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Post by wundagoreborn on Jan 8, 2014 13:58:40 GMT -5
Ultimately, I think the Bendis-ization of the MU took a terrible toll on our board here, as well. It became hard to talk about anything new, because most of the opinions (including mine) were relentlessly negative, and one gets tired of just kvetching and complaining non-stop. And the few folks here who were honestly enjoying that era tended to get clobbered or at the very least, made to feel unwelcome or unappreciated. The final major price jump was a pretty darned big factor for me personally, as well. So, w/out a body of new comics that most folks here would be reading, we do tend to run out of timely topics to discuss and opinions to share. HB I'm too new around here to assess anything specific to this board, but I can say that specifics to any particular board may be secondary to bigger change. I'm seeing traditional discussion board traffic dry up on various forums across widely differing subjects. The banter is migrating to newer forms of social media, I think.
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Post by starfoxxx on Jan 8, 2014 21:58:47 GMT -5
Ultimately, I think the Bendis-ization of the MU took a terrible toll on our board here, as well. It became hard to talk about anything new, because most of the opinions (including mine) were relentlessly negative, and one gets tired of just kvetching and complaining non-stop. And the few folks here who were honestly enjoying that era tended to get clobbered or at the very least, made to feel unwelcome or unappreciated. The final major price jump was a pretty darned big factor for me personally, as well. So, w/out a body of new comics that most folks here would be reading, we do tend to run out of timely topics to discuss and opinions to share. HB I'm too new around here to assess anything specific to this board, but I can say that specifics to any particular board may be secondary to bigger change. I'm seeing traditional discussion board traffic dry up on various forums across widely differing subjects. The banter is migrating to newer forms of social media, I think. I was reviewing new comics pretty regularly, but I'm down to one comic book on my pull-list now---Uncanny Avengers. Marvel has killed me with cancelling the few books I was reading regularly--Guardians of the Galaxy, Heroes for Hire, Avengers Initiative, Avengers Academy, Mighty Avengers, Secret Avengers, Fearless Defenders....... (and DC is no better, RIP Legion of SuperHeroes). Makes it hard to get excited about any new stuff, and it seems like there's only a handful of Assemblers who read new Marvel comics.
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 9, 2014 0:36:48 GMT -5
Man, how did I miss Stan the Man's birthday?!
And Bong's as well?!
Happy Late Life-Giving Day to you all!
HB, you bring up some fine points. If nothing else, Bendis let the genie outta the bottle, making the Avengers into Marvel's biggest franchise success so a return to the old format and form seems more and more unlikely. I do enjoy some of the current titles but I don't think we need 7 or more Avengers titles but Marvel seems intent to ride this roller-coaster for all it's worth.
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Post by ultron69 on Jan 10, 2014 9:32:31 GMT -5
Sad to say though, Bong, that I think the heyday of our beloved pastime (at least in a form that we easily recognize and have a deep connection to) has passed-by for many of us folks here. I'm glad that we have Bobc & Marvel Boy & SpiderWasp & a few others keeping up with the current Avengers titles a bit and giving us the on-going low-down-- but for me, and I suspect for several in our rough age bracket, what we think of on this board as "The Avengers" had a finite existence that has drawn to a close. What continues on in its place seems distant and. . . I don't know. . . lacking legitimacy? But I recognize that that's a terribly condescending and snobbish-sounding statement, so please don't anyone get too offended by it. Ultimately, I think the Bendis-ization of the MU took a terrible toll on our board here, as well. It became hard to talk about anything new, because most of the opinions (including mine) were relentlessly negative, and one gets tired of just kvetching and complaining non-stop. And the few folks here who were honestly enjoying that era tended to get clobbered or at the very least, made to feel unwelcome or unappreciated. The final major price jump was a pretty darned big factor for me personally, as well. So, w/out a body of new comics that most folks here would be reading, we do tend to run out of timely topics to discuss and opinions to share. But perhaps it would be fun to jump back and continue discussion on older comics once again? I totally miss Owen Erasmus' delightful Guide. And the Kurmudgeon Korner I started got off to a very nice start-- and then I simply didn't persevere. Maybe time for blasts from the past to get opinions rolling again? HB Personally, I'd much rather live in the past than try to get into the newer comics. Most of them just don't do it for me, for some reason, and I haven't looked at a new Avengers title in a few years, till I realized that Bendis (IMHO) sucked. I think I should start a site where only discussion of Avengers up to #300 (maybe I could be generous and go up to 325) is allowed.
