James

[color=#507AAC][size=1]I don't play Pokemon anymore, but I used to play it a bit when I was 17. Hell, I still play games like Yoshi's Story! ^.^;; As far as I'm concerned, if you enjoy it...play it. And don't worry what people say. If someone is too jaded to enjoy a truly fun game or anime, then it's their loss! [/color][/size]

[size=1][color=#507AAC]The time has come to start talking avatars once more. ^.^ As everyone already knows, when we moved servers most recently, our avatar gallery did not move over. This is why there are currently no avatars in our gallery. Furthermore, now that we allow 80x80 avatars as standard (custom, at that), the need for 50x50 avatars no longer exists. But for those of you who aren't so great at making your own avatars, or who simply want a selection of pre-made avatars, hopefully we can do something to accommodate you. The big problem is that I unfortunately don't have the time to make a whole heap of avatars. This is where the great avatar makers of OB come in. ^.^;; Basically, we're going to need all-new 80x80 GIF avatars. So I encourage people to send 'em my way. But before you do, I should probably list the requirements. [b]Naming the files:[/b] Each avatar should be appropriately named. You can make avatars relating to anime and/or gaming -- that's up to you. However, they must be named in a very specific way. So, let's say that I make an avatar of Blade from Teknoman. I'd name the file with the name of the character first...and then the name of the series: Blade_Teknoman.gif See? If you wanted to do Pokemon, you might do this: Pikachu_Pokemon.gif This is REALLY useful because it allows me to name each avatar in the gallery. I may not know some anime characters, so it's really important to have 'em named. If you have more than one of the same character, please name like this: Pikachu_Pokemon.gif Pikachu_Pokemon_2.gif etc... [b]Avatar Design:[/b] As mentioned above, all avatars should be 80x80 pixels. In addition, avatars should have a 1 pixel black border. So the total image is 80x80 pixels with the one pixel border included. That way, everything looks nice and uniform. And that's just about it! Last time I uploaded avatars, they all came from the community. And most of them were very high quality. [b]Email them to...:[/b] Right now I don't think my Otaku email is working correctly. All avatars should be emailed to the following address: [email][email protected][/email] Not ideal, but it'll do. ^.^ Once again, thanks to those who send in avatars. I'm sure that the rest of the community will be very thankful to see a brand new gallery go up![/color][/size]

