At 1/31/08 10:05 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: This isn't really a problem, but I'd just like to tighten up the review process after I nearly let Yoshi77777 into the Barracks. It's become apparent to me that, as several members claimed, he's kind of a dick, lol, and I don't want a repeat of that incident.

Sounds fair to me - prospective recruits should definitely have their backgrounds checked more thoroughly to weed out the good potentials from the bad ones. Some users (like yoshi77777) are obvious bad apples if you have previous experience of them, but concordantly know how to post sensibly on a temporary basis in order to present themselves as worthy for admission to a Club, or to be a more effective sycophant when mods/admins are around.

Also, I recommend referring promising users to me, so that I can monitor them myself. I've found a few very promising, potential future-EGB'ers lately, and have been helping several new, misguided users become aware of the system, so that they too might one day join us.

Perhaps a few of the more BBS-active users in the Barracks can be nominated as EGB Scouts, who search for new prospects? Could be nice to have some new positions opening up within the Barracks - I think it would give a lot of us something to aim for and work up to. Maybe even a bit of hierarchical positioning to fit in with the military theme of the Barracks?

I'm just throwing out ideas of what I think would be fun, though.

At 1/31/08 10:20 PM, NEVR wrote: Sounds fair to me - prospective recruits should definitely have their backgrounds checked more thoroughly to weed out the good potentials from the bad ones. Some users (like yoshi77777) are obvious bad apples if you have previous experience of them, but concordantly know how to post sensibly on a temporary basis in order to present themselves as worthy for admission to a Club, or to be a more effective sycophant when mods/admins are around.

Something I plan to do with future recruitment cases is ask if anyone has any objections (which can be PM'ed to me to avoid confrontations). If there is a serious concern, I can address it in a members-only section of the forums and gather other members' opinions.

Perhaps a few of the more BBS-active users in the Barracks can be nominated as EGB Scouts, who search for new prospects? Could be nice to have some new positions opening up within the Barracks - I think it would give a lot of us something to aim for and work up to. Maybe even a bit of hierarchical positioning to fit in with the military theme of the Barracks?

This would be a good idea, I think. Everyone could (and should) keep an eye out for good potential recruits, but perhaps having new positions for such roles---officer-like roles, even---would be a good incentive. Scouts could report to the Recruitment Officer (me) and all.

Plus scout positions would be a great role for newer members; the officer positions kinda have to go to long-time members by necessity, but if scouts reported to a senior member---the Recruitment Officer, currently me---it wouldn't require that much time.

I will have to seriously consider this when I re-organize the forums, and bring it up with Eagle the next time he shows up.

At 1/31/08 10:05 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: Something I would like to reform around here is the recruitment process. A few issues are:

1) Stricter entry procedure. Currently we have a pretty lenient system, where any senior member can more-or-less approve of someone... ...After all, we ain't going nowhere---a new recruit can wait a while to be allowed in, heh.

If someone applies to the Barracks, they're on "Standby" until I (or a superior officer) reviews them. Other members can tell obvious no-cases the requirements for entry, but no one should allow someone in without me or Eagle/Phantom's approval.

I agree with this. But I have an idea for aplying new recruits here. We have our own forums right? So I think there should be some sort of "members allowment" special forum. There, all the members should discuss wheter the new recruit is a good member and should be allowed into the Barracks or not. If that user is allowed, that topic should be deleted, for quite obvious reasons.

After all this process, the senior members (Slash, EagleRock and Phantom [who's alive!]) decide if they allow or not that new recruit, using as a base our discussion in the thread.

This may sound very weird, but it's just my opinion.

This isn't really a problem, but I'd just like to tighten up the review process after I nearly let Yoshi77777 into the Barracks. It's become apparent to me that, as several members claimed, he's kind of a dick, lol, and I don't want a repeat of that incident.

Yeah, I was absent when that happened but I remember while looking through those pages when that happened our member life saying something like this: "May I suggest that that yoshi77777 fellow is an idiot and should not be allowed into the barracks?" It all happened in this page, damn I should have been here to discuss it as well. aldlv even mentioned me on that page, when we had a PM conversation when I was a bit worried about our Barracks, because some users had the ranks to join it, but they were "bad" members.

