NationStates Jolt Archive

Last time I checked, only mods could have the little avatars next to their name. However, last time I checked, Lacadaemon wasn't a mod. Is it a new OMAC thing, or has Lacadaemon become a mod? *Shudders at the thought*

One of his posts, complete with Avatar. (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13888516&postcount=9)

It's a new thing - anyone can have an avatar now.

<---See?

Must only be people over 10,000 posts, I can't have one.

I used to have 10000 posts, but they deleted the spam forum..So now I have to wait to be cool. :(

I'm as much in the dark as any of you, but I'd guess it's a happy little OMAC surprise.

Whatever, until we get more info, just remember this bit of the rules, listed under "Forbidden":

Obscenities: Sexually graphic images in flags (very strictly forbidden), obscene nation names, national animals and/or currencies. In-game obscenities should be reported through the Getting Help Page.

Offensive National Name: Using offensive language in a nation's name. Nation names are held to a higher standard than any other custom fields. Because nation names cannot be changed, this offense results in immediate deletion.

In short, use a bit of common sense. Don't make your user title anything that you can't use in a nation name. Use the same standard for avatars as you would for flags. If you see someone already has an avatar you'd wanted, don't copy it. Don't copy the mods' avatars. Don't use the Jennifer Government one.

I'm figuring this out as I go along. The minute we get something official, you'll see it, with bells and whistles.

EDIT: Don't, for Max's sake, use the UN logo, either. Don't use any copyrighted company logo, unless you're the CEO. Don't, don't, don't ... (fill in blank).

Can I please say that this sucks.

One of my favourite things about this forum is the lack of avatars. It just makes everything look cleaner.

Can you turn them off anywhere?

I'm pretty sure you can turn them off in the User CP (unless OMAC changed that :p ).

I don't like this either. The avatars used to be an easy way to tell who was a mod. Now, it's possible for anyone with over 10K posts to impersonate a mod. :(

The ability to have avatars is now Jolt-wide. I'm guessing that means they can't turn it off for just one game.

We do appear to be able to deal with individual avatars, but don't expect any action until it's been discussed.

We've got to look at things like whether an avatar that would be acceptable in NS is unacceptable elsewhere, and vice-versa. OMAC expects to have players who play more than one game. It may not be fair to have NS mods making decisions that would also affect your appearance on, say, Utopia and Earth.

So we'll just have to possess ourselves in patience and, in the meantime, no rioting in the streets, please.

Minor question, how many posts till I get avatar rights?

Minor question, how many posts till I get avatar rights?

Dunno, wait till the techie guys turn up. Looks like 10K, but don't believe this technodope.

Dunno, wait till the techie guys turn up. Looks like 10K, but don't believe this technodope.

I wonder if the hacker junkie does technodope...

Apparently not?

Is it a time based rather than post based thing?

*edit* It worked! Now I can match my original NS flag after resizing the image to less than 100 x 100! I for one like the avatars. Instant recognition factor is good.

Right now everyone has avatar rights. We're still discussing whether it will stay that way.

Woo! I've been waiting for this... *Thanks OMAC overlords*

We're still discussing whether it will stay that way.
Awww! Please Fris, can I keep it? Huh? Huh? Can I keep it?

Right now everyone has avatar rights. We're still discussing whether it will stay that way.

There's no harm in it.

Right now everyone has avatar rights. We're still discussing whether it will stay that way.

You should treat it like the policy on NS flags. Allow and ban those who violate the policy (i.e. nazi type things and whatever else is unallowed for an NS flag).

As long as someone can choose not to view them from their User CP then what is the problem?

As long as someone can choose not to view them from their User CP then what is the problem?

A quite equally valid argument. If it's offensive to you, simply do not look. Although perhaps this and the flag policy being extended to avatars would do well. Rather than punish the whole for the actions of an immature and downright moronic few?

I liek mah avatar - praise the forum overlords that be!

On a serious note, there's no real harm in it if the same regulations governing flags are extended to avatars.

We can edit flags. Can't do Avatars the same way. So yeah, there is a difference.

As for the original choice to disallow avatars, that was Max. If he wants it reinstated, that's that.

is this (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/Huntaer/Strikecopy.jpg) allowed as an avatar? Just thought I should ask before making a decision...

Hahaha, that avatar pwns. XD

Are members allowed to have avatars now? If so, I found an image I want to use, but I can't figure out how to set it correctly.

is this (http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a172/Huntaer/Strikecopy.jpg) allowed as an avatar?

