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Whelp, that was fun. Now on to other business.
16 years ago
Anti-Drama Llama Movement NewsletterOkay, last one for the day folks, I promise.
First, I want to thank everyone who chipped in their two cents on that little idea I had. Result, not such a good idea, but oh well.
The reason I even had this idea at all was from this thread here:
Anti-Drama Llama Movement Thread on FA Forums
Most of it centered around a lot of hating on the Movement, saying that we were counterproductive to our cause.
I personally believe that we are not, but the most adamant critics were pretty harsh.
This thread has since been locked from further discussion there, and frankly that's fine with me. After the last person wrote 5 pages worth of arguments against the movement, all in quote responses, I realized things had gotten out of hand and decided to let it go.
Apparently, so did others.
But the fact that some people got so angry and outraged at the Movement gave me pause for thought about our efforts.
Are we doing more harm than good in our efforts? Are we merely spreading trolls around and causing trouble? Are we a detriment to FA?
As of right now, we have 370 watchers on the primary FA account. To be honest, that is far more than I ever thought possible in the short amount of time this ADLM account has been open. There's quite a bit of pull and a lot of strong sentiments here. Even though FA has a good 15,000 members across the entire site, 370 is a rather sizeable membership for a club account.
So what I want are your opinions on what you think of the Movement. I've heard lots of people say "It's a good idea" and "I like this" or "I want to support this cause". Not that there's anything wrong with receiving compliments like that, but I want to know a bit more detail.
WHY do you think this Movement is a good idea?
WHY do you like this Movement?
WHY do you want to support the Movement?
Some of the people arguing against the Movement in the FAF thread were so adamant that they are thinking of organizing a petition to strike the Movement down and have it removed.
I myself would hate to see that happen, but perhaps some voices from the members would help.
Remember, I don't want any attacks on
Dragoneer or any admins. They have a job to uphold FA policy, and I highly doubt they will remove an account just because of a handful of complaints from a few people who we don't even know. (I'm hoping 
Wolfblade and 
Kyoujin can help me out on that one. I want to make sure I have this down right.)
But still, I think it would be good if your voices became heard and you explain why you like the ADLM.
I think it would be good for everyone.
Lastly, I want to wrap up on the Troll issue being discussed in the past couple journals from today.
Clearly a "Most Wanted" list is a bad idea. However, at the same time, trolls are still a problem and can be a nuisance.
We go to admins and voice our concerns, but once the admin knows, what do they do about it? I myself am not sure. So I ask you this...
For those of you familiar with the current rules and regulations, what is FA's current policy on dealing with trolls?
And...
What would you do if you could improve the current rules and regs on troll handling, or do you think the current rules and regs are just fine? Why or why not?
I know this may seem like a not-too-productive discussion, but even since I started the Movement, I think mature and educated discussions are an important part of making this a success. We have to talk about tough subjects, and the focus of the Movement and where we go from here now that we can no longer fund raise is a big one if you ask me.
So what do you think?
~Otaku-Man
First, I want to thank everyone who chipped in their two cents on that little idea I had. Result, not such a good idea, but oh well.
The reason I even had this idea at all was from this thread here:
Anti-Drama Llama Movement Thread on FA Forums
Most of it centered around a lot of hating on the Movement, saying that we were counterproductive to our cause.
I personally believe that we are not, but the most adamant critics were pretty harsh.
This thread has since been locked from further discussion there, and frankly that's fine with me. After the last person wrote 5 pages worth of arguments against the movement, all in quote responses, I realized things had gotten out of hand and decided to let it go.
Apparently, so did others.
But the fact that some people got so angry and outraged at the Movement gave me pause for thought about our efforts.
Are we doing more harm than good in our efforts? Are we merely spreading trolls around and causing trouble? Are we a detriment to FA?
As of right now, we have 370 watchers on the primary FA account. To be honest, that is far more than I ever thought possible in the short amount of time this ADLM account has been open. There's quite a bit of pull and a lot of strong sentiments here. Even though FA has a good 15,000 members across the entire site, 370 is a rather sizeable membership for a club account.
So what I want are your opinions on what you think of the Movement. I've heard lots of people say "It's a good idea" and "I like this" or "I want to support this cause". Not that there's anything wrong with receiving compliments like that, but I want to know a bit more detail.
WHY do you think this Movement is a good idea?
WHY do you like this Movement?
WHY do you want to support the Movement?
Some of the people arguing against the Movement in the FAF thread were so adamant that they are thinking of organizing a petition to strike the Movement down and have it removed.
