[umich]

Sent in my rates/comments/final remarks. I've been on vacation all weekend, and it's my first time being at my laptop.

Overall, an OK round. Some didn't step up to the plate. My average score (out of 10) was around a 7.

[jax.]

who won

[Achilles.]

Citrus and Umich making me nervous

[Era]

[Matty]

---

EPISODE 1: PRESENTATION

THE COMMENTS

CITRUS says...

Sam
The best parts of your entry were the formatting and the last two sentences. However, that little jab at your own fave was pretty much the only personality I felt from you. You come off as sort of cold in this entry. I don’t know if it’s the constant reiterations about simplicity or the self-affirmations about what Ke$ha putting on makeup says about your character, but it just felt…try hard. Your fave is Ke$ha, but this sounds like it was written by Taylor Swift.

Conatus
I know many previous top members have a distinctive style of entry, but that font…I don’t incorporate your formatting into your score until it begins to impede the judging. Keep that in mind. As to the content of your entry, you managed to cover a lot of “deep” stuff through your analysis of your username and avatar. Normally I don’t like that but it worked because of the origin of your username and the basis it has in your discovery of new music.

Jezang Lopez
You like Scooby Doo! I like you. Your entry was serviceable, but it didn’t stick out to me as much as I had hoped it would after reading your application. You seem to have conflicting views of how to present yourself. In the beginning, you mention that you want to be seen as someone “smooth and cold,” but then your avatar and username are supposed to present you as relaxed and easy-going. I do appreciate the bits of humor (I smiled at the Bonnie Mckee!!!!!1114 ever bit), and I can tell there is a lot of potential there. Just proofread a bit more and think a little harder about how you want to come across in your entries.

Lovesong
THIS is a great entry. It was simple, direct, and you made me feel as if the username and avatars represent you without making me roll my eyes. You’re starting strong, my friend.

Superpower
The origin of your username was nice, though the four aspirations were maybe a biiiiit much. That being said, I appreciate the thought you put into the entry. Your avatar disgusts me, but your explanation for it is rather apt and it made me appreciate it more than I have before. All in all, a solid entry. Also, points for your brevity. Bless you.

FunkyDinevo
I want to know what Disney did to you, because this member is not an improvement from Cycle 10. This member is not even on the same level. You are funny, sassy, and wildly entertaining. That might’ve come across more if you had stopped telling me about how fun and crazy you are and just talked. It felt as if you were worried about being eliminated so you decided to shove every possible Funky-ism into one entry. I’m being so harsh because I know you can do better. Out of the entries I see before me, is this acceptable? Yes, it’s better than most. So you get a good score this round. But out of the entries I’ve seen from you in the past, is it acceptable? No. Step. It. Up.

A Bomb
I was surprised by you in this entry. I’d never seen a soft side to you in all the time I’ve known you as a member, but this was nice to see. I like that your avatar comes from such a simple place; it makes you happy. But there is so much history and connection associated with it. While your transition between the two descriptions was a bit rough, it fits with your explosiveness. Excuse the lame ass pun, but this entry was the bomb.

Era
This is a cute entry that was substantially helped by the graphics. You truly have a gift. Moving on, the explanation of the avatar was the better of the two, but only marginally. This is very even, very put together, and it is just the right length. It felt a little dry at certain points, but I enjoyed it.

Buddy!
Parts of this felt like they were written by an 18 year-old who still shops at Aeropostale. This entry is weird because it feels incomplete. That doesn’t mean it needed to be longer, rather that it needed to be more cohesive. You talked about how Buddy! and your avatar both contribute to your playful (hihi) persona, but it almost felt like you were explaining what your entry was supposed to sound like as opposed to an actual entry. This wasn’t awful, it just felt really weird to read. Try working on your word flow next time.

JakeKills
Your username description was spot-on and I loved it. The avatar bit was off, though. As I read, you kept reminding me of another member that I couldn’t quite place. But then right at the end, you mentioned Vespertine and that was it. The super stanning, ultra-religious thing isn’t specific to Vespertine, but your avatar description reminded me of him a bit. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but you didn’t go far enough with it. Using capital letters to refer to a fave as a deity is nothing new, so you should’ve either gone super out there with the Taylor praise or toned it back to fit more with the rest of your entry. Not bad, just not as cohesive as I would’ve liked.

Theus
The problem with this entry is that it was just…boring. It reads as the introductory paragraph an overeager college freshman would spout at orientation. I would’ve liked more expansion on the “tough” parts of the avatar and how it applies/connects with you. Your length wasn’t bad, but when you use so few words, you really have to make sure they count.

