Sara

[color=#6699cc]Messenger bags are gender-neutral. Mos def. ;) Yeah, a lot of people who use them (both guys [i]and[/i] gals) are pretty Hotopitastic, but you can use one and make it fit any image you're going for. Or, God forbid, not worry about such things and just base what you do and wear... on what you like. :)[/color]

[color=#6699cc][quote name='Sage']Again, you can't discipline people about things that they don't clearly know is against the rules![/quote]No one is disciplined for creating an introduction thread or playing mod. At least, they shouldn't be. Introduction threads are closed because of our (admittedly unwritten) policy on them, [i]but[/i]. No action is taken against the member himself, and with rare exceptions, the moderator is polite and informative when closing the thread. Again, moderators inform people not to play mod. Nothing is done against those who do play mod unless they consistantly do so (after being repeatedly asked not to). We're aware that these things are not in the rules, and we know that new members won't know these things unless we tell them. So we work around it, and tell people on a case-by-case basis. It's not the easiest or simplest system, but until the rules are revamped (as has been discussed here, this is waiting on the next upgrade), that's really all we can do. I have considered (several times) putting a sticky thread in the O. Lounge about introduction threads, but in the end, our system works. There are some hiccoughs, but by and large, it's okay.[/color]

[QUOTE=Sage]I still am not sure if I got my point accross, so let's try it again: Currently, nearly all threads at the Adventure Arena and Inn contain the [M-LVS] rating. I know it's the gamemakers' "fault" if they put an excessive rating to their game, but ultimately the problem lies within the system itself. It's flawed, it doesn't work like it's supposed to - to put it bluntly, it wars against its own purpose![/QUOTE][color=#6699cc]Carebears the RPG was awesome, incidently (if short-lived). I think everyone here sees your point, Sage. They simply do not agree that the system itself is at fault. The suggestions in this thread tend to look for ways to improve the effectiveness of the system, contingent on creator's eventual "honesty" with thread ratings. Does that make sense? Anyway, I think three levels of ratings, ([b]E, PG, M[/b]) are great. However, perhaps a different [i]name[/i] for the "PG" level would make a difference. I know that, at least for me, it has a childish connotation. Perhaps a [b]T[/b] for Teen (that relies a bit too heavily on the "age" thing we are looking at, maybe?) or another letter that would make it seem like more of a middle ground than a small step up. Because really, how [i]far[/i] a step up we are looking at is largely based on the subratings (or whatever they're called). You certainly could have a PG/T/What-have-you RPG rated for LSV (which is probably what many of the current threads are. I haven't looked into them, but I don't see many people on these boards writing explicit sex scenes. I hope. :p) Also, as mentioned several times by several people, the "just in case" scenario is a bit heavily used. I think the best way to combat this, though, is simply for people "in the know" to set example by making more honest thread ratings. Perhaps (unless such is already the case) the Thread Ratings sticky could link to shining examples of RPGs that fall into each category. I think it's a given that many people would not take the time to read them, but I think most earnest RPG creators would at least get a feel for the examples, given the chance. Right now, I agree with Sage: there is an assumption than in order to be taken seriously, one must have an M rating. If people are fully aware that such a rating isn't necessary, I think the other ratings might get some more use. Not that there's something wrong with people using the rating if their thread warrants it, but it does seems like many people are stretching or cheapening their stories by relying on a high rating to interest people.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Don't take what Lix says too hard. It's true that Poetry.com publishes (as far as I can tell) almost every poem sent to it. (I have sent a few in as jokes, myself.) However, it is kind of a cool feeling that your poem will be published. I would recommend not buying the book, but if you want to, that's fine. Keep in mind that Poetry.com is basically a "vanity" publisher. They publish all their poems in different compliations, and try to sell the books to the people whose poems they contain. That's how they make money. (Honestly, most people do not like poetry enough to buy a book of it... and those who do will not buy a book of amateur poetry.) So don't take your "win" as more than it is. However, if you're happy just to have your name and work in a book that will be seen by other people (and many people are happy with just that), that's fine. Just don't think that this is a bigger thing than it really is.[/color]

