04-15-2023, 12:28 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-21-2023, 02:08 AM by xenosthelegend. Edited 2 times in total.)
Introduction:
Let’s start off this article talking about the perils of writing your media on the ISFL forums. Many of article have been lost to the sands of time due to incorrectly closing a tab before properly saving, and I’m no exception to that fate. Sure the forum is quite convenient for its features such as team logos or ability to bold, italicize, underline, and strike out words. Or perhaps you fancy a bit of COLOR? You can even ping your haters @baz1757, @aeonsjenni, and @Memento Mori when you save a draft. That’s all nice, but after some time it becomes secondhand to memorize the forum codes for such novelties.
Use of the forums for media drafts comes at a great risk of accidentally clicking off to another tab and losing your precious work. But maybe you’re a bit of a rebel and like to play it loose and shoot from the hip. I’m not here to cramp your style, I too have written most of my media using the forum draft system. Something about it feels nostalgic in the way of the old days when we didn’t have fancy word editors that automatically backed up your work every few seconds.
And here we are at the moral of the story, New York Silverbacks teammate of mine Sean fell recently to the same circumstance of losing an entire article to the ceaseless maw of the forum cache. He and I like many others suffered a great lesson, and have since moved onto greener pastures. I assure you sean you are not alone. Even for those that haven’t lost an entire paper in recent memory, I’d be willing to bet at some point or other something similar has happened to all of us. Whether it was closing out of an Online Application too early, overwriting a Video Game save, or misplacing an important Tax Document, we’ve all been subjected to a similar fate. Perhaps I can provide you with an alternative or two?
Google Docs - The most popular choice, free, efficient, and provides a space where users can collaborate. I’m currently writing this document using Google docs, and the prospect series measuring 14,000 words Jenni and I put together was done entirely on Google Docs. Really you could stop reading here as this is far and away my recommendation. However, if you want some fun alternatives check out what I have to say below.
Microsoft Word - Not a personal favorite of mine, mostly due to the steep cost, but it still gets the job done. Students can acquire this option at a discounted rate. And for those of you with office jobs you can do what I did and steal an activation key the day after putting in your 2 week notice.
Notepad++ - Ah an option for the truly chaotic. Minimal formatting features and constant notifications for package updates. However, it is free, provides uniform formatting, and allows you to save to your desktop. Who knows maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about Coding Languages along the way if you choose this option.
VIM - For you command line pros out there we all know VIM is the goto for editing text files like a true hacker. It provides a suite of macro shortcuts and string match & replace commands that will make editing any document a breeze. The only con is that it provides few options for traditional formatting or line breaks, but that can likely be mitigated with proper planning.
eMACS - Eww. If eMACS was an ISFL player it would have a firm “do not draft” label from me.
Pen & Paper - Not my first choice but I’d still put it over eMACS. If you prefer a hands on approach this could be the right option for you. Granted there’s always a chance your draft could get into the hands of a dog, and I’m sure the media heads won’t accept “My dog ate my media article” as an excuse.
Stone & Chisel - Okay hear me out, if you want something to last the test of time this is the method for you. Someday everything on this forum will be lost to digital attrition, but Stone & Chisel? Archaeologists are still uncovering and documenting thousands of years old documents written with this method.
Tattooing - Okay maybe not the best decision, but it will be there and on hand for the rest of your life. The main issue is you’re working with very limited real estate and most Tattoo lettering tends to blowout and become difficult to read after 30 years.
I think that should cover most of the best options for writing your media articles outside of the forums. Let me know in the comments what you use! There are bountyless options available to those who are willing to venture beyond the forums. I urge you to heed my warning and do not write media solely using the forum system. Nevertheless let’s see what Sean has to say on the topic. And before we’re done I’ll also provide an exclusive introspective on the New York S41 Draft Class.
Interview with @18situaseans:
wizardliteral
(forewarning I'm writing these questions in a cheesy interviewer voice)
Hi Sean! So you've faced the adversity of losing an entire media article to the forum system, now faced with a blank canvas and only your memory to rely upon starting anew. What was your initial reaction to the ordeal? Personally I had to walk away and accept circumstance that my article would never again see the light of day.
