Date: 3/3/2004 2:09:00 PM
From Authorid: 57579
I've been here almost 2 years and have one award. The award I have is not fancy but it means a lot to me. It was given to me for being kind to people in chat. For me an award is hard to earn. I'm not part of the "popular" group of usm. I just try to be a good person around here rewarded or not. *hugs*  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:12:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
Awww, I glad you got an award Misty. I really hope I dont offend anyone through this but its just something I wanted to discuss. *hugs*  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:16:00 PM
From Authorid: 58334
We get them of who we are, not by nominations. The admins are just recognizing our character. I think they mean a lot no matter what because they really aren't just handed out. You have to earn them.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 19613
i'm nearly the exact same as misty spirit.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:24:00 PM
From Authorid: 8555
I know lots of people here, and I have 2 awards. I've been coming here for 4 years, so I think I earned my 2 awards, when you "know" people it's through getting to know others and showing kindness. And the people you need to "know" are the admins and they are always watching! Cheers  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:27:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
The awards are given by the Admins on this site..They choose who the award goes to because they are here on a daily basis watching us interact here. They see behind the scenes things that the every day USMer may not see. Its their way of showing appreciation for our participation on this site..I think they deserve to have that little piece of gold to offer to us the members. I have five awards in my profile (I think its five..LOL) ALL of them hold special meaning to me and I am honoured that the admins that gave them to me felt that I deserved them.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:32:00 PM
From Authorid: 15157
Some Admin Awards have very special meaning...Some Admins have created their own personal awards. My Award I give out was personally made for me by Linda and Ginger so the award holds a special meaning for me. When I give out my Personal Award it is for something extraordnary the person has accomplished in themselves or someone has msg me who should get one and why. To me popularity has nothing to do with recieving an Award that Radman has given to us to then give to others. It is a gift and should be treated as such.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 15157
Oh and the reason I did not make my personal award was because I am not as talented as some of the Admins who made theirs! |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:36:00 PM
From Authorid: 58809
I've been here for a year and a half(?), and have received an award for my poetry. I don't consider myself one of those "popular" USMers, and so I was surprised to find an award given to me. It still means a lot to me today. It was sort of a reminder that they're watching me and what I do. As for your idea of having a nomination and voting...wouldn't then the "popular" USMers keep on winning these awards? Would it change anything, really? Hmm...  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 2:47:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
thats a very good question, devils road. I too, wonder if my suggestion would really change anything. I wasnt aware that the admins are the only ones who give the awards. I DO agree that it should only be admins who give them because they see us the most but maybe if the admins were the only ones who nominated them and THEN we could vote. I really dont know.... It just seems like there is soooooo many and I know if I was an admin i might feel like i was obligated to give all my friends rewards regardless of them deserving them or not. I would hope that an admin would have better judgement than that but some where it rolls around in the back of my head that it isnt always true. |
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Date: 3/3/2004 2:49:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
I am friends with several Admins and a few of them have not given me an award, so obviously they dont choose based on friendship! LOL |
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Date: 3/3/2004 2:53:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
LOL @ Gail Im not trying to down talk any admins. Maybe I just want some sort of program where EVERYONE is involved in who gets an award. Not to replace the already existing award system but something in addition. maybe ill need to think about that for a while and make a suggestion. |
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Date: 3/3/2004 2:53:00 PM
From Authorid: 15157
LadyLuck same here lol |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:53:00 PM
From Authorid: 62136
Well, I am not a debator by any means, I am an easy person BUT I will tell ya that I am not popular, I was not popular when I was here for maybe 6 weeks when I received my first award from Hangman. I was completely surprised. So, essentially, I dont believe its a popularity contest. JMO  |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:55:00 PM