Bey_Rihstan
We brought you back a third time for this ****? Did you stop to take a breath between paragraphs or was this all typed in one go? Good Lord, woman. I’m trying to figure out what to tell you to improve on, but there’s just so much to choose from. Slow down next time and think your words through a little more before you press submit. Be careful about bragging about ATRL-recognition (your avatar is indeed very popular, but nobody likes a braggart). You had some good parts, for sure. For instance, using Brandy as your avatar to let people know you stan for her, too. You could’ve made this entire entry themed around your three favorite artists and how your avatar and username bring them together, but instead we got this bolded text wall about the enigmatic meaning of an underscore and how iconic Brandy’s face is. I love you 2014 ATRL Cher Crew Awards Female Crew of the Year, but I don’t love this entry.

T-Swizz
This was an okay entry, but it’s a huge oversight to not include your very recognizable avatar in an entry partly about your avatar. I like the honesty about the origins of your username, and I liked the little jokes you threw in. One note, though: My username entry last cycle was just like yours (but funnier and cuter), except I made fun of Edge being a ****. Jokes like that can come across as very try hard when you aren’t familiar with a member, so just be careful. I like what I see so far, and I’m curious as to how you’re going to do in the rest of this competition.

Subomie

I see you tryna get my vote.
This entry was very aesthetically pleasing, and I liked that you had a florally theme, overall. That cohesiveness is a good thing to have in your entries. However, I would’ve liked a little less tell, and a little more show. You talked about being tongue in cheek and wanting to surprise us, but you didn’t do a whole lot of that here. It’s a very good entry, don’t get me wrong, but it was more Kitt than it was Subomie.

Rider
It astounds me how you managed to present an amazing avatar and an amazing username in a way that makes me not care whatsoever. The entry felt very chill, as if you wrote it while scratching yourself after smoking a bowl. I told most others to loosen up a bit, but this entry would’ve benefitted from being tighter. It was too casual and I think that’s why I didn’t feel invested. It was like, “I’m a boss and this avatar is cool “. It feels like ANTM ringed your doorbell and your pants were down, but you answered anyway.

SUPASPAZ says...

Sam
Your whole presentation works together very nicely. It's simple yet striking; I love the bold color and the use of blank space. But you seem to get a bit tripped up in trying to making that simplicity mean something. I'm just looking for a glimpse into who you are. Keeping it "real," as you say, is enough. Tying in the Top Member qualities was a cute idea, though.

conatus
I've been very curious about your username, so it was interesting to hear the story of how you picked it. You also threw a lot of other stuff in there. I'm not necessarily opposed to that, because I want to get to know more about the contestants through the course of this competition. But don't fall into the trap of trying to do everything at once; the point of having all these challenges is to reveal the different layers of yourself.

Jezang Looz
Now that I know its meaning, I love your username. It's cool that it serves as a motto and a guiding principle for you on this forum. (The quote is actually "Jus' hang loose, blood" from "Airplane!," but the great thing about pop culture is forging our own connections.) The avatar loses me after Bonnie's first head bop. If you cut it off there, it would feel like a complete package.

lovesong
You are one of the few who touches on the fact that these elements we use to present ourselves on ATRL are just as much a signal to others of how we want to be seen as a natural extension of ourselves. It's a thoughtful and insightful entry—exactly what I've come to expect from you.

Superpower
Yours is certainly becoming one of the iconic avatars around the forum, which gives you a nice platform from which to launch your Top Member bid. Now I want you to show me, not tell me, why you should win. I enjoyed your entry, but you were almost getting lost in all of the content.

FunkyDinevo
This entry made me smile. You have a big (e-)personality and you know how to wield it; that humor and drama was captured just as much in the tone and style as in your words. I hope you don't become a gimmick, though. We may be mimicking realty TV here, but a crazy persona isn't enough to make the finals. To enter that next level as a member, you'll have to push yourself in new ways.

A Bomb
That opening section about your avatar was such a lovely bit of storytelling...and then you completely caught me off guard with the cheeky change in tone for part two. Perhaps it was intentional, but I found it rather jarring. And then intriguing. Who is the real you? I'm curious how to see how your develop on your Top Member journey.

Era
You are a very talented graphic artist—both in skill and style. That's also about all I got out of the this. The explanations for your username and avatars feel genuine, but they are thin. I'm hoping the weeks to come will give me deeper insights about you. Perhaps you can use your strength in visual presentation as a foundation for improving elsewhere.

