[Aurora]

I think either Matty forgot to update, one of the judges didn't submit by the time Matty could have updated, or I've just interpreted the timing wrong, but I've been perched here all day for nothing. Let me have a shower and something to eat.

Originally posted by Dancehall Queen

So we're all home. I don't expect the update for another hour and a half though.

I think I'm missing something. All home? An hour and a half? Isn't it like two in the morning in the US?

[Dancehall]

Originally posted by Sam Jay

I think I'm missing something. All home? An hour and a half? Isn't it like two in the morning in the US?

Oh the all home was just at a few people posting that they were home.

And it is 2 AM, but Matty posted an estimate of his work hours, more or less, once and he works really late, so when he posted the update would be "LATE tomorrow" I immediately assumed it would either be around 3 AM his time or mine (only an hour difference between us.)

[Dancehall]

Who Posted?



MMMinaj 601
MiMiLamb 580
Latch 563
Jax 508
Dancehall Queen 445
Hugamari 431
Bey_Rihstan 367
HERMĒS 344
Matty 332
Sam Jay 309

[Aurora]

Originally posted by Dancehall Queen

Oh the all home was just at a few people posting that they were home.

And it is 2 AM, but Matty posted an estimate of his work hours, more or less, once and he works really late, so when he posted the update would be "LATE tomorrow" I immediately assumed it would either be around 3 AM his time or mine (only an hour difference between us.)

oic now, thanks.

I just assumed Matty meant like around 11PM or something, not actually into the early hours of the next morning.
The dedication is real.

Originally posted by Dancehall Queen

Who Posted?



MMMinaj 601
MiMiLamb 580
Latch 563
Jax 508
Dancehall Queen 445
Hugamari 431
Bey_Rihstan 367
HERMĒS 344
Matty 332
Sam Jay 309

Yes, it's evident that I'm the biggest flop.

My impact to post count ratio within this thread is undeniable, though.

[Matty]

Yeah just got home...

I'm getting things ready to go to hopefully post after maintenance.

[Aurora]

Originally posted by Matty

Yeah just got home...

I'm getting things ready to go to hopefully post after maintenance.

Let me resume perching.

[Remmy]

Go Sam Jay!

[Matty]

---

SPECIAL: MOST/LEAST POTENTIAL

As Said By The Contestants



THE COMMENTS

MMMINAJ

Originally posted by MMMinaj

Most potential
This was hard to chose but I personally think Dancehall Queen. Just because I ALWAYS rank him high in my ranks and the judges seem to commonly agree. He outshines everybody in formatting and overall wins. He has been very consistent too.

Least Potential
Hugamari. Pretty ironic considering I'm ranking him first this week. Some of his entries were some of my faves all cycle, and some have been mediocre. Recently he has been doing very well, better than myself! The ONLY reason he's in my least potential category is the sole fact that he hasn't won a challenge yet. I hope he wins this week for his creative () idea though.

SAM JAY

Originally posted by Sam Jay

DANCEHALL

Originally posted by Dancehall Queen

Latch has the most potential. He's improved so much as a member and has really come into his own after not only ANTM but Biggest Loser. Like it was noted there, he used to be mixed him up with Lethal and now he's his own person and much better known. His humor and warm personality make him easily likable and recognizable. That personality and stan affiliations have already broken him into some of the "in crowds" of atrl and surely he will be a top member on atrl in the years to come if he choses to stay here.

The next part is difficult, but I will say Hugamari. I've grown to admire Hugamari over the course of the competition, and count myself as a huge fan of his purity and atrl kingdom persona. However, that doesn't translate easily to a poster outside of the games section (which I'm not sure I see him outside of very often.) I don't really see that outside of here, which is a shame since it's a great part of who he is and makes him distinct - for those reasons I am saying he has the least potential.

HUGAMARI

Originally posted by Hugamari

Most Potential/Least Potential: Hard to say who has most/least potential. Personally, I think everyone has potential is aspects they haven't realized.

if you need an actual contestants name for an answer

Besides for myself, Latch I think has the most untapped potential. Dancehall Queen has shown most improvement since the beginning and I don't they have much further to go potential wise, so they'd be least potential.

