James

[color=royalblue][i]Proteus stirred. He could feel movement, but he wasn't walking. His scanners detected intense heat coming from the east and west of his position. And he could hear what sounded like air vents opening and closing, releasing steam into the area. It sounded like large cooling turbines. Proteus could also hear footsteps clanking against a metal floor. And after regaining some consciousness, he realized that he was locked in an air-tight container of some kind. The container was being carried or dragged down what sounded like a metallic hallway. Proteus tried to move his fingers, but he couldn't. The metallic casing was sealed tight around his body. After a few moments, Proteus heard loud "whooshing" sounds moving back and forth. It sounded like air-tight blast doors. A quick check of his internal sound libraries confirmed that it his initial impression was indeed true. And finally, everything stopped. Proteus heard nothing. For several minutes, Proteus sat upright in his metallic coffin, unable to move or see what was around him. But shortly after being dropped off, he heard more footsteps. The first pair of footsteps were very light -- it sounded like a woman in high heels. The second pair of footsteps were heavier and slower. They were clanking against the hard metal floor, echoing across the room (which Proteus thought must have been enormous, based on the vibrations). And then he heard a third set of footsteps...these footsteps were different again and they made Proteus feel nervous. They were slow and deliberate. They were heavy; very heavy. And in between each step, a sharp whirring of hydraulics and titanium structure could be heard. As each step hit the floor, it was followed by a heavy hissing sound, almost like the air-brakes on a large bus. Suddenly, the metal casket opened slowly. Dim light poured inside, offering Proteus his first glimpse at the room. He looked at the ceiling first, which was made up of large metal plates. The plates were stained, as though the room hadn't been cleaned in many years. The walls, too, were stained. They were also made of metal and were punctuated by red warning lights and large yellow numbers. In this room, the number "07" was printed on the wall. And there, infront of him were three figures. The first made Proteus double-take; it looked like Dr. Karman. But at the same time, she looked different. Her black hair was not flowing behind her...instead, it was tied in a neat bun on hear head. She wore a shiny metallic visor over her eyes and she appeared to be wearing some sort of black armor. On each hand was an angular glove, with sharpened fingertips. The other two figures were not so easy to see. Proteus tried to activate his night vision sensors, but they had been disabled. The woman stepped out into the light, leaving the other two figures shrouded in shadow.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] Welcome, Proteus. [i]Despite her imposing appearance, the Doctor's voice was soft and pleasant. Proteus looked around the room once more, his eyes finally settling on the Doctor's face.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] Nice place you have here... [i]Dr. Karman removed her visor, revealing the brilliant silver glint in each of her eyes. Proteus hadn't noticed it before...[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] Yes, it suits our purposes quite well. Of course, this isn't where we do all our planning...much too dangerous to take a reploid like you to a place like that. [i]Proteus had absolutely no clue what was going on. He needed to find out.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] Why am I here? [i]Dr. Karman frowned suddenly. She took a step closer and stared into Proteus' cybernetic eyes.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] No, no. It doesn't work like that. What am I, Dr. Wily? [i]At that remark, the two figures in the shadows chortled quietly. Dr. Karman simply smiled.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] My associates know all too well that it is not appropriate to show our cards so early in the game. But since you're so curious, I'll give you a little hint; you are going to help me. [i]Proteus' face screwed up at the Doctor's comment.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] I'd never help you! [i]Dr. Karman stepped closer again...[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] Didn't think so. But no matter, I don't need your consent to get your help. [i]The Doctor looked at her watch and looked back up at Proteus.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] The Hunters know that we're here. They know we're using this communications tower to launch our own satellites. But there are two things they don't know; they don't know who we are...and they don't know that their first victory will come at your expense. [i]Proteus was puzzled. He didn't understand.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] What do you mean? [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] We have been attaching warheads to various satellites, which we will be launching in exactly six hours from the silo right next to the tower. We know they're coming...and we know they'll do anything to stop those warheads from launching into space. So, what'll they do? [i]The figure on Dr. Karman's left stepped out from the shadows, its heavy feet causing the floor to vibrate with each step. It was significantly taller than the Doctor and wasn't like any reploid Proteus had ever seen. Its body was entirely cybernetic...but its face was real. The face appeared to have been grafted onto a metallic exoskeleton. This wasn't a reploid...it was a cyborg.[/i] [b]Cyborg:[/b] They'll shoot it down, that's what. [i]The cyborg's voice reverberated around the room. The eyes started at Proteus coldly...the flesh was stretched over the machine's harsh metallic frame, on top of its neck. For the first time in his life, Proteus felt sick.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] Oh, I forgot to introduce my partners. This is Gunner. [i]Gunner grinned, revealing his knarled, sharp teeth.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] And this... [i]The second cyborg stepped out from the shadows. Proteus nearly lost his breath at the sight of it...[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b]...is Massacre. [i]The second cyborg was literally twice the height of Dr. Karman. Not only was its horrific face grafted onto a metal skeleton, but parts of its expansive chest and abdomen were not covered by metal. Proteus could see numerous thick cords snaking their way through the internal structure. They were pumping blood from a human heart, which was encapsulated well out of sight. Proteus saw various organs and small pieces of flesh that were attached to titanium struts with tiny networks of metallic hooks and steel webbing. Two pipes were protruding from the enormous creature's back; they looked to be emitting some sort of steam or gas as the creature breathed. Even the sound of its breath was horrific; a deep, wheazy echo, followed by the sound of small hydraulic parts moving in unison.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] You see, Proteus...we [i]are[/i] going to launch a warhead from here. And you are going to be attached to it. When they blow it up...you'll be completely destroyed. You'll give your life...just like Flash. [i]Proteus' eyes narrowed.[/i] [b]Proteus:[/b] Don't [i]ever[/i] say a word about Flash...[b][i]ever[/i][/b]. [i]Dr. Karman laughed softly.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] Hm, I didn't know robots had feelings. Oh well. Gunner and Massacre will take good care of you while I'm gone. I'm going to be well away from here by the time the Hunters arrive... [b]Proteus:[/b] [i]Coward...[/i] [i]Dr. Karman spun around and grinned malisciously.[/i] [b]Dr. Karman:[/b] Make sure to use plenty of adhesive, you two. Oh and...make sure to record the events for me. I'll quite enjoy seeing the Hunters destroy a friend. [i]And with that, the Doctor exited the room. Gunner and Massacre's expressions hardened...and they moved in on Proteus, their twisted metallic-and-flesh bodies blocking out what was left of the dim light...[/i][/color]

