And I thought 15,000 was a ridiculous amount!

[Andrew]

Andrew's 20000 posts party + Q&A opportunity!

Well dudes and possibly dudettes, I've finally made it. 20,000 posts. That really is an obscene number of posts to have on a discussion forum but the scary thing is there's plenty of forums where that would be seen as a paltry number.

As always, I'd like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and interest that keeps the NLSC (both the site and the forum) going, it really is appreciated. I also appreciate everyone who has stuck by me or given me a second chance as I've continued to grow as a webmaster and an admin. People who have been around for a long time will know what I'm talking about when I say there have been some issues I've faced and I know I haven't always been well-liked. I know part of that has been my fault and I've done my best to improve the job I do and change the perception people have of me. Anyone who still harbours hatred or dislike towards me...well, I tried. You can't please everybody. Furthermore, you're wasting your time. Harbouring those ill-feelings is doing more damage to you than me. But as always, thanks to the haters for the motivation.

I know there will be people who will make jokes about me spamming my way to 20,000 and label me a glorified spammer. So be it. My intention is the forums is to be an active, visible admin and to enjoy discussing NBA Live, video games, basketball and all kinds of things with the members of the community, to try and help people out with NBA Live issues and have some fun with this venture I've been at for some years now. I'd like to think I can contribute to discussions in a productive and articulate matter and that my debating skills continue to improve. If anyone wants to write me off as a spammer with 20,000 posts, feel free to do so. I like my approach to the forum and I'm not about to change it.

For the record, I still plan on running the site for a while yet. There have been times when I've considered moving on but I'm not ready yet and I don't like to dwell on those times as they've usually been moments of stress and frustration. Right now, I feel pretty good about being the NLSC webmaster and forum admin.

Looking around at some of the other forums for video games, television shows and such, I really do think we've got a great thing going here. The complaints about the decline in quality, the yearning for better days and the wars of moderating...it really seems we are not alone on these issues which I might tell you is a great comfort. Believe me, any way we can improve things around the forum we'll strive to do it but I honestly believe we've got a great forum and great community. There have been bad times and individuals who have become troublesome but on the whole, I like what we have here.

Things have changed over time though and one thing I do lament is how some people take patches (and patchmakers) for granted. There's not as much goodwill in patching these days and some folks get a bit greedy and grabby when it comes to releasing updates and such. Criticism is not always as constructive as it should be, but that's probably a by-product of having so many talented patchmakers who set such a high standard. Then there's the issue of work being stolen a lot more frequently these days. Still, a lot of people are still upholding the old traditions and making great contributions to the game through patching. Great to see.

Before I get to some shoutouts, I'd like to thank Tim for giving me the opportunity to run the NLSC, for his advice and support in the early days and for doing what he can as far as interviews and news are concerned. I don't think everyone appreciates the difficult position he is in since he can't exactly spill everything to us; I for one appreciate what he can do for us, an unofficial site, as a member of the production team. Thanks Tim.

I also need to acknowledge Lutz and Brien, not only for their great work on the NBA Live series but of how supportive they were when I was named the new webmaster/admin. It's a shame they can't be around these days, I'm sure Lutz would be one of the funniest posters in the forum. His readme files were hilarious. They make me think I shouldn't be so boring with mine.

Thanks for all three of those guys for trusting me with what you built up, giving me the opportunity, for setting an example and getting me into the whole online NBA Live community in the first place. You rule.

I want to thank the entire NLSC staff for helping me with the place, with you guys on board it's a hell of a lot easier. Thanks heaps to Jae for his enthusiam in modding and contributing to discussions. Again, who'd have thought we'd be on the same page after my first few weeks running the NLSC? I'm glad we could put all that shit behind us though, because we need you around as long as you can spare us the time and trouble.

Matthew, who's been extremely supportive through thick and thin in all kinds of roles. But you know, if Open Court is ever going to rival PTI we need to learn how to disagree with each other more. Mind you, that might suggest we have great minds after all.

Andreas, for his dedication to the NLSC, helping out with the latest design, running the screenshot contest and being an all around cool guy. air gordon, for helping out with moderating, being a great guy to have around NBA Talk and for being a Bulls fan. Stevan for being Stevan. And who could forget Jackal; you can feed me the asshole line all you want, but I refuse to dislike you. Sorry man, you'll have to settle for someone else's ire. Just in case there's any doubts, there's no hard feelings on this end.

And then of course, we have Yohance. One of the first people to become part of the extended NLSC team, his loyalty, support and contributions have all been outstanding. I know you've been back for a while but still...welcome home.

