Do we really want the cranky Frog back?

Spending more time in the community

from WinCustomize Forums

Years ago, I lived on the forums on WC. Not just WC but on forums all over the place. There was a joke once that if you said my name 3 times on a forum, I would magically appear and havoc would ensue.

So why did I stop?  Too busy? That's some of it. But a bigger reason is that I tend to not always be..the most politically correct guy around.

Or to put it another way, recently I got hooked on a new show after having multiple, independent people tell me I am just like a specific fictional character -- Dr. House on the TV show House. Not that it's a perfect fit (I don't think anyone would say I'm unethical) but I can be pretty cranky.

I'd say I'm more of a cross between Rearden from Atlas Shrugged and House. But it's still the same difference. I'm an evil, blood-thirsty capitalist. I've been an evil, blood-thirsty capitalist from day 1.  When the first skinning sites opened, I was there. 

Here's an article I wrote on the subject:

https://www.wincustomize.com/Articles.aspx?SID=1&AID=136943

Another reason I was gone is that I felt WC2K5 kind of sucked.  The ugly light blue look. The way the site was poorly organized or crashing or just plain slow. I just didn't like it.

And too many of the people hanging out were boring or at least boorish and elitist. I saw people being snide and rude to new users as if applying little bitmaps to your user interface is somehow an intuitive thing. So I stayed away.

I also didn't like how ratings were done. T-man and I argued about this. If you watch House, T-man is like Dr. Wilson (i.e. super nice).  I'm not nice. I don't think most of you should be allowed to rate skins. I originally had it that only other skinners could rate skins. But it got changed so that subscribers could also rate which really bugged me. But once a feature is given, it's hard to take it away.  But with WC2K7, we changed that.  Now ratings are weighted. So non-skinners who have subscriptions can rate but if a skinner votes, it counts for a lot more in determining the overall rating.  If someone hates that, you can start your own thread and complain there. Like I said, if I were total emperor and could turn back time, only skinners would be allowed to rate things at all. If I work hard on a skin, I don't want some random guy giving me a 1 and wrecking my rating.

Getting back to WC2K7...I really like it. If they can get IIS to quit crashing randomly (which is why sometimes it's really really fast and other times you sit there waiting 30 seconds) it'll be totally awesome.  I love the bread-crumbs.  I find it easy to navigate and much easier to write articles.

But we need to do more. We need to start following up on the Stardock failures of 2006. Admitting you have a problem is only the first step after all.

So anyway, my question to you guys is, is WC better off with the main administrator face being the volunteers along with Jafo and Zoomba who are nice? Or do you think it would work out if I started to increase my presence again even though I'm kind of a jerk that should be locked up in a lab coding stuff rather than telling users that I don't want them to ever purchase our software again?  

You can tell me the truth. I'm already in the fetal postiion.

 

19,360 views 72 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I am pretty new here so we will be on equal footing, welcome back
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Being politically correct is sucking the personality out of our world.When you get old and cranky like me,you realize some people take up space that would find better use as landfill.  
I always look forward to seeing you hop in and share your views.  
Sins of a Solar Empire: Rebellion
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm all for seeing your viewpoint on things... I know you make the effort to not step on the little guy too much, and use what you know to enlighten others about the state of businesses or technology.  These are valuable contributions that I engoy reading!
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I love reading your old arguments...umm articles!

Differing opinions & views are great but, for some people they believe that their way of thinking is the only way and you might as well hit your head against a brick wall.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
who the hell is this guy?

(J/K)
i think it would be cool to hang with a cranky frog....
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I can be a bit cheeky myself, I tend to speak what's on my mind and be damned with it. Honestly I think it's refreshing to see someone doing just that instead of just saying what they think people want to hear. Being "politically correct" is such a joke. Plus I think it's cool that the Big Cheese is around just like one of us. I watched that interview from the CES stuff and though, "Hey! I know that guy!" I was quite impressed with it.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
All for it. About time. Get to crankin'! Change is good.   
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Someone asked Trump recently how he could say such terrible things about Rosie...his response..."I'm not running for public office"

THAT was perfect.  
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Crank it up
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What would the world be without a good argument now and then?

It would be just too boring without!!!
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Its your company, do what you want to do. I never like fake votes. I hope you opt IN.





































Reply #13 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I say go for it, Brad.

I actually like the fact that you're up-front about your personality, or the way you naturally are. What a drab old world it'd be if everyone was nicey-nice all the time.

The way that you "tell it like it is" [or the way you see it]...is a no-nonsence approach, and one that I respect in a person.

So, put this down as a vote of confidence...
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My voice may not count for much being a newbie but...I believe honesty, no matter that it might ruffle some feathers, can only be constructive in the long run. If I screw something up I'd rather somebody say so in no uncertain terms. It's the only way to learn. Frogboy...I love your stuff dude...just do what comes natural. Those who know you understand. I for one would like to.
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I've said it once before and I'll say it again. I've always thought having the owner of this site around gave it more of a hands on feel...rather than all the faceless sites we encounter day after day.