18situaseans
Well first I thought that I had pressed the ISFL icon at the top of the page. Usually if that happens, you can just go back on the page and it will all be there. However, this was sadly not the case. I had pressed something that I still do not know and it deleted the whole article. I know I’ve got to move on because their isn’t a single thing I could do about it. It is what it is. But a tip for all of you. Never write on the forum. One day, this will happen to you.
wizardliteral
Good advice hopefully we can save an unknowing soul from a similar fate. Any thoughts on what you'll be using to write future media? Google Docs? Microsoft Word? Pen & Paper?
18situaseans
Pen and paper for sure. I’m joking. I’ll be using google docs.
wizardliteral
Awesome, Google Docs is also my weapon of choice. Well let's not dwell on what's gone past. How are you feeling about this upcoming season for New York? Any goals as a first season callup at Wide Receiver? There's some tough competition in the ASFC, but I've personally got a positive outlook for our playoff chances.
18situaseans
Yeah I think I’ll have a solid rookie season even though it’s my first season. I’m excited to play for New York and I think we could make a playoff run with this new squad. I see an Ultimus in the distance at some point. Once me, you, Jumbo, and MattBlake get closer to the top earners, I think this team will be unstoppable. In a few seasons that is. It will be a little while though as we need to earn and that takes time. I will say I’m very excited for the future.
wizardliteral
Absolutely. I think Zayn, Repgnar, and the rest of the War Room did a tremendous job with this draft class. I expect to see dividends sooners than later. Alright last questions before I let you go. New York legend Quarterback Malcolm Savage is stepping down this season in place of Rookie Blaine Falco. Do you have any words of encouragement for the new face of the franchise?
18situaseans
Well I’ve been told I’ll be his WR of the future so I expect great things from him. I think he’ll do great and I can’t wait to play along side him in an offense that is going to gain more and more firepower over the next few seasons. My encouragement to him is just keep on max earning and you will succeed. I’m glad to be here along the way and I hope we can make some good things happen.
wizardliteral
Fantastic! Thanks for taking the time to talk and work with me on this article. Okay then let’s go ahead and wrap things up with a look at the New York S41 Draft Class with some commentary by Sean and I.
Draft Class Breakdown:
Dub Redd @wizard_literal - DT - 348 TPE
Draft Position: Round 1 Pick 1
Tackles 44
TFL 10
Sacks 6
“Let’s just get this out of the way shall we. I’m entirely honored to have been considered worthy of being drafted first overall, but truthfully in this class there are at minimum a dozen users worthy of this spot. Dub Redd will be a first season callup in what I hope is a long and storied career. Surely there will be growing pains as a 340 TPE Defensive Lineman, but no great athlete doesn’t face adversity at some point in their career.” -wizard_literal
“Great pick here for New York as they get a special DT in wizard. With Wizard’s great media along with outstanding earning, this should prove to be a very good pick for New York. I expect Dub Redd to have a great career in New York and am excited to play with him on the ISFL level.” -sean
Loose Cannon @Jumbo - LB - 389 TPE
Draft Position: Round 2 Pick 1
Tackles 125
TFL 9
Sacks 6
“He’s a Loose Cannon but a god damn good Linebacker. By some miracle I preordained both Jumbo and I would be going to New York in my first mock draft, and lady luck made it so. The definitive steal of the draft at least by TPE metrics, Jumbo is a long time SHL affiliate member with a graphics bankroll that will ensure he’ll be max earning for many seasons to come. But more importantly he’s been a fun and engaging member of the NY locker room during our brief intro as teammates. Also who doesn’t love a user with Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force as their profile picture? Full disclosure this might have inspired me to make a Frylock themed player for my future recreate.” -wizard_literal
“Jumbo being available at 15 is just insane in my mind. 288 TPE as of the draft falling to the second round?? What were teams thinking here. Active user, great earning, everything you want in a player. New York is absolutely delighted with this pick and I expect great things from Jumbo and am glad to be his teammmate.” -sean
