Messages

[Administrators.]

There are several levels of privileged users on these boards.

Administrators.
I am one of the active Administrators.  There are others with reserved powers.
They have full control over the board, its software, the posts, and the accounts.
Essentially, they have unlimited power over everything forum related.
If they hand out official warnings or judgments, you should take them very seriously.

Moderators
Moderators are "in charge" of a specific forum or forums; they have the actual day-to-day powers.
They have the power to lock threads, delete posts, or move threads to other forums.

Because they are in charge of specific forums, they are also responsible for "setting the tone" of what is acceptable, what is on-topic, etc.  They can also make up additional rules as needed.

In addition, they have the power to step into a dispute and hand out whatever warnings are needed.

If specific punishments are needed (bannings, suspensions, time outs, etc.), they work with the admins to implement it.

The boards recognize three classes of moderators:

Staff Moderators
For the "FanimeCon" section of the boards, the respective department or division heads have the ability to moderate the forums that correspond to their division or department.  This is by virtue of their staff role.

Fanime Super-Moderators
Fanime Super-Moderators are trusted Staff Moderators, whose powers extend to all "FanimeCon" forums.
The current Fanime Super-Moderators are: ewu and MPLe.

Forum Moderators
These are non-staff members who are in charge of one of the community forums.  They function exactly as regular moderators for their respective forum.

Reporting to the Moderators

• OMG, some post pissed me off!  GRR!
• Posts can do that.  Something it is a matter of interpretation.  Or they might just be a jerk.
• You're probably better off just ignoring it, or posting a one-sentence reply.
• Posting a one-sentence reply to avoid escalating a situation is completely encouraged.
• If someone disagrees with you, this is not a reportable offense.
• If someone is just stupid, this is not a report offense, although logic may not work in these situations.
• If it is egregious, you may use the 'report' button.  This will forward it to a moderator.

Each report is read and taken seriously; those in charge have the option to privately warn, publicly warn, punish, or do nothing.  Again, that is the basic process.

Note: Moderators who post in a forum where they are not in charge are merely regular forum members.  Their moderator status does not "carry over" to the other boards.  (Of course, Fanime Super-Moderators are, by definition, moderators of all FanimeCon-themed forums).

Flaming a moderator or administrator is strictly against the rules.  Again, I have no idea why I have to make this explicit, but there you go.

[Your account]

Now, obviously there are some people who will try to bend rules or take advantage of the situation.  Accordingly, we need to lay out some ground rules.

Your account

• Ensure that the email address on your account is accurate.
• Accounts with invalid email addresses are subject to deactivation.

• Forums Signatures are limited to 600x125 pixels.
• This includes text and images.
• Signatures that are too large may be deleted.
• This will be enforced starting February 21, 2013.
• Avatars are limited to 100x125 pixels.

• One account per person
• You may not create side accounts or shell accounts.
• People who are found to have multiple accounts may have all their accounts deleted.
• Using a side account to circumvent a ban or other punishment is strictly forbidden! It makes the admins very angry.

Your posts

• Please keep the overall tone of your posts to no worse that a PG-13 rating.
• This means no swear words.
• This also means to keep the violence/sex/nudity of your posts to a minimum.
• I can't believe I have to write this out.

• Keep your tone civil with each other.
• Yes, you can disagree with people.
• You can even nitpick a situation to its level minimum.
• However, if you cross that line from "civil discourse" to "being an asshole", that's too much.
• If someone has crossed that line, you may report it.  See the "Moderators" section below.

This is not a full list of rules.  If there is a borderline or questionable situation, the mods and admins have the right to take any action they deem necessary.  That's how it works.

Hi all,

This is the forums for suggestions or comments on the operation of the forums or its hardware.

If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, go ahead and make a new thread.   If you have lots of separate ideas, go ahead and make separate threads.

I'll try to give a serious reply to serious questions, and joke replies to joke questions.  I may not be able to get through all of them, but I do plan on reading this forum often.