[color=royalblue]Agreed. The only people with less life than someone posting on a message board is a person who does nothing but flames on a message board. *gives newbie a poison cookie* I hope nobody finds where I keep these things...[/color]

[color=royalblue]Well I guess that's why this thread is here, Mystic's. CWB wanted to gain opinion...and I wanted to generate some new ideas. Realistically, even for those who like the forum...I don't think there is anyone who can't see what's wrong with it. So, the basic message here is that we need a change for the better. The question is what that change might be. Ultimately, even if the forum does get replaced (and it probably will), I think that the replacement will be really worthwhile for everyone. And OtakuBoards will continue to grow. We'll continue to make efforts to create a more fun, more enjoyable experience...while also trying to keep post quality at a maximum level. So yeah, let's face it...it's just a silly forum. It's not too important. We can always find creative ways of improving the system. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]It's ironic that some of you take this so deadly serious. It's just a forum that may or may not get the axe. Come on people...if you defend Newbie Lounge as much as your political beliefs or something, then I think you need to get outside a little more. I mean, really...what's the point? Newbie Lounge is probably one of the least important forums on the entire site, regardless of its number of posts or whatever else. So what's the bottom line? Very simple. Newbie Lounge is certainly a nice place to be welcomed and to have silly discussion. It does have its positives. And I don't think anyone is denying that. However, anyone who actually reads through this forum can clearly see that many posts are totally unrelated to one another and that the entire thing constitutes a "spam forum". It is really no different from the "Spam Forum" that was suggested to the staff a while ago. Now, you can read into that all you like...or you can sit there and ramble on and on about the parallels between our staff and a dictatorship. But all this deep discussion is frankly a waste of my time and energy. Ultimately, we're talking about one forum. It's a forum that few people actually post in, despite its size. And those that do are mostly posting spam. If you like that kind of post quality, you are most welcome to launch your own boards that contain nothing but Newbie Lounge-esque forums. That's fine. But ultimately, OtakuBoards will be run in whatever way we decide, take it or leave it. Of course, we can have discussions also...which is what we're doing now. And that's fine too. But let's not turn this into something that it really isn't. lol As I said, I'm planning to perform a slight upgrade within the next few weeks. This might include the introduction of My Otaku in one form or another. As for Newbie Lounge...I'm still thinking about it. But really, whether it exists or not...it's not of much consequence to anyone here. There are many places on the Internet to let your hair down, if you feel that OtakuBoards is too Hitler-like for you. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Semjaza is right. I'm damned if I do and I'm damned if I don't, basically. But in the end, I'll do what's best for the boards. As for Mnemolth -- I'm not rejecting his arguments. But the thing is, he's seeing this in the wrong light. Not only do his posts sound more like a passionate political speech (even though this is just some anime board on the Internet -- get over it), he does make some points. However, I believe those points to be invalid. His post's sub message is basically "you're hiding behind rules to push people around and shut them up, don't do it". Unfortunately, that is completely incorrect. Anyone, no matter what their opinion, is going to have a tough time defending Newbie Lounge. Just [i]look[/i] at the posts contained within. Most of them are spam. They are mostly [i]objectively[/i] spam. This isn't some subjective rant of my own -- just look at our rules and out site practices and then look at that place. Anyone with two atoms of brain tissue to rub together can make the connection. Otaku Lounge allows for plenty of off-topic and humorous threads. I don't see why this evades some members. Just look through that forum before you post; there are plenty of light-hearted threads inside. That is why I reject the idea that Newbie Lounge is a place where venting is somehow needed. I also reject the idea that I'm not tolerant or that I'm using the rules to block something legitimate. This could not be any further from the truth. The rules [i]do[/i] provide guidelines in which we can all have fun, without getting too spammy or idiotic. But I honestly don't see how anyone can look at Newbie Lounge and say that it abides by any of the set rules that we have established. It just doesn't, no matter what your feelings about it are. How on Earth can we be expected to adhere to the rules in [i]every other forum[/i] and [i]not[/i] Newbie Lounge? Not only is that contradictory to our rules, but it makes the entire staff look like a bunch of hypocrites. Perhaps most importantly, Newbie Lounge is what most newbies first see. If they see wave after wave of useless, spammy posts, what impression do they come away with? They come away with the impression that this kind of posting is fine for the rest of the boards. And more often than not, if they follow that route, they will find themselves in trouble somewhere along the line. Either that, or their behavior will become an annoyance to everyone else. And that's the whole point -- keeping the standard of quality on the boards very high, so that these annoyances do not occur. By advocating the Newbie Lounge, people are encouraging the idea of lower post quality in general. In truth, it's impossible to have your cake and eat it too. If we want to encourage high post quality, regardless of humor or subject, we're going to have to be consistent. Furthermore, Mnemolth may say that we are misunderstanding his analogy. But his most recent post demonstrates a 100% lack of understanding when it comes to this site's policies and practices. Yes, Mnemolth, perhaps your "newness" to these forums [i]does[/i] disqualify you from making informed comment. You make clear and obvious reference to me using rules to block out something that I can't appreciate or understand. That is absolutely untrue. I [i]do[/i] understand the kind of posts that occur in Newbie Lounge. And throughout this site's very long history, these are the kind of posts that we've always discouraged. In essence, you are behaving as though we are some kind of Government oppressing its people. And that's silly. You yourself are taking the situation incredibly seriously, even though you are attempting to say that I should somehow lighten up. In some ways, you are correct when you say that people can "have fun as long as they do it our way". This site is not the public domain -- it is privately owned. And when people join, we have requirements. We have requirements for our community, just as other sites have unique requirements for their own. We exercise absolute tolerance here; however, we do expect [i]everything[/i] to come under the framework of our rules. I certainly understand people's reasons for wanting the Newbie Lounge to exist, but if the forum is becoming spam-infested and contradicting [i]everything[/i] our entire site has ever stood for, why keep it? Just so that I can satisfy your ego and make you feel as though you've somehow "freed the masses"? Come on. Let's take this for what it is, shall we? This is a forum in which the ownership decides what it requires of its members. And 99% of members accept that reality. That is why they are here. If they didn't enjoy this place, they wouldn't be here. And if we end up somehow driving people away because of our rules, so be it. For every ten people that we drive away, we will attract another 20 who want a high quality posting environment. This is not to say that I don't value our membership; I do. But I resent the idea that someone can breeze in and ignore this site's years of established history. In fact, this site's activity has significantly increased as a [i]direct result[/i] of our pursuit of higher quality posting. Our own results suggest that most people are sick and tired of the spam infested mainstream forums. And that is partly why OtakuBoards has become a place of high quality RPGs, [i]intelligently[/i] humorous/silly discussions and whatever else. Honestly, it is both naive and rude to suggest that we are oppressing people here, when you yourself have not seen the evolution of our community over time. This is why older members like Crazy White Boy can discuss this subject with some sense of reasoning and relative experience -- and it is why those who have been here for any significant period of time will, for the most part, support his viewpoint. They know how this forum works and how it has always worked. And that's why they like it. You yourself have participated primarily in non-humorous threads yourself. And frankly, unless you're blind, you can see the myriad of humorous and off the wall threads in Otaku Lounge and see that it [i]is[/i] highly possible to have something funny or silly...without making it a totally stupid, off topic spamfest. As long as the English is okay and people remain on-topic, we have very rarely objected to silly/humorous threads. Perhaps you should do more research before you step in and attempt to classify all that is wrong with this site, even though you clearly have very little understanding of its history and its general culture. I could go on forever. But I don't think I need to. It is absolutely ridiculous to suggest that we aren't fair to members. As I always say, if people are overly dissatisfied, let them find another forum. If we have a flood of members leaving, then that is something I will have to take responsibility for. But my track record and the history of this site suggests otherwise. In any case, I don't believe that Mnemolth has provided a legitimate argument to keep Newbie Lounge. Why? Because on every level, he has failed to grasp what our site is about. Of course, it's fair to disagree and whatnot. But the reasons Mnemolth cites are utterly flawed. And I'm sure that older members can read his posts and understand why, though he may say that we don't understand what he's saying, he too has jumped in the deep end, with little or no understanding of this site's history (in which, I might add, his presence represents merely the blink of an eyelid). Remember, let's not take this too seriously. This isn't World War II, it's an anime forum. One of thousands. Ultimately, I will decide what forums stay or go, as I have always done. And that is exactly why OtakuBoards is as it is now -- and it's why it has become more popular over time. The great thing is, for the most part, we can debate and discuss ideas here...whilst also understanding that these boards are the property of its owners and that at the end of the day, the ownership will do what is thinks is necessary. I think the phrase "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" is most appropriate here. :)[/color] EDIT: And yes, Mnemolth...I do understand that the tone of most of the posts in Newbie Lounge is positive, upbeat and friendly. But clearly, that's not what I'm arguing against. It's possible to be all of those things without compromising the site's rules or post quality. Even your banner is right off the mark -- are you saying I don't support friendliness? So friendliness counts even if you're spamming? Nuh uh. If you think it does, you shouldn't be here in the first place. Anyway, just a note to everyone: I'm going to read over these posts again later this weekend before I make a decision. Believe me, I do appreciate the pro and con arguments. Ultimately, make no mistake that I [i]will[/i] do what is in the site's best interest. The reason I'm taking up this issue personally is because the site will be undergoing a mild upgrade soon, where non-performing forums will be cut and some things will be added. During that time, the site may be down (but probably only for a couple of hours, so it's nothing to worry about). I appreciate everyone's opinion on the issue and you can be sure that all arguments will be looked at several times before any decision is made. Thanks to everyone for participating. :)

