Charas-Project
Off-Topic => All of all! => Topic started by: Fisherson on March 15, 2013, 06:09:28 PM
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I have been trying to stay silent for a while but after reading Val's old posts and seeing us in our glory days I just keep getting nostalgic. Heck that's part of why I came back! Though what I see...saddens my heart. Old members now gone. People no longer interested in RPG maker hardly at all and since I left not ONE mention of a new Charas Chain game, nor any kind of chain game I might add, and the zaniness that used to soak the walls? Gone! Gone! Well I won't stand back and let this happen to the forums I used to love! I say we bring back the crazyness and off-the-wall way we used to be. I say we WORK to make it like it was! Now I ask you...What can we do? Hm? How can we bring back the good times, and just to be clear I will not see reality, nor reason or any form of order. Got that? So suggestions now! Go!
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We grow older, get more responsibilities, lose interest, etc.
It's a shame, I know, but that is alas how it is.
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I still kind of like it. Sure, the ways of old are fading away, but I guess that's not why I stayed. I just like the people, the discussions, and the cool things we have to share with one-another.
Honestly, the parts that are fading away are the parts we either outgrew or have trouble keeping our interest in/devoting time to. Sad but true, maybe, but a community is about the people.
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Newer, better rpgmakers came out that we didn't show any interest in, thus the core of the site fell apart.
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I came back (kind of), isn't that enough?
Naw, but fer seriously. I recall Charas dying about 3 times since I've been here, so this is nothing new. Although admittedly this is probably the longest drought of activity yet.
In regards to the lack of interest in RPG Maker, I can't speak for everyone, but for myself RPG Maker has just become inferior. I have no inspiration to make a game with RPG Maker, and other genre of games (let's say a platformer), can just be made easier and better with other programs and scripts.
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I blame education and costy internets.
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Me and my friend are actually working on a horror/fantasy RPG.
I just haven't posted it to charas because it's his project, and I'm handing the battle animations.
I'm using custom sprites, and animated poses so it looks flashy and fun.
Just been keeping it hush hush until he released it demo worthy. :3
But. with the release of wolf RPG, which is really popular. People use this site mostly for resources.
but. I'm still doing RPG maker stuff. you'll see a project post in the future months. ;3
I'll post screenshots in the post your screenshot forum.
We're using 2k3.
To restore? We just need more people to gain interest in RPG maker more.
I know a man who uses charas-project.
He's the creator of the Death Proclaimed. (Silent hill 2 pretty much)
Hell, in both of his games Charas-project is mentioned in the credits.
He honestly didn't know charas had a forum though. I should invite him to post his 3rd game here. He says our resources are a godsend.
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The consensus is one I agree with: We grew up.
I'm still trying to get a game done, but I'm not working with game maker anymore. More like XNA/MonoGame with the occasional splash of Unity.
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I recall Charas dying about 3 times since I've been here
YOU ****ING LIE
: O
GET OUT
I kinda agree with Archem. Plus, every older member has a better glory day. I would consider threads like Red Giant's superhero RP, for instance, to be one of my favourite charas threads. That was before you were even a glimmer in your milkman's broadband though, Fish.
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*We* may have grown up, but I doubt the people that want to make amateur RPGs and other similar games has significantly decreased over time. These people are still joining communities. Just not this one. I saw Charas becoming more and more of a hangout spot and less of an RPG creation area, and I tried various things to fight it, but I was not successful on any level.
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I was not successful on any level.
You say it as if it was your fault.
I think most of the "core members" lost interest, or time, or something else. Any people coming here for game making stuff will probably notice that and just go for a more lively game making community.
Whether Charas will become an active game making community again or not, I don't know. Maybe if many new comers join and start doing stuff. But to be honest, it's not very promising.
However, I still like the place, even if I'm not much active. The people and stuff still makes it enjoyable, even if the activity has decreased over time.
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So right, how 'bout we start some contets? Try to finish a game in time for Christmas or something?
Also, we should send out emails to all the cool old members and tell them to get their asses back to the site.
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Me and my friend are actually working on a horror/fantasy RPG.