For prospective recruits, the only real change will be in waiting time---which shouldn't be that much longer. I'll just want to examine their posting history a bit better (going back a month or two), their review quality, their flash activity (just to look out for links to known rulebreakers, nothing more), etc.

I think not only you, but all the members here should take a look to see if it is a nice user or not. Just in case anyone has any objections against that user or would just like to bring a certain point from that user that should have more considerance.

2. More recruits.

We should try to look out for more new recruits---both for current enrollment and future enrollment.

Hmmm... interesting.

If you see any Newgrounder complaining about the system---even if they're going about it like a clueless newbie douche---contact them. Try to explain the system to them, pointing out their justified criticisms and flawed ones. Use the FAQ as reference material for them, so they get used to seeing it. Give them the EGB standard of "Voting How You Feel, Not For Points". Stuff like that.

I'd do that all using this highly innovative amazing feature we have called PM (yes, I'm acting like a moron). Ok back to normal. Why I'd do this all on PM? For two simple facts:
1. Most of the times that I see someone complaining, they're in the General forum, where some users can act like idiots all the time. I don't like posting there a lot, although I'm posting there more regularly than before. So probably some morons will flame that user and he/she might get mad and leave.

2. Usually those kinds of threads get locked/deleted quickly, so what would matter making a beautifull explanation post and not being able to post it, since the thread doesn't exist anymore?

And, depending on their rank and disposition, consider guiding them to the NGPD (they need a good boost right now) or the EGB. Even if they're not of appropriate rank/demeanor to join either, you may wish to SHOW them the clubs to let them see how a group of high-ranking, mature members handles things.

Don't be shy. The worst someone can do to you is "FUCK YOU" and block you, lol. Try to sound intelligent and casual...don't give them some uber-patriotic speech about the Barracks, lol.

No, today they don't just say "F*CK YOU!!!". They say "F*CK YOU, FAG!!". =D

Also, I recommend referring promising users to me, so that I can monitor them myself. I've found a few very promising, potential future-EGB'ers lately, and have been helping several new, misguided users become aware of the system, so that they too might one day join us.

That's great. How many promising users so far?

And lastly...

3. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

Sure will do!

*salute*

*Salutes*

Also, on the topic of the EGB Forum renewal, we may wish to re-examine the officer positions, seeing if we need any more positions or if any are no longer needed. Where IS EagleRock, anyway?

Well, you can simply lower their ranks. But you can't lower EagleRock, for quite obvious reasons.

I have a whole lot more to say , but it wouldn't fit in this post. Also, they aren't related to this renewal of the rules, so I'll make a separate post tomorrow. Wait, it's already tomorrow (today?)!! At least here, where's almost 3:00 AM. Bah, I would fall asleap typing!

NOTICE THAT I AM USING THE SHADES-SMILEY. THAT MEANS I'M IN BARRACKS MODE. :-D

At 1/31/08 11:54 PM, Sir-Nuts wrote: I agree with this. But I have an idea for aplying new recruits here. We have our own forums right? So I think there should be some sort of "members allowment" special forum. There, all the members should discuss wheter the new recruit is a good member and should be allowed into the Barracks or not. If that user is allowed, that topic should be deleted, for quite obvious reasons.
After all this process, the senior members (Slash, EagleRock and Phantom [who's alive!]) decide if they allow or not that new recruit, using as a base our discussion in the thread.

Hm, that is a good idea. I was planning on only having a discussion thread if there's enough member concern to warrant it, but that idea allows for longer, more thorough review of a recruit.

We could have a thread for every new recruit...any objections to the prospective (or praise) can be raised there. Hell, we can have a poll for whether or not to accept them---although the poll won't be the deciding factor, it will be a major influence in my decision (and any final word by Eagle or Phantom, who, yes, is alive, and needs to hurry the fuck back here).

If no one posts in the thread, I will assume that means there aren't any problems with the prospective (assuming, of course, that my own review doesn't turn anything up) and allow them in. I'd like the system to be inherently default-approval...plus this would inspire more attention to the forums, heh.

