[Red]

Originally posted by Matty

I know you.

So you think. I'm extremely tired, so you may not get the same level of essays you're accustomed to. Who knows, though? Maybe I'll surprise.

[Mimie]

@Edge, DOMINO & other Navy

Hello Navy!!!

I come to you today because I need your help to get Rih to win ATRL's Fiercest Artist

I just need you to post #TeamRihanna in the thread!

Ty and please tell other Navy!

[MMMinaj]

Will comments be tomorrow? I might be going out

[Dancehall]

Originally posted by MMMinaj

Will comments be tomorrow? I might be going out

I assumed tonight.

Originally posted by Matty

Did I give a deadline of 8 PM tonight? If so 11 hours and 17 minutes to go!

[Matty]

Originally posted by Red

So you think. I'm extremely tired, so you may not get the same level of essays you're accustomed to. Who knows, though? Maybe I'll surprise.

Even when you're tired, you still write more than most of us.

You may be competing with Edge, again
He wrote a lot.

Originally posted by MMMinaj

Will comments be tomorrow? I might be going out

I plan on updating tonight, hopefully.

Only 2/6 judges have sent in comments/rankings/scores

Only 7/12 contestants have sent in rankings

[MMMinaj]

Originally posted by Matty

Even when you're tired, you still write more than most of us.

You may be competing with Edge, again
He wrote a lot.


I plan on updating tonight, hopefully.

Only 2/6 judges have sent in comments/rankings/scores

Only 7/12 contestants have sent in rankings

2/6? Dammit Katie, ya dun goofed!

[Red]

Originally posted by Matty

Even when you're tired, you still write more than most of us.

I guess that's true.

You may be competing with Edge, again
He wrote a lot.

Son of a bitch, I forgot that Edge was judging. I'd step up my game a little more, but that would require me to open my eyes.

Only 2/6 judges have sent in comments/rankings/scores

Only 7/12 contestants have sent in rankings

The judges number is par for the course. I'd be a lot more concerned about the contestant rankings. You guys should have had those sent in by now.

Of course, I should have had my stuff sent in by now, too, but YOU KNOW...

[Hugamari]

Do you guys like my new text?

[Matty]

Don't expect an update soon.
I'm still typing my comments. I greatly underestimated my ability to multitask when watching the Vampire Diaries. I just cannot take my eyes off of it.

3/6 judges comments/scores/rankings (mine coming soon)
- missing Katie and Supa

10/12 contestants rankings

Originally posted by Hugamari

Do you guys like my new text?

You've gone blackface! That's racist for someone who is full of purity.

[MMMinaj]

Originally posted by Matty

Don't expect an update soon.
I'm still typing my comments. I greatly underestimated my ability to multitask when watching the Vampire Diaries. I just cannot take my eyes off of it.

3/6 judges comments/scores/rankings (mine coming soon)
- missing Katie and Supa

10/12 contestants rankings


You've gone blackface! That's racist for someone who is full of purity.

Take your time Matthew

[Kitt]

Originally posted by DOMINO

¿Dónde está tu avatar, amiga?

Originally posted by Hugamari

Ohey queen Kitt, how you been? Why don't you have an avatar?

I hated my last one and 125x125 avatars are hard to eyeball in PS once you've gone retina

[Matty]

Originally posted by Kitt

I hated my last one and 125x125 avatars are hard to eyeball in PS once you've gone retina

What do you mean hard to eyeball?
You don't make the size 125x125 beforehand?

Update coming since I have 5/6 judges.

[MMMinaj]

My fave big brother player just got voted off tonight so i'm hoping good news will make up for it

[Latch]

Originally posted by Kitt

I hated my last one and 125x125 avatars are hard to eyeball in PS once you've gone retina

You don't use image resize + crop?

[DripDrip]

She means the retina display causes certain things that aren't at the aspect ratio for retina display look blurry, messy, or LQ without it actually being LQ.

[MMMinaj]

kitt, make your avi a heptagon! Easy solution!

[Latch]

Originally posted by Emmy Del Rey

She means the retina display causes certain things that aren't at the aspect ratio for retina display look blurry, messy, or LQ without it actually being LQ.

Oh

Bew

[Matty]

---

EPISODE 2: BRANDING

Guest Judge: Red



THE COMMENTS

SAM JAY

Originally posted by Supaspaz

Cute entry! I love the layout. It's very bold and eye-catching. Extra is an interesting choice for you brand, since it could be considered insulting, but you've swung it in a humorous way that works for you. Your examples are lackluster, however. Only the first one really makes sense.