I myself would hate to see that happen, but perhaps some voices from the members would help.
Remember, I don't want any attacks on
Dragoneer or any admins. They have a job to uphold FA policy, and I highly doubt they will remove an account just because of a handful of complaints from a few people who we don't even know. (I'm hoping 
Wolfblade and 
Kyoujin can help me out on that one. I want to make sure I have this down right.)But still, I think it would be good if your voices became heard and you explain why you like the ADLM.
I think it would be good for everyone.
Lastly, I want to wrap up on the Troll issue being discussed in the past couple journals from today.
Clearly a "Most Wanted" list is a bad idea. However, at the same time, trolls are still a problem and can be a nuisance.
We go to admins and voice our concerns, but once the admin knows, what do they do about it? I myself am not sure. So I ask you this...
For those of you familiar with the current rules and regulations, what is FA's current policy on dealing with trolls?
And...
What would you do if you could improve the current rules and regs on troll handling, or do you think the current rules and regs are just fine? Why or why not?
I know this may seem like a not-too-productive discussion, but even since I started the Movement, I think mature and educated discussions are an important part of making this a success. We have to talk about tough subjects, and the focus of the Movement and where we go from here now that we can no longer fund raise is a big one if you ask me.
So what do you think?
~Otaku-Man
Thank you for Reading! If you want to subscribe to these journals and keep up to date on what's happening, feel free to subscribe by watching 
Anti-Drama_Llama_Movement You can also keep up to date on who needs help on FA at our other newsletter, the 
ADLM_Daily_Spotlight 
Anti-Drama_Llama_Movement
ADLM_Daily_Spotlight
now- as far as the movement itself..
it IS a tad weak, though that's more due to a mixture of skeptics and the fact that, let's face it, it is effectively being run by -ONE- person.
when it comes to spreading the Drama, I have to say that it does qualify as possibly a problem-
posting, publicly, people and saying "THESE GUYS ARE HAVING TROUBLE"- though a long-standing tradition (who hasn't advertised a sale here and there for buddies, or chatted about other issues in a not-exactly-private place) - it is kind of a magnet for trolls, I would think.
Maybe, in the future, the Idea of a mailing list would be the way to go- if/when the movement progresses again.
and, as for why -I- like the ADLM. . .
It's home-grown.
It's helping people who can't get help from other places they're tried-
and they're not coming to us.
We're going to them, out of our own free will, and saying- "Hey, you need some help?"
'course, I'm a strong believer in "Random Acts of Kindness" and the effect that they have on people-
and, if the first Real ADLM raffle (the first one held on the ADLM account) has anything to show for it, then the cause itself is DEFINITELY a good one, and can DEFINITELY do some serious amounts of good for people.
It's just that the focus of the Movement has to step away from doing fundraisers and raffles right now to help others due to legal liability.
So that means a focus on taking the members we have now, and figuring out what to do next. You are right that it is technically just me running the show, although I have had a lot of help from
Still, there need to be more active administrative members, and more ideas need to be discussed and put into practice.
One order of business that should definitely come first is a name change.
Any suggestions on a new name that encompasses the spirit of the Movement without the word "Drama" or "Llama" in it?
~Otaku-Man
That sort of Idea seems to capture the basis of the movement fairly well, though. (and at this particular point in time, I am throwing out general Ideas in the hopes of sparking somebody else's brain into thinking of something good, relevant, and available)
I don't know if, in the long run, you would aim to keep it exclusively furry (I somewhat doubt it, but it's a good thing to know for sure so as we can plan ahead) and that may affect the name, as well- because then we can incorporate plays on words and such. Even if not, a reference to animals may work out well- "Man's Best Friend" In reference more to the fact that the reason that the dog got that name is because, despite anything you do to it, the dog will always be there for ya. *shrugs* anywho~ If I come up with anything else, I'll certainly shoot them your way, for sure.
But it's not something to really worry over until we can file the necessary paperwork.
In the meanwhile, thinking up some good broader ideas would be useful.
Keep brainstorming and let me know what you think.
In the meanwhile, I've also messaged a few admins to get their take on the ADLM to see if I can work more with them.
Here's hoping.
~Otaku-Man
He's been distributing it as best as he can, which he promised, so why is it a problem if he's doing exactly as he says he is?
I mean to say, it's very difficult to run something like this with effectively only ONE person running it. *shrugs*
it's business more than anything else.
Because let's face it, there are people on here who need help, be it emotional support, artistic support, technical support, medical support, or especially financial support. The ADLM is open to anyone who needs help, and we bring together people who want to help and people who need help.
