Comments for the week ending February 2, 2004

Index : Show Images

Todd - <(The response that I'm tempted to give to that if I was the one answering it would be "What do you think?")> Actually, I have a better answer. "Before embarking on the world tour, Elisa Maza had been trying to shed some excess pounds. With the world tour, Elisa finally had her chance."

Actually, I'm perplexed about the question about whether or not Gargoyles need to see the stone to turn to stone. I thought between the episodes "Hound of Ulster" and "Reckoning", that issue was dead. In "Hound of Ulster", Goliath & Angela clearly turn to stone without the ability to see the Sun and "Reckoning", we see Angela turning to stone while underground. Oh yea, I forgot about the episode "Silver Falcon", where Broadway turns to stone while buried.
DPH
AR, USA
Sunday, February 1, 2004 11:15:32 PM
IP: 204.94.193.56

I wish that people would exercise their common sense more often when submitting questions to "Ask Greg". There are all these questions that seem to assume that Greg Weisman's some sort of "Ask Jeeves", the constant questions about "Why was the show cancelled?", and the one coming up is "Did the travellers eat anything during their stops on the Avalon World Tour?" (The response that I'm tempted to give to that if I was the one answering it would be "What do you think?")
Todd Jensen
St. Louis, MO
Sunday, February 1, 2004 07:11:19 PM
IP: 63.186.1.61

Jim R> i've been wondering where you were. nice to see you are still around! did you ever make any more progress on the Videos?
matt
Sunday, February 1, 2004 04:57:16 PM
IP: 216.178.8.62

What not a system that backlogs up to x amount of messages and then automatically disables posting until a minimum of x messages is reached before it activates posting again? Just another thought to throw on the table, if it hasn't already been suggested. It's probably got some unforseen disadvantages as well.

Oh yeah, sorry for my absence. Haven't been on the net much lately. =)
Jim R. - [jim@dialwforwarp.com]
PA, USA
Sunday, February 1, 2004 04:45:13 PM
IP: 69.68.45.172

I think Greg should just pick a sensible person to go through the questions and delete specific ones like "What Channel is Toon Disney On" or "What are the Gargoyles Names" and such. Or at the very least, set it up that you have to go through a FAQ page before you get to the Submission field. Include on the FAQ that it will probably be two years before the question is answered, if it's answered at all. That might deter some of the "what channel?" questions by itself.

Mooncat


Mooncat
Sunday, February 1, 2004 11:56:36 AM
IP: 68.102.17.133

well, i'd like to hear a better suggestion that can be done right now with little computer work. the advantages to my idea outweigh the few disadvantages i think. we'll just have to see what Greg thinks, i guess.
matt
Sunday, February 1, 2004 03:14:55 AM
IP: 216.178.8.70

Matt> Another problem is that not all fandom newbies know about the S8 CR. I imagine that many discover Ask Greg through google or links from other sites. Unfortunately, the S8 CR is no longer the hub of the fandom that it once was. The regulars have become a much smaller group, and visitors might fear to 'intrude on our domain', so to speak. The format of the CR is also very old, which could be a turn off to the younger generations (note also that most of the bad questions seem to be made by younger fans). Whatever the reason, forcing them to come to the CR is just another step that makes the "Ask Greg" process more tedious and less open to them. Sure, it's tedious for the older fans to have to tolerate their questions, but it's obviously more tedious to Greg, and yet *he's* the one who insists the place is "newbie-friendly". We may question whether newbies are worth the trouble, but Greg seems to think they are. Maybe he's thinking long-term, and knows that even the clueless wonders out there may one day represent figures on Gargoyles DVD sales charts or Nielson ratings, so it's in his best interest to keep them happy. Unfortunately, he cannot just cater to those "newbies who truely want to become part of the fandom". And anyways, coming here is hardly a requistite to being part of the fandom. Far too many other forums, e-mail groups and chat systems exist nowadays (and that's a good thing). You can't expect all of them to keep track of the status of Ask Greg.

And anyways, the whole pont of your system seems to be to keep the casual visitor from posting. And that's *defintely* not newbie-friendly. In fact, I imagine it would just piss off a number of people who might otherwise have lingered and explored the rest of the site and rediscovered their love of the show.
Vashkoda
Sunday, February 1, 2004 02:13:11 AM
IP: 129.98.31.102

well, if that is your plan for the Max Backlog system, you are gonna have to wait a year or two until the queue is down to two months worth of questions at which time we will hopefully have an entirely new system anyway. and besides, your Max Backlog system won'y work because one of our limitations is thats Gore does not have the time to do any major work on Ask Greg. only minor changes, like turning on and off the question feature, can be done currently.

as for my system, the date which Ask Greg will be opened will not be posted up cuz as you noted that would only cause people to come back and post stupid things then and worse it could cause some loser to plan to go Galvatron on Ask Greg and flood it. obviously, and as i always said, the date would only be realesed in the Comment a day or two before. this will encourage people who want to ask their questions to come here and mingle and become more involved in gargoyles and perhaps answer their question here in the process. only people who really care will visit the Comment Room every day or so to see if Ask greg will open.