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Post by wundagoreborn on Jan 10, 2014 14:57:20 GMT -5
I think I should start a site where only discussion of Avengers up to #300 (maybe I could be generous and go up to 325) is allowed. Why start a site? Isn't that what the Classic Avengers section on here is for? Kick off any pre-300 thread you like - I'll play as time permits.
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Post by humanbelly on Jan 10, 2014 21:23:47 GMT -5
I think I should start a site where only discussion of Avengers up to #300 (maybe I could be generous and go up to 325) is allowed. Why start a site? Isn't that what the Classic Avengers section on here is for? Kick off any pre-300 thread you like - I'll play as time permits. Hey, I'd be jiggy w/ that, too. (Heh, LOVE to embarrass my kids w/ that word!) I'd even tend to be more liberal and extend the boundary up into the Gatherers era, just to have a chance to once again explain my deep and sincere appreciation of the team bomber jackets. . . HB
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Post by Shiryu on Jan 12, 2014 14:03:33 GMT -5
I'm too new around here to assess anything specific to this board, but I can say that specifics to any particular board may be secondary to bigger change. I'm seeing traditional discussion board traffic dry up on various forums across widely differing subjects. The banter is migrating to newer forms of social media, I think. I'd echo this statement, blogs and social networks are replacing forums, just like forums replaced old-style websites. But they are so many that everything gets diluted. Thanks to the web, I'm still reading most of what comes out every week, but there is so little interest around here that I sometimes lack the motivations to open comment threads. I'm also investing in omnibuses or in the new Epic Collection volumes. Perhaps we should attempt a "book club" sort of thing where everyone in turn suggests a classic issue to read and, a week later, we all comment on it?
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Post by woodside on Jan 12, 2014 15:01:26 GMT -5
Sad to say though, Bong, that I think the heyday of our beloved pastime (at least in a form that we easily recognize and have a deep connection to) has passed-by for many of us folks here. I'm glad that we have Bobc & Marvel Boy & SpiderWasp & a few others keeping up with the current Avengers titles a bit and giving us the on-going low-down-- but for me, and I suspect for several in our rough age bracket, what we think of on this board as "The Avengers" had a finite existence that has drawn to a close. What continues on in its place seems distant and. . . I don't know. . . lacking legitimacy? But I recognize that that's a terribly condescending and snobbish-sounding statement, so please don't anyone get too offended by it. Ultimately, I think the Bendis-ization of the MU took a terrible toll on our board here, as well. It became hard to talk about anything new, because most of the opinions (including mine) were relentlessly negative, and one gets tired of just kvetching and complaining non-stop. And the few folks here who were honestly enjoying that era tended to get clobbered or at the very least, made to feel unwelcome or unappreciated. The final major price jump was a pretty darned big factor for me personally, as well. So, w/out a body of new comics that most folks here would be reading, we do tend to run out of timely topics to discuss and opinions to share. Personally, as someone who has really enjoyed the past 8-10 years of Avengers, it became tedious and downright difficult to have a civil conversation about recent books. Things have calmed down, but back in the old days (2007? 2008?) , I felt so alienated and just unwanted, that I left this place. I came back, of course, but there were more than a few heated arguments back then. Things are better here. I like the discussions on "Uncanny Avengers," even though I'm always way behind on that book. I'd love to post more here, but my comic buying is really limited right now and the only Avengers title that interests me is "Uncanny Avengers." Even event books aren't pulling me in like they used to. Maybe someday I'll be complaining about how the Avengers just ain't like the ol' Bendis days? In any case, my family and job are keeping me really busy. This post has taken nearly twenty minutes to write, with multiple interruptions from the kidders. You know, Marvel is showing some love with its trade paperbacks and the like. Maybe you guys could put together a list of recommended issues and story arcs that newer readers would appreciate and enjoy. Taking this thread back to its topic, I'd like to extend a happy birthday to our fantastic founder, good ol' Van Allen Plexico!