LATCH

Originally posted by Latch

Most - Dancehall

Least - Huga

Matty Note: Ask for the reasons.

Now that you have seen what you all think of each other, stay tuned for the judges




Fierce and Love
- Matty

[Aurora]

Me being the only one saying myself for most potential.

MMMinaj and I not even being mentioned by anyone else.

Huga showing least potential for 3/5 contestants.

I'm really, really sorry Latch. I really didn't want to pick anyone. I literally picked you for the smallest of reasons.

[Dancehall]

Sam Jay working that confidence.

[Aurora]

Originally posted by Dancehall Queen

Sam Jay working that confidence.

Initially I didn't know whether I should elect myself for most potential or not, but I figured that since it didn't say you cannot say yourself, like it usually does for the rankings, I was fair game. There's no point in me being in this contest if I think somebody else has a better shot at taking the title than I do.

[Matty]

---

EPISODE 9: BUILD-A-CHALLENGE

Guest Judge: None



THE COMMENTS

SAM JAY

Originally posted by Supaspaz

This is a creative concept that might produce some fun entries, but I'm struggling to see what predicting the future of music technology has remotely to do with being a top member. It would probably work better as an interview question for a job at Apple.

Originally posted by Zune

I want to commend you on making your challenge expectations very clear to the contestants and the judges who would be working in their respective roles for this challenge. The issue I had was the concept of the challenge. I find that your entry doesn't belong with challenges in becoming a top member. If you look at a beautiful OP Matty has formated and look at all of the challenges, while the themes of the challenges are creative, all have something that reverts back to being a member of this site. With that, I just cannot see this challenge working in this game particularly. I think you did a great challenge concept, but just not one that would "test a certain aspect or aspects about you as a member".

Originally posted by Kitt

This is a great music challenge, however, it comes off more as a class assignment rather than a challenge asking for brainstormed ideas on the subject. I think it's all in the question. Literally everything else about it is perfect though, just the approach needs fixing.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

I personally love this idea as I have thought about this myself. I’m not creative enough to come up with ideas but I always nostalgically put on a vinyl and marvel at how far the music medium has come along. The way music is stored, bought, listened to, etc has greatly progressed and for someone to think how much more the evolution can continue is quite the challenge. Having said that, this seems more like a challenge that is suited for music marketing; this challenge seems to be out of the scope of ATRL Next Top Member (at least in this moment in time). I understand that all of those attributes you listed do indeed contribute to being a Top Member, but the challenge itself doesn’t really require any relation to ATRL. However, I like that you’re thinking outside of the box.

Originally posted by Matty

You hit the creative part of the challenge, but I'm failing to see how this ties into being a top member. Also, it seems VERY biased and subjective. However, I can't speak too badly on it because the judges did praise a challenge in Cycle 7 by GeoKing about Song Interpretation. It had no basis about being ATRL, but was really creative and we all loved it and loved judging it. Based on that sentence, I do which it was a bit more creative on that aspect. I ultimately don't care about this challenge, but I also don't hate it.

HUGAMARI

Originally posted by Supaspaz

Perhaps a bit morbid, but I actually love this idea. In its current form, I'm not sure how exactly we would judge it. But with a simple tweak—writing the eulogy for yourself—it becomes an excellent challenge for late in the competition. I would really enjoy getting a sense of the legacy that you all want to leave on ATRL. And what better way to test whether someone has top member potential than to see if they have the vision to pull it off? (Bonus points for putting together an example entry. It was very cute!)

Originally posted by Zune

When I first started to initially read your entry, the first thing that popped into my mind was: a challenge that evaluated a contestants performance (in probably a more positive light since they are now moving forward from ATRL). I also found that you stated some nice things about your fellow competitors As for your challenge, while a contestant makes these eulogies, what exactly is their to judge? This challenge would work similarly to the one Matty gave after the entries for this episode was posted. Your challenge in my eyes is somewhat similar to evaulating other contestants. I also would just question how this challenge would "test a certain aspect or aspects about you as a member". Aside from revealing thoughts about another member, what is there to judge is my biggest concern.