WHY do I like this Movement?
At almost 19, getting ready to graduate, and currently unable to go job searching (getting ready to do a trial move and try to find a job and/or college in another state) I spend a crapload of time online. The ADLM is an online movement that I can volunteer for without spending gas money I don't have or having to wake my mom up at six AM so I can go help. Besides that, I get to help people, and that's the main purpose of the movement.
WHY do I want to support the Movement?
Number on, because I can without having to depend on my parents' mercy. Number two, I get to help people! And that's really important to me.
Why I like it & want to support: because even though I might not have enough funds each week to buy full commissions or anything, I can almost always afford a few dollars for raffle tickets, or small donations. If everyone chips in a couple of dollars, it counts as a lot in total and can really help someone survive.
It's very easy to tell someone to "Quit whining" or "Grow up". Sorry,but life is just not always that simple. People reach a limit to how much they can endure,mentally,physically,emotionally,financially,etc. People fall into despair and hopelessness. What is the better thing to do? Reach out to that person,and at least try to help them find a way back to the light, or kick them when they are down and mock and deride them? I think the answer is fairly obvious to anyone with a shred of human feeling.I believe this movement was, and is a good idea.You have nothing to be ashamed of or sorry for.You tried to do something. You lit the proverbial candle instead of simply cursing the proverbial darkness.For that,I salute you, my friend,and I hope you won't give up on the idea totally.I'll try to continue to help in any way I can. I know what it's like to need help.I also know that I want to honor those who have helped me in times of need by finding some way to be of help to someone myself.~Otaku-Man
I will remain neutral in this matter; whilst I'm seeing points both for and against this movement, I'm just a forum mod.
Could you explain to me why this could not work on say... FurSpace? Or even a site of its own?
Since it's already been established here, I'd like to keep it here until I can get a separate site set up in the meantime.
I'll probably need to make a new account once we've come to a name change. It seems the name seems to be what's causing a lot of the controversy amongst those against the movement.
However, the fact of the matter is that the features on FA are used to air lots of grievances, issues, problems, headaches, troubles, woes, and then some. I figure that that if these people have trouble, why not offer to help them?
It may seem like a crazy idea, but it's something I like doing: Finding people and trying to help them. If they say no, and don't want help, then that's okay. But if they accept the help, then it gives a sense of accomplishment. The person gets help, and the person who offered help gets the satisfaction of doing a good deed.
While I admit the inner-workings of the Movement are not perfect, I would rather try and fine-tune and refine it to something that works without any problems. (Or at least so that all the major problems are taken care of, leaving only small, easily manageable problems).
If you're talking about what the person opposing the movement was saying back on the forum, I got the impression that they did not want the Movement moved, but rather eradicated entirely. I was not down with that. My arguments against them were an attempt to defend the existence of the Movement as a whole. Not to mention that their extreme hostility seemed out of place given that I was trying to keep my cool.
I have been thinking about moving, I admit, but for the time being, I'd much rather work here since I already have things established in a way.
But this person I'm referring to. Is this the same person you have issues with?
~Otaku-Man
I'm not questioning your intent, but I am questioning its place here.
I'm not sure which user you're referring to.
I admit I made a mistake, but I don't see what else I have done to incur the wrath of admins or mods.
And I'm not being facetious there either, I really mean it.
And the only reason I would make another account was to change the name and no other reason.
And I apologize about the whole user thing.
If possible, I would like to talk to you in private, perhaps over MSN?
I think I may have already sent you a message.
~Otaku-Man
It's a non-art related community, and the whole illegal-raffle thing...
You haven't 'incurred the admins' wrath', it just doesn't belong here. That's all.
But of course, you may. I won't be online until 6:00 PM (GMT+10), I'm not home till then. My MSN contact details can be found on my profile, both here and on the forums.
It's a mistake I don't intend to repeat, and believe you me when I say I've learned my lesson.
Regardless, in regards to Arshes' comments about this not being Art-related...
...I still disagree with her on that one since as a Movement originally built to support the artists of FA, I see it as art-related by means of two degrees of separation. ADLM supports artists, artists make art, therefore ADLM supports Art.
While her opinion states otherwise, there are still various other accounts on here that aren't art related.
And so on. There's a large number of them out there, and probably a bunch I never heard of or don't know of.
To remove them all simply because they aren't directly related to "art" seems rather cold. Some of them are support groups trying to help other FA members. Especially
If this was such an issue, then I would think that all club accounts would have to be in violation of the AUP or TOS in some way. But they are still allowed, right?