Thanks,
sysadmin

[If you're in doubt whether to make a post or make a thread, check to make sure that it meets these standards.]

Welcome to the FanimeCon forums.

This is a growing community, allowing our fans to ask questions, and participate at greater levels.

Because we have lots of people, there are some general rules and guidelines:

• Be cool
• Be awesome
• Don't be hating

New for 2013

• Don't be a dick
• Don't be that guy

If you're in doubt whether to make a post or make a thread, check to make sure that it meets these standards.

That's it. Have fun, and go wild.

from Zain:

Webcam of the LHC at CERN: http://tinyurl.com/5tyyq3

Finally, we get hot webcam action.

So, I think I'm going to change the forums to play this song on every page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFNvjoW6_UM

now if you fast forward 4 years and 3 months to 2012, then we should be scared shitless.

Oh God, not this again.

What is you opinion on tattoos?  Do you have any?
What is your opinion on piercings? Do you have any?
(if yes to either)
What hurt the most?

I consider them forms of fashion, like hairstyles or clothing.  If it's done well, it's part of their identity.  If it's done to shock or to be tasteless, that's a different matter.

I do not have either tattoos or piercings.

What is your opinion of suspension (Hanging by hooks)?

When I was around 5, I was given an IQ test.  This was done with a child psychologist, and had different questions and puzzles involved.  I did pretty well on all of them, although there were two that I didn't do well on.  One was a block puzzle that I just couldn't see, and I let the clock get the better of me.

The other was my response to the question "Why do they hang meat on hooks?"  My answer was "so that the meat doesn't fall down and get mixed up with the other meat".  In my defense, they never covered this subject on Sesame Street or Mister Rogers, so I took a guess.  It wound up being wrong, but apparently it was odd enough to make it into the final summation.

Why am I constantly smelling lavender? Did I spell that right? ???

Lavender is spelled correctly.  And maybe you have one of those fancy soaps?

(From my previous slew of questions about my bday)
Yeah, I'll be turning 24...but there isn't anything exciting here. Know of any cool places?
If all else fails, what sort of bday hat should I wear? XD

I am a fan of road trips, and enjoy going to Los Angeles or Las Vegas to take in a show.

What is your opinion on mainstream anime?

I mentally subtitute "TV Show" when I hear the term "anime".   "Mainstream anime" is just another TV show to me.  Some people like it, some don't.  I'ma go watch some Time Team and QI.

Do you like Youtube?

Unless it's slow.

What would you suggest for a real good gaming laptop?

Whatever SH/SC recommends at the moment.  I'm happy with my recent laptop purchase.

What is your opinion on Worms Armegeddon?

I haven't played it.

Blue Cheese or Ranch?

Ranch.  Always ranch.

How's that Chicken Alfredo, btw?

I had meatloaf instead.  It was meaty, yet loafy.

Do you prefer Popuri or incense sticks or candles?

I'll go with candles over potpourri.  Maybe I like fire.   To be fair, I don't really go for strong scents.  Maybe a squirt of Febreeze to freshen the living room.

Have you ever done the carameldanse?

Only in one of those "doing it confusedly and half-heartedly for the sake of comedy" styles.

Are you going to cosplay this year?

I have never really cosplayed, and I have no plans to dress up as a TV show character.
Well, maybe Jamie Hyneman.

Is there a possibility we could get a spoiler tag installed?

Sure.  I need to figure out how to install mods and features on SMF.

I was going to post a massive reply, including questions in relation to this, but I decided against it.  It would've only added to the unpleasantness of the subject and more than annoyed the two of us.

I appreciate both your candor and your judgment.  In my perfect world, people learn how to deal with each other, even if it means "scrolling down to the next post".  But in my perfect world, I'm a three time lottery winner too.

I'll add the "ignore user" feature, but I'm not convinced it will actually change anything.  Still, it's worth an experiment, and that's an important theme going forward.

Now, for a question since you'd rather be dealing with them: you mentioned changes in the rules for administration/moderation upthread...what sort of changes are we looking at here, or would you rather keep them under wraps until they're ready?

