if you want.[/color] [quote][size=1][b]From now on Bosko is the official anime forum mascot.[/quote][/size][/b] [color=#808080]I hope you're joking.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Once again, my response is the same. Having an "A" or an "M" doesn't provide enough information. Look at your own title, for example. It isn't there to be pretty; it's there to label your exact function on the boards. The titles are descriptive enough so that members understand who you are and what areas you are responsible for. Secondly, it's impossible for us to moderate custom titles. If someone wants to make their title just a bunch of swearing or something...there is no way that we can protect against that sort of abuse. The same goes for someone who writes something sexual or offensive as their status. The point is, this idea is always knocked back by me for practical reasons more than anything. I've not yet seen an idea that is [i]truly[/i] workable for this particular site. Even if I do see what appears to be a workable idea, I may not always have the resources at hand to actually implement that idea -- you have to remember that the appropriate software changes must be made to allow for these changes. And, in many cases, we just don't have the technical capabilities that people's suggestions require. With that said, however, I do encourage people to make suggestions like this. It gets people talking and it encourages brainstorming. And I support that -- if an alternative that is truly workable can be found, I'm willing to consider it. But, based on the points I've raised above...as well as the myriad of technical issues, this particular "version" of the idea is unfeasable. EDIT: Oh, and as for a mascot...I've already chosen one. A Japan-centric, pop culture icon. Of course, I have only shown him to a handful of people - but fear not, one of these days he'll be a much more visible character. ~_^[/color]
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[color=#808080]Wrestling and car combat? Oh god. Please...let the insanity end. [/color]
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[color=#808080]Big Cajones...SmileBit is a division of SEGA. It's not a game, it's a developer. ~_^ SmileBit created titles such as Jet Set Radio (and JSRF) and Hundred Swords. SmileBit is also responsible for Gun Valkryie (or however that's spelled - I'm sleepy o_O). I really don't think that this thread bears any relationship to the original intent -- it's becoming a back and forth argument that, really, is incredibly uninformed. So maybe Big Cajones is right on this one; maybe everyone should discuss and compare the three consoles in a different light. Perhaps you could talk about different ports or something...I don't know. I just feel that this thread has well and truly run its course.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Actually, Nintendo does have online plans for GameCube. It has already announced the structure through which third parties can develop online games for GameCube. In addition, Nintendo itself is developing several online games for the console. GameCube will [i]never[/i] be an "online heavy" game system, simply because online gaming is highly unlikely to become a true money making venture for several years to come. Sony and Microsoft are not expecting to be profitable with online gaming; they're simply laying the foundations for an emerging market.[/color]
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[color=#808080]The thing to remember here is the original question; does Nintendo know what people want? I think that the posts so far have answered that question. To an extent, Nintendo is never going to be able to satisfy everyone. But on the other hand (despite satsifying its own audience), Nintendo has made great leaps in terms of satisfying "casual" gamers. Still, I don't think it matters. I don't think Nintendo needs to outsell Sony or Microsoft. Already, Nintendo is [i]far[/i] more profitable than both Sony and Microsoft put together. Where Microsoft will lose billions of dollars on Xbox over the coming years, Nintendo will earn hundreds of millions in profits on GameCube. So, for me at least...as long as Nintendo can continue to remain profitable as a company (and as long as home systems like GCN remain viable), then I'm happy. Nintendo will always be satisfying myself and others who are fans of their own franchises. Whether or not Nintendo satifies your average "GTA fan" is another story entirely. The main point I'm trying to get across to GhostofSalvatore, is that at least he should [i]try[/i] the games that have been mentioned here. As I said before, this is something I encourage non-Dreamcast players to do; not out of a particular brand loyalty, but out of a desire for other gamers to experience the same kind of quality that I myself am experiencing. As they say, variety is the spice of life. ~_^ When people tell me about the fact that GameCube isn't the kind of "mainstream" console that Xbox is, for example, I ask them "why does it even matter?" If you think about it, Nintendo is really starting to cater to a different audience than either Microsoft or Sony. I personally believe that Nintendo will cease to be the