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Subject: Seven years later...

My YouTube Channel
Bungiepedia Page

"Sometimes life gives you lemons, and then you have to say 'f**k the lemons' and bail."

If you're reading this, you need to stop stalking me. If you can't stop stalking me, you might as well go here.

Hello, Community. I know I'm five days early with this, but everyone stop what you're doing and focus on me.

Everyone paying attention? Good.

When I joined this website seven years ago, I was a semi-retarded, immature, inarticulate kid. Now, I am a semi-retarded, immature, inarticulate kid that can also grow a beard.

Oh how the times are a changin'.

I have a friend from work, his name is Ted, and Ted is an avid Reddit user. Needless to say, he's one of the few people I know in real life that I can say is "from the internet." That being said, Ted and I often find ourselves bull-blam!- over the latest e-fad, or some internet-centric news story that hasn't been covered by the mainstream media yet. Anyway, I sometimes mention things I've seen on B.net, sometimes negative, and he many times has asked me, "Why do you bother?"

Why do I bother? I feel I'm not alone when I say that I sometimes think I've outgrown the general populace of these forums. I'm aware that makes me sound like a dick, but c'mon, I was fifteen when I joined here. I've found it increasingly harder to participate in many discussions in the public forums over the course of the years. Each forum's topic cycle has become blatantly obvious, and also damn near predictable; I don't understand a lot of the recent trends; and the names of each forum's regulars has drastically changed, and change scares me.

I've essentially become one of the bitter, grizzled old members that I detested in my early days here on Bungie.net.

So why do I bother?

To me, Bungie.net is like that promiscuous fat girl at all the parties. You know, you say you'd never hit it, and she comes on to you once or twice; no big deal. So you've had several drinks too many one night, and you end up taking her back to your room. You sneak her out and make her do the walk of shame the next morning, swearing that you were drunk and it'll never happen again. Sure enough, it does. And then another time, and another time; it gets to the point where you're not even inebriated anymore when taking her home. You're not rushing to squeeze her out the window in the morning, you're making her breakfast. Before you know it, you're taking her home to meet your family during the holidays, you're making plans, and you're weighing the options of getting hitched to this whale of a girl.

Bungie.net is my fat chick.

I came to Bungie.net as a cocky high-school jock, somewhat embarrassed about my association with such an acne-ridden, wedgie-receiving, pocket protector-wearing collective. I quickly got over myself, dismounted from my high horse, and accepted that I was just another guy in the crowd. Despite my original mindset, I quickly found that I wasn't among a herd of moth-breathing nerds trying to steal my identity and score naked pictures of my sister. Sure, we probably have a few of those types in this community, but for the most part, I found the lot of you not so different from myself. .

While I'm not quite over Bungie and Halo like some of my blue-bar'd brethren, I'm well past that point where I'm here to only talk about the games. Over the years, I've forged friendships and bonds with many members here on this site. That's what keeps me coming to Bungie.net. Sure, I'll indulge in the occasional canon argument or the latest Skibur-induced drama, but I've come across plenty of people here whom I wouldn't mind getting together and hanging out with in real life.

So there we have it: thank you, Bungie.net Community.

Anyway, other than a self-absorbed soap box which to stand on and rant incoherently about my take on the community while simultaneously swinging my e-peen in public view, similar to a drunken homeless person, what would this thread be without some bullet points?

So what's it going to be then, eh?

The Flood
While I agree that many of its regulars have gotten a bit uppity in the past, I can't help but feel that those of you of the "nuke The Flood" mindset are bat-blam!- crazy.

As many who have been long enough have likely figured out, on-topic discussion eventually turns stale. C'mon, one can only discuss Halo and the ins and outs of the forums themselves for so long. I think The Flood serves as important a purpose as any other public forum on this website. Think about it: what do we discuss during Bungie's downtime? Where do we go when things have gone dark? Telling everyone to sod off to private groups, offsites, and the like isn't exactly what I'd consider beneficial to membership longevity.

If (and hopefully when) private groups receive a much needed overhaul, The Flood is where we go when Bungie has to put us on the back burner.

All that considered, yes, The Flood has its fair share of drawbacks. Rather that the unsavory nuclear option that an alarming number of people seem to support, why don't we take a step back a try a different approach. (Don't take that literally; I'm in no way suggesting that the structure of this site is a community effort.)

I've gotten the sense that some people join just to participate in The Flood. In theory, there's really not much wrong with that. Then again, it does tend to raise issues regarding account value and membership longevity.