Originally posted by Domino

Well, I am going to be honest with you. I don’t get it. I am trying to connect your brand with those examples and it just doesn’t work. Because based on those I’d say your brand is „informationista“ or something.
I might be the only one, though, so don’t worry.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

Oh man. Extra and then some. I understand where your brand is coming from with the excess text, but in conjunction with the area of topic you chose for your examples, I think a different brand would have been more suitable. I say this because every single one of your examples backing up your brand is related to Kesha. Talking a lot in general/nonsense about your fav isn't just "extra." It's borderline "delusional" and/or “nonsensical;” the third example solidified this fact. It would have been more convincing had you showed different types of being "extra" (Like jumping in on a random conversation with whatever you felt like talking about that day) than just defending Kesha. I guess I'm trying to tell you to explore all aspects of your brand. However, I will say that the mini quotes of each posts in that layout is the definition of "extra."

Originally posted by Red

First, let's talk about the layout. All I can think of when looking at this layout is "I need some gum", because it reminds me of a chewing gum wrapper. It's almost Fruit Stripe-esque. Of course, this isn't supposed to be about judging the layout, but a good layout never hurts. What we really need to focus on is the brand you have chosen. Here's what I got from the three posts you chose to represent your brand: You like to elaborate. A lot. In fact, you went the extra mile to make your point. That last example is an essay that would have made Ammer proud. If that's what you were going for, you certainly succeeded there. But you're going to have to do more than write essays and go extra hard for Ke$ha if you want to win this competition.

Originally posted by Matty

I honestly do not get this brand at all. I have this mental idea of being ‘Extra’ but the examples you provided just do not scream ‘Extra’. Like, I don’t even know what kind of brand I would categorize them. They all have a common theme about Kesha, so maybe your brand is better suited as ‘keshafied’ or something related. Even with that as your brand, it doesn’t stand out. There are many Kesha stans on this site and they could have all said that. I think you need to think about another brand.

CRAZYCAT

Originally posted by Supaspaz

My catlicious could mean anything! You've made up a word and then failed to define it. I still don't know what your brand is.

Originally posted by Domino

Okay I get it. It’s fine with me. The examples were fitting. I can’t say anything negative about it except that horrendous grammar you used for explaining your brand.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

I appreciate that you attempted to come up with a clever new word that encompasses your brand in one word but appreciation is where the praise stops. I don't get it. It makes sense, yet, the examples and the definition don't really fit well together. The definition you provided focused more on the negative connotation of the word, which isn't a bad thing, but you didn't provide strong enough examples to make your entry flow as a unit. It was very disjointed to me; your first example was more of a difference of opinion, the second was sarcasm and the third was random praise. You can't make up a word and definition and pick random parts of the definition to display in your post. I guess it matters how much energy and effort you put into the ATRL community but your brand should be something obvious and easy that others can instantly recognize about you. For you, I would have come up with "fearless" or Miley's foam finger. Who said your brand had to be a word? Always think "all encompassing."

Originally posted by Red

Good job. You completely ignored the rule that Matty underlined to make sure everyone saw. Admittedly, I understand how trying to express your "brand" without explaining it can be difficult, but that's part of proving your worth as a Top Member. You have to be ready to take on whatever is thrown your way. Besides, based on the posts you used, it really would not have been THAT difficult to get what "Catlicious" means and why it's your brand. There was just no need to elaborate, especially when you were specifically told not to.

Originally posted by Matty

This cat theme is getting real old, real fast. I get it that you want to connect your name and it’s meaning to everything, but that is where it should end. As with your brand name, I kept reading ‘Girlicious’. Now with your examples, they do match the description of your brand name you gave yourself, which does match you despite this cat theme. However, I didn’t want a description of your brand name. I wanted your posts to explain it for you.

DANCEHALL

Originally posted by Supaspaz

Your layout is might be the coolest of the bunch, but you've either branded yourself wrong or picked bad examples. They felt more critical than candid, a brand that suggests to me someone who is very open and honest about themselves.

Originally posted by Domino

I really enjoyed the layout, I have to say. It’s very clean and not overdone, yet it looks like E F F O R T. I do, however, think your examples are a little underwhelming. I see candid but only like 60%.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

Candid. That is you. I agree and your examples certainly back your brand up. Having said that, all your posts are reworded replicas of one another in threads that are in the similar vein. Instead of just leaving a comment about how you can predict the timeline of the thread, you can always provide an actual candid answer on the topic. That would show a different side of your brand and one that could spark tolerant discussions, hence furthering the movement of ATRL developing into a more progressive website. Just be sure not to get repetitive and your brand works well for you. I wish you used an example from Base discussions. You have a clear, sometimes cynical voice when debating Pop girls that would back upped "candid" very well. Also, the ribbons under the word "candid?" Perfect. Sidenote: I know some people weren’t a fan of you repeating your divided layout/format in the username challenge, but I personally loved it. Had you continued that throughout the competition, it would have gone from reductive to making a statement.