i really don't understand why you guys arn't more supportive of my idea. its a temporary fix of course, but its the only temporary fix that we can do considering that we can't break greg's guidlines and we can't do any major reworking of the system. it will still be friendly to the newbies who truely want to become part of the fandom and in fact, drawing them to the Comment Room may build their fanaticism, it will help Greg catch up and keep dumb posts to a minimum, its relatively easy to maintain cuz we know Ask Greg can be turned on and off, and best of all, its the first time i've heard of an idea that is entirely within our ability for the time being aside from shutting Ask Greg down completly.
matt
Sunday, February 1, 2004 01:18:43 AM
IP: 216.178.8.70

Oscars> I have listed my predictions on my Academy Awards website (Clicky my name) www.geocities.com/oscarmovs if anyone cares.

Ya know, when I was putting on that poll, some idiot posted several times with disgusting comments like "Battle Beast [straws] himself," Etc. (I won't list them all here, too gross). I was mad, yah, but I took it with a grain of salt. I found a way to block that person from posting. :)

We have to find a happy medium, I guess.

That is all I will say.
Battle Beast
CanadaSunday, February 1, 2004 01:18:05 AM
IP: 142.59.145.149

Matt - Maximum Backlog would only work with a screener. I'm also advocating 2 forums. The one for rambles/gathering reports wouldn't have a set limit on backlog. The one for general questions would be the one with the limit on backlog. 2nd, the big reason for wanting a maximum backlog is to get a follow-up questions a chance to get through. Suppose I asked a question about dates for an event and Greg doesn't have his timeline available. I'll be stuck for another 5 months to get that question another chance at being answered. That's why I would want a maximum backlog of around 2 months worth of questions. So potential answers could be clarified.

Your idea of opening it up for 1 day and shutting it right back down is grossly unfair because it's irregular. For it to be effective against keeping newbies out, the times for when the submission button is available would have to kept under wraps until about 2 days in advance. That would give me 1 day to get all my questions ready to be asked. If the times when the submission button is available is known well in advance, you're opening it up for somebody to prepare to flood Ask Greg.
DPH
AR, USA
Sunday, February 1, 2004 12:57:18 AM
IP: 204.94.193.15

I personally think that a moderator for questions is the only way of securing sanity on the boards. A real pest will just wait around for the cue, and then flood the darned thing if they so wish..in the end, someone needs to screen the questions. And in the end, it is up to Greg and others to decide when they are ready, if ever, to put a hault to foolish, irresponcible and lazy postings.
Sahyinepu
Houston, TX
Sunday, February 1, 2004 12:32:40 AM
IP: 67.107.64.9

i do not see how my idea is "grossly unfair". whats unfair is that Greg has to spend extra months and months going through questions that have already been answered or are just worthless to begin with. whats unfair is that the true fans have to wait and watch Greg become frustrated at all the dumb questions posted by people who probably have not been to the site since they posted the question! i think my idea makes Ask Greg more fair and at worst equally fair with the current situation. no one will know when Ask Greg will be active again until the person in control announces it will open at a certain time. those people who have put thought and discussion into their questions and who were enough of a fan to wait a few days for the room to open will have the same ability to ask what they want.
furthermore, of every solution to this problem that has been mentioned i believe mine will require the least maintenance. of course i'd rather have Ask Greg completly redesigned, but after 3+ years of talking about it, i think low maintenance and temporary solutions, like mine, are the best we can hope for.
DPH, your idea of a max size backlog sounds far more complicated to enact and maintain than my idea and does nothing to solve the problem of people dropping by the site, asking a dumb question for the sake of asking it and never returning again. how dissappointing would it be to have a great question to ask or an episode ramble to post, but never get to ask or post it because the system is always backlogged (which it almost always will be) and you know its backlogged with a lot of dumb questions? no offense, but if the max backlog solution was enacted it would drive myself and many others crazy IMHO!
matt
Saturday, January 31, 2004 10:46:28 PM
IP: 216.178.8.70

Matt - I wouldn't go for that system because it is grossly unfair. My idea of a maximum size of backlog would be a better replacement to your idea and require lots less maintance, but it does have similiar problems. It would work best if there were a committee of screeners to keep frivolous questions out.
DPH
AR, USA
Saturday, January 31, 2004 08:50:47 PM
IP: 204.94.193.15

if Gore is too busy then the responsibility of alerting the Comment Room once a month or so and turning on and off Ask Greg once a month or so can be given to someone else. Todd or even Greg perhaps or someone else.
and as for the newbie issue, the ability to ask a question on a certain day doesn't make a newbie. a newbie still has the Comment Room and the archives available 24/7 and if they really care enough about Gargoyles to stick around and wait two years for their question to be answered, they can certaintly wait around a few weeks in the Comment Room until it is announced that Ask Greg will reopen temporarily.
this is the difference between a good newbie and a bad, temporary and annoying newbie...
matt
Saturday, January 31, 2004 08:03:57 PM
IP: 216.178.8.66

