All right...I probably should not be posting here, but something has to be said/discussed.
I have noticed that a lot of crappy submissions (which deserved to be blammed) eventually passed the portal with scores ranging from 1.60 to 1.70. In other words, they were not far away from being rightfully blammed. Under the current voting system, one is free to vote from 0 to 5 while the submissions are under judgement. Active statswhores can simply vote 5 on the crappy submissions, more often than not, their votes propel the crappy submissions to pass the judgement. IMHO, the voting system should be altered slightly so that active statswhores can be limited. Let me explain how the new system works:
1. In the first 100 votes, everyone votes freely from 0 to 5.
2. Once a (crappy) submission has reached 100 votes, say that its score is 1.70 after 100 votes, if a user's vote is more than 2.00 higher than the submission's score, then the vote is automatically disabled which means that statswhores can no longer vote 4 or 5 on crappy submissions once the entries have received 100 votes or more. Sure a passive statswhore can still vote 2 or 3, but it is more likely than not that crappy submissions will be sent to where they belong --- the graveyard, with active statswhores limited under the new system.
Your thoughts?

At 4/15/11 09:05 AM, LazyDrunk wrote: Horrible idea. Automatically disabling any sort of vote is butchery. Strong-armed tactics are needed, but underhanded ones are not.

I think that would only propel the stat whores to get larger numbers and make sure flashes do pass all to get the points they are after. We just need something that can be done without having those shady tactics coming into play.

At 4/15/11 05:42 AM, Dream-of-Duke wrote: All right...I probably should not be posting here, but something has to be said/discussed.

True, but in this case, I'd say it's warranted.

Let me explain how the new system works:
Your thoughts?

Honestly, I don't think that is a good way to handle this. All it does is skew the voting system further by adding subterfuge to the voting system. It also remove the ability of all voters to vote fairly and puts a bias on the system that shouldn't be. It also wouldn't really help matters much, as mass-voters would simply find a new way to buck the system.

If you ask me, the best method to combat this would be to have Portal Mods, just like BBS Mods. Wade obviously can't babysit all this Flash himself, but he can choose some trusted advisers to moderate the Flash Portal for mass-voting and respond to complaints/PMs. It would eventually fix the issue in the long term and supplement the goal of the EGB.

Portal mods have been needed for the longest time honestly. It's only now that the use of them has become urgent due to plunging state of the portal due to mass voting. But who knows how long it will be before something like that is implemented or if it ever really comes it light.

Is it just me, or are the private forums down right now? I can't seem to get a connection to the server.

It's not the first time this has happened either... what gives? o_0

At 4/16/11 09:39 PM, Lizzardis wrote: They seem perfectly fine to me. A tad slow on laod up, but apart from that fine. Maybe it's your internet?

Figures. Excuse me while I go yell at my router. And maybe beat it with a stick.

(That'll work, right?)

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

Original was deleted off of a different account

. This is either stolen or a resubmit. Either way; meh.

Stolen Flash

Original: http://www.stickdeath.com/2003auto.html

Copyright 2001 Rob Lewis

At 4/17/11 12:04 PM, sixflab wrote: Stolen Flash

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

Copyright 2001 Rob Lewis

Stolen Flash

This guy just doesn't know when to quit.

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

Original:

http://www.stickdeath.com/jackstik.html

Copyright 2001 Rob Lewis

At 4/17/11 03:21 PM, sixflab wrote: Stolen Flash
This guy just doesn't know when to quit.
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/56 7689
Original: http://www.stickdeath.com/jackstik.html

Copyright 2001 Rob Lewis

Yeah, funny that it's posted to the Portal in 2011, when it's copyright 2001, isn't it?

Also, all of the flash above that aren't disproven or already flagged up, I'm IMing Wade now.

Stolen Flash

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

Already been uploaded to newgrounds by qigames who is the actual producer of the game:

• 

  13 More Days in Hell

  by qigames

  Intense first-person shooting game in a real 3D environment

  Game

  31,594 Views

  (Ages 13+)

Stolen Flash

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

Produced by Xgen Studios:

http://www.xgenstudios.com/play/stickare na

Original release date: November 4, 2008

At 4/17/11 06:01 PM, sixflab wrote: Produced by Xgen Studios: http://www.xgenstudios.com/play/stickare na

Slightly more direct link. I doubt it'd matter given how obvious this one is, but meh; good practice and all.

