Watcher

It is interesting to me how one will presumably read an entire thread to pick out one thing they dislike to then argue about that singular point, ignoring the rest in its entirety. It is a logical fallacy colloquially known as the "Straw Man." In it, one takes words or statements out of context to speak against, making it seem as though they had refuted another's point or assertion when they did nothing of the sort. It happens all too often. All Fenrir Greycloth is putting out for others to consider is [i]why[/i] one feels insulted to any given combination of words or phrases. What is it that causes one to take offence at any given statement? He said nothing about how to insult others nor did he say anything about insulting others purposefully. He is simply stating that what would insult one person might have no affect on another. He is curious to the reasons behind it and would like others to think about their reasons and the source of their feelings, as well. When he says that he dislikes seeing adults role play children, why is it that others find that offensive? The same goes for his statements about apologies, substandard or clichéd role play ideas, alcohol and taverns, and everything that he claims is listed on his hate page. If one finds his statements offensive, what does that say about the person experiencing that reaction? A tirade against swearing is unnecessary as it is not what this thread it about. There is no reason to read between the lines as he is making his point quite plain. To the point of your statements, Fenrir Greycloth, I would say that one might be offended for different reasons. One might find ignorance itself to be offensive, and one who displays no desire to learn to be more so. A perceived breach in etiquette, honor, tradition, protocol or similar notions is known to cause offense to many. There are terms, derogatory epithets, that are offensive to specific groups of people, none of which I need list here, which have a whole history associated with them. Something similar may occur when one uses words that are considered vulgar, again, none that need be spelled out. However, I see nothing in your list that contains any of what I have listed here. I certainly do not find anything you list to be offensive, and on some points, I even agree. I would hope you have not removed yourself so far from this topic as to no longer wish to post responses. There are those who you can have meaningful discussions with, though it may take time to find them.

I believe the item that Jester is referring to is an item belonging to a specific player, who paid for it with a wish point, as is required. However, instead of getting a specific type of flail, as he requested, the item name included the word "fail." That is quite an important and embarrassing error for both the one who holds the item, but more so for the one who created it.

Maybe you should look [url="http://magicduel.invisionzone.com/topic/4775-suspicious-link/page__view__findpost__p__38319__fromsearch__1"]here[/url]. Are you not the one who is always telling others that they should search the forums for questions that have already been answered?

[quote name='Calyx of Isis' date='07 March 2009 - 06:24 PM' timestamp='1236464669' post='26628'] We will most definitely be moving to a new location. I had hoped the new location would be close to the current one, but this is not happening. The dojo is moving to a location being made East of the Plains of Deceit. This is No Man's Land squeezed in between Marind's Bell on the North and Necrovion on the South. There will be a single entrance to the dojo. There will be a way to ban players from the dojo. They will simply be unable to enter the dojo for some period of time. I do not know how this will work. I have requested the capability fo myself, Jazira, and King Bull at a minimum. [/quote] There is artwork. There were plans to move the Dojo. Why is it still in the same place? Simply moving to another location, from a place that was always meant to be temporary as far as all indications go, would go a long way to resolving some of the complaints and issues that have arisen. New locals have been added, why has this one not moved forward? If it is felt that No Man's Land is too crowded, why not a place within the MagicDuel Archive Lands? That area has space that can be utilized.

memory is the current leader of the Advertisers. Also, he has the tag of "Chief Advertiser." Contacting him would be the logical place to begin.

You wish to have a debate about a subject but do not wish to invite those who would be affected by it the most? Do you not seek to have a balanced perspective? There will be those there who will be anti-dojo, but you choose to exclude those who are pro-dojo and who would have the strongest arguments for the dojo's case? If this occurs has you prescribe, Chewett, it will be little more than a chance for others to bash the dojo and its supporters.

Catgut is a type of cord that is prepared from the natural fiber in the walls of animal intestines. Usually sheep or goat intestines are used, but it is occasionally made from the intestines of a hog, horse, mule, pig or donkey. Although one could conceivably prepare catgut from cat intestines, the name neither implies nor derives from any association with cats. The word [i]catgut[/i] may have been an abbreviation of the word "cattlegut". Alternatively, it may have derived by folk etymology from [i]kitgut[/i] or [i]kitstring[/i] -- the word [i]kit[/i], meaning fiddle, having at some point been confused with the word [i]kitty[/i] for little cat. For a long time, catgut was the most common material for the strings of harps, violins, and viols, as well as other stringed musical instruments, although most musical instruments produced today use strings with cores made of other materials, generally steel or synthetic. Catgut is still used as a high-performance string in tennis racquets, although it had more popularity in the past and is being displaced by high-quality synthetic strings. Other uses of catgut include hanging the weights of clocks and for bow-strings. In addition, catgut was once a widely used material in surgical sutures. However, there is currently some debate about whether to continue using catgut in a medical setting, seeing as cotton has proved to be cheaper and wounds sewed using cotton or synthetic thread are less prone to infection. However, catgut sutures continued to be used in developing countries due to cheaper prices. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cat_gut)

Any of the advertisements which I have seen on this forum are always at the very bottom of the page, after all the topics and responses. If they are there, they might as well not exist in my eyes. If you wish to remove them, by all means, do so. However, I cannot believe they are all too distracting to the majority of those who visit this forum.