big industry leader that it was during the SNES era -- instead, the company will simply slide into a niche market of hardcore gamers (or at least, whoever is left of 'em). It's also reasonable to say that these days, due to the increasing age of gamers, many gamers own more than one console. I bought a PS2 when it came out (before the GCN, obviously) and then I bought a GCN when it came out. And, as I said before...I own more PS2 games than GameCube games. But what is the core difference? With PS2, most (if not all) of my games are third party exclusives. With GameCube, most of my games (almost all) are first/second party exclusives. Exclusivity is the key word. GameCube is the [i]only[/i] place where you can find some of the most revolutionary games of this generation -- whether you're talking about Metroid or Zelda or even something like Mario Kart. And I think that in this day and age, most consumers won't simply choose one console in place of another; in many cases, they'll buy both. And, as I said earlier, Nintendo remains the most profitable of the three hardware makers. That's why it hasn't even gone into online gaming yet; Nintendo places massive importance on profitability. And rightly so; this industry changes so readily that profitability is incredibly important. So yeah, that was probably too much of a ramble...I guess a lot of things were rolling out there. But overall, I guess my main point (especially for GoS) is to TRY the games that we're mentioning. Don't just keep saying that GCN needs PD and without it you aren't interested; that's so easy to say and it's so dismissive. Where you might lose PD Zero, you might [i]gain[/i] two or three other titles of equal or greater value. The key is to [i]give them a try[/i] and then make your judgement. Those of us who own GameCubes and who [i]have[/i] played a wide variety of these games can make accurate comparisions between the GameCube and PS2, in terms of what kind of content they're offering. And I think most people can see the strong merits in GameCube, even if those merits might not be immediately visible to all gamers.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Let's not create debates just for the purpose of creating controversy. Several of those topics have been done to death; if people like SoulStone want to know what the membership thinks of such issues, they can easily search for such topics. I'd really prefer it if people created threads based on their own interests and such. In other words, don't "do a Harry" and post something inflammatory just for the sake of argument. Post something that relates to a discussion that you yourself are truly interested in.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Sage, the RPG/Fan Fiction forums are the only exceptions to this rule. The reason we allow double posting in those forums is because our software will limit the number of characters to a certain maximum. If you reach that maximum and can't post any further, you can add a second post. [i]However[/i], if you double post without reaching the maximum...that would obviously be against the rules. So, yeah, that is the only exception that we allow.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Well, it depends. If you are in a relationship, it's reasonable for a deep bond to form. If you cheat on a girl, you really do deserve for her to go nuts on you. lol But if you just break up with her...well, that's completely different. If you are just breaking up and there is no cheating, then you certainly [i]don't[/i] deserve to be treated in that way.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Being cheated on by a partner is no small deal. It hurts; you can't blame people for wanting to express that emotion. It's fair for them to do so. Don't blame the girl for being cheated on; the guy cheating on her should be up front with her. If he isn't intersted, he should end the relationship [i]before[/i] going out with someoene else. Cheating is dishonest and disrespectful.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Of course, I understand that everyone has different tastes. Not everyone will enjoy the complexity of a game like Eternal Darkness; Resident Evil, by comparision, is a more simplistic type of game. The main point that I'm trying to get across is that, especially with gaming, it's important to at least [i]try[/i] new things out. With GameCube, there is a stigma attached. And that stigma implies that GameCube's games are less mature (thus less enjoyable for older gamers). So, the reason I find myself defending GameCube is not because I want to blindly defend Nintendo; it's because I don't want the stigma to stop people from experiencing some groundbreaking games. I don't need to encourage people to buy a PS2 for example; most gamers own one...or they want to own one. GameCube is different. People do constantly see that negative stigma and I'm always trying to tell people that they should give it a chance, because they don't want to miss out on some really great games. I did the same thing with Dreamcast. I found myself defending it all the time, because it had some truly remarkable and memorable games. And these games really do deserve to be enjoyed by gamers. As