I for one am glad the WotC forums are back up.
Indeed, they look very cool.
Happy they're back, but not sure if I like the new layout of the forums.
I do, however, love the ability to upload pics for our avatars.
Im glad they are back up as well. They look good.
Corellon's sacred blood, these things are an abomination beyond the wildest dreams of Lolth.
Hate. Hate. Hate. >_>
No, really, they're so bad I may stop coming here.
This thing doesn't work properly in Opera, is ugly and bulky, and that useless new/popular posts thing full of forums I don't give a crap about takes up a third of the page. Finding this forum involved reading a wall of undifferentiated red on white text.
Yikes. Do Not Want.
I think it's fairly spiffy from what I've seen so far. Like the brightness of the default settings.
Realms content: I ordered copies of Cloak & Dagger and The Sea of Fallen Stars today.
Thanks, it's good to be back.
Hopefully things are peaceful and fun for everyone.
Nice choice of avatar Iakhovas.
I never thought I'd ever say this but... I want the old boards back. They had their bugs, but they were easy to use. This, this thing is truly disgusting to view and so far, a pain to use.
Where do I go to complain, or at least, join in on some whinging? I'd look, but I can't find any damn thing here.
Bah.
Well, I tried Candlekeep, but those boards also had their flaws, and with so many many boards and threads, it was difficult to know where to start. I like that there was only a handful of FR boards here, it was easy to find stuff and keep up with topics.
I would give it time, this community just opened back up. It's hard to judge it on the first night of its inception.
Of course, you can always come over to Loremaster.org ;)
I would give it time, this community just opened back up. It's hard to judge it on the first night of its inception.
Of course, you can always come over to Loremaster.org ;)
Matt, you are SUCH a pimp! Good site, though.
Matt, you are SUCH a pimp! Good site, though.
Don't hate the player, hate the DM...err.. Game(?) ;)
It's good to see things back.
I'm not a huge fan of the new forum setup, but they're new, so we can cut them some slack. It still blatantly reeks of "new forum smell." Hopefully things will settle down with time.
The most disappointing thing is that my forum handle got all mangled up in the update. I'm no longer Dark Wizard, presumably the one and only. I'm now contaminated with unsightly underscores and that embarassing involuntary "02" mark. I've been reduced to an auxilliary, a similicrum. It can drive a mage mad, mad I tell you. Now I want to find Dark Wizard 01, find him, kill him and take his stuff. Then on to DW 00. There can be only one!
Sorry, but this blows.
They took all of my smilies away.
Sorry, but this blows.
Well, I tried Candlekeep, but those boards also had their flaws, and with so many many boards and threads, it was difficult to know where to start. I like that there was only a handful of FR boards here, it was easy to find stuff and keep up with topics.
We'd appreciate any input you may have re: how to improve the site, BCM.
If you're looking for an appropriate place to start at Candlekeep however, may I suggest the General Forgotten Realms Chat shelf? Or, at least, Sages of Realmslore. I'll note also that the Chamber of the Sages shelf is always popular, with regular contributions from many of the great Lorelords of the Realms.
And why am I Lordmanshoon, and not LordManshoon or Lord Manshoon? Can I edit this?
I was looking for the answer to the same question. Apparently the answer is in the email WotC sent every user who they moved from the old forums to these new ones. It gives a step by step process to submit for consideration a new or edited screen name. Unfortunately for me, the site has timed out on me each time I've tried.
Someone wanna PM me the instructions? I got no such email.
I'm supposed to be Nai_Calus, not Nai_calus. D< Also these new smileys are horrible I want the old ones back.
Corellon defend us.
All looks pretty spiffy to me.
I miss the tan background, the white is just too glaring.
Bel
If only I could remove ''Popular Topics'' and ''Recent Topics''.
Corellon defend us.
By the Abyss, I agree with thee.
Ah, finally back. Looks good!
Corellon defend us.
By the Abyss, I agree with thee.
See, you look at him and see this frilly-looking guy. And then he whips out Sahandrian and you see this. Briefly. Before he puts your frakkin' eye out.
WotC will never see it coming. We still won't have tolerable forums, but we'll get to giggle at bloodshed, and that's at least consolation.
*goes to pray to Corellon for deliverance from the evils of the new forums*
Nice choice of avatar Iakhovas.
Nah, Brian should have the gnome bard avatar (didn't we pick one for you at GenCon?).
Not that I look anything like my avatar, but it's the spirit that counts there...
I was looking for the answer to the same question. Apparently the answer is in the email WotC sent every user who they moved from the old forums to these new ones. It gives a step by step process to submit for consideration a new or edited screen name. Unfortunately for me, the site has timed out on me each time I've tried.
I didn't get any e-mail either.
On that note. Where's the preview of all that's written when you write a reply? And the popular thing is really NOT useful. I can see my own posts there. What's that for?
I thought I'd never say this but blessed Gleemax, bring back the good old green abomination.
(Where's the cthulhu smiley.)
I like the wiki page tough, maybe I'll post the homebrew world stuff there, it's all scattered, probably not.
....the who says the what now?
Colour scheme gone, smilies gone, sblocks gone, previous posts in reply window gone, my avatar image gone, subscriptions gone, friends list gone, sig gone...
....oh dear gods no.
Nice to have the forums back, but they sure don't feel like the ones I left a few days ago.
EDIT: and the "view last unread post" function seems to have gone too. That was a serious selling point for me, and the right hand bars, the squashing of all sub-forums into a single paragraph and the reformatting of my messages (doublespaces I am looking at you) can get fed to Tiamat too...
EDITEDIT: "view last unread post" is back but with a new mechanic and just wasn't picking up unread stuff I wasn't subscribed to yet... which is, of course, everything now.
Corellon defend us.
By the Abyss, I agree with thee.
See, you look at him and see this frilly-looking guy. And then he whips out Sahandrian and you see this. Briefly. Before he puts your frakkin' eye out.
WotC will never see it coming. We still won't have tolerable forums, but we'll get to giggle at bloodshed, and that's at least consolation.
*goes to pray to Corellon for deliverance from the evils of the new forums*
The irony is that I agreed. I dislike Elves...but Corellon defend us.
Its good to be back but...
Lets say I dont like what Im seeing at the moment...
02? Oh Suin, don't tell me they got you too. I wonder why this happened to people. If there were only one of each to begin with, how did we know end up with multiples of each username?
I think its partly because my account is the one that reactivated when Gleemax got launched. *sigh*
I will change it as soon as the traffic to the customerservice slows down a bit...
By the by: These smileys are lame. I will emote with text untill they bring the old ones back.
Another issues.
Won't let me log in after clicking post reply.
Google links don't work anymore.
Welcome back everybody! Boy it's good to have this board back. 
I have to admit I like the clean look, though I would like everything to fit on one page. Don't really care one way or the other about the popularity of threads but I hate my eye being diverted to the side. However if anyone does want to complain about the stuff, I'd suggest going to this thread.
I like the avatar, Pamela. It looks strangely reminiscent of a place I grew up about 20 miles away from ;).
I like the avatar, Pamela. It looks strangely reminiscent of a place I grew up about 20 miles away from ;).
Welcome back, Iluvrien! :D
My excellent in-laws took me there within a month of my arrival and I loved it, though it might be hard to tell from that photo. :P
Praise Corellon, it was so non-eyebleeding that I didn't even notice that they seem to have gotten rid of that stupid new/popular sidebar.
