View User's Journal

The Journal of VO

Traumatic Experiences of Admin Life...

Report This Entry Subscribe to this Journal



It's been a while... ... since I've updated this journal. Lots of stuff has been going on, tweaking of the fishing system, development of future projects, regular development stuff, as well as planning for future development. On a good note, we've finally released fishing. On a bad note, users are exploiting specific things about it. I realize that this kind of thing is inevitable, but sometimes it gets disheartening. crying You spend god knows how many hours working to make something a worthwhile experience to people, and then a small handful of people expose or spread all of the secrets out before things are even released. And because of that, certain things are spoiled, little is left to the imagination, and people are left with an experience that's already laid out before them. sweatdrop Personally, I find that games with a lot of secrets and stuff are more engaging. For me, it's that moment when you've just discovered something in the natural progression of the game that gives you that "feeling." The one that makes you go "wow" did I just do/find/accomplish that? For this same reason, I avoid strategy guides like the plague. Who wants to play a game if it's played by just following directions? For me, it's the mystery of it all. To solve something for myself. That makes me want to play a game. Which brings me to another note. Cheating. Cheating is NOT GOOD for GAIA. Cheating HURTS Gaia. It hurts GAIA, its users, as well as development. As you know, the administrators of Gaia work very hard to ensure that users are treated fairly in all cases whenever possible. When people cheat, we have to react in order to keep things fair for everyone. And whenever we are forced to do that, we lose valuable development time. Please, if you ever find an exploit or a bug, please report it to a moderator/administrator immediately. You'll not only be doing us a favor, but doing everyone on Gaia a favor, including yourself. But anyways, no massive event will be coming for Thanksgiving. But we hope to give you a pleasant, less hectic Xmas event in December. Hopefully, we will still be able to deliver a few extra surprises when you least expect it. xp

Posted by: VO Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:34am

Founder of Gaiaonline . Lead Sprite Designer on Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix . Currently Founder of Hiptic Games

Download Go Ninja on iOS and Android for FREE!

I support the
[img:59d51354cd]http://i2.tinypic.com/szk7qh.gif[/img:59d51354cd]

For those whose loved ones were taken by cancer. You can help. ^^

User Comments: [101] Viewing page 0 of 3 · Goto Page: 1 2 3 » [add]

Frankie (Tre Cool)
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:40am


	I'm completely behind the Admins/Programmers/everyone else on the team, 110%. It sucks that a few can ruin it for the whole, but I'm glad that you all continue to do stuff for us. Thanks for making Gaia such an awesome place, time and time again. ^__^

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:44am


	Gaia is getting bigger, and things happen, but it's still unique and I still love it, regardless of the leaks, or exploitation. It's still enjoyable, regardless of the other who make it less so, and having a fishing game that I can't conquer is better than an easy one, because I feel accomplished when I catch that 3g guppy. On a side note, I'm looking forward to Xmas already. xd

Eirein
Community Member

Offline

Zephnon
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:45am


	That last bit makes me very happy ninja xd

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:45am


	Pose VO, it will be make you feel better. xd gives VO a good snuggle Y'all did a wonderful job with fishing and it is a lot of fun! Many of us just enjoy it for what it is! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! If you do celebrate it. sweatdrop

Malee
Community Member

Offline

Joking Saint
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:50am


	You people work too hard. Take a day off once in a while. The Gaian Community appreciates and loves all the hard work the Admins and Mods put in, but you're of no use to us if you're disheartened and overworked. Especially during this cold snowy season when everyone should be hibernating. Life would be so much more pleasant if 90% of the population went underground and slept for 2 months of winter. Because you can really tell that a lot of the people making Gaia less than pleasant seriously need to be put down for a long nap. whee glomps and goes to bed Happy ThanksGiving!

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:50am


	<center>Awwww. Speahes are fun. I hate cheaters stare Have a wonderful thanksgiving.