[color=royalblue]Yeah, I don't think I have to tell you that the word "Otaku" isn't featured anywhere in the Bible. ;) Anyway, I thought Elite brought up a good point before. Newbie Lounge is often the place where people first encounter our community. But what do they see? Most of the time, they see pointless mini-RPG-like posts, punctuated by totally inane ramblings. Put simply, people will think that this is all okay. They'll assume, right off the bat, that this is how the forum works. But if we had a proper resource with the right info, as the first viewable element...that might turn things around to some extent.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Right now I'm definitely thinking that Sephiroth's simple, straight-forward approach is probably best. Just as people would settle down with a mod entering Digimon, they would also settle down with no Newbie Lounge. Let's face it; the place is just full of spam. How on Earth can it be Moderated effectively? If it were Moderated properly, about 95% of the threads wouldn't even exist. And I believe that the My Otaku section would offer so much more to the community. It would foreseeably boost post quality in [i]every[/i] forum. Remember, I'm also not objecting to adding new forums either; maybe something in Otaku Public. I'm asking what people would like in place of Newbie Lounge (not an intro/welcoming forum, but something else). If we can come up with some alternative ideas that don't mess with everything else we've established on the forums (which NL currently does), I think it'll be a win-win situation.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Oohh boy. This is bad. I'm surprised it hasn't been deleted yet. :drunk: Tao, a couple of points to remember about this forum. First, you'll need to post a sign up in the Recruitment forum. Once you have members for your RPG, you can start it here. Second, you will [i]really[/i] have to clean up your post quality when writing an RPG, if you want to get people to join. Not only is this first post very short, but the English is sorely lacking. Anyway, I'm sure you'll do better next time. If you have any questions, please PM the Super Moderator for this area (Final Flash)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Yep. Sounds like a problem with cookies. Just go into your profile and turn 'em on. Also, this belongs in the Suggestions & Feedback forum. So please, read our rules to ensure that you understand how to post correctly :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]Mystic's Knight, where have we arrogantly dismissed your posts? I think you're totally wrong there. If anything, I've seen more arrogance from some members rather than staff. But anyway, that's not the point of the discussion. The point is how we deal with Newbie Lounge. If we do have a section within My Otaku that would allow for introductions...how would they be any less spammy? As was pointed out before, most people just post "Hi, I'm new!" and then we get the usual "welcome!" and then it turns into "*sprays you with ketchup and steals your plushie*". My point is, I don't think anything we do will change this. If we Moderate the forum, staff will only be accused of not letting people have their fun...it won't change. I really don't think people need to post a thread to introduce themselves. I don't see why people can't introduce themselves within their first actual post on the boards. If My Otaku exists, newbies can read up on that info well before they post anyway -- and hopefully, they'll feel more comfortable to just jump right in and start posting. EDIT: Sere...we are NOT going to "shoot you down" if you make an analogy! Please STOP punctuating your posts with rubbish like that. You know it's not true. [/color]