I just haven't posted it to charas because it's his project, and I'm handing the battle animations.
I'm using custom sprites, and animated poses so it looks flashy and fun.
Just been keeping it hush hush until he released it demo worthy. :3
But. with the release of wolf RPG, which is really popular. People use this site mostly for resources.
but. I'm still doing RPG maker stuff. you'll see a project post in the future months. ;3
I'll post screenshots in the post your screenshot forum.
We're using 2k3.
To restore? We just need more people to gain interest in RPG maker more.
I know a man who uses charas-project.
He's the creator of the Death Proclaimed. (Silent hill 2 pretty much)
Hell, in both of his games Charas-project is mentioned in the credits.
He honestly didn't know charas had a forum though. I should invite him to post his 3rd game here. He says our resources are a godsend.
I'm so glad to hear this , Felix! ^_^ I didn't know anybody credited our site! o.O I mean us when we're lazy or can't find the name of the author to a reasource, but never people I hadn't heard of! ^_^ Raises my hopes just
a little and do with you luck with your projects! RM2k3 and otherwise though I have one question...What's a "wolf RPG"? o.O Sounds weird for a maker.
The consensus is one I agree with: We grew up.
I'm still trying to get a game done, but I'm not working with game maker anymore. More like XNA/MonoGame with the occasional splash of Unity.
I refuse to accept my steampunk dwarf buddy who spends all his time mining for gold and precious metals grew up. Never! Also I don't reconize even one of those which I'm
assuming is because their 3D makers, yes?
YOU ****ING LIE
: O
GET OUT
I kinda agree with Archem. Plus, every older member has a better glory day. I would consider threads like Red Giant's superhero RP, for instance, to be one of my favourite charas threads. That was before you were even a glimmer in your milkman's broadband though, Fish.
XD I see. Nice CPU speak there, MT11.
*We* may have grown up, but I doubt the people that want to make amateur RPGs and other similar games has significantly decreased over time. These people are still joining communities. Just not this one. I saw Charas becoming more and more of a hangout spot and less of an RPG creation area, and I tried various things to fight it, but I was not successful on any level.
There, there Sai. I'm sure you're not entirely to blame. Hey and the fact there are others still using the RPG makers gives me some hope that mabye it'll return here.
You say it as if it was your fault.
I think most of the "core members" lost interest, or time, or something else. Any people coming here for game making stuff will probably notice that and just go for a more lively game making community.
Whether Charas will become an active game making community again or not, I don't know. Maybe if many new comers join and start doing stuff. But to be honest, it's not very promising.
However, I still like the place, even if I'm not much active. The people and stuff still makes it enjoyable, even if the activity has decreased over time.
That is true. Charas is still a awesome place because of the people. Heck when I see a sprite of a member I have a bunch of things I remember about them. XD Good things and bad.
So right, how 'bout we start some contets? Try to finish a game in time for Christmas or something?
Also, we should send out emails to all the cool old members and tell them to get their asses back to the site.
I like those two ideas! =D On RPG maker 2003 or what?
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Let's just blame Lucas, it's the popular thing to do.
Actually where has he been anyway. Here? Has he been here? I bet he has. That sneaky Brazillionaire.
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You blind aussie. He posted yesterday in this very topic.
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wolf RPG maker is
Pixel movement by default.
Support for scripts
high graphic support
yet runs in 2k3 style graphics.
8 way movement by default
customizable menus
no reliance on RTP
is new.
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Well, the downside of having no new members and having all old members giving up on game creation is that... well, we can't make games anymore. Still, we can definitely try. I'll tr to jump in, if possible, after it's started.
Well, we did make a couple games for Green's game contest. Just got a bit weird that it was taking place on a different site and that like 5 people actually voted and it seemed more of a popularity contest than actual game content. Nevertheless.
We should grab the links for everyone's submission and force people to play them to get another voting done, or let some people judge them. You guys still have the links lying around?