UnTakeN
Community Member

Offline

PyroGriffin
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:50am


	VO, aside from the glitch of my mouse not working(which was solved after the first day, which i must say rocked), the fishing game is actually pretty cool. I must admit, I was a little hesitant to sink gold into it, and even though I havn't earned it back, it was well worth the time I took out of my day to play it. If this is any showing of things to come, then you, my friend, have me hooked. On a side note about the glitches and exploitation of them, I must say I agree with you. Other than tha, VO, bring on the battle system! My knife hand is ready to go!

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:58am


	oOOOOO xmas event

The Prince of oranges
Community Member

Offline

Hobozilla
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:28am


	You people spoil us far too much, You give us a kick-arse Fishing Game cool new items and then you want to give us a fun Christmas too?! Crazy. ^^ You people are totally crazy but we're really greatful for it. You work far too hard for us, Thank you. Huggles any Mods/Admins she can find ^^ Happy Turkeyday everyone.

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:48am


	tenth post! xD

Kiyoske Dante
Community Member

Offline

Soleq
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 09:34am


	I stand behind the admin's recent actions. Yes, there will always be people who look out for their own interests at the expense of others. Not that it much matters, but my level of respect for all of you has risen over the past few days.

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 09:44am


	I don't like spoilers either. I realized now that they really ruin the experience of games. crying

Mizuneko2
Community Member

Offline

Pirate Dirge
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 10:17am


	<center> ^^ I know you guys have to do what you have to do in regards to cheating. Wish people wouldn't be such jerks like that though. sad It takes the fun out of the game. Looking forward to the Christmas event! heart </center>

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 10:30am


	As I already said to Arwen, I believe, people like that ruin Gaia neutral

Kathleen Starr
Community Member

Offline

DopplerZero
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 10:59am


	Kudos on the fishing. I don't want to know how many long nights you guys spent on Taco Bell alone programming it. But part of the reason people want to know is what has become the core of Gaia. The Gold. People want to get an Emeraldback Lion to get gold. Personally, I just have something to aspire to catch. I've gotten everything but the uber rare fish, and it gives me a quest. Most others though just want it for bragging rights and/or the 1500 gold. People see fishing as a way to make a quick buck, unfortunatly. sweatdrop

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 11:11am


	In this Journal entry, The almighty VO, Super Admin type person, and then a small handful of people expose or spread all of the secrets out before things are even released. Your talking about the GIT topic arn't You? crying We also don't like cheaters, but like to give previews of what people can expect in the future, and help as much as we can. VO If there's ANYTHING you don't want on our topic, we'll remove it immediatly, Honest!

Axmainian
Community Member

Offline

x Sakura Petals x
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 11:53am


	hides stack od Brady Game Guides sweatdrop Guides are quite helpful, especially when you are screwed royally in a Dungeon xp Or when you need an item list xp

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 12:33pm


	hugs Cheer up...I know the idiots out there can get you down, but so many other people are ecstatic with the work you do. Gaia never ceases to amaze me; your creativity is awesome, and I'm so glad you're sharing it with others. =^^= heart

Valentine
Community Member

Offline

Nightblade
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 02:34pm


	I'm the same way when it comes to loveing to find new things, but unforunitly i cant help but look at guides and stuff, it sucks and i hate it but... yeah... sad

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 02:43pm


	I know what you mean abut avoiding guides by the masses, sometimes it can take the fun out of it. But, Happy Thanksgiving! Have fun! 3nodding Please tell me you're taking the day off and having some free time sweatdrop You deserve it. And as far as the Christmas event goes... bring on the Really Jolly Slippers!

Shahadi
Community Member

Offline

Zeek Slider
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 02:57pm


	I hope the X-mas event is less hectic than the Halloween one. Hopefully you guys are more prepared this time. 3nodding

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 03:37pm


	YAY @ 22nd post! Anyways, thanks for doing all the stuff you and the rest of the staff does, VO. We all appreciate it very much. ^_^

Corian
Community Member

Offline

Felle
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 04:07pm


	"The greatest source of errors from code interactions are users." A few extra suprises? Snowball fight! Gaian vs. Gaian in one desperate attempt to soak the clothing of your most evil enemies, and your closest friends! xd

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 04:26pm


	Very true, VO. Thank you for putting up with it all and dealing with it the fair way. Not only that, but you still give is wounderful events. Thank you guys. All the administrators, developers and moderators.