I'd prefer to keep them under wraps, but I suppose there's little harm in disclosing some of the particulars now.  This isn't an official announcement, but some thoughts that I'm trying to create.

I'd like to tighten up the separation between "posts about FanimeCon 2009" and everything else.  This is mostly to encourage senior staff members to at least read the threads in their respective areas.  The "Registration" subforum is fantastic because people stay on topic, and the staff replies to legitmate questions.
This is less so on the other forums; part of the problem is the large amount of "noise" involved.

I'd also like to shake out the community a little bit.  We essentially have forums for just gaming and just anime; perhaps a couple of related forums may be in order.  As these would be clearly non-FanimeCon forums, I see no problem with appointing non-staff to moderate them.  I acknowledge the risk of too many subforums, but I have the right to re-combine forums in the future.  I mean, we'll always have Things in the Universe.

These appointed moderators would initially have limited terms (maybe 60 or 90 days) and control of only one subforum.  If it doesn't work out, they'll be de-modded and life will move on.  If it does work out, then there may be more.

It's an experiment to encourage more active moderation; there are risks, sure.  We'll see.

The main reason for the secrecy is that the application to be a moderator involves an extra non-electronic step, so I'm trying to secure that first before the formal announcement.  In other words, there's one more step above just emailing me.  It's a minor step, but I have to get it set up first before I can announce it.

I have lots of other ideas; for now, I'll keep these queued to keep things lively during slow periods.  I like change.

I read a some physics blogs in my daily activities, and most of them just roll their eyes at these types of discussions.

It is mathematically true that there is a non-zero chance of something bad happening.  Then again, there's a non-zero chance that I will quantum tunnel into your house right now.  So.. BOO!.

For the boring stuff: only certain models of the universe (compact dimensions) suggest that a tiny black hole is possible.  In other theories, the math doesn't work out.   Even then, the resulting black hole is so small (original size: one large atomic nucleus compacted into a space much smaller than that) that it would radiate away instantly (in most black hole theories).  Even if it didn't, a black hole that's zillions of times smaller than a proton actually can't absorb a proton and grow larger.. so that's that.

do black holes move based on the gravitational pull of other objects or do they sit in place?  if they sit in place, won't that mean that black hole would suck up everything on earth that touches it as earth makes its orbit around the sun?

They move according to gravity, if one was created, it'd go for the center of the earth.  But since it's so tiny, it won't interact with anything in its way, so it would probably just head there and sit there.  That's assuming that one is created and doesn't immediately disappear.

It hasn't been activated today, it was just a ceremony. October is when you should really be scared, but nothing will happen, maybe a blackhole the size of a house (AKA nothing in space) will open and like dust may get sucked in, oh well.

Yeah, the first collisions are in October.  But a blackhole the size of a house is too large.  Again, think 'less than a proton' in terms of size.

Black holes don't suck.  They're just "really dense" things.  A black hole as massive as a house will have as much gravity as a house.  You can out run those pretty easy.   If you had a black hole several times the mass of the sun, that would do some funky things.  But that's not really possible with the stuff we have lying around.

More awesome of course is that Large Hardon Collider.  But I can't talk about it on a PG-13 forum.

Of course, that dream would've been a nice one.  However it also hinged on having users that didn't go out of their way to push people's buttons, to put it mildly.  Unfortunately, this is the Internet and we have folks who specialize in that kind of thing, and unfortunately that includes the boards here.  Since there doesn't seem to be much effort by way of removing those types from the boards (and in fact, letting one back on), then it would be nice if we users have some recourse in terms of having a more pleasant experience on the boards here by not having to deal with them to begin with.

I didn't see a question in there.

Anyway, to put it mildly, yes, there are difficult people on the boards.  News flash: there are difficult people every day.   Sometimes, it isn't possible to just wave a wand and make them disappear.  I fail to understand why people seem to believe that as an answer to life's problems.