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Let's be honest, our site is basically based off of rm2k3, which is now 10 years old and never was really *that* popular. Most novice game makers don't use rm2k3 anymore, so this site has no real appeal to many potential new game making enthusiast, and like other people have said, most of our core members have gotten lives and/or moved on. I for one joined this site because I loved making games and didn't know how to program at all. I'm now a professional software engineer and program my own game engines from scratch. I drop in here and there for the occasional off-topic threads, but other than that, this site has little appeal to me anymore.
If we want this site to to thrive again, we need to adapt. We need to make this site more appealing to new game developers using new makers/engines. This isn't an easy task and would pretty much require a complete site redesign, but I don't think Charas will ever recover if it just stays as it is now. :/
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wolf RPG maker is
Pixel movement by default.
Support for scripts
high graphic support
yet runs in 2k3 style graphics.
8 way movement by default
customizable menus
no reliance on RTP
is new.
Whoa....That sounds impressive o.O Is the code hard to learn?
Well, we did make a couple games for Green's game contest. Just got a bit weird that it was taking place on a different site and that like 5 people actually voted and it seemed more of a popularity contest than actual game content. Nevertheless.
We should grab the links for everyone's submission and force people to play them to get another voting done, or let some people judge them. You guys still have the links lying around?
Another site? Charas stuff is for Charas! XD I think we should pre-plan like we did with the mayoral game. I mean it was going good till I got tardy and then pretty much derailed it. We had a good thing with a common theme, character roles and the whole "make a chapter as you go using one of the three main characters". I mean it was wonderful! As such I think we need something similar, no? In fact why don't we start a theme discussion thread and and get a poll going?
If we want this site to to thrive again, we need to adapt. We need to make this site more appealing to new game developers using new makers/engines.
I agree with this but the truth is I was ojnly distrustful of XP/VX and other makers at first. Later I tired to get them but just can't DL all of the package due to my speed. =( Getting to the library is tricky but I'm going to try RPG maker VX Ace on Monday. If I can I say we start working on some Charas based VX Ace projects or even Game Maker! Anything! I'm willing to start all over and learn coding again if it means saving Charas.
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Let's be honest, our site is basically based off of rm2k3, which is now 10 years old and never was really *that* popular. Most novice game makers don't use rm2k3 anymore, so this site has no real appeal to many potential new game making enthusiast, and like other people have said, most of our core members have gotten lives and/or moved on. I for one joined this site because I loved making games and didn't know how to program at all. I'm now a professional software engineer and program my own game engines from scratch. I drop in here and there for the occasional off-topic threads, but other than that, this site has little appeal to me anymore.
If we want this site to to thrive again, we need to adapt. We need to make this site more appealing to new game developers using new makers/engines. This isn't an easy task and would pretty much require a complete site redesign, but I don't think Charas will ever recover if it just stays as it is now. :/
Some members have been making that suggestion for quite some time now. In all honesty, I agree. If the site were to overhaul itself to incorporate a number of other game makers (newer, more popular, more versatile), a new generation of members and game creators will actually have a reason to come here.
Also, DB. Wow.
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We had the project to completely re-do the charset makers into something easier to use, with better sprites, and easier to export to things that aren't RPG Maker. But then due to personal issues, the people involved kind of forgot about it.
Spoiler alert, the project was mine.
I started working on a C# redesign of Charas that was more...adaptable, able to export to all of the RPG Makers as well as to a custom format based off of Ben's sprites.
Actually got a really good headway on the interface and such, but nothing was really wired up, because I have no clue how databases work. Still don't, really need to figure it out.
The project is on my Github (http://github.com/Fruckert) if you want to wince at my code.
It's called CharasSharp, or Charas#.
edit: Quality control was a gigantic emphasis for the new plan.
To keep the maker from getting bloated with terrible anime knock-off sprites, I was going to have a pretty strict review policy for sprites that wanted to join the "RTP" so to speak.
This'd also have required a pretty giant housecleaning.
edos: Huh, it appears that I never committed another change to the code repository after the first one.
So, all my fancy changes aren't active.
edtres: Yeah, the Git for the project is all fubar'd.
It doesn't want to commit certain critical files, for some reason.
