FA+
Shop
*stares*
Posted 8 years agoHave a normal day on the internet, they said. It'd be fun they said.
Playin' all my fox ninja cards today. Going to have to call in some shark snipers soon.
Playin' all my fox ninja cards today. Going to have to call in some shark snipers soon.
Amazon Wishlist
Posted 8 years agoIt's Chrimmas time again! Share your Amazon Wishlists, and let the world (and your friends!) know what you want for Chrimmas!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/.....shlist_lists_1
Have a wishlist? Share it with me, and I'll pick somebody at random and get you somethin' spiffy. I just did my Reddit Secret Santa today so I'm in the festive spirit. <3
https://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/.....shlist_lists_1
Have a wishlist? Share it with me, and I'll pick somebody at random and get you somethin' spiffy. I just did my Reddit Secret Santa today so I'm in the festive spirit. <3
Catching the Red Dot
Posted 8 years agoNet Neutrality, FA and You
Posted 8 years agoPeople keep asking me my thoughts on it, what's going to happen, how it will effect, FA. So it's time to voice my thoughts: I am for Net Neutrality. In fact, I am specifically for it because I believe in an open and free internet where anyone can go to just about any website without limitation.
What's going to happen: I don't know.
In fact, nobody knows how it's going to go down if the FCC and the Trump administration slay Net Neutrality, but I'm going to give you my most likely scenarios. These are my best educated guesses having worked in various tech industries and seen/heard talk first hand from a lot of people behind-the-scenes. For my background: besides FA, I've worked IT for a major Department of Defense contractor for almost 14 years and worked at Amazon AWS for a little over two years as a data tech (AWS cloud and on Amazon's CIA contract).
If Net Neutrality dies it's only a matter of time before data caps are set in place wide-scale.
Caps will handled the same as mobile data. Exceed the cap? Pay an overage fee. Unused data will roll over. Upgrade to the "unlimited data plan" that isn't actually unlimited, and will be some arbitrary number. Ever wondered why all the major mobile carriers decided 23GB was the cap for "unlimited" data, and after that you're at risk of being throttled? That arbitrary number wasn't picked at random. It was through research, and they've been doing this research for years. Go above the unlimited cap and your download speeds are throttled, as intended.
Gaming and streaming services will be the hardest hit. Want to download Fallout 4 + the HD texture pack? That's roughly a 100GB download. Want to watch video in 4K? That can be 20-40GB per episode, well over 100GB for movies. But these caps won't apply to ISP owned services. Netflix? Pretty much fucked. Hulu? Owned by NBC Universal, who is a part of Comcast. Netflix will be capped to death but Hulu most likely will enjoy unlimited data access. Why? Your ISP probably has a share in it. It's in their best interest for you to use Hulu over Netflix.
Comcast and Verizon already have this tech in place, and have been busted for using it. They want to do this. They're dying to do this. The only thing preventing them from doing it right now? Net Neutrality.
This could/would affect FA, but also affect sites like Twitter as well. Twitter allows adult content. Sites will be forced to make decisions to filter/edit out their content... or risk losing tons of money because of the block. Now, I say this scenario is unlikely because it's going to result in the most uproar. But I wouldn't rule it out.
What's going to happen: I don't know.
In fact, nobody knows how it's going to go down if the FCC and the Trump administration slay Net Neutrality, but I'm going to give you my most likely scenarios. These are my best educated guesses having worked in various tech industries and seen/heard talk first hand from a lot of people behind-the-scenes. For my background: besides FA, I've worked IT for a major Department of Defense contractor for almost 14 years and worked at Amazon AWS for a little over two years as a data tech (AWS cloud and on Amazon's CIA contract).
Scenario 1 - Data Caps
Comcast, Verizon, Time Warner, and a host of others have been testing data caps for years, sometimes without informing people said caps exist or burying the notice in a 50+ page TOS update (which, let's be honest, nobody reads). These have been mostly confined to isolated markets or in areas where they have no competition because... well, where else are you going to go? Don't like the caps? Too bad. There's no competition. Bandwidth cap testing has been used to gauge performance, consumer feedback, and backlash.If Net Neutrality dies it's only a matter of time before data caps are set in place wide-scale.
Caps will handled the same as mobile data. Exceed the cap? Pay an overage fee. Unused data will roll over. Upgrade to the "unlimited data plan" that isn't actually unlimited, and will be some arbitrary number. Ever wondered why all the major mobile carriers decided 23GB was the cap for "unlimited" data, and after that you're at risk of being throttled? That arbitrary number wasn't picked at random. It was through research, and they've been doing this research for years. Go above the unlimited cap and your download speeds are throttled, as intended.
Gaming and streaming services will be the hardest hit. Want to download Fallout 4 + the HD texture pack? That's roughly a 100GB download. Want to watch video in 4K? That can be 20-40GB per episode, well over 100GB for movies. But these caps won't apply to ISP owned services. Netflix? Pretty much fucked. Hulu? Owned by NBC Universal, who is a part of Comcast. Netflix will be capped to death but Hulu most likely will enjoy unlimited data access. Why? Your ISP probably has a share in it. It's in their best interest for you to use Hulu over Netflix.
What They'll Do
Promote higher cost packages with larger data caps offering faster speeds AND more generous caps... all for a price. You think your bill is expensive now? Wait. Or you'll be forced to ditch sites which are capped and rely on "truly unlimited" ISP owned sites like Hulu or other video on demand services.Scenario 2 - Rate Limiting
Netflix and YouTube, maybe even Hulu, will get rate throttled, rendering you unable to watch HD video. You'll be able to stream in 720P just fine but no higher. This won't apply to any ISP owned services (Comcast or Netflix Video on Demand, and again Hulu depending on who your ISP is).Comcast and Verizon already have this tech in place, and have been busted for using it. They want to do this. They're dying to do this. The only thing preventing them from doing it right now? Net Neutrality.