Also a few users around here are probably wondering who I am and I wouldn't blame you for it. I'm not an avid poster in the clubs and crews section of the bbs except for the RRC and I spend a lot of time just lurking around. I've wanted to join the EGB for a while now but before I felt I wasn't up to snuff. I'm still nowhere near as much of a contributing member as a lot of the members in the barracks but i'd like to give it a go. So i'd like to formally ask for entrance into these esteemed ranks.

At 4/17/11 06:43 PM, sixflab wrote: So i'd like to formally ask for entrance into these esteemed ranks.

Bytes, you have some work to do!

Also, I remember you sixflab, from my RRC (oh, the good 'ol days, that club made me be a Forum regular... Otherwise, I would never enter the Forums.) days. Good luck for ya dude!

*Salutes*

At 4/17/11 06:43 PM, sixflab wrote: Also a few users around here are probably wondering who I am and I wouldn't blame you for it. I'm not an avid poster in the clubs and crews section of the bbs except for the RRC and I spend a lot of time just lurking around. I've wanted to join the EGB for a while now but before I felt I wasn't up to snuff. I'm still nowhere near as much of a contributing member as a lot of the members in the barracks but i'd like to give it a go. So i'd like to formally ask for entrance into these esteemed ranks.

Welcome! I'm EGSC EagleRock, the Chief Barracks Officer of the Elite Guard Barracks, and I'll be guiding you through the recruitment process. Normally ByteSlinger, our capable Recruitment Officer handles these, but I haven't done one in a while, so I'm jumping the gun. :-P Here's how it works.

First, I will present you with the shortened code of conduct for the Barracks, along with links to the relevant FAQ's on our forums. You must read them, understand them, and post here again confirming that you accept those principles. A simple "yes, I agree" will be sufficient. This process serves two purposes:

1) Ensuring that you're not a "drive-by applicant" who asks to join and then never comes back, and

2) Ensuring that you know how we operate so there won't be any complications in the future, such as "wait, we're not supposed to be mass voting?".

After you agree to the code of conduct, the Barracks community will discuss your qualifications and decide whether to allow you into the group. Our requirements aren't too strict; beyond the main qualifications of 2500+ B/P and a Bronze Whistle or better, we'll be looking for sufficient post quality (low number of one-liners, intelligent posts that contribute to the topic), helpful reviews, any potentially problematic flashes, stuff like that. After discussion and a vote, I'll make the final call and PM you with the results. Assuming that no objections are raised, the process usually takes a day or two.

Here is our abbreviated Code of Conduct. Read it, learn it, and post again with confirmation of your understanding. If you can't abide by these principles, say so.

*****

1. Voting fairly.

This is the foundation of the Elite Guard Barracks. All members are expected to give every flash a fair vote, regardless of who made it or what their group affiliations are. We do not target any flash group, not favorably or in opposition; our only enemies are those who break the rules of the site, not those who merely bend them.

Everyone has a different definition of quality, and all members are expected to vote based on what they honestly feel a flash deserves, not on whether they think the flash will pass or be blammed. While Barracks members are proud of their high ranks, and are eager to compete with others, a high B/P score means nothing if achieved through petty point-whore voting, and any member who admits to doing so will be removed from the organization.

2. Stopping Portal abuse.

Numerous stolen, malicious, and unsuitable flash are submitted to the Flash Portal every day, and it is our job to ensure that as many of them are removed as possible. Members are expected to report any suspicious flash to the Barracks, including any evidence or doubts that they might have, and only whistle something if they are sure, beyond a reasonable doubt, that it is whistle-worthy.

Just as with B/P, points mean nothing if achieved through inappropriate means. There should be no blind rush to whistle a flash that is merely suspected of wrongdoing; it's better to let an uncertain case go by rather than wrongly whistle an innocent submission. If evidence of wrongdoing is discovered after a flash passes judgment, we can always (and will always) inform Wade of our findings.

In the case of a beyond-reasonable-doubt rulebreaking flash, members are encouraged to share their results with the Newgrounds Police Department and the Newgrounds Department of Defense.

3. Cleaning up the review system.

Members are expected to be familiar with the review guidelines and whistle abusive reviews when they come across them, and report severe cases of abuse to a review mod. Additionally, members are expected to write helpful reviews, offering constructive criticism and remaining civil even when the author refuses to do so. We must set a good example for other Newgrounders, in hopes that they will improve their own reviews as well.

4. Setting an example for others to follow.

Barracks members are expected to post intelligently, contributing to threads rather than merely dropping a one-liner opinion on it. Flaming, spamming, and other ban-worthy behavior is strictly prohibited, and extreme misbehavior will lead to removal from the EGB.