I like that idea better than mine. I'll modify the "welcome to the Barracks" speech to include the Standby stuff, explaining the review process and alerting Barracks members to discuss it at the forums.

And, yes, of course, the thread will be deleted if the user is accepted. All discussion that takes place in the secure rooms of the Barracks forums remains there unless de-classified.

If there IS a problem with a user, and it's not something so severe that summary judgment can be ruled, the prospective member can be questioned about the problems. I'd like to have both sides of a story in the event of trouble.

Yeah, I was absent when that happened but I remember while looking through those pages when that happened our member life saying something like this: "May I suggest that that yoshi77777 fellow is an idiot and should not be allowed into the barracks?" It all happened in this page, damn I should have been here to discuss it as well. aldlv even mentioned me on that page, when we had a PM conversation when I was a bit worried about our Barracks, because some users had the ranks to join it, but they were "bad" members.

I admit, I usually don't dig much into prospective recruits' history. I check the rank, the whistle rank, the immediate posting history, and their reviews, but that's it. I'll have to be more thorough from now on, and having this Standby system would make the time crunch less stressful. With recruits up to now, I've always felt pressured to confirm/deny them quickly, sometimes sacrificing a full review to do so. NO MORE.

I'd do that all using this highly innovative amazing feature we have called PM (yes, I'm acting like a moron). Ok back to normal. Why I'd do this all on PM? For two simple facts:
two simple facts

Oh yeah, that's what I meant. Besides, posting in the thread itself makes us look kinda...well, stupid, lol...even if our cause is just. PM's are more personal, anyway.

No, today they don't just say "F*CK YOU!!!". They say "F*CK YOU, FAG!!". =D

To which I respond, "PLEASE" and "I put on my robe and wizard hat." :-D

That's great. How many promising users so far?

I really like SoulMaster71. He's a bit over-enthusiastic about some things, and a little bit newbish in areas...but hell, we all were when we first started, heh. He's got a very good grasp of the history of the flash crews, and I have a feeling he's going nowhere but up in terms of protecting the site. I hope to have him in the Barracks someday. Keep an eye on him as he gets more experience around here.

Also, I've been working to reform a little group called the "Slayers". Some of you might have heard of them...they were pretty retarded before, lol. But I've talked with several of the members, mentioned ways to better help Newgrounds, and I seem to have struck a chord with them. We'll have to see if they truly mature, but I got a good feeling about them, too.

Well, you can simply lower their ranks. But you can't lower EagleRock, for quite obvious reasons.

Of course not. He'll be back eventually, I'm sure. Marriage just makes one busy, lol.

I'm tinkering with the forums a bit now, so we'll see how that goes.

*salute*

At 1/31/08 09:46 PM, NEVR wrote:

At 1/31/08 08:46 PM, TheThing wrote: I'm in the top 1000 B/Pers! After 3 (or more) days of sitting at #1005, I finally moved up 7 ranks to reach #998. 2 days later than when I wanted, but I think I'll manage.

Congrats man. Keep going - getting into the top 300 is awesome, because you get onto this list ;)

Yeah, but I need to move up another 700 spots. And Aldv, who's sitting at #364 has over 10,000 B/Ps, 6,000 more than I have. So I've got a lot of B/Ping and killing to do before getting into the top 300

Also, I'm going to need someone to deposit my experience while I'm away on February 14-21. I think I'll be able to do it on the 14th and the 21st, but whoever's doing it, plan on depositing those days. I would also like that person to vote on UJ submissions, preferably 2-5, pending on portal activity and such.

I'd offer to do it for you, but I can sometimes be quite forgetful with that sort of thing.

Cool, but since you'll forget on some days, I'll keep you in reserve until I find someone who knows that they'll be able to deposit every day. No offense to you at all, if you get offended by this.

I finally went up in a B/P rank! :D

I am now a Master Sergeant!

At 1/31/08 08:46 PM, TheThing wrote: I'm in the top 1000 B/Pers! After 3 (or more) days of sitting at #1005, I finally moved up 7 ranks to reach #998. 2 days later than when I wanted, but I think I'll manage.