What They'll Do
"Upgrade to our HD Internet+ package for $19.95/mo to access unlimited HD and 4K content!" They'll essentially put a barrier up to prevent you from doing what you already can do, then charge for the key. Certain ISPs and cable providers, like Comcast, charge for the privilege just to watch channels in HD. What makes you think they won't do this on the web? Throttle ahoy!Scenario 3 - Parent Filters
This scenario is unlikely, but plausible. ISPs will enact a default parental filter similar to what they're trying to do in the UK. Access to mature/adult sites? Blocked by default. It's a "Won't somebody think of the children!" card. Trump made shutting down access to porn one of his campaign promises, and with Net Neutrality gone, sites could be blocked by default.This could/would affect FA, but also affect sites like Twitter as well. Twitter allows adult content. Sites will be forced to make decisions to filter/edit out their content... or risk losing tons of money because of the block. Now, I say this scenario is unlikely because it's going to result in the most uproar. But I wouldn't rule it out.
What They'll Do
In order to access this content you'll need to call in, op-in, or pay a fee. They're hoping most people will be too embarrassed to do so.Outsmarted by a Cat
Posted 8 years agoIt's a weird sensation to know you've been outsmarted by an animal.
Morty (one our cats) loves sitting in my chair. He knows when he's there I'll stop whatever I'm doing and lavish him with all the attention he craves.
Yesterday, Morty was mewing at me because he wanted up in the chair... but I wasn't budging. While I wasn't paying attention he jumped up on my desk, moseyed over to one of my shelves, and started knocking things over. I quickly got up to stop him, and he looked back at me with that "Busted!" look cats do oh so well. Once I got closer he bolted, jumping down, and breaking into a miniature sprint before leaping into the chair, instantly plopping down to proclaim his victory.
Somehow, Morty had somehow realized that when he starts knocking things over I'll get out of my chair to stop him, and came up with a plan to lure me away so he could get what he wanted.
The moment I realized what he'd done I laughed. Since then, he's tried it twice more (though I'm not sure he realized I was on to him). Still, the fact he figured this out, and came up with this plan... I have to respect it. Morty has ALWAYS been a smart cat. Always. He talks non-stop, tries to communicate back to you when you talk to him. As a kitten he loved playing fetch. He was smart enough to bring his toys back to us knowing we'd throw them again so he could pounce.
Smart lil' bastard.
Morty (one our cats) loves sitting in my chair. He knows when he's there I'll stop whatever I'm doing and lavish him with all the attention he craves.
Yesterday, Morty was mewing at me because he wanted up in the chair... but I wasn't budging. While I wasn't paying attention he jumped up on my desk, moseyed over to one of my shelves, and started knocking things over. I quickly got up to stop him, and he looked back at me with that "Busted!" look cats do oh so well. Once I got closer he bolted, jumping down, and breaking into a miniature sprint before leaping into the chair, instantly plopping down to proclaim his victory.
Somehow, Morty had somehow realized that when he starts knocking things over I'll get out of my chair to stop him, and came up with a plan to lure me away so he could get what he wanted.
The moment I realized what he'd done I laughed. Since then, he's tried it twice more (though I'm not sure he realized I was on to him). Still, the fact he figured this out, and came up with this plan... I have to respect it. Morty has ALWAYS been a smart cat. Always. He talks non-stop, tries to communicate back to you when you talk to him. As a kitten he loved playing fetch. He was smart enough to bring his toys back to us knowing we'd throw them again so he could pounce.
Smart lil' bastard.
Still. Not. A Billionaire.
Posted 8 years agoOver a year later, and I still get tweets from people mistaking me for a billionaire. No, I'm sorry, but if I was Dragoneer Investment Group (DIG) I'd be loaded, wealthy, have my own office, an army of coders, free soda fountains, and an alligator pit in the basement where you can... I dunno, make s'mores and shit and just watch those fat leather babies float around all chill-like.
https://twitter.com/Hoxton_mob/stat.....92552387719168
https://twitter.com/paultmadden/sta.....59789903073280
A small sample of some of the tweets I've gotten lately. Apparently, DIG invested in Uber, and now a bunch of angry cabbies in England are mistakenly lumping me in with their rage and trying to promote some narrative that all Uber drivers are apparently rapists or... something. I've not quite fully figured it out. Whenever I get these tweets I respond something completely daft like "buy Lyft stocks" or "wait until the hover-Ubers take to the skies!"
It's really, REALLY weird being mistaken for a billionaire investment group. Even putting a warning on my Twitter that I'm NOT a billionaire investment group I still get these tweets.
https://twitter.com/Hoxton_mob/stat.....92552387719168
https://twitter.com/paultmadden/sta.....59789903073280
A small sample of some of the tweets I've gotten lately. Apparently, DIG invested in Uber, and now a bunch of angry cabbies in England are mistakenly lumping me in with their rage and trying to promote some narrative that all Uber drivers are apparently rapists or... something. I've not quite fully figured it out. Whenever I get these tweets I respond something completely daft like "buy Lyft stocks" or "wait until the hover-Ubers take to the skies!"
It's really, REALLY weird being mistaken for a billionaire investment group. Even putting a warning on my Twitter that I'm NOT a billionaire investment group I still get these tweets.
Digimon Links
Posted 8 years agoDo you play Digimon Links? If so, add me at:
8818 4837
8818 4837
[SPOILERS] Stranger Things S2 Review
Posted 8 years agoIf season one of Stranger Things was an 11 out of 10 I'd have to rate Season 2 a solid 10.5. I've watched Season 2 twice now, and loved it just as much the second time.