[QUOTE=Baron Samedi][size=1] And the solution is really quite simple. Let it be known that if your RPG will mainly have no LVS, but that some posts [b]may[/b] have elements of that in there. [b]And the person who creates a post which exceeds the thread's own rating simply puts in a rating at the top of their post.[/b] Simple. Easy. Stress free.[/size][/QUOTE] [color=#6699cc]That was the approach I took for 55Fiction last winter. I don't remember how it ended up panning out, but I think it worked fairly well. So yeah, there is a solution, it's simply a matter of bringing it to the attention of the happy masses.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Siren, watch it. Keep your posts civil.[/color]

[quote name='Sage]Your problem is obviously that you predict your failure before it happens and you worry about your nerves, so [I]of course[/I'] you get even more nervous![/quote][color=#6699cc]Oh, obviously. :rolleyes: I get nervous before speeches and plays (and sporting events, and the first day of class, and tests, etc.) all the time, but I generally go into them convinced that I'm going to do well. It doesn't keep me from being nervous. In general, breathing deeply and sipping ice-cold water or lemonade helps me. I also try to imagine myself as the other people will see me. Anyone watching will only see my outward appearance, which I can control. [i]I'm[/i] the only one who knows that I'm nervous. If I grin and move confidently, no one can tell that my stomach is twisted in a knot. Oddly enough, it helps. Viewing myself from a stranger's point of view (as a generic female college student) makes things much easier. Go figure.[/color]

[quote name='Pumpkin][SIZE=1']Actually would if there is no good memories? Then wouldn't you regret that relationship? I know I've had one that lasted a year, and I have absolutely no good or fond memories of starting that relationship. [/SIZE][/quote][color=#6699cc]Then why were you in it for a year?[/color]

[color=#6699cc]One of my favorite placenames around here is [b]Oconomowoc[/b]. It's fun to say, it's fun to read, it's fun to spell, and it's really fun to watch strangers try to pronouce. :) ([spoiler](Oh KAHN uh muh walk[/spoiler])[/color]

[quote name='Chabichou][COLOR=#004a6f']I thought hurricanes were named based on their disctructiveness or strength. I was told in geography class that Hurricanes whose name begin with A are stronger than those whose names begin with B. So why is this hurricane named Katrina if it's so strong.[/COLOR][/quote][color=#6699cc]That's actually untrue. There are six sets of names used for hurricanes. Each list has...well, I'm not sure how many names it has. I could look it up, but basically, it has about twenty names. Each name starts with a letter of the alphabet (Letters like Q, X, and Z don't get names.) The first storm of the season is given the "A" name. The next one is given the "B" name, and so on down the line. (You might remember hearing about Bonnie, Charley, Danielle, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne last year.) (There were actually storms with A, E, G, H, K, L, M, and O as well, but I don't know their names.) Every six years, you go back to list number one, and start using those names again. Really bad storms have their names "retired" and replaced. (You won't ever hear of another Mitch, Andrew, or Camille, for example.)[/color]

[color=#6699cc][url=http://www.cnn.com/2005/WEATHER/08/31/katrina.glance31.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest]Katrina's effects 'at a glance'[/url]. I can't imagine what it would be like to experience anything like this. I don't watch TV anymore, but I remember vividly the accounts and footage for Hurricane Andrew (1992) when I was a little girl. By all statistics and accounts I've drug up, Katrina's kicking Andrew's butt. Not that that's a good thing, mind you. I believe Andrew was Cat 5 on landfall. Katrina hit Cat 5 over water, but chilled out a bit before landfall at Cat 4. Thank goodness. [b]Edit[/b]: For the record, hurricane 'badness' is measured by three things: cost/property damage, number of deaths, and central pressure (low is bad.) Katrina beat Andrew out of the top three for central pressure. Deaths and costliness can only be estimated, although cost is estimated between $25 and 65 billion. (For reference, Andrew is currently the most costly, as about $25 billion. Does anyone know what last year's hurricane season totalled up as?) As for fatalities, I know Mitch wiped out 15,000 people several years ago, but that was in Central America. I don't know what the deadliest hurricane is/wa for the US. [/color]