Some more shoutouts: Clinton, Cameron, Colin, 'Mafia, shadowgrin, Nick, Shane, fgrep15, Tales, cyanide, X, CK, FanofAll, James, Sit, Jugs (because he asked for one), Riot (because he got snubbed last time), HonorGlow, DRESPN, Jowe, Little_Big_Man, fran, Steve (SAG375), Alexboom, QBaller, Tuomas, Kuttan, Sibo, [lob]-Shy, Threatlockz, paradizecityz, Alvin, Eugene, Mercury/End Boss, Ben, Jeffx, Amphatoast, Alcoholic, Doobie, Black Death/Ruff, G.O.A.T, j.23, Null17, Ryan., jonas...I could go on. I'm sure I'll be remembering others later and offering late shoutouts that are as well-deserved as the ones already mentioned.

And now, for an attempt at something a little different in a shoutout thread. I thought I'd open the floor up with a Q&A for a bit of fun.

Ever wondered about something that happened in a certain situation and what I thought about it? How moderators are selected? Moderator policy? My favourite and least favourite posters? My favourite topics? How I got caught up in this whole mess? What I eat for breakfast?

No? Go on, humour me. At the very least, let's try and make this milestone thread into something fun and worthwhile. If the Q&A catches on, I'll try to answer all questions as honestly as possible but I'd like to leave some mystery.

Again, thanks everyone for their support and appreciation. Without that, I wouldn't have made it this far and wouldn't enjoy running the NLSC as much as I do.

Now, let the fun and games begin! Everyone feel free to take advantage of the bar. It's all on Jackal's tab anyway.

Late Shoutouts (with sincere apologies!)

Cable Guy

[Cable]

First question: Where's my shoutout?
Second question: Can I be a mod?
Third question: What were your first posts like (talking about the B&B forums, I suppose)?
Fourth Question: How's my mod suggestion progressing? A lot of guys have said he'd do a good job.


EDIT: I forgot to say congratulations. I guess a thank you is more in order though, as many times as we can say it, there is no NLSC without you.

Ha! I beat you to it Riot.


EDIT: Apology accepted, reluctantly.

[Riot]

Well first, off congratulations Andrew on the big milestone. Without you these forums wouldn't be what they are. You make this site go.

Secondly, can I be a mod?

[David]

Wow.. 20,000 ..

Is it true you are Luc Longley's long lost brother?

And.. Can I be a mod?

[Riot]

And.. Can I be a mod?

Watch you actually get a moderator job and I don't.

[j.23]

wow 20,000 is unreal, congratulations. thanks for the shout too. it didn't seem that long ago when you had 10,000

[The GOAT]

god damn.....you have a hell of a lot of posts.....
thanks for keeping up the forum and doing a good job of it.

[J@3]

And.. Can I be a mod?

Lol, think you can handle being a mod at a forum people actually post at?

Congrats Andrew, I think things have been steadily improving somewhat (along with my post per day count, no corrolation between the two however) and the place is really strong at the moment. Thanks for giving me free reign around here, and I appreciate the fact that alot of our ideas end up being implimented and aren't flatly rejected like some other places. I do have a few questions for your Q & A..

1: If you were to rank people from 1-5 on the next GT mod, who would they be and why? (not suggesting there'd be any new mods, but hypothetically)

2: Have you been compiling all of the strange emails we get? It could make a funny thread. I was sort of doing it but you'd get more than I do.

3: On the MSN grapevine, I have heard of something refered to as "Captain LEGO"... would you care to elaborate as I hear you are somewhat involved.

[Andrew]

First question: Where's my shoutout?

Didn't take long to find a snub that certainly wasn't deserved. I've added you as a Late Shoutout with a sincere apology. Seriously, you're a good guy to have around. It's a sincere shoutout.

Is it true you are Luc Longley's long lost brother?

Vicious rumour based on a bad photograph. Or at least that's what my parents keep insisting.

Second question: Can I be a mod?

Secondly, can I be a mod?

And.. Can I be a mod?

Everyone's going to ask that question, aren't they?

Congrats Andrew, I think things have been steadily improving somewhat (along with my post per day count, no corrolation between the two however) and the place is really strong at the moment. Thanks for giving me free reign around here, and I appreciate the fact that alot of our ideas end up being implimented and aren't flatly rejected like some other places.

Don't worry, the only suggestion I'll ever flatly reject is "omg y iz kobe not 99 overall = 99 in everyting he iz da gr8tst of all tyme lololol kobe4eva!!1!!!"

1: If you were to rank people from 1-5 on the next GT mod, who would they be and why? (not suggesting there'd be any new mods, but hypothetically)

Tough one. At the very least, tough to answer without stroking egos. air gordon of course, he's not shy about taking action and he's a great poster. cyanide's up there, being one of the best posters here in GT. Jowe, for his ability to burn the trolls. Mentally Hilarious certainly has the maturity and a great mind for discussions. And Stevan if he was still around because he's got the right kind of fun attitude and is a longtime supporter of the NLSC.

2: Have you been compiling all of the strange emails we get? It could make a funny thread. I was sort of doing it but you'd get more than I do.

I've got a couple but I usually don't save them. I guess I should start doing that. Some of the threatening/abusive ones have been pretty funny, especially considering most of them are over nothing or have been in response to me trying to help them with a problem and not being able to get anywhere because they either a) won't follow instructions or b) the problem has me stumped.