From Authorid: 62222
I have been here for a few months shy of a year and I have one award. My award was given to me by Linda for leaving encouraging thoughts at other people's posts. I am very proud of my award and I know that others are equally proud of theirs. I do not feel that awards are given based solely on popularity and I KNOW that alot of awards are given to USMers that deserve those awards for acts that the rest of us might not have seen. Maybe sometime, someone has given an award based upon someone's popularity, but I do not think it's the rule or even the norm. I trust the integrity of the admins to do as they see fit with the awards they give here. Another point I'd like to mention is that I am who I am. An award doesn't make or break my personality and whether or not I am acknowledged through awards changes NOTHING about what I hope to bring to this site or what I hope to obtain daily from this site.  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 2:57:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
Gail, i have always liked you and admired the way you treated everyone around you. You would be someone i would give an award to based on those facts. But you didnt ever question that any of your awards were given to you mostly because you earned it and partially just because they were your friend? |
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Date: 3/3/2004 2:57:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
Pssst Cloud 9 I am LadyLuck hon..:P:P |
Date: 3/3/2004 2:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 13546
I do not feel at all obligated to give my "friends" awards on this site. The awards that I have given out to usmers have touched me and many others in a big way, and I have found deserved that reconition. You do not share an award with anyone when it is given to you, it is yours, and there is always a special meaning behind them. You never know who will be watching you out there. No offense taken. Its an honest question.  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:00:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
And to answer your question..No I didnt ever think of it as being given to me based on friendship..A good example here..Kiki and I have known each other for almost the entire three years I have been here..I just recently received an award from her..Its VERY special to me because I DO feel like I earned it in her eyes. Linda is my USM Mom and I have known her for three years...I just got the award from her about three months ago. And that was after MANY times talking on the phone and here in chat..They didnt give me an award just because they knew me..If that were the case they would have been in my profile about two years ago..LOL |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:04:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
Ive heard alot about the Award program (through the grapevine) and it DOES seem that alot of people have the same thoughts that i do(though my post odviously isnt backing that up). That is what led me post this. I really think it is a shame that many of us have these feelings but it doesnt make them go away. This might not be the best example but its like all those commercials about why you should vote. I would like a chance to express who i think would deserve an award and then leave it up to the admins to take the information given and narrow it down to a select few and we could all vote on it. Something like that. There is just so many people that i KNOW deserve an award and they DONT have one so i would like to have something to do with them getting one. |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:05:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
sorry lady luck. lol, my eyes are failing me |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 15157
I agree with RainbowAngel...its an honest question and with LadyLuck! |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:06:00 PM
From Authorid: 33925
But you see Cloud Nine you CAN express who you feel deserves an award..If you feel there is a certain person who deserves a special award, let an admin know..I have done this several times with various members and they were given a special award. |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:08:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
It really is good to know that alot of you dont feel that you were given an award you didnt deserve. I know that Ginger and Radman are very precise with who they pick but there is something that bugs me about the Awards and i cant quite get it out there for you guys. Its like its on the tip of my tongue... |
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Date: 3/3/2004 3:09:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
with who they pick as admins i meant... lol |
Date: 3/3/2004 3:12:00 PM
From Authorid: 62506