Sean Robinson @18situaseans - WR - 270 TPE
Draft Position: Round 3 Pick 6
Receptions 34
Receiving Yards 508
Touchdowns 7
“SHAUN! SEAN! Our main focus of the article and former Norfolk star wideout and pro-bowl snub was the third player New York added to their roster in the S41 draft. Getting a WR at Sean’s TPE level(#6 for WRs in this class) in the third round make this pick a positional value steal. Sean’s a first season callup who should slot in nicely at WR3 for retiring Receiver Swantavius Torch. We may have been bitter rivals in the DSFL but now we’re Silverbacks for life!” -wizard_literal
“Wow, what a horrible pick this was. I mean who is this guy?? Only at 196 TPE and had just 508 yards this past season. He also was in Legs McMillion’s shadow for the entire season. Horrible pick for NY here I mean this guy was a 6th rounder. We all know that even he does. He won’t do much in the ISFL and I expect him to be gone in a few seasons.” -sean
The Riddler @MattBake12 - WR - 362 TPE
Draft Position: Round 3 Pick 10
Receptions 58
Receiving Yards 1188
Touchdowns 7
“Those are some impressive stat lines for The Riddler was a premier Wide Receiver in the DSFL last season for the Dallas Birddogs. However, the Big Apple has some big plans for this villain wide receiver next season. I won’t tease you further with some sort of riddle. The Riddler is going to be swapping over to Cornerback to help set up a long term replacement for Cornerback duo Dax Dangerfield & Bonzi Buddy. On the interpersonal level MattBake12 has been very pleasant to interact with and deservedly was one of my nominees for the S41 ISFL Draft Thunderdome Showdown!” -wizard_literal
“Grabbing The Riddler was an interesting pick by NY. Maybe they could have not done that trade and had they pick for next season as they are looking good at WR. But don’t get me wrong, I love having MattBlake in the locker room and can’t wait to get on the field with him. I think he’ll do just fine in NY and I won’t be surprised if he proves to us that this was a great pick for New York.” -sean
Bradley Welch Jr. @Dolphins - CB - 186 TPE
Draft Position: Round 6 Pick 1
Tackles 56
Passes Defended 24
Interceptions 0
“Heyy Dolphins is a user I connected with pretty early on in my rookie season when I was still making foolishly imprecise DSFL mock drafts. It seems like a trend for New York was to add a few Cornerbacks to the pipeline, and 186 TPE is really solid for how deep this Cornerback class was. I’m looking forward to my future interactions with Dolphins when they get called up to be a part of the Silverback Secondary!” -wizard_literal
“Bradley Welch was a great pick for New York because of the value of this. Getting him in the later rounds will prove to be a great pickup for New York after his great season in London. I hope this user will max earn from now on and will be more active. Then, this would be a huge pick for NY.” -sean
Saveour Piethons @LeatherneckMike - CB - 141 TPE
Draft Position: Round 6 Pick 4
Tackles 45
Passes Defended 23
Interceptions 1
“I haven’t had the good fortune to talk to LeatherneckMike yet, but their last player was an Offensive Lineman and we all know OLine BEST Line. Fitting to the player name Saveour Piethons will be lining up for the Portland Pythons in S41. It’ll be a beautiful day though when we can see this Defensive Back suit up for the New York Silverbacks.” -wizard_literal
“Getting into the later rounds, we come across people who we have never heard about and that’s the case here lol. I don’t know who this is but I hope they find interest back in the ISFL and can be a great pick for the Silverbacks. Who knows, maybe the last pick for your team will turn out good.” -sean
Slim Reaper - WR - 60 TPE
Draft Position: Round 7 Pick 1
Receptions 11
Receiving Yards 87
“A last second addition to this article I almost forgot to include Slim Reaper. If we had to rank draft value by player names I’d say this is a certified steal for the 7th round. Hopefully Blacchollywoodd comes back we’d love to have you here in New York!” - wizard_literal
Conclusion:
If you made it this far thanks for reading and keep an eye out for future articles. It seems even with three league jobs nothing can stop me from putting together an article about every three days. Also if you’ve been following my media, let me know if there are any particle articles you enjoyed or ideas you might have for future articles. I’m always open to suggestions or even co-authoring something! Just don’t suggest anything that would require me to use spreadsheets, only haters like @aeonsjenni use those.