Originally posted by Kitt

Okay, but how would this help the judges decipher top member potential in the contestant or for one to exercise those qualities? I kind of feel like this is a sort of 'cheer up' challenge - a confidence booster to motivate the remaining contestants, but that's where it ends. Which is nice and all, but not essential to help determine ATRL's Next Top Member. I think with a little reworking, an appropriate challenge could come out of this because I do like the path you're on, but just not the execution. I'm thinking something more in line with Katie and Edge's Online Kindness and You challenge in Biggest Loser?

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

If I had a soul, I would lie to you. This challenge is basically the everyday convo/reunion/weakest-strongest competitor side challenge all rolled into one. For the most part, people are pretty candid in all three of the components I just mentioned so having this as a challenge is really a time waster for everyone involved. Also, I don’t see how writing someone’s eulogy demonstrates Top Member behavior. If anything, it invites trollish comments or people feigning congeniality to make themselves look better; it’s just unnecessary. Similarly, your example and objective collapse tags were beyond extra. Your brand is “purity.” Stop stealing from Sam Jay.

Originally posted by Matty

I don't love it, but I don't hate it. I feel like it's essentially what you all had to do with the second part of turning in your rankings. It's nice to see how you all actually think about one another, but how are us judges supposed to judge it? Judge it based on facts given in the eulogies that we agree to? I'm trying to wrap my head fully around it all.

MINAJ

Originally posted by Supaspaz

Of all the potential challenges suggested this week, this is the one that best puts the skills of a top member to use. It tests not only your creativity, but it gives us a real sense of how you contribute to ATRL and your power around the forum. Do you truly have what it takes to be a top member outside the confines of this tournament? This is the perfect way to find out.

Originally posted by Zune

I actually like a good thread challenge. Concept Threads are something that easily draws in many different users on this site and are great for interaction with other members. Concept threads also help start different conversations about the forum site in general. Now a few concerns. For one, what is a "successful" thread? This is a crucial measurement that needs to be stated in order for your, as I like to call it, "benefit scale" to be executed properly . Then the weighting system for a contestant having a "successful" thread is a system that adds more weight to the contestants average scores not lowers (the ranking lists is contradicting the sentence that explains the benefit of the "successful" thread). ie. You don't want to +1 to the judges average score, it makes the scores appear worse, hence the contradiction of your sentence and list. Other then these things, I would be delighted to see this as a challenge.

Originally posted by Kitt

Why would an explanation be needed when that could be self explanatory in the OP? I appreciated that you noted this though: "Fan base threads and spin-offs of previously existing concept threads will not be received pleasantly."

I love niche threads. And I love this challenge. Concept threads are great because they're a one-stop thread that provides a (usually) much needed outlet. The thing is, when they're good they're successful - and sometimes become sort of like ATRL landmarks. But when they're bad. It's like a wasted, or robbed, opportunity; especially if someone snatches a thread that someone else has been planning on creating for awhile I just wouldn't want that to happen, but otherwise, that's about the only downside to this - I literally love the idea.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

I like and don’t like this challenge. I like it because I enjoy continuing concept threads but I dislike it because it’s not a very original idea. Matty has a challenge where he asks you to create a hit thread with longevity so it’s basically a more specific sort of spin off of his idea. Also, these sorts of threads aren’t the easiest to come up with and I don’t really see a very successful ratio of contestants coming up with an idea for your challenge. Hell, if a good majority of us have trouble creating a hit thread, creating a hit thread that continuously gets responses will be even rarer. I gotta say, this isn’t one of your more “creative” moments, MMMinaj.

Originally posted by Matty

It's essentially the Thread Challenge that will always be a part of the competition. My challenge however isn't for only concept threads but for any kind of Base or Lounge discussion/poll. You'll know more about that when the time comes. What I do like about the entry is the point system based on popularity. Like, I'm actually thinking about putting that into the challenge. For that I gave you extra points.

