Jay Hudson - Nuisance Extraordinaire!

I haven’t blogged in a while now, haven’t had a great deal to blog about though until now. Mmm, my first proper rant in some time. Fantastic!

As some of you may have guessed, it’s regarding the latest IF problem (for me); Graphics. If you’re not up to speed on things have a read through these:
http://support.invisionfree.com/index.php?showtopic=156339
http://support.invisionfree.com/index.php?showtopic=156381

Yes, my patience is now worn down with these people. I think I have practically none left. But can you blame me? We have worked so hard to try and get that forum back into shape, flattening out the idiots and putting people in their place and I’m pretty sure we’ve improved a bit but now it appears to have slammed into a pothole and been thrown over the side of the mountain. And this, my friends and enemies, is our desperate attempt to hit the breaks and get back on track.

Desperate may be the word, not sure, depends really how you view it. The forum won’t become devestated if we don’t but I’m sure we’d all rather NOT have another Support Forum on our hands. By which I mean a place filled with cretins. I’m till awaiting the title of ‘Graphic Volunteer’ to pop up from the depths of Cocytus. *shudders* Cocytus. Heh, I like that name, in spite of it representing the Seventh level of Hell. Hmmm…I wonder…does Satan use a stair lift between each level or…wait, I’m going off-blog!

Mmm yes, as you may guess by the topics, I have grown extremely weary of the arguing and rule breaking I say everyday, and I’m not alone on that one either. None of us like to see the forums become unruly and we do our best but GR has become somewhat of a project of mine. Might seem weird but it’s how I work as a moderator. I joined because I wanted to make a difference and while I started off (and continue to) moderate everywhere, GR has almost become my POA (Point Of Attention), my baby if you will. It could be because I moderate on Graphix Networks [/shamelessplug] but whatever it is that’s attracted me to that place, that’s where I am now. Everyday I check over the forums for about half an hour and then my attention becomes mainly GR and its brother boards. So naturally it pains me to see it being harmed with vengeful flaming and bitter arguements.

I’m now at the point where nothing but the hard end of my boot will work. We’ve tried being nice, we’ve tried being mean, we’ve tried to resolve things through PMs, we’ve tried to just close topics and rid of them once and for all. Nothing has worked, not for some of the regulars. So now we have to resort to coming down hard on people who continue to flame or argue or bait people.

In all honesty I’m not bothered having to do it I just think it’s stupid that it’s come to this. Why can’t people be sensible and mature? Hopefully this will change some attitudes. If not, then we’ll rid of them. No more in between, no more compromising, no more grey areas just our final word.

I realise of course it’s not everyone, we do have regulars who actually fill in the request while completely ignoring the other idiots and I commend them, it’s a shame they have to suffer the ever watching eye because of a few others but that’s what happens when people push and push. Well, I hope people are happy. It appears some people want to see what I’m like when I’m pushed to the edge and now they will know. This kitten has claws and they ain’t small.

The best thing about it all though is that I’m not bitter or angry or anything. If I leave the Graphics area I don’t still feel annoyed or want to hiss venom, I return to my normal self. It’s fantastic! No twisted satisfaction for anyone else. Wheeeeeeeeeee!

I’ve noticed this sort of attitude being adopted more and more recently on IF and I have to say I’m getting pretty sick and tired of it.

People rebelling, thinking if they do the opposite of your word they’re somehow defying a higher being and causing chaos. Well, I hate to break it to the idiots ‘badasses’ but you’re neither clever, funny, witty, smart or even remotely ‘badass’. All you are is a pain in the arse that can be swept away with the click of a button. This button to be precise.

It seems that people think that because of our position we’re actually more vulnerable to attacks than we used to be (as members - those of us who were members beforehand at least). Now this may be the case for some (Is it? Not sure, perhaps, wouldn’t know though I’d doubt it personally) but certainly not for me. Sure, if someone decides to act like an ass it’s not worth a suspension or something but the fact is this: piss me off or attack me and you’ll see the nastier side of me.