Let’s start off this article talking about the perils of writing your media on the ISFL forums. Many of article have been lost to the sands of time due to incorrectly closing a tab before properly saving, and I’m no exception to that fate. Sure the forum is quite convenient for its features such as team logos or ability to bold, italicize, underline, and strike out words. Or perhaps you fancy a bit of COLOR? You can even ping your haters @baz1757, @aeonsjenni, and @Memento Mori when you save a draft. That’s all nice, but after some time it becomes secondhand to memorize the forum codes for such novelties.
Use of the forums for media drafts comes at a great risk of accidentally clicking off to another tab and losing your precious work. But maybe you’re a bit of a rebel and like to play it loose and shoot from the hip. I’m not here to cramp your style, I too have written most of my media using the forum draft system. Something about it feels nostalgic in the way of the old days when we didn’t have fancy word editors that automatically backed up your work every few seconds.
And here we are at the moral of the story, New York Silverbacks teammate of mine Sean fell recently to the same circumstance of losing an entire article to the ceaseless maw of the forum cache. He and I like many others suffered a great lesson, and have since moved onto greener pastures. I assure you sean you are not alone. Even for those that haven’t lost an entire paper in recent memory, I’d be willing to bet at some point or other something similar has happened to all of us. Whether it was closing out of an Online Application too early, overwriting a Video Game save, or misplacing an important Tax Document, we’ve all been subjected to a similar fate. Perhaps I can provide you with an alternative or two?
Google Docs - The most popular choice, free, efficient, and provides a space where users can collaborate. I’m currently writing this document using Google docs, and the prospect series measuring 14,000 words Jenni and I put together was done entirely on Google Docs. Really you could stop reading here as this is far and away my recommendation. However, if you want some fun alternatives check out what I have to say below.
Microsoft Word - Not a personal favorite of mine, mostly due to the steep cost, but it still gets the job done. Students can acquire this option at a discounted rate. And for those of you with office jobs you can do what I did and steal an activation key the day after putting in your 2 week notice.
Notepad++ - Ah an option for the truly chaotic. Minimal formatting features and constant notifications for package updates. However, it is free, provides uniform formatting, and allows you to save to your desktop. Who knows maybe you’ll learn a thing or two about Coding Languages along the way if you choose this option.
VIM - For you command line pros out there we all know VIM is the goto for editing text files like a true hacker. It provides a suite of macro shortcuts and string match & replace commands that will make editing any document a breeze. The only con is that it provides few options for traditional formatting or line breaks, but that can likely be mitigated with proper planning.
eMACS - Eww. If eMACS was an ISFL player it would have a firm “do not draft” label from me.
Pen & Paper - Not my first choice but I’d still put it over eMACS. If you prefer a hands on approach this could be the right option for you. Granted there’s always a chance your draft could get into the hands of a dog, and I’m sure the media heads won’t accept “My dog ate my media article” as an excuse.
Stone & Chisel - Okay hear me out, if you want something to last the test of time this is the method for you. Someday everything on this forum will be lost to digital attrition, but Stone & Chisel? Archaeologists are still uncovering and documenting thousands of years old documents written with this method.
Tattooing - Okay maybe not the best decision, but it will be there and on hand for the rest of your life. The main issue is you’re working with very limited real estate and most Tattoo lettering tends to blowout and become difficult to read after 30 years.
I think that should cover most of the best options for writing your media articles outside of the forums. Let me know in the comments what you use! There are bountyless options available to those who are willing to venture beyond the forums. I urge you to heed my warning and do not write media solely using the forum system. Nevertheless let’s see what Sean has to say on the topic. And before we’re done I’ll also provide an exclusive introspective on the New York S41 Draft Class.
Interview with @18situaseans:
wizardliteral
(forewarning I'm writing these questions in a cheesy interviewer voice)
Hi Sean! So you've faced the adversity of losing an entire media article to the forum system, now faced with a blank canvas and only your memory to rely upon starting anew. What was your initial reaction to the ordeal? Personally I had to walk away and accept circumstance that my article would never again see the light of day.