As far as you your viewpoints on anything...as long as we can agree to disagree without reprisals and keep an open mind...we'll all get along just fine.

Everyone here comes from different walks of life and has different life experiences that relate to and form how we think and what we believe...that is something everyone needs to understand and respect. Just because you may or may not agree with someone doesn't mean either of you are right or wrong...just learn from each others experiences and at least try and understand and respect them.

"Minds are like parachutes; they work best when open."

I'm sorry you don't consider yourself a nice person...something you'll have to work on I guess. But I can't really say I've seen you say anything that would warrant me thinking you were not nice. Its your site...your baby...I can understand and relate to that...but you also refer to it as part of a community...so you have to treat it as such...it can't be a part time thing...either it is or it isn't...and if it is that sometimes means compromise.

Overall....this has been one of the best sites I've been a part...lots of helpful people here...most of the time...and the fact that the site owner is here. And I agree with you completely about how some people are treated in the forums. I find it extremely annoying when someone asks a simple question and gets belittled and treated as though they are stupid for asking it...not everyone is computer savvy...so if whoever is about to respond to a question can't say anything helpful...don't say anything at all. Posting a snide remark or even a smiley suggesting such just makes you look small. I try to answer the questions I can and if I can't I try to suggest something to try...but I always try to make the person not feel stupid for asking the question.

"The expert at anything was once a beginner." and "Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up."

As far as you being on site and in the forums...I don't see why not. As far as the politics...I try to stay away from those discussions...they usually end badly.
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
i totally agree with what Mr WebGizmos said..
Reply #17 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Another reason I was gone is that I felt WC2K5 kind of sucked. The ugly light blue look. The way the site was poorly organized or crashing or just plain slow. I just didn't like it.

And too many of the people hanging out were boring or at least boorish and elitist. I saw people being snide and rude to new users as if applying little bitmaps to your user interface is somehow an intuitive thing. So I stayed away.



Something has bothered me about this article and I came to realize it is tha above quote. I find it very strange that as the owner of the site and the company your reaction to all of the things you found unacceptable as mentioned above was to "stay away". Seems to be exactly the wrong thing to do under such circumstances.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
When I originally started read posts on the pre 2005 site I was impressed that the Head Cheese of the company was here and so vocal. I like access. I don't agree with 100% of what you say but since I'm a capitalist pig myself, I don't mind reading. I say the more the merrier.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Brad, we've exchanged email over the year, argued in the forums, and chatted on IRC.  It's those interactions that make me think I know you a bit.

You can be an ass, get your panties in a bunch, and generally piss me off (which does not make you a bad person).  But I like and respect that you do it even though its not the best PR.  You've set a standard that (as long as one is polite) any opinion is apprecieted here.  That's good for you, me, Stardock, and the Wincustomize community.

In addidtion, you bring in topics of discussion and perspective that are often very interesting.  I dig that.

So get back involved.  I'll be waiting.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Something has bothered me about this article and I came to realize it is tha above quote. I find it very strange that as the owner of the site and the company your reaction to all of the things you found unacceptable as mentioned above was to "stay away". Seems to be exactly the wrong thing to do under such circumstances.

Wrong in what way?  Instead, I spent my time working on Galactic Civilizations II which not only has made millions of dollars in sales but has been nominated for either GAme of the Year or Strategy Game of the year by Gamespot, 1Up, GameSpy, IGN, UGO, Games for Windows, CGM, and tons of other places.

Clearly, we identified the things that we didn't like about WC2K5 and addressed them -- in WC2K7.  Took about a year to implement.

Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top

You can be an ass, get your panties in a bunch, and generally piss me off (which does not make you a bad person). But I like and respect that you do it even though its not the best PR. You've set a standard that (as long as one is polite) any opinion is apprecieted here. That's good for you, me, Stardock, and the Wincustomize community.

Too late. The goons have been sent to your house...

Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Clearly, we identified the things that we didn't like about WC2K5 and addressed them -- in WC2K7. Took about a year to implemen



And a fine job has been done. The best allocation of your time is your business and I certainly have no information to judge by nor is it my place to do so. I understand that you have identified what was wrong and spent a year implementing the corrections. My reference was to the issues of forum behavior, attitude and overall site sense of community.

If indeed, "And too many of the people hanging out were boring or at least boorish and elitist. I saw people being snide and rude to new users as if applying little bitmaps to your user interface is somehow an intuitive thing." The resolution of these issues would have been enchanced by your presence rather than your absence. I think you agree based on your review of the year statement not long ago.
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
In my opinion, every forum needs a loveable curmudgeon...if that person just so happens to turn out to be the owner...all the much better.
Reply #25 from WinCustomize Forums Top
You know . . after thinking about it . . maybe I don't want a crabby frog . .  maybe we need a Crazy frog

/me hides in the closet from the goons