Yeah, that's not too tough to attain. It's the top 400 or 300 that really means something.

At 1/31/08 09:05 PM, lilhunter03 wrote: Congrats right now i'm 403 just one or two days and i'll be in the top 400 b/pers.

See, there we go. Congrats in advance!

At 1/31/08 09:28 PM, aldlv wrote: I'm rank # 362

Wow, you got there so damn fast, too. I don't know whether to credit boredom or dedication.

At 1/31/08 10:05 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: This isn't really a problem, but I'd just like to tighten up the review process after I nearly let Yoshi77777 into the Barracks. It's become apparent to me that, as several members claimed, he's kind of a dick, lol, and I don't want a repeat of that incident.

Yeah, but it's why we're here. We got your back, man!

Where IS EagleRock, anyway?

I have NO idea.

At 2/1/08 01:59 AM, DarkLotusJuggalo wrote: I finally went up in a B/P rank! :D

I am now a Master Sergeant!

Ooooh! Congrats!

At 2/1/08 02:31 AM, RSQViper wrote:

At 1/31/08 10:05 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: This isn't really a problem, but I'd just like to tighten up the review process after I nearly let Yoshi77777 into the Barracks. It's become apparent to me that, as several members claimed, he's kind of a dick, lol, and I don't want a repeat of that incident.

Yeah, but it's why we're here. We got your back, man!

Awesome, heh. The new "Standby" review system is still in the planning stages, but I hope to have the procedure ironed out quickly. Hopefully it'll work smoothly and prevent any other close calls.

Plus, if any potential recruit has a non-critical problem area, we can point it out and help them improve...making the user, the EGB, and the site better. ^_^

I have another idea for the Barracks forums, one that can get everyone a little more involved in both the EGB and our forums, share monthly activity gains and favorite flash, etc. I'll copypasta it here, but it can be found (and commented on) here (note: must be logged in to view, as it's in the Secure Rooms).

I was thinking of some new projects we could have, because the Whistle Improvement Project is going to be re-done and the Portal Petition is largely unnecessary now that admin tools are back up (although it will continue on in some modified fashion).

And I had an idea.

We could have a sort of "State of the Union" address for the Portal at the end of each month. Any member interested leaves a post listing their favorite flashes and/or audios submitted in the past month, gives their personal account of the Portal activity (fast or slow, spammier than normal, opinions on any new artists and Flash crew activity), stuff like that. The first post of the thread will be a sort of summary for easy reference.

Might be interesting, especially since not everyone here is able to vote in the monthly awards, lol.

At 2/1/08 02:31 AM, RSQViper wrote:

At 1/31/08 08:46 PM, TheThing wrote: I'm in the top 1000 B/Pers! After 3 (or more) days of sitting at #1005, I finally moved up 7 ranks to reach #998. 2 days later than when I wanted, but I think I'll manage.

Yeah, that's not too tough to attain. It's the top 400 or 300 that really means something.

Yes it is. I'm one of the 1,000 best B/Pers out of 1,000,000, give or take. You can't tell me that isn't some kind of accomplishment.

At 2/1/08 02:31 AM, RSQViper wrote:

At 2/1/08 01:59 AM, DarkLotusJuggalo wrote: I finally went up in a B/P rank! :D
I am now a Master Sergeant!

Ooooh! Congrats!

Thanks! It took me a while since I took a few months off NG but now I am doing as much B/Ping as possible and I wanna be Supreme Commander by the end of the year. ^^

At 2/1/08 02:44 AM, TheThing wrote: Yes it is. I'm one of the 1,000 best B/Pers out of 1,000,000, give or take. You can't tell me that isn't some kind of accomplishment.

Oh, it does. It means you're in the top 1,000 B/Pers. I'm just saying it's not that tough to attain. There's just not a whole lot of active B/Pers at our level.

Hell, with 100 B/P you're in the top 50,000

With 600 B/P you're already top 10,000.

With over 7,000 I hit the top 600 and I don't know if I'll ever hit top 400 or 300. =(

Sad now...

At 2/1/08 03:04 AM, RSQViper wrote: Sad now...