This is exactly why mods don't like avatars. Not the image itself, but the constant requests to adjudicate what is essentially image spam. Honestly, we've got better and more important things to do within the game, not to mention in our lives.

Huntaer, if you think it's approaching the line, then DON'T POST IT. Don't waste our time with legality challenges.


It's also way too big and will lose impact when shrunk to the 100 x 100 size allowed here.

We can edit flags. Can't do Avatars the same way. So yeah, there is a difference.

As for the original choice to disallow avatars, that was Max. If he wants it reinstated, that's that.

I did not know you could edit them. Is there an issue with the higher Jolt mods not fulfilling a request to remove an improper avatar? Surely they have the same concerns with regards to improper imagery. They have their own TOS that must be adhered to when it comes to this and I am sure they thought this through when giving avatars to this big forum community. Perhaps some sort of thing that they have? I'm throwing out ideas here I'm a big fan of the avatars, I understand your concerns but I don't want to essentially give into the "there will be some abuse so let's toss all" thing. We don't question Max either so no problems there LOL.

This is exactly why mods don't like avatars. Not the image itself, but the constant requests to adjudicate what is essentially image spam. Honestly, we've got better and more important things to do within the game, not to mention in our lives.

Huntaer, if you think it's approaching the line, then DON'T POST IT. Don't waste our time with legality challenges.


It's also way too big and will lose impact when shrunk to the 100 x 100 size allowed here.

Perhaps just make a single thread, sticky (avatar image requests) and post the rules and TOS and what not. Then have someone low on the totem pole with like no real power approve or not approve. If someone doesn't listen they get a punishment, simple as that. Let's teach responsibility rather than suppress creativity (perhaps not the best word but I can't think of another except perhaps 'expression').

Are members allowed to have avatars now? If so, I found an image I want to use, but I can't figure out how to set it correctly.

One simply makes a quick visit to his user control panel (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/usercp.php).

Is there an issue with the higher Jolt mods not fulfilling a request to remove an improper avatar?

Historic response time is on the order of 18 months.

Perhaps just make a single thread, sticky (avatar image requests)

No, NO. NO! If I have my way (and I usually do), we will NOT be wasting mod time with avatar approvals. If you post an avatar that breaks the rules, you'll get some sort of punishment. If it's pr0n, probably a permanent forumban.

We've got five years of fairly effective self-policing on these forums. I am NOT willing to start hand-holding at this stage. If you haven't got enough judgment to know what will fly here, then you deserve whatever administrative penalty comes your way.

From now on, anyone who asks ME whether their avatar is allowed, the answer is automatically "no". I'm not going to waste another minute on it.

Historic response time is on the order of 18 months.

Eeek did not know that one, alright scratch that.



No, NO. NO! If I have my way (and I usually do), we will NOT be wasting mod time with avatar approvals. If you post an avatar that breaks the rules, you'll get some sort of punishment. If it's pr0n, probably a permanent forumban.

We've got five years of fairly effective self-policing on these forums. I am NOT willing to start hand-holding at this stage. If you haven't got enough judgment to know what will fly here, then you deserve whatever administrative penalty comes your way.

From now on, anyone who asks ME whether their avatar is allowed, the answer is automatically "no". I'm not going to waste another minute on it.

That works. That's pretty much what I was originally saying, you break the rules you pay the cost. I only meant that to sort of relieve the pressure from you but yeah I say just treat it as a case by case matter. If someone post something improper they get thwacked. Otherwise, leave it alone. See by not babying people into what is okay and not (i.e. telling them) we teach more responsibility by making people think for themselves. Everyone wins! Better policy: If you have to ask, chances are it isn't alright.

Got it. Thanks.

Avatars belong on the off-site forums. I believe that the best way is the original way- only the mods have images to identify them.

If I have my way (and I usually do),

Heeee ...

*eats all Fris's favourite biscuits.*

I dunno... I like it.

I believe that the best way is the original way- only the mods have images to identify them.

This.

Of course, if everyone else is going to have them, I don't wanna miss out. Remember kids, hegemony is key.

*follows trends*

MUahahaah n0w i can haz g0atze az avatah!!!

/\
||
||
Yes, lolkitteh spek menz i not do.

However, I shall say this now: Thank the actual dog that they still allow us to just not load it. Although, I am confused over their logic: "Delete the spam forum and any posts over 6 months old to save server bandwidth, but we will allow however hundred thousand members to upload avatars"

Ah love this change. Yay!

Wow, massive reforms ahead...