Yes, there is an even nastier side to me than most see. Rawr.

I should probably explain this all really. Where shall I begin…hmmm let’s see.

Firstly, I have encountered ‘morons’ (for want of a better, non-profane word) over the months who seem to think that they can get away with their idiosy without consequence. Boy, have they learned. I’m not sure what quite attracts people to ‘rebelling’ but for any who consider it: it’s not glorious, it’s not fun, it’s not even slightly amusing. And I mean for the rebel. It’s glorious for me when I click that button, take a sigh of relief and smile as yet another thorn is removed from the board. It’s fun for me to receive a response to the usual e-mail I send, protesting the suspension. It’s amusing for me to reply to it and explain that life’s a bitch and then you cross me.

Now I’m not a badass or hardman myself, never claimed to be and never will but I’m not a walk over either - as so many assumed from my former openness. Those who thought I was have now learned their lesson or are currently learning it. Heh, and people say it’s no fun being a teacher.

Mmm, yes, secondly I have noticed that there are those who are dealt a warning that think they can somehow shrug it off and continue in their war path. What’s that all about? If you get warned not to backseat moderate, don’t backseat moderate! Could it be any simpler? Why do people think they are exempt from the rules? What worries me is when they then attack because they have been suspended or whatever for repeating it. Typical e-mail convo with me and anyone I suspend:

Jay: I’m sorry, were you not already warned about your actions?
User: Yes.
Jay: And were you not also warned that if you repeated your actions you would receive a short suspension?
User: Yes.
Jay: And did you not repeat your actions?
User: Yes.
Jay: And did I not do as I said I would?
User: Yes.
Jay: So, what are you complaining about?
User: It’s not fair.
Jay: *sighs and adds e-mail to block list*

But then I should know by now that most of the people who are suspended are suspended because they’re idiots.

Thirdly and finally, graphics request. I wonder how many of you expected that? It has pretty much become my campaign; cleaning up GR and restoring order. Witht he aid of my trust companian Christina () I think we’ve done pretty damned well considering. Spam has been reduced, there is less rule breaking and generally people are paying more attention to the rules. However, we still face spam and foolish posting, and arguements from time to time but still, I think it’s improved somewhat from the way it used to be (and I hear it was even worse long before I was even a member o_O).

I’d say the biggest problem faced is the ego. Or at least, it is for me. Not my ego but the ego of either graphic requesters or graphic request designers. Usually it’s the former that’s the worst. I’m not sure why but some people take great offence when the rules are pointed out to them, is it truly an insult to be asked to fill in the guidelines that help to have your request done and remove the hinderence you put on yourself straight away by having posted without using them? Is it so hard to understand the red bold text that states no bumping within 24 hours? I mean, the 24 hour rule is carried throughout the entire forum, how on earth can anyone miss it? If only there was an option in the usergroup settings that had something along the lines of ‘Allow user to double post in a topic within [insert box where you put in the number] hours?’, no would be the obvious answer for members. As would 24 for the box. I’ve tried to be leniant by not doing what the rules say and closing the topic immediately, I’ve always figured you should let it slip once but I’m not so sure anymore. Seems we have two common types of people there: people who learn after having the rules enforced upon them and people who don’t. Apparantly people who learn when given a small, friendly warning bypass the forum.

And then there are the designers. Some (not all) sometimes take it upon themselves to have outbursts and point out the rules in a rude and uncalled for manner…and then say ‘fuck you, I’m not doing your design’ anyway. What the hell is with that? I’ve always enforced that people shouldn’t post unless they are going to do the graphics. This seems like not only backseat moderating but a complete violation against the rule of ‘if you’re not going to fill in the request DON’T POST’ which I think always technically existed but only recently was it made aware in the rules. Hmmm…perhaps it’s time such posts were punished, especially by repeat offenders. Another thing that bugs me is the way some new comers already have a swollen ego. I hate to break it to you buddy but the fact that you’re the graphics manager for the biggest IF graphics forum means zip on this forum {note: that is not aimed at any individual, anyone on the GR forum who just happens to be the Graphics Manager for the biggest IF graphics forum is pure coinkydink} and it’s time people learned that. I think the problem is that some people are used to being praised to the extent that if anyone dares to rub them up the wrong way, they’d have an entire forum turned on them. Sorry but fanclubs don’t exist on IFS (with exception to Seth’s and Lothy’s) and nor does your ability grant you the right to act like an arse. Some people just give the impression that their post is basically a complex way of saying ‘look - I can put filters and graphics and other neat stuff together so I’m a god’.

