Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
    
 | | 07/08/2006 8:01 PM |
| It was not appropriate to have this conversation in the stickied "Future of MaxMinis" thread, but I'll give you my perspective here.
First: Me
I'm a community guy. I want the community to remain strong.
Second: What I'd like to see
A strong community with the ability to grow and support via active ownership to support the continued development of our community. MaxMinis has started to maintain alot of non-forum-thread content that, for the simple reason we have few other options, the users contribute and catalog here. We have some tools, but with a single person at most ever maintaining the back-end and no ability to quickly respond, evaluate and add features if needed we (as a community) have no ability to add this other rich content to MaxMinis.
For a long time I've wanted better integration w/ the tools between Hordelings and MaxMinis. For a long time I've wanted the half-dozen or so people who have tools, etc. to use the same source and collaborate a bit more ... Jai's mini tracker, MaxMinis core features (h/w list, db, gallery), Pat Lynch's warband DB, Hordelings core features (h/w list, db, gallery, etc.), Bifur, etc. etc. It would be NICE if those things were able to use the same souce and same import/export formats. I'd love for users to pick the tool they want but have the data be easily transportable between the various tools and systems. I'd love for the stats in Bifurs to match the stats on MaxMinis to match the stats on Hordelings so that there is no confusion. Ask around to the people that maintain these and ou'll find that I've been encouraging more cooperation across the larger community for well over a year. I want this for our community.
In addition, I'd like the web site / portal have the ability to grow and host other features. Blog-like functions (man, wouldn't it have been great if when Merric's blog space disappeared that we could have hosted it here?) Article space (things like the toolkits, etc. are reference materials and should be kept separate from the forum threads, etc.). Simple file hosting (for easily storing VASSAL mods, other files, etc.) ... these should be ACL controlled with the mods or key users having the ability to add/edit/delete/etc. I'd like to see the ability to host other DB apps like Pat Lynch's warband DB ... which he had to host elsewhere because maxminis couldn't support what he wanted.
I also want to keep community focus on the core games - WOTC CMGs. We have significant input into the overall process and a good relationship directly with the designers, developers, artists and others involved in the product lines. If we were to expand our scope, we might lose that and I'd prefer to remain the best place for a small scope than just another place to talk about a wider scope.
Third: Some history
I've asked the other mods and, so that people understand more about what has been disucssed, if it was ok with them for me to move some threads from the Admin forum to here. I'll go ahead and do that as they've all said it seems like a good idea.
We've all known that the site has been flakey for quite some time - if you've been here you know the problems the DB and server have had historically. How long? Months? A year? Remember, the great thread-deletion was a VERY long time ago (RECOVERED TOPIC XXXXX) ... and my frustration has been with the inability of those who are here trying to care and feed the site to affect meaningful change in terms of hosting, etc. when and where the community felt it was needed. I can't say how things will end up but it is encouraging to me that now we're seeing movement in positive directions instead of being merely poised for another crash.
So, after all that ... some thoughts.
I'm here for the people. I'd like for this site (and name www.maxminis.com) to be able to support all the wants and needs of the community. I do realize that may be impossible, but that's the goal I'd like to see achieved. There are alot of moving pieces right now; I'm not sure where things will eventually stop. Regardless, wherever you guys end up is where I'll be.
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Triangle DDM Skirmish Group | My Email | 45-ish trades and counting | Stuff for Trade
* * * Show your brother some love and click here * * * | |
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The Defenestrator
AesophDarkfable
Warlord
5628 Posts
| | 07/08/2006 8:30 PM |
| | Chris and Mods- Thank you for letting us see this thread. Chris, should we reply with thoughts to that thread, to this one, or to a new one? | |
Im out- find me on Hordelings if you want to chat. | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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Knight of Wuzz
Wuzzard
-827 Posts
| | 07/08/2006 10:39 PM |
| Webmaster has acquired hosting capability at a high-bandwidth, high-reliability site, where maxminis will be running on dedicated hardware. (no more sharing with 90 other sites.)
I'm currently helping investigate moving maxminis over to a new community platform that will enable more site features (including blogs, and futuristic features like 'style sheets'.)