ADozenFuries
Community Member

Offline

wafflezinmahpantz
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 04:46pm


	Hectic?? gonk Okay, bring it 3nodding But only if VO gets some rest. xp

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 05:45pm


	i cant believe the idiot almost totaly shut down gaia i beleive in you vo you are gaias only hope to restore things to normal and mabye some upgrades

Blazing Confetti
Community Member

Offline

damiel42
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 05:52pm


	I think that the fishing game is awesome -- I like having to work at it to get gold -- you need to learn the fishes' pulling patterns and how much to compensate. Very cool. I'm the type that reads strategy guides after I've finished the game, so I can go back and find all of the cool extra stuff that I missed the first time around. I can't wait to see some of the extras planned for fishing! I've seen a few of the "spoilers" but even so, it's not the same for me as experiencing them firsthand. As for the Halloween event, I thought it was SO great. I didn't get to participate much with the biting/shooting because of my slow connection, but it was loads of fun just the same. I was practically mind-boggled (a slightly chewed-on mind...) by the HUGENESS of that event! The RPing, the trick-or-treating, AND the cool zombie vs. human plot. I was babbling about it to everyone IRL. xd Of course, I'm now looking forward to Christmas -- I think that one of my favorite things about the events is the way the towns are decorated. 3nodding The lights and snow last year were lovely. Everything that you do for Gaia is much appreciated -- all of you rock!

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 05:52pm


	I know how you must feel, with this going on with fishing and everything. But no matter what, I greatly appreciate all you have done for us Gaians and the hard work you did. I know ten million (well, not nearly that many) people have been complaining, but I know it isn't your fault, nor any of the other admins. You just wanted to get out this game to make us Gaians happy. And I appreciate it so very very much, for without you and Lanzer and all the other admins, Gaia would become a great mass of total and utter chaos. heart heart heart

InternalHardDrive
Community Member

Offline

XDvandalDJ
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 05:58pm


	I too hate strategy guids. I avoid them at all costs for the same reason as you do. 3nodding

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 06:34pm


	Its nice to know that you, the Admins, are always working for the god of the people, righting the wrongs that bad Gaians do to the system. Can't wait for Christmas. Last year's was a blast, and hopefully this year's will be to 3nodding Hope you guys find another way to use the GST in an upcoming event wink

Druki
Community Member

Offline

danomator
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:00pm


	that's so true...it makes me sad how some people on gaia cheat in any possible way just to become more famous or just richer. they don't just lower their fun-factor on gaia, they also lower the stability of the economy, which is very unstable at every time. people have to play "with" eachother and not "against" eachother. this fact (yes, it is fact that some people here play against eachother) makes me sad and sometimes angry. this people are not thankful, but greedy enough to want more and more from gaia and their members. it's always the same concept: taking "from" others, but not giving "to" others. and yes, you're right at the point where you've mentioned the guide thing. i mean, today i know about items on gaia which aren't even released! i can read this stuff everywhere, even if i don't want to. it really makes gaia a bit boring, if you already know what will come, what will happen and how something exactly works before it's even released. i mean, look back at the olympic race: some people had nothing else to do than lurking through the folders of the past olymic game. some time later, i was able to find tons of threads where they already said that the npc vanessa will be a part of the race. and guess what? after i knew that she would be a part of the race, the scene were she actually appeared wasn't that interesting to me anymore, as i'd already know that she would be a part of it and so i already speculated in which way. recently, i saw a picture of a glitch which showed some fishing hats in the gambino outfitters. and guess what? before i saw this pic, i was so excited to see them enabled in the fishing shop some day. now, this magic went just a away and i won't be surprised anymore. well, there were many others things on gaia working like that to me and of course, i don't have to read or click on everything i find interesting to read or to look at...but then i could also switch off my computer.