Hell I am rank 589 with a little over 7k b/p points... I think I have a whiles to go too. :(

Yo, I'm alive, party's over. I require two things, first the basic EGB news of what happened this past month, and two, a link to our forums which was lost as my pc died along with me. Although I died for mere seconds, he died for longer, he has my respect for living again. now,

Copy? (questions over PM only).

At 1/31/08 08:05 PM, aldlv wrote:

At 1/31/08 07:58 PM, NEVR wrote:

But you still beating me on Blams, which is good, you'll pass me eventually though, I know it :D

Heh, yeah, back in '05 it was much easier to get Blams than it is now. Maybe I'll pass you one day - It all depends on whether I can keep up my current pace for several months. :)

It's more difficult to get Blams nowadays, sure. Impossible? Hell No.

I've not missed a Blam on any given day since September (about a week after Clock Day, so it does happen during regular days from time to time) You just have to keep plugging away and vote how you feel on all movies. Ones which go on to get blammed which you felt were worth a 2+ need to be examined closely before they are deleted. Why are they going to be blammed? Could you leave a constructive review, etc?

At 2/1/08 12:47 AM, SlashFirestorm wrote: NOTICE THAT I AM USING THE SHADES-SMILEY. THAT MEANS I'M IN BARRACKS MODE. :-D

*Coop notices that he is wearing a suit. He calmly places his sunglasses on and puts his finger to his ear, listening to the orders as they are passed about.*

At 2/1/08 06:27 AM, Phantom wrote: Yo, I'm alive, party's over.

Whoever I had that bet with owes me $10. Told you he'd still be with us.

At 2/1/08 07:40 AM, Coop83 wrote: Whoever I had that bet with owes me $10. Told you he'd still be with us.

Pills and beer were a worthy match, but my body proved stronger rival. Now what the fuck collapsed in since I was gone, so little pages in over a month, who under-posted (beside myself) who needs an ass whoopin'...

At 2/1/08 06:27 AM, Phantom wrote: Yo, I'm alive, party's over. I require two things, first the basic EGB news of what happened this past month, and two, a link to our forums.

LINK!

ANd not a whole lot has gone on, really. Yoshi77777 almost joined but was quickly dismissed upon a lot of people's request.

EagleRock has not been around much at all.

Oh, and not long ago Slash posted some new guidelines and wants input on a little EGB forum revamp.

Welcome back, man!

who under-posted (beside myself) who needs an ass whoopin'...

EagleRock! It was HIM, I SWEAR!!!!!!!!

Well im back after my two week absence. And good to see phantom and Lotus around here again. So phantom how are things going for ya now?

Flag this movie!

It auto-redirect us to another website!

I'm just passing by to tell you guys, that I'm still alive

hope to see the rosters soon :)

At 2/1/08 06:27 AM, Phantom wrote: Yo, I'm alive, party's over. I require two things, first the basic EGB news of what happened this past month, and two, a link to our forums which was lost as my pc died along with me. Although I died for mere seconds, he died for longer, he has my respect for living again. now,

It's to see your back!

In other news.... It's snowing a lot where i live :(

I am working on a clan, so if any of you guys are interrested, just click the link in my signature.

:)

*Salutes*

At 2/1/08 09:54 AM, Phantom wrote: Pills and beer were a worthy match, but my body proved stronger rival. Now what the fuck collapsed in since I was gone, so little pages in over a month, who under-posted (beside myself) who needs an ass whoopin'...

Kiyaaaaaaaa

PILLS AND BEER NEVER STOOD A CHANCE.

Everyone indeed needs to start posting more. We need to whip this place into shape.

At 2/1/08 06:50 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: Everyone indeed needs to start posting more. We need to whip this place into shape.

I like to think I've been posting a reasonable amount considering I only joined 3-4 weeks ago :)

I'm sometimes guilty of talking too much though...

At 2/1/08 06:55 PM, NEVR wrote:

At 2/1/08 06:50 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: Everyone indeed needs to start posting more. We need to whip this place into shape.

I like to think I've been posting a reasonable amount considering I only joined 3-4 weeks ago :)

I'm sometimes guilty of talking too much though...