[size=1][color=#507AAC]It's unlikely that Newbie Lounge counted your posts. That's not why they were lost. They would have simply been lost because a thread may have been deleted that you had posted in. That's really all there is to it. I mean, Moderators are always removing redundant threads in their respective forums. So it doesn't surprise me even if my own post count goes down as a result. Usually though, it's not a big enough hit to actually change your status or anything. It just depends where you post I guess.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]I don't see any flaming here. The only flaming that I see is coming from Mnemolth. Have you actually [i]read[/i] his posts? On the one hand, he uses throwaway lines to distract attention from the true meaning of his posts. On the other, he lashes out in just about any way possible. Yes, I do listen to what he says. And as you can see, I have responded to his suggestion and those of others. And yes, I did mention Newbie Lounge as an example -- but Mnemolth turned it into a point of argument. If Mnemolth is being a brat, how is he [i]not[/i] being childish? I'm afraid that either his use of English is confusing you to the point where you are totally missing his insults/rudeness, or you are simply skimming his post. Either way, there is no excuse for such behavior. The only reason I respond to it is because I refuse to be lied about -- and that's just what Mnemolth is doing; creating argument for the sake of doing so. There is no greater purpose here other than Mnemolth's ego. Once again, everyone's point of view IS important. And I do respect Mnemolth's opinions on these subjects. But I [i]will not[/i] tolerate his absolutely blatant and rude baiting of me and others. Do you forget that on several occasions, he has directly insulted [i]every[/i] member on these boards by implying that we are "all teenagers" and thus, somehow we won't understand his masterful English. If you had taken notice of his comments, you might notice that your posts are very much misdirected. If Mnemolth does not want to get banned, I recommend that he either refrain from posting in this thread again or he focus ONLY on his opinions regarding the topic at hand...and that he completely avoid his rudeness and blatant misrepresentation of my posts. Just as everyone else expects courtesy from me, I expect courtesy from you as well.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]I don't see any threads about this anime here, so I thought I'd make one. ^_^;; I had heard of this anime before, but Adam reminded me of it again today. He gave me the link to a review and I must say, it looks very interesting! The concept is a unique one. Everyone in the anime is basically a player in a MMORPG (ugh, I hate that acronym). People actually live their [i]lives[/i] in this universe, by wearing virtual reality suits. In order to "quit", you simply have to find a save point. However, the main character is unable to quit. And basically, he gets drawn into this world and needs to find the answers behind it -- and perhaps more importantly, the answers to why he can't escape. Sorry if that's a slightly inadequate description (I didn't get much sleep last night -.-), but that's basically the gist of it. As far as I know, this series isn't out in America yet (though I could be wrong about that). If anyone has seen anything of it, I'm just wondering what your impressions are. And for those of you who are unaware of it, what do you think of the concept? Apparently an actual game version will be release to coincide with the anime release. It certainly sounds like a very unique "Matrix-esque" idea to me. I haven't been watching anime in a while, mainly because a lot of recent anime bores me. There are a few exceptions (mostly movies, rather than series). But I must say, this anime seems interesting to me. I like the concept...the idea that the game is so realistic and immersive, that people "hide" from their own lives and totally live inside the game. Of course, that raises questions about whether or not it's a healthy lifestyle...and of course, if the virtual world is simply [i]better[/i] than the real world. Or at least, if it's possible to escape one's own world and just live your entire life online (hey, many of us here do that anyway! ^_^;;). Are you looking forward to this anime? ^_^[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]Mnemolth, do [i]not[/i] try to spin this to make yourself look like the angelic one. You have done nothing but bait me, make nasty comments and generally behave in a rude and immature manner. I don't mind that you have an opinion and I do welcome you to express your views on the topics at hand. But [i]you[/i] brought up Newbie Lounge, [i]you[/i] consistently baited myself and others with your many references to it and [i]you[/i] have offended just about everybody who doesn't agree with your views. You either haven't read my last post, or you are trying to spin yourself out of it. But you can't. You can't wriggle your way out of the pit that you have dug yourself into. My message to you is very simple. You can knock off the one-sided, childish baiting and negative rhetoric and just provide your plain opinion on an issue without adding layers of emotional spin...or you can be banned. I will ultimately leave that choice in your hands. But I don't want to see [i]one more[/i] post like the one I responded to. Much of it was irrelevant, nasty, spiteful and malicious. I shouldn't have to point that out, but you continually try to dodge the issue. I have been more than fair -- and I expect some sort of general courtesy to be extended when discussions like these take place.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]Of course, I don't want to discourage people from being productive in a friendly way. It's fine to kindly remind someone to observe the rules. But we don't want five people in a row doing it...and we certainly don't want an entire thread to end up that way. At some point that line has to be drawn. :)[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]At this point, I doubt that post counts/status will be changed. The fact is, people want these systems in place. Post counts and various status levels are not ideal, but at least they are something. As I mentioned previously, I would much rather have an alternative to post counts. But until I can find something suitable, I doubt the situation will change. Regardless of what people think of post counts, I don't think that they are necessarily doing any [i]harm[/i] to the boards at this stage. Of course there are some members who spam to increase posts...but no matter what system we have, we'll have spammers. So unless I get some massive wave of support for removing post counts altogether, I don't see it happening.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]Sara is absolutely correct. There is a difference between kindly pointing someone in the right direction and "playing mod". For those who have the job of actually moderating different forums each day, it [i]can[/i] be quite annoying in some cases. Luckily, most members aren't too much of a problem in this area.[/color][/size]

[color=#507AAC]Actually, it's more likely that you were posting in a large thread that was removed. Either that, or several threads (that may have included your posts) were removed. Threads are deleted all the time at OB, so if you've posted in something that gets deleted...it's possible that your posts were also deleted. That's the most likely explanation.[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mnemolth [/i] [B]As for the removal of the Newbie Lounge, well in the half year or so I've been on here, I do believe that is the most disappointing thing I've seen from the leadership of this Board. Not for the action or the decision, but the manner in which it was done. The callous, indifferent and complete contempt shown to some members of this Board was sickening to behold. But let's not get into that. Not because its done and I should 'get over it'. But because it was a very disappointing thing, and I don't really want to be reminded of my disappointment. And people, let's not circle the wagons around James. I'm sure he's quite capable of taking care of himself. As no doubt his repsonse will demonstrate...:D [/B][/QUOTE] [color=#507AAC]Contempt? Callous and indifferent? I don't know what posts you were reading. Indeed, you should get over it. If anything, you're an absolute hypocrite. You have the gall to label [i]me[/i] as callous and yet you are the one who continually attacks anyone who disagrees with your point of view. Moreover, I've seen nothing but childish baiting coming from you since that thread. For someone who continually reminds us of his relative senior age, I find it highly dissappointing that you of all people would engage in such conversation. With regard to your suggestion, once again, I don't see the point. When we first launched on VBulletin, many members had to re-register. And so, people who had had over 3000 posts on our v2 boards were now down to zero. My point is, we can level the playing field all we like, but if we're going to do that, then why not remove post counts altogether? What happens when post counts rise to the level that they are at once again? Do we then reset everyone to zero in an effort to please those with lower post counts, who may have joined after this action was taken? And if so, once again, what is the purpose? To make people temporarily "feel good"? Ultimately, that's a non-solution. If we were going to do that, then it would be more appropriate to just remove post counts. Once again, I most definitely recommend that you "get over" Newbie Lounge. It seems to me that the entire point of your involvement was to "crusade against the bad guys", so to speak. But given the incredibly immature way in which you have conducted yourself in recent times, all you have managed to do is hurt your crediblity and lose the respect of those who once respected you (myself included). Frankly, I'm sick of your rudeness, your baiting and your constant nasty/inappropriate references to myself and the other staff on this board. It is highly ironic that you accuse me of being callous (and I recommend that you read the NL thread again and find one example of me being callous), when you yourself have done nothing but behave in an unproductive, obstructionist manner. For someone who claims to be more mature than the "teenagers" on this board, it's utterly fraudulent of you to exhibit the behavior that we've all recently seen. And that is all I'm going to say on the issue. If you want to continue your childish quest to fight the power, then you can do it on another board. Because what was left of my patience has most definitely run out.[/color]