Oh and something else that’s bugging me lately is the lack of knowledge shown with regards to copyright. What the hell? I’m sorry but nobody (designers and requesters) should be posting if they don’t understand what copyright is or how it is applied. If you don’t understand it, you can’t comment on it nor would you be aware when you are violating it - which some ignorant folk tend to do, usually the ones who jump into a topic and don’t bother about rules or checking where the images come from. It really annoys me that someone actually once said ‘I don’t care if it’s copyrighted, I’m not deleting my picture’. I don’t know why but I didn’t bother to punish that person. Really, in my mind, they should have been suspended for a few years…or banned. 1) They violated copyright laws, 2) they violated the TOS, 3) they broke the IFS rules and 4) they did all of this knowingly. What more ground would one need to stand on? Yet I didn’t…why Jay, why? Dumbass. I’m currently putting together a Copyright FAQ in the hopes of rectifying this problem…and hopefully getting people to spell it right. What’s with copywright? Is it the American spelling? I know something is copywritten but since when has copywright been a word? According to the dictionary it’s not.

Meh, none of this applies to everyone by the by, before people start thinking this is an insult to them. It’s a select few really, with exception to the graphic requesters in which case it seems to apply to most of the people who join simply for graphics.

Hmmmm anyway, methinks this has been a long enough rant. Wow, longer than normal that’s for sure! On a side note: I’m not bored anymore.

Heh, I recently received a rather interesting e-mail from someone at IF. Now whether it was from support I don’t know but since it had no other address from the forums I work on I can only assume it was. But that is of little relevance anyway. The e-mail itself was insulting yet I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sender’s stupidity.

As most will know I’m gay and I’m pretty open about it. Now it seems this e-mail, regarding the bannishment of gay marriage in America (trying to drum up my humble support), wasn’t sent with any thought or due care. Had it been, I probably wouldn’t have received it anyway what with me being gay and all. Unless of course this guy really is a huge dumbass. Whatsmore, I’m not American so it’s apparant he really must have just decided to spam up my e-mail for his sad little campaign. I’ll let you read it.

From: John H. Sumter john@gaymarriageiswrong.com
To: blibbleyblob
Date: Jun 1, 2005 2:14 AM
Subject: Take a stand!

Dear voter,

Hello, my name is John Sumter. I help run a website called “GayMarriageIsWrong”, or GMIW. We are an organization dedicated to bringing about the banning of gay marriage. We, in our society, believe that gay marriage is morally wrong. Just because some guy cannot get a girl, is no reason to turn gay.

We all support George W. Bush in the gay marriage issue. Please help our fine organization ban gay marriages.

But we are yet to stop there! After working long hours into banning gay marriages, we will attempt to bring about a law banning all gays! Do you want to live in a society with a bunch of fags and gay people? No! Who really does?

Please stay tuned to your local newspaper, as our story might get a story, and touch the heart of local civilians.

Thanks again and have a wonderful day!

Yours truly,
John

I was hesitant to respond at first but I thought ‘what the heck, I’ll vent my not built up frustration and anger’.

Dear jackass,

I have had a very wonderful day until I read your e-mail. Do the world a favour and die already, we don’t need more scum like you hanging around, making everyone miserable because your life is deprived of any meaning and sex. And take your stupid, arrogant, pathetic, ass kissing, country invading, humanity destroying leader with you. Sheesh, how many dumbasses are there in America that support the path of idiocy? How does it go for you?