I give props to the writers for one specific thing: almost every character from the first season hasn't magically recovered from the tragic events that transpired. You can see they're all struggling to move on, but little tics here and there hearken back to the first season. Too many shows have characters go through traumatic events and by the next episode they're fine. Here, there's cracks line the foundations of almost every character.
* The Story - The story is solid, well told, and keeps the atmosphere from the first season alive flawlessly. The pacing is good (maybe a TAD on the slow side) but each episode cranks the intensity up by one from the previous.
* The Stakes - It upped the stakes, and showing the Upside Down was spreading into the real world. Part of me thinks the root system is based on the Armillaria Ostoyae, a real world fungus stretches around 9km in length. Because of how it spreads it brings up a lot of questions: was the Upside Down once a thriving real world that got corrupted by this plague, and now it's trying to spread to ours? If so, how many mirror worlds could there be and did it get infected from by the Mind Flayer/some other beast as it jumps from reality to reality?
* Bob - Fat Sean Astin is the best friend I never knew I needed. I give props to the character for not freaking out when he discovers the truth, but having more of an analytical approach. "Okay, this is my life now, I have to figure out how to live with this." as short lived as that may have been.
* Dr. Owens - I was glad to see a character that could fully live up to the chaotic good archetype. He's a genuinely good character, willing to do whatever it takes to protect people -- even if that means breaking all the rules (both good and bad) to do it.
* Nancy and Jonathan - Their plan to expose the facility and get the truth out there was masterful. The first time I watched I thought they were captured, but upon rewatching it I realized that was their entire plan from the start. They went to Radioshack, got the recorder, set the trap for the agents to spot them, and once they made sure the agents knew that they knew they moved. A seriously well done arc.
* Lucas' Sister - Best. Character. Ever.
* Jump Scares - The first few episodes had an over-reliance on jump scares which it didn't need. Random loud noises before a crow flies by is an over done trope.
What it did Right
* Character Depth - It expanded on the backstories and relationships of the kids, teens, and adults well. The first season focused on mystery while the second season was about adventure and finding your purpose (mostly for Eleven) and gave them more depth, more drive for what they did. Hopper's relationship to Eleven and over-protectiveness was really gave an emotional edge to everything. Much of the focus was on under utilized characters from the first season (Lucas and Dustin).I give props to the writers for one specific thing: almost every character from the first season hasn't magically recovered from the tragic events that transpired. You can see they're all struggling to move on, but little tics here and there hearken back to the first season. Too many shows have characters go through traumatic events and by the next episode they're fine. Here, there's cracks line the foundations of almost every character.
* The Story - The story is solid, well told, and keeps the atmosphere from the first season alive flawlessly. The pacing is good (maybe a TAD on the slow side) but each episode cranks the intensity up by one from the previous.
* The Stakes - It upped the stakes, and showing the Upside Down was spreading into the real world. Part of me thinks the root system is based on the Armillaria Ostoyae, a real world fungus stretches around 9km in length. Because of how it spreads it brings up a lot of questions: was the Upside Down once a thriving real world that got corrupted by this plague, and now it's trying to spread to ours? If so, how many mirror worlds could there be and did it get infected from by the Mind Flayer/some other beast as it jumps from reality to reality?
* Bob - Fat Sean Astin is the best friend I never knew I needed. I give props to the character for not freaking out when he discovers the truth, but having more of an analytical approach. "Okay, this is my life now, I have to figure out how to live with this." as short lived as that may have been.
* Dr. Owens - I was glad to see a character that could fully live up to the chaotic good archetype. He's a genuinely good character, willing to do whatever it takes to protect people -- even if that means breaking all the rules (both good and bad) to do it.
* Nancy and Jonathan - Their plan to expose the facility and get the truth out there was masterful. The first time I watched I thought they were captured, but upon rewatching it I realized that was their entire plan from the start. They went to Radioshack, got the recorder, set the trap for the agents to spot them, and once they made sure the agents knew that they knew they moved. A seriously well done arc.
* Lucas' Sister - Best. Character. Ever.
What it did Wrong
* The Mind Flayer - The Mind Flayer/Shadow Monster was overhyped and worthless. This massive kaiju-like creature was menacing as hell, yet didn't seem to pose a real threat. The creature infected Will and used him as a spy while to "see" into the real world (True Sight) while the base of it the beast remained in the Upside Down, but... that's about it. It didn't pose a serious threat, and felt incredibly underutilized.* Jump Scares - The first few episodes had an over-reliance on jump scares which it didn't need. Random loud noises before a crow flies by is an over done trope.
The Time I Hit a Short Bus
Posted 8 years agoYears ago I was driving home from Furfright, and had just gotten on the George Washington Bridge (GWB) in NYC. Traffic was heavy, yet my lane was oddly clear. Smooth sailing. I glanced over to the side for a moment to look around, and at the very second, a school bus pulled hard into my lane, IMMEDIATELY slamming on its brakes.
I plowed right into him.
Oh, and it wasn't just any school bus. It was a short bus. FML.
I was dazed. Did I just rear end a school bus? Fuck! I am screwed. The short bus, realizing he'd been hit, slammed the gas, and forced his way into another lane and fled the scene. What the hell? Thankfully, we'd got the bus' number, the company's name listed on the side, and the license plate. Given he drove off, I didn't know what to do, You're not supposed to leave the scene, but there was no way in hell I was blocking the GWB during rush hour. That's suicide.
I call Geico, gave all the information we had on the bus and the accident. Yeah, I'm at fault, so I'm expecting things to not go my way.