[color=royalblue]If I were you, I'd be severely worried about the biology course you're taking...lol[/color]

[color=royalblue]Great review, Mnemolth. :) I agree completely. Ghost in the Shell raises a lot of questions...and brings so many aspects of humanity clearly into focus. I haven't seen this movie in a while, but I will always remember it. It is visually stunning, the directing is superb...and the story is full of interesting parallels. Definitely a must see. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]*points to theOtaku.com's chatroom* ;)[/color]

[color=royalblue] Several points here. 1) We are not, I repeat not, having a testing forum. We had one once and it was a spam fest. There is no need for a testing forum -- all banners and avatars are retroactive; they appear in all your old posts. Therefore a test forum is pointless. 2) My Otaku would be a locked forum. It would not required moderation by default -- nobody would be able to post inside it, unless it had a postable sub forum (Newbie Lounge or Your Picture). 3) There would be no need to "bring back" old events. Event threads will not be deleted, but merely closed. They will remain in the Event Arena forum. 4) Mnemolth's analogy was [i]utterly[/i] incorrect. We are ALL discussing this issue seriously within this forum...but he was implying that in general, I was not open to being "free and easy", so to speak. And that couldn't be further from the truth. If anything, Mnemolth tends to be more a "businessman" than I ever am. lol I'm actually more like the Clown; I accept people's sense of wanting humor and silliness...it's fine by me. As long as they abide by the site's basic and easy-to-follow rules...I don't mind. [/color]

[color=royalblue]Member status has absolute zero meaning to me when it comes to appointing Moderators. ;) I haven't come to a decision on the issue, but CWB/Desbreko's expansion of the My Otaku idea is a good one. I like it very much. ;)[/color]

[color=royalblue]I think Mnemolth's comment about everyone being so young [i]is[/i] somewhat condescending. I've met a lot of dumbass 25 - 30 year olds in my time. lol I mean, unless you're 40 or 50...I don't think you're necessarily any more smart than most people here. I don't know how I'd rate everyone on their intelligence in general, but I know quite a few people younger than me who would certainly be able to keep up mentally. :)[/color]