I like to think that the structure of things here is what separates sites like Bungie.net and 4chan. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one of these vecks that thinks The Flood is turning into 4chan; far from it, actually. But is there really a distinct dividing line between the likes of sites like Bungie.net and monkey -blam!--throwing fights like 4chan? I'm trying not to delude this into some slippery slope fallacy, but I can't help but feel that this bypass of the traditional membership routine is a common attribute of sites like 4chan.

What brings most people here? Bungie's games, i.e. Halo. As I mentioned earlier, and correct me if you think I'm wrong, but the general idea is that people turn to The Flood when they grow tired of the game-related forums. Unless we're dealing with some ADHD member who bounces from forum to forum from the get go, chances are that your average member is going to spend some time in these other forums and get acclimated to the site, right?

The longer one is here, the more they understand how these forums function and what's expected of them as a member. When you have people bypassing that process and creating an account only to jump headfirst into The Flood, there's a chance of trouble. There's no value to the account in question. It's a throwaway. Why should anyone give a damn about the rules when they can easily create a new account to circumvent a ban and and continue on with said unfavorable behavior in a matter of minutes?

1. Create bogus email account.
2. Create new WLID.
3. Create new B.net account.
4. Post stupid -blam!-.
5. Get banned.
6. Rinse.
7. Repeat.

There should be some obvious value added to forum memberships; something that's relevant to the end user.

As the administrator of my own little offsite clique, I've never really liked the idea of features that functionally serve to limit one's ability to participate. (Shameless plug!) I like expansion, and I'm of the mindset 'the more, the merrier." However, I feel that there should be some posting restrictions to The Flood. There's not much stopping an established member from spamming up the place in some account suicide, but I like to think that's far less likely compared to the creation of throwaway accounts.

So how would something like this be implemented?

Hell if I know; I'm more of a conceptual, big picture kind of guy than the type who gets down to the nitty-gritty and nails out the particulars. In general, said system would require a member to reach a certain status/level in order to create threads, create polls, and if we really want to be extreme, reply to threads. (Although I'm not too crazy on that last part.)

How these status/levels would be defined? I have no idea, but allow me to go on record and say that it should have nothing to do with member titles. I know from experience that a grey bar can be just as competent as a blue bar, and that a blue bar can be just as incompetent as the Berlusconi administration.

It's nothing that hasn't been suggested before, so I'm probably beating a dead horse with some of you. All things considered, I feel this is a legitimate course of action and that it has the potential to result in more thoughtful, meaningful discussion.

[Edited on 12.23.2011 11:03 AM PST]

  • 12.23.2011 11:00 AM PDT

My YouTube Channel
Bungiepedia Page

"Sometimes life gives you lemons, and then you have to say 'f**k the lemons' and bail."

If you're reading this, you need to stop stalking me. If you can't stop stalking me, you might as well go here.

The Septagon: some may be offended by this
I can't stand the Community Forum.

Before someone calls me out on it

Anyway, -blam!- this forum in particular. Despite my participation in it, I really can't stand the general mood in here. I see very little of what's discussed in this forum to have any merit whatsoever. I've never seen the Septagon as much more than a breeding place for ass-kissers and tryhards.

Every now and then, there will be a gem of a suggestion, but nearly every time it'll be followed by a bevy of seemingly misinterpreted lines copied and pasted directly from an Achronos post. If there's any forum here that's almost completely predictable, it's the Septagon.

In fact, I think we're about due for a "What brought you to Bungie.net" thread.

I think I understand the purpose behind this forum, but it just fails in practice. I think it goes without saying that the higher presence of moderators and employees alike here attracts a wide assortment of annoying behavior that makes one of a mindset akin to myself want to punch a kitten. Sure, it's all subjective, but I like to think a thread titled "What do you think the moderators had for breakfast" is dumb by most standards.

Hopefully this is as elitist and condescending I get in this post, but at least I'm being honest. I want to commit assault every time I see someone suggest that regular users of The Septagon are of higher quality than those in any other forum. Same problems, different forum, more oblivious. While I say all of this, I just want to let everyone know that I went through an brown-nosing Septagon phase myself, so it's all cool.

I wouldn't mind seeing the Community Forum downgraded to the likes of a minor forum like The Classifieds and such.

Groups
<3 Groups

Groups are awesome, and I think they need to be more heavily promoted. I don't quite remember the state of private groups back when I first joined, so I may have missed out on what most consider the heyday of the Seventh Column.