This is not a creature one can have. It was simply put forth as an idea.

It is possible. It is not a bug. My suggestion: do not idle.

Your conceit is astonishing, Fenix Noir. Story Night, as it stands now, is [b]not[/b] about you, your tales, or your "death." I believe the expression "get over yourself" is quite apropos here. One person has stated he is willing to share a tale [i]about[/i] you, not one of your many long-winded fabrications. One cannot stop a person from telling a biographical story about another. Furthermore, calling yourself 'dramatic' is not giving yourself enough credit. You are clearly histrionic; others 'forced you to suicide?' I have seen many who refuse to take responsibility for their own actions, but this is one of the most appalling displays I have seen in some time. You were the one telling tales; you were the one that did not stop. You were the center of attention, but now you are nothing. I suppose that must sting a little. However, adults learn and move on while children whine, complain, and seek to heap the blame upon others. It is clear which of the two you are. Now, back on topic: If this were a true story night, with someone speaking his or her tale and everyone else listening, spelling would clearly not be an issue. Grammar, however, might be a concern for some. Yet, because of the nature of the medium in which we communicate, grammar and spelling [b]are[/b] important. It is not unreasonable to ask for those who wish to share their tales to use proper spelling and grammar. It makes the tale much easier to follow if nothing else. And, yes, I understand those who choose to come into this world are from many countries. We have a truly global community here and not everyone is exceptionally fluent in English. This is not a fault, but a fact. Indeed, there are those who seem to be from America, but who have far worse grammar and spelling than those from far outside it. However, this is not an absolute requirement for sharing a story. If someone has horrible spelling and grammar, there is nothing to stop them from sharing. English is the language in which we communicate here. Asking others to observe proper spelling and the rules of grammar is not something to condemn. In the end, if one is hesitant to share a tale because of their fluency in English, there are those who are willing to help with grammar and spelling, to 'clean it up,' if you will. As for the time, I find it to be highly Americentric. As has already been mentioned, much of the world is sleeping at the proposed time this event would take place. Even though the one who wishes to bring this event back is from America herself, this should not leave her to dictate the time at which the event should occur. Taking that out of the equation, or simply ignoring it, a second day and time should be allowed for those who are not on either of the American continents. Also, this time and day should be agreed to by those who do [b]not[/b] live on the aforementioned landmass. These individuals should also have the option of telling their own tale and not be forced to parrot the tale of another if that tale is deemed uninteresting to the crowd who has gathered. As Pamplemousse has stated, "Story Night will evolve as people dictate." If there is enough interest for a second night or a later retelling of another story, it will happen. It will be interesting to see where this endeavor heads.

First of all, far too many characters have role played their own deaths; stating it to be "tacky" or "simply nonsense" is not enough to describe how poor their choice of actions are. Death is a serious subject and it is far beyond the comprehension of those who seek to play at it. Furthermore, the game mechanic that allows for one to appear as a ghost is a spell, and it is one which is not given out just because someone made the atrociously bad decision to “die.”

[quote name='Udgard' post='33095' date='Jun 9 2009, 08:14 AM']By the way, would you mind confirming whether you have another account then? =D[/quote] I will neither confirm nor deny.

Hmm...

[quote name='awiiya' post='33051' date='Jun 8 2009, 02:51 PM']Your first posts are about Khalazdad, and clearly you know something about him when you formed your arguments of why you should not support him, calling him for instance "Rajj."[/quote] Your research, while commendable, is faulty. My first forum posts about Khalazdad were in support of him; those I posted about Renavoid, however, were not. I suppose I took Udgard's word literally: I believed he was referring to an account here, on the forums. Either way, I will continue to watch all that occurs in the world and speak my mind, as I always have.

[quote name='Udgard' post='33015' date='Jun 8 2009, 10:51 AM']Nah, was just under the impression that this is not your main account (although after searching old posts, I realize I just mistook your for a few someone elses O_o ), and thus probably has a different b'day than your other account, which might have your probably real birthday as its birthday. Maybe =D But there would be no other day more suitable for congratulating you, so happy birthday anyways =)[/quote] What makes you believe I have another account? Do you not think that this could be my only one?

[quote name='Udgard' post='33008' date='Jun 8 2009, 08:17 AM']You mean, keep watching? =D Anyways, I am not even sure that this is his/her real birthday, but congrats anyways =D[/quote] What would lead you to such a conclusion?