Welcome back, Iluvrien! :D
My excellent in-laws took me there within a month of my arrival and I loved it, though it might be hard to tell from that photo. :P
It happens to us all. Especially those of us who live next to it. Although although awe inspiring the first hundred times or so, it does begin to lose its mystique after that. (This is Stonehenge by the way, captive audience out there)
As for the removal of the sidebar.... YAY!
Yea!!! The eyesore is gone!
Now where are my smilies
Also I want my Cyric Symbol back!
Ugh. Okay, I stopped in briefly last night. It was late, so I didn't bother posting. I saw the sidebar and hated it, and I like the old format better. Now that they've removed the side bar it is an improvement, however minor.
I won't say that the changes are unwelcome, there seems to be some good new features here. I may put them to use. That being said... please for the love of all that is holy, let us select different themes for the forums. I hate the color scheme.
We'd appreciate any input you may have re: how to improve the site, BCM.If you're looking for an appropriate place to start at Candlekeep however, may I suggest the General Forgotten Realms Chat shelf? Or, at least, Sages of Realmslore. I'll note also that the Chamber of the Sages shelf is always popular, with regular contributions from many of the great Lorelords of the Realms.
Hmm, I guess it was mainly unfamiliarity and aesthetics. I hadn't worked out which threads were new and which were not (could they be bolded like they used to do here? I liked that), and a very simple layout crammed with information made it easy to get lost. And so many many boards to choose from (2 for novels, 2 for lore, etc). And they're ugly. :p
Though having seen the new WotC boards here, Candlekeep is looking so much better. I'm having another go.
I always use the "Active Topic" Feature at the Keep.:D
Right, the 'Keep may look old (that's part of the charm I think), but I find it's one of the easier forums to read. The white background for this forum in its current state is too harsh on the eyes.
This place sucks now.
This place sucks now.
It does. Join me in praying to Corellon for deliverance.
Wow, whats up with all of the hate?
Change is good, it is the ultimate chaos.;)
I miss the tan background...
Me too.
However, for now, I'm not overly impressed with this new forum, and this slight aversion can soon become concentrated hate if I don't discover some cool, unique, and indispensable features. Right now.
nice to see them back up.
the set up though is a pain and an eyesore.
and the classic view thing, suxs, put everything under its own sub sub forum and it will be easier to navigate.
Not liking the new look or layout. I wish we could customize it more. It's harder to browse through threads and topics.
This place sucks now.
It does. Join me in praying to Corellon for deliverance.
I would rather not.
You'll come around. :3
Or we could both pray to Shar to destroy this place.
I've just started a group for those who might like to sit back and get to know each other better. If you're interested in the idea, please feel free to check it out and join here.
Joined )
Thank you! I'm still figuring out what to do, so if there's anything you'd like to see, please let me know - or of course, post it yourself.
I just joined too, Pamela.
The Reformed Church of Cyric is in the House!
Well, to balance up these Sharrans and Cyricists I have dropped by as well 
.
The Corellites needed representation as well.
Thank you, Lordmanshoon and 38Delta. :D
EDIT: And welcome Iluvrien and Nai_Calus - oops! Got distracted and you'd posted before I'd finally finished that major sentence above. :P
Well, to balance up these Sharrans and Cyricists I have dropped by as well .
Hey, I'm our resident Helmite. If you're looking for the board's #1 Sharran, you want Nightseer.
Just dont betray your trust,
or by Bahamut's Fangs you will see justice brought upon you like you have never seen before.....
Good idea for a group. I scanned the FR related groups and nothing even comes close. Almost everything, understandably, is centered around LFR, which for a someone who doesn't play LFR don't do much.
Well, you need a Lolthite too. So I joined. Great idea for a group.
I guess no one would join the "Hands of Cyric"?
Nah...It would wind up being only me and Lord Cyric.
:P
Nah...It would wind up being only me and Lord Cyric.:allalone:
Now there's a mental image.
OOPS!:embarassed:
I kinda set myself up for that one.:rollseyes:
Thanks 38Delta. Mention Cyric's hands and everyone's avatars have suddenly blown up and can't fit the frame anymore! I can only see my elbow now!
Thanks for joining Dark Wizard and Zireael! I did actually try to find a Forgotten Realms group first to join and like you, DW, could only find LFR or store-based ones. I thought about waiting but I got bitten by the Newfangled Stuff bug. :P (Lord Manshoon, I was going to use the actual smiley but I just couldn't bring myself to look at it either)
Good move. The group is steadily growing. Hopefully more people will make it back to these boards and the group will grow even more. It seems like a good place to connect Realms fans sans game-oriented classification.
On a forum related note, I liked the larger avatar icons. I'm running a fairly high resolution on a smallish laptop screen, so everything is always a bit too small for my liking.
Yeah, we're still missing a few regulars, and there's a couple who posted once and don't seem to have posted since.
I made a group too, but I doubt most of you elf-haters will want to join. :P
Yeah, we're still missing a few regulars, and there's a couple who posted once and don't seem to have posted since.
I made a group too, but I doubt most of you elf-haters will want to join. :P
LK hasn't been heard from yet? He'd be a good addition to the group.
On this topic. I looked for a group about FR, but couldn't find anything, so I joined you.
I made a group too, but I doubt most of you elf-haters will want to join. :P
I would did join.
Don't make me start the Hands of Cyric Group.
Also Ashe Ravenheart or Matt Droz started a Candlekeep group. so if you post at candlekeep check it out.:wOOt:
Yeah, we're still missing a few regulars, and there's a couple who posted once and don't seem to have posted since.
I made a group too, but I doubt most of you elf-haters will want to join. :P
I've joined. :D Completely off topic, Nai Calus, but how did you add the links to your signature?
Yeah, we're still missing a few regulars, and there's a couple who posted once and don't seem to have posted since.
I made a group too, but I doubt most of you elf-haters will want to join. :P
Off the top of my head, I don't recall seeing LK, Aumvor, or Drizztsmanchild here since before the change. Therise and Rin too, but then again I don't remember them posting as frequently before the change as they once did, so there you go. Meldread, Stigger, and Nightseer all seem to be drifting in and out.
As for the latter statement, I may just join simply so you'll eat your words, my friend.
Maybe LK's at the forum where his elvish netbook is based?
Mind you, a lot of people were complaining about the colour/setup/whatever of the forums so some of them might be giving it a week or two for the changes to settle in place.
Mind you, a lot of people were complaining about the colour/setup/whatever of the forums so some of them might be giving it a week or two for the changes to settle in place.
That's what I'm thinking. I do hope they return shortly, though. I like the gang being all here.
I've joined. :D Completely off topic, Nai Calus, but how did you add the links to your signature?
Thats what I would like to know.
Yeah, I hope the stragglers and the in and outers make a permanent return soon, it's just not the same without them.
As to links, same way you do them when you're making a website, in the absence of BBcode:
(a href="url")link text(/a)
Replace the parenthesis with angle brackets: < and >
I think I figured it out now.
This Bold and stuff is kinda annoying.
Give me the old stuff, like Sblocks, linkies, and MY SMILIES back.
Okay, you talked me into it. joined.
Bel
Thanks, Belorin. :D
And thanks for the instructions, Cai Nalus. I've never dealt with codes before, Luddite that I am.
I just started the process of getting into the Living Realms for my area.:D
Do I want to be a Dragonborn Swordmage...
Do I want to be a Dragonborn Swordmage...
You know you want to be a Gnome Barbarian. Do it.