Buddy!
Yes, you are coming into this competition as one of the most known entities already. That's a blessing, because you won't get lost in the crowd, and a curse, because I'll be expecting more from you to take me beyond what I already know. This entry felt about on par with what I've figured out from your presence on the forum. So what else have you got? Throw it at me!

JakeKills
What kind of book of revelations? I never made the Natalia Kills connection either. (I always thought it might be a slangy way of saying "Jake is awesome.") Yet even here as you reaffirm your connection to your username, it feels like you are apologizing. If you are going to keep it, I want you to reclaim it in a way that means something to you and then own it. A top member must turn their flaws into strengths.

Theus
You've done everything I could have asked for here: explained your username and your avatar, tied them together, and then related them back to how you use ATRL. And yet I'm left feeling slightly underwhelmed. It's sweet, but it's missing that pop that would really give me a sense of who you are. I hope your future entries come from a stronger point of view. Perhaps you can take some of FunkyDinevo's, and balance each other out a bit.

Bey_Rihstan
Your enthusiasm for this tournament is wonderful. It's why I wanted you back one more time, in hopes that you could capitalize on your ascendance within the forum to finally excel. Unfortunately, your work is still just lacking in polish. I can tell from this entry how much the opportunity means to you. But unless you can channel that energy into a more refined presentation—figure out what your main point is and then focus on getting us there—I'm afraid it may be short-lived.

T-Swizz
Honey badger just don't give a ****! You seem like a member who is going to take this competition on his own terms and not try to impress anyone. Depending on how you wield that confidence, it could propel you to the top or be your downfall. You were one of the members I was least familiar with going into the tournament, but now I've got my eye on you.

Subomie
You're returning to this tournament with some unfinished business, so I'd really like to see you step it up and knock it out of the park. You're not quite there yet. This is the entry of someone with a strong understanding of the game, the forum and himself—who then got stuck in his own head. There's too much explanation, not enough demonstration. Where is the playful and silly Subomie you promised?

Rider
I'm all for short entries, if a contestant knows how to say a lot with a few words. Sometimes those can make the greatest impact. This one is undercooked, however. I feel like I only learned a few things about you, and then they were repeated over again to pad out the length. What part of you does your avatar represent? If changing your username was a big part of your evolution on ATRL, how have you developed since? You introduced some ideas that could have been explored much further.

UMICH says...

Sam
“i added a blank space” - get that Taylor promo (as if she needs it) I do like that you gave a back story on your previous usernames. I remember the $oldier one (which I also liked). Overall I think your explanation of your username and avatar is a perfect example of your current brand. Moreover, I think your avatar sort of mimics the words you gave at the end… “I’m Sam; that Kesha stan who still defends his fave in SYG….” Great work.

conatus
First off, please forgive me if i’ve ever misspelled your name. i used to spell it as “contaus.” i really loved the explanation and evolution of where your name came from, because i completely had no idea. i will say that your name has become very popular in different sub-forums here on ATRL, so it makes it easier for people to remember who you are. I think a lot of people will recognize you for your Patrick Wolf avis

Jezang Looz
I kinda like the tie-in with the username and your avatar. I think when people are not bending to norms and trying to fit a mold, it works best for them - and I like how you illustrated the connection with the Kat lyric and your Bonnie McKee avi. and thanks for telling us who was recording Bonnie, because I legit thought it was Ryan Tedder.

lovesong
I remember the 22 avi quite well. I personally thinks that represented you more as a user. I would have liked to see more of a connection between it and your username, but I do feel that your username kinda says it all - you love songs, and that’s what probably keeps your ATRL persona quite likable because you have a pretty diverse taste and you don’t particularly stan for one or two artists. I thought your lovesong username was a reference to Selena’s “Love You Like A Love Song” so thanks for clarifying a biT.

Superpower
I’m truly amazed at how you broke everything down in the meaning of your username. furthermore, there are a few members on this site with Super in their username, so it’s great to see you distinguish yourself from the rest. your avi has become slightly impactful through usage of various members on this site, so it shows that people are fond of it in some way.

FunkyDinevo
Nothing more needs to be said. you hit the nail on the head with the breakdown of your current avi (the gif-by-gif explanation) and the tie-in with your username.

A Bomb
I don’t think your story was lame @ all. I like to see how people’s personas have been developed, so thank you for sharing your experiences with us. As someone who doesn’t know you much on ATRL and after having read your background, I feel much more informed about who you are. this is something we were looking for!