Awesome, heh. I remember when this place was so active that it got three, four pages a day. IT CAN BE LIKE THAT AGAIN.

However, something important for everyone to remember: it is not so important to post a lot, as it is to post intelligently. Avoid one-liners and pointless posts, or posts that have nothing but your stat gains...try to include some intelligent discussion along with it.

Better for the Barracks to have a dozen intelligent and thoughtful posts than a thousand dumb ones, after all.

I'm tinkering with the forums again tonight, trying to think of how to re-organize the "Barracks Business" section in particular. If anyone has any ideas for threads that we need, speak up here or in the Suggestions section at the forums.

If anyone is interested in helping, I have a task I need help with. I need to have a complete list of the blam checkpoints---not just the 50/100/150/200 vote checkpoints, but the exact specifications for just how much the checkpoints increase with multiple co-authors, too---which isn't explicitly stated on the FAQ (although it should be).

I will be muchos grateful if someone can get a precise list of this.

At 2/1/08 03:04 AM, RSQViper wrote: Hell, with 100 B/P you're in the top 50,000

With 600 B/P you're already top 10,000.

With over 7,000 I hit the top 600 and I don't know if I'll ever hit top 400 or 300. =(

Sad now...

I think that... you need like +9600 to enter to the top 400
and +12300 to enter the top 300

At 2/1/08 06:27 AM, Phantom wrote: Yo, I'm alive, party's over.

I really want to continue the party... join us... XD
is nmice to have you back sir

At 2/1/08 07:04 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote: Awesome, heh. I remember when this place was so active that it got three, four pages a day. IT CAN BE LIKE THAT AGAIN.

the would be so nice... =D

However, something important for everyone to remember: it is not so important to post a lot, as it is to post intelligently.

I think my post was intelligent enough...
(well, i hope)

*salute*

At 2/1/08 06:50 PM, SlashFirestorm wrote:

Everyone indeed needs to start posting more. We need to whip this place into shape.

It's a possible but not a lot of new users who have signed up are posting. There are some but not many.

Well now i have more spare time on my hands so i can help post more!

At 2/1/08 08:35 PM, DarkSoldier wrote: It's a possible but not a lot of new users who have signed up are posting. There are some but not many.

That is why we must all keep an eye out for good potential members. Even if they're not of Elite Guard rank, we can still steer eager users to the NGPD...and thus, hopefully, to us.

And hell, even if they don't want to join the NGPD or EGB, it's still one more member with a better understanding of how to help Newgrounds! :-D

Well now i have more spare time on my hands so i can help post more!

Awesome.

I've re-made the Whistle Improvement Project on our forums. Everyone is free to post any whistle upgrade announcements there, ask for flagging tips, etc.

The Barracks really has evolved into handling whistling just as much as B/P'ing...after all, both are linked in the sense that both help keep the portal clean. ^_^

Also, forgot to mention (although it's mentioned in the Whistle Improvement Project)---in order to promote interclub activity and get better results with our work, I highly recommend posting notices about stolen flash (including evidence) not only in the Elite Guard Barracks, but also in the NGPD and Department of Defense. Members of those clubs should be encouraged to do so for us, as well.

The power of the three clubs combined is formidable, and can get damn near any abuse flagged. There's not always a lot of EGB members online, or NGPD/DoD, so more clubs means a higher chance of having substantial manpower.

Yeah, i flagged reviews a lot but the Review system was disabled so i don't think they checked the reviews which were flagged.

So I'm sort of too lazy to re-flag.

Maybe i should but...hmmm....

At 2/1/08 09:09 PM, DarkSoldier wrote: Yeah, i flagged reviews a lot but the Review system was disabled so i don't think they checked the reviews which were flagged.

So I'm sort of too lazy to re-flag.

Maybe i should but...hmmm....

You don't gotta be crazy and spend the entire day refreshing the abusive review thread. Just hit up the most recent page---hell, hit up the most recent post---once every NG session or something. Or pick a front page flash and sort the reviews by score and see what's festering at the low end.

No one's gotta go Deity in a day, or even a week---but if everyone here (below Deity) just went up one grade, we'd be much, much more efficient with our flagging work.

:-D