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:04pm


	No Thanksgiving event? ... oh well hehe I was just hoping to see a giant turkey wondering around gaia >.< I know what you mean by hecktect though.... gaia is crazy good luck with all the new stuff!!

Angel of Angels
Community Member

Offline

Azrael Leviathan
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:08pm


	I feel sorry for ya man. Its really not fair that people think they want their suprise ruined, i know some people like to be told what is going on but thats probably only a few people, the majority of gaia probably like having suprises. As for the cheating! ... I really don't get some people, its only a bunch of pixles! ... to me gaia is about the Role play and chat forums. I cannot deny that the pixles make gaia much more enjoyable, but cheating? ... whats the point.

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:40pm


	happy thanks giving VO. Thanks for all the hard work that you put into Gaia.

Nick Winchester
Community Member

Offline

outlawed
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:48pm


	Well, It's a shame that people has to exploit that glitch and had to cheat and all that... But, just to let you know, everything you guys have done for us is amazing, and I hope you don't forget that. Fishing is so much better than I would have imagined and o addictive at that. It has so many little details and elements that make the game so much more fun to play (Your mini-avi cursing when he looses the fish, GST, and everything else). ANd since I didn't thank you for the amazing thing Halloween was, well, It was awesome. Trick or treating was a blast, and the Zombie mini game was insane fun! I just hope you guys know that there are considerate Gaians out there who respect what you do and would never wan't to destroy that. Again, thanks. -outlawstarXGP

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 07:50pm


	First of all I wanna say I love Gaia and I think your website is one of the best ever created - rivaled only by a few other innovative websites in terms of fun. I will spend more time here and look forward to the upcoming battle system, and I may try to donate some money in the upcoming year. However, my friend told me about the the fishing incident. Although I think cheating is wrong these people didn't cheat - you guys messed up on the game when you made it and left the glitch by mistake. Anyone in the right mind would have taken advantage of that, I don't care who you are. I think banning these people is being way too strict - cut them some slack, after all, they exposed the problem early before it grew into something worse and ruined the Gaian economy. If anything, u guys should worry more about the quality of your new additions and less about getting everything out to the public quickly. People can wait, so just take your time on it - its you guys' website and you have the power to say "It is going to take us this long to finish maintenence, and if you don't like it then don't come to our site." EDIT: Oh, now what's this guide thing about? Someone made a guide to something on Gaia before it was released? Didn't hear about that, but anywho I don't agree with cheating using guides of any sort, it takes away from the fun of the game. ~ Ovi

Ovi
Community Member

Offline

Dellaco
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:15pm


	I shall now take a moment to clap loudly for He-Who-Does-Not-Use-Strategy-Guides. WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! (I hate those things; my cousin buys them before he ever even PLAYS the game he's buying them for...) Good luck with setting up the Christmas stuff! And Happy Thanksgiving!

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:21pm


	well, i guess one of my posted lines could cause some confusing, so i have to make this clear: when i said "you already know [...] how something works before it's even released", then i meant this in a metaphorical way. whee

danomator
Community Member

Offline

Panzer Archangel
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:21pm


	Gaia is a good place. But, take a couple of days off. Don't worry about the users that complain saying stuff like *OMG TEH S70R3 @R3 N07 W0R\|< 1NG GA1A 1Z T3H SUCK!!!!!!!!111111!11ONE! Great job. And I also play games with honor. And ONLY use a guide after I beat it.

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:23pm


	I'm sorry cheaters are making you sad. They all suck. But I'm doing things the old-fashioned (and slower) way. As for the Christmas event... hmm, I can't wait to find out what you guys have planned for us! (Please bring Gino back! gonk )

Puddum
Community Member

Offline

Espionage Monkey
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 08:35pm


	No Thanksgiving event, huh? So... no zombie turkeys? sad

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 09:38pm


	Gives VO a BIG huggle I'm behind you all the way! ^_^

454Fifteen
Community Member

Offline

Ashleyien
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 10:15pm


	Thank you for all your hard work. I hope people will learn that cheating never helps anyone. I still don't quite understand how someone could cheat in the fishing (It's cool but I don't think I'll play it much since I suck at it and don't have alot of patience or time). I'm glad there's no Thanksgiving event... since I'm not American. blaugh I can't wait to see what these surprises you mention are and I can't wait to see what you guys come up with for Christmas. Last year's Christmas event was great. ^_^