Era
Era (the name itself) doesn’t necessarily stick out in a crowd, but I now see why you would use that name due to your various passions. I have noticed your avis around lately (especially your current BB one). I’m still left in a mystery regarding who you are. but I’d love to see you develop your persona/character should you continue to the second round.

Buddy!
What was wrong with Buddyc614? don’t deny your roots, hun. i do see that you’ve made several friends during your short time here, so it does amount for the fact that your username kinda connects with your persona. your avi has become a staple in many ATRL posts so I do give you points for making a GP-worthy avatar. It’s definitely one of the most recognizable ones of the bunch.

JakeKills
At first, I thought it was JakeKiis when I started using ATRL back in late 2011… any who, until this day, I had no idea that the little guy in your avi actually passed out, so thanks for bringing this to my attention. I never paid close attention, but yes, it is hilarious. Now I see why Kills is in your name. You ain’t slick.

Theus
I do feel that you try to remind us of your varying music tastes/selections through your weekly/bi-weekly rotating avis, so that’s great. i personally didn’t see the connection between your username and avi. i think there could have been a little bit more that you could have expanded on.

Bey_Rihstan
I think you’ve made your avi and username stand out in many situations. At first glance, I would have never guessed that you stan Brandy until I’ve started to see some of your posts, so the Bey_Rih threw me off a bit when I read them. I’ve also seen people reference you as Brandy_Stan, and as you said, the underscore, has become a bit of a standard when referring to “worst” usernames.

T-Swizz
Well i give you props for admitting that you had a previous account however, i liked your story on birthing T-Swizz. i noticed that you did not talk about your current avi, though. was there a reason for that? it’s probably another very well-known avi on ATRL, so it would have been nice to spill on that.

Subomie
Glad you pointed out that you have many avis that you cycle through, because I don’t necessarily associate you with one particular avi. your most recent one, Miguel’s Kaleidoscope Dreams, was the only one i’ve recognized. clever connection between your current avi and your username.

Rider
I know you from the EmRiNavy days, and I can say that Rider was a great upgrade for you. shout out for referencing 2Pac in your explanation because I don’t think a lot of people are too familiar with his general impact in music.

Stay tuned for what Cupid & Matty have said...




Fierce and Love
- Matty

[Era]

Thank you for the comments judges

[Matty]

---

EPISODE 1: PRESENTATION

THE COMMENTS

CUPID says...

Sam
Entry was nicely presented, although i'm sure you're aware the little bit falling off the bottom, but hey it happens from time to time.
I always find it hard to critique a username when it's the persons actual name. I do kind of love them though, just for their simplicity.
Also it helps make people more recognizable and easier to find. My only concern is the space after your username.
It took me a while to realize the space was there, I remember trying to PM you a few months ago and being confused.
I'm glad you didn't go for the period trend anyway because that's so played out. As for the avatar I really like it.
Kesha looks amazing there and the quote she writes on the mirror "Be Cruelty Free" is very apt and ties in with your explanation.

Conatus
The explanation behind your username went much deeper than I ever imagined. All 3 points relate to you and your personality so well.
I honestly can't find a single thing to fault with it, I love it. I know the perils of being a serial avi changer (a Retroer),
but I don't feel like there was much explanation behind your current avatar, other than it being an artist you like.
I'd have liked a little more analysis on the video it came from, the scene and why you chose it etc. And sidenote, the font in this entry was hard to read.
We have senior citizens on this panel, it has to be clear to read henny.

Jezang Looz
I had no idea what to expect when I saw your username. As I started reading it wasn't really making sense to me, but when I realized it was in Jive, it clicked.
I love the fact it means "just relax", a saying which is common place here on ATRL. It's definitely mysterious and unique.
Usually I dislike avis like this, but for some reason this one is okay to me. It's a little bit awkward looking, but in a nice way.
I'm not sure if it's just my laptop but this font was also a little hard to read. I like your presentation though it was very clear and concise.

lovesong
I love both of those avis in different ways. Beyonce is serving the #flawless aesthetic, whilst Taylor is serving the fun, party side.
I'm not sure how I feel about rotating avis, but when you have 2 as good as this, I guess it doesn't matter. Both are pretty synonymous with you at this point.
Whilst your name may be tragically generic, I do kind of love it. It's very cute, which I think reflects the personality and brand you're going for in this entry.
Also the song behind the name is nice.