Unlike the rest of this long-winded post, I'll keep this brief, as I'm not exactly treading any new ground here:

1. Clan integration (assuming that the new IP has a feature of that sort)
2. A group database/spotlight page
3. Group stats
4. ????
5. Profit

Now that I've taken the time to type that out, I've realized that I have no idea what would make groups better. All I know is that I enjoy private groups, and wouldn't mind seeing them get some more love in terms of user features.

I'm so helpful.

If you've made it this far, thank you for humoring me by giving in to my self-indulgent brand of internet buffoonery. It's been a wild ride, hasn't it?

Again, I just want to thank the community for making my time on this site enjoyable. Thank you, Bungie, for providing this site in which I waste all of my free time on. I'd also like to thank Bungie for Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo: ODST.

Also, while I'm hogging this self-imposed spotlight, I just want to give a shout out to Mythic Members, #BungieNet IRC, #Moap, and all of your mothers.

[Edited on 12.23.2011 11:04 AM PST]

  • 12.23.2011 11:01 AM PDT

In a time long past, the armies of the dark came again to the lands of men. Their leaders became known as the fallen lords, and their terrible sorcery was without equal in the west.
In 30 years they reduced the civilized nations into carrion and ash. Until the free city of Madrigal alone defined them. An army gathered there, and a desperate battle was joined against the fallen
Heros were born in the fire and bloodshed of the wars which followed and their names and deeds will never be forgotten

OMG, here we go again...

Well, congrats on your 7 Year B-day, heres to 7 more...

*raises glass

[Edited on 12.23.2011 11:02 AM PST]

  • 12.23.2011 11:01 AM PDT

Twitter | Raptr | Facebook
------------------------------------------
Let me change my username! Pwease, I'd do anything! :'(
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Xbox Ambassador

Mommy always told me that I'd someday be like you!

  • 12.23.2011 11:03 AM PDT

My YouTube Channel
Bungiepedia Page

"Sometimes life gives you lemons, and then you have to say 'f**k the lemons' and bail."

If you're reading this, you need to stop stalking me. If you can't stop stalking me, you might as well go here.

Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

  • 12.23.2011 11:04 AM PDT


Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

Yeah I learnt a lot from it.

  • 12.23.2011 11:10 AM PDT

What doesn't kill you, only makes you stranger

Totally worth the read, and I agree on many of your points. The Community Forum is a nice place to go after a long stint in the Flood. Sometimes the predictability of it all is...Satisfying.

  • 12.23.2011 11:14 AM PDT

@trueunderdog

Chapter

Narwhallace Smithington: Gone, but not forgotten. Never approve of anything lil guy. <3
Furious George: The new -blam!-

Posted by: Primo84
Despite my original mindset, I quickly found that I wasn't among a herd of moth-breathing nerds trying to steal my identity and score naked pictures of my sister.


Well...I wouldn't mind. From what I remember, she was pretty cute. >_>

  • 12.23.2011 11:30 AM PDT

To Make Posts is Glorious

Some threads will get posts before others and it is the duty of the Leadership to ensure that posts are made that best suit the public welfare.

"heh"

Posted by: KilteDKilleR93
Totally worth the read, and I agree on many of your points. The Community Forum is a nice place to go after a long stint in the Flood. Sometimes the predictability of it all is...Satisfying.
Not what he said at all but okay dudeman.

  • 12.23.2011 11:31 AM PDT

EDIT: Oh, my bad. I misinterpreted the OP.

That was a rather good read, to be honest. Were you really a jock? :P

[Edited on 12.23.2011 11:36 AM PST]

  • 12.23.2011 11:33 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Well, here we are. I guess that it was destined to come to this.


Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

*scans the first letters of each line*

Nope, nothing that I can see. Are you being tricksie?

  • 12.23.2011 11:36 AM PDT

"Except we, we're the zebras. All fenced in...and ready for the slaughter!"

||S-fen Knee-cheh
||19th Shock Troops Battalion

Great post. Pertaining to the flood section; giving merit to accounts would be a great step forward.*

*I'd post something more substantial right now but I'm to tired to do so. I'll be back later.

[Edited on 12.23.2011 11:40 AM PST]

  • 12.23.2011 11:38 AM PDT

Posted by: Commander GX
Bungie.Match.com: Our Johnson knows what the ladies like.


Posted by: Recon Number 54

Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

*scans the first letters of each line*

Nope, nothing that I can see. Are you being tricksie?


Did you use the every 10th word trick?