Originally posted by Red

can·did adjective \ˈkan-dəd\
Expressing opinions and feelings in an honest and sincere way.

Just wanted to include that definition, because THIS is how you put together a "brand" for Top Member. I don't necessarily feel that the third post helped to further your brand, but the first two are perfect. The second post, in particular, is incredibly blunt and to the point. Also, I have to mention the layout. It's so simple, but it's an eye-catcher.

Originally posted by Matty

Bianca Golden! HEY GURL HEY! Enough with my ANTM reference for the second time, let’s talk about your brand. When I first read your brand and read your examples I was thinking your brand name should simply be ‘Honest’. However, I re-read your examples and thought, no, Candid does make perfect sense. Your posts were strictly honest, but it was a harsh honesty people may not want to hear. I’m surprised some members didn’t report you for ‘abrasive’. I think this is a good brand to have and from seeing other posts from you around ATRL, it makes sense.

MMMINAJ

Originally posted by Supaspaz

That word art hurts my eyes, but I otherwise like this entry. Your choice of threads supported your brand well. It was probably the most convincing of the bunch.

Originally posted by Domino

Shouldn’t a brand be an adjective?
So I will take this as your thoughts being creative because these posts' layouts were nothing in that lane. Yeah, I could live with it. Not bad not bad..

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

So you were the one who started the shaped avis, huh. Trendsetting is always a sign of creativity so I applaud you on your well-chosen brand. However, the second and third examples that you were subpar compared to your first example. You weren’t showing any “creativity” by saying Nicki needs to be creative and that PFRR is not creative. You could have leaped on that opportunity to visualize and verbalize what you would like to see on Nicki’s next album. Don’t just talk about it, always show it/provide details. With your third example, I was debating between giving you this point or not because of how reductive your example is in light of your first example. They’re both reliant on graphics and the manipulation of. It’s just another On the Floor and Dance Again situation where one is great, but two is overload. I guess I wasn’t impressed with the final product (your thread) because all the great gif and avi manipulations that I’ve seen just pop up randomly and none were really provided in your thread. Had your thread inspired a new hit gif, I would have been whistling a different tune. Also, King Maxx in your Nicki Base needs to get it together:

Lol
(Obviously, that wasn’t taken into account when I scored you.)

Originally posted by Red

I have to say, I liked the layout a lot more than the entry itself. Here's why: The entry itself shows that creativity more than the examples do. The examples are just you showing off your artistic side and your want to be creative. That's all well and good, but when you're taking on this challenge, you don't want to just say that you want to be creative. You have to provide specific examples of creativity. The first example helps you, in that regard, but I still think the best example of your brand is the entry. It's strong, eye-catching, and it takes creativity to come up with that kind of a layout.

Originally posted by Matty

Stuttering Minaj. Creativity. Okay, let me be honest, the brand is nice and all, I think artistic creativity should be displayed more around here, but this isn’t you. From seeing some of your posts around, you are more than being creative it seems like. The only real creative example for your brand was your first example on starting this “new trend”. The other two examples just seem like ploys to match this brand. The second example, do not get me started… just because you have the word CREATIVE in it doesn’t make it perfect to match the brand. I feel like there is a better brand out there for you.

JAX

Originally posted by Supaspaz

For someone who purports to be original, this is a very uninspired (and uninspiring) entry. I don't come away with a sense of what that word means to you.

Originally posted by Domino

Well you really are original with the artists you stan for. Kudos for that.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

Your third example is a very strong contender for best brand-example relationship out of all the contestants. The OP was well thought out and supremely witty. Also, you explored “#original” by not just having a unique view on a rapper but by also being the first Junglepussy stan on ATRL and creating the Base for it, so that was also well done. Having said that, the two similar (topic wise) Junglepussy examples were a bit boring; the first example shouldn’t have been included at all. I would have much rather preferred you to use one of your posts shading an artist or a post from discussions in HQ. All three examples were limited to your own OPs and that concerns me. Can you only be “#original” when you start a conversation that you thought of or were interested in? In particular, I would have liked to see an example of you being “#original” in a response regarding another member’s post. That would have shown me that you are able to roll with the flow of the topic and able to think outside your own thoughts and have command of your originality. And depending on the response time of your post, that would have also shown me just how truly original you are. It’s good that you’re focused on finding the perfect examples to highlight your brand but what good is it if you are limited? Try to branch out and see just how far you can stretch your originality, may it be through Ops, posts, responses, new gifs, etc.