[color=royalblue]How have I proved your post? If anything, your own actions tend to contract that post. You yourself frequently post in "serious" topics. And I never see you letting your hair down in the Newbie Lounge. My point is, your analogy was most dissappointing and unrealistic. It's a cheap shot. I frequently get made out to be some ogre who is trying to crush everyone's fun, but that's not the case. Just look at the jump the boards took from v5 to v6 -- I have tried to the best of my ability to create relevant, fun forums for everyone. If anything, I've tried to make this place more fun over time. So any suggestion that I've been doing the opposite is pretty silly. All you have to do is read CWB's eloquently written posts on this subject. How can we have rules on this site when we openly disregard them in one forum? The thing is (and I think most will agree, even if they like the Newbie Lounge forum), something needs to be done about it. Either it needs a Moderator to keep it on topic...or it needs to be gone altogether and we need to find an alternative. I'm not against the idea of a welcoming thread or something similar...and right now I'm not particularly saying that either side is right or wrong. I understand people's reasons for wanting to keep the forum in place. What I'm asking is that the community at OtakuBoards think up a way of addressing this subject. The My Otaku forum might be added anyway, if only because I feel there is a need for it. But I'm always open to suggestions. Any thought that your suggestion or opinion will get you banned (Sere Tuscumbia) is not only untrue, but I find it personally offensive. I have never [i]ever[/i] blocked someone out just because of their opinion. I have always exercised my own power in a legitimate way. The simple fact is, I [i]do[/i] disagree with people. And if I disagree passionately, people somehow think that I'm going to ban them or something. That's not the case and it never will be; I don't have any problem with allowing passionate debate on the forums, as I've said many times. And that is why your earlier analogy was most unwelcome. At least try to contribute something meaningful, rather than making a mockery of what we're discussing.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Exactly. It's very cheap to paint us like "serious businessmen", when clearly we're not like that. We're being serious now, but only because we're putting forward ideas. But anyone who views your or my topics...or who sees us post regularly will know that we certainly aren't against humor. Humor isn't the issue. Spam is the issue. lol Anyway, I do believe that the My Otaku forum would be very useful. It would bring more benefits than Newbie Lounge ever could. Think about it -- it'd be a page of easy-access resources for all members. You wouldn't ever have to look at a confusing off-boards FAQ or something else like that. Everything would be there and everything would be easily-updatable if something changes. I think that bringing Newbie Lounge into question is legitimate, because I'm doing the same with a number of other forums. There are at least three forums (besides Newbie Lounge), which I will be cutting if they don't pick up soon. I'm also thinking about any changes that need to be made to the boards as v6 progresses. So certainly...now's the time to put some constructive forum ideas on the table.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Your loss of calcium thing is bogus. You're telling me that soda is hard for your stomach to break down? Nuh uh. Soda is simply carbonated water with bubbles, sugar and flavouring. The idea that it's some toxic acid that can't be broken down easily is rubbish.[/color]

[color=royalblue]And that's exactly what I'm saying. Why are you painting me as the guy in the business suit? lol I'm saying that you CAN have fun and you CAN joke, without being utterly spammy about it. It's not rocket science.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Well, honestly...if your population is over 10 people, then you're going to need a way of distributing and adjusting votes. Otherwise you'll get a somewhat distorted picture. Obviously, the Electoral College's job is to look at voting from across the nation and treat every state equally. If they didn't, then some states would have more power than others, when it comes to choosing a President. And then, if you have states that are mainly democratic or republican in nature...well, it wouldn't be fair. So I think it makes sense.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Eh, I don't know anymore. lol I think that perhaps the Newbie Lounge was more trouble than it's worth. Especially when I look at threads in there now...I start to regret ever making it.[/color]

[color=royalblue]Actually, America's Electoral College system is superior to the Canadian system. Why? Because it's not as simple as saying "most votes wins". Some parts of the nation have higher populations than others. It is necessary to form averages and look at national voter trends. If you have one city with a million people and one city with one hundred people...and the bigger city always votes one way, the smaller city will never get a say. I don't know if that's the best example, but I'm sure you know what I mean. In Australia, we have a totally different system to America/Canada (one which I believe is superior). We have preferential voting. You don't just vote for one candidate, you vote for about five or six...in order of preference. That way, we never ever experience a deadlock, no matter how close votes are. Anyway, I've been following the midterms in the USA closely...I wonder if the House or Senate will change hands.[/color]

[color=royalblue]What I find ironic is that some members accuse Mods of being overzealous, when infact, it is often those said members who behave like you've described. And Semjaza is totally right -- we NEVER tell people to be "totally serious and intelligent" all the time. People [i]should[/i] let their hair down and have fun. But you can do that without being a total ninkumbutt. o_O;;[/color]

[color=royalblue]Exactly, Sara. ;) At least with OBII, it gets deleted/closed when finished.[/color]