Well it's been awhile since I've done an update, so here goes.

As usual I'll start with the Mod Team because bros before hoes

Pedestrian

My favourite mod because despite being on the job for well over a year she exhibits no signs of burnout or apathy and still strives to make all the little events on this forum flow. From the weekly music projects to the fun holiday games like this year's Easter Egg hunt it's obvious she's committed to keeping things fresh. She's also almost always the first to greet new members.

She's also one of the more secretive members, actively choosing to distance their personal life from this forum, only giving the occasional hint as to their personality, which makes her very enigmatic. From what I've gathered we do share some parallels in the macabre, which is always a plus.

Freebase Dali

Another member who only ever offers us a small glimpse into his personal life, but despite that still has lots to say. He's definitely the go-to man with any technical question, and is instrumental in helping us connect the dots between spammers and troll accounts. His music is really cool, and it's helped me sort of map out what I suspect his favourite bands are. Overall he seems like the type of guy I could get on with because he doesn't seem overly verbose, and he seems more the type to sit and take in the situation, rather than make hasty decisions based on emotional outbursts.

Urban Hatemonger ?

The cool and grumpy Uncle to Right-Track's cool and grumpy father. Always has a quip ready and is not afraid to speak his mind, even at the expense of someone else. Always manages to break up the arguments before they get too out of hand, and never does so in a "go to your room and think about what you've done" kind of way. On the music side he's definitely the guy to go to for finding the second and third tier bands to your favourite first tier, which has helped me tremendously, and he always seems to have some opinion or tidbit of information to help further explain a band's history.

Burning Down

While we don't have a lot in common musically, we do share a love of everything Simpsons related, and I'm sure we could entertain each other for hours quoting episodes. Definitely doesn't seem to have had much personality change or tonal shift in her posts since becoming a mod, which is pretty cool and hard to do. I mean it's not like there's a big difference, but speaking for myself, I definitely find I carry myself in a slightly more conservative manner. Her stories are always fun to read and she seems like one of those people who would still smile at you even if she was having a bad day.

Duga

Dude's a friggin' scientist, how freaking awesome is that? His music tastes have definitely helped me ease back into the current alternative scene and have kept me up to date on what's hip and fresh. Doesn't seem to post as much anymore, but he's online at least once a day, but I suppose when you're perfecting a clone army of Freddie Mercuries (my theory on what he does in the lab), your time is precious.

Conan

Another mod who seems to be MIA lately, but after reading his last thread it's pretty obvious why. We've definitely had a more close connection over the last 3-years as we both tried to do various projects to help the forum out, like our zine that only lasted 1 issue. He's definitely one of the very talented members on the forum, and I do enjoy listening to his music. I hope that in his absence he's been working on an LP or something, because that would be pretty awesome.

Nonsubmissivewife

For whatever reason whenever I think of your username I want to add "House wife" despite the fact that you're not one. She seems to be enjoying her summer and spending less time on the forum, which is sad because her posts are always a fun read. I hope she starts posting more, because she is one of the few people that keeps the country forum alive.

Vanilla

I'm not sure why I was surprised to see her modded when I came back last summer, I mean she's one of the most senior members on the forum. She's another one who has been absent as of late, but I believe that's been computer related mishaps. I definitely see her as the heart of the mod team, a member whose actions are based more around sensing and gut instinct (not that she has a gut mind you). It's not a method I would see myself using because I think almost exclusively with my brain, but I definitely see the advantages of keeping a balance.

SATCHMO

I really hope he comes back, but I know he's had some personal problems and those definitely take priority. He's always been an interesting member, one whose anecdotes I would anxiously follow. His musical tastes don't always mirror my own, but I definitely think there's enough middle ground for us to carry a conversation, and even learn a thing or two from each other.

Mojopinuk

Another member who has been absent, which is sad because he's one of the remaining mods back from the day when it was almost exclusively British. I definitely like how he carries himself and doesn't get hung up on his musical preferences from defining his personality. I mean you take a look at him and you might think he's a throwback thrash metalhead, but you get to talking to him and you find out that he is that, but he can also talk your ear off about post-punk and other genres that betray his image, which I always find really cool.

Yac

I definitely like how he's sort of become a little more involved in the forum, posting in places other than the mod forum. I definitely think he's a cool guy and there's a lot more to him then meets the eye. He's the best conduit between the forum and the administrators we could ask for, because he's not all business, and he has time to put his feet up and just shoot the shit.

