Alpha Centauri 2

Community => Council Room => Topic started by: NewAgeOfPower on October 16, 2012, 11:00:16 PM

Title: Need to clean up.
Post by: NewAgeOfPower on October 16, 2012, 11:00:16 PM

So, I was wondering how our membership/activity was doing, given the new life this forum has acquired.

I saw this, and almost smiled.

(http://i.imgur.com/q8rry.png)

Well... wait... So I doubled back... sure enough...

(http://i.imgur.com/wvcgd.png)

Houston, we have a problem spambot infestation.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 17, 2012, 12:05:54 AM

They've always been there - longer than I have, many of them.  The ONLY problem they cause is cluttering the member list.  They've never gotten past the capcha on the first post.

Now, as it happens, my partner/the owner and I were discussing this very thing for this very reason the last two days.  We'd rather leave many bots alone than mistakenly delete a human - But I am The Mighty BotSlayer and my bot-sense is strong.  It sounds like I'm joking, but some jokes are also true. 

(http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2406.0;attach=1704)
My credentals as The Mighty BotSlayer are simple, but awesome; I was a moderator at WPC for 3 months, and was responsible for aproximately 1/2 of all bot -bannings ever at WPC in its 3.5 years existance -  I certainly out-banned the other 10 or so people on the staff at the time combined by a multiple of many.
(http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2406.0;attach=1704)

So I've basically already talked sisko into this - we're talking about something to do with the maybes, and I'm inclined to show slightly more mercy to the ones who claim to be girls, just in case.  Also, it's not a high priority, our plates always being full of more urgent matters.  But something's gonna happen, and you've just validated my arguments for dusting off the ol' banhammer nicely by posting this.

So thank you, NAOP, for giving me this opening for making this announcement.  :)

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: NewAgeOfPower on October 17, 2012, 02:13:29 AM

Why are you going to be more merciful to female bots???

If you ban someone who hasn't posted in years, and its NOT a bot... Not a big loss.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 17, 2012, 02:55:54 AM

Yes to the second, but still a loss.  I try to take the long view and plan for contingencies - you never know when someone will turn back up, out of the blue.

To the first, this place is a locker room; I need to talk Buster's Aunt into signing up and posting occasionally.  Having a cool girl regular is just very very good for a forum - I've seen it in action.  Not going to spare female bots; going to err more often on the side of mercy when I'm not completely sure - my bot-sense is strong.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 17, 2012, 04:47:04 AM

At least they are not as bad as wiki bots. Gawd. Those particular bots are persistant. They would erase and add bs articles which were spamvertisements to increase link tos and were written using SEO to fool google. Did not help that the guy who had root was absent and did not give two craps leaving us sysops to suffer.

I will take good forum tools and a supportive root over over older wikimedia and a non-caring root any day.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: sisko on October 17, 2012, 07:22:01 PM

right folks, i reckon there's a need to clean up the memeberlist. the problem is we don't have yet the right tool for that and i'm a bit afraid to go edit directly on the database table. so we're experimenting. the first step was to delete the accounts that generate error messages on notifications..

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 17, 2012, 07:34:48 PM

And BTW?  I'm aware that claiming to be a girl in the profile is actually more evidence of a bot's bothood.  They do it exactly to try to get the slack girls often get on gaming forums -I've seen that in action, too- and and on the other hand, I doubt we've got many real women joined.  The Mighty BotSlayer takes it into account.


(http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2406.0;attach=1704) :bot:(http://alphacentauri2.info/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=2406.0;attach=1704)

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 17, 2012, 10:44:37 PM

There are women that game, but they are attracted to RP MMOs. Sci Fi and for some reason TBS 4x does not attract as many. In World of Warcraft on some RP servers, there are up to 30 percent actual females.

Perhaps our spambot friends over in China and India who hope to pay thier 40 dollar a month rent off of associate marketing figure we are all lonely grognards. In some cases, they are correct. I have seen personally in my gamer days gamers get on planes and travel hundreds of miles just to have the chance to bag a gamer girl.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 17, 2012, 11:14:04 PM

Well, Buster's Aunt is an authentic Female Woman, and she has joined us, so good job on that to me.