Hello Cloud 9,I do not and have never considered myself popular.The thought of an award comming to me based on such a premise is distasteful.I have only been here for 2 months and have recieved 3 awards.I was unaware this was causing anyone grief.Rather than offend anyone...offend you... I will request Admin 1 and 2 to place these awards in your profile.I am a giving person and have always held the needs and concerns of others above my own.If my recognition has caused you grief...I am truly sorry...I would never want to hurt you or anyone...even unintentionally.Please forgive me.Radman when you read this will you do as I have requested and give Cloud 9 my awards.Perhaps by doing this I can somehow remove the shadow cast over the wonderful Admins who grant awards here at USM.They don't deserve this reprisal,they deserve to be recognized for the remarkably wonderful human beings they truly are. I have a fourth award that I would like to keep.It is from Linda...given to me commemorating my fathers death a month and a half ago,shortly after my comming to USM...my haven from pain when grief struck my family. Don aka woodshed  |
Date: 3/3/2004 3:21:00 PM
From Authorid: 45630
I think it would make the whole process stale. The current way doesn't necessarily mean that people get awards willy nilly. It just means that someone is being noticed by someone else. How many people here are not known by everyone but do great things everyday for this site. People who know them and are capable of doing awards can see to it that they get some sort of recognition.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 3:31:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
No No and No, I never said that there were people who didnt deserve awards. Dont you dare give me your  Im so sorry this is coming off the wrong way. Anymore i dont know what im saying. |
Date: 3/3/2004 3:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 49348
Misty i am friends with alot of the admin team... I think its somthing like 8 of my close friends are admins. And in my profile i have one award from these admins wich is from dina and wich i very proud to hold and say i got from being friends with her, awards are to lift our spirits when where down and to remind us on usm we are loved have friends and are welcomed here no matter what. I Like the idea that some one was watching how i was on usm and deiced to show me that they thought it was important. SO sorry hunny but this idea will remain an idea. And as to the grape vine lol you can never trust the grape fine around here, your ither in the admin team and know or a member an have no clue. ANd cloud9 you mightent be here enough to notice who really deserves the awards the members dont watch enough and i dont belive i deserve a say in who gets awards. I mean really this argument is stale and it aint gunna happin. Awards are awards and the system as been around for ages, why change what works well and makes people happy!  |
Date: 3/3/2004 3:58:00 PM
From Authorid: 1432
There will always be talk of the "popular" people.. but ya know what they talked to A LOT of people and interact with A LOT of people to get that way.. I have 3 awards that were given to me like ummm 2 years ago? lol and I have yet to receive another one.. and I dont mind really I dont think anything of it.. plenty to worry about then popularity and awards on this site. As a Admin I give out my own award and I usually try and find someone that DOES NOT have award in their profile.. sometimes I do give one when they have one already. And I do go on the suggestions of people who should get a award. I have lots and lots and lots of friends on this site and they all dont have my award, I do a lot of behind the scenes looking and reading their posts and seeing how they are with people.. but even with your original suggestion like it has been said.. if everyone was to make a suggestion and vote.. it would be the "popular" vote anyway. All my opinion anyway ;-)..  |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:14:00 PM
From Authorid: 8278
well, May will mark my 4th year here at USM (yes, I am an "oldie", LOL) I have 2 awards. the second one I just received recently. i am far from popular on USM. many don't even recognize my name. but, yes, my awards do mean alot to me. and due to the fact that I do have 2 awards and not many even know me, I have to disagree with it being a popularity thing. JMO  |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:19:00 PM
From Authorid: 5229
I put up a post on a suggestion about a year ago. I think that there should be a USM's pick where the members of USM nominate somebody for an award, you know? Like a page that you can go to and put your vote in for who you think deserves an award. make a certain award just for that.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:26:00 PM
From Authorid: 32133
you dont have an award.....so obviously they arent that easy to get. i just got one about a month ago after being here close or over 2 years.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:33:00 PM
From Authorid: 19460
I have to say that this post sounds like its coming from a bratty spoiled little kid. Alotof people have awards. I was thinking somwhere along the same lines as you, until I recieved my award. I have been a member for about 3 years (maybe more...off and on with computer problems).I am not popular on here. Often I am overlooked and feel awkward on this site. I dont have many friends on here at all. I can count maybe 3. So I was very suprised to get an award. But that showed me that not only the popular ones here are noticed. I am not as insignificant as I once thought. Someone on here wanted to let me know they think I am special.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:38:00 PM