[color=#6699cc]Please give REASONING or EXAMPLES when posting in a thread like this: a simple name or list of names is not enough. The original poster set a good example, please follow it. -Lore[/color]

[color=#6699cc][QUOTE=yuyue]father: ban(get backers) older brother:ginji(get backers)ichigo(bleach)itachi(naruto) younger brother:killua&gon(hunter x hunter) older sister:rukia(bleach)[/QUOTE]You need to explain your choices. I have said that several times in this thread, and several people have set good examples. [quote name='Mikako Kazuke']Um you need to have reason as why you would pick them...[/quote]Please don't backseat mod. Let us do our job. If you see a post that needs attention, ignore it (Dagger or I will hopefully get to it soon), or use the report post button. Thanks.[/color]

[quote=Dagger]OtakuBoards places a strong emphasis on encouraging quality discussion. Because of this, we tend to be a little leery of favorites threads (although they crop up quite frequently all the same, haha). If you must create a favorites thread, particularly one that involves any kind of numbered ranking, it's vital that you (the original poster) set a good example for everyone else by explaining your choices. You don't have to write a novel, but complete sentences would be nice. In the future, please attempt to keep this in mind. If you have any questions, feel free to private message me or one of the other moderators. Thanks. Thread closed. ~Dagger~[/quote][color=#6699cc]I think Dagger's post in the "Top 10 favorite anime" thread covers the reasons why I am going to close this.[/color]

[quote name='MistressRoxie][color=#9933ff']There isn't a way, I don't think, to keep the chat running forever, without one person being in it all the time - so if you decide to start it, it may die if no one's in it (that would be the fate of "tehsillycircus," actually... *glares long and hard at SOMEONE* ... but no matter. *shrugs and sighs* )[/color][/quote][color=#6699cc]Uh, it doesn't matter if there's someone in it or not. Whoever wants to go to the room simply has to enter the title, and they'll be in the room. Whether you consider it the "same" room or not doesn't really matter--it's an AIM room with the name "Otaku Chat" or "tehsillycircus." It's really just a matter of getting enough people interested so that if someone goes to the room, odds would be good that someone would be there to talk to. Otherwise, there's no point of it, and you might as well just use instant messaging.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Word. There is, believe it or not, [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/showthread.php?t=38233]already a thread[/url] on .hack//SIGN. If you'd like to post about it, please post there. ...but before you do, please read our [url=http://www.otakuboards.com/rules.php?]rules[/url], as well as the stickies at the top of the AL. I'm going to close this thread.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]Ever since I first heard it several years ago, one of my favorite songs (ever) has been [i]Floods of Tears[/i]. I also love [i]flower[/i]. I can't think of the names of most of the other songs I really like, but I also recommend [i]Neo Universe[/i]. I love the opening, it reminds me of watching TV as a little kid. I have no idea why. It's weird for me to say I like a song without knowing what's being said. I guess I can honestly say I like the sound, huh? :)[/color]

[quote name='Harry']Also, I second the free stuff part. Classes started about a week ago and I've been living off of free food for that entire time. Don't be afraid to mooch as much as you want.[/quote][color=#6699cc]Yeah, especially in the beginning of the year, when all sorts of welcome BBQ's and clubs' first meetings are going on. And yeah, go to class. You don't necessarily have to pay attention in class, but at least you'll know when the tests are.[/color]