Now that the forums are working again and I can actually add something, I don't see the issue with avatars. If the forum host wants to allow them, that's their decision. If some one has an inappropriate avatar, deal with it like an inappropriate thread, it's all the same. I see no reason to limiting the ability to upload avatars to moderators as I have never seen any other site implement any such sort of limit.

Can I please say that this sucks.

One of my favourite things about this forum is the lack of avatars. It just makes everything look cleaner.

Can you turn them off anywhere?

I'm with you.

I liked how only mods could have it as like a higher authority, or a privilege.

I'm with you.

I liked how only mods could have it as like a higher authority, or a privilege.

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/profile.php?do=editoptions

You could just as easily turn them off via Visible Post Elements.

Huzzah!

Four guys with Reagan avatars already. ZOMG. But yeah, the change is pretty cool...and came quite unexpectedly.


EDIT: 5, CP just posted... xD

I like having avatars, and those who don't want to see them can switch them off in the CP, it's good all round. Provided the good citizens of NS use their common sense... ??

I like having avatars, and those who don't want to see them can switch them off in the CP, it's good all round. Provided the good citizens of NS use their common sense... ??
/ . \
|| ||
|| ||

This

I'm with A-A on this: keep avatars for the mods to help with identification. If it stays this way though, I'll probably just post my flag.

I'm with A-A on this: keep avatars for the mods to help with identification. If it stays this way though, I'll probably just post my flag.

Just look for this: "NationStates Moderator Team"

Just look for this: "NationStates Moderator Team"

I was talking about newer players mainly, who don't know what to look for. I know which players are mods; newer players could miss the small lettering. An avatar being out of the ordinary would identify a mod as a special user.

I am rather divided on this issue.
Sure, avatars can be great fun, but the Moderators were easier to spot when only they had them.
Maybe if Moderators have bolded names?

I was talking about newer players mainly, who don't know what to look for. I know which players are mods; newer players could miss the small lettering. An avatar being out of the ordinary would identify a mod as a special user.

Then we take into account that no other forum on the internet I am familiar with has that type of set up and the point becomes moot.

Or, you know, you could just read the thread with a big long list of NS mods in print for your viewing pleasure.

Then we take into account that no other forum on the internet I am familiar with has that type of set up and the point becomes moot.
NS didn't seem to care about that for several years while the previous setup was in effect. And in my opinion, nor should they.

snip

You think most new nations read stickies? I don't.

Is this really going to turn into a debate? It's just my opinion on avatars.

You think most new nations read stickies? I don't.

Is this really going to turn into a debate? It's just my opinion on avatars.

I still haven't read most of the stickies. But it IS an excellent way to find out who's a mod and who's not.

I'm with you.

I liked how only mods could have it as like a higher authority, or a privilege.

Didn't you know? it's our way of abolishing the class system, comrades. No longer will the people be kept from their right to an avatar.

Didn't you know? it's our way of abolishing the class system, comrades. No longer will the people be kept from their right to an avatar.

But for how long will the people be kept from their right to get upside heads with the banhammer?

Mod names are bolded now to make them stand out. I think that'll do to show off our superior firepower.

Well, my avatar's wearing a mod-hat.

We could all adopt mirror shades, though that'd be a bit hard on Fris.

Didn't you know? it's our way of abolishing the class system, comrades. No longer will the people be kept from their right to an avatar.

Will Andaras approve? I hope so.

The unique avatars already make it easy to scroll through a post to see where the regulars have posted. It's a lot faster than reading through the names.

Will Andaras approve? I hope so.

The unique avatars already make it easy to scroll through a post to see where the regulars have posted. It's a lot faster than reading through the names.

I personally have always gone by sigs, and by recognising the shapes of the names. And the avatars are just irritating, I feel.

So they're gone now. But also consider this another vote for going back to the old system here.

I do enjoy the avatars. It kinda shows some of the personality of the posters. :)

I do enjoy the avatars. It kinda shows some of the personality of the posters. :)

Apparently your personality is scary.

Apparently your personality is scary.

Oh, it is. Like my Rena AV?:tongue:

Oh, it is. Like my Rena AV?:tongue:

I suppose this means I should use mine...

EDIT: Except I can't because it doesn't allow moving images.

I suppose this means I should use mine...

EDIT: Except I can't because it doesn't allow moving images.

Which is a pity because Higurashi AVs are awesome when they're movable.