Most of the code should be alright, though, at least, all the code that's actually THERE.
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If we want this site to to thrive again, we need to adapt. We need to make this site more appealing to new game developers using new makers/engines. This isn't an easy task and would pretty much require a complete site redesign, but I don't think Charas will ever recover if it just stays as it is now. :/
What cripped us for AGES was Alex's policy of not supporting anything past 2k3, under the idea that sharing resources would encourage piracy downloads and hurt Enterbrain. Which is... true... ish... but it did mean the site couldn't move forward with the times. That policy was later dropped (by me, as one of my desperate plans) but it was too little, too late.
Also, wtf DragonBlaze posting.
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Also, DB. Wow.
Also, wtf DragonBlaze posting.
Haha, I still pop in here an there you know! ;)
I started working on a C# redesign of Charas that was more...adaptable, able to export to all of the RPG Makers as well as to a custom format based off of Ben's sprites.
Actually got a really good headway on the interface and such, but nothing was really wired up, because I have no clue how databases work. Still don't, really need to figure it out.
The project is on my Github if you want to wince at my code.
It's called CharasSharp, or Charas#.
I'm assuming you're using C# for the back end with a javascript front end? I should be able to you implement all of the database stuff if you like :) My project at work uses a Java back end, though the principals are the same, and I know C#. I recommend using the Spring framework - http://www.springframework.net/examples.html (http://www.springframework.net/examples.html) to take care of most of the database work. From there, we can create DAOs (Data Access Objects), so writing objects to the database can be done by a flush() call, retrieving objects is almost just as easy.
Is this just for the generators? Or is the project for the whole site?
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http://www.silversecond.com/WolfRPGEditor/ (http://www.silversecond.com/WolfRPGEditor/)
open in gooooogle chrome for translation
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I'm assuming you're using C# for the back end with a javascript front end? I should be able to you implement all of the database stuff if you like :) My project at work uses a Java back end, though the principals are the same, and I know C#. I recommend using the Spring framework - http://www.springframework.net/examples.html (http://www.springframework.net/examples.html) to take care of most of the database work. From there, we can create DAOs (Data Access Objects), so writing objects to the database can be done by a flush() call, retrieving objects is almost just as easy.
Is this just for the generators? Or is the project for the whole site?
Nope, pure C#.
I don't know how to do web stuff, this was a desktop app.
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Nope, pure C#.
I don't know how to do web stuff, this was a desktop app.
Oh I see. Then don't use a database, just use the file system and a custom class to hold information on each of the resources (link to image, size, etc), and a way to search for and retrieve the resources. This could just be a foreach iteration through an array of resources, and returning the resources that meet the criteria. This way you don't need to worry about working with a messy database, and it will actually perform better because all of the information related to the resources will be in memory where as a database usually lives on the hard disk, so accessing information will be much slower.
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I just popped in to say; DB is still alive? wut?
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If we want this site to to thrive again, we need to adapt. We need to make this site more appealing to new game developers using new makers/engines. This isn't an easy task and would pretty much require a complete site redesign, but I don't think Charas will ever recover if it just stays as it is now. :/
This. The main site needs a complete redesign and throw away all the rpg maker resources and the charas generator. Then set up a blog-ish site where we can post news about gamedev tools, indie games and game jams/competitions etc. Forum wise would be to merge rpg maker and miscellaneous section into one and maybe set up a help forum. Then just try to get the site out there as much as we can.
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throw away all the rpg maker resources and the charas generator.
Not gonna happen.
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Not gonna happen.
If so, we should keep it rpg maker only and then charas strongest point would be it's generators and vast amount of resources. Then our best bet would be to update the generators to output for the newer rpg makers. Fix the resource page so you can easily find resources for a specific maker (vx, 2003 etc). Make sure people can upload new resources.
Maybe check if we can host other generators on the site as well such as sfxr. Read about some guy that were making a music generator, if that can output to rpg maker friendly files it would be pretty sweet to have on the site as well.
That said I kinda like it how it is now. A small community with the old members hanging around talking about their interests and posting what they are working on. It was what made me come back here after all.