Yes boys, she's single - and she's a PhD.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 17, 2012, 11:42:06 PM

I see "white knighting" in our future. lol.

Most of the "hookups" I have seen in my gaming career often involve drunken vent conversations over a years time.

But hey, I got to perform an in-game and RL wedding for two folks on an RP server in WoW. She was a CNA in California and he was a small busssiness owner in Australia. She moved to australia and has probably plopped out 2 or 3 babies by now with him. The guild master was from Singapore and actually showed up to the IRL wedding.

I have also seen horror stories. A buddy of mine that used to live in New Orleans sweet talked a girl from some small town in Kansas to hop on a plane and come to New orleans. He usedthe size and charm of New Orleans to seduce her. Unfortunately, after about a year it turned out niether of them wanted to work but sit in thier underwear playing MMOs. She was the only one with a job and kicked his butt to the curb when they had to move to Minneapolis after Katrina. She moved in with a wealthier gamer with a job. He ended up somewhere in North Carolina after bumming money to get the hell out of Minesota.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 12:13:23 AM

While this is a great crowd of wonderful people, we're also a bunch of geek mutants, and you guys ain't good enough for my sister, so hands off.  ;grrr

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 12:31:18 AM

I do not know BU. I have Cajun Powers infused into me through osmosis and spending my 20s working with Paul Prudhomme, Emerill, the Sclafanis, and many other famous chefs.

A week ago, I managed to get some alligator from a buddy of mine who knows someone who works the boats out of Manchac. I made an awesome alligator pizza. Just now, I used real Leidenhiemer french bread and made a poboy that puts to shame what any of you Yankees could comprehend.

j/k. BU... please.. not the..hammer...

I am happy to get any geek to shoot the breeze with. What biological parts they have or have not is inmaterial to me.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 12:52:39 AM

 :mad: BOY, DID YOU JUST CALL ME A YANKEE? :mad:

She got her doctorate at LSU, so lived in Red Stick for years, and loves southern Louisiana food - that's not a bad opening gambit to try.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 01:03:03 AM

Quote from: BUncle on October 18, 2012, 12:52:39 AM

:mad: BOY, DID YOU JUST CALL ME A YANKEE? :mad:

She got her doctorate at LSU, so lived in Red Stick for years, and loves southern Louisiana food - that's not a bad opening gambit to try.

LSU? Funny you mention hallowed ground! I am going to be offline coming up because I just recieved an offer to have rent PAID by LSU to further my education even at my age. I may accept because New Orleans is kicking my arse right now with NY type rents and southern type payscales. Only thing is it involves moving to Red Stick. Not nearly the charm of my adopted home city, but LSU produces armies of scientific badasses. I am hyped. Sorry if I assumed you were a Yankee.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 01:05:32 AM

I've never mentioned the Old North State, but I thought my southeastern origins were obvious in our religious discussion.  Not a lot of Southern Baptists up north.

Many would say that Red Stick (you know we're confusing people with that, right?) is not as crazy chaotic as N'Orleans, and has enough charm.  I couldn't say, but I did like it better a bit inland.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 02:31:13 AM

My opinions of Red Stick are a bit biased by how I was screwed by an agency. After my VA contract ended, I found myself looking at other employment. I moved to BR accepting a noncompete to work for a LTAC in BR. Unfortunately, due to internal polotics concerning  medical agency work, I ended up stranded in BR with no work and a noncompete that meant I could not work for anyone.

Nowadays, I am out of that noncompete. Folks I worked for realize my talents and I firmly believe I can make it up there. The possibilty of a future OT/OTA cements the deal.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: NewAgeOfPower on October 18, 2012, 02:45:07 AM

My friends tell me my type is slim 22 year olds, so unless your sis meets those criteria, have no fear, BU.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 03:04:24 AM

Don't be a pig, man.  The lady might see.


Green, you use alphabet soup intials too much sometimes.  Most of us aren't in the business.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 03:37:17 AM

Not concerned if "some lady" may see. As I said in another topic, this is inmaterial.

LTAC= Long term intensive care unit. For those with money or damn good insurance, the step before the nursing home. Only half pass this.