18situaseans
Well first I thought that I had pressed the ISFL icon at the top of the page. Usually if that happens, you can just go back on the page and it will all be there. However, this was sadly not the case. I had pressed something that I still do not know and it deleted the whole article. I know I’ve got to move on because their isn’t a single thing I could do about it. It is what it is. But a tip for all of you. Never write on the forum. One day, this will happen to you.
wizardliteral
Good advice hopefully we can save an unknowing soul from a similar fate. Any thoughts on what you'll be using to write future media? Google Docs? Microsoft Word? Pen & Paper?
18situaseans
Pen and paper for sure. I’m joking. I’ll be using google docs.
wizardliteral
Awesome, Google Docs is also my weapon of choice. Well let's not dwell on what's gone past. How are you feeling about this upcoming season for New York? Any goals as a first season callup at Wide Receiver? There's some tough competition in the ASFC, but I've personally got a positive outlook for our playoff chances.
18situaseans
Yeah I think I’ll have a solid rookie season even though it’s my first season. I’m excited to play for New York and I think we could make a playoff run with this new squad. I see an Ultimus in the distance at some point. Once me, you, Jumbo, and MattBlake get closer to the top earners, I think this team will be unstoppable. In a few seasons that is. It will be a little while though as we need to earn and that takes time. I will say I’m very excited for the future.
wizardliteral
Absolutely. I think Zayn, Repgnar, and the rest of the War Room did a tremendous job with this draft class. I expect to see dividends sooners than later. Alright last questions before I let you go. New York legend Quarterback Malcolm Savage is stepping down this season in place of Rookie Blaine Falco. Do you have any words of encouragement for the new face of the franchise?
18situaseans
Well I’ve been told I’ll be his WR of the future so I expect great things from him. I think he’ll do great and I can’t wait to play along side him in an offense that is going to gain more and more firepower over the next few seasons. My encouragement to him is just keep on max earning and you will succeed. I’m glad to be here along the way and I hope we can make some good things happen.
wizardliteral
Fantastic! Thanks for taking the time to talk and work with me on this article. Okay then let’s go ahead and wrap things up with a look at the New York S41 Draft Class with some commentary by Sean and I.
Draft Class Breakdown:
Dub Redd @wizard_literal - DT - 348 TPE
Draft Position: Round 1 Pick 1
Tackles 44
TFL 10
Sacks 6
“Let’s just get this out of the way shall we. I’m entirely honored to have been considered worthy of being drafted first overall, but truthfully in this class there are at minimum a dozen users worthy of this spot. Dub Redd will be a first season callup in what I hope is a long and storied career. Surely there will be growing pains as a 340 TPE Defensive Lineman, but no great athlete doesn’t face adversity at some point in their career.” -wizard_literal
“Great pick here for New York as they get a special DT in wizard. With Wizard’s great media along with outstanding earning, this should prove to be a very good pick for New York. I expect Dub Redd to have a great career in New York and am excited to play with him on the ISFL level.” -sean
Loose Cannon @Jumbo - LB - 389 TPE
Draft Position: Round 2 Pick 1
Tackles 125
TFL 9
Sacks 6
“He’s a Loose Cannon but a god damn good Linebacker. By some miracle I preordained both Jumbo and I would be going to New York in my first mock draft, and lady luck made it so. The definitive steal of the draft at least by TPE metrics, Jumbo is a long time SHL affiliate member with a graphics bankroll that will ensure he’ll be max earning for many seasons to come. But more importantly he’s been a fun and engaging member of the NY locker room during our brief intro as teammates. Also who doesn’t love a user with Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force as their profile picture? Full disclosure this might have inspired me to make a Frylock themed player for my future recreate.” -wizard_literal
“Jumbo being available at 15 is just insane in my mind. 288 TPE as of the draft falling to the second round?? What were teams thinking here. Active user, great earning, everything you want in a player. New York is absolutely delighted with this pick and I expect great things from Jumbo and am glad to be his teammmate.” -sean
Sean Robinson @18situaseans - WR - 270 TPE