No, no, be an eladrin cleric of Corellon!
Just call me squeaky.
I do like Eldarin. But I would only be faking that I worship Corellon.
Eladrin Rogue who worships Shevarash. :p
Eladrin Rogue who worships Shevarash. :p
Now we're talkin'.
Also, just so I can keep track:
M.I.A:
Aumvor, Therise, Rin, Ody, Drizztmanschild, Judge Dookie, MarkusTay63
Drifters:
- Stigger, Meldread, Nightseer
Moved on to Greener Pastures?:
- Mstran, Johnkretzer, Karsus the Mad, GothicDan, Alediran, and LORD KARSUS (no!).
I'll add to it as I come up with more.
Dont forget Rinolyrna Fathomlin. I know I just butchered her Username name. Please forgive me Lyrna.
Judge Dookie, Mstran, Johnkretzer, Karsus the Mad, GothicDan, and Alediran.
I know I am forgeting more...
Dont forget Rinolyrna Fathomlin. I know I just butchered her Username name. Please forgive me Lyrna.
I included her as Rin. Since I too would butcher her name.
Judge Dookie, Mstran, Johnkretzer, Karsus the Mad, GothicDan, and Alediran.
I thought most of these guys left with the 4E change?
Don't forget the mad mapmaker; MarkusTay63.
Bel
Wow, my old username works!
18DELTA (The Chosen One of the Dark Sun RETURNS FROM THE DEAD)
Wow, my old username works!
18DELTA (The Chosen One of the Dark Sun RETURNS FROM THE DEAD)
So which one will you be using from now on? And remember, while using both would work the will of Cyric, what with it being chaotic, it would also frustrate the **** out of everyone else here (which, actually, is also working the will of Cyric).
And I can't help but notice your Sig still labels you as a Hand of Karsus. Going to edit that or stay true to LK?
LK did have me on the inactive list, well in CYRIC'S mighty name...18DELTA is nolonger in-active.
18DELTA(CHOSEN OF THE ONE WHO KILLED MYSTRA!
)
(CHOSEN OF THE ONE WHO KILLED MYSTRA!)
Shar?
We both know who did the deed...
18DELTA(CHOSEN OF CYRIC!
)
We both know who did the deed...
18DELTA(CHOSEN OF CYRIC!)
Just yankin' your chain. I also see you're using the smilies. Change of heart? Or grudging tolerance?
Welcome back 18, the Dark Son. Now the hands are back, all is needed is the head.
''The mad mapmaker'' seems won't be back, login problems.
While LK's gone, can everyone keep an eye on what threads should go where and post them in the VCL thread in Community Business? It will save him some work when he returns.
EDIT: I've just noticed that they've got rid of the white background. Cool!
''The mad mapmaker'' seems won't be back, login problems.
Doesn't Markus have two accounts?
Anything he types in doesn't work, and he doesn't care anymore, planning to release his own campaign setting. Also he's concerned about his negativity.
Anything he types in doesn't work, and he doesn't care anymore, planning to release his own campaign setting. Also he's concerned about his negativity.
I'll miss him, if he truly isn't coming back. Plus, I think most people find the humor in his negativity.
EDIT:On a lighter note, 100th post!
ATTENTION HERE PLEASE!
It has just come to my attention that Lord Karsus will no longer be frequenting these boards. It would appear the recent change was, from what I've gathered, the last straw. Ivelenrevelation has just posted, saying that LK no longer plans to participate. Hopefully we will learn more, but right now, I feel like a ship without a rudder.
*dons mourning garb*
"Namu-amida-butsu, namu-amida-butsu, namu-amida-butsu..."
It's like a ghost town here. ;~; We've lost so many it's scary. Stupid new forums. :<
Lordmanshoon can you provide a link to the post announcing LK's departure? I tried searching for Ivelenrevalation but had no luck.
I get the feeling most of the "missing" people aren't coming back. And that saddens me. The soul of these boards is fading with the loss of regulars like LK and Markus. There must be a way to retain it. Hopefully this link works. If not, go to General Gaming > The Rec Room > Kult of Karsus: An Update
EDIT:
Unfortunate...
Thank you LM.
This place is definitely too quiet. With the loss of many regulars this place is feeling very empty. I had hoped it would repopulate with each passing day, but the opposite is happening, people actually confirming departures.
If the regulars are leaving, then we need new blood?
Thank you LM.
*tips his hat*
This place is definitely too quiet. With the loss of many regulars this place is feeling very empty. I had hoped it would repopulate with each passing day, but the opposite is happening, people actually confirming departures.
The tide's ebbing more than any of us could have predicted.
If the regulars are leaving, then we need new blood?
I suppose so. Shame it's completely out of our control. Anyone got any ideas as to how we can appeal to newcomers?
I can barely bring myself to post here any more either. There just doesn't seem to be any point any more. Look at this place: it's ugly, it's awkward, it's ephemeral, its lacking any good functionality from the get-go.
I've joined Candlekeep, but haven't yet gotten into it either (one thread started, no responses).
Guys I don't think it's that bad.
With time I think people who've returned to the forums will see that things have changed to the point where they feel comfortable posting their thoughts and ideas about the Realms.
I'm no longer concerned that what I want to talk about or have to say will be inexplicably shuffled off to another sub-forum or turned into a backdrop for more back and forth 4E battles.
Now is a great time for us to create open ended threads that invite discussion from as many people as possible (like Pamela's thread about where people are setting their 4E campaigns).
We are our own best resource and it (we) needs to be cultivated. I'm sure there are a large number of forum members on the cusp of wanting to speak out.
Let's find as many ways possible to bring those people out into the open.
I can barely bring myself to post here any more either. There just doesn't seem to be any point any more.
*drops head*
Look at this place: it's ugly,
Is it Delta? You can tell us. We'll give him botox.
Guys I don't think it's that bad.
With time I think people who've returned to the forums will see that things have changed to the point where they feel comfortable posting their thoughts and ideas about the Realms.
I'm no longer concerned that what I want to talk about or have to say will be inexplicably shuffled off to another sub-forum or turned into a backdrop for more back and forth 4E battles.
Now is a great time for us to create open ended threads that invite discussion from as many people as possible (like Pamela's thread about where people are setting their 4E campaigns).
We are our own best resource and it (we) needs to be cultivated. I'm sure there are a large number of forum members on the cusp of wanting to speak out.
Let's find as many ways possible to bring those people out into the open.
I wholeheartedly agree, my friend. There's still plenty of vigor in these boards!
I guess what will happen, will happen.
With this news, it is difficult to ignore the elsewhere.
Hey, can't give up hope so soon. We'll weather this (potential) storm and reach more pleasant waters. We just can't lose focus.
Hey, we talked about the dying down of negativity here in the past two months, so we've already made a start. Check out the line of discussion on this thread - the friendly teasing, the willingness to accept differences in opinion and to yet continue talking together. You guys have already started to make a difference. It's a matter of continuing in this vein and trusting that when new visitors come along, we will all do our best to make them feel welcome whatever edition they play.
I'm still around, but I've been very busy recently. I've been reading the forums, unfortunately there isn't much that grabs my attention. When I get some time in the future I'll begin posting more frequently, although that won't be till sometime after the 11th - maybe slightly longer.
I also dislike the new forums, but they do seem to be improving. I'm not going anywhere.
EDIT: I've just noticed that they've got rid of the white background. Cool!
Still white to me. How do you change it?
Choose another theme on your profile. The others are still not too good IMHO.