  • 12.23.2011 11:38 AM PDT

Once a Mythic, always a Mythic. '04 or Bust.
Extr3me Escalator Diving

Elites of War
Indeed

Couldn't wait those extra 5 days, eh? Read it in mythics, and found it a good read. Congrats on your seventh, and enjoy the path to your eighth. I know I have.

  • 12.23.2011 11:38 AM PDT

To Make Posts is Glorious

Some threads will get posts before others and it is the duty of the Leadership to ensure that posts are made that best suit the public welfare.

"heh"

Posted by: Recon Number 54

Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

*scans the first letters of each line*

Nope, nothing that I can see. Are you being tricksie?
Sadly that is a lost art now. I'm glad someone remembers though!

  • 12.23.2011 11:40 AM PDT

My YouTube Channel
Bungiepedia Page

"Sometimes life gives you lemons, and then you have to say 'f**k the lemons' and bail."

If you're reading this, you need to stop stalking me. If you can't stop stalking me, you might as well go here.

Posted by: Recon Number 54
Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

*scans the first letters of each line*

Nope, nothing that I can see. Are you being tricksie?
Jesus, that was well over a year ago.

Was it that big of a fuss?

  • 12.23.2011 11:46 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Well, here we are. I guess that it was destined to come to this.

Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: Recon Number 54
Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

*scans the first letters of each line*

Nope, nothing that I can see. Are you being tricksie?
Jesus, that was well over a year ago.

Was it that big of a fuss?

You know that time passing means nothing to old people, it's all the same. Yesterday, last week, 4 years ago, it's all the same when your brain is evolving into oatmeal.

  • 12.23.2011 11:49 AM PDT
  • gamertag: [none]
  • user homepage:

Soon, you will be going farther afield.

  • 12.23.2011 12:01 PM PDT

To Make Posts is Glorious

Some threads will get posts before others and it is the duty of the Leadership to ensure that posts are made that best suit the public welfare.

"heh"

Posted by: Primo84
Jesus, that was well over a year ago.

Was it that big of a fuss?
The next logical innovation in posting technology does not go unnoticed by those in charge. It's true!!

  • 12.23.2011 12:01 PM PDT

"Find The Bomb?!
Find The Bomb?!
I'm Looking For The Flag!
What The Heck Is Assualt!?"

*Ctrl F*

*Inputs user name*

*Nothing comes up*

*Make irrelevant post*

  • 12.23.2011 12:01 PM PDT

Now, in the quantum moment before the closure, when all become one. One moment left. One point of space and time.

I know who you are.

You are Destiny.

I agree heavily with the points you brought up in regards to the Septagon. Hopefully this never ending cycle can come to an end.

Happy Seventh, here's to another pass around the sun!

  • 12.23.2011 12:05 PM PDT

"Find The Bomb?!
Find The Bomb?!
I'm Looking For The Flag!
What The Heck Is Assualt!?"

But in all seriousness I like the member in the septagon. It's here you find some of the oldest ones even if a few of the newer ones to the Septagon are still surprised by the fact that ninjas actually can post.

  • 12.23.2011 12:23 PM PDT

I remember when I used this space to put cool looking links to my chapters back in the day. I don't even know why I'm using it now. Why are you even reading this? You must be interested in me. Still reading?

/sum up B.net

Yes, I actually read everything. I'm bored out of my mind, which I have found myself in a similar state quite often over the last year on these forums. I'm glad we share the same fat chick.

  • 12.23.2011 12:32 PM PDT


Posted by: Recon Number 54
Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: Recon Number 54
Posted by: Primo84
Posted by: spartain ken 15
OMG, here we go again...
Study my OP carefully, you might learn something.

*scans the first letters of each line*

Nope, nothing that I can see. Are you being tricksie?
Jesus, that was well over a year ago.

Was it that big of a fuss?

You know that time passing means nothing to old people, it's all the same. Yesterday, last week, 4 years ago, it's all the same when your brain is evolving into oatmeal.
I prefer tapioca pudding. But you are right about the time perception for older people.

  • 12.23.2011 12:34 PM PDT

Citizens of Me! The cruelty of the old Pharaoh is a thing of the past. Let a whole new wave of cruelty wash over this lazy land.

Hear the word of Pharaoh. Build unto me a statue of ridiculous proportion. One billion cubits in height......that I might be remembered for all eternity!

And be quick about it!

I hope I'm still here in 7 years, I've been hear for almost 3 years, and I hope to stay for many many more.

  • 12.23.2011 12:37 PM PDT

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