Do we really want the cranky Frog back?
Spending more time in the community
Thursday, January 25, 2007 by Frogboy | Discussion: WinCustomize Talk
Years ago, I lived on the forums on WC. Not just WC but on forums all over the place. There was a joke once that if you said my name 3 times on a forum, I would magically appear and havoc would ensue.
So why did I stop? Too busy? That's some of it. But a bigger reason is that I tend to not always be..the most politically correct guy around.
Or to put it another way, recently I got hooked on a new show after having multiple, independent people tell me I am just like a specific fictional character -- Dr. House on the TV show House. Not that it's a perfect fit (I don't think anyone would say I'm unethical) but I can be pretty cranky.
I'd say I'm more of a cross between Rearden from Atlas Shrugged and House. But it's still the same difference. I'm an evil, blood-thirsty capitalist. I've been an evil, blood-thirsty capitalist from day 1. When the first skinning sites opened, I was there.
Here's an article I wrote on the subject:
https://www.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=1&AID=136943
Another reason I was gone is that I felt WC2K5 kind of sucked. The ugly light blue look. The way the site was poorly organized or crashing or just plain slow. I just didn't like it.
And too many of the people hanging out were boring or at least boorish and elitist. I saw people being snide and rude to new users as if applying little bitmaps to your user interface is somehow an intuitive thing. So I stayed away.
I also didn't like how ratings were done. T-man and I argued about this. If you watch House, T-man is like Dr. Wilson (i.e. super nice). I'm not nice. I don't think most of you should be allowed to rate skins. I originally had it that only other skinners could rate skins. But it got changed so that subscribers could also rate which really bugged me. But once a feature is given, it's hard to take it away. But with WC2K7, we changed that. Now ratings are weighted. So non-skinners who have subscriptions can rate but if a skinner votes, it counts for a lot more in determining the overall rating. If someone hates that, you can start your own thread and complain there. Like I said, if I were total emperor and could turn back time, only skinners would be allowed to rate things at all. If I work hard on a skin, I don't want some random guy giving me a 1 and wrecking my rating.
Getting back to WC2K7...I really like it. If they can get IIS to quit crashing randomly (which is why sometimes it's really really fast and other times you sit there waiting 30 seconds) it'll be totally awesome. I love the bread-crumbs. I find it easy to navigate and much easier to write articles.
But we need to do more. We need to start following up on the Stardock failures of 2006. Admitting you have a problem is only the first step after all. 
So anyway, my question to you guys is, is WC better off with the main administrator face being the volunteers along with Jafo and Zoomba who are nice? Or do you think it would work out if I started to increase my presence again even though I'm kind of a jerk that should be locked up in a lab coding stuff rather than telling users that I don't want them to ever purchase our software again?
You can tell me the truth. I'm already in the fetal postiion.
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Reply #22 Friday, January 26, 2007 9:04 AM
| You can be an ass, get your panties in a bunch, and generally piss me off (which does not make you a bad person). But I like and respect that you do it even though its not the best PR. You've set a standard that (as long as one is polite) any opinion is apprecieted here. That's good for you, me, Stardock, and the Wincustomize community. |
Too late. The goons have been sent to your house...
Reply #23 Friday, January 26, 2007 9:30 AM
| Clearly, we identified the things that we didn't like about WC2K5 and addressed them -- in WC2K7. Took about a year to implemen |
And a fine job has been done. The best allocation of your time is your business and I certainly have no information to judge by nor is it my place to do so. I understand that you have identified what was wrong and spent a year implementing the corrections. My reference was to the issues of forum behavior, attitude and overall site sense of community.
If indeed, "And too many of the people hanging out were boring or at least boorish and elitist. I saw people being snide and rude to new users as if applying little bitmaps to your user interface is somehow an intuitive thing." The resolution of these issues would have been enchanced by your presence rather than your absence. I think you agree based on your review of the year statement not long ago.
Reply #24 Friday, January 26, 2007 9:39 AM
Reply #25 Friday, January 26, 2007 9:41 AM
ZubaZ hides in the closet from the goons
Reply #26 Friday, January 26, 2007 10:38 AM
We're all big Girls & boys and can handle it, would rather have a cranky & crazy frog than none at all.
If you think this site is important enough to be a visible presence on than I see more members making it important too.
OMG Zubaz that is too funny. Frogboy I can see you buzzing around the forums just like that
So say your piece no matter what, let the chips fall where they may and a closer knit community will come out of it. p.s. Not condoning flaming or insulting, thats why I only recently started back to the forums. People that can't take it and respond with insults will be weeded out. And those that are left are the people that will make you want to come back regardless of whether you agree with them or not.
It's My Secret
Reply #27 Friday, January 26, 2007 12:40 PM
Reply #28 Friday, January 26, 2007 3:07 PM
Not that I don't enjoy reading your opinions I'm just wondering if the best use of your time isn't focused in behind the scenes leadership?
Reply #29 Friday, January 26, 2007 5:51 PM
Now I'm confused.
Reply #30 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:04 PM
Bring forth the multitude of enlightenment that only a sloven enraged Frog can put forth. It might put some of the whiny ass "oh don't hurt my feelings or I'll sue" people on the proper course.
Reply #31 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:07 PM
Zero and out.
Reply #32 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:24 PM
I would rather hear the truth, which has been your strong point (at least during my 2 - 3 years here).
I think your presence would be fine. I have always found your comments to be predominately mature and eloquent. A fine example for anyone posting in the forums, especially in some of the more enthusiastic (heated?) threads here at WC.
I would also like to thank you for supporting the customization community by providing company funding for the site. Although it strongly supports the Stardock software by providing a lot of content for use with the programs, it is nevertheless a great gesture on the part of you and your company.
BTW - I do not have T-Man's e-mail addy, and noticed that there is no longer a link to the former moderators forum when I logon. Has it been removed, or is it now limited to certain moderators and administrators? A comment here or an e-mail would be great.
Thanks again, Brad.
Reply #33 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:42 PM
Reply #34 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:48 PM
Reply #35 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:48 PM
| If indeed, "And too many of the people hanging out were boring or at least boorish and elitist. I saw people being snide and rude to new users as if applying little bitmaps to your user interface is somehow an intuitive thing." The resolution of these issues would have been enchanced by your presence rather than your absence. I think you agree based on your review of the year statement not long ago. |
I agree with you. But I don't care care. But now the site is really fun to be on and if I see people being rude to new users and such I'll just whack them.
Reply #36 Friday, January 26, 2007 6:49 PM
Reply #37 Friday, January 26, 2007 7:16 PM
I respect outspokeness whether I agree or not. It's those fake, phoony people who really scare me...kind of like the dog who doesn't bark but sneaks up behind you and bites you in the a**!
Reply #40 Friday, January 26, 2007 8:42 PM
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Reply #21 Friday, January 26, 2007 9:03 AM
Wrong in what way? Instead, I spent my time working on Galactic Civilizations II which not only has made millions of dollars in sales but has been nominated for either GAme of the Year or Strategy Game of the year by Gamespot, 1Up, GameSpy, IGN, UGO, Games for Windows, CGM, and tons of other places.
Clearly, we identified the things that we didn't like about WC2K5 and addressed them -- in WC2K7. Took about a year to implement.