Originally posted by Red

Okay, time to go on a mini-rant. Twitter's worst impact on society, without a shadow of a doubt, is the hashtag. Within the context of Twitter, it works very well, and if it stayed within the confines of Twitter, it would not have bothered me so much. But no, the hashtag has went beyond Twitter and has been used in places it really shouldn't be used. When Mariah Carey named her big return single "#Beautiful", that was the last straw. I now hate any use of the hashtag that does not involve Twitter. Okay, with THAT out of the way, your entry. I can't get over how there's an artist out there named Junglepussy. JUNGLEPUSSY. JUNGLEPUSSSYYYYY!! My god. Okay, I need to stop getting sidetracked. I think that your brand is one of the hardest to pull off, because originality is not something that comes along every day here. Most people on ATRL are copying the personality of someone more popular. It has been this way for years. I don't think that talking about irrelevant artists is enough to make you original, though being the first person to talk about an artist I had never heard of before this challenge is pretty original, I will admit.

Originally posted by Matty

You truly are original, I mean from the way you post, to your threads, to your username, you are original. However, based on your examples, two of three to be exact, I was wondering if your brand should have been ‘#Junglepussy’. I still stand by my post in the thread when I said goodbye to TackEE. That is honestly such a great brand name for you and your posts, no shade. There is normally a bit of extremity to them, but they are also so different that we know it is you. Most of the time they can be tacky as hell.

LATCH

Originally posted by Supaspaz

It's hard to brand yourself as witty, because humor can be so subjective. Your examples made me laugh, though, so nice job. Now I expect to see this side of you more often. So far, you are not one of the contestants I would expect to be selling yourself as the funny one.

Originally posted by Domino

It looks good. Of course I’m going to say this because it’s a yellow rip off of my entry from last cycle. However, I don’t see you as witty. Not with those examples. Edge is witty. I don't know about you.
And not the last example also being a rip off from ***Flawless.
If you fake something then make it your own. That’s my advice for you this week.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

Gotta admit. The color scheme of your entry threw me off. I was expecting something more chromatic, like Jax’s entry, to go along with your earlier entries. Anyways, your brand suits you. I expected something with a bit more pizazz but “witty” works, as do your examples. I guess I’m hesitant on full praise because some of your posts are repeats of what so many other members have already said but because I’ve been on ATRL for a little bit now, I guess that’s bound to happen so I’m trying to judge these posts with a “fresh” eye. Having said that, I really only found the second example to be chuckle worthy. That post took some insight to craft and it paid off. The first example was too cheap, as was the last. So many members think adding “twink,” “bottom” or “top” to their posts elevates the humor but it’s gotten so old, so quickly, both on ATRL and in real life. Except for a handful of exceptions, those types of posts have lost its power due to oversaturation and are no longer considered “witty.” I like that you listed examples from all around the forum but I wished you provided a “witty” post from a hit thread (Not SYG). Those often spurn some of the funniest comments and are sometimes the reason why the thread is such a hit. Had you provided a post that contributed to making the thread a hit, I would have said you had full awareness of your brand.

Originally posted by Red

It is extremely difficult to label yourself as "witty", because it's not a guarantee that everyone will agree with you. I know this fact firsthand. It's easy to believe that you are witty in your own mind, but it's much harder to get others to see that. I think that your examples are hit-or-miss in this regard. The second example is pretty strong, though. People STILL do those stupid "If you don't share this" chain messages, and it baffles me. YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DIE IN FIVE SECONDS IF YOU DO NOT READ THIS SENTENCE. YOU'RE ALSO NOT GOING TO BE HAUNTED BY THE GHOST OF CHRIS BROWN'S DIGNITY IF YOU DO NOT READ THIS SENTENCE. Ugh. Being "witty" is so difficult, but if you can pull it off, you'll go a long, long way in this competition.

Originally posted by Matty

I think Witty is a perfect brand name for you. Despite some tendencies, you never fail to at least bring some kind of humor to your posts. I found myself cackling to the SYG post example; that was gold. At first with your first example, I was wondering how this was witty since it only uploaded the page and I just read the title. I scrolled down to read your post and was like “Whoop, there it is”. This is you, this is Latch. I will say however, some of those could have been said by anyone, especially the YTT post. That is considering that most of ATRL are presumably bottoms. If ATRL can generalize that every member is gay, I can say that statement.

PART 2 coming, let this simmah




Fierce and Love
- Matty

[Mimie]

Part 2

[Bey_Rihstan]

I'm Always in part 2