I am using the Magic Theme. I have color around the forum, the page is still white. I guess I am confused.
The background's reverted to white again. I've got it on Wizards and it was a very light shade of pink in the background but it was gone this morning.
Welcome back Meldread!
I'm still around, but I've been very busy recently. I've been reading the forums, unfortunately there isn't much that grabs my attention. When I get some time in the future I'll begin posting more frequently, although that won't be till sometime after the 11th - maybe slightly longer.
I also dislike the new forums, but they do seem to be improving. I'm not going anywhere.
Praise Helm and Lliira!
So its back to a dull white...
18DELTA(CHOSEN OF CYRIC)
Before the bright white hurt my eyes. Now it looks a bit duller (not sure if they actually changed anything, maybe it's mental), but the text becomes more difficult to read.
I really would prefer a non-intrusive parchment themed background like on the old forums.
I can barely bring myself to post here any more either. There just doesn't seem to be any point any more. Look at this place: it's ugly, it's awkward, it's ephemeral, its lacking any good functionality from the get-go.
I've joined Candlekeep, but haven't yet gotten into it either (one thread started, no responses).
I posted in it. Not that it will do any good.
I posted in it too. I can't say I contributed too much, but I do offer my welcome, not that I'm a regular there either.
Btw, how do I create a signature on this forum? I tried browsing through the profile settings but I can't find anything. This site needs a manual, not that I'd read it.
Preferences at the top of the page.
Thanks Delta.
I tried it but I encountered a technical error. Told me to restart my browser...
I will try again later.
Its the Gremlins. They are annoying the crap outta me.
Ok, got it. Easier than I thought, but these things often are.
It's in a not every logical part of the site, didn't even see it in the corner there.
Right! LOL.
Yup.
At this point I'm just trying to see if we can fill up a page by ourselves.
Its the Gremlins. They are annoying the crap outta me.
Tell me you didn't feed them after midnight, or put water on them?
Tell me you didn't feed them after midnight, or put water on them?
Actually, from what I heard, he used them as drug mules in his cocaine empire. That's why he was away. Managing a drug empire in Cyric's name takes dedication. And gremlin servants. They're not too happy about it, though.
:NONONO:
18DELTA(THE CHOSEN ONE IS VERY ANTI-DRUGS!)
:NONONO:
18DELTA(THE CHOSEN ONE IS VERY ANTI-DRUGS!)
Well, I did get my info from CNN. Cyric News Now is quite troublesome. They don't do their research. Which is why I prefer OIN (Oghma Interplanar News).
Is that like the Bothan Spy Network?
18DELTA(I AM BEGINNING TO THINK I HAVE A STALKER NOW!)
Is that like the Bothan Spy Network?
Well, it's led by Cyric. That right there puts it in a whole nother ballpark.
18DELTA(I AM BEGINNING TO THINK I HAVE A STALKER NOW!)
Cyric doesn't need a stalker to get dirt on you. He'd just read your mind or make stuff up. It's his thing. You of all people should know that.
Beavis and Butthead.
Post #555. IIRC wasn't that aslo Adolf Hitler's number in the German Worker's Party or DAP?
Losing LK is a sad moment for me, not least because he was one of the first people to greet me here and make me feel welcome in this place. Some may not feel his loss so keenly, but I do, I also suspect it is likely to be a double loss, LK and Rin. And for me that really is doubly sad. We have lost a couple more in this transition and several more in the months before that. I do not regard this as a good thing. Not that my opinion does or should count for anything.
I'm still around, but I've been very busy recently. I've been reading the forums, unfortunately there isn't much that grabs my attention. When I get some time in the future I'll begin posting more frequently, although that won't be till sometime after the 11th - maybe slightly longer.
I also dislike the new forums, but they do seem to be improving. I'm not going anywhere.
I am in much the same position as Meldread, the last weeks of my thesis have left me with little time to spend here. In addition to this, there have been few threads that have made me feel compelled to post. A few here and there, mostly in Realmslore, but sentimentality aside most of the debates I see aren't the debates that would ramble on for 10 pages and come to no answers but offer a lot of ideas that I used to enjoy. As before, this is just my own opiniono n the subject.
The forums were bad, they are now getting better slowly. These boards still don't feel like home again yet, that's for sure.
Beavis and Butthead.
Post #555. IIRC wasn't that aslo Adolf Hitler's number in the German Worker's Party or DAP?
I claim Beavis!
Hi there,
I used to do some posting here, admittedly not a huge amount (but more than the 21 I seem to have, forgot the password to my old account and used my old work email to sign on with. :rolleyes , and during the edition-wars squabble I decided to head for the proverbial hills. Now things have calmed down a little I'll take a look around.
Also for what it's worth I'm Pamela's other half.
I just went through all 20 pages of this Sub-Forums and the last 2 1/2 pages have threads with no topics. Also all old locked threads are now unlocked.
Interesting...
EDIT #1 starting on page 51(out of 58 pages) in the Realmslore Sub-Forum we have the same thing yet again. Threads with no posts.
Edit #2 starting on page 19(out of 21 pages) in the Running the Realms Sub-Forum. Threads with no posts. I am also noticing alot of the same threads in all 3 of the forums.
This might be contraversial, but why do we have 3 forums anyway? I remember being all for the Running the Realms, but it has been dead the whole time we have had it. Most thread got started in the wrong forum, and then got shuffled around. Why not just have 2 Forgotten Realms Forums: Realmslore, and Running the Realms?
Eberron is doing just fine with that set up.
Just putting an Idea out.
I just went through all 20 pages of this Sub-Forums and the last 2 1/2 pages have threads with no topics. Also all old locked threads are now unlocked.
Interesting...
SEALS vs. drow now unlocked?
I just went through all 20 pages of this Sub-Forums and the last 2 1/2 pages have threads with no topics. Also all old locked threads are now unlocked.
Interesting...
EDIT #1 starting on page 51(out of 58 pages) in the Realmslore Sub-Forum we have the same thing yet again. Threads with no posts.
Edit #2 starting on page 19(out of 21 pages) in the Running the Realms Sub-Forum. Threads with no posts. I am also noticing alot of the same threads in all 3 of the forums.
This might be contraversial, but why do we have 3 forums anyway? I remember being all for the Running the Realms, but it has been dead the whole time we have had it. Most thread got started in the wrong forum, and then got shuffled around. Why not just have 2 Forgotten Realms Forums: Realmslore, and Running the Realms?
Eberron is doing just fine with that set up.
Just putting an Idea out.
I think they're still working on transferring the threads over. Bear in mind I'm completely ignorant in what's involved so that's an uneducated guess. They are aware of all unlocked threads being opened and there's requests for them to be closed as well.
re: two forums - I agree with you actually. They plan on doing the same with Dark Sun too, so it does seem odd and unnecessary for us to have three forums.
Where would the General go though? In Realmslore?
I suppose so. I'd prefer two forums too.
I would not prefer two forums, and here is why. General contains all sorts of threads that would fit quite badly with either Realmslore or Running. The Interview thread, book or product review threads, articles coming soon threads... all of the threads relating to the product itself and not the contents of those books and articles that comprise the product would seem, to me, to be more than a little out of place in either of the other boards.
It is for that reason that I believe that the FR boards are doing it right. Eberron may yet need a third board when more D&Di articles come out about it, or future releases are planned, however FR and Eberron are different product lines if only on the basis on the difference in canon-status of the novel products. For me these reasons, taken together, provide ample justification for our setup remaining as it is.