3: On the MSN grapevine, I have heard of something refered to as "Captain LEGO"... would you care to elaborate as I hear you are somewhat involved.

I knew that was coming. I guess I'll have to post that one of these days, though I'm sure many people would find it a feeble attempt at humour.

EDIT: Missed these:

Third question: What were your first posts like (talking about the B&B forums, I suppose)?

My very first ones? A lot less frequent, I didn't get in on discussions very much. I think the one way my posting has improved is that I'll get in on discussions and argue a point more often rather than walking the fence so much. I still should proof read a lot more often though.

Fourth Question: How's my mod suggestion progressing? A lot of guys have said he'd do a good job.

Still mulling that one over.

[ShAuN]

Damn 20000 posts wow. Congrats on the milestone man thats crazy

[shadowgrin]

Well dudes and possibly dudettes

Are you implying that we're gay?

Everyone feel free to take advantage of the bar. It's all on Jackal's tab anyway.

Including the whores and the bitches?

Anyway, cheers on 20K.

Quick question hotshot:
What were you (and the other admins) smoking when you thought about the red-orange-white color motiff of the NLSC?
To refresh your memory.

[J@3]

What are your thoughts on certain people making threads purely to attack you personally?

[Andrew]

Quick question hotshot:
What were you (and the other admins) smoking when you thought about the red-orange-white color motiff of the NLSC?
To refresh your memory.

Nothing, I'm afraid. I however, I would like to say I consider that design a lot better than our orange/blue design that came before it. It did come out a bit bright though. I much prefer the current design and colour scheme, especially since it's more of a throwback to the colours we had for such a long time.

What are your thoughts on certain people making threads purely to attack you personally?

OK, I'll do it.

Despite the fact I'm a terrible artist, I have dabbled in drawing comics because a friend once taught me a couple of tricks. They haven't been aesthetically pleasing so instead I have to rely on that dialogue. I've shared some of that work with Jae, including this one.



Yes, it's made from models designed in MS Paint (with a bit of help from MS Image Composer). I might be able to do better with more practice, but why bother? It's much funnier this way. The strip is mostly just in-jokes and such for the benefit of my close friends, who are used to my sense of humour. It is with some pride and at the same time, some embarrassment I share this humour with you now. Sadly, this latest computer-designed style is better than what I can do by hand. Much quicker to produce, as well.

[zmac]

20,000. That is huge!! Big Congrats
Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you have done in this place. Im sure not many, well Id say no one, could have done as great a job as you have done.
Dont ever stop! Ever!

[J@3]

one down, one to go. Captain Lego ahoy!

[shadowgrin]

Andrew you idiot. Remove your signature in that strip of yours. Someone might copy and use it.
The PC in that strip looks sucky.

[Fenix]

Congrats .

[Andrew]

Andrew you idiot. Remove your signature in that strip of yours. Someone might copy and use it.

Oops, forgot about that being in there. Good looking out, thanks.

The PC in that strip looks sucky.

As opposed to the wonderfully drawn character?

[Malfa]

congrats

suprised theres no simpsons picture though

[Andrew]

The thread is young.

[KIG1]

hwy man 20000 is a great accomplishment

[Scotty]

congrats on 20,000-i could see u were preparing your milestone thread over 2 hours ago, so i stayed on line, but u still hadn't posted it so i gave up and went off-now i come back on and it's been sitting there for 2 hours dammit

Q1.How old are you and do you get paid to run this site?
Q2.Which recent poster pisses u off?
Q3.Have you come to like the 2k basketball games more than the Live games over the years?

[Null17]

Congrats, always fun to talk especially about wrestling...

for my question :do you have brown hair a beard and kinda fat? (as seen in the comic strip)

[BIG GREEN]

Congrats...i seriously don't think ill ever get to that amount..heh.

And.. Can I be a mod?

Lol, think you can handle being a mod at a forum people actually post at?

LOLZ This reminds me of the godfather..people think an Admin can't refuse a request on his milestone day.

I guess we mods like Matthew, jae and myself should ask for the step up of admin? Individual board mods should ask for global power

[Andrew]

Q1.How old are you and do you get paid to run this site?

I always get that question wrong, but I'm pretty sure it's 21.

No, I don't get paid to run the NLSC. It's strictly non-profit.

Q2.Which recent poster pisses u off?

Rickhota, because the guy just can't take a hint. Even when it stops being a hint and becomes a direct order to cut the crap.

Q3.Have you come to like the 2k basketball games more than the Live games over the years

I've only played one game in the 2K series (2K6) and still prefer Live.

for my question :do you have brown hair a beard and kinda fat? (as seen in the comic strip)

Everyone's fat in the comics, that's just my laziness/lack of artistic talent. Kind of like how everyone on The Simpsons looks a bit rotund but then some characters remove their shirts and they're ripped. I do have brownish/blonde hair though and keep a goatee in honour of David Faustino.