DANCEHALL

Originally posted by Supaspaz

I can't separate these, since they are basically the same entry. You've both come up with a solid concept—highly relevant to ATRL, requiring creativity from the contestants, with real potential to contribute to the site. But I just can't get excited about it. For one, the connection to being a top member is tenuous at best. More unfortunately, the fact that two people came up with the exact same idea makes it feels rather uninspired.

Originally posted by Zune

I immediately noticed distinct conceptual similarities to one of your fellow contestants, but this is not a comparison-like judging. I really like your Challenge proposition. You set a clear example of what contestants should think about when creating their entry, you give the contestants a sense on how the judges will evaluate the entry, and how the contestants should form their entries. Excellent!

Originally posted by Kitt

I am so here for your rendition of the ANTM color palette or whatever it's called.

I'm a sucker for things that have to do with the actual frame and technicalities of the forum or the community as a whole. Since we finally know the details about our upgrade, the only thing I'd be dreading from this challenge is hearing about things that have already been confirmed many times or impossible new rules or sections that have been run into the ground but it'll be nice as a member to finally get a chance to flesh out and present any ideas on the subject.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

Also, I swear there was a stickied thread in the Lounge as well asking members what sort of new features we would like to see with the upgrades within the past year or two.

Originally posted by Matty

I'm going to write this with both Dancehall and Latch in mind because they are essentially the same. I'm all for this kind of challenge, because as part of being on the staff, we do REALLY value what the people have to say about ATRL. It has taken us a while for the quote notification system, but it was all planned to be put in the new upgrade once we were finally able to get it on its feet. Edge, brought up something interesting that I totally forgot. It was already been done as a challenge in this game in the past by others. There is not much originality to this kind of challenge.

LATCH

Originally posted by Supaspaz

I can't separate these, since they are basically the same entry. You've both come up with a solid concept—highly relevant to ATRL, requiring creativity from the contestants, with real potential to contribute to the site. But I just can't get excited about it. For one, the connection to being a top member is tenuous at best. More unfortunately, the fact that two people came up with the exact same idea makes it feels rather uninspired.

Originally posted by Zune

I immediately noticed distinct conceptual similarities to one of your fellow contestants, but this is not a comparison-like judging. For creating a concept enhancing the forum, I like the ideals of the challenge concept you submitted since it's simplistic yet crucial for members to contribute to imporving ATRL so ATRL can grow as a forum site. My main issue I have with your entry is clarity about the expectations that are given to the contestants and the judges. Notably, their is a nessesity to define the "ATRL experience"in order for contestants to come up with an idea for this challenge to help take ATRL "to the next level". Also their isn't a strong basis for anyone to judge the challenge you just created. With more clarity in the description, this could become a more realistic entry to have as a Top Member challenge.

Originally posted by Kitt

I'm a sucker for things that have to do with the actual frame and technicalities of the forum or the community as a whole. Since we finally know the details about our upgrade, the only thing I'd be dreading from this challenge is hearing about things that have already been confirmed many times or impossible new rules or sections that have been run into the ground but it'll be nice as a member to finally get a chance to flesh out and present any ideas on the subject.

Originally posted by EdgeOfAddiction

Also, I swear there was a stickied thread in the Lounge as well asking members what sort of new features we would like to see with the upgrades within the past year or two.

Originally posted by Matty

I'm going to write this with both Dancehall and Latch in mind because they are essentially the same. I'm all for this kind of challenge, because as part of being on the staff, we do REALLY value what the people have to say about ATRL. It has taken us a while for the quote notification system, but it was all planned to be put in the new upgrade once we were finally able to get it on its feet. Edge, brought up something interesting that I totally forgot. It was already been done as a challenge in this game in the past by others. There is not much originality to this kind of challenge.

Now that you have met with the judges, when we return only 4 of you will be moving on to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member!




Fierce and Love
- Matty

[Aurora]

Well, it was nice playing.

[Matty]

---

HUGAMARI

DANCEHALL

LATCH

SAMJAY

MINAJ

Welcome ladies! Tonight we will be seeing who is moving on to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member.