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Post by humanbelly on Jan 12, 2014 16:23:08 GMT -5
Perhaps we should attempt a "book club" sort of thing where everyone in turn suggests a classic issue to read and, a week later, we all comment on it? I really like this suggestion a heck of a lot, Shir. There's certainly a precedent for it on other boards. A bit of satisfaction for us oldsters that yearn for the days of yore, and perhaps some fresh exposure to younger folks that are less familiar with the past. In spite of the quiet level of commentary, it does look like this board is getting a couple of hundred (or so) visitors a day. While that's a small community in the blogosphere, it's certainly enough to sustain some friendly & interesting discussion, I bet. HB
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Post by Shiryu on Jan 12, 2014 18:18:38 GMT -5
Perhaps we should attempt a "book club" sort of thing where everyone in turn suggests a classic issue to read and, a week later, we all comment on it? I really like this suggestion a heck of a lot, Shir. There's certainly a precedent for it on other boards. A bit of satisfaction for us oldsters that yearn for the days of yore, and perhaps some fresh exposure to younger folks that are less familiar with the past. In spite of the quiet level of commentary, it does look like this board is getting a couple of hundred (or so) visitors a day. While that's a small community in the blogosphere, it's certainly enough to sustain some friendly & interesting discussion, I bet. HB If there is enough interest, I'd be happy to give it a go. Most of us have access to older issues either as originals or reprints, and I could always set something up for the odd time this isn't the case. Anyone else on board for this?
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Post by ultron69 on Jan 13, 2014 8:44:35 GMT -5
Why start a site? Isn't that what the Classic Avengers section on here is for? Kick off any pre-300 thread you like - I'll play as time permits. Hey, I'd be jiggy w/ that, too. (Heh, LOVE to embarrass my kids w/ that word!) I'd even tend to be more liberal and extend the boundary up into the Gatherers era, just to have a chance to once again explain my deep and sincere appreciation of the team bomber jackets. . . HB Do your kids even know what jiggy is? And I'll have to ban you from my non-existent message board if you start extolling the virtues of those hideous, Giffen-esque bomber jackets.
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Post by wundagoreborn on Jan 14, 2014 9:40:21 GMT -5
I really like this suggestion a heck of a lot, Shir. HB If there is enough interest, I'd be happy to give it a go. Most of us have access to older issues either as originals or reprints, and I could always set something up for the odd time this isn't the case. Anyone else on board for this? I'll be there with my bomber jacket on.
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Post by ultron69 on Jan 14, 2014 11:27:59 GMT -5
If there is enough interest, I'd be happy to give it a go. Most of us have access to older issues either as originals or reprints, and I could always set something up for the odd time this isn't the case. Anyone else on board for this? I'll be there with my bomber jacket on. And I'll be there with my red safari jacket on.
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Post by humanbelly on Jan 14, 2014 20:31:39 GMT -5
I'll be there with my bomber jacket on. And I'll be there with my red safari jacket on. And I shall attend in my skin-tight, Dr. Druid, for-the-luva-god-PLEASE-put-on-a-dance-belt!, one-piece body-suit. Femininity-hood, BEWARE! HB
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Post by wundagoreborn on Jan 15, 2014 9:26:17 GMT -5
And I'll be there with my red safari jacket on. LOL!! I should have thought of that one. And I shall attend in my skin-tight, Dr. Druid, for-the-luva-god-PLEASE-put-on-a-dance-belt!, one-piece body-suit. shudder
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Post by ultron69 on Jan 15, 2014 9:33:40 GMT -5
And I'll be there with my red safari jacket on. And I shall attend in my skin-tight, Dr. Druid, for-the-luva-god-PLEASE-put-on-a-dance-belt!, one-piece body-suit. Femininity-hood, BEWARE! HB Codpiece too?
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Post by Shiryu on Jan 15, 2014 16:27:50 GMT -5
I'll don my Dragon Cloth (this reference makes sense only if you know the guy in my avatar ) and set things up. It's gonna be in the Nostalgia section. Ready? steady? let's go.
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Post by Doctor Bong Crosby on Jan 15, 2014 17:18:10 GMT -5
Now, if I could only remember WHERE in tarnation I left my bellmet...
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Post by spiderwasp on Jan 15, 2014 21:14:38 GMT -5
I'm in as soon as my ripped purple pants get back from the cleaners. Seems they're always dirty but then again, it's the only thing I wear for some reason. (And no, this is not a reference to the purple outfit worn by my beloved avatar who really needs to be used more. I love that little Poppupian)
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Post by sharkar on Jan 16, 2014 11:23:04 GMT -5
I'm in as soon as my ripped purple pants get back from the cleaners. Seems they're always dirty but then again, it's the only thing I wear for some reason. (And no, this is not a reference to the purple outfit worn by my beloved avatar who really needs to be used more. I love that little Poppupian) LOL, your avatar looks like he's auditioning for a role in my avatar's Broadway show. ;D Break a leg, Impy!