But that's an argument more for Arshes, and for the admins to discuss.
As for MSN, I already added you, so I'll see you when you pop on.
~Otaku-Man
I've spent too much time reading ED.
The movement is a great idea, because it's made to help ppl who cant help themselves. I like the movement because I love to help those in need, but I dont always have the time to go out and do community service. Hell, I'm even in a slump sometimes where I've got an art block, and ADLM can help with that if that time comes. I want to support the movement because it's helping ppl. Trolls will always be here, and ADLM doesnt make a big difference on their presence. Some ppl need to just grow up and handle a troll appropriately by NOT REACTING AT ALL. I'm sure everyone has seen the motivational poster (made by trolls) that says "Arguing over the internet is like running in the special olympics- even if you win, you're still retarded"
If you react poorly to trolls, they're gonna keep at it. Why? Because you react to them. I dont get trolled. Why? Because I dont give a shit what they say to me. Others need to learn to do the same.
What I like about the movement is that it genuinely seems to want to help people.
...however it seems it being done in a non specific, undefined way, and could use some streamlining.
Put a screening/referral process in place to make sure aid gets to the right people. As for trolls, FA has to have a good flag system and adequate, proactive staff to stay on top of this problem. If that doesn't happen, then you just have to put up with the wastes of sperm every now and again for the greater good.
Please don't give up. You're doing wonderful work. As the forum crap showed, the ADLM is needed now more than ever.
What the hell is happening to this fandom. You know a twist of irony will come when they lose their jobs or battle cancer or need help and the movement isn't there to try and assist. You've tried helping people seek social services Seek counseling Helped someone with her battle of cancer those kind words KIND WORDS gave her courage to continue her fight against a terrible disease.
Perhaps the Name of the movement and who youve chosen to help is a causing backlash but that's charity. Sometimes you help people that diddnt deserve it but many DO so many DO need help even if its just looking for support. Or a job search. Or they lost their loved one. People will reach out and is it not the good thing to do to take the hand and help someone? Whats so wrong with that? I'm saddened by the sheer bitterness and hateful things this furry fandom seems to be nurturing as of late.
As for you handling the money Weve had testimony about the monies received by the recipents. Maybe two or three nominated people get to keep track of any funds or donations.
And how do you fight hate Otaku? You fight it with love and kindness let that kindness choke them. I further the sentiments allt hat bitter angry hate filled thread * i refused to read it and waste my time with bitter people* Shows you this movement is needed.
Maybe name it Furry helping furry. Or furries for furries. A helping paw for those in need? Perhaps we need to look at a better name. We also have to steer clear of landmine topics. Ie Allan if its too drama filled perhaps a less public but quieter approach is necessary.
DO NOT give up Don't give in to them let their hate consume them. This movement will always have its haters no matter what you do. Sadly its the nature of the beast.
I am proud of what your attempting to do. Perhaps it is time for open discussion on how to fix the flaws and hoe to proceed. Sometiems there are valid points in those messes.
...anyway, whatever or whoever you decide to support, take care now.
~Otaku-Man
It made my day and stopped me from doing something very stupid. I really don't know how well off I would have been without someone there to tell me something nice, to offer support. I had someone tell me "I'd be embarrassed to post something like that if I were you."
So.. thankyou, you are doing good, you have good intentions. It's going to be an uphill fight but don't give up. You've helped people it seems and something like this is needed.
Look at all the charity you guys do. You help people out financially, you encourage mature and educated discussion rather than flamefests, and you try to solve problems through administration rather than taking things into your own hands and starting drama-inducing fights.
And trust me, I'm all for independant action and the total ignoring of authourity figures, but when it comes to the internet I'm afraid that simply doesn't fly. To quote rule 9: "There are no real rules about moderation either - enjoy your ban"
And I'm afraid that's perfectly true. Admins - unlike the US justice system - can't be abused by re-wording their rules (an in this respect are actually somewhat more effective than the US justice system, but that's a matter I'm not going to tackle here). Now while this works just fine for real trouble-makers, someone just trying to help out can get banned for the very drama-arousal they're trying to prevent. That's why FA NEEDS groups like this, that can take care of things formally and go through the proper channels.
A formal Most Wanted list might not be a good idea. I'll be keeping my own troll list. Not sure what I'll be doing with it yet...
You'll probably avoid more flak that way.
Anyway, I really appreciate the comment. I like hearing things like that. I'm glad it's benefited you and those who you've met.
:)
~Otaku-Man