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I went to check back to what Momeka was talking about and it brings joy in my heart to see so many familiar faces. However, I have to agree whole heartily with Momeka. To get the site more active the site needs a change. RPG Maker 2000 and 2003 are both a decade old now, and much better software has been made for game development since then. I think the website and forum both will profit from a major overhaul, it would certainly make sure I will come back as an active member to help out. Things need to change.
Also, this horrid forum layout needs to be fixed as well, it's horrendous to the eyes. You can barely see where one post begins and another ends, black text on a dark background. What the hell happened to the old one? Why DO you keep this one?
Oh, and those verification, come on man. Seriously? The re-captcha is barely readable and like seven human verification questions?
EDIT: I'm pretty sure I set an avatar as well.
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Oh, and those verification, come on man. Seriously? The re-captcha is barely readable and like seven human verification questions?
I haven't experienced that, yet.
Honestly want to go make a dummy account just to see how terrible it is.
I mean, we don't have any bots anymore, but almost every single new person ends up bitching about it, so I'm guessing it's pretty bad.
Also, regarding the theme, uh...working on it.
Slowly.
One could say I'm not working on it at all, even.
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We're muddling around in a pit of despair over here.
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I have been trying to stay silent for a while but after reading Val's old posts and seeing us in our glory days I just keep getting nostalgic. Heck that's part of why I came back! Though what I see...saddens my heart. Old members now gone. People no longer interested in RPG maker hardly at all and since I left not ONE mention of a new Charas Chain game, nor any kind of chain game I might add, and the zaniness that used to soak the walls? Gone! Gone! Well I won't stand back and let this happen to the forums I used to love! I say we bring back the crazyness and off-the-wall way we used to be. I say we WORK to make it like it was! Now I ask you...What can we do? Hm? How can we bring back the good times, and just to be clear I will not see reality, nor reason or any form of order. Got that? So suggestions now! Go!
I remember the good old times...
Lord Raffles.
Ugh.
Anyone remember that guy?
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Of course, he was in Darkfox's doom(?) mod with charas members. Remember Alex' harp weapon and Sai casting spells and something like that.
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Now that guy was before my time.
Darkfox's Doom mod, however, wasn't. I liked that, despite it basically solely referencing stuff I didn't know about.
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Oh god, Lord Raffles and a bunch of people who didn't know how to deal with trolls...
I agree with Momeka that we need to redesign the charas generators. Minimum changes needed would have to be:
- Allow custom sizes, templates/layouts, and any image/color type. Sizing, formatting, and exporting to specific makers can be done easily enough on the server side. This will also allow these resources to be used in any maker, as well as by people who code their own games.
- Tools to adjust colors. Instead of uploading multiple files for different colors, we should just have sliders for hue, saturation, and contrast for each part.
- Editing tools, give the user the ability to edit resources directly in the editor.
- Make the generators look better.
Does anyone actually have access to the site's source files? It really would only require some css tweaks and simple html edits to give this site a complete refresh in terms of looks. From there, we could add sections to support things other than rm2k/3, advertise a bit with google/facebook, and *poof*, our site is back in business.
In case you guys haven't noticed, I really want this site to thrive again :p It seems like there aren't any good community game making sites out there anymore, and I know charas can fill in that gap. We just need to DO something.
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Anyone know flash AS3? I use that quite a bit so I'd be up for modding that section if we decided to do something like that.
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I say we mod DB, he's always been a great guy and it sounds like he actually know what needs to be done here.
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I would agree, if only because every member who has more than three years of service is now staff for some inexplicable reason.
I mean, except for people who were once admins. **** those douches.
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I would agree, if only because every member who has more than three years of service is now staff for some inexplicable reason.
Pfft.
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every member who has more than three years of service is now staff for some inexplicable reason.
Yeah, screw you all.
Wasn't DragonBlaze already a mod before, though? Pretty sure he was. Unless there was another "Dragon" something I forgot about...
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I would agree, if only because every member who has more than three years of service is now staff for some inexplicable reason.
I mean, except for people who were once admins. **** those douches.