Matt> The problem with that idea is that it's complicated. It would require that Gore actively keep track of what's going on in here (and update the site accordingly), which he simply doesn't have time for. Also, it breaks one of Greg's requirements, which is that the system be newbie friendly.
Vash
Saturday, January 31, 2004 06:56:44 PM
IP: 129.98.127.164

i have an idea that doesn't seem like it would be that hard to pull off and that could temporarily solve some of these problems. it goes like this:

1.Ask greg is shut down and no notice is posted on when it will be reopened, in fact no one knows when it will be reopened.
2.Gore, Todd, Greg or somebody comes into the Comment Room and annouce that Ask Greg will open for a certain amount of time (lets say a day) and will then be closed again. Anyone who has been saving questions, rambles or whatnot can post them on that day.
3. After that day, Ask Greg is closed again and we are back at step one.

the advantages to this system is that only people who are participating in being a Fan (even if only lurking) will know when they can post questions. people who just run across Ask Greg via link or search engine can not be tempted to ask a question without going to the Comment Room first. this forces people to be in the Comment Room cuz thats the only place they can hear when Ask Greg will reopen and being in the Comment Room will encourage people to ask their questions there. we could have an open Ask Greg maybe once a month or so, Greg might get flooded with questions on that one day, but the rest of the month no questions will be submitted and the quality of the questions is more likely to be high. i think that this is the best temporary solution we have until we can redo the whole system. we know somebody has the ability to turn the question submission feature on and off so i can't see how turning it on and off once a month is a problem. it'll put the submission of questions entirely in Greg, Gore or Todd's hands, and it'll keep the worthless questions to a minimum.

so, what do you guys think?
matt
Saturday, January 31, 2004 06:34:07 PM
IP: 216.178.8.66

Vash: Really? Man. Of course, if I'd been serious about it, I'd have substituted "bottom" like was clearly intended. But "donkey" struck me as even funnier, and as a UK reader, more accurate.
Ed
Saturday, January 31, 2004 05:32:18 PM
IP: 131.111.8.98

[Heh, just thinking about all of those bad questions getting thrown out like so much garbage makes me almost ...*giddy*. ]

Me, too.

Lynati
Saturday, January 31, 2004 04:37:33 PM
IP: 66.140.73.152

I believe 'ass' was made an acceptable word by the FCC or whatever board oversees censorship here. Just like "bitch" was made acceptable a short while ago.
Vash
Saturday, January 31, 2004 04:24:49 PM
IP: 129.98.127.164

That said, I think the most outrageous spammer is the delightful individual who wrote the series of posts I'm quoting this from (with some edits for language):

SARH writes...
you suck!!!!!! When people ask a question they want an anwser no in 7 year they want there anwsers NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! [sleep with] YOU AND I MEAN IT.[donkey]HOLE

There again, at least with those we can hold out hopes for smart-arse responses with those...
Ed
Saturday, January 31, 2004 04:01:58 PM
IP: 131.111.8.98

The annoying part about those questions is that the people who ask them have cable, most cable companies carry a preview channel of some kind (kind of like a digitalized TV Guide, with channel and show information for the next hour to two hours, passing slowly up into the top of the television screen). They should check those before bugging Greg with questions about where Toon Disney is, they are just lazy!
The Cat
Saturday, January 31, 2004 02:16:40 PM
IP: 152.163.252.196

Vash - <By then we HAD BETTER have a new system that clears out all these pointless messages.> Can I wager a bet against that happenning? That way, if I lose the bet, I still get something I want. <Bah, shutting the submission won't really change matters much. I mean, by the time Greg even reaches the end of the questions Todd's cleared--let alone the questions submitted *today*--it'll be what...next year?> I'd argue it would change things. More often than not, most new questions submitted aren't exactly "high quality" questions. I'm only advocating a temporary shutdown to get more than 1/2 of 2002's questions answered before allowing new questions.

I still believe there should be 2 forums at Ask Greg: One for Rambles and Gathering Reports and One for short questions.
DPH
AR, USA
Saturday, January 31, 2004 02:09:13 PM
IP: 204.94.193.34

I don't know how feasible this suggestion is, but what if we essentially force people submitting questions to search the FAQ and questions answered?

Right now it's just hortatory; but if people are asking the same question over and over then obviously they don't think they have a reason to search through the answered questions. Would it be possible to turn the submission page into a search engine that checks the FAQ?

Concept: Person types in his/her question in the submission section as usual, but before it gets posted it first runs through the FAQ and questions answered sections and brings back 5-10 results. The person can look through the results, see if his/her question has been answered, and if so can go away or submit another question. But if the person's question hasn't been answered, then at the bottom of this results page s/he can resubmit the question and all are happy.


Is this at all possible or wishful thinking (or possible but a gargantuan task)? Obviously there are flaws; questions like "where's gemini?" haven't been answered before and will probably get posted, and it would just be another probably annoying step for people who are just posting responses to Greg's rants, but I can't imagine that the questions like "what channel is Toon Disney?" will make it through.