Dillusion > Potato Chips > Beer > Rational > Sanity > Life?

And you have more than proven how big a dumbass you truly are: you contacted a gay man! Duh, do you just take any e-mail and then spam it up, hoping to scrape up some support because your fat ass is incapable of taking you out the living room door into the world which you fear has changed so much since you last went for a piss?

Here’s a tip from a queer to a quack: research who you send your e-mails to, that way you don’t look like a stupid little fucked up school kid with bad achne who can’t catch himself a cold let alone a date.

And thank you for giving me this e-mail, I’ll be sure to redirect my spam to you in the future.

—
Jay Hudson (aka OcelotJay),
InvisionFree Community Moderator and Nuisance Extraordinare

Ah, that feels good. ^_^

In the eternal words of Rory: “John H. Sumter; you sir, are an idiot.”

Hmmm not really a great rant or anything but it seems suited for that category. This is my post in this topic but without any edits.

I actually agree whole heartedly with Rory on this one.

10/10 for making something different, unique and not bleh. I genuinely adore the pixelated effect, it’s something I haven’t seen in a good while and I’ve always liked it. Kinda reminds me of playing PacMan.

“show me in a new topic what you class as a great sig with no burshes!”

I’d say this one. I also don’t use brushes because 99% of the people around here use them and to be honest it is boring since they do in fact all look the same with mere colour and image alterations. Now, my graphics are by no means great or of brilliant quality but they do hold something brushed sigs don’t (much like this sig): (1) My personal touch and (2) a different way of design. None of my graphics look anything like half the ones I’ve seen, and perhaps they’re not anywhere near as nice, but I’m damn proud of them because they’re not like every other so called designer. I mean no disrespect but to be totally honest, the graphics around IF are getting so boring. They are all the same and if you guys can’t see that because your egos are too swollen don’t blame us when people start to turn around the point out that “hey, you’re a one trick poney”.

Sorry but as far as I can see, that’s all half of the people around there are. Now I’m not saying the graphics are wonderful, I do think they are good and made well but considering I’ve seen god knows how many use the same colour but with different images, you have to start to wonder how many of our so called designers really can do graphics? Anyone can use brushes and whatnot, but it takes a true artist or designer to make something that stands out, that doesn’t look like everyone elses, that doesn’t use the same thing as everyone. Where would we be if every artist used the same form of painting? Yep, we’d have millions of Mona Lisas and nothing else. I find it amusing that as soon as someone make something that’s not using brushes and sparkly effects gets trodden on by the graphics people. I know precisely why that happens. It’s because you know the truth; you are a clone. You do the same as everyone else and you know it but you’re too afraid to admit it.

Why is different bad? Why does everyone need to produce the same thing and those who don’t need to be frowned upon? I’m willing to bet if I actually asked people to rate my graphics I’d get one of two things: either people sucking up because I’m a mod or getting ripped into becuase OMTEHGAWD I didn’t use the same bloody brush that everyone can use. That is why I don’t bother posting my stuff on IF, the group that hangs around the graphics place is made up of mostly egotistical maniacs who attack people that don’t see them as graphical gods. And don’t deny it, I’ve seen it for myself. Now I say most, not all. There are people who don’t do the norm, who offer help and are genuine about trying new things. That’s why Rory’s posts made me smile, he refused to be one of these people who’s head is stuck so far up their own arses that they can’t see the good in things being different. I vote for cloning mini-rorees.

“im not into simple plain looking sigs!”

Simplicity can be beautiful. Overcrowded sigs that use the same brush and effects that every other person uses are not unique nor are they brilliant. They may be asthetically (methinks I need to check the spelling on that one…PhranK?) pleasing but that’s about it. This on the other hand is something that nobody else around here does and it looks great, could use some work on colours but I guarantee if you practice it, substantial, you’ll make more and more wonderful graphics that are anything but the norm.