Geico calls me back. They contacted the bus company, spoke to dispatch. They have NO RECORD of the bus I hit. None! The number doesn't exist, and they have no buses matching the description I gave. In fact, they didn't even have a bus with the license plate I gave.
Oh, and the driver of the bus wasn't at work that day, so there's no way I could have hit him.
At which point I had to ask Geico "Wait, so the driver of the bus, the very bus the company says doesn't exist, wasn't at work?" Yes. I repeated myself. "The bus company says this bus doesn't exist." Correct. "And the driver of the bus wasn't at work?" Correct. At which point I asked Geico to repeat back what I had just said. There was a quiet resignation as they realized what they were telling me.
TL;DR: According to Geico, I was involved in a hit-and-run after I rear-ended a short bus that never existed. I must have crossed time and space entering that bridge.
I plowed right into him.
Oh, and it wasn't just any school bus. It was a short bus. FML.
I was dazed. Did I just rear end a school bus? Fuck! I am screwed. The short bus, realizing he'd been hit, slammed the gas, and forced his way into another lane and fled the scene. What the hell? Thankfully, we'd got the bus' number, the company's name listed on the side, and the license plate. Given he drove off, I didn't know what to do, You're not supposed to leave the scene, but there was no way in hell I was blocking the GWB during rush hour. That's suicide.
I call Geico, gave all the information we had on the bus and the accident. Yeah, I'm at fault, so I'm expecting things to not go my way.
Geico calls me back. They contacted the bus company, spoke to dispatch. They have NO RECORD of the bus I hit. None! The number doesn't exist, and they have no buses matching the description I gave. In fact, they didn't even have a bus with the license plate I gave.
Oh, and the driver of the bus wasn't at work that day, so there's no way I could have hit him.
At which point I had to ask Geico "Wait, so the driver of the bus, the very bus the company says doesn't exist, wasn't at work?" Yes. I repeated myself. "The bus company says this bus doesn't exist." Correct. "And the driver of the bus wasn't at work?" Correct. At which point I asked Geico to repeat back what I had just said. There was a quiet resignation as they realized what they were telling me.
TL;DR: According to Geico, I was involved in a hit-and-run after I rear-ended a short bus that never existed. I must have crossed time and space entering that bridge.
Help Out Indigo Angelcat!
Posted 8 years agoA good friend of mine, and an FAU staffer, has been going through some rough time. She's been battling cancer and blot clots and more, and there's been a definite struggle. We're trying to raise money to help her recovery. Netasha is, hands down, one of the nicest, sweetest and most instantly likeable people I've met in the fandom. She's staff for the convention Furthemore, and has volunteered and given countless hours to the community.
The least I can do is promote her battle and try to get raise some help a genuinely great person.
Got $5 to spare? Help out an amazing person who has stood behind the fandom, supported amazing events, and now needs our help.
Donate here:
https://www.youcaring.com/netashajohnson-955722
The least I can do is promote her battle and try to get raise some help a genuinely great person.
Got $5 to spare? Help out an amazing person who has stood behind the fandom, supported amazing events, and now needs our help.
Donate here:
https://www.youcaring.com/netashajohnson-955722
Personal Thoughts on the Code of Conduct Update
Posted 8 years agoFA allows a wide variety of content which makes me often bite my lower lip and make a sort of "Yeeeach!" sound. There's a lot of content I find squidgy (yes, squidgy!) but I respect it, and I respect the right for people to draw things which make my lil' back fins wriggle. Filters, I know, I know. It's high on the list.
That said, I want to make a statement:
We're not the thought police. We're not the decency police. It's not my job or role to tell you how to think, what to think, or how to behave. But nor can we stand by and abide the outright promotion of hate. No, it's not from a lot of people. It's legitimately a handful of people, and we will be taking action on them. 99.999% of you have nothing to worry about. But that 0.0001% can often make the rest of us look bad by comparison, and there comes a time where we have to "Okay, it's time to be adults." and tell people to play nice with one another.
This is one of those times.
EDIT: As
LancerBuck pointed out my numbers are off, but I blame inflation.
That said, I want to make a statement:
We're not the thought police. We're not the decency police. It's not my job or role to tell you how to think, what to think, or how to behave. But nor can we stand by and abide the outright promotion of hate. No, it's not from a lot of people. It's legitimately a handful of people, and we will be taking action on them. 99.999% of you have nothing to worry about. But that 0.0001% can often make the rest of us look bad by comparison, and there comes a time where we have to "Okay, it's time to be adults." and tell people to play nice with one another.
This is one of those times.
EDIT: As
LancerBuck pointed out my numbers are off, but I blame inflation.Art Status Update
Posted 8 years agoJust a note -- still working on art!
Due to FAU prep and some post-con work I've not been quite on top of things art-wise, but will be hitting the stylus again this weekend! FAU was a blast, and I needed a few days after the con to relax and detox somewhat, but after this Saturday, I'll be back to arting in my spare time. More monstery dragons and other goodies to come!
Due to FAU prep and some post-con work I've not been quite on top of things art-wise, but will be hitting the stylus again this weekend! FAU was a blast, and I needed a few days after the con to relax and detox somewhat, but after this Saturday, I'll be back to arting in my spare time. More monstery dragons and other goodies to come!
FAU 2017 FAQ
Posted 8 years agoYanked from the brilliant 
derfdragon.
Where are you staying?
In the koi pond at the main hotel!
What day are you getting there?
I'll be in and out from Wed-Thursday.
Who are you rooming with?
I'll be with
glaide and 
net-cat
Who will you hang out with during the convention?
Anyone who wants to hang! I'll be hanging around, helping out the con, mingling, and overseeing. If you seem feel free to say hi!
Are there any panels you might be attending?