I would not prefer two forums, and here is why. General contains all sorts of threads that would fit quite badly with either Realmslore or Running. The Interview thread, book or product review threads, articles coming soon threads... all of the threads relating to the product itself and not the contents of those books and articles that comprise the product would seem, to me, to be more than a little out of place in either of the other boards.It is for that reason that I believe that the FR boards are doing it right. Eberron may yet need a third board when more D&Di articles come out about it, or future releases are planned, however FR and Eberron are different product lines if only on the basis on the difference in canon-status of the novel products. For me these reasons, taken together, provide ample justification for our setup remaining as it is.
I'm inclined to agree. Combining General with Realmslore just seems like we'd get a bloated hodgepodge of threads (and I don't even consider combining General with Running the Realms). Things seem more stable as they are now. I recall LK was at one point observing the Eberron boards to see if they needed a third forum. Apparently it was decided they're fine. But I personally don't think the dual forums set-up would benefit these boards, certainly not to the extent Eberron's enjoyed.
At this point I think three forums is just one too many. Given the state of the rebooted Realms and the focus on 4th Edition, I don't think we need a third forum focusing solely on Realmslore when the inquiries and posts that comprise that forum could just as easily be hosted in the General Forum and in Running the Realms.
It's also counterintuitive to see that Eberron has two boards while the Realms has three.
Barring a switchover to two forums, I think at best there ought to be a hefty thread cleanup amongst all three forums. Several thread-moves from Realmslore into Running the Realms involving mechanics (the superb spell conversion thread started by The_silversword, Drewkotche's Manny Arrows thread, etc...) should be made.
And at this point I think we need to remember that the reason we got our third forum back was because the traffic was high enough that discussion threads were being forced onto the second page (or further) and so were suffering from being being shelved before their time. If the traffic on a board has gone down and will stay down then we can consider that this is no longer a danger and look at which boards might be folded together. In which case would it not be best to look at the boards that have the least traffic for this? Since LK has stopped coming by and updating the activity thread I don't have the numbers for this, have you been keeping track?
If you get your wish and we see the demise of Realmslore (and dear heavens but I personally hope you don't) would you see a re-branding of those two forums to make it clear to people coming into them that these are the places to discuss Realmslore? I had always considered Realmslore to be a place where there was edition-blind Realmslore inclusivity. I would be sad indeed to see it go.
Is it not, in fact, counterintuitive to assume that two different settings with different bases and publishing rules should have the same forum construction? FR is not Eberron, Eberron is not FR. Decide what is best for the FR community based on that community, not on another one. If Eberron needs a third board, then lobby for it to have a third board, why use another setting's lack as a basis to impose one here?
All of that said, I do think there should be a thread cleanup, but since we just lost LK (who would usually be doing it) it might prove a little difficult. I would certainly agree that the spell conversion thread (which is excellent) and others should be in RtR not Realmslore.
Going by the thread I found above...the odd man out has always been the Running the Realms Forums. I noticed that some posters in it have been calling for a re-organization of the forums.
I brought it up to generate some disscussion, which it did. I am for what ever the community decides. If a forum Re-org is decided by the community, it doesn't have to happen right away. Let the people who run the forums a chance to get caught up in other places.
I wish we would have kept the 5 forum format that we used to have...before RadioGamer0 started re-arranging everything. Remember the Forum merge...now that was a cluster...
I brought it up to generate some disscussion, which it did. I am for what ever the community decides. If a forum Re-org is decided by the community, it doesn't have to happen right away. Let the people who run the forums a chance to get caught up in other places.
Well, my only hesitation is the necessity of the situation. Things have been fine as they are. Is it truly necessary for us to tamper with what's been a winning combination so far? My other worry is board traffic. Eberron's twofer works for them because, let's face it, their boards are (at least a bit) less crowded than ours. I'll go with the flow; if the majority of residents on the FR boards want a merge, so be it. I won't stamp my feet. But I'm worried that we might end up with a cluster****, due to our heavier traffic. But, that's just me.
Also, I agree that some topics should be moved, but I don't think I can do anything about it.
And at this point I think we need to remember that the reason we got our third forum back was because the traffic was high enough that discussion threads were being forced onto the second page (or further) and so were suffering from being being shelved before their time. If the traffic on a board has gone down and will stay down then we can consider that this is no longer a danger and look at which boards might be folded together. In which case would it not be best to look at the boards that have the least traffic for this? Since LK has stopped coming by and updating the activity thread I don't have the numbers for this, have you been keeping track?
Is it not, in fact, counterintuitive to assume that two different settings with different bases and publishing rules should have the same forum construction? FR is not Eberron, Eberron is not FR. Decide what is best for the FR community based on that community, not on another one. If Eberron needs a third board, then lobby for it to have a third board, why use another setting's lack as a basis to impose one here?
All of that said, I do think there should be a thread cleanup, but since we just lost LK (who would usually be doing it) it might prove a little difficult. I would certainly agree that the spell conversion thread (which is excellent) and others should be in RtR not Realmslore.
Agreed, especially with what's been bolded.
That the Realms has approximately twenty years of accumulated lore over Eberron isn't lost on me (a point of pride for the Realms, in my opinion). Nor is the fact that in Eberron, the novels are not canon, while in the Realms they are.
But in all cases, so what?
I don't believe a focus that looks purely at the settings (and their differences) is the best way to go. We're forgetting what people use the settings for. That's what matters and the forums should reflect this.
Publishing rules aren't the only core differences between the settings. Canon vs. non-canon novels is only one of several core differences, in fact.
The idea that people who like one setting are exceptionally "different" then those who like the other is a myth.
The Realms and Eberron are campaign settings. To me that term means a place to play D&D in and a place where great fantasy fictional novels are set.
People use the same game rules to play D&D (just about all of them who come here the 3E or 4E rules). That's a similarity that binds gamers together. People (many if not most of them gamers too) enjoy reading fantasy novels for the sake of it. Reading is fun and that binds readers together.
When a user comes to the forums to discuss either setting, they ought to be able to find a set of forums where they can easily identify where to talk about these things.
They should be able to see where they can get advice for their campaigns and/or their characters, talk novels and setting information, and discuss the state of each setting and the products released in it.
How does it follow the differences between the setting should trump these most basic concepts, much less dictate dueling forum setups that make it harder (and not easier) for a user to find and enter a discussion?
I don't have concrete answers on overall Realms forum traffic, but that lack of data does not prevent me from noticing that the Running the Realms forum is seeing much slower traffic. The root causes are in my opinion that Realmslore and even General have threads in them that belong in Running the Realms, and that the original focus of the Running the Realms forum was flawed by being purely mechanics based.
It's simply a fact that running a good Realms campaign is about more than just mechanics talk; it's a synthesis of the setting with the D&D game that makes Realms play so great. The lack of necessary lore discussion in Running the Realms is preventing it from functioning as a proper forum. Point the traffic to it that should go there and at minimum you'll see it equal or surpass the remaining Realmslore forum traffic.
Everything else lore related can go in General where it belongs.
This won't curtail Realmslore talk, nor improperly (or unfairly, depending on your POV) skew talk to one edition over another. Lastly, please keep in mind this is all in my opinion, based off of my experiences. No bull-headed, unwavering "end the Realms as we know it" demagoguery here.
Actually, webster is the VCL in charge of the dungeons and dragons forums which includes the Forgotten Realms forums.