And something I’d just like to say is this: to those of you who are new to graphics, don’t ever let anyone telling you your graphics suck get you down. You may not meet their standards but if you’re doing things the way you want to then be proud. And to potential designers, please don’t become as repetative. Do things your own way, experiment and let your imagination run wild. There is more to designing than brushes and blending.

Once again IF is on the go, new ads have been implemented or rather they have been moved. Originally they were located at the top, beneath the banner, in topics but now they can be found tucked neatly under the topic. Not only that but they blend with the background as well! Hoorah!

I have to say well done to Duff, I think he did a marvellous thing and we’ve (the forum I admin at) received much praise for them. I’m personally happy because they look better and I’ve found some good links that I never would have before because I’d have missed them. Unfortunately not everyone is happy and so begins the era of the whinger.

Yes, that’s right, they are back and meaner than ever. Ph34r teh sad munchkins! Once again InvisionFree users are showing just how stupid and irritating they truly are. Instantly people started to moan but we eventually calmed it down.

Now they return and continue. Well poo to you lot. Do me a favour and shut up. Seriously. I kid thee not. The staff (DuffMan included) have stated we understood not everyone was happy but we’d rather hear how to make a compromise rather than just hear people bitch on about things we already know about. And what do people do? They continue.

Well I think I’ve had just about enough of it and I’m sure the rest have too, all I will say to you sir is either start thinking of ways to help us by thinking of a better way to do than move them back or shut the fuck up.

Yes, you heard me right, STFU. Put yourself in Duff’s shoes. People voice time and time again about shifting the ads, the ads as they are are probably not doing enough to get all the money you now require and so you take a decisive action. But wait! People aren’t happy, you understand so you ask them to try suggesting some things but instead they ignore you and continue to rant and attack you. How would you feel if you put time and effort into running something like IF only to have it thrown in your face? Pretty bad and annoyed right?

All I can say is shame on you lot, you are disgraceful, unappreciative, pathetic little whingers and it’s time you stopped your bitching and started showing him the god damn respect he deserves by listening to him, understanding him and helping him improve things. You people who have done nothing but whine deserve to get your arses kicked and you’re damn lucky you haven’t already.

Think this, the exact same ads simply being moved, is bad? Well go see some shitty little hosts that put ads not only at the top and bottom but in the middle of topics then try to say we’re bad.

And you know what pisses me off the most? People claiming we’re ignoring our customers and not listening. WTF?? We have listened, we have asked to hear your opinions and suggestions and still we’re some how not listening? Oh please, you might be unhappy but that is no reason to claim we don’t care or listen when DuffMan is asking for you help.

I have seen a whole new side to some people and it stinks. Half of the moaners won’t compromise, they just scream and throw their dummy out and cry for it to go back to normal. Now how in the hell is THAT thinking about everyone?

Well it’s time to stop, I’ve asked people quit it and start being constructive. If they don’t, they shall be smited.

Cool emoticong huh?

This sucks, I had some nice news to blog but after this I’m too annoyed to do it. Maybe tomorrow or something. For now it’s back to the usual.

Well, Mez was bumped up to Support Staff today so well done to him. Naturally we anticipated this would cause a stir due to Mez being new and most members being cretins (note I said most, not ALL, we do have plenty of wubbly ones but you get what I mean…) and it has. I’ve heard some of the usual ‘OMG HIZ NEW HOW CAN HE B ON TEH STAFF!!!!!’ crud and you know something I’ll just say this: GET THE **** OVER IT.

All this ’so and so’ should have been on the staff before him is such utter crud. Personally, half of the people recommended for staff by members shouldn’t be staff, period. Big deal, so some people help out in the Support Section, does that mean they know what they’re talking about? Half the time: no. And let’s not forget the numerous bloody double answers that happen 5 minutes appart. And what’s with the whole date of joining thing? Big deal, there are people who have been around longer than I that aren’t on staff, does that make it unfair? Heh, I find it ironic people were pleased for my new position and yet there are some who are unhappy about Mez’s. Mez knows a lot about IF and IPB, more than most of these so called Support Volunteers. If some people aren’t happy with it, tough, keep your stupid and unfounded opinions to yourself, don’t go trying to bring Mez down, what right do you have?