[quote name='Burns' post='32956' date='Jun 7 2009, 04:19 PM']...and keep your eyes open [/quote] I could do nothing less.

[quote name='Kriskah Arcanu' post='32831' date='Jun 5 2009, 08:45 PM']ps. Hmmm what type item would Berek the Cattleherd want?...perhaps a metal marker for cattle... what is the word for that?[/quote] A branding iron.

[quote name='Kriskah Arcanu' post='32737' date='Jun 4 2009, 11:33 AM']*sighs* This all means I have the hardest job on the Realm, a merchant in a Land where money does not exist [/quote] Are you saying that 'merchants' did not exist before the advent of currency? Perhaps you should consider yourself a "trader," then?

Actually, if you cared to look into this situation carefully, you would notice that the small increases in vital energy, value points, and statistics continue to occur. It would be wiser to observe first.

To lower the probability of alternates, lower the value of the prizes given. Do not give out creatures. Do not give out large amounts of silver. Make the awards of value only to those who are new and who would appreciate some kind of recognition. Is there a completely flawless way to eliminate the introduction of alternates into any kind of contest here? Of course not. That will not be a reality. However, if one were to make the rewards less appealing to those who have been here for a long time, then the likelihood of alternates being entered lowers. It's not exactly fair to those who work hard and who are new, but experience and history have shown that there are always those who will bend the rules until they break 'just because they can.' It is unfortunate, but it is also true. Also, with the contribution/activity aspect as part of the criterion, there will be a benefit to the world as a whole, just as Kafuuka has stated. If someone who has been here for a long time really wishes to win this contest just for the meager prizes, then there is little to stop them. Yet, with as much time as effort as it would take to do well, then it is possible they will learn something in the process, as well. As for everything stated in my previous post, they were something to consider. If the interval is too short, lengthen it. They are suggestions and ideas, not guidelines. Also, as far as RPCs are concerned: [i]some[/i] of them are capable of role play, and of those who can, the majority of these would be the newest ones. However, they should focus on other things, such as their own roles, their quests, and keeping the world an interesting place. Asking them to take on more responsibilities would be unfair to them and to others who are capable of doing just as well or better than they.

This is an interesting idea, Kriskah Arcanu. Consider the following: [i]Hold the contest every six to eight weeks.[/i] This may mean lowering the awarded sums or changing the award itself. However, this would give new people incentive to become creative and work toward integrating themselves into the world in which we play. [i]Established characters as judges who are not RPCs.[/i] There are many who are very active in this world, who are well known, and who play their characters exceedingly well. These are the people who you would want to judge the stories and papers of others. I would suggest staying away from those who have been established as RPCs only because they have other duties to which they are to be devoting their time. Characters such as Keith Moon, Awiiya, Innocence, Willem Redbeard, and Firsanthalas are the some of the best. These would be the kinds of people to approach to judge others. [i]Consider multiple forms of entry.[/i] One should be able to nominate him or herself to you or to the judges, whoever they may be. However, others should also be able to submit another's name for this contest. [i]Public displays.[/i] Those who have been nominated for this contest should have portions, if not all, of their papers viewable by the public. This could be having everything displayed on their personal page or opening a topic on the forum that would allow them to post something about themselves along with selected sections of their papers. A limit would be called for, however, as you would not want all contestants to use 50,000 or more characters. In this case, a forum post should be short and simple. Paper length, of course, would be up to the discretion of the individual. [i]Multiple criteria for judging.[/i] As you have already noted, there should be several categories to aid in the selection of a winner. Consider participation in the world as one. This might discourage alternate accounts, though nothing is certain. If one has to be active in the world to be considered for this award, it would reduce the likelihood of someone creating an interesting story and then sitting around in a sanctuary, hoping to get noticed. Otherwise, you have already mentioned several other criteria which should be evaluated. Your idea has merit. Follow through with it.

I am amused when certain people say that others 'have no clue what this game is about.' However, Blackwoodforest, there are ways to get around participating in the heads contest. As mentioned before, there are simple defenses which allow you to keep the majority of your creatures alive. Also, taking refuge in sanctuaries is an option, though that only lasts up until you have accumulated seven heads. Once that occurs, you are 'fair game,' as it were, and the sanctuaries will no longer shield you from harm. Another option is to pass your heads to a player who is participating, allowing him or her to gain heads while not destroying your rituals or creatures in the process. You will continue to "grow" heads no matter what you do. If none of the above is amenable, another option is to stay away until the conclusion of the contest, which can take several days.

[quote name='chrispr' post='32036' date='May 22 2009, 04:36 PM']i would like to join your alliance[/quote] Is this not the [i]third[/i] time you have mentioned you wished to join an alliance?