For people on Internet forums that annoy me, I adopt a strategic approach of "not clicking the reply button" and go onto the next reply.  However, there seems to be some sort of Internet culture where "not engaging someone who is wrong" is frowned upon.  If there is this type of culture, it's pretty stupid.

Great, I'm annoyed again.  Time for more chicken alfredo.

My intent was to create a topic where people can voice and listen to differing beliefs on avatar/sig usage in general.  This is not really specific to the Fanime Forums themselves.

Ha.  My bad.  That will teach me to reply to posts late at night.

600x100 is a reasonable choice.  I'm trying to remember what the default banner ad size was.  I think that part of my brain filters out images of that shape.


Personally, I hate the idea of signatures, although I'm tolerant of a something that's just one or two lines of text.   Maybe I'm just too old.

Are there any plans to implement an ignore list function to the boards anytime soon?  If properly used, it should cut down on the drama/arguments/flames/etc.

I have no plans, but it's an interesting idea.  At one point, I figured that everyone here was mature enough to ignore someone by just "not clicking reply" and skipping to the next post.

Well, that dream is dead.  So I guess I need to look for code options.

Right...but that's this season. I'm asking if your a 49's fan (Which is masochistic) vs. Raiders fan (Crazy people). I didn't phrase it very well apparently.

Oh.  You have a weird sequence of tenses and parallelism.

I'll go with the 49ers.  At least there is some hope from year to year.

Why did you move around all the different forums? I thought they were fine as they were =P. Aesthetics?

There are a lot of minor reasons.  I'm in the middle of some other maintenance, so the movements aren't finished.

Loosely, though, I feel that it's important for the forums to evolve, at least slightly, from year to year.

Do you have any information on when the new website will be done for Fanime?

I can't speak for the front end, sorry.  I need to clean up some of the other applications, though.

I'd like to be a moderator/global mod, as I have a long extensive list of credentials as admin/mods on large boards. How do I apply =)?

As I stated in this very thread, I will create a proper announcement in the future.  I do not plan on giving away a lot of specifics now.  I hope I am being clear.

Chicken or Beef?

Beef.  It's what's for dinner.

Giants or A's?

Sharks.

49er's or Raiders? This will determine whether you enjoy inflicting pain upon yourself watching Alex Smith every week or just plain crazy.

Alex Smith is essentially out for the season, so I really don't get the other part of the question.

I'm happy with 600x200 for total sig area (pictures or text).
If the sig is larger than your post, then you're doing it wrong.

100x125 for the avatar is fine.  Yes, that's a 5:4 height:width ratio.

I generally care less about dialup users.
I will become more annoyed with "slow image hosts" or "anything ugly, flashing" or to a lesser extent "anything lame or stupid".

I swear there's some kind of "turn off other people's signature" option, though.

I appreciate the thread, although you generally can put these in the "about the forums" area.

What sort of limits are there going to be on sigs, avatars, etc.?

This will probably go into the "about" forums for actual discussion.  I don't plan on doing anything major.

Would you please get rid of the internet drama forum? I think it just encourages drama to take place.

It's in the queue for removal.  I'm planning a "Whine about the failures of the 49ers and Raiders" forum instead.

Are you going to post a new Forum Rules thread somewhere? I can't find the old ones anymore.

That's part of the plan.  I want to give some autonomy to other moderators though.  Kind of a dual-federalism thing.

Are you going to stick around this time, or just vanish in a few weeks?

Maybe.  My role as an system administrator is somewhat boring, and I have little need to post.

I get an email anytime anyone hits the report button.  So, the forums are never too far out of my mind.

Can I pick the names for the post count titles? X)

Probably not yet.  Maybe soon.

Do you find it frustrating when people don't understand you?  Do you care?

95% of the time, if I'm not understood correctly, it's probably my fault.  I try to be precise and clear whenever I need to be serious.  Whether it works, who knows.

Have you ever worn a kilt?

No.  I am not a kilt person.  Some people are.  Not me.

What's your fave smell?

Good food.  Maybe a warm pasta dish.  Or some oxtail soup.

What's your least fave smell?