There's a few I want to (like the bad TV commercial panel!) but with staff duties it's hard to plan on panels. I'm too busy making sure you guys are having fun!
Will you be suiting?
Not this year.
What is your gender?
I don't know why this is a question, but... male?
How tall are you?
5'12"
May I talk to you?
Naturally. =D
Can I touch you?
Wh... what? Why is this a question? No! I mean, if you want a hug or something, sure. Feel free to ask. But if you just feel the random need to touch me like a big purple Buddha I may have some words for you. =P
How can I find you?
I look like a very large disgruntled potato.
Can I visit your room?
NO! THAT'S WHERE I POOP! I mean, uh... if I invite you or you want to hang, maybe?
Can I buy you drinks?
Yes. <3
Can I give you stuff?
Yes.
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Hug, maybe. Snuggle? Not so much. Potatoes are solitary animals.
How long are you going?
Wednesday-Monday
Do you have an artist table?
No, but I do have a website... XD
Will you be going to parties?
If I'm invited, sure!
Will you be performing?
I have a panel and some other staffly duties, so... yeah, I guess so!
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Say hi. Introduce yourself. =)
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
I DON'T KNOW WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW! But I'll be around the main floor most of the time.
What/where will you be eating?
I don't know right off, but I totally recommend Vocelli's Pizza. FAU has a 20% off discount with 'em (check the conbooks!) and they have macaroni and cheese pizza. Seriously. Macorni and cheese pizza. It's amaaaazing. There's also Santini's which is freakishly good food.
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If I invite you, sure. Just don't get in my car without permission and ask "Where are we going?" because I'm going to scream "WHY ARE YOU IN MY CAR, WHO ARE YOU?!" This actually happened. Don't be that guy. XD
Can I take your picture?
If you really want to, sure, but if you really want a picture of me here's a whole gallery of them.
derfdragon. Where are you staying?
In the koi pond at the main hotel!
What day are you getting there?
I'll be in and out from Wed-Thursday.
Who are you rooming with?
I'll be with
glaide and 
net-catWho will you hang out with during the convention?
Anyone who wants to hang! I'll be hanging around, helping out the con, mingling, and overseeing. If you seem feel free to say hi!
Are there any panels you might be attending?
There's a few I want to (like the bad TV commercial panel!) but with staff duties it's hard to plan on panels. I'm too busy making sure you guys are having fun!
Will you be suiting?
Not this year.
What is your gender?
I don't know why this is a question, but... male?
How tall are you?
5'12"
May I talk to you?
Naturally. =D
Can I touch you?
Wh... what? Why is this a question? No! I mean, if you want a hug or something, sure. Feel free to ask. But if you just feel the random need to touch me like a big purple Buddha I may have some words for you. =P
How can I find you?
I look like a very large disgruntled potato.
Can I visit your room?
NO! THAT'S WHERE I POOP! I mean, uh... if I invite you or you want to hang, maybe?
Can I buy you drinks?
Yes. <3
Can I give you stuff?
Yes.
Can I hug or snuggle with you?
Hug, maybe. Snuggle? Not so much. Potatoes are solitary animals.
How long are you going?
Wednesday-Monday
Do you have an artist table?
No, but I do have a website... XD
Will you be going to parties?
If I'm invited, sure!
Will you be performing?
I have a panel and some other staffly duties, so... yeah, I guess so!
If I see you, how should I get your attention?
Say hi. Introduce yourself. =)
Where will you be most of the time during the day/s?
I DON'T KNOW WHERE I AM RIGHT NOW! But I'll be around the main floor most of the time.
What/where will you be eating?
I don't know right off, but I totally recommend Vocelli's Pizza. FAU has a 20% off discount with 'em (check the conbooks!) and they have macaroni and cheese pizza. Seriously. Macorni and cheese pizza. It's amaaaazing. There's also Santini's which is freakishly good food.
Can I come with you for food/fun/etc?
If I invite you, sure. Just don't get in my car without permission and ask "Where are we going?" because I'm going to scream "WHY ARE YOU IN MY CAR, WHO ARE YOU?!" This actually happened. Don't be that guy. XD
Can I take your picture?
If you really want to, sure, but if you really want a picture of me here's a whole gallery of them.
FA United!
Posted 8 years agoFAU is in about a week out. There's always so much to do before a con, but the last week before is ultra stressful. Granted, running a convention is far, FAR easier than running a site like FA. Heh. One of the major hurdles of convention is planning is that you literally can spend all year planning, debating, coming up with ideas, but in the end, you really only have one weekend to execute. There's always that mad rush before the con where staff are always going "What am I forgetting? Am I forgetting anything?" and just double, triple, and quadruple checking EVERYTHING!
I always get both excited and nervous at con time, but once I'm there, everything tends to click and fall into place.
If you're going to FAU I look forward to seeing you there. =D
If you're in the area stop by and say hi.
www.faunited.org
I always get both excited and nervous at con time, but once I'm there, everything tends to click and fall into place.
If you're going to FAU I look forward to seeing you there. =D
If you're in the area stop by and say hi.
www.faunited.org
All Employees Must Wash Hands
Posted 8 years agoIn 2007 I work in Kyrgyzstan as a contractor for the Department of Defense. I was a system admin managing classified networks, stuck in an airbase in the middle of a foreign country. I didn't want to be there, but hey... it paid well, and I needed to raise money to keep FA running at the time, so off to Southeast Asia I went! I have a hell of a lot of stories from there but the one I'll always remember is the story of Bruce.
Bruce worked on my contract with me... and was fired over chocolate chip cookies.
You read that correctly. Chocolate. Chip. Cookies.