[quote name='Revue][COLOR=DarkGoldenrod][SIZE=1]Math. Man, I used to be a whiz in Math but it seems that the charm wore off the moment I stepped into college. Cyriel,[b] finish all your required Math courses ASAP[/b]; only then can you truly enjoy college.[/SIZE'][/COLOR][/quote][color=699cc]Done, and [i]done[/i]. Unless I switch majors to something completely different, I only need one "mathematical thinking" course, which I took my first semester. That is a RELIEF, believe you me. I have to admit that I'm curious about the crab roll, but after careful consideration, I think I'm just going to let the topic drop. One of the oddest experiences I had was wandering around campus on a lazy Sunday afternoon last fall, only to stumble upon PaganFest being held in the Mall. Lots of earnest (or psycho) people wearing [i]the[/i] motlley-est assemblage of costumes I've ever seen. Spanned several thousand years of hippie/pagan mentality: from loincloths, to robes, to bathrobes, to medieval costumes (think Ren Faire), to hippie outfits, to walking Hot Topic advertisments, to halloween costumes with glittery gossamer wings. It was weird. They had a huge old gong, and some ambient music blasting. Besides them, the campus was almost literally empty (I think there was a football game downtown, but Sundays are traditionally dead at school, anyway.) One of the BEST parts of college is Free Stuff. If you go to a decent-sized Uni (with lots of student groups, or lots of interaction with the community), you can get some pretty cool free stuff--candy, t-shirts, waterbottles, keychains, more candy, the occasional meal, buttons, stickers, erasers, stress balls... all sorts of goodies.[/color]

[color=#6699cc]I know there's a Hell, Michigan, and there are a BUNCH of little townships in Wisconsin that are named after other countries. I really only know this becauuse I posted about it on myO a couple years ago: The following misplaced towns are located (unlike their better-known counterparts) in Wisconsin, USA: Wittenburg, Windsor, Wales, Tripoli, Sussex, Stockholm, Sparta, Sherwood, Scandinavia, Rome, Rhinelander, Plymouth, Oxford, Oregon, Ontario, Onalaska, New London, Mount Horeb, Mount Calvary, Montreal, Monticello, Medina, Luxemburg, Lisbon, Lebanon, Krakow, Juneau, Holland, Hanover, Genoa, Ephraim, Eldorado, Eden, Dorchester, Denmark, Chili, Cazenovia, Cambridge, Brooklyn, Berlin (and New Berlin), Belgium, Avalon, and Athens. Abstract places include: Embarrass, Loyal, Luck, Endeavor, and Independence. There is also a Tony, a Rudoplh, a Random Lake, a "Neopit," and an Arcadia. There's also a Gotham, heh. There's a state park near me called Bong Recreation Area. I went camping there as a lass. :)[/color]

[color=#6699cc]You keep your [i]dog[/i] in a [i]cage[/i] in your [i]room?[/i] And you're [i]mad[/i] at it when it gets out? Sorry to hear about the mess and the stuffed animal, but frankly, I've got more sympathy for the living creature than the toy.[/color]

[QUOTE=DeathBug]I smell a sit-com! Ahem. Clearly, from a Christian perspective, asking God to kill people is kind of a no-no. [/QUOTE][color=#6699cc]Interestingly enough, there's a psalm where David does just that. Lines like "may his children be fatherless," and stuff like that. [url=http://bible.cc/psalms/109-9.htm]Looked it up, it's Psalm 109[/url].[/color]

[color=#6699cc]And on that note... [url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4188578.stm]The Rev Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals, wants [...] to meet Mr Chavez face to face and apologise for Mr Robertson's remarks.[/url]. Anyway, the comment in the article about oil probably helped the assumption that Venezuela was in the Middle East. I mean, when was the last time you heard anything about South American oil?[/color]

[quote name='Starr112']Its good. :catgirl:[/quote][color=#6699cc]Starr112, we ask that you use constructive criticism in your posts to ensure a continuing effort in improving the artist's skill and work. Please read the sticky on such at the top of the forum, and look around to get an idea of what is expected of you. (© Syk3 2005) [/color][color=teal]Perfection. XD -Syk3[/color]

[color=#6699cc]It's an anime series, but this thread is about the manga. So... hopefully it can rest in peace here. Juayn, welcome to OtakuBoards. Once you get the hang of things here, you'll get used to our standards about thread direction and post quality. (In general, the first post in a thread should invite open discussion.) Please take to heart Stuart's entreaties about expanding your post. In any case, I've moved your thread to what I feel is the most appropriate forum, and hopefully someone can answer your question for you.[/color]