for my GCN games, I'll try to remember what I own: Luigi's Mansion Wave Race: Blue Storm Pikmin Resident Evil Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance Turok: Evolution Super Mario Sunshine Eternal Darkness Starfox Adventures I think that's all; I might be missing a couple. I didn't actually buy Turok or MK; both games were sent to me by the publishers (I really don't like Turok, but MK is quite good). And of course, these games don't include the ones that I've actually played and which I don't own myself. Unfortunately I can't always buy every single game that I enjoy. So yeah, once again...if you own a GameCube (I don't even know if you do), spend a few hours with Resident Evil and/or Eternal Darkness. You may just find that there is something really interesting right under your nose. ~_^[/color]
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OOC: Man, some of you have really been misplaying Jin. ~_^ I'll edit this later with a full RP post; not to worry. ~_^
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[color=#808080]I agree with you, Shy. I don't mean to imply that the anime forums themselves contain less mature discussions; not at all. I'm just saying that when we were primarily a GameBoy forum, discussions [i]on the whole[/i] were more mature across the board. So, we've gone through many changes. We started at that point, moved to v2 (which, as I said, was probably the least "mature" version of the boards in terms of content) and now we're here. Somewhere in between. Still, I do believe that it's up to the members and not the thread itself. Some of the debates in Otaku Lounge have been about mature subjects, but some of the members involved have been [i]immature[/i] in their posting. So yes, maturity on the boards is about the member and not the topic they're posting in. I think we can all agree on that.[/color]
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[color=#808080]First, play RE and ED. Go and spend a good week on both. Then we'll talk about other games; neither ED nor RE should be dismissed at all. Both games are strong examples of what GameCube developers are capable of producing. These two games also demonstrate that GameCube is indeed a viable console for the so-called "mature gamer" (who I often consider to be the "immature gamer").[/color]
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[color=#808080]You've listed two games. lol I don't think you can say that GCN has nothing to offer you if you don't even scratch the surface. A [i]lot[/i] of people dismiss GCN in particular without even making an effort to play the games. [/color]
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[color=#808080]Well, as I've said...these rules come into existence for a reason. We don't just sit down and dream up rules for no purpose. The rule makes plenty of sense. It's there to ensure that there is a limit on the number of attachments as well as to ensure that discussion occurs within these threads. My Picture is [i]already[/i] pushing it in terms of unrelated spam. If anything, more of a focus is needed on maintaining quality in that forum. I don't make any secret about the fact that members are encouraged to host their images away from OB. If people did this more often, they could use the [IMG] tag to insert multiple images within the post. That would be the ideal solution. So, in some ways, this rule also encourages people to host their images remotely from elsewhere. If people have a large number of pictures to show, they should be doing that anyway. We have the attachment feature in place so that the odd image can be attached. You'll notice that when I post screenshots for games in the gaming forums, I never host them on OB. I always have them linked remotely. This is what [i]everyone[/i] should be doing in terms of multiple images. So, the rule really has nothing to do with post counts as such. That's part of it, but not a major part. The idea is to send the message that it's more efficient for people to host their images remotely. And as Elite said, we've made a specific rule against double posting. If we start to exempt people in My Picture, then we'll be asked to do the same in Art & Design...and so it continues. The lines become blurred and most people will have no idea what they should be doing. It's too confusing. It's easier and more effective to have a very standardized rule when it comes to image hosting. We've always made our rules very clear regarding image hosting, so the issue raised with My Picture is certainly not a new issue. It's just that Elite has chosen to bring it to the attention of the members who use that forum, and rightly so. Really, this is a non-issue. It's not difficult to avoid double posting. Posts shouldn't be used specifically for attachments anyway -- they should be used for discussion. If you want to attach an image to your post, that's fine. But just because you're adding an attachment does not mean that you are somehow exempt from the site's rules. There's no real substantive change; as I said, the posts aren't there for file hosting, they're there for discussion. Image hosting is a secondary concern. Whether or not you see the need to enforce this rule in particular is noted, but as a private site, we reserve the right to decide how these issues are handled; particularly when we're talking about the use of our own server and issues of quality. Every site is different of course and other sites may not have such a policy. But that's for each individual site to decide.[/color]