Requests for thread moves can be made here:
If topics need to be moved, anyone can go into Community Business into the VCL request thread and let them know what thread you want moved from here to there. I'll head on over and mention the ones you guys have noticed. (EDIT: Rumplestix beat me to the punch and provided a link - thank you!)
How about a compromise till January? We'll keep it as it is and see how the most recent changes affect things here. If business booms again with the dying of the edition wars - hurray! Point moot! If not, someone can start a thread in January to address the issue if they see it's still a problem.
I like that idea Pamela.
Oh well. We can always postpone it.
(level-headed analysis of the situation reduced to preserve space)
Hmmm... I can see the wisdom in what you say. I think you've actually persuaded me (at least to some extent). As long as we can properly manage the traffic in two forums, that's cool with me. But while the idea for two forums has grown on me, I'm still fine with three. *tips hat*
If topics need to be moved, anyone can go into Community Business into the VCL request thread and let them know what thread you want moved from here to there. I'll head on over and mention the ones you guys have noticed. (EDIT: Rumplestix beat me to the punch and provided a link - thank you!)
How about a compromise till January? We'll keep it as it is and see how the most recent changes affect things here. If business booms again with the dying of the edition wars - hurray! Point moot! If not, someone can start a thread in January to address the issue if they see it's still a problem.
I like. Very much so. Remind me again why you don't run this place?
Because I'm new, know little about the Realms and don't fully understand which threads should go in what forum? LOL
Oh and these are just for you and 18Delta:
I really love 'foot in mouth' - nothing like a vomiting smiley!
To go back to the topic: I do see (and agree with) Mr Miscellany's point as well. The traffic has been very low for quite a while. But then the antagonism has also been high. I'm willing to err on the side of optimism.
Because I'm new, know little about the Realms and don't fully understand which threads should go in what forum? LOL
Why let that stop you? You could rule these boards if you so desired. Your can-do attitude, friendliness, and willpower have already earned you friends and allies. 
Let's just have fun. If that means waiting to see how things pan out, so be it.
As a foreword to this I would like to point out that I am more than happy to abide by any decision that the community makes. I am just presenting a different view of the current situation, as it were.
I don't believe a focus that looks purely at the settings (and their differences) is the best way to go. We're forgetting what people use the settings for. That's what matters and the forums should reflect this.
Good. Nor do I. Which is why I made the point that we shouldn't draw conclusions based on what another setting has or does not have. What the forums reflect is what the community for that setting needs. My point has been that as not all settings are the same, the community needs for that particular setting may also not be the same. That doesn't mean that one group is more special than another in any kind of divisive way. It means looking at the needs and desires of the FR community itself, in vacuo, with that community forming the basis of those decisions not looking to any other as a model. Why? To address those differing needs. Saying "all settings should have two forums" because a few do seems, to me, to be ignoring any community differences that may be either inspired by or inherent to that community. Two forums works for the Eberron community? Excellent, superb, I am extremely happy for them (I really am by the way). That does in no way make it logical that this model should automatically apply to all communities.
The Realms and Eberron are campaign settings. To me that term means a place to play D&D in and a place where great fantasy fictional novels are set.
And other people define that term in different ways. I for one define the Realms in terms of a world first in which games and novels are set second. I suspect that I am increasingly in the minority in this view, however, this does highlight the idea that "the Realms" on these boards are a confluence of differing cerebral frameworks and as such we need a community that welcomes them all, do we not?
How does it follow the differences between the setting should trump these most basic concepts, much less dictate dueling forum setups that make it harder (and not easier) for a user to find and enter a discussion?
Do you honestly believe that I am advocating retaining the current forum structure to make it harder (or not easier) for people to have discussions? This is based on a personal judgement. One on which we do not agree. Without hard numbers this determination cannot be made in any way that should affect other users. And that is what you are suggesting. A removal of the board will not just affect you, it will affect every other user of these forums.
I don't have concrete answers on overall Realms forum traffic, but that lack of data does not prevent me from noticing that the Running the Realms forum is seeing much slower traffic. The root causes are in my opinion that Realmslore and even General have threads in them that belong in Running the Realms, and that the original focus of the Running the Realms forum was flawed by being purely mechanics based.
It's simply a fact that running a good Realms campaign is about more than just mechanics talk; it's a synthesis of the setting with the D&D game that makes Realms play so great. The lack of necessary lore discussion in Running the Realms is preventing it from functioning as a proper forum. Point the traffic to it that should go there and at minimum you'll see it equal or surpass the remaining Realmslore forum traffic.
Excellent, up to the point where we get to the root causes. There are threads in Realmslore and General that should be in RtR. Certainly. Does it not follow then that the flaw is in how RtR is currently defined and not with the existence of the Realmslore board? More options not less. And having said you have no concrete numbers, how can you say that it will equal or surpass the remaining Realmslore traffic? How do you know this for the fact that you seem to be suggesting that it is?
This won't curtail Realmslore talk, nor improperly (or unfairly, depending on your POV) skew talk to one edition over another. Lastly, please keep in mind this is all in my opinion, based off of my experiences. No bull-headed, unwavering "end the Realms as we know it" demagoguery here.
Who is restorting to demagoguery here? I am not and I doubt you are either, so I am a little surprised to see your reference to it. This discussion has been your good self as a veteran Realms player and DM offering your opinion and me, a novel focussed continuous narrative world lover offering mine. We don't agree? Who cares, but by offering both of our views we can form a basis for discusssion and eventually consensus when the other people in this community also do so.
I'm not opposed to a two forum set up. Given the activity it might help stimulate discussion when the activity in both forums is at an adequate level.
The main problem lies in Realmslore getting the most traffic, but General would combine better with Realmslore than with Running the Realms. If Realmslore and General are combined, the traffic would be very high (perhaps the same problem that caused the split in the first place). Running the Realms in comparison would look a bit slow. Whatever combination we end up with, something has to be done to rebrand the two forums so traffic is more equalized between them, but we also have to maintain a logical fit with this community.
It might help if there were forum descriptions for each forum. Right now even Running Eberron doesn't have a description, along with Realms General.
I think that a problem with the current situation is that the three Realms forums are postioned badly in the d&d forum:
D&D Worlds
Sub-Forums (6): Forgotten Realms: Realmslore, Eberron: Eberron Lore, Other Published Worlds, Running the Realms, Forgotten Realms: General, Eberron: Running Eberron
If the three were placed together it might be easier to determine where a particular thread should be placed. In fact, I visited the Realmslore forum several times thinking that Running the Realms had been dissolved before I realized that it was still in the above list.
In fact, if you click on the D&D Worlds link to look you will find that they are organized alphabetically. This places the two Eberron boards at the top, followed by Forgotten Realms: Realmslore and Forgotten Realms: General, then Other Published Worlds splits Rinning the Realms from the other two Realms forums.
Running the Realms is like a poor lost dog. In the unexpanded view as seen from the Dungeons and Dragons viewing forum it is difficult to see and most posters will probably drop first into Forgotten Realm: Realmslore. if viewed from the D&D Worlds link, it will be at te end and separated from the other two.
Changing its title to something like Forgotten Realms: DMs and the Realms would place it first in that alphabetical list and give it a higher visibility.
The main problem lies in Realmslore getting the most traffic, but General would combine better with Realmslore than with Running the Realms. If Realmslore and General are combined, the traffic would be very high (perhaps the same problem that caused the split in the first place). Running the Realms in comparison would look a bit slow. Whatever combination we end up with, something has to be done to rebrand the two forums so traffic is more equalized between them, but we also have to maintain a logical fit with this community.