Poop.  Do I need to elaborate on this?

Do you like the Drew Carey version of the Price is right? (I don't >:/)

I enjoy it, more than the last few years of Barker.  Apparently, there will be some more changes in the near future, so I'm curious to see where it will go.

Do you like M*A*S*H?  (if it is) Who's your favorite actor?

I like it.  It's been a while since I've sat down and watched it, but it was good TV.  Favorite actor on the show, it's close.  I like the personal evolution of Father Mulcahey (William Christopher), but I'll give the nod to Col. Potter (Harry Morgan).  Being in charge of a nut house is something I can identify with.

What's your fave food? 

There's something comforting about a good Chicken Alfredo.

Fave drink?  Fave beverage? Did you know there was a difference there?

I think I missed the differences.  Good drink, depends on my mood.  Something sweet and refreshing, like a Java Chip Frappucino, or a straight chocolate milk.

I don't drink enough alcohol to have a favorite spirit.

What should I do for my birthday? (lol, random)

If you're a grownup, do you really need a special reason to do something awesome?   I'm always a fan of road trips and travelling, and taking the path less taken.

If you're not a grownup, um.. hang out with friends?  Wear a hat?

The Price is Right has a soundtrack?  You're not talking about the tv show, are you?

Yes, I'm referring to the TV game show.  I don't have any of the updated music from the Drew Carey version, though.

Are you a Pirate or a Ninja? Why?

I'm going to go with Ninja.  I figure it's because I like to do my work behind the scenes.  I follow a code, even if others may not fully understand it.

Got an fancy weapons? What are they?

I do not current own any weapons, nor anything that really qualifies as 'fancy'.

Do you like Poi?  Glowing Poi or Fire Poi?

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with either the Poi food, or the juggling poi.

Have you ever walked over coal?

I haven't, although I'm quite aware of most of the physics involved.  It's still pretty cool though.

Will the site titles for post count ever be changed? I think I have the best one out of all of them at 86's posts and that's not saying much.

They'll probably change at random.  The general plan is to assign a bunch of nonsense, then change them after I get bored.

sysadmin, no offense, but looking for a moderator on these boards amongst the common posters would be a scary thought.

Common posters, uncommon posters, non-posters.  All are, in theory, eligible.

Moderator status is not necessarily a permanent role.  I may choose to appoint a moderator for two months on a small forum, as a test drive, for instance.

I am doubtful that I will appoint any global moderators for a while.  But for a forum or two, I see little harm in experimenting.

How old are you?

28.7

How long have you been here at the forums?

Since 2002 or 2003.  I don't think I was on the invision board.

How long have you been attending fanime?

Since 1998.

Do I know you?

Probably not.

What are you doing right now? Why?

I am answering this post, because it's an interesting list.

Is it fun?

I wouldn't do it if I didn't think it was interesting.

Do you enjoy your position?

At Fanime?  I like what I do.

Do you enjoy your job?

My day job?  I like what I do there too.

Do you enjoy your life?

I'll say yes.

Milkshakes or doughnuts?

Milkshakes

What is your fave tv show? Why?

Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe.  It's an honest show, information, interesting, without pandering or exaggerating.

What is your favorite character?

I'm thinking Big Bird.

Tea or Coffee?

Coffee.

What's on your playlist?

Right now, it's a little Jonathan Coulton, some music from Burnout 3, and an assortment of tracks from The Price is Right.

mine is cooler though.

Of course it is. :)

what qualifications would one need to be a mod(silly question, i know)?

I'm changing the rules for moderation soon.  I'll announce it in full as soon as some paperwork comes in.  This is related to the changes already visible on the boards.

That said, all I'm really looking for is "willingness to be a moderator", "ability to make rational decisions", "ability to keep things interesting".  Maybe "ability to not be stupid", although I don't know if that's a deal breaker.

Posting history is mostly unimportant; I'm actually looking to hire some moderators who have previously only lurked.  

To be fair, most new moderators will only be responsible for one or two of the boards at most.   But I think there's a reasonable model in there.