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[color=#808080]You can still confine your stuff to one thread; if you keep posting new art in the same thread (if you create a general portfolio thread for instance), it shouldn't be too bad.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Why can't that just be done in Art & Design?[/color]
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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by GhostofSalvtore [/i] [B]Well hopefully there will be a GC game out there that I can enjoy, and play for a lil while and not get disappointed like the others. I mean the 64 was awesome for me, games like Perfect Dark(up there again with one of the best) Mario 64, No Mercy, the list goes on. But right now Nintendo hasn't done anything for me that could ever equal or surpass those titles. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]I still say that you're not looking hard enough. If you've found nothing on GameCube to equal or surpass those titles, then you really [i]aren't[/i] looking. Buy Eternal Darkness and sit down with it for a good two hours. I can absolutely guarantee you that you'll enjoy it. ~_^[/color]
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[color=#808080]I think it's also worth noting that if we allow endless successive posts for the [i]sole[/i] purpose of attachments, two things happen: 1) There is no discussion. If a person wants to post one attachment after another, they're not going to be talking to [i]themself[/i] or something. 2) We open up a scenario where people start posting eight or twelve attachments in a row. And why stop there? Someone could decide to host their entire photo album in one thread. lol We have these limits for appropriate reasons; to encourage quality posting and to ensure that attachments are as limited as possible. I don't think it's a particularly confusing or hard to understand rule. The rules weren't made just to annoy members; that's foolish. They're there for a good reason.[/color]
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[color=#808080]Well, yeah...most conversations do go back and forth. ~_^ For Nintendo related stuff, I [i]have[/i] to recommend N-Sider. I write for it; it's one of the most (if not THE most) in-depth Nintendo site you'll ever find. The thread is simply about whether or not Nintendo knows that "we" want. We meaning Nintendo fans, I suppose. And so, when I talk about sales numbers for something like Pokemon...and when I talk about variety of franchises with things like RE and such, I'm expressing the fact that Nintendo knows its audience very well.[/color]
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[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Soulstone [/i] [B]James? Heh, I'm DemonZ by the way, the same one who helped your templates when this site was down for its upgrade. I think I was on the technical staff, or something, I can't quite remember. Well, anyway, hello to you again. Secondly, I will post my debates in that forum then, I appreciate the time and effort you have taken to help me along the way. Your kindness will not be forgotten so easily. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#808080]My pleasure. That's what we're here for. It's nice to see you again; you did an outstanding job with OB. We're all very grateful for your service to the site. It's nice to see that you're posting here -- I hope you enjoy your stay.[/color]
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[color=#808080]The Magicbox, like IGN, is making an obvious assumption. Capcom itself said that these games are exclusive to GameCube; even if they weren't, they are designed specifically for that console. So the likelihood that they'll come out on another machine is low. Even if they do, it will probably be several months later. And even if that were the case (though I don't believe that it is), I don't see how that really changes anything. Even if you exclude Capcom's five GCN offerings, you have a wealth of other games in development for the console across a wide spectrum of genres. The Magicbox has made several big errors in its existence; I don't put a huge amount of credence in it. I have real issues with problematic reporting. lol But anyway, we're talking about facts as they are -- not what they might be or what might happen in the future. If we go down that path, we could dream up all sorts of scenarios. I always think it's important to talk about facts rather than rumors. A rumor is a rumor; better to wait until the company involved actually confirms it to be true.[/color]
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[color=#808080]It doesn't matter whether Red and Blue outsold the latest versions; the point is that the latest versions are continuing to sell incredibly well. A million units in ten days is a pretty mean feat. The "Capcom Five" are all GCN exclusives, too.[/color]