[:)]
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 07/09/2006 2:25 PM |
| So Wuz: is this a seperate effort from the previous 2.0 attempt? Are we seeing a split already? Chris, Jai, and KT moving in one direction while the Webmaster and Wuz move things forward here?
[:(]
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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ktatroe
Sergeant
564 Posts
| | 07/09/2006 3:10 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by PatEllis15
So Wuz: is this a seperate effort from the previous 2.0 attempt? Are we seeing a split already? Chris, Jai, and KT moving in one direction while the Webmaster and Wuz move things forward here?
Webmaster has not responded to the proposal we put forward. It's pretty obvious (to me at least) at this point that he wants nothing to do with it -- he has his own ideas as to how to improve and expand Maxminis, and they are not the same as what Jai, Chris, and I (with much input from community leaders) came up with.
The bottom line is that we really only know what everyone else does. The few terse posts Webmaster has posted in the past week is all any of us knows. He's moving forward with something, and that something appears to be a ground-up rewrite using a new set of tools.
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H/W: http://www.hordelings.com/frontend/profiles/profile.php?user=ktatroe | |
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robbdaman
Underboss
2380 Posts
| | 07/09/2006 4:40 PM |
| From what I hear Maxminis could turn into a Pokemon, Clix, banner supported site that sucks balls. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
R~ | |
Champion of the Titan
******************************************************************************************************************************************************
Successful trades with: Tickparasite, Iyceman, Faragdar The Wise's friend, avrivah, Drakkengi, brucemc, Krush, maniacal_mini_monger, hung4treason, Gandy, NarlethDrider, Kunimatyu, etc, etc, blah, blah, blah..... | |
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Knight of Wuzz
Wuzzard
-827 Posts
| | 07/09/2006 6:28 PM |
| | I think webmaster is considering the possibility of putting up an ad banner that could bring in money to pay to for the new (much more expensive) hosting services. | | | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 07/09/2006 9:34 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Wuzzard
I think webmaster is considering the possibility of putting up an ad banner that could bring in money to pay to for the new (much more expensive) hosting services.
That would be disappointing.
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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Harneloot
Sergeant
575 Posts
| | 07/10/2006 12:54 AM |
| Lets all pitch in and host the site ourselves p ower to the people!
Seriously - couldn't we simply buy the Maxminis site from Webmaster??? He makes $$$ and we get our site forever. Simple.
Where should i send my $20? $50? | |
"What is to give light must endure burning" -Viktor Frankl
Champion of the Large Myconid
Deacon of the ANY aligned Raistlin. | |
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Can of the Cave Beer
Commander
2838 Posts
| | 07/10/2006 1:02 AM |
| While I recognize the allure of ads to help with the costs of a site like maxminis, I just can't justify it from the standpoint of the end-user.
I think it presents the wrong idea of what we're about. This isn't some corporate site, it's a bunch of (not so) average Joes and Janes who love their minis games. Advertising just doesn't seem right.
And if it gets maxminis noticed by the web-patrols out there--that's doubly bad. | |
Champion of the Werewolf Lord, Knight of Anything Duergar, and Squire of Things Gnollish
List reset with the start of previews for each new set...got Chainmail®? | |
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ktatroe
Sergeant
564 Posts
| | 07/10/2006 2:45 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Harneloot
Seriously - couldn't we simply buy the Maxminis site from Webmaster??? He makes $$$ and we get our site forever. Simple.
This is unlikely. Several attempts have been made to purchase Maxminis in the past, and have all been rejected.
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H/W: http://www.hordelings.com/frontend/profiles/profile.php?user=ktatroe | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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Vrecknidj
Warlord
10288 Posts
United States
| | 07/10/2006 10:39 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by robbdaman
From what I hear Maxminis could turn into a Pokemon, Clix, banner supported site that sucks balls. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
This would ruin it for me. I'm here for the people, for the discussions, for the sharing of ideas, for the bizarre speculations about what's really happening on the island in Lost [)], not for a universal gaming dumping ground.