Superpower
I love the lyrical analysis of your username. Firstly I think it's become quite recognizable, secondly I think it's a strong username.
It definitely emotes everything you want it to. I've said it before, but this avatar is lowkey really hot to me. Like, whew.
Not only is he indeed eye candy, but sometimes I'll enter a thread and that avi will pop up and I am not expecting it and it gives me a chuckle.
I definitely think the avatar is a good balance to your username, it rounds you off as a member. I just hope it doesn't give off the impression that all your posts are,
meant in a humorous and silly way.

FunkyDinevo
This is a hot mess and I love it. As somebody who also suffers from bitch-face syndrome, I know the perils of constantly looking pissed off.
People just don't get us. The Dionne shade and picture is just destroying me right now. The part about your friend sucking dick though..
Like this entry quickly went from "here's my avatar" to "here's my Bad Girls Club casting tape". I love your username choice, it's so unique.
It also fits your avatar extremely well. It's very distinct. I think you need to reign in the messy notches just a tadT during your entries though.
I'm all for hearing about your persona and about you, but don't trail off into douching and sex talk sis.

A Bomb
Oh lord, this entry is all kinds of cute. I'm literally in love with the story behind your avatar, like legit almost tearing up.
The avi itself is adorable and now I know the meaning behind it. I can safely say I am obsessed.
You basically summed everything up in the statement "my username is the hard shell" whilst the avatar is the soft inside. Like, they do not match up at all.
But I also think that it represents two VERY different sides of your personality. I'd much rather hear about your avatar than the hard A Bomb side of your persona though.

Era
Mess, not UKMIX. Love them for their receipts though. This username is very mysteriousand very open-ended. It doesn't really give much away about who you are.
Whilst that's sometimes a good thing, I'd kind of maybe like a little more backstory about you. That's not to say I dislike the name though, I love it.
Your avatars though, like they are so on point it hurts. I'm glad you chose the Bad Blood one because I saw that get posted around ATRL a lot.
It's just perfect, I'm jealous. I need you to start making me avis like this. And your presentation is flawless.

Buddy!
I like your username, especially seeing as I chose it. Thanks for stealing my credit hihihohoho. But in all seriousness, the reason I like it is simple.
Buddy became what you were known as, however there's already an active Buddy. The "!" on the end just makes me think you're shouting your username at me.
Which I find hilarious, because it's so completely random, especially when paired with your avi. Ralph is definitely synonymous with you.
People who stick with the same avatar usually become iconic and this avatar has. It's just funny and weird, which suits you very well.

JakeKills
Honestly I was one of those people who never made the connection between Natalia and your username (her lack of impact?). I found it quite funny when I learned it.
To me, you are simply known as Jake, like a lot of people I imagine. I'd suggest dropping the kills, I don't think it suits you and like you said, you don't pay attention to her anyway.
I love the avatar, I had honestly never stopped to pay close enough attention to the boy even falling, I've only just noticed it. But it's pretty funny.
That avatar has definitely become known with you, so I'm glad you kept it. Your presentation was nice, my only concern would be to cut the length down, but that's something you'll pick up!

Theus
That font is so adorable, I love how you're keeping it in your entries. Honestly I love your username, it's short, it's sweet and it's simple.
It's not something which people immediately know what it means either, but it's memorable. I like the connection of your name and your helpful personality too.
Also you're in the 5 letter username club hihi, we all slay. I love your avi, you always seem to have very well made ones. I'm sad you didn't use your "Don't Impress Me" avi though!
For me, that was your most iconic one.

Bey_Rihstan
Well i'm glad you just came out and admitted your name isn't the best. It saves any awkward moments. But I do agree that it stands out.
I find it funny that the main artist you talk about was snubbed though. If Athens would let me gift my ATRL+ i'd give it to you right now, to change your name to Brandy.
Those little jpgs/pngs have sort of become your thing. The Brandy one is already iconic on here. It represents you completely!
Your entry had all the points you wanted to make, but they were sandwiched with filler. Try and be a little more concise.

T-Swizz
So you don't stan for Taylor? Get out.
But mess, I'd heard of the Yonce story before but I forgot. Katie her power. The hotmail part had me cackling. I guess whilst your avi itself might not mean much..
Other than being a Taylor nickname, the story behind it means a lot. It's quite funny and also quite endearing that you keep it as a reminder.
You should have posted your avi! But luckily I know the avi you're talking about.. it's very creative and very unique (shocker you didn't make it hihi).
But anyway, I like the avatar a lot and your username is unique enough in a nice way. Ampt up your presentation just a notch though.