If you've ever been on a military base or in a Department of Defense facility you know there are rules. Fuck, the rules have rules. And you can do pretty much whatever you want to do so long as it's within the rules.
Enter the DFAC.
The DFAC (Dining Facility) is where you go to get your grub on, to grab a Coke, nom on lunch, or whatever you need. And on a base like this everything is free (within reason). Like everything else government-related the DFAC has rules. One of the primary rules of the DFAC: wash your hands when entering. Actually, that's pretty much the only rule of the DFAC.
Enter Bruce.
Bruce was a majestic beast. The kind of man that did what he wanted, when he wanted. He didn't much care for rules. In fact, he didn't really care for much of anything. Bruce was the kind of employee everybody wonders how the hell they got hired and how they kept their job. He existed, and he got paid to exist.
Enter the cookies.
On a military base overseas supporting forward bases in Afghanistan cookies are in short supply. Oddly, that may be the only thing in short supply. When they DFAC baked fresh cookies it was cause for celebration. And Bruce? Bruce wanted some cookies, and wasn't going to be deterred. He found out when they were making the cookies, and snuck over to the DFAC with a plastic bin the very moment they put them out, and filled it to the brim dozens upon dozens of still warm cookies.
But Bruce made a mistake. A fatal mistake. He was so dead set on getting more than his share that he forgot to wash his hands. However, there was one person who didn't forget. The one person who saw him. The base commander. The commander was actually rotating out, and it was his last night in Kyrgyzstan. A new commander arrived, and he was hanging around waiting for his ride out of Dodge.
When Bruce came into work the next day he was confused. You see, the former commander had given him a parting gift. On his desk lay an autographed picture of the commander with the words "Cleanliness is next to godliness." The commander's name was signed at the bottom.
Bruce was confused. What did it mean? Why did the commander give him an autographed portrait with that line on it? And that's when Bruce learned there was a second gift. Shortly after, Bruce was greeted by MPs who informed him that his invitation to be on the base was no longer welcome. He was being evicted, and in fact, his authorization to be in the country on the DOD's behalf had been revoked as well. He had less than 24 hours to gather his things and leave of his own volition. Because he was no longer allowed on base he was no longer able to do his job, and was subsequently fired.
In the end, Bruce was fired over cookies.
This is a true story.
Bruce worked on my contract with me... and was fired over chocolate chip cookies.
You read that correctly. Chocolate. Chip. Cookies.
If you've ever been on a military base or in a Department of Defense facility you know there are rules. Fuck, the rules have rules. And you can do pretty much whatever you want to do so long as it's within the rules.
Enter the DFAC.
The DFAC (Dining Facility) is where you go to get your grub on, to grab a Coke, nom on lunch, or whatever you need. And on a base like this everything is free (within reason). Like everything else government-related the DFAC has rules. One of the primary rules of the DFAC: wash your hands when entering. Actually, that's pretty much the only rule of the DFAC.
Enter Bruce.
Bruce was a majestic beast. The kind of man that did what he wanted, when he wanted. He didn't much care for rules. In fact, he didn't really care for much of anything. Bruce was the kind of employee everybody wonders how the hell they got hired and how they kept their job. He existed, and he got paid to exist.
Enter the cookies.
On a military base overseas supporting forward bases in Afghanistan cookies are in short supply. Oddly, that may be the only thing in short supply. When they DFAC baked fresh cookies it was cause for celebration. And Bruce? Bruce wanted some cookies, and wasn't going to be deterred. He found out when they were making the cookies, and snuck over to the DFAC with a plastic bin the very moment they put them out, and filled it to the brim dozens upon dozens of still warm cookies.
But Bruce made a mistake. A fatal mistake. He was so dead set on getting more than his share that he forgot to wash his hands. However, there was one person who didn't forget. The one person who saw him. The base commander. The commander was actually rotating out, and it was his last night in Kyrgyzstan. A new commander arrived, and he was hanging around waiting for his ride out of Dodge.
When Bruce came into work the next day he was confused. You see, the former commander had given him a parting gift. On his desk lay an autographed picture of the commander with the words "Cleanliness is next to godliness." The commander's name was signed at the bottom.
Bruce was confused. What did it mean? Why did the commander give him an autographed portrait with that line on it? And that's when Bruce learned there was a second gift. Shortly after, Bruce was greeted by MPs who informed him that his invitation to be on the base was no longer welcome. He was being evicted, and in fact, his authorization to be in the country on the DOD's behalf had been revoked as well. He had less than 24 hours to gather his things and leave of his own volition. Because he was no longer allowed on base he was no longer able to do his job, and was subsequently fired.
In the end, Bruce was fired over cookies.
This is a true story.
Cat Paws Are Weapons
Posted 8 years agoCats are known known for many things. Grace, beauty, stealth, an innate instinct to hunt and destroy... as well as the their trademark ability to randomly knock things onto the floor for no other reason than "because". They can also be cuddly fluff monsters which make even the gruffest, hardiest of men internally squeal and feel the need to pet the kitty.
Felines have many weapons, but not all are fang or claw, but... paw. Somehow, yes, even the most cuddly of cats will manage to find every single pressure point on your body and exploit them. They'll walk over you, exacting enough pressure in the right spot to make your bladder scream. Or hit that one area on your leg or stomach that you didn't know could hurt so much. I have no idea how cats do it but they always somehow manage to find find just the right spot. Perhaps it's a natural instinct to constantly find weak points and exploit them? Or perhaps cats know that despite much how much pain they inflict you're just going to look at them and go "Awww, kitty! I didn't need that priceless item you just wrecked."
Toe beans are lethal.