From Authorid: 27558
I have one award I have been here for like 2 years or so. I'm so proud of the one I have I have tryed so hard to help others.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:39:00 PM
From Authorid: 42945
I really dont know what to say about this hun......I'm very proud of the awards that I have received and thats the reason I dont place a post up about receiving them as I do know of people getting upset about it....I try to encourage people in many ways on this site and I like to be nice to people, if I can help anyone, and I mean anyone, feel better about themselves or their problems, well and good, and thats why I have received my awards, thats the msg I received along with the award on my profile, I'm sorry that you feel that its just a popularity contest here, because I dont think thats true, if that was the case with the amount that I know on here and received awards from them all, there wouldnt be enough room on my profile for all the awards....so that sort of shoots that theory down, about popularity....hugs  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 4:40:00 PM
From Authorid: 19460
sorry i sounded like a grouch. If i would have read the replies before i replied, the post wouldnt have come across so whiney. Now that you replied to some of the other replies, I get wht you are saying. Again, sorry if I came across as super mean with my reply. |
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Date: 3/3/2004 4:41:00 PM
From Authorid: 27558
I do like the voting Idea for getting awards but then you have to think most people would vote for the popular people and not who really deserves it. I do agree that a lot of popular usmers just get awards because they are popular but when I posted a post like this I found that may of them deserved them. |
Date: 3/3/2004 4:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 50678
I think that some of the awards are passed on popularity but not most of them, there are some though but very few.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 5:22:00 PM
From Authorid: 53360
Ive been here for almost 2 years now, and i just got my first award last month. when i first came here, i was a silent observer, then as i got to read more posts, i started commenting, i rarely went into chat, then i was gone for a few months and i really mised this place in that time. so when i came back, i really put myself out there, and in doing that i got noticed! Granted yes, one of my awards came from someone who just happens to be a friend, but the other award came from someone ive only spoken with a few times. i dont think i got the award from my friend just beacuse i am her friend, but because i did something she deemed award worthy. both of my awards were very unexpected, yet i feel deserved  |
Date: 3/3/2004 5:43:00 PM
From Authorid: 57640
Last year I complained of popular people and finally realized, that if you want to become popular, or well- known you have to do it. These so called "popular" usmers are well known for their kindness and dedication to the site! If you wanna be like them, then go do so and help out!! I have 8 awards and I got my first one last year, all the rest this year... its what you do for ppl and someday the work will pay off *~*HUGS*~*  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 5:45:00 PM
From Authorid: 57640
eck i mean 6 awards, not 8 lol |
Date: 3/3/2004 5:47:00 PM
From Authorid: 44960
If you are coming to USM just to get an award, then you are coming for all the wrong reasons.  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 6:08:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
dont worry about it baby froggy because no matter what i say here i usually get the occasional responds like that so im used to it by now. I am very dissapointed that my post caused so much conflict around here and i want to clear up some things. I was in no way, shape, or form suggesting for the slightest second that we stop the award program. I am going to admit to writing this after being a bit shaken. I couldnt care less if i was popular on here or not. That isnt what makes usm great. I came to USM a long time ago under another account and floated around as a guest for a while too. So i could say ive been here for maybe 4 or 5 years. I have learned to love usm for everything it has to offer and not for how much attention i can get. This post was not only made because of the feeling i was having but because of friends of mine who also thought the same way and were even hurt by the fact that they didnt have an award. I have heard so many things about awards this and awards that. Perhaps I got caught up in it all and came across harsh. Now, i just really dont even know what to say about everything. I didnt mean to hurt anyones feeling that has a reward and i wasnt trying to say that you didnt deserve it. |
Date: 3/3/2004 6:15:00 PM
From Authorid: 55009