Subomie
I really like this username tbh. I think it's adorable, but it didn't match your old personality at all. Now that you've mellowed a little, I find it much more appealing.
Your avatar came as a surprise for me, I was expecting you to go with Nadine or something. But i'm pleasantly shocked. For starters, I've lowkey been trying to hide this image.
Ever since Katy got dragged for her cultural appropriation hihi. But it's okay when Kylie does it so.. Anyway the avi is gorgeous looking and it does suit your username.
I hope this becomes one of your staple avis and you keep it for a while.

Rider
I love this avi so much, I'm so glad you went back to it. You were a little sparse on the explanation behind it and what it means etc though.
Whew so glad Peado is gone. Part of me will forever miss EmRiNavy though. Rider matches your avatar so much better though. The meaning behind it >>>
You have two great components, a good username with meaning and an iconic avatar. My only problem is I feel it's a little empty, don't be afraid to write a little more!

MATTY says...

Sam
Oh where art thou Kesha. I need your music girl.
I like the simplicity of your entry. I understand the need to embellish a little considering your username being your name, but it all seemed a little, just a little, too embellished. Like for your entry being all about the new simplicity of your name and avatar, it just seemed a little too much. Overall, I felt it was well worth the read. I also think the avatar could gain some traction as a gif possibly.

Conatus
It was all an interesting read. I will say, for the username part, I had a little thought inside my head asking the question if you had really thought of the origin and the Con when you chose the name, or if these was just recent notices because of this challenge. Like I fully found it interesting and believe the album is what made you choose the name; but the little voice in my head is saying to question the other facts. I also feel like you could have connected your username and your avatar theme together a lot better. Both come from artists that aren’t well known and are different. “I’m the same, but different.” There could have been a more thought out, beautiful connection there.

Jezang
Everything was really interesting and I really enjoyed reading your entry. I never knew the meaning behind your name and it’s interesting. It also really connects, to like you said as your avatar. Very well done!
PS. OCD literally means to have an Obsession and Compulsion. It means you have this kind of nagging negative obsession and this involuntary compulsion to do whatever it takes to get this negative obsession to go away. One of my favorite examples came from my psych class. This one guy had a negative obsession for a certain car. If he saw the car in person, via a picture, or even heard the particular car’s name he would have to wipe his hands a certain number of times until he felt comfortable and the obsession was gone. That is literally OCD. I say this because people use OCD a lot for things they are anal about, when in reality they most likely have a sort of OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive PERSONALITY Disorder). It’s just a personal quirk that mostly doesn’t interfere with your life, like OCD would actually do.
Sorry, my Psych major came out for a second.

Lovesong
BEYONCE was robbed of her album of the year win at the Grammys. Still a little mad about that. Like she shook the music industry with it and got new releases to be released on Friday’s now. Like the impact, yet Beck won. RACISME.
With that out of the way, I really liked your entry. Especially for the honesty just simply about your username. You didn’t sugar coat it and just said this is how I chose my username, because of this song at this time. I then really liked how you then turned it into a modern reason why you have grown to really love your username. It shows progression and love for who you are, even if it’s the same username. Great job!

Superpower
I’m just going to come out and say it, I feel like Superpower is the weakest song off BEYONCE. Love me or Hate me for that opinion, I just don’t really care for it. Bey looks gorgeous in the music video though, like she should consider wearing that weave more often.
I thought your entry was okay. No need to debate people know your name and your avatar is very JPEG worthy in any post. It’s just that for some reason, I got from your username explanation, more of a reason why I love the song Superpower. I know you are probably going to be confused when reading this. “Yes Matty, it kind of is a love paragraph for the song because the song is the reason why it’s my avatar.” Like I get that, it’s just that I was wishing there was more personal aspects to it. It’s kind of hard to explain considering when you have a song title as your username it become that way. It just didn’t feel as much more in-depth as I personally wanted. I feel like there is a much more interesting connection deep down with the song besides it representing the Hive, those highlights, and your love for the sound/song.

Funky
While I enjoyed what you had to say about your username and avatar, I just got overwhelmed but the whole aesthetic. It honestly, for me, took over what all you had to say. I truthfully also felt like you could have deleted some sentences and a paragraph to make it more simplicity. Simplicity is key; however, that isn’t you. Everything was very loud, in your face, and crazy; that’s you. I’m conflicted now. How dare you do that to me Avery? I’ll still stand on the fact it could have been a little less in your face with the aesthetics, but keep doing you boo.

A Bomb
Honest. Simple. Real. Great.
My heart was literally so damn warm reading your avatar explanation. Like I want to send this to Disney Land AND Disney World and make for damn sure they give you a lifetime supply of Disney ears and a never expired pass to the theme parks. I would also like to send this to the Disney Corporation to allow you to enter the vault and take any movie you do not possess of theirs. Like, damn.