Anyway, just a thought - figured I'd actually suggest something than sit back and complain.
Alex Garg - [alex_garg@yahoo.com]
VA, USA
Saturday, January 31, 2004 01:27:29 PM
IP: 216.145.68.130

Murphy's Law guys. The more we keep complaining, the more it'll just get worse.

Besides, we should be happy so many do 'contribute' to the fandom, even they can't instructions.
CKayote - [CKayote@worldnet.att.net]
Orlando, FL
Saturday, January 31, 2004 09:44:47 AM
IP: 132.170.36.237

Bah, shutting the submission won't really change matters much. I mean, by the time Greg even reaches the end of the questions Todd's cleared--let alone the questions submitted *today*--it'll be what...next year? By then we HAD BETTER have a new system that clears out all these pointless messages. So in fact, if we shut down submissions, we'd just be limiting Greg to the few good questions we have now. I like to imagine the day when Greg will complain about finding an empty queue.

Heh, just thinking about all of those bad questions getting thrown out like so much garbage makes me almost ...*giddy*.
Vashkoda
Saturday, January 31, 2004 02:36:54 AM
IP: 129.98.127.164

Todd - I know you don't have much say in this, but can you request the submission button be shut down again?

I wouldn't mind it being reopened, at let's say, the point where all the Gathering 2002 Journals are processed: the last one is here
received from 209.33.140.99 on Tuesday, August 13, 2002 05:02:20 PM
Aaron writes...

That's processing about 4 months of questions.
DPH
AR, USA
Saturday, January 31, 2004 01:49:23 AM
IP: 204.94.193.28

I really wish that there was something that we could do about the frivolous questions that Greg Weisman keeps on getting subjected to. Today he had to answer, for the third time this month, a question about what channel Toon Disney or the Disney Channel (I can't remember which, and I doubt that it matters) is on - and showed himself definitely less than enthusiastic about it.

If only everybody who asked such questions also asked, in the same post, something that broke the rules such as an original idea masquerading as a question. Then I would be free to delete it and we'd have a much smaller queue.
Todd Jensen
St. Louis, MO
Friday, January 30, 2004 07:10:23 PM
IP: 63.186.1.81

...or I could just give you the link (D'oh!)
Sorry! :P
zess - [ladyzesspop@yahoo.com]
Friday, January 30, 2004 06:39:39 PM
IP: 63.150.32.146

CKayote: I'm not very familiar with the 2198 storyline, but a fresh pair of eyes never hurts! If you're interested, my e-mail address is: ladyzesspop@yahoo.com

zess
Friday, January 30, 2004 06:35:37 PM
IP: 63.150.32.146

CKayote>Yo I'm intrested in your story about 2198... I can't e-mail you now. But I would like to read it! I love that saga, could you send the story to me or if you have it in a arcive in the net please tell me where?

And that is all I will say, for now!
BrooklynXT - [BrooklynXT@netscape.net]
Friday, January 30, 2004 09:06:47 AM
IP: 63.189.225.173

I NEED A VICTUM!

I just finished a hours of proofreading, and I need someone (multiple someones won't be scoffed at) else to go over my fanfic.

If you're intereted, it's my take on Gargoyles 2198.
Please email me when you get a moment.

Thanks ALOT!
CKayote - [CKayote@worldnet.att.net]
Orlando, FL
Friday, January 30, 2004 12:26:29 AM
IP: 132.170.36.237

Well, Roy will not become the new CEO. He is already past the retirement age and will more likely be backing another candidate for Eisner's job if Eisener gets the boot. Pixar leaving isn't a surprise. They had an initial deal of 7 films, and Disney already made the moves for it's own 3D in house studios prior to the official announcement that Pixar wouldn't be extending the original agreement. It wasn't a secret that part if not all the motivation for this was because the agreement with Pixar was coming to an end.

It's no surprise Pixar didn't extend with Disney. When Disney first backed Pixar, it was an unknown company and Disney got the lionshare of possible profits and benefits of the co-venture because the Disney name was what would initially launch/sell the movies. But Pixar's stuff is so outstandingly good (quality/profit making), and people know a Pixar film is a guarenteed hit -- so they are in a position to want more of the profits/bennies of their labor to go to Pixar. With Disney finances so strained now, they can't afford to pay Pixar what they are worth, and Pixar is established now so they don't have to settle for less.

I'm just dying to see what Pixar puts in 2005, after the Incredibles.