Janzoon

Last but certainly not least we have Janzoon, who has been one of the longest serving mods on this forum. Ever since Right-Track stepped down I've always thought of him stepping up and filling in the shoes of the Moderator father figure, and I really can't think of a better person honestly. He's firm, but not draconian, and he always has reason to backup his claims. He's never afraid to be the one to drop the hammer, but he does so in a way that you can't stay angry at. Nothing but respect and admiration for this man.


I'll do members tomorrow.

One reason I enjoy Burning Down is because she seems to really know how to bring your soft side out. I mean I brought mine by telling her about my experiences. I generally don't like speaking much on myself. I have always said that I like to remain mysterious. This is not to say I don't like anyone else but I feel BD has a special heart.

One thing I found surprising is that many of you guys know that I have a twitter account let alone a Facebook account. I am very surprised considering how barely have mentioned that. I have always wanted to a remain mysterious man but I am not so much. Sparky got me good. I got to admit.

I thank you Geekoid very much. I am very happy. I may go overboard with my love of African music but I am very geniue when I say I love African music especially FRANCO and PEPE KALLE.

I want to say sorry to anyone I may have hurted deeply. You guys got to believe that I don't intentionally hurt anyone. It is not my intention. It is just I can be very complicated.

I also know that many members want to know why I am FRANCO PEPE KALLE. Many of you guys want to know why? I understand. I will give many stories that led to the name. It is not easy to explain. There are several factors that led to the name. If you want to know why, PM me and I will give one component that led to that name.

Anyway, no hate to any moderator. All of you guys are special. Urban, Pedestrian, Vanilla, Burning Down, Janzoon, Pete, and others. I love you all. I wish you all a great life and blessings come in the near future.

^^^
Great post, Franco. I'm sure the longer you're here, the better we'll understand your true nature. Sometimes it just takes a while.

The feeling is mutual :) Us Canadians are giving our country a good name, it seems. I like that.

"Mysterious" and "boring" are interchangeable when used in conjuction with my name.

That said, thaaaanks guyyyyys! It's been a busy summer for me, but once I settle into my new routine I hope to have more time and energy to run new events, because I've felt pretty guilty about slacking off over the summer.

Actually, it's not just Freddie Mercury clones. I'm planning on an army of clones of all the big names of rock. Think about this...a supergroup consisting of Jimi Hendrix, Freddie Mercury, Keith Moon, and Cliff Burton at every birthday party in the country. I'll be rich.

Anyway, thanks for mentioning me! I feel weird if I don't log on at least once a day to see how things are going. People don't realize this, but I do see most of what's going down here. I also like to hear that my music recommendations are being noticed. My activity may go up or down, but I'll be here as long as MB is around.

Frownland - I got muchos love for this guy. Shared a few good Mumu sessions with him and others, which were always interesting, but he seems to genuinely take people's suggestions (well, mine at least) and makes the effort to give some feedback. Great taste in music and hopefully he continues his Hip Hop quest.

Thanks breh! I really appreciate it. I think you're pretty awesome too. Definitely one of my favorite new people! :)

Thanks Pete for your kind words. You have become one of the members here whose posts I will make sure I read in threads like Albums You're Digging and what not. I do often skim posts in there but I will read yours as I know it will be worth a read and often a recommendation from you is worth checking out.

As for my music tastes and identity, I quite like to know that someone sees me that way. I do love my metal, especially my thrash and my doom. I've been dabbling in more black metal over the last year or so as well. I really don't want to be identified as a metal fan though, at least not exclusively. I like what I like and to hell what my more narrower circles of "music fan" friends think of it. A lot of metal fans I know will take a dislike to something simply because it isnt metal enough for them, because they're hardcore like that, you know?

I have been absent. That probably will continue to happen. I will always come back and I have spells here where I will be here a lot and then a spell where I wont come here much at all. Life was easier when I had nothing to do all day, every day and could just listen to music. I was always looking for new music and so was here a lot. That isnt the case anymore and so I need to be in the mood to search for something new or to discuss what I've been listening to. For those of you who can work, live and still listen to 5+ new albums a week, i salute you.

It cant be difficult. You used the same username.

Ah...that was Rival Sons right? I'm so glad you're still enjoying it! It seemed perfect for you when I was looking for something to send. :) Thanks for your very kind words too.

Thanks Pete. I really should post more in the country forum since that and folk have been my main staples this summer. Every time I say I plan on being back on the forum more, I jinx myself and it doesn't happen. So I'm not going to say that again! I would like to be though. I often miss this place and notice that how much I post on here directly affects how much new music I find. Even though I have Spotify and satellite radio...it's just not the same as getting recommendations from people you "know" and trust. In fact, you've directly and indirectly affected a decent portion of my music collection Pete, and for that I thank you!

Thanks man, that's very kind of you to say. :)