Draft Position: Round 3 Pick 6
Receptions 34
Receiving Yards 508
Touchdowns 7
“SHAUN! SEAN! Our main focus of the article and former Norfolk star wideout and pro-bowl snub was the third player New York added to their roster in the S41 draft. Getting a WR at Sean’s TPE level(#6 for WRs in this class) in the third round make this pick a positional value steal. Sean’s a first season callup who should slot in nicely at WR3 for retiring Receiver Swantavius Torch. We may have been bitter rivals in the DSFL but now we’re Silverbacks for life!” -wizard_literal
“Wow, what a horrible pick this was. I mean who is this guy?? Only at 196 TPE and had just 508 yards this past season. He also was in Legs McMillion’s shadow for the entire season. Horrible pick for NY here I mean this guy was a 6th rounder. We all know that even he does. He won’t do much in the ISFL and I expect him to be gone in a few seasons.” -sean
The Riddler @MattBake12 - WR - 362 TPE
Draft Position: Round 3 Pick 10
Receptions 58
Receiving Yards 1188
Touchdowns 7
“Those are some impressive stat lines for The Riddler was a premier Wide Receiver in the DSFL last season for the Dallas Birddogs. However, the Big Apple has some big plans for this villain wide receiver next season. I won’t tease you further with some sort of riddle. The Riddler is going to be swapping over to Cornerback to help set up a long term replacement for Cornerback duo Dax Dangerfield & Bonzi Buddy. On the interpersonal level MattBake12 has been very pleasant to interact with and deservedly was one of my nominees for the S41 ISFL Draft Thunderdome Showdown!” -wizard_literal
“Grabbing The Riddler was an interesting pick by NY. Maybe they could have not done that trade and had they pick for next season as they are looking good at WR. But don’t get me wrong, I love having MattBlake in the locker room and can’t wait to get on the field with him. I think he’ll do just fine in NY and I won’t be surprised if he proves to us that this was a great pick for New York.” -sean
Bradley Welch Jr. @Dolphins - CB - 186 TPE
Draft Position: Round 6 Pick 1
Tackles 56
Passes Defended 24
Interceptions 0
“Heyy Dolphins is a user I connected with pretty early on in my rookie season when I was still making foolishly imprecise DSFL mock drafts. It seems like a trend for New York was to add a few Cornerbacks to the pipeline, and 186 TPE is really solid for how deep this Cornerback class was. I’m looking forward to my future interactions with Dolphins when they get called up to be a part of the Silverback Secondary!” -wizard_literal
“Bradley Welch was a great pick for New York because of the value of this. Getting him in the later rounds will prove to be a great pickup for New York after his great season in London. I hope this user will max earn from now on and will be more active. Then, this would be a huge pick for NY.” -sean
Saveour Piethons @LeatherneckMike - CB - 141 TPE
Draft Position: Round 6 Pick 4
Tackles 45
Passes Defended 23
Interceptions 1
“I haven’t had the good fortune to talk to LeatherneckMike yet, but their last player was an Offensive Lineman and we all know OLine BEST Line. Fitting to the player name Saveour Piethons will be lining up for the Portland Pythons in S41. It’ll be a beautiful day though when we can see this Defensive Back suit up for the New York Silverbacks.” -wizard_literal
“Getting into the later rounds, we come across people who we have never heard about and that’s the case here lol. I don’t know who this is but I hope they find interest back in the ISFL and can be a great pick for the Silverbacks. Who knows, maybe the last pick for your team will turn out good.” -sean
Slim Reaper - WR - 60 TPE
Draft Position: Round 7 Pick 1
Receptions 11
Receiving Yards 87
“A last second addition to this article I almost forgot to include Slim Reaper. If we had to rank draft value by player names I’d say this is a certified steal for the 7th round. Hopefully Blacchollywoodd comes back we’d love to have you here in New York!” - wizard_literal
Conclusion:
If you made it this far thanks for reading and keep an eye out for future articles. It seems even with three league jobs nothing can stop me from putting together an article about every three days. Also if you’ve been following my media, let me know if there are any particle articles you enjoyed or ideas you might have for future articles. I’m always open to suggestions or even co-authoring something! Just don’t suggest anything that would require me to use spreadsheets, only haters like @aeonsjenni use those.
Code:
Please award this article 50/50 for 18situaseans and wizard_literal