Mooncat
Mooncat
Thursday, January 29, 2004 08:42:28 PM
IP: 68.102.17.133

Oh wow. I been off and on the whole Eisner and Roy Disney fight for control of Disney and if Eisner really lost Pixar, that's really going to hurt his chances to remain CEO. On the other hand, Will Roy Disney do a better job if Eisner gets booted? This will be interesting to see how it happens, probably affect the direction Disney's animations and entertainment.
Rac
Troy, NY, USA
Thursday, January 29, 2004 05:47:22 PM
IP: 128.113.145.155

Hey all. Haven't been around in a while, honestly, I forgot all about the CR until I saw this article: http://www.thestreet.com/tech/georgemannes/10140569.html

It's official, Disney and Pixar have parted ways. Is this the beginning of the end for the big D? Who knows. In any event, the company is in some dire straits. That reduces the chances of them taking any risky ventures. What does that mean for Gargoyles? It doesn't bode well.
Jimmy
Thursday, January 29, 2004 05:00:34 PM
IP: 199.74.79.167

Well, of course! Why didn't I think of that? I can be dumb when I'm sleep deprived. Thanks, Mooncat!
The Cat
Thursday, January 29, 2004 04:40:22 PM
IP: 152.163.252.196

Google or another Search Enging (not browser) - drat, too bad there isn't an edit function on posts :P

Just tried it: Using Google - keywords : Ask Greg Wind Ceremony - and it came right up, top of the page, and below a lot of associated references.

Mooncat
Mooncat
Thursday, January 29, 2004 12:10:47 PM
IP: 68.102.17.133

Asking Questions and Researching the Archives - Well at least Cat looked, and then asked here when she couldn't find the answer. A far cry more thought for than 80 percent of the people posting questions to Ask Greg. Sometime it can be difficult to find the information one looks for. Everyone's research skills are not equal. I believe they even test one's ability to look up information in school, and it's a skill that comes more easily to some than others the way any skill does.

Wishful Thinking - It would so neat to have a Key Word Search for the Ask Greg Archives.

But a close second is just using Google or another browser, because it's surprising how well that works in bringing up Ask Greg pages if one uses really specific keywords, including Ask Greg.

Looks outside... snowing miniscule little snowflakes, and nothing really sticking to the ground. And it's cold... effing effing cold... *goes off to eat another orange and hope her cold goes away*

Mooncat
>^,,^<
Mooncat
Thursday, January 29, 2004 12:01:26 PM
IP: 68.102.17.133

"Two Soldiers">>

Oh crud, I had no idea about this movie :/ I would have loved to have seen it.
Gabriel
Thursday, January 29, 2004 10:23:28 AM
IP: 129.120.47.29

Vashkoda> Thanks! As for the comment about not checking the archives thoughly, you try spending about three hours going through them, tell me that isn't though. I might have just been looking in the wrong spot is all.
The Cat
Thursday, January 29, 2004 08:12:15 AM
IP: 205.188.209.40

DERNHELM - Yep, I knew about it. I even celebrated it by going down to see "The Two Towers" a second time, and drinking the Professor's birthday toast with hot cocoa that evening. (Kind of appropriate that you'd be the one to bring it up, in light of your handle.)
Todd Jensen
St. Louis, MO
Thursday, January 29, 2004 07:21:35 AM
IP: 63.186.0.57

Speaking of anniversaries, I bet you knew that January 3, 2003 was Tolkien's eleventy-first birthday, too.
:)
Dernhelm - [springsprite@email.com]
Oklahoma City
Thursday, January 29, 2004 05:14:59 AM
IP: 68.12.196.86

I doubt you put much effort in looking through the archives. But whatever:

"In either case, the cremated or pulverized remains are taken by the gargoyle mourners to the highest point on the local map. A memorial is held. Everyone who wishes to speak of the departed, may. No one, not even the departed's enemies, may be denied a voice. In the end, the mourners spread the remains upon the wind, saying, "Ashes to ashes OR dust to dust. All is one with the wind." (Over time, humans began to use a variation of the same at their funerals.)

The gargoyles then spread their wings, soaring amid the ashes or dust in the hope that part of the departed will stay with them forever."
Vashkoda
Thursday, January 29, 2004 02:01:55 AM
IP: 129.98.127.164

Hi!

I was wondering if anybody could tell me about a gargoyle Wind Ceremony. I've looked through the archives at Ask Greg, but I couldn't find it under any thing.

If you can help me, please e-mail me or put something up here in the Comment Room.

Thank you!
The Cat - [thecat_jc@yahoo.com]
Thursday, January 29, 2004 01:22:14 AM
IP: 64.12.96.45

Tired of work? Want to take a trip to get away from it all?

Come to fabulus Edmonton, Alberta! See the famous Edmonton Oilers play in the Heartland of Hockey! Stroll the world's biggest mall, the West Edmonton Mall!!! Take a jog through the river Valley judged North America's most beautiful!

With the low Canadian dollar, you'll be able to spend less and get more!!

Edmonton is beautiful this time of year with the lightly falling snow and the -42° temp. You won't be able to feel you self after your visit! you'll be numb from it all!!

Come today! Don't delay!! Spaces are limited!!

(I'm fed up with the weather too.)
Battle Beast
CanadaWednesday, January 28, 2004 10:53:55 PM
IP: 142.59.145.149

...
Battle Beast
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 10:46:01 PM
IP: 142.59.145.149

CKayote - I managed to get a copy of that song... I'd nearly forgotten I'd seen the video on VH1. Email me so I can arrange sending you a copy.

Maintain and Check Six!