Era
Honestly everything just works together. Your username being simple, but also means you’ll represent what is currently happening in an era. Right now you are in the 1989 Era and representing it like the plague just made a return. No shade to be detected there for 1989 is an amazing album that I really enjoy.
But damn you are so graphically talented. Like your avatar with Blank Space; basically showing the entire music video incorporated with the lyrics to the chorus. BRILLIANT and unique. It feels like a new ERA of avatars that use to be back in the day that included still images and sections of a music video. I’ll have to post some of my collection to show you sometime.

Buddy
Does Buddy not like Buddy? That is the question that came in my mind when reading your entry. You love your avatar, and rightfully so, because it gets you recognized and represents you. However, you questioned your name as Buddy as if you felt kind of obligated to keep it. You even referred to yourself in third person as if Buddy is this character. Do we not know who Buddy really is? It felt unsure even when your name and avatar alone are two of the most recognized on this forum. I feel like you need to figure this out. My personal opinion though, have a lovesong moment and find a new meaning to Buddy as I do feel like it fits you. But how am I and others to really know if it sounded like Buddy just might be this character and we don’t really get a sense of YOU.

JakeKills
I loved everything I read about your name and avatar. I understand why you would want to keep the avatar, it is associated with you and the hilarity of the scene. Was that poor boy you? I had to ask.
Now as for your username…. Ugh. I appreciate the fact you had a lovesong-esque relevation with your name, but I still sense a second guessing in your words. Like I feel you still do feel like you want to change your name at times. I want you to do what you want to, so if you do really want to change your avatar to maybe even experiment, go ahead. It could be a big breakthrough and be better than JakeKills, or it could be a disaster and the experience made you truly appreciate JakeKills more than anything. Usernames are like tattoos in the sense that you need to think hard about what you want to keep. It then ends up to you to either make it permanent or have it be able to wash off at some time to go back to your original state.

Theus
Ugh the correct explanation for the name Matthew.
I honestly feel a disconnect with your username and avatar. It feels like you couldn’t really find a connection with your Jessica avatar, so did that little bit of research as a good transition. It would have been a lot better without the helping people with avi’s part. It would have been best to say this Jessica avatar kind of symbolizes my kind of music taste: pop and country; popular and somewhat unknown. The username was interesting, but I fail to see how you got Theus from Tails and Theus came to mind when you already kind of knew about it a while back due to your name. I personally found this a little confusing and unsure of the authenticity of it. To be honest, since my name is Matthew, if I had knew about the Portuguese version of Matt (Matheus) and it’s nickname, I would just use that everywhere right away. That’s just my opinion name twin, especially cause of love the name and kind of jealous of it.

BeyRih
I like this new in-depth explanation of BeyRih, it’s nice. I get to know this woman more. I like the fact you have grown to love your username despite the rush and kind of dislike of it. It really does make you stand out with the underscore and just the name of it all. Now to speak in combination with your username and avatar on one thought: do you boo. Most of the rest of you said in your entry was due to mostly about what others thought. It made you seen? Yes. People used it? Yes. But this is Top Member and we want you to represent you. If you want to change your avatar, do it. If you want to change your name, do it. Like I mentioned with Jake, It’s all about the chance and experience, but it’s about you first and foremost. [Unless your name is Drip and Posh who decided to change their usernames to ugly names that should have never happened]. I do think if you changed your name, BeyRih would honestly still work well too.
“It's like a fire red head in an audience full of blonde members.” Thanks for the shout out

T-Swizz
There are so many jokes just running through my mind rampant trying to get out. Wooo….
*insert Beyonce steals writing credit joke here*
I feel a little better.
While I appreciate the honesty and how everything has come about, I’m left with questions. Do you still actually like T-Swizz? Would you change it if you felt like it? “Would you change your avatar if you would want to? I just felt like I’m missing some information as to why you choose to stick to what you have. The backstory has been great, but I’m missing some more details.

Subomie
I really really really like you like this entry. It’s very honest and open, with the littlest of detail. Especially in the part about your avatar and being an avatar hopper. Also in the whole sense that this challenge is about presentation, how you present yourself to the public. You choose to follow what you like even if it’s not consistent. What will be consistent is your name though, which is unique. Good job!