My main hang-up regarding two forums. Resolve this, though, and it's got my complete support.
I'm fairly against going to two forums. I like the setup now, and it keeps threads I'm frankly not interested in to a minimum, as I neither play in nor run FR as a D&D setting. ; )
My fear would be, if the running the realms threads were shoved into one of the current forums, that the mechanical stuff I don't care about would start to overwhelm the non-mechanical discussion I do.
A General/Realmslore merge would be jarring as well, as many threads in both have no place in the other.
*shrug* I like the current setup and have no desire to see yet another thing change for reasons I'm entirely unconvinced on.
This discussion has been your good self as a veteran Realms player and DM ...
...and novel reader, just like you.
From my point of view your position appears to set up two distinct camps and assumes I'm coming from "the other side" and intend to take all the shiney toys away. But I'm not.
This is what I meant when I used the word "demagoguery". No evil plans here, OK?
I don't want to see novel discussion curtailed and frankly I'm having a hard time imagining just how that's going to happen if the forums as a whole are re-tasked to encourage more Realmslore talk in Running the Realms.
I see that we disagree on what approach to take on arranging the forums, which is fine.
Also, I can view the setting from a meta-perspective in order to see what the basic similarities are between it and another setting like Eberron. However that ability is in no way indicative that this is the only way I view the Realms.
It's been a living, breathing world in my mind for a very long time. That's a feeling I renew every Monday when I run my Realms campaigns, as well when I crack open a good Realms novel.
I'm sure many others here view the Realms as alive and breathing as well.
It would be a mistake for anyone to presume they are in the minority with that sentiment.
Beavis and Butthead.
Post #555. IIRC wasn't that aslo Adolf Hitler's number in the German Worker's Party or DAP?
I claim Beavis!
More like butthead.
Still posting the secret messages, wondering if anybody else will to?
I keep forgetting there is even a Running the Realms forum as it seems pointless to me. For one, it's got much lower traffic so it is by default the forum that things are sent to to die and be ignored. Second, I see the existence of two forums one being a general forum and the other being a lore/games forum being optimal. FR is a game setting and the boards should acknowledge that, not stick it away into a subforum that is generally out of sight for things to more or less die.
I get the feeling most of the "missing" people aren't coming back. And that saddens me. The soul of these boards is fading with the loss of regulars like LK and Markus. There must be a way to retain it. Hopefully this link works. If not, go to General Gaming > The Rec Room > Kult of Karsus: An Update
EDIT:
community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/758...
Terrible news. No reason for me to stay anymore.
See some of you at Candlekeep, perhaps.
Iluvrien and Mr Miscellany, you both agree that there are threads which should go into RtR which haven't been. We can start with rectifying that problem.
Everybody, which threads and types of threads do you suggest should go into RtR? DDI articles?
EDIT: what about maps?
I'm for the old five forum structure, FR Peoples and Places, FR Gods and Planes, FR General, FR Novels ... lol
Iluvrien and Mr Miscellany, you both agree that there are threads which should go into RtR which haven't been. We can start with rectifying that problem.
Everybody, which threads and types of threads do you suggest should go into RtR? DDI articles?
EDIT: what about maps?
Running the Realms is about specific Realms mechanics and about how people customize their Realms, non-canon material, campaigns etc. Maps are Realmslore. DDi articles that are rules heavy go to RtR, others to Realmslore, unless someone wants to discuss just feats, or powers.
I liked the old 5 forum set up also. I remember that the Running The Realms equivelent on those forums were dead also.
That was FR items, artifacts and equipment, not much to talk about comparing to others. FR gods, that was popular.
That's the one.
Terrible news. No reason for me to stay anymore.
See some of you at Candlekeep, perhaps.
*sigh* Can't say I'm surprised we've lost another regular, but I'm still a bit saddened. Ah well. Must keep going forward.
I keep forgetting there is even a Running the Realms forum as it seems pointless to me. For one, it's got much lower traffic so it is by default the forum that things are sent to to die and be ignored. Second, I see the existence of two forums one being a general forum and the other being a lore/games forum being optimal. FR is a game setting and the boards should acknowledge that, not stick it away into a subforum that is generally out of sight for things to more or less die.
That is where old thread go to die.
Toodles Therise, and good ridance!
Sorry for the delay in replying, with my wedding only 3 weeks away my free time is no longer free.
From my point of view your position appears to set up two distinct camps and assumes I'm coming from "the other side" and intend to take all the shiney toys away. But I'm not.
But that is not my position. Much as I think recognition of, but not discrimination on the basis of, the different needs of setting communities is a good idea, I also think that a recognition of the differences in how people interact with The Realms is something that is important to remember too. My position is quite simply summarised by: Is the forum use of someone who is novel only different to game only? novel and game? crpgs? If all of these people are to have a home here, and I would hope that they do, then we need to consider what will give greatest and easiest enjoyment for all of them when deciding things about forum structure. I would like to see community cohesion not division, and that, to me, means not assuming everyone wants the same things.
Iluvrien and Mr Miscellany, you both agree that there are threads which should go into RtR which haven't been. We can start with rectifying that problem.
Everybody, which threads and types of threads do you suggest should go into RtR? DDI articles?
EDIT: what about maps?
Oh I certainly agree with this. Certainly mechanics heavy threads (the excellent spell transfer thread for example) should be in RtR. The general guidelines in my head (and this does not mean they have to be in anyone else's head) for threads in the forums are as follows:
- General - Product information. when things are released, general reviews, badgerin... talking to designers. Community contact and organisation.
- Realmslore - Canon Realms. The informational basis for enjoying the Realms be it in novels or games. A good place to ask "I was wondering about [thing] in [place], does anyone know about it?" A good place for canon discussion, rampant speculation, interpretation ("This has never been fully described so in My Realms I do [this]") and so on.
- Running the Realms - Gameplay. All about actually taking the Realms off the page. Misc is right in this, it shouldn't just be mechanics it should be the blend of mechanics and lore that the Realms is. The distinction, I would suggest, is that Canon Lore goes to Realmslore, Mechanics & Lore (in one thread) in RtR, Mechanics goes to RtR and also that "In My Realms I have changed it so that..." discussions would also be in RtR.
As I have said. This view doesn't seek to inform or affect others. However, if the deliniations are made clear, this structure feels, to me, like a good way to keep threads where people can find them and also allow them to focus on the boards where threads they are interested will be, rather than having to hunt for them in more generalised forums.
Sorry for the delay in replying, with my wedding only 3 weeks away my free time is no longer free.
Congratulations!
Sorry for the delay in replying, with my wedding only 3 weeks away my free time is no longer free.
Congratulations!
Yes, congrats indeed! Who's the lucky Sunite?
Congratulations indeed, Iluvrien! :D
Definitely more important that you focus on the really important things - and people - right now.
So can we crash we wedding? We being Me of course, Manshoony, and the Nightingale Nightseer!
But on the cool, CONGRATS!
So can we crash we wedding? We being Me of course, Manshoony, and the Nightingale Nightseer!
But on the cool, CONGRATS!
Well, we just wouldn't be staying true to ourselves if we didn't make a scene.
Also, Pamela's dubbed us the Marx Brothers of the boards. I'm Groucho (already called it). If you want, you can wrest Harpo away from Nightseer, or settle for Chico. You could actually claim Zeppo instead, but funny enough...