Stephen R. Sobotka Jr. - [ssobotka33616_AT_yahoo.com]
Tampa, FL
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 09:40:15 PM
IP: 24.164.32.253

Does anyone here have an uncorrupted copy of Dido's White Flag? All the ones (7) I got off the net sound like they've been taken from a copy-protected disc (few seconds in they all start in with the dial-up internet sound going through a blender).

If you're wondering why, scroll a little and read the conversation between Alex Garg and Lurking Fish.

CKayote - [CKayote@worldnet.att.net]
Orlando, FL
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 08:01:00 PM
IP: 132.170.36.237

Greg Weisman posted his list of which movies he'd like to see win the various Oscars, and picked "The Return of the King" for a lot of them. He's clearly impressed by the movie LOTR trilogy.

While I think that the movies could have been better, I was still quite impressed with them, and as a long-time Tolkien buff, I do enjoy the attention that they're getting, although I wonder how many people will read the books after getting introduced to Middle-earth through the movies. (I've sometimes wondered whether The Lord of the Rings is heading for the same fate as The Wizard of Oz - the movie getting the bulk of the attention over the book). The timing is particularly interesting; this year, it's the 50th anniversary of the publication of the first two parts of "The Lord of the Rings", with the 50th anniversary of the final instalment being next year. Let's hope that Peter Jackson's film trilogy will give the books' anniversary some attention from the public and the press.
Todd Jensen
St. Louis, MO
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 06:58:33 PM
IP: 63.186.1.197

Abby> Sounds an amazing sight.
Well it's that time of year again (Up Helly Aa season - otherwise known as transvestite tuesday), so the ep was more than appropriate. Some of the school's shut early yesterday for the weather but they're off on public hols today anyway - which means I'm going to have to don my survival suit & head to work in about an hour.
Couldn't really say how much snow we've had cos it tends to drift - our back garden ranges from bare patches to a 3foot mound in the middle, and constantly changing. (We're on a hill & northfacing so get the worst of the wind.) My Dad was lucky to get home last night after the parade. Took an hour & a 1/2 behind the snowplough convoy for what's usually a 40 min journey.
Supposed to be around -1C today, but -15 to -20C with the windchill. Fun!

<yes, I guess Minnesotans are crazy)> hehe... you've never been to Shetland have you?
Sheltie
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 06:51:26 AM
IP: 213.122.198.211

Alex: Let me download the song the first. If I can't the feel of it I'm not going to be able do anything with your notes.
CKayote - [CKayote@worldnet.att.net]
Orlando, FL
Wednesday, January 28, 2004 01:56:32 AM
IP: 132.170.36.237

Sheltie: In commemoration of the 8 inches (20 cm) of snow we received here yesterday, I also watched "Eye of the Storm" last night (we don't have cable, so I watched our tape). Winter has finally arrived; they are predicting lows around 25 below C. this week.

Nearby St. Paul built an ice palace for its winter carnival celebration (also for next month's NHL All-Star Game, which will be played across the street). They expect a million people to brave the cold to visit it (yes, I guess Minnesotans are crazy). I imagine that TV coverage of the game will include shots of the ice palace, which is about 75 feet tall. It has a colorful light show each night. We're talking about bundling up the kids to go see it.
Abby
Minneapolis, MN
Tuesday, January 27, 2004 03:55:24 PM
IP: 161.225.1.12

They showed Eye of the Storm on Toon Disney today, how appropriate. We've finally been hit by the 'Big Freeze' (Scotland got it yesterday), and tonight is Up Helly Aa.
I did think about going to the procession but given the forecasts, and previous experience of almost freezing to death, i think I'll leave it to the tourists this year.

Sheltie
Shetland, UK
Tuesday, January 27, 2004 10:28:58 AM
IP: 213.122.63.33

Contest Deadline March 1st. Phoenix Gate Anthology

Where does the time go? Don't be left behind. Submit your Story or Illustration soon!

We're doing something a little different this year. This contest is aimed at both artists and writers. The winning entries to this contest will be printed into a book, letter-sized and German-bound, like a paperback novel! This Anthology can be pre-ordered in the Registration form.

Writers: You must write a short story, around 2,000 to 4,000 words, that involves in some way, shape or form the Phoenix gate. It can be anywhere from only about the magical artifact to mentioning the object being somewhere in the background. It can have cannon characters or entirely fan fictional ones, it can talk about actual history or delve into fantasy or science fiction, even! As long as the Phoenix Gate is mentioned, the story's good for us! There will be 10 entries chosen for the final book. Any entry of more than 5,000 words will be not be accepted. Send your entries as text or html files or URLs to contests@gatheringofthegargoyles.com. Deadline March 1!

Artists: There are two contests for this. The first one is for Black and White entries, images touching by near or far the Phoenix Gate. It must be only black and white, no colour entries will be accepted for this contest. The 10 best entries will be put into the book in a special art section. The second one is for a colour image, in portrait orientation, for the cover of the book; you must leave space at the top to put in the title, or add in the title yourself. Only one entry will be chosen for this contest! All art entries submitted must be browser friendly URLs, sent to contests@gatheringofthegargoyles.com. Deadline March 1!

