James

[color=#507AAC]I was thinking of changing my screen name once someone else comes along for this job. But I'm not so sure. Sometimes I feel like I'd like to use a different name, but then I think that everyone knows me by this name. So I don't know. I do use other names elsewhere though. My name at GA forums is "Denki". I chose that name because it's the name of the company behind Denki Blocks on GBA. And at the very start of the game, you have a little light bulb that yells out "DENKI!". I thought it was hilarious...and it made the word stick in my head for a while. Plus, one of my favourite Japanese music groups is Denki Groove. So it seemed to fit. [/color]

[color=#507AAC]It's nice to know, Mnemolth. It helps you retain some credibility on the forums I think.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I think I know what you mean, Sara. Perhaps if you look at closed threads over time...again and again, maybe a doubt builds up or something. Of course, Moderators aren't always going to get it right. So I try to cut them some slack if they close something inappropriately; I might reopen it anyway. I just hope that people always feel as though they can talk to me or someone else about it. Nobody should feel that they'll get in trouble for bringing up a complaint or something.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sara [/i] [B][size=1] Anyway, asked for examples. In the first case, I'll cite the 'Fate or Destiny' thread in the Lounge, closed because it was no longer on topic. Granted, theology can be a touchy subject, and always a little sketchy when it comes to point-by-point discussion, but I thought it was being discussed intelligently for the most part. [/SIZE] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#507AAC]That might be the case, but you are forgetting one important issue. The discussion was [i]off topic[/i]. The thread was not a discussion and/or debate over religion -- it was about whether or not people believe in fate or destiny. You could argue that both subjects overlap to some extent, but I was completely justified in closing that thread. I had even warned people to remain on topic, which many people ignored. That thread is perhaps one of [i]the[/i] most clear cut cases of a thread bouncing from one topic to another. There are a few important things to remember here. If you ever disagree with a topic being closed, you can [i]always[/i] PM the Moderator/Super Moderator who closed it. Furthermore, you can bring the issue to me if you are not receiving a satisfactory answer from the Moderator/Super Moderator (even though all Moderators are required to explain their actions if asked). It surprises me that this subject is even an issue at the moment. Our policies have not changed, nor has our administrative behavior. If [i]anything[/i], we have become more tolerant of topics that we may have deleted several months ago. Is this a case of "give an inch, take a mile"? I don't know. Some of you who are questioning why your threads were closed (Mystic Knight) are obviously missing the point of why the discussions were invalid. This is why you are [i]not[/i] a Moderator and others are; Moderators [i]are[/i] generally people who are able to interpret the rules and make sound judgement. There are few times where I have disagreed with a Moderator's application of the rules. And where I have, I've made the appropriate changes. Even though some of you have legitimate questions (Sara, for instance), I often find that those who spam/misbehave more than others are the first to tell the Moderators that they are doing something wrong. Yet, these very people often fail to examine their own behavior and ask the question "Perhaps [i]I'm[/i] doing something wrong?". And I don't think that's very fair on Moderators. I'm always happy to discuss the policies of the site, but I think sometimes people need to think a little more about what they are arguing. In some cases it becomes a case of scoring points (however meaningless they are) against Moderators. And I really frown on this behavior. I think we need to be providing legitimate suggestions and reasoning to the process, rather than scoring points off one another. Remember, I'm not saying that [i]everyone[/i] does this. Only a small minority. But those people know who they are.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I can only tell you what I've continuously repeated; the hacks from any version prior to v6 were not carried over to our new server. As such, certain things must be readded. I'm hoping to get a better signature control added shortly.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]It depends on the topic. Most of these topics with polls are closed pretty quickly because they are: 1) Repeated from previous topics 2) So poorly worded that the original post becomes spam 3) Redundant; does anyone really see the value in discussing the colour of socks or the number of hairs on your dog? Remember, we try to emphasize both post quality and some sort of coherent and intelligent discussion. Topics don't have to be totally serious or anything, but I haven't seen any closures recently that contradict our policies at all.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I actually feel that the mods in Otaku Lounge are probably pretty lax. Whenever someone says "all has been discussed" or whatever, there is usually a good reason for that. In some threads someone will say something like, for example "Your brother is mean and you shouldn't let him do that" or something. And whilst you may have some great responses in the first ten posts, after that you may have nothing but "yea I agree, your brother sucks" etc etc All the same thing over and over again. In addition, the thread may become old and such...and then someone will post in it a week later with the SAME message yet again. In those cases, the Moderator will usually say that the thread has run its course. [/color]

[color=#507AAC]Of course. I never meant to imply that you [i]were[/i] in tears over it. I was just restating the issue for the benefit of those who read the thread. But yeah, if there is ever a problem please feel free to PM me or IM me with a link and I'll sort it out/discuss it.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Two things there. Firstly, a Moderator has some discretion. The Moderator may choose when to close/leave open a thread based on his or own judgement. Whether or not you think that is appropriate is irrelevant. I recommend reading the vB disclaimer before you register. ~_^ Secondly, even though we have this disclaimer, we [i]do[/i] have our own specific rules. And generally speaking, the rules aim to be fair to members that are having a legitimate discussion whilst also ensuring that things don't get too off topic or repetitive. Once again, you'll have to provide me with links to examples. [i]Show me[/i] exactly which threads you have the problem with. Then I can more accurately tell you whether this is going by our policy or whether the Moderator has been a little overzealous.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Our policies have not changed. If you create a thread that is about My Little Pony for example...and then over time you start talking about specific characters or episodes or whatever...that's no problem. Just look at our Star Wars 411 thread. It isn't violating the rules in any way. It's a flowing, continuous discussion. So I have no problem with that. Perhaps you could provide examples of threads that are closed mid-discussion? That way I can tell you if they are closed inappropriately or WHY they are closed if the closure is appropriate.[/color]