Last I checked, staff were granted their positions because of various reasons and post count and join date are neither of them and are profoundly stupid reasons for anyone being on staff. God, this kind of thing has happened since I was a member and probably beyond. Half of you will congradulate someone but criticise them behind their back. It’s pathetic and cowardice. If you have a problem with the staff, why are you around? In the hopes you might become one? Not likely. I doubt anyone who criticises every staff member because they didn’t get the position will ever be on staff. Certainly not while I’m around, I’d sooner quit than let half of the morons around here get a blue or purple name.

It really pisses me off to see half of these muppets saying some don’t deserve their jobs when they themselves have the IQ of a nomad’s ingrown toe nail.

a side note: thank you to the peeps who aren’t trying to hassle Mez or make him feel unwelcome. You have my gratitude for showing your support, those are the kind of members we need.

Well I know I haven’t posted a lot, mainly due to busy life, problems and of course the fact I’m a lazeh kitteh. So I apologise as I know you’ll all be incredibly disappointed that my first post in a while is a rant.

So, what’s it this time? Well nothing new I guess. It’s utterly stupid, disrespectful and moronic members but not at if for once, rather the forum I work on. GN. I moderate there, probably the one who does the most work out of us excluding our admin that is - he works his ass off to keep everyone happy. to sparks.

I have to confess I’m getting tired of certain people’s attitudes. Thankfully the well known idiots are gone, like Azn and Jepps. w00t! But christ the cheek of some n00bs! I don’t understand where people get off coming to our forum, throwing their weight around and then moan when they get in trouble for it. Who the hell do they think they are?

Now I understand n00bs making mistakes and I’m more than leniant with that but call me crazy, the excuse of "I didn’t see the rules!!!" doesn’t wash with me. Pinned topics, rules above every forum AND the blood guidelines, especially with our older members. HOW MUCH CLEAERER CAN IT BE????

I’ve tried being nice, I’ve tried being direct, I’ve tried ensuring the rules are pointed out in my sig, I’ve tried begging, I’ve tried warning, I’ve tried arguing, I’ve tried making examples. Nothing. And so I’m now in no tolerance mode. Screw being mister nice guy, I’m tired of being taken for a ride. I have a job to do and I’ll damn well do it without being questionned, I’m not there to make friends (although I have ^_^), I’m there to look after things. I can’t believe I’m now forced to instant warnings, heavy suspensions and permanent bans in order to stop people ruining the forum for everyone else. Quite a step down from my old "Please observe the rules", "Please be nice", "Please please please".

Why must people try to ruin things for everyone? Why must people try prove they are the best? Why do egos overtake respect and maturity? Why the hell do I have to come on everyday and be bombarded with arguements, spam, problems and idiots?

I know I know, I’m a moderator and it’s my job. I have no problem with it, I don’t mind cleaning up other people’s problems and keeping the forum nice, I enjoy it actually. But I don’t understand the reasoning behind people who think they can do as they please without regard for anyone. It pisses me off royaly to see good members slandered and treated like crap by these nobodies. Sorry of that sounded snobish but forum wise these people ARE nobodies. They are insignificant, uncooperative, self centered, abusive idiots who deserve to be banned from the internet, their sole purpose is to make everyone miserable and look down their nose.

What really annoys me is they have the bloody cheek to tell me how to my job! The rules say don’t start arguements so I stop ‘em and delete such posts and suddenly I’m incompetent?

I have no remorse for these people. I take little pride in having to suspend or warn people but when it comes to them I don’t think twice. If it wasn’t for the fact we have at least one nice member I’d have gone insane. But I refuse to quit and give into them.

It must seem odd that they get to me but when you have to do it everyday it becomes a part of your online life. I could resign and just return to the ranks of membership but sod it. I enjoy my job, I like working there and I’ll be damned if I leave before I rid of these idiots.

On a lighter note, I wub Richard.