Felines have many weapons, but not all are fang or claw, but... paw. Somehow, yes, even the most cuddly of cats will manage to find every single pressure point on your body and exploit them. They'll walk over you, exacting enough pressure in the right spot to make your bladder scream. Or hit that one area on your leg or stomach that you didn't know could hurt so much. I have no idea how cats do it but they always somehow manage to find find just the right spot. Perhaps it's a natural instinct to constantly find weak points and exploit them? Or perhaps cats know that despite much how much pain they inflict you're just going to look at them and go "Awww, kitty! I didn't need that priceless item you just wrecked."
Toe beans are lethal.
Hot Potato
Posted 8 years agoMyFitnessPal
Posted 8 years agoI've set forth a few goals this year:
* Reduce/end my gaming habits, start being productive.
* Improve FA, and get things moving in a really positive direction.
* Start drawing again.
* Lose weight.
And things are starting to go well. Gaming is almost non-existent, productivity is ultra high. FA is moving forward (it may be mostly behind the scenes, but progress is being made!), I've started drawing like a madman, doing tons of art... and I recently started on a new diet/lifestyle plan. Everything's going well!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/profile/preyfar
I'm posting up my MyFitnessPal publicly if people want to join/track/record progress (or even laugh if I don't live up to my goals). I'm doing a healthier variation of Atkins/Keto, and I'd once lost 70+ lbs while doing this back in 2006. But I'm on it again, with intent to stay long term. Not a diet, but a full on lifestyle change.
* Reduce/end my gaming habits, start being productive.
* Improve FA, and get things moving in a really positive direction.
* Start drawing again.
* Lose weight.
And things are starting to go well. Gaming is almost non-existent, productivity is ultra high. FA is moving forward (it may be mostly behind the scenes, but progress is being made!), I've started drawing like a madman, doing tons of art... and I recently started on a new diet/lifestyle plan. Everything's going well!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/profile/preyfar
I'm posting up my MyFitnessPal publicly if people want to join/track/record progress (or even laugh if I don't live up to my goals). I'm doing a healthier variation of Atkins/Keto, and I'd once lost 70+ lbs while doing this back in 2006. But I'm on it again, with intent to stay long term. Not a diet, but a full on lifestyle change.
New Adoptable: Heathered Brush Fox
Posted 8 years agoOffering up another unique species to purchase along with a full character ref sheet. =3
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/24113502
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/24113502
Why I Hate the Music Industry
Posted 8 years agoI pay $10/mo to stream music via Microsoft Groove. I can listen to music on-the-fly, and I can't live without the service. It's damn useful. Every so often, however, I run into a song I can't play without it throwing up a notice the song is available for purchase only. The hell?
Why does this roadblock exist? It's nothing more than an inconvenience. I can literally go to YouTube and play the same song (generally without ads, too) and get what I want instantly. These limitations can be circumvented with minimal ease. However, if I want to legally stream the song I encounter artificial hurdles. There's no reason other than to try to bilk consumers*. If you don't want people to stream the full album then don't put it online. *facepalm* These limitations are put on by the record labels individually, but there's just no reason for them.
The song I wanted to listen to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd8RszKyM1Q
* I get that bilking consumers is exactly the reason for this, but that's stupid. It pushes people to seek alternative methods (piracy or YouTube) to find what they want.
Why does this roadblock exist? It's nothing more than an inconvenience. I can literally go to YouTube and play the same song (generally without ads, too) and get what I want instantly. These limitations can be circumvented with minimal ease. However, if I want to legally stream the song I encounter artificial hurdles. There's no reason other than to try to bilk consumers*. If you don't want people to stream the full album then don't put it online. *facepalm* These limitations are put on by the record labels individually, but there's just no reason for them.
The song I wanted to listen to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd8RszKyM1Q
* I get that bilking consumers is exactly the reason for this, but that's stupid. It pushes people to seek alternative methods (piracy or YouTube) to find what they want.
Well. That Was Random
Posted 8 years agoSince my last update I've been able to get my PC fixed (huzzah!) and got things back on track. My GPU failed and I had to replace both the GPU and water cooler (expenses I wasn't planning on, and it set me back more than I needed to go financially).
And then, tonight, one of our cats jumped up on my desk... and knocked over a full can of a Monster energy right into my keyboard. Not to the side. Not around the edges. Directly into. I legitimately had a panic attack over it as my keyboard was spamming out random letters each time I pressed a key. I just felt so damn defeated. Great. Something ELSE I have to replace. I rage-tweeted, rage-tweet-deleted, and took a nap to cool off.
Got up, cleaned the keyboard up... and noticed something interesting. Some of the RGB lights on my keyboard died, and got stuck in other colors.
https://twitter.com/Dragoneer/statu.....16741226020864
They died in a Monster green color AND a Monster blue color, two of the main colors for Monster energy drinks. No other colors. Just those two. My keyboard mostly survived, but now bears a permanent reminder of Monster Energy's attack -- oddly akin to Harry Potter's scar.
I am weirdly amused.
And then, tonight, one of our cats jumped up on my desk... and knocked over a full can of a Monster energy right into my keyboard. Not to the side. Not around the edges. Directly into. I legitimately had a panic attack over it as my keyboard was spamming out random letters each time I pressed a key. I just felt so damn defeated. Great. Something ELSE I have to replace. I rage-tweeted, rage-tweet-deleted, and took a nap to cool off.
Got up, cleaned the keyboard up... and noticed something interesting. Some of the RGB lights on my keyboard died, and got stuck in other colors.
https://twitter.com/Dragoneer/statu.....16741226020864
They died in a Monster green color AND a Monster blue color, two of the main colors for Monster energy drinks. No other colors. Just those two. My keyboard mostly survived, but now bears a permanent reminder of Monster Energy's attack -- oddly akin to Harry Potter's scar.