All winners will receive a free copy of the book!

For more information about other Gathering 2004 Events plus Room and Ride Share information go to:

gatheringofthegargoyles.com/index.html

Gathering Staff
Tuesday, January 27, 2004 08:38:39 AM
IP: 66.82.193.105

*Lurking* Fish... sorry
Alex Garg
Monday, January 26, 2004 10:31:14 PM
IP: 216.145.68.130

CKayote>> Part of the problem (well, all of the problem) is that I don't have *everything* laid-out and I can't fill in the blanks. I also have the software to make a decent AVI, but it's freeware and I know there are better things out there. If you have better software, then you're welcome to take on the project. I guestimate that compiling everything might take under an evening provided you have all evening to work on it. I'll need a couple of days to recover my notes, though, if you're interested.

Lurker Fish, and anybody else who's interested>> From Greg's Dec 18, 2003 ramble:
"*I'd like to see a music video featuring Demona to Dido's
'White Flag.'

*I'd like to see a music video from Goliath's POV -- but featuring Elisa -- of 'Amazing.' (I think that's the title. I'm not sure who the artist or band is.)"
Alex Garg - [alex_garg@yahoo.com]
VA, USA
Monday, January 26, 2004 10:29:23 PM
IP: 216.145.68.130

Nickerous>> <<What are some song suggestions? I'm thinking about instrumental stuff for the slideshows>> I've done two gargs vids already, with 3 more in the works. Unfortunately, my computer has less than the amount of RAM it needs in order to actually run the editing program efficiently, so editing is tedious. The two I've done are to Meredith Brooks "Bitch" and Linkin Park's "In the End". The former is a Demona profile/my first pathetic attempt at lipsynch and the second is a Demona vs Hunters "sucks to be us" video.

Alex Garg>> <<I still think the song works beautifully with Demona and I hope that somebody comes through on Greg's request - I'm just not the one to do it>> can someone point me to this request (if it exists online?) I'd really like to see it.


Lurking Fish
Monday, January 26, 2004 09:54:09 PM
IP: 4.7.35.8

Video: I'm interested. If you have clips and music all selected out, I have software to mix them. I'll do it for you, as long it won't take longer than an evening or so.
CKayote - [CKayote@worldnet.att.net]
Orlando, FL
Monday, January 26, 2004 09:49:16 PM
IP: 132.170.36.237

Gargoyle videos? Sounds sweet. I've been trying to think of more bonus features for my 2-episode disc (I think I can fit 30 to 45 minutes of bonus material....possibly an hour) and I may have about 10-15 minutes of stuff. I'm already going to have slideshows from the first 2 seasons (sorry Chronicle fans), but videos would be outstanding. What are some song suggestions? I'm thinking about instrumental stuff for the slideshows.
Nickerous - [nickerous@yahoo.com]
SC, USA
Monday, January 26, 2004 08:58:34 PM
IP: 66.220.76.158

Lurking Fish>> Don't get too excited - like I said, I abandoned the project. I had gone as far as laying out what scenes from the show I'd like to have included and the order I'd like them, but there were blanks I couldn't easily fill and school has zapped my schedule for brainstorming solutions.

I still think the song works beautifully with Demona and I hope that somebody comes through on Greg's request - I'm just not the one to do it.
Alex Garg - [alex_garg@yahoo.com]
Iced In, VA, USA
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:22:34 PM
IP: 216.145.68.130

Lurking Fish> Well, chock that one up to a big OOPPS on my part. I've posted the whole poll again for those of use who may not have seen it the first time around.

I've split the series into four parts: Season 1, Pre-World Tour, World Tour and Post-World Tour. All 65 episodes were available to vote for in each respective catagory, including "The Journey."

As well, you could vote for "Best Episode," "Favorite Episode," (I hope people would vote accordingly... the best ep should not always be your favorite) "Most Evolved Character," "Best ALL AROUND Character," "Best Moment," and "Least Liked Episode."

All listings will be top 3; (# of votes, % of total)

"Best Season 1 Episode"

1) Deadly Force (25/92; 27.2%)
2) Awakening I (10/92; 10.9%)
3) Temptation (10/92; 10.9%)

All Season one episodes received at least one vote except for Awakening IV.

"Best Pre-World Tour Episode"

1) The Mirror (44/92; 47.8%)
2) City of Stone IV (9/92; 9.8%)
3) Eye of the Beholder (8/92; 8.7%)

Five episodes (Lighthouse, CoS III, Legion, Outfoxed, Protection) received no votes.

"Best World Tour Episode"

1) Future Tense (37/92; 40.2%)
2) M.I.A. (6/92; 6.5%)
3) Pendragon (6/92; 6.5%)

Four episodes (Golem, The Hound of Ulster, Monsters and Heritage) did not receive one vote. The first three placed 4, 5 and 6 in the top six least liked episodes.