i remember back in the day when i first got here and watching those who arrived here around the same time or atleast i thought did get awards and i none when i thought i was being left out, and then out of the blue i recieved two almost on the same day... i felt so proud, and as i look back to those days i now realise that i was foolish for having such thoughts and even today i see members who i feel have done much more for this site and have no awards, i won't mention names because i know they wouldn't want it spoken for they too are humble in their deeds. i sometimes wish that there was a time every few months where people could get nominated and then voted for a special semi-annual award or something like that, if not for some usmers here i think we all may have not gotten through some of the worse times in our lives as quick or well as we have. and as for sharing do you mean the same type of award like "so and so's award for being kind" because that is the only way i think you can share an award and even then you dont' really share it except in title. and i must also commend woodshed for collecting so many so quick, i have read some of his replies including this posts and i feel even not knowing him that the words he speaks are true.  |
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Date: 3/3/2004 6:43:00 PM ( From Author )
From Authorid: 25556
lol, okay maybe i can try this again. I have realized that alot of awards that are given are very personal and can represent something only known between those two usmers. but maybe it would be nice to have something like ummm a few specific awards only given out annually like every month and there would have to be nominations. I cant really think of a good way to do this without peoples feeling getting hurt but it would be nice if there was some kind of award that really had alot put into it and could get all the usmers involved. Ive got a headache from all this. lol. oh yea and i really dont remember what i was saying about sharing awards with other people. i know some where i had a point but i think i lost it lol |
Date: 3/3/2004 6:49:00 PM
From Authorid: 47296
I have recieved awards, but it is not because I asked for them or felt I deserved them. I am not necessarily popular, although I am somewhat notorious in the debate section. In fact, there are probably more who dislike me than actually like me. To me, the awards do not really matter. I come here to voice my thoughts on various topics.  |
Date: 3/3/2004 7:21:00 PM
From Authorid: 11097
This is an interesting post and I really am not sure how to comment on all that you have said; but I have learned that awards are a special extention to those who gave them, with much meaning behind them. They are given to those they feel deserve them for all that they do. Just because one does not have an award, doesn't mean they are not valued or special. Just to be here is an honor for me, lol when I come online the only website I visit is usm and my email. Yes, it's nice to receive an award and it makes one feel special, but the real gift of usm is the people here. No award or amount of awards could represent what usm means to so many of us, friendships and family.... much love,  |
Date: 3/3/2004 8:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 62506
By the way Cloud 9...you are a wonderful person and I am proud you are my friend...
(((HUGGZ and COOKIES)))Don aka woodshed |
Date: 3/3/2004 11:10:00 PM
From Authorid: 53427
I think this author has a valid point here and I commend you for expressing it. If there was any way that a voting system could be possible for awards, it would be nice. I think the current awards system is faulty. There I said it. Jump on me now lol  |
Date: 3/4/2004 12:09:00 AM
From Authorid: 24673
I understand what you are saying, and you are trying so hard to be nice and not hurt anyones feelings, and I agree with how you feel. I have been here 3 years and don't have an award and don't expect to get an award. I am rather quiet and don't get on chat and don't do the discussions, usually, so I'm not noticed and I guess I like it that way. I always felt you had to be "noticed" to be accepted. You have your right to feel the way you do and you said it very well. Just keep being your sweet self and you get my award for "speaking up"! Huggzz  |
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Date: 3/4/2004 3:41:00 AM
From Authorid: 47296
If memory serves me, we had a nomination and voting system on something here before, and it became a popularity contest, and eventually ended up a shamlbes. Now I remember what it was, the commitee. |
Date: 3/4/2004 6:45:00 AM
From Authorid: 59876
i thought a fine group of people were chosen for the committee  |
Date: 3/4/2004 6:52:00 AM
From Authorid: 15228
I guess I always thought you could nominate someone for an award, I didn't realize it was Admins only who gave them out, not that I agree or disagree with that. I guess you could say I'm ambivalent on awards, except when I see someone who has been here for one day receive an award, I sort of question that considering some who have been here for 3 years have never received one, that's kind of wrong in my view.  |
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Date: 3/4/2004 6:55:00 AM
From Authorid: 15228
bleh...I got up way to early this morning...I didn't make much sense. I think a preview button would be nice..heading over to the suggestion section now! |