Dave | |
Knowledge Arcana editor issues 5-9, Phoenix Lore Magazine editor, assistant editor for Rite Publishing;
My Trade Thread and My Reference Thread; Winner of WBC IV, IX and XIII; Rule #0: bshugg is always right! | |
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Can of the Cave Beer
Commander
2838 Posts
| | 07/10/2006 8:37 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by ChristopherGroves
Jai first asked the webmaster if he could purchase the site in June of 2005. For a variety of reasons, the webmaster is not interested in selling it.
Ask yourself, would you be?
Well, if the site was nothing but a drain on my account, if I didn't hang out there a lot, and I didn't play the game(s) anymore, I'd certainly be in the market unless I thought I could make more money off of it somehow. | |
Champion of the Werewolf Lord, Knight of Anything Duergar, and Squire of Things Gnollish
List reset with the start of previews for each new set...got Chainmail®? | |
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Harneloot
Sergeant
575 Posts
| | 07/10/2006 8:56 PM |
| $50 from each user would not be a small amount of $$$
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"What is to give light must endure burning" -Viktor Frankl
Champion of the Large Myconid
Deacon of the ANY aligned Raistlin. | |
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Beowulfe
Skirmisher
30 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 7:42 AM |
| | I know I've posted in the past about including other mini systems but people say they want to focus just on WOTC. I would just like to plant the bug for possible future inclusion. The reasoning is simple. Just like Christopher wants to have all the tools in one spot, I would like to have traders all in one spot. Many people play/trade/collect different systems. Currently you have to go to different boards to buy/sell/trade. Some have trader history, some don't. If they are all in one place, your trade history reflects all of your trades, not just for that board. Just a thought. | |
http://www.maxminis.com/hw_list.asp?user=Beowulfe | |
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 8:05 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Harneloot
$50 from each user would not be a small amount of $$$
First, $50 is some serious jack for some people. I know that it might not sound like it when you are used to shucking out cash for cases of plasticcrack. But there are those that come to the site to get RPG needs over the collecting aspect of things. But that is neither here or there.
Second, if there was a $50 user/membership fee it would be in the neighborhood of $250,000 if all 5,000 users paid up. But that is not rewalistic as there are tons of folks that wouldn't pay that type of money up front. I know there are those that would. Just pointing out that there are those who wouldn't. | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Sammael
Underboss
1881 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 9:02 AM |
| | $50 is half of my monthly gaming budget. It's also about 1/10th of my monthly salary. It's a lot of money to me. | |
Hypethetical Blood War Set List | Champion of the Gelugon | Vindicated Prophet of Blood War
Ha 69/80 | De 60/60 | Ar 57/60 | GoL 72/72 | Ab 60/60 | DK 60/60 | AF 60/60 | UD 59/60 | WD 57/60 | WDQ 3/60| BW
Total DDM Count: 1037 | No chance of finishing the set | Will finish the set | Set | |
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lalato
Underboss
1546 Posts
Urbana, IL
| | 07/18/2006 9:58 AM |
| I wouldn't pay $50 to "join" any site. I might be convinced to donate money to help a site I love.
--sam | |
I'm in Urbana, IL | |
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 11:45 AM |
| ditto....
I would have gladly donated $50.00 to keep MaxMinis running a few months ago. Now, I'm not so sure...
In any event, the goal is not for every member to donate, but for those who feel that the site provides them with significant value to do so. If 100 people donated $50.00, that $5000.00 would be enough to host the site for a year (at least it would be if it were hosted by the same company as Hordelings per what Ktatroe posted his costs were over there.).
That's just one year, but then next year you might have 50 new people, and reduced donations from the original 100...
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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jgsugden
Commander
4320 Posts
Walnut Creek, CA
| | 07/18/2006 5:14 PM |
| | The brains behind the situation, including everyone that has power to make a decision, need to get on the phone and make a decision on the future of the site. We're already experiencing people jumping ship due to this uncertainty. I'd really appreciate a clear picture of the future. | |
Champion of Meepo _*_ Myztek on the Wizards Boards. _*_ (2206 DDM on 03/06/06)
Please note: The use of the  indicates an attempt at humor ... often a bad attempt.