OOC: It's highly unlikely that Massacre could barely move. lol It's not that easy to harm him. ;) But of course, the intention was that he would escape from the tower to avoid it crashing down on him. Once again, I'll edit this with a post.

[color=royalblue]What would reducing post counts to zero do? What would it achieve? Nothing. People would still be able to build up their post counts once more -- I don't see how it solves the problem. Many of the more mature members on these forums don't care about post counts. I know I don't. My status doesn't change regardless of my post count. Clearly, whatever we do, some people will complain. Just as with Newbie Lounge, a removal of post counts would have some people coming out in support of the move and some people coming out against it. It's impossible to please everyone. I have been looking for an [i]alternative[/i] to post counts. But I have yet to find anything satisfactory. So, for the time being, it's probably easiest to simply leave post counts as they are. In truth, there are few alternatives available that are worthwhile. But as always, I will listen to what people have to say and gauge the reaction to this thread.[/color]

[color=#507AAC][size=1]Well, I guess we'll just have the usual routine this Christmas. We always have lunch with my dad's side (my grandparents). And we have dinner with my mother's side (pretty much most of her family). But my grandfather died only a few weeks ago. So it'll just be lunch with my grandmother this Christmas...[/color][/size]

[size=1][color=#507AAC]Hi there. ^_^ I'm sorry, but we don't allow welcome threads anymore. The new rules aren't up yet though, so it's understandable. I recommend reading the current rules page thoroughly anyway incase you have any questions. Other than that, you can always post in the Suggestions/Feedback forum if you're having troubles. Or you can PM any Moderator, Category Moderator or myself for advice. I hope you enjoy your stay. :)[/color][/size]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Sara [/i] [B][SIZE=1]I resent that. :p[/SIZE] [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]You know, you could at least say [i]why[/i] you resent it. Let's keep on topic...you know, as opposed to spamming and all that stuff. :smirk: [/color]

[color=royalblue]A decade ago, I was this show's biggest Aussie fan! ^_^;; I used to watch it every day...and buy video after video. Even the movies (as dumb as they were), received repeated watchings by me. ^_^ As for the new one...the characters look awesome! April looks modern with her "street wear". Though I guess if she's still a reporter, she'll wear different clothes occasionally. And Shredder finally looks menacing. He didn't look scary enough in the original I thought (which is why I adored him in the first TMNT movie especially -- he looked so nasty and evil). If the story is as good as the visuals so far...then I might watch. Of course, I'll have to actually see the animation and hear the voices before I can fully decide. But it looks promising. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Wow, Mnemolth. Thanks for the huge OB thumbs up! lol Perhaps you too have become caught in the muddy pit that is OtakuBoards. Either that, or you have freed yourself...only returning occasionally to drag yourself through the mud once more.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Yeah, it was fine in [i]your[/i] judgement. Obviously a Moderator removed it. I didn't see it though -- so I can't judge for myself. But come on...yelling out like that is NOT the way to react! Let's at least [i]try[/i] to be a little mature sometimes. :)[/color]

[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by Mystic's Knight [/i] [B]WHO THE HELL KEEPS DELETING MY POSTS!!!!!!!!???????????????????????????????? IM STARTING TO GET SICK OF THIS.... STOP DELETING MY POSTS!.. [/B][/QUOTE] [color=royalblue]I don't know who is deleting your posts...but I would recommend that you DON'T TYPE IN ALL CAPITALS AND YELL AT EVERYONE!!!!!Z?/??!@!@$@!! Ugh, I feel like such a newbie when I do that. lol :drunk: This is your [b]final[/b] warning, Mystic's. I'm getting sick of this. If this is any indication...then I can see why they were removed in the first place.[/color]