Rider
I joke and still call you EmRi, which to those who don’t know, spoiler, his username use to be EmRiNavy. Even though I still call you by that, I do really like Rider and think that more represents you. This kind of Ride or Die/Go Home attitude just fits well. Your overall entry was nice and fits well all together, I just feel like there could be more. To kind of counter act with what I said with Superpower, I kind of wish you would have explained more on how the Tupac song also really influenced your name and why it’s special. Not too much, but just a little on why.
Let’s just all thank whatever power force we believe in, that you also seen the light and Pedophile is gone.

Stay tuned later today to see who is eliminated!




Fierce and Love
- Matty

[Achilles.]

Cupid pointed out that one person who's in the #5letterusername club and now I'm just like. Buddy! Matty! Theus! A Bomb! Rider! Theus!

Originally posted by supa

What kind of book of revelations? I never made the Natalia Kills connection either. (I always thought it might be a slangy way of saying "Jake is awesome.")

That's its new meaning. The non-Teddy Sinclair meaning.

Originally posted by Umich

At first, I thought it was JakeKiis when I started using ATRL back in late 2011

JakeKiis is a new one!

I'd never even heard of "kii" in 2011.
Was it even a thing in 2011?


My inconsistency though. Citrus loved the username bit, but felt I could've improved the avi. Supa, Cupid, and Matty, on the other hand, said that I seemed apologetic (etc) about my name and suggested that I change it. And Umich's comments don't really tell me where he stands on the issue.

[Era]

Aww thank you Cupid & Matty

@Cupid yes UKMIX I was even voted the #1 member on that site for 2014! + I'd love to make avis for you

and I'm really looking forward to see Matty's collection Glad you liked my BS avi so much and yas stan for 1989

And if I make it to Round 2 I'll make sure to give you all more insight about myself

Thanks again!

[Aurora]

Mostly positive comments, so I can't complain at all. Disappointed I came across as a bit try-hard to Citrus, but I can see what he's saying and I'll work on it. Also I'm not sure why my entry cuts off for some people (like Cupid), it displays fine for me. Must be a screen resolution thing.

[Bey_Rihstan]

Well ****, I tried to make Lemonade out of the few lemons I had this challenge. I mean my username isn't some thought out pretty mess which is why I flopped @ this challenge in season 11 & probably would've last season as well. I tried to write more than I usually do to show my improvement. I tried to give receipts as to why people liked my avi. But it came off as braggy. I tried.

Anyway, I'll probably be in the bottom 2 & possibly eliminated bc basically everyone else got positive feedback & I got a fairly negative comment

[Jezang Looz]

Originally posted by Sam 

Mostly positive comments, so I can't complain at all. Disappointed I came across as a bit try-hard to Citrus, but I can see what he's saying and I'll work on it. Also I'm not sure why my entry cuts off for some people (like Cupid), it displays fine for me. Must be a screen resolution thing.

It cuts off for me too, I have no idea why though. Reminds me of PH format issues GotSkill and I had

-------

@Citrus: nnn ok I see you "Jezang Lopez" but you're right I had no idea what to do with this challenge (obviously). I tried to keep it tame with bits of my personality thrown in there cause I never know how much is "too" much y'know? Thanks for the advice though it helps a lot.

@Supa: Ooh. I got the intro quote from a lyric website so they wrote it wrong. Mess, thanks for the actual quote. Well I got a cool username out of it and I might watch Airplane if it's good (I never heard of that movie). Yeah I agree with the avi comment, I didn't have much to say tbh. It was all in the username this round but I'll keep that in mind next time, ty.

@Umich: Idk why but I felt like it was important to do promo for JoJo Wright. You should follow him on Twitter if you aren't already cause he's legit funny (and sexy).

@Cupid: Aww thank you! I'll try to up the font for next challenge cause it was small. I'm still trying to work on the whole formatting thing. I finally got the table code to work with a font so it can be done.

@Matty: I think I have a form of OCPD then but I didn't know you were a Psych student, that's very interesting. That does explain a lot. I'm a business student with a sociology minor if that clarifies things. Thanks for the comments!

[conatus]

Yay, positive comments! Thanks judges.

I'll respond properly/address critiques (not in a "You're wrong!!!1!" way, though) when I get home. I am currently at Subway.

[Bey_Rihstan]

So was Citrus overly mean to anyone else here or was it just me

[Cupid]

[Bey_Rihstan]

don't you ever use that gif again

[Theus]

[Jezang Looz]

From what I read I think Lovesong will be #1 this week.

[Citrus]

Originally posted by Bey_Rihstan

So was Citrus overly mean to anyone else here or was it just me

Well, I was hoping it would light a fire under your ass.

[Superpower]

My comments were mostly positive. Thank you judges.