[color=#5-7AAC]The news was supposed to happen two days ago. It hasn't yet. Don't hold your breath and try not to yell "MEGATON!!!" everywhere you go. The rumor mongers need to learn a thing or two about which rumors to peddle and which to leave alone. lol[/color]

[color=#507AAC]The key issue now is that GameCube has the variety in quality franchises that it needs. And that number of franchises is going up all the time. Has anyone seen the latest shots of Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles, for example? It's looking amazing. I think that right now we should be well and truly over the whole "childish" thing with GameCube. That argument just doesn't work anymore. With games such as Eternal Darkness, Metroid Prime, Killer 7, Product Number 5, Resident Evil Zero, RE4, TimeSplitters 2 etc etc etc...I could go on forever. The great thing about GameCube is that I can get the best of both worlds. I can play something "serious" like RE but I can also chill out with Mario. And for me as a gamer, that's what I like. I don't like to be limited in software variety.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Well, that's why we have Medra moderating the forum. He's not very intrusive; most people can spar without much of a problem. It's just when something becomes blatantly silly that he'll step in.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I guess you could also ask the question "If Moderators can edit posts, how do we know that they aren't always making people say what they don't want to say?". Either way, I'm always able to check who voted on a poll. So I can tell if the poll has been tampered with. And believe me, if this one had been tampered with, OBBII would be over very quickly.[/color]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]Mnemolth is correct. There is no way we can (or would want to) force everyone to read the rules. Rather, we do have them there as a reference point. And people will lower their risk of being banned if they do read them. As far as distribution of rules is concerned, I think you will find a much more comprehensive (and smaller) list of rules when My Otaku launches. The rules will be easy to find and it'll be easy to reference specific rules and such. But yeah, forcing people to take a quiz is going a bit overboard in my opinion. It's okay to have rules and regulations, but there must be some flexibility at some point.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]How many times do I need to remind people to stay [i]on topic[/i]? [/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]Zaeon, who were you before? I might remember you.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC]Actually, I recently removed all non-active members. Though some new non-active members will have arrived between then and now, the number would probably only be around 50. We have around 3,000 active members but probably only around 200 [i]very active[/i] members (in other words, people who post at least once per day).[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I was a little dissappointed with Vice City's visuals, frankly. They weren't the step up from GTAIII that people were saying. The trails effect was nothing but a gimmick. It's kind of a shame that visibility wasn't noticeably improved and such...and I find that the almost flat-shaded look of some buildings in VC gives the game a slightly more bland style than GTAIII in [i]some[/i] areas. Although, I was quite impressed by the whole beach and lighthouse area...it was impressive at night.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Wow, both of these are incredible! You should submit your art to OtakuArist. ^_^;;[/color]

[color=#507AAC]A membership test does create too much exclusivity. Many members (even well established ones) may fail the test if you put it there now. Plus, a compulsory test [i]before[/i] being able to post would be far too strict in my opinion. Remember, we're trying to encourage people to visit, not the other way around. Plus, even people who are potentially good members may see something like that and think it's not worthwhile. So this takes us back to the reason why we have Moderators. We are always giving new members the benefit of the doubt, in the sense that we aren't forcing them to read the rules or anything. So we're always giving them a couple of initial chances to do the right thing. It is only if they continuously ignore the rules that they are banned. What is being suggested here would probably cause a massive drop in new registrations.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]I think you need to read the rules before you continue posting, my friend. ^_^ As a rule, we do not advertise other sites here within threads. Please ensure that you thoroughly read our rules (which you've agreed to be joining) before you continue posting. Thank you.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Mitch, how can you presume that someone believes in God in some way? When will people realize that all religion is subjective? Telling someone that they [i]must[/i] believe in God is like telling someone that they [i]must[/i] believe in Bhudda. Don't you see why it makes no sense to say that? I don't think anyone can ever presume to know what others believe. And I think Harlequin was pretty clear in his statements about it. But anyway, what we're discussing here is fate or destiny. I don't want to continue reminding people (staff included) to remain on topic.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]Yes, I think having a "membership test" is a little [i]too[/i] exclusive for OtakuBoards. Generally, we expect people to read the rules before they register. And by registering, every single member on this site has [i]agreed[/i] to the rules. Whether or not you read the rules is up to you. But if you don't, you are taking a significant risk. Ultimately, if you are banned and you haven't read the rules...you can hardly blame us for banning you. The message I try to convey is that not everyone will read the rules to their fullest extent. But those who do are taking much [i]less[/i] of a risk and are far less likely to be banned in the future. Generally speaking, we understand that members (especially the younger people in our community) are not going to be 100% perfect when they join. If I banned everyone who wasn't 100% perfect, I'm sure that a LOT of people would not be here (including some well-established members). The key issue is making sure that people improve over time. And many have done. As long as people are willing to read the rules and willing to improve over time...I don't see a problem with that. We all make mistakes and some people will make a few minor ones before they settle in. That's okay; we've all made mistakes before.[/color]

[color=#507AAC]MathGuy, please...you're way off topic. I'm going to remove your post. ShyGuy: I know that your thread wasn't designed to be negative or anything...I wasn't really referring to yours specifically. I was just saying that it can be hard to tell who is serious and who isn't when you're online. Your thread was positive in the sense that hopefully it encouraged honesty from others.[/color] [size=1][b][color=darkblue]Don't worry about it James. I was defending my thread from the original post in this thread, not yours. -Shy[/b][/size][/color]