BAD EBAY SELLERS LIST (CLICK HERE): AVOID AT ALL COSTS
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The Great
Choco Monster
Ghendar
Warlord
11225 Posts
The Dark and Forbidding Lands of The Necromancer.
| | 07/18/2006 7:32 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by jgsugden
I'd really appreciate a clear picture of the future.
As would I. Silence from "he who was recently absent" seems to be the order of the day. I sincerely hope this won't be interpreted as bashing but we need some honest and open communication from the man in charge. | |
Ghendar - Now with 51% more snark
Champion of the Spider Eater with rider.
I actually love to be swallowed. - Posted By gss_000 on 09/04/2007 2:32 PM
How many times in life do you get to eat your own Cthulhu? - Posted By Pedro on 03/31/2008 2:29 | |
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Bert the Troll
Commander
3858 Posts
Adelaide
| | 07/18/2006 8:17 PM |
| | Some open discussion would be great. | |
"Mutton yesterday, mutton today, and blimey, if it don't look like mutton again tomorrer." Bert the Troll - The Hobbit
Semi-Secret sig business: "In the age of the internet attaching a famous name to your personal opinion to give more weight to it is a very valid strategy." - Benjamin Franklin
Champion of Epic Lolth, Orcus, & Demogorgon and bring us Asmodeus! | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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Thoth, Gatherer of Knowledge
MerricB
Underboss
2350 Posts
Australia
| | 07/18/2006 9:16 PM |
| Oh, and the even newer server (see the image thread). Apart from that, it may be business as usual.
Whatever that means. [:)]
Cheers! | |
Merric Blackman
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Kithmaker
Commander
3926 Posts
| | 07/18/2006 9:57 PM |
| | Well, if nothing is pronounced from on high soon, I think this boat is going to break apart. Several have already jumped to another one with a non-invisible captain. And I can tell you I'm not one to go down with the ship, even if I really like(d) it. | |
My H/W list is not current...
Trade Reference List
OLD Trade references (191) | |
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Can of the Cave Beer
Commander
2838 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 2:40 AM |
| | What sam said. Donation is one thing, "joining" is another. | |
Champion of the Werewolf Lord, Knight of Anything Duergar, and Squire of Things Gnollish
List reset with the start of previews for each new set...got Chainmail®? | |
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zenthrus
Commander
4834 Posts
SLC, UT
| | 07/19/2006 4:05 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by griffrat
Second, if there was a $50 user/membership fee it would be in the neighborhood of $250,000 if all 5,000 users paid up. But that is not rewalistic as there are tons of folks that wouldn't pay that type of money up front. I know there are those that would. Just pointing out that there are those who wouldn't.
Ummm...put me in the "wouldn't cough up the scratch" category. On the bright side, if something like that were implemented, I'd certainly get back a large chunk of free time, since you wouldn't catch me anywhere near this site (or any other trying to squeeze $50/month (year, lifetime, whatever) out of me).
In fairness, I don't imagine this will ever happen. It sounds like ads are the most likely occurance followed by a slim chance at a voluntary donation system.
I greatly prefer not having ads, however. | |
Knight Warlord a.k.a. Commander (#32) in only 6 months. Where's my pie?
Champion of Dwarven Thunderlashers
Knight of the Large Dire Chicken
Have/Want List
Trade References | |
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griffrat
Commander
3506 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 6:59 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by Can of the Cave Beer
What sam said. Donation is one thing, "joining" is another.
quote:
Originally posted by zenthrus
Ummm...put me in the "wouldn't cough up the scratch" category. On the bright side, if something like that were implemented, I'd certainly get back a large chunk of free time, since you wouldn't catch me anywhere near this site (or any other trying to squeeze $50/month (year, lifetime, whatever) out of me).
In fairness, I don't imagine this will ever happen. It sounds like ads are the most likely occurance followed by a slim chance at a voluntary donation system.
I greatly prefer not having ads, however
I agree with these stements.... | |
Ambassador of FUN!!! | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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Kithmaker
Commander
3926 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 9:31 AM |
| quote:
Originally posted by ChristopherGroves
Some of us have spent ALOT of time here.