OT - Occupational Therapy. Hell yeah. These guys rock. If you get hurt and do not have some nosy relative interfere, they will help you get back in bussiness.

OTA- assistant to an OT

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 03:40:49 AM

Fine if you're not looking to white knight or whatever, but some innocent remarks can still be callous and rude without meaning to be - also that part wasn't aimed at you.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 04:06:35 AM

Quote from: BUncle on October 18, 2012, 03:40:49 AM

Fine if you're not looking to white knight or whatever, but some innocent remarks can still be callous and rude without meaning to be - also that part wasn't aimed at you.

ehh... the white knighting begins. SMAX /  4X does not have ventrilo like MMOs. No worries.

A phd has more judgement than you think.

What if someone is rude to me man? Do I come runing to you? Equal rights is equal rights. Women are just as adequte gamers and have talets just as we have. From my career, I see no difference. I see no issue. In fact, with her talents, I see her fine own her own..lol. She could kick your butt.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 04:09:21 AM

Oh yeah... my daughter feeds off of male gamer's tears daily. Makes me proud.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 04:47:03 AM

Dude, you have to have noticed I'm grumpy tonight, and you just accused me of white knighting for my sister.  Honestly.

Something was said that would hurt her feelings a little if she looks in here and I said something about it, and that ought to be the end of it.  I'm extremely aware of the PhD' s judgement levels.  Try to pick a fight with me when I'm in a better mood, please.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 05:05:35 AM

BU, friend.. I am fixing to be lost in a world of documenting a game for a AAR. This site has been chosen for this.  This is not the world of MMOs. Your sister is welcome here as long as she is one of us.

 

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 05:13:20 AM

...She geeks and loves Alpha Centauri, so I'd say she fits the profile just fine... ;)

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 05:25:21 AM

..then she will do fine without threat of a mod. Sorry, man. My experience as a officer of a RPPvP WoW officer leads me to speak up. In my time as officer, I saw no difference because of what someone had between thier legs. I ENFORCED as a officer of a RPPvP guild NO sexist policies. I joke sometimes. But, I found the less you make of it, this less it matters. Let her establish cool postings or rep on her own. You will be happier and she will be happier. Oh yeah... and so what she meets someone online? Yeah, I do have hotror stories more than what I went into. That would require a separate thread, if interested. But I have seen 50/50 as far as gaming is concerned. Zero for TBS 4x.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 05:30:59 AM

Oh yeah.. forgot the kicker. That GM from Singapore is a SHE! And, a damn good coffee morning companion!

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 05:54:20 AM

Oh God; several points that need making here. 

1.) Always assume I'm not speaking officially if I'm not talking about the forum or the forum rules and that kind of thing, or mention my mod hat or something.  I rarely give orders and don't like having suggestions taken as orders, 'cause that's not my style.  I hate that about being a mod/admin.  I was an awful nag as a mere citizen, and sometimes when there's a staff position mentioned in your postbit, people take you a little too seriously and won't let you just try to be persuasive.  About the extent that I've ever straight-up moderated a person is one time I had to delete a Buffy nipple-slip, and boy did I hate doing that for several reasons.

I'd like to be able to express my opinions like anyone else, mostly taken on their own merits.  Leadership postitions can be oppressive to hold sometimes when you have to be careful and can't just shoot the breeze.  Please let me just speak as a person talking to people - I already put in too much time running this place to not be able to let my hair down.  I will try to make the exceptions very clear.

2.)  If I knew something was going to hurt your feelings -and not be funny to make up for it- I would speak up on your behalf.  This is something I did as a plain citizen, because I strongly believe in the community policing itself - peer pressure can be a powerful positive social force.  Do I really have to go around now biting my tongue all the time that hard?  Now, I happen to be better informed on the likes and dislikes of this particular member, and may speak accordingly; being challenged constantly on a personal matter is getting beyond old.

3.) "But, I found the less you make of it, this less it matters." [With a sweet smile and a mild voice] Then kindly shut the hell up about this several posts ago.  Thank you.