My thanks to you all, Dark Wizard, LordManshoon, Pamela and 18Delta. I am rather pleased about it (in between bouts of extreme stress and rush... who knew that weddings took so much organising... especially intercontinental ones).
It does mean that I may not be my usual, keep-a-browser-window-open-all-day, self but I shall certainly attempt to stay involved. Especially in discussions as important as this one!
EDIT: And is it just me or is it seriously quiet around here these days?
Congrats! I'll join in on the wedding crashing. Be warned, I'm coming as an Erevanian, rather than a Corellite. >D
Congrats! I'll join in on the wedding crashing. Be warned, I'm coming as an Erevanian, rather than a Corellite. >D
Then when the ring disappears, I assume you'll be behind it? And that it will somehow be found on Delta's person?
The only way to find out is to do a full body cavity search...starting with the Elf lover.
hey congrats.
dont invite me though, cant afford going intercontinetnal......
but congrats none the less.
Never Betray your Trust
The only way to find out is to do a full body cavity search...starting with the Elf lover.
You'd enjoy that, wouldn't you? ;P
Not really, no I wouldn't. Now you on the other hand...
Can't say I'm too fond of the layout or colors, but its better than candlekeep at least... my kingdom for the parchment and leather look. So yeah. One of these days I'll get around to saying something, but I've a lot to do to get my computer up and running again, as it semi-died on me a few days ago (software failure, not hardware, thank whatever gods may have some influence, so it just cost me time).
Good to hear from you stigger.
Good to hear from you stigger.
Agreed. See my Neverwinter thread comment.
Welcome back, Stigger, and sorry to hear about the software problems. Hopefully that will be easily resolved (if not quickly).
Thanks. It wasn't Windows at least, not yet anyway... fingers crossed and all that.
Fingers crossed indeed! I'll take it as a good sign however that you're on again today. Despite the Marx Brothers/Black Label Society/Whatever the Heck They're Calling Themselves Today... ;)
Fingers crossed indeed! I'll take it as a good sign however that you're on again today. Despite the Marx Brothers/Black Label Society/Whatever the Heck They're Calling Themselves Today... ;)
I take offense to that.
Delta, Nightseer, Nai Calus, and myself are the very soul of these boards. Our presence is always a good omen!
And we enjoy having Stigger back.
I didn't read all the posts since my last post. I only returned home late yesterday, but I did read on to a discussion about merging the forums.
I remember when v1 of the forums existed; before we had the whole Gleemax debacle, which created v2 for the Realms forums. In v1 we had many different sub-forums (I think around four or five in total). At the start of v2 (Gleemax edition) we started off with one forum. However, we had so many posts that it was impossible to keep up with everything. This caused the creation of a second FR forum (General), and then eventually a third (Running the Realms).
Now we are in v3 of the forums, and still have three separate forums. It is still clear to me that we need at least two forums, but for a long time Running the Realms has felt like it was simply under used. I don't really post there or really read many threads there, and apparently I am not the only one.
I support a merge, but I do not support the destruction of the Realmslore sub-forum. In my mind that is the main forum. I support a merge of General and Running the Realms. This would bring us in line with the Eberron forums.
Forgotten Realms: Realmslore
Forgotten Realms: General (Running the Realms)
I cannot think of a good reason why this should not be done. There is nothing posted in Running the Realms that could not also fit in General. By its very nature it is... general, and encompasses many things - excluding Realmslore.
Man I need my old smilies back.
Edit: After reading Meldread's post I agree.
Less is more, even where smilies are concerned...
You blaspeme.
The lost Illithid smilies seek your thoughts ... and your brain.
I need my angel, devil, 
and 
smilies back. :<
*replaces all the religious icons and paraphernalia of the Shar and Cyric worshippers with Corellite stuff when they aren't looking*
I prefer Axis of Weevil if we're naming ourselves now.
200th post is mine!
*ahem*
I still say we're the Marx Brothers...
three amigoes
or
larry curly and moe
How about the Society of the Drunken Gibberling?
The fellowship of brothers and sisters of the random irrelevant comment?
Not that any of us are female, but.
The fellowship of brothers and sisters of the random irrelevant comment?
Not that any of us are female, but.
Yes, we probably should recruit a female member. Come on, ladies! Step it up. There's bound to be at least one of you immature enough to join our ranks! We're a select group, though, so you better give it your all!
three amigoes
More than three of us (and possibly growing if we get the fairer sex involved).
larry curly and moe
Thought of that one. Sadly it no longer works, for the abovementioned reason.
Wow, this thread has taken a turn towards the retarded.
I did like Meldread's idea for the forum...
Wow, this thread has taken a turn towards the retarded.
You know you're part of the problemgang.
Yea!
Nai Calus can then be Zeppo, the fourth Marx Brother!
Back on the topic of forums - Meldread, what then should go specifically into Realmslore vs General/Running the Realms?
I would argue about maps remaining in Realmslore- if there's anything a DM needs for the running the realms, it's certainly maps!
EDIT: the non-white backgrounds are back again! It must be Friday!
Wow, this thread has taken a turn towards the retarded.
I did like Meldread's idea for the forum...
yeah, but isnt it fun??
anyway, its not like we have much else to do.
its either just talk each other to bordeom or go buy into ddi, and I dont want one just yet, if at all
Nai Calus can then be Zeppo, the fourth Marx Brother!
Glad to see someone's been paying attention.
Wow, this thread has taken a turn towards the retarded.
I did like Meldread's idea for the forum...
yeah, but isnt it fun??anyway, its not like we have much else to do.
Exactly. Threads can provide a greater chance for conversation than just the initial topic suggests. And considering how this particular topic was rather broad, it's even easier to veer away than normal. Plus, it's fun.
exactly
here's to you LM
What Nightseer said...
The irony here is that neither you nor Nightseer are actually attempting to steer the topic back towards anything you deem productive. Thus, your comments are on par with, if not below, the level of our comments.
Either contribute or get outta the way.
That was productive, personally, as I'm getting used to the new interface and messing about with it.
That was productive, personally, as I'm getting used to the new interface and messing about with it.
Fair enough. Baby steps and all that.
Back on the topic of forums - Meldread, what then should go specifically into Realmslore vs General/Running the Realms?
I would argue about maps remaining in Realmslore- if there's anything a DM needs for the running the realms, it's certainly maps!
Questions about lore (characters, regions, religions, and whatever else related to the lore) should go into Realmslore. This could include maps, although it could also somewhat depend upon their relationship to canon. I'd imagine most of what exists within Realmslore would be canon.
However, I don't see why there is any need to be a forum Nazi. Most people should have enough common sense to know what goes where, and even if the odd topic doesn't fit exactly - well... so long as its remotely related to Realmslore I don't see why it should be moved. ;)
Everything else not related to Realmslore would simply go in the General forum.
It is conceivable that some posts could fit in either forum, in which case it should just be left up to the judgment of the poster.
In my mind there is not even a reason to have this discussion / debate. The only reason it begs mentioning at all is because Running the Realms is under utilized, and we really don't have enough weekly / daily new threads to justify three forums. It makes logical sense to consolidate Running the Realms into General.
I'm going to flip-flop now.
I agree with Meldread, for the most part.
Put RtR into General so article talk can mix with designer talk and so on.
Keep Realmslore as is, but maybe move novel discussions (outside of reviews??) into Realmslore.
I'm starting to think a little cross-polinating of threads that deal with campaign issues isn't a bad thing.