"Best Post-World Tour Episode"

1) Hunter's Moon III (45/92; 48.9%)
2) The Gathering II (13/92; 14%)
3) Posession (10/92; 11%)

Vendettas, the most dis-liked episode, did not receive one vote. All other did.

"Best Episode"

1) The Mirror (21/92; 22.8%)
2) Future Tense (11/92; 12%)
3) Hunter's Moon III (11/92; 12%)

The four episodes that placed first in each series divison (Season 1, Pre-, World Tour & Post-) were the top four favorite episodes.

"Favorite Episode"

1) The Mirror (23/92; 25%)
2) Future Tense (8/92; 8.7%)
3) M.I.A. (6/92; 6.5%)

Over half the episodes got at least one vote.

"Least Liked Episode"

1) Vendettas (10/92; 10.9%)
2) The Journey (7/92; 7.6%)
3) The New Olympians (7/92; 7.6%)

"Most Evolved Character"

1) Xanatos (39/92; 42.4%)
2) Brooklyn (26/92; 28.3%)
3) Demona (8/92; 8.7%)

Notables include Dingo (2 Votes) and Lexington, Owen, Reynard and The Magus (1 each).

"Best All Around Character"

1) Brooklyn (23/92; 25.0%)
2) Demona (18/92; 19.6)
3) Xanatos (15/92; 16.3)

Notables include Vinnie (Good 'ole Vinnie!) & Coldstone (2 votes each) and Matt Bluestone, Fang and All (someone voted for ALL characters) at one vote each.

"Best Moment"

1) The last 1/3 of Hunter's Moon III (The Kiss, the final battle Scene, Xanato's promise) (27/74; 36.5%)
2) Owen reveals himself as Puck (Gathering II) (5/74; 6.8%)
3) The first Stone sleep awakening in N.Y. (Awakening I) (5/74; 6.8%)
4) When Elisa is first turned into a Gargoyle (The Mirror) (5/74; 6.8%)
5) Demona's password revealed to be "ALONE" (CoS IV) (5/74; 6.8%)

Other notables votes include: Brooklyn prooving himself a good leader (Kingdom; 4 votes) Vinnie's cream pie to Golaith's face (Vendettas; 2 votes); Elisa getting shot (Deadly Force, 1 vote; Is that a good or a bad moment?).

You can see the full votes at:

www.geocities.com/oscarmovs/gargbest.html
Battle Beast
CanadaMonday, January 26, 2004 10:46:26 AM
IP: 142.59.145.149

LOL drat you Patrick. :P *skips off*
Funkadelic Gnome - [funkadelic_gnome@hotmail.com]
Monday, January 26, 2004 06:53:16 AM
IP: 65.92.28.103

9th?
Funkadelic Gnome
Monday, January 26, 2004 06:52:33 AM
IP: 65.92.28.103

9th to claim... 10th to post... either way, I made it. ;)
Patrick
Monday, January 26, 2004 06:52:25 AM
IP: 65.43.238.73

Battle Beast>> RE: Poll>> I was a little sad that you didn't have Macbeth as a choice for "most evolved character".

Alex Garg>> <<Greg's video request>> *perks* what now? o.O
Lurking Fish
Monday, January 26, 2004 06:31:55 AM
IP: 4.7.35.8

8th.

GO LORD OF THE RINGS!!! 4 FOR 4!!!


That is all i will say.
Battle Beast
CanadaMonday, January 26, 2004 02:15:57 AM
IP: 142.59.145.149

7th :D
zess
Monday, January 26, 2004 01:42:12 AM
IP: 63.150.32.146

6. And I second the thing about the railroad.
CKayote - [CKayote@worldnet.att.net]
Orlando, FL
Monday, January 26, 2004 01:38:02 AM
IP: 132.170.36.237

5th.

Well, I'm still plugging away at the dvds. I've completed #15 (I skipped it cuz I lost Grief, but got it back last week), and just captured Gathering pt. 1 for disc #19. 3 discs left for season 2 and then I have to decide something for season 3. The quality is awesome. I've noticed that someone else is making discs similar to mine. Someone has a set on eBay that is 22 discs for 3 seasons. He says there is a bonus features disc included in there. Interesting to see what it finally sells for (and if it is cancelled or not).

Time to catch the sleepy-time railroad. Night folks!
Nickerous - [nickerous@yahoo.com]
SC, USA
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:35:48 AM
IP: 66.220.76.91

???4th???

Grrrrrr... Why?
BrooklynXT
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:25:58 AM
IP: 63.185.41.134

!!!3rd!!!

And that is all I will say, for now!
BrooklynXT - [BrooklynXT@netscape.net]
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:23:03 AM
IP: 63.185.41.134

I claim 3rd in the name of my 3rd full week of classes this semester.
DPH
AR, USA
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:17:51 AM
IP: 204.94.193.31

Second?
Leo
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:06:57 AM
IP: 68.96.8.12

First!
Alex Garg - [alex_garg@yahoo.com]
VA, USA
Monday, January 26, 2004 12:00:04 AM
IP: 216.145.68.130