Commented on: Thu Nov 25, 2004 @ 11:14pm


	I don't think anyone expected a Thanksgiving event. Gaia is afterall, a worldwide site for users all over the globe. whee The right measures were taken in the event of this new round of bannings. Hopefully those who were innocent in the matter can work it out. whee In the end, you're making things safe and fun for everyone else, which many users don't look at. Thanks. 3nodding

Chromefox
Community Member

Offline

Kuronbou Toraneko
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Fri Nov 26, 2004 @ 12:16am


	You guys did a great job on fishing. 3nodding I'm more than a little angry with the people that exploitedthe bug. Anyway, here's to you and the rest of the admin team:

Commented on: Fri Nov 26, 2004 @ 01:14am


	The fishing program is fun (eventhough I'm poor now.... sweatdrop ) just dont overwork yourself on these events. 3nodding

Perseid
Community Member

Offline

SexifiedEmo
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Fri Nov 26, 2004 @ 01:15am


	Aww..we still love you! heart

Commented on: Fri Nov 26, 2004 @ 02:30am


	but i'm always expecting surprises! ha!

Mikle
Community Member

Offline

Eskeshehir
Community Member

Offline

Commented on: Fri Nov 26, 2004 @ 03:05am


	Awww, VO. I heard about the cheating, it just annoys me when people cheat. I hope when you come out with new programs no one finds any new way to cheat. Anyway, I'm really looking foreward to Christmas on Gaia...Heh, you all work so hard. I think you all should take a break for some Christmas cheer! Takes out Christmas Cheer and throws it at the administrators and moderators. Haha!

Commented on: Fri Nov 26, 2004 @ 03:15am


	[size=9]I visited the Q+F forum right when the fishing came out to look for the sticky that I knew would have the instructions. It was there, and I read it, but I also saw in the forum at least ten threads on people parading the 'discovery of the angelic rod' or the 'fish hat' and .. oops. Yeah, well I read them, I was curious, and I have no shame in looking toward those things, but yes, they are spoiling it for me right now. On that note, I noticed people glorify flash artists here, because in one thread, a particularly deviant flash artist decided to 'decompile' the fishing game, whatever that means, and that is what led to the discovery of the angelic rod. That wasn't the worst thread though. One of them was 'examining the downfall of Gaia' and the creator started with a short statement about how much she hated fishing and why it wasn't realistic (that is the point I hate reading about). She got forty-eight pages of half support, half hatred from the readers by the time I got to it. People are saying new features are killing Gaia, that more things are just breaking down the old things. I disagree entirely, but I'd also like to say hold off on new features until you guys can sort out the existing problems. Lanzer announced the fishing glitches, and the banning of the users who spontaneously got millions of gold. These problems aren't helping Gaia, and I think we'd all appreciate it if you guys took your vacation, shut down Gaia (if you can do that..O_o) for a few days or however long you guys need to take a break, and then after you come back from the Bahamas or wherever, keep it off and sort out all the shops and errors that you can. I'm of course, suggesting the hypothetical. Don't think for a second half of the users on Gaia need new features to hang on here. I'm positive if there were no announcements for half a year, you would still get the exponential growth Gaia experiences every year. Just to let you know, if you get around to this: I took a poll in several of the guilds I'm in, and it's all positive feedback on the fishing, new items, and all the other features you guys announced in these past days. Thank you very much for providing the best enviornmental forum I experience every day, and somewhere I can relax, even if there is dissension among the ranks. Thanks again. [/size]

m.o.h.
Community Member

Offline

User Comments: [101] Viewing page 0 of 3 · Goto Page: 1 2 3 » [add]

Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

View User's Journal

More Information