I do enjoy the avatars. It kinda shows some of the personality of the posters. :)

i agree, avatars with the sigs, it helps you identify the poster. i really don't understand the whining about allowing them now, if they don't like them they can turn off their ability to see them after all. always found not being able to have them disappointing anyway.


Huzzah for avatar freedom!

lol nice . . . .um but spaming a mod forum seems like a . .. bad . .. Idea . . . .

lol nice . . . .um but spaming a mod forum seems like a . .. bad . .. Idea . . . .

A little fun with the mods never hurt anyone, just as long as it stays clean and informative .....somewhat. :)

a Little Fun With The Mods Never Hurt Anyone, Just As Long As It Stays Clean And Informative .....somewhat. :)

Madness!

Mod names are bolded now to make them stand out. I think that'll do to show off our superior firepower.

Should make them red or blue for uber win.

Why isn't Euroslavia's name bolded?

Why isn't Euroslavia's name bolded?

I kinda let my nation die a while ago... >_>

Jolt has, as of yet, to return my forum account to it's previous status. I'm expecting it to return in approximately ....ten years. :p

Jolt has, as of yet, to return my forum account to it's previous status. I'm expecting it to return in approximately ....ten years. :p
Within that time I expect my postcount to reach a level necessary for me to be able to change my forum handle. Which I am taking suggesting for the next ten years also. For now I'm contented with my avatars. Take note of that, I might ask what was my avatar on August 05, 2008 and give away free prizes.

Why isn't Euroslavia's name bolded?

Because he is cloaked in virtue, armed in innocence and protected by the love of the little forest creatures.

If this question was already asked, I apologize (and also for not posting this question in the appropriate forum, but it seems many have "done it first"), but why can I not see anyone's avatars except in the Jolt CP screens? The NS Forums show me no avatars. Am I just terminally thick (again)?

Have you been to User CP/Edit Options/ Thread Display Options/ check "avatars"?

Well I say, it's about bloody time that the Jolt forums were brought up to speed with the rest of the universe! Virtually every other Vbulletin forum this side of the dark ages has had avatars, custom user titles and a quick reply box for a while now. God knows why this place was so restrictive. Looks like OMAC was a good thing for us after-all!

To be honest, when I first saw the avatars I didn't like them. I liked how Nationstates was free of them. Same with the quick reply and custom user titles. The simple fact was, it gave NationStates a cleaner feeling, as if it was requiring people to prove what they were like through their actions and debating skills, and forcing people to think rather than reply right off the cuff emotionally.

I realize that's ridiculous on all three counts, but it's how it felt.

O dear. What's with all the Reagan avatars?

O dear. What's with all the Reagan avatars?
Because Reagan is epic.

Well I say, it's about bloody time that the Jolt forums were brought up to speed with the rest of the universe! Virtually every other Vbulletin forum this side of the dark ages has had avatars, custom user titles and a quick reply box for a while now. God knows why this place was so restrictive. Looks like OMAC was a good thing for us after-all!

Sorry... but 20 second search interval, quick replies and avatars does not justify deleting half the threads :(

(unless they are religous or political threads... hell we have too many of them, as it is.)

We're sorry you don't approve of Jolt's deleting the spam forum.

Finally I've got my first avatar. What was once not possible, is now today.

Have you been to User CP/Edit Options/ Thread Display Options/ check "avatars"?

Ah yes, so the answer is "yes, I am terminally thick." Duh. Thanks.

We're sorry you don't approve of Jolt's deleting the spam forum.

No you're not. http://209.85.48.8/html/emoticons/dry.gif

No you're not. http://209.85.48.8/html/emoticons/dry.gif

Fact is, we fought for the Spam Forum, but OMAC turned us down. Seems it clogs the database, and sheer numbers of posts on this scale cause problems.

While it's true that most of us mods don't care for spam even a tiny bit, we are bright enough to recognize that some of our loyal userbase loves the stuff. As such, we were delighted to have an area where you could play to your heart's content without getting in the way of what we laughingly call 'content'. If there's any way to reinstate it, I'll be championing its restoration.

Fact is, we fought for the Spam Forum, but OMAC turned us down. Seems it clogs the database, and sheer numbers of posts on this scale cause problems.

While it's true that most of us mods don't care for spam even a tiny bit, we are bright enough to recognize that some of our loyal userbase loves the stuff. As such, we were delighted to have an area where you could play to your heart's content without getting in the way of what we laughingly call 'content'. If there's any way to reinstate it, I'll be championing its restoration.

Ah, a fair and reasonable response. Indeed. Thank you.