Been on charas for 5 years as a regular member. :3c
Also yea. I wish the complete resource section would be sorted by XP and VX such. So people would upload more resources of such.
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Wasn't DragonBlaze already a mod before, though? Pretty sure he was. Unless there was another "Dragon" something I forgot about...
Haha yes I used to be the mod for the RPG Maker Programming and the Tutorials sections, but alas a few years of inactivity has it's tolls. Honestly I don't care if I'm a mod or not, it's really just more of a title at this point, it's not like we have some super crazy awesome secret forum where all the mods hang out, or at least I can't image our moderator section has been all that interesting since I left :p
That'd be me.
And hey man, that's good to hear. We've been needing someone who's both able and willing to do changes. Most people with th knowledge don't have the time or the desire, and most people with the desire to do something don't have the knowledge or the time.
Hey Lucas, I'd love to help out with new development and hopefully a site overhaul. We should sync up sometime to discuss the technologies Charas uses and how I can build upon them. I wouldn't require access to the direct charas source files, just a copy of them so I can develop on my local computer.
If everyone is down for a revamp of the site, we should have a separate discussion of the direction we want to take the site, new technologies/generators we want to use, new content to include, and a new look and feel for the site.
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Sounds like a plan
it's not like we have some super crazy awesome secret forum where all the mods hang out
That's exactly what we want 'em peons to think.
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I remember the good old times...
Lord Raffles.
Ugh.
Anyone remember that guy?
Only talked to him like once, but I remember I used him as a running joke in RPs between me and Jet XD Then again I have weird alternate universe version of most of you in my Dentverse. Where Charas is a Star Cluster teeming with Sith, Bots and trolls.
*Makes self nostalgic again adn begins to think about re-opening the Warped Discussion Thread* < <; No! I've done well in working on only two games recently. Not like when I was younger and made 100 something a week.
I say we mod DB, he's always been a great guy and it sounds like he actually know what needs to be done here.
Here, here! *Does vantriquism untrainted* And lets re-new Fish's power as a Moderator too. *Tries again* Yeah he's a great guy and would never abuse his power. <.<
it's really just more of a title at this point, it's not like we have some super crazy awesome secret forum where all the mods hang out, or at least I can't image our moderator section has been all that interesting since I left :p
He he he. Sure we don't have a secret Moderator's Only Club hidden in the Forum and there we don't have Waffles, Hookers or even secret stash of Twinkies.
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Yeah, man. Do you still use that AIM address on your profile?
Hmm no, come to think of it I don't use any messengers anymore, I do everything through facebook, xbox live, steam, or battle.NET. I do have a skype account that we can IM through if that works, otherwise let me know and I can set up an MSN or AIM account again.
Hey, shh. He doesn't remember because people who are unmodded also get their minds erased. We gotta keep the secrets safe.
Is THAT why I can't remember those few years of my life? And here I was thinking it was just from nights of drinking..
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I ain't no mod. I used ta be. But then... Oh the mistakesh of youth! *Falls off barstool*
I do wonder what goes on in the private forum these days. Maybe an 'elites only' word association game or something.
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Sounds like a plan
That's exactly what we want 'em peons to think.
You mean the three people on this forum who aren't mods? xD
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I ain't no mod. I used ta be. But then... Oh the mistakesh of youth! *Falls off barstool*
I do wonder what goes on in the private forum these days. Maybe an 'elites only' word association game or something.
The sexiest of parties.
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i was a mod like you once...
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Skype, facebok, steam anything is fine, really. Just give me your address at the best thing through which you'd like to communicate. I'm not always on Skype, though.
I'm not really on Skype much either unless I'm expecting a conversation (due to stalkers and the fact that it conflicts with my web server port), and I'm only on Steam when I'm playing a steam game. I'll let you chose between Skype and Facebook, my email for facebook is mfwziegler@gmail.com and my skype name is mfwziegler
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My face when ziegler?
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My face when ziegler?
Every super hero has their secret identity. Superman has Clark Kent, DragonBlaze has Mother F***ing Walter Ziegler. Deal with it.