Members are also expected to act civilly towards all Newgrounders. You are expected to be helpful and patient when dealing with newer members, whether simply showing them the FAQ or explaining more complex concepts that they do not understand. Concepts such as fair voting, intelligent posting/reviewing, and keeping an open mind are essential for newer members to learn, and we are just the ones to teach them.

For those with more experience, you are expected to show respect and understand that they may, in fact, know more about Newgrounds than you do, even if you're a seasoned veteran. This applies both to fellow Barracks members and Newgrounders in the general population.

Members are expected to put reasonable effort into any flash or audio submissions, and be careful with who they become Portal Buddies with. We are quite generous with our definition of reasonable effort; examples of unacceptable submissions would be static images, single frames, ridiculously small loops, or purposefully bad music. Anyone submitting rulebreaking content would, obviously, be removed from the Barracks and reported to Wade.

5. Not starting shit.

As mentioned above, the Barracks has no enemies beyond those who break the rules of the site. Our roster has included current and former members of various flash groups, including the Clock Crew, Barney Bunch, and Kitty Krew, and we are open to anyone willing to follow our principles. Barracks members are expected to be civil to others and not start fights, and anyone found to be starting shit with anyone, even if they deserve it, will be removed. You are representing the Barracks with your actions, and if your actions do not reflect our principles, you will not be a part of the organization.

6. Remaining active with the group.

Barracks members are expected to remain reasonably active in the thread, as well as with their duties. Those who are inactive for long periods (months) may be removed from the roster at any time, and rollcalls are occasionally sent out to all members to determine who is active. Members who expect to be inactive for some time due to IRL reasons (such as school, employment, vacation, etc) should inform the Barracks in advance.

*****

In addition to the above, please examine the following materials.

The Barracks Manifesto
The Barracks FAQ

*****

Oh, and PLEASE, do NOT quote this whole thing! Thanks!

At 4/17/11 08:05 PM, EagleRock wrote: In addition to the above, please examine the following materials.

The Barracks Manifesto
The Barracks FAQ

I have thoroughly read through the above reading material and it should be no problem staying active and on task. I hope to stick around for the long run while continuing to vote fairly and flag appropriately while browsing the portal. I'll be waiting and standing by for further instructions sir.

*Salutes*

Thanks EagleRock I need to recall what chapter I last read of the story it was ages ago since I last read it. It istrue Lizzardis that the reason that people steal is because they can, but is there not the law in the US of the DMCA about copyright does Newgrounds use that? I know Youtube does. But it is so hard online as the internet is so huge IP address is not a sure why to stop them? Still hopefully it will be easier to catch the theft of stolen flashes.

Same guy stealing another flash

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

Original author already submitted it to newgrounds over a year ago:

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

At 4/17/11 09:22 PM, sixflab wrote: Same guy stealing another flash
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/56 7711
Original author already submitted it to newgrounds over a year ago:
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/52 2239

Looks really similar to me. Good find.

I just don't like Madness Interactive mods. Half of them won't load, and the ones that do are usually really shitty. They're just like those cookie cutter games, except its more blatant that you're not doing any of the work other than art. Sure, there's exceptions, then there's stuff like this:

• 

  by <deleted>

  Under Judgment

  (Everyone)

I mean, seriously?

Some of the reviews for these things are worthy of Sheizenhammer's blog. They're stupidity magnets.

And yet people pass them.

At 4/17/11 08:50 PM, sixflab wrote:

At 4/17/11 08:05 PM, EagleRock wrote: In addition to the above, please examine the following materials.

The Barracks Manifesto
The Barracks FAQ

I have thoroughly read through the above reading material and it should be no problem staying active and on task. I hope to stick around for the long run while continuing to vote fairly and flag appropriately while browsing the portal. I'll be waiting and standing by for further instructions sir.

*Salutes*

Very good. All you need to do right now is sit tight. The Barracks will deliberate and vote, and Byte will let you know the results once they are ready. It usually takes 48 hours the most, but could be as early as tomorrow morning.

Pardon my double-post...

I have created the discussion thread for sixflab on the Forums in the usual location. PLEASE everyone join and speak your peace. We recently had a roll call, so there should be plenty of active members to respond. ;-)

Remember...each and every one of you has a word in how we run this place. Please exercise that right and at least cast a vote! Thanks!

At 4/17/11 09:52 PM, Ronald-McDonald-LoL wrote:

At 4/17/11 09:22 PM, sixflab wrote: Same guy stealing another flash
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/56 7711
Original author already submitted it to newgrounds over a year ago:
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/52 2239

Looks really similar to me. Good find.