4.) I wasn't entirely joking about hands-off.  Egalitarian treatment of women sounds great, but that's not a woman, that's my sister. [nods soberly]


Now we can discuss my moderating philosophy/style till Gabriel's [Sleezebag], but I'd personally rather not hear about the rest anymore.

[ninja'd]  Seen a pic?

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 06:07:32 AM

It's all good , man. This is 4x, not MMO. If MMO, MMORPG has far less controls. All 4x does is forums and the occasional IRC. MMOs are vent and TS3 which are much more personal.

Man.. ya doing a good job. Feel great.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 06:19:37 AM

I don't really understand that first paragraph at all - I know the ancronyms other than TS3 and clearly, you're talking about the difference in cultures among the game-styles' fan communities, but I never hung around WOW or shooter HQ.  Perhaps you will enlighten those of us not in the know what those crowds are like.


On your second paragraph.  :-[  Why, thank you for saying so, sir.

Now, your ladyfriend/Koffee Kompanion - cute?


I maybe ought to make a more official post about our attitude towards moderation in Building.  I think that would be a good idea.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 06:32:05 AM

No problem, man.. I definately want to be concise. There is a difference between cultures.  No problem with mods here, nor impying. Although, I have heard if someone posts a lot in 4x forums the mods become even more aggressive than MMO mods. It gave me pause before ever becoming active in a 4x comunity because of it's reputation. Not that i concerned, becauase I choose to avoid MMO drama by 4x every so often. I just want to share some of my adventures and get into cool conversations every often.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 06:40:22 AM

Yeah, I could tell some stories if my partner would let me bad-mouth other sites, something I agree is not a good idea.

But that's not all that unfair a reputation, and informs our moderating philosophy a lot; we've seen it done wrong and learned from that.  One of the things I do like about having a nerdbadge is feeling safe from anyone going all nerdbage on me - it's been a huge pronblem before a few times.  I value my self control, and am resolved to not be that guy myself.  I really don't like that guy.

I mean, really don't like him at all.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 06:47:12 AM

In fact, maybe, if I can talk about the honest weaknesses of the 4x community after years of observation without being banned, I shall. Say what you want to about about the MMO community. But, the MMO community is over bs. If any one person gets USI (unwaarranted self importance) they get replaced for MMOs constantly change. 4x has tons of USI. Hell, I had it. too. So , I admit my mistakes. If a female joins, no big deal. You are no special snowflake just because you have boobies. You must earn your place in MMO society just like any other.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 09:34:09 AM

The mythical stuff does exist. I see this person as another male. This person is Capt Janeway. Nothing sexual about it. I want coffee with this person, nothing else. RP MMO community is a totally different beast. FPS crowd.. well . I reserve my judgements. i can cope with them, and they do have strong points, but the 4x folks have intellegence but far more drama (believe it or not). MMO RPG - NO ONE beats MMORPG for drama... imagine sleeping with all officers plus the GM and getting preggers and trying to pin it on someone. NO ONE beats RP or MOSH/MUSH for drama. No one comes close.

edit: had to explain why. That person was capt. Janeway. NO ONE would ever question that in the old guild. She was PRO. You did not cross her.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Green1 on October 18, 2012, 09:51:32 AM

Oh, btw.. did i mention I am still scared of her after 2 years? It is hard to explain how it was to serve under a high world rank guild led by a female. Maybe it affects my outlook.

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: NewAgeOfPower on October 18, 2012, 07:04:42 PM

S-S-S-SPAMU!!!

TRIPLE POST C-C-COMBO BREAKER!

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 07:10:26 PM

Am I supposed get mad?  See BU's Obnoxious PC Thread in Rec Commons, where that sort of thing is rather mandatory.  And try to keep it there, please.

P.S.  +1!

P.P.S.  Shoop tha woop!  Do a barrel roll!

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: sisko on October 18, 2012, 07:15:02 PM

i guess he wanted to see if the 'need to clean up' will manifest itself right in this thread

Title: Re: Need to clean up.
Post by: Buster's Uncle on October 18, 2012, 07:45:09 PM

I did announce a rule against doing that last page - but his was kinda funny in an ironic way, and funny can [Sleezebag] rules, sometimes.