I am weirdly amused.
Computer is Toasted
Posted 8 years agoMy main computer and workstation is toast. It's been having some odd issues lately, but today it up and died. Everything started to get ridiculously slow, and I checked HWMon, and damn... my temps were near 100C. Holy hell.
https://twitter.com/Dragoneer/statu.....54729284960257
I backed up my files, blew out the dust in my PC just to test... and it won't turn back on. After it looking into it looks like there's some damage, so I'm unfortunately out of commission for a while. I don't have money to get my system fixed, and that means I'm unfortunately stuck in my Surface Pro 3 (it's a decent machine, but not for full time work).
This definitely sets me back far, far more than I'd like. =/
https://twitter.com/Dragoneer/statu.....54729284960257
I backed up my files, blew out the dust in my PC just to test... and it won't turn back on. After it looking into it looks like there's some damage, so I'm unfortunately out of commission for a while. I don't have money to get my system fixed, and that means I'm unfortunately stuck in my Surface Pro 3 (it's a decent machine, but not for full time work).
This definitely sets me back far, far more than I'd like. =/
RESOLVED! Need an Archive of FA's Donations Log
Posted 8 years agoI was able to relocate the information. Hurrah!
Hey there,
Long ago, FA had a list of donation logs that we posted publicly, and updated about a month. It listed who donated, how much they donated, and was essentially a list of thanks. I can't seem to find my local copy anymore, and the archived copy we had was lost last May. It hadn't been updated since about 2013 or 2014, but I'm trying to recover the data if possible.
I know the internet screenshots and saves everything. If anyone has a copy of this list can you link me to it?
Thanks. <3
Long ago, FA had a list of donation logs that we posted publicly, and updated about a month. It listed who donated, how much they donated, and was essentially a list of thanks. I can't seem to find my local copy anymore, and the archived copy we had was lost last May. It hadn't been updated since about 2013 or 2014, but I'm trying to recover the data if possible.
I know the internet screenshots and saves everything. If anyone has a copy of this list can you link me to it?
Thanks. <3
Blood Bunny
Posted 8 years agoOn Doing Private Commissions
Posted 8 years agoThere was a thread earlier on about private commissions, and whether they're good to or not. I wanted to chime in some thoughts: doing private commissions is entirely fine... but you risk losing exposure.
For an artist, especially as an artist who relies on commissions, your art is your calling card. Nothing shows what you do more than than a custom commissions. It's a raw example of what you do FOR people, not just for yourself. People find and discover your art based on what you put out there. Artists who don't put work out publicly don't get seen. You can't find what can't be found. Posting your art is good.
There's nothing wrong with doing private commissions. Art is entirely personal, and some people may hold a particular image dear to their heart... others, well, they may be embarrassed by it the content. It's all good.
This begs the question: should artists charge a fee? This is entirely up to the artist, but should you charge any fees they should be up front, posted in an artist TOS or in a price list. What you charge is entirely up to you. Maybe it's $10, maybe it's 50% of the cost of the commission. The price point is what your time is worth to you, with a mix of how much exposure you risk by your art potentially never being seen. But, as I said, consider the above. These are your calling cards. Each submission you post (whether it's to FA, Twitter, Weasyl, ArtStation, Facebook, wherever) is essentially an advertisement for your services.
To commissioners, you need to understand artists. By its very definition art wants to be seen. Illustrations want to be looked at, creative stories want to be read, and music wants to be listened to. Art wants to be discovered. It doesn't want to go in in a shelf or a drawer and be forgotten about. But that also doesn't mean doing private work is wrong, either You just need to consider that you're asking an artist to create something completely unique, but that they're not able to share their creation. That's not the easiest subject for some artists.
Asking them to make it private is entirely fine, but you if they have a fee, the above may shed light on why. You're asking them to take their calling card, something that could get them future work, and hide it. That fee helps them out with something they may be willing to do but not every artist is comfortable with the idea.
That said, I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here (I love you guys) but wanted to share some deeper thoughts on the subject all the same.
For an artist, especially as an artist who relies on commissions, your art is your calling card. Nothing shows what you do more than than a custom commissions. It's a raw example of what you do FOR people, not just for yourself. People find and discover your art based on what you put out there. Artists who don't put work out publicly don't get seen. You can't find what can't be found. Posting your art is good.
There's nothing wrong with doing private commissions. Art is entirely personal, and some people may hold a particular image dear to their heart... others, well, they may be embarrassed by it the content. It's all good.
This begs the question: should artists charge a fee? This is entirely up to the artist, but should you charge any fees they should be up front, posted in an artist TOS or in a price list. What you charge is entirely up to you. Maybe it's $10, maybe it's 50% of the cost of the commission. The price point is what your time is worth to you, with a mix of how much exposure you risk by your art potentially never being seen. But, as I said, consider the above. These are your calling cards. Each submission you post (whether it's to FA, Twitter, Weasyl, ArtStation, Facebook, wherever) is essentially an advertisement for your services.
To commissioners, you need to understand artists. By its very definition art wants to be seen. Illustrations want to be looked at, creative stories want to be read, and music wants to be listened to. Art wants to be discovered. It doesn't want to go in in a shelf or a drawer and be forgotten about. But that also doesn't mean doing private work is wrong, either You just need to consider that you're asking an artist to create something completely unique, but that they're not able to share their creation. That's not the easiest subject for some artists.
Asking them to make it private is entirely fine, but you if they have a fee, the above may shed light on why. You're asking them to take their calling card, something that could get them future work, and hide it. That fee helps them out with something they may be willing to do but not every artist is comfortable with the idea.
That said, I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here (I love you guys) but wanted to share some deeper thoughts on the subject all the same.