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Post by Marvel Boy on Jan 17, 2014 9:24:54 GMT -5
Thanks to the web, I'm still reading most of what comes out every week, but there is so little interest around here that I sometimes lack the motivations to open comment threads. I feel the same way sometimes, not solely because others here may lack interest in the current books, but also because of my own lack of interest. The Infinity event was the first time in quite awhile that I've been excited over the Avengers. I've enjoyed the current stories, but they seem to lack a certain element.....maybe they're too serious....not enough 'fun' perhaps...I don't know. I look back on the likes of Shooter, Stern, Englehart, heck even Bryne, and those stories were fun and engaging and I don't get that sense from the current regime. Am I making any sense? :lol: As for a classic book club, I'm for it. Let me get out my red jacket and shades though. ;D
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Post by humanbelly on Jan 17, 2014 21:42:28 GMT -5
Hey, I'd be jiggy w/ that, too. (Heh, LOVE to embarrass my kids w/ that word!) I'd even tend to be more liberal and extend the boundary up into the Gatherers era, just to have a chance to once again explain my deep and sincere appreciation of the team bomber jackets. . . HB Do your kids even know what jiggy is? And I'll have to ban you from my non-existent message board if you start extolling the virtues of those hideous, Giffen-esque bomber jackets. Heck, I'm not even sure I know what jiggy is-! But it's certainly amusing to watch my kids' heads spin around whenever I use the term in public. . . (Whenever I use it at work, my crew audibly moans in disapproval. It's really an astonishing word. . . ) HB
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Post by ultron69 on Jan 18, 2014 5:22:16 GMT -5
Do your kids even know what jiggy is? And I'll have to ban you from my non-existent message board if you start extolling the virtues of those hideous, Giffen-esque bomber jackets. Heck, I'm not even sure I know what jiggy is-! But it's certainly amusing to watch my kids' heads spin around whenever I use the term in public. . . (Whenever I use it at work, my crew audibly moans in disapproval. It's really an astonishing word. . . ) HB Hmm, maybe I'll have to try that at work. Well, maybe not...
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Post by wundagoreborn on Jan 29, 2014 11:10:17 GMT -5
I hope birthdays don't start passing unnoticed now that you have to click to reveal them.
Let no web design barrier keep us from wishing a happy day to one of your nicer nemeses, Ultron69!
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Post by humanbelly on Jan 29, 2014 12:11:07 GMT -5
I hope birthdays don't start passing unnoticed now that you have to click to reveal them. Let no web design barrier keep us from wishing a happy day to one of your nicer nemeses, Ultron69! Good catch, Wundy-- the very same worry and/or thought had crossed my mind. I liked having the daily birthdays pop up automatically as part of my morning "announcements", as it were. But, more to the point-- Happy Birthday, Ultron old Chum! My goodness, one would NEVER recognize you from the recently-discovered baby picture on the left below! Ah, you were such a cute little sociopathic, oedipal megalomaniac back then---- . . . they grow up so quickly, don't they? D'you have a particular cake or confection with your name on it coming your way today, hmm? HB
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Post by sharkar on Jan 29, 2014 12:47:52 GMT -5
Happy Birthday to Ultron69! And @ HB: great graphic!! Although I guess such compliments are superfluous, since we now have that new handy-dandy "like" feature . But d**n it, I'm old school, so I'm "liking" and commenting!
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Post by Shiryu on Jan 29, 2014 15:35:15 GMT -5
Happy birthday to our favourite killing machine! I hope birthdays don't start passing unnoticed now that you have to click to reveal them. I've just made a couple of changes, hopefully they should be fully visible again now.
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pym
Reservist Avenger
"About 20 yards to my right…"
Posts: 200
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Post by pym on Jan 29, 2014 16:38:31 GMT -5
Happy Birthday Ultron 69!
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Post by Doctor Bong Crosby on Jan 29, 2014 17:30:06 GMT -5
Happy birthday, Ultron!
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Post by ultron69 on Jan 30, 2014 8:10:21 GMT -5
Thanks, gang! For flesh creatures, y'all aren't half bad. And HB, Ultron prefers carrot cake.
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