Oh, I know. I've been here since December '03 -- not all that long after the founders. And on average, I've visited several times a day, for several hours at a time.
I like this place. A lot.
I just don't like what's happening here now. Or, what's NOT happening here now, as the case may be. | |
My H/W list is not current...
Trade Reference List
OLD Trade references (191) | |
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
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PatEllis15
Commander
4462 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 3:04 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by ChristopherGroves
Neither do I.
I am, frankly, about at the end of my patience. This entire time I've held back the more cranky and ready-to-go folks by preaching unity and patience. It worked for a time, but I think that time has passed.
I think we'll add a unity candle lighting to the MaxMinis Draft event... just kidding.
I post here (in THIS particular part of the forum...) because i care... No post count padding, just expressing my hopes and feelings. I've been here nearly from teh get go. I don't have the largest collection, or even a middling number of trades. It is the COMMUNITY that brings me back, EVERY day.
Chris, if we need Unity, and we can't unify here...
Pat E | |
"Games evolve. Otherwise we'd still be pushing rocks around the dirt. What do you think the cavemen said when some dude showed up with sticks?" - Chairman7w | |
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Gunthar
Commander
2938 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 3:23 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by lalato
I wouldn't pay $50 to "join" any site. I might be convinced to donate money to help a site I love.
--sam
I won't tell them about "Plattapii Gone Wild" [:P]
I do agree, though. I don't do pay sites. They are a pain, a drain, and have other issues many times as well. | |
Champion of Prit(Wemic vindication is here)
Minneapolis/St. Paul area
Completed trades: Aspect of Cheese (Love that moniker), Tickparasite, Elderthing, Lalato, Sodj, Grimoire, SmilinIrish, Zeb, RWarehall,Link, wikkawikkawa, Auramancer, Rommers, HK, Ivid5,Qillan_dvra, Puggins, Arcabius, Ironfist Boulderbender, Robby, Corim Danex, monster_slayer, DNDJUNKIE, Kelemvor, Krush, ckissee, Massawyrm, hockey fan, Wish, Uninspiring Lieutenant, vtloon x2, Vrecknidj, Darthpoke, WakeXX, AnarionZell, lycusmike, papabear5 and umpteen local trades with board members
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Wrackspawn
ChristopherGroves
Warlord
6093 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 3:41 PM |
| quote:
Originally posted by PatEllis15
quote:
Originally posted by ChristopherGroves
Neither do I.
I am, frankly, about at the end of my patience. This entire time I've held back the more cranky and ready-to-go folks by preaching unity and patience. It worked for a time, but I think that time has passed.
I think we'll add a unity candle lighting to the MaxMinis Draft event... just kidding.
I post here (in THIS particular part of the forum...) because i care... No post count padding, just expressing my hopes and feelings. I've been here nearly from teh get go. I don't have the largest collection, or even a middling number of trades. It is the COMMUNITY that brings me back, EVERY day.
Chris, if we need Unity, and we can't unify here...
Pat E
I don't thinks this forum increments post counts ... spammer!
As recent as last week I had communication from a number of vets asking me if I felt it was time for them to make a stand one way or the other. Activities here have pissed them off, but they don't want to just leave out-of-hand.
So, I did what I always did ... I asked them to wait a while and see how things go.
I begin to feel cheap though, constantly parroting this same statement. I appreciate that folks value my opinion, but my opinions obviously couldn't prevent this. | |
Triangle DDM Skirmish Group | My Email | 45-ish trades and counting | Stuff for Trade
* * * Show your brother some love and click here * * * | |
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Thoth, Gatherer of Knowledge
MerricB
Underboss
2350 Posts
Australia
| | 07/19/2006 8:42 PM |
| If people want to go, they'll go. Some say there are even alternative sites they can go to. [:)]
Cheers! | |
Merric Blackman
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Ack
Underboss
1476 Posts
| | 07/19/2006 11:02 PM |
| | curiously (and just to poke fun at the whole thing) - if people have quit posting on MaxMinis, are they still allowed to be in the draft? | |
Minis... Serious Business
Completed Trades (18 ) | Pending Trades (0)
Ebay seller to Avoid –Fantasy_Quest_Dist
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