Poll: Just one question before you hit me with that hammer...

[DisgruntledAncient]

Try as I might, I can't find the answer. I've searched everywhere I can think.

I stopped reading The Escapist for a few years (which used to be a digital magazine which you received an e-mail link for every week) and something happened. Apparently around Issue 105: Pens, Paper, and Pretzels they just stopped producing PDF versions of the magazine. Or at least I can't figure out how to download them after this point. Can anybody clarify? The editor's note in Issue 105 had this to say:

We encourage you to poke around, explore, press buttons, click links, see what we've got for you in the re-launched The Escapist. Some highlights:

* Improved Archives - When you search our archives, the results returned will supply a wealth of sortable information about each article, including author, publish date and type of article. Still not narrow enough? Try the advanced search.
* Related Reading - Every time you read an article on our site, the right-hand column will feature a list of article links from our archives related to your current reading.
* What's New? - Another box in the right-hand column of our pages will allow you to follow the newest articles, news updates and forum discussions around The Escapist, no matter where on the site you are.
* Streamlined Design - Without sacrificing our signature design aesthetic, we've simplified and made more cohesive the look and navigation of The Escapist. We hope you'll continue to read our content, while easily sending it to friends, digging it and generally moving from article to article with more ease.

No s**t... you want me to click more links?

Does this site no longer distribute the downloadable PDF which I use to so enjoy as bathroom reading? Because if I want to read game news on the internet I can go to a hundred other sites less cluttered and more logically structured than this one.. have any of you people actually looked the site's main page?

Also, I wouldn't have bothered to post here at all except I was doing a search for explanations and discovered something: more probations and bans than I've ever even heard of on a forum. The only thread I found that discussed this issue (PROBATION!) was LOCKED!!! Just wanted to point out to you moderators that if you find yourselves without jobs I'm sure the CPC can find a place for you! Nothin' personal. The reason I bring it up is this: do you people actually like this forum? Doesn't this whole slap on the wrist for farting in the wrong direction thing seem to stifle free speech?

I'm almost done, there was a topic asking how long people had been signed up for The Escapist. Though this is the first time I've ever been on these forums (and the last I suspect) I have stored on my backup drive a copy of "Issue 13: Why Haven't They Made This?" Oddly enough the site doesn't clearly indicate when this was published. Only by opening the PDF and scrolling a short ways to page 22 was I able to determine that it was copyrighted 2005. The editor's note indicates it was uploaded: "by Alexander Macris, 4 October 2005" so I would assume I'm one of the oldest readers. I still remember reading Generation G cover-to-cover like it was yesterday... Sat on the toilet so long my a** went numb.

You may now swing your ban-hammer, oh great one.

 

[Pimppeter2]

I hate this forum.

Also I have no idea why they switched from PDF, I'm guessing more people preferred it this way.

And that PROBATION! topic was not about probations in general. It was him bitching about his.

Free Speech? You leave that at the door when you agree to fallow the rules.

My only gripe about the forum is that mods ban older members to easily. When your here for a year plus, its pretty easy to rack up a couple probations/suspensions.

But in general. MODS ARE VERY UNDERSTANDING PEOPLE. More understanding than you can realise. And I'm not saying this to suck up. I have personal experience.

 

[Sleekgiant]

I hate this forum.

Also I have no idea why they switched from PDF, I'm guessing more people preferred it this way.

And that PROBATION! topic was not about probations in general. It was him bitching about his.

Yes and I feel he deserved it. The moderators seem to do a pretty good job keeping out flame wars and trolls. O.T. I personally like the forum, it allows me to put my two cents in whenever I feel like it.

 

[Vimbert]

Honestly, I'd like it if the moderation was stricter to weed out more of the riff-raff.

 

[Kuliani]

Correct, the PDF version of the weekly articles is no longer available. From what I understand, when the format of the website changed, the porting to a PDF version was no longer an easy task as the pages had become more dynamic and the art load was reduced. The amount of downloads vs the work required wasn't worth it.

Or I might be wrong as I wasn't part of the decision process on that.

 

[klakkat]

Free Speech? You leave that at the door when you agree to follow the rules.

An important point. Remember kids, the First Amendment only protects you from Government action; private organizations are free to define whatever they want as 'allowed speech' as part of membership rules, and can make any judgment calls they want. Of course, punishments can only be directly related to the service offered (such as banning), so it's not like anyone is forced to conform.

 

[Armored Prayer]

I have no idea about the PDFs, as for the moderation I have no issues with the moderation here.

They seem pretty fair.

 

[Zepren]

I have no idea about the PDFs, as for the moderation I have no issues with the moderation here.

They seem pretty fair.

Ditto, and if a mod is out of line at all, it's quickly and easily resolved.

Everyones a winner.

 

[benoitowns]

This website seems rather well balanced and somewhat neatly organized to me. At times it can be difficult to find some articles, but if you spend a few moments you could find anything. It is unfortunate that PDFs are gone, that would be nice seeing as I dont want to spend all my free time here, but read between classes and bus rides. Oh well.

 

[DisgruntledAncient]

I hate this forum. Also I have no idea why they switched from PDF... And that PROBATION! topic was not about probations in general. It was him bitching about his...

Some might argue that your post count seems to be to the contrary...

Oh I have no questions about why they turned away from PDF, that's fairly obvious to me. I only wanted to ensure that they actually had done this. They did it for two reasons, in my opinion. 1) Keeping the reader online ensures that he can quickly and easily follow links to advertisers' sites, increasing the appeal to potential advertisers. 2) Cost & Formatting: Adobe don't exactly give away it's software...

He did sound angry, I guess...

The poll seems to have already answered my question, that combined with the insane amount of traffic this forum sees. To each his own, I guess. I don't think I'll be hanging around regardless...

WOW, the Community Manager himself? I'm flattered. Well, chief, do me a favor. Tell your boss I'd be more than happy to pay a subscription fee if it means I can read it away from my machine. I know how money can sometimes move the immovable

 

[RussetRanger]

I have no idea about the PDFs, as for the moderation I have no issues with the moderation here.

They seem pretty fair.

Ditto, and if a mod is out of line at all, it's quickly and easily resolved.

Everyones a winner.

Basically yes. Plus, most forums have an anti-troll rule to follow (e.g. no inflammatory posts, disregard for other members etc) that are often seemed to not be followed or if they are it is very skewed towards particular members. Thus, close moderation will make sure anyone who thinks they can insult and pick up (also team up on) one member is not tolerated and dealt with accordingly.

Also, with the amount of members here you do need that like it or lump it.

 

[Mr. Gency]

re-launched The Escapist.

That would explain why it seems like the Escapist hasn't been doing all those videos for as long as they been around.
To me anyway...

 

[Lono Shrugged]

This is the most placid and least dramatic board I've ever been on. And I like it that way to be honest. Some bans usually occur from criticizing whatever new cartoon is on or generally wasting bandwidth with "first post". I don't really see the point in that. I don't like a show or feature I don't watch it and shut up about it. In fact something awful did a very funny piece on how dull this site can be. And I wouldn't change it for the world. It's just straight up gaming chat. Also OP I doubt your going to get banned for your post considering it's generating rational discussion.