[color=royalblue]This is one of the most ridiculous situations I've seen. Why would Medra tell you that you should be prepared to fight? I don't understand. Considering that there seems to be no reason to fight...why even worry about it? I don't know what all these intertwined relationships are, but basically it's simple. If you're going down there to see your girlfriend, then so be it. Nobody has the right to interfere with that situation at all. Of course, I'm saying that without knowing the facts of the situation completely. But based on what was said here, it seems to me that all we are seeing is a lot of hot air. You should just remain focused on your goal I think; seeing your girlfriend. If you love her, then that is what you must be thinking about. If there are any problems when you get there...well, you should cross that bridge when you come to it. I think everyone should be aware of how to defend themselves (because sometimes you might be in danger from someone), but it would be utterly stupid to learn to fight simply to "beat some guy up" or whatever else. I don't know if there is a legitimate reason...if it's intimidation or what. It seems hard to tell, primarily because you yourself don't seem know the motivations behind Medra's comments. So, I don't know. All you can do is continue living your life...and focus on your relationship with your partner.[/color]

[color=royalblue]I don't ever expect a game to be perfect. Because no game [i]can[/i] be 100% perfect. Ultimately, games are made for consumers. And so, consumers' requirements must be put first -- great play control, environment design, difficulty levels, game camera etc... I feel that designers should always put in what they can. I mean, it's like with Eternal Darkness. This game has sold quite well worldwide, but it could have performed a lot better. When I went to buy it, I actually wanted to buy TimeSplitters 2 more. But I bought ED instead. Why? Because I wanted to reward the developers for their years of painstaking work and attention to detail. Sure, my single purchase won't do much...but these purchases add up and in the end, it makes me feel as though I've contributed. So, this is one reason why I do not support illegal ROMs and emulation. It's also why I don't support pirated games. If you like the game enough to burn it -- save up your damn money and buy it. The developer deserves it. If you burn it, all you do is hurt the developer. And that isn't good for anyone. Bleh, kinda went off on a tangent there...but I think you can see how it's tied in.[/color]

[color=royalblue]You aren't confined to that one -- it's just that people keep posting in it. And so, it invariably means that nearly EVERYTHING Star Wars related gets discussed there...and as a result, almost any other thread is repetition of what has already been discussed. A Harry Potter forum won't happen. The demand doesn't exist. There are two things I consider when making a new forum: 1) Demand 2) Appropriateness So, obviously I wouldn't create a go-kart racing forum...even if there was lots of demand. It's totally unrelated to these boards. If people were making LOTS of literature threads, then sure, we might make a book forum. However, I am inclined to simply change Music, Movies and TV to Books, Music, Movies & TV. I mean really, they are all part of the same category in a sense.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Dr. Muto was created by Midway...and that alone makes me hesitant. lol But yeah, to remain on topic...I generally dismiss what other people say in terms of whether a game is "kiddie" or not. Even some prominent members of the gaming media sometimes behave in a childish way, by using this word liberally. I think the bottom line simply has to be "play what you enjoy". :)[/color]

OOC: Hehe yep, in my last post I tried to unify everything more. Only one missile was launched and Proteus was on it -- but at this stage of the battle, the missile is long gone. The focus now has to be the fight...and the escape from the building itself. I suspect that we'll see some very damaged Hunters by the end of it. :) Hehe Oh and...I'll edit this post later with an RP post. [color=royalblue][i]The missile rocketed toward the sky at thousands of miles per hour. Proteus' backup systems slowly re-engaged, bringing him back into consciousness. He opened his eyes slowly, watching the city grow smaller and smaller below. He hoped that his comrades were alright, but the biggest issue for him now was not only to survive, but to stop the missile. Proteus was strapped to the hull by a series of steel clamps. There was only one way to free himself; he'd have to remotely download an ACM program from Hunter HQ and morph his limbs. Proteus closed his eyes and concentrated...[/color][/i] [color=seagreen]Attempting communications uplink... ...done. Accessing Maverick Hunter ACM Database... ... ...... .........connection failed. Maverick Hunter ACM Database is unable to communicate with your weapons program; you are out of range. [/color] [i][color=royalblue]Proteus opened his eyes and looked around. The missile was now travelling through the Earth's stratosphere -- the border between sky and space. Proteus' communications systems were too weak to contact Hunter HQ from this distance. And the thrust from the missile would no doubt be interfering with any connection. Proteus decided that he would have to wait until the missile began its descent. When it was safely back inside the atmosphere, he would connect to Hunter HQ and do his best to stop the missile hitting its target (though he still had no idea what target that might be).[/color][/i] OOC: Remember, Proteus attempted to communicate with the ACM Database. Hunter HQ will have a record that he attempted to download a weapons program -- meaning that he's still alive. This is just a little tidbit that you might want to remember, should any questions about Proteus' safety come up. ;)