I just don't like Madness Interactive mods. Half of them won't load, and the ones that do are usually really shitty. They're just like those cookie cutter games, except its more blatant that you're not doing any of the work other than art. Sure, there's exceptions, then there's stuff like this:
http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/53 3444
I mean, seriously?
Some of the reviews for these things are worthy of Sheizenhammer's blog. They're stupidity magnets.

And yet people pass them.

I have seen so many of those broken shits in the portal and when I did I would 0 them instantly since they didn't work. But like you said dispite doing the right thing a lot of them pass due to our good old sheep voters. On another note some of those reviews are just LOL funny. "I voted 5 now please just make it work" funny in a stupid way.

i would like to commend you on a great thread sir *salutes*

At 4/18/11 02:59 AM, darthhaze wrote: i would like to commend you on a great thread sir *salutes*

We only accept member with a B/P rank of Private or higher who also have good posting habits and have shown to correctly whistle regarding abusive Flash and reviews. As it stands now you do not qualify.

You can find a list of the ranks in the FAQ and the NGPD who might help get started on your way here in the C&C section. I'd link you but I'm lazy and a Newgrounds user should be able to find these things himself.

Hope you continue working on it.

At 4/18/11 09:14 AM, Phantom wrote: Rattle rattle.

And now I see you didn't actually ask to join...

Awkward. I'll be leaving now to go have my eyesight looked at.

At 4/17/11 10:10 PM, EagleRock wrote: Pardon my double-post...

It happens. Been known to have a few myself. Generally due to a memory lapse that occurs as you are writing one post and forget that there's more to say after you type the first few sentences.

I have created the discussion thread for sixflab on the Forums in the usual location. PLEASE everyone join and speak your peace. We recently had a roll call, so there should be plenty of active members to respond. ;-)

This is called "irony", Eagle - you reminding us to all be active (you know why, hehehehe....)

Remember...each and every one of you has a word in how we run this place. Please exercise that right and at least cast a vote! Thanks!

Hey, thanks for picking up the slack, boss! Good to see you active and alert again after your "vacation!" No worries - we had everything under control here (well, as controlled as it could ever be). Had to let a few members go, and a few others voluntary hung up their blam rifles, but overall, we've been more active and more aware of the situation on the portal than we have been in a while.

I've already said my peace on sixflab (generally positive) in the private forum - but I must say your "options" aren't as nearly as creative as mine! That's OK - I don't mind being the comedy relief here.

Anyways, welcome back to the ranks of the living - see you at the front lines!

*Salutes*

At 4/18/11 09:16 AM, Phantom wrote: Awkward. I'll be leaving now to go have my eyesight looked at.

I lol'd. Honest mistake.

At 4/18/11 09:25 AM, byteslinger wrote: This is called "irony", Eagle - you reminding us to all be active (you know why, hehehehe....)

Do as I say, not as I do. :-P

But seriously, it was due to the roll call that I returned. That, plus certain time sinks slowing down. In retrospect, my inactivity should have been a called leave of absence, but hey...it happens.

Hey, thanks for picking up the slack, boss! Good to see you active and alert again after your "vacation!" No worries - we had everything under control here (well, as controlled as it could ever be). Had to let a few members go, and a few others voluntary hung up their blam rifles, but overall, we've been more active and more aware of the situation on the portal than we have been in a while.

Of course. Just giving that jocular reminder to VOTE (reminder: do it! :-P) in the forums. I picked the first thing I could think of for the vote, which was the roll call.

I've already said my peace on sixflab (generally positive) in the private forum - but I must say your "options" aren't as nearly as creative as mine! That's OK - I don't mind being the comedy relief here.

Mine were more geared towards inner monologue. Besides, it's a vote, not the

Anyways, welcome back to the ranks of the living - see you at the front lines!

*Salutes*

I wouldn't say I'm in the ranks of the living yet...let me get off this night shift, then we can talk... :-)

*salutes*

At 4/17/11 09:52 PM, Ronald-McDonald-LoL wrote: I mean, seriously?
Some of the reviews for these things are worthy of Sheizenhammer's blog. They're stupidity magnets.

And yet people pass them.

I'm surprised that even passed. What a sad reflection it is upon our community when a virtually ripped game lacking proper screen dimensions and a lot of.... pink.... passes judgment. Also, really? People voted high just to see an improved version that will never come?

Blasphemy...