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Date: 3/5/2004 8:17:00 AM
From Authorid: 42940
I understand what you're saying Cloud nine. The way I feel about it is that I come here to interact with people by giving and receiving information. I have a good laugh once in a while and generally have a good time. I'v been doing it for several years now. That's the only award I need (the others are just superficial to me). I'm not even going to apply for a name time. Mine is simple and beautiful see -> *** bad kitty *** |
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Date: 3/6/2004 4:43:00 AM
From Authorid: 49348
Cloud 9 i would have to say you are a very brave and bold person for speaking your mind about this. ALot of other members would have been quiet. You are a true usmer an idividual who can speak there mind when they need to! |
Date: 3/6/2004 12:42:00 PM
From Authorid: 62334
I think the popularity and favortisum subject is a sore subject for a few people. Its never addressed however it clearly exsists. I was hurt when I saw some favortisum going on I was so close to just leaving here for good.(I was very hurt and being new felt very unwelcome)I decided to stay for some people who have really been a blessing to me. (Those few people have made me feel so happy I smile when I read their Private messages)I think the awards is a cool thing it doesn't bother me in the least. In fact I am truely happy for those people who win them. When you see how happy they make people that makes me happy too. All I ask though is just try to realize some peoples feeling might get hurt here and there, the best thing we can do is try to be equal. Favortism can be a harsh thing to those who are around it and feel excluded.  |
Date: 3/10/2004 12:38:00 AM
From Authorid: 51070
I've been here nearly 2 years and I don't have an award, but I come here to read stories and have fun, not to see how many awards I can collect. It doesn't matter to me one whit. What matters is that I've met some really awesome people and friendships mean more to me than awards, because to me, a friendship is a reward. Eeeh...I sound corny, but that's my viewpoint. Corniess (is that even a word?) comes in handy sometimes.  |
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Date: 3/10/2004 12:39:00 AM
From Authorid: 51070
Correction: corniness, not corniess. |
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Date: 3/11/2004 7:22:00 AM
From Authorid: 62595
i see we are trying to ad a usm govenment or senate here. There is no way for us to know who or why someone is getting an award. We just have assume it was for good reason. :P |
Date: 4/7/2004 3:17:00 PM
From Authorid: 998
The things that Lady Luck, Banner and Kiki and many others have said about our awards is completely true. Only the Admin's give out these awards, and even though we have thirty-some Admin's ... not always can we be all over the site to see the great people who should have an award. We do try to give out these to USM-ers that have shown caring, consideration, writting talent or poetic ability. There are so many times that I have seen USM-ers stand up for each other, or try to help out with problems or emotional distress. Sometimes it is just heartfelt encouragement that is so amazing that it has to be awarded. I couldn't possibly list all the reasons that we give awards, but I can tell you that being a 'popular person', or notorious will not sway us to give an award. Being a 'teachers pet' of an Admin won't help either. It is your character, and your willingness to be the best person you can be that shines brightly. Please don't feel bad if we have not been in the right place at the right time to notice your presence. Most of our Admin's can only give out one award per week, and that is because we didn't want these awards to be dime a dozen. I know that many of the awards have been given out because of referals of USM-ers. People have come to me personally, asking me to review another persons poetry and see if they should deserve the Pinky Poetry Award. After just reading through a few, I could see that definitely I had really missed reading a very talented poet. Please let any of the Admin's know if you have a suggestion for a Award to be given. Maybe like with Goat on a Rope's suggestion, we can get a formalized way to make these requests.  |
Date: 4/23/2004 1:34:00 PM
From Authorid: 18516
I've been here for almost 4 yrs and have recieved 2 Awards which I am proud of. I am not the slightest bit popular. There are about 30 some odd Admins and I don't know how many USMers at the site...and since only admins can give out the awards they can't see all these great USMers since they can't be everywhere at once. But you can however nominate who you feel deserves an award by msging one of the admins and telling them! You should definitely do that. I think it's great that you are able to speak up and not keep quiet if something is bugging you.
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Date: 4/23/2004 4:53:00 PM
From Authorid: 12133
http://www.unsolvedmysteries.com/usm374915.html This is a post Moonpriestess did, asking people to recommend people for awards, and the Admins still look at this post, to see who people recommend.  |