Let me introduce the judges...

SUPASPAZ ATRL Moderator

ZUNE ANTM Veteran

MATTY Host Cycle 2 Winner

KITT Cycle 9 Winner

EDGE Cycle 8 Winner

Earlier this evening you all met with the judges and we evaluated your entries...
HERE

Now it's time to see who is going home!!


5 members stand before me, but only 4 will continue on to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member.
The first member I call has been deemed best of the week and will have their name displayed in my signature until the next judging...

The best entry is...





1) MMMINAJ

AVERAGE JUDGE RANK: 1.8

TOTAL JUDGE SCORE: 54.5/75

AVERAGE CONTESTANT RANK: 2

Congratulations, you are still in the running to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member!


2) HUGAMARI

AVERAGE JUDGE RANK: 2.8

TOTAL JUDGE SCORE: 46.5/75

AVERAGE CONTESTANT RANK: 2

Congratulations, you are still in the running to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member!


3) DANCEHALL

AVERAGE JUDGE RANK: 2.6

TOTAL JUDGE SCORE: 46/75

AVERAGE CONTESTANT RANK: 2.5

Congratulations, you are still in the running to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member!



Will Latch and Sam Jay please step forward.

I only have one name typed out in the Burr font below and that person will be moving on to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member.

Latch --- Ya'll I'm tired. This is your third time in the bottom, but you have had some strong entries in the past challenges even including a top call out.

Sam Jay --- Ya'll I'm tired. This is your second time in the bottom, but you have had some strong entries in the past challenges even including a shared top call out.



So who stays?


































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































4) LATCH

AVERAGE JUDGE RANK: 3.4

TOTAL JUDGE SCORE: 42/75

AVERAGE CONTESTANT RANK: 2.75

I will honestly say, you survived this elimination by a HAIR. You can honestly thank how well you've done in the past, but that is slowly not becoming the case anymore as the numbers dwindle down. You've got to be consistent and stay that way.
Congratulations, you are still in the running to becoming ATRL's Next Top Member!


SAM JAY

AVERAGE JUDGE RANK: 3.8

TOTAL JUDGE SCORE: 39.2/75

AVERAGE CONTESTANT RANK: 3.25

If you read Latch's moving on part, if I had totally went with all of us judges had said, you would have had stayed. It was by a close margin though (3/5). I literally back and forth for a long while trying to determine what to do, and you really can't please anyone which is what sucks being a host and having that final say. You have been a great contestant and have had some STRONG entries, so be proud! You have that top member in you, this competition only helped bring it out more to the forefront. Extremely high hopes for you Sam!



Keep an eye out for the next challenge!!!





Fierce and Love
- Matty

[Remmy]

Originally posted by Gatsby

Go Sam Jay!

I swear I didn't jinx it. I promise!!!

[Dancehall]

An even bigger mess at it being done before. But the challenge (build a challenge) is kind of a double edged sword, and I still think the concept Latch and me presented is the only one that would actually work as part of the competition. It's a basic idea because it really fits Antm as well as the smiley challenge or any other to the point where it seems like something that would already be a challenge. Could easily be judged too.

[Aurora]

I kind of figured that was going to happen as soon as I saw the judge's comments. My entries are always misunderstood.

Regardless, I can say that I'm proud of making it this far. Coming fifth place in my first game against some of you who have been on ATRL for years or frequently played other games is certainly not something to be down about. I guess it just wasn't my time. I'll be keeping an eye on this thread though, good luck everyone with the next challenge!

[Dancehall]

Originally posted by Gatsby

I swear I didn't jinx it. I promise!!!

ATRL's Becky G.


But yeah, you did great Sam Jay and the bright side is that you got eliminated early enough by like two challenges to come back in a future season. Sounds shady but totally not meant to be, just thinking of Emmy signing up this cycle only to be told he can't.

[Hugamari]

Welp, second again. My top 2 streak is impressive I guess. Final 4 Whoever makes it past this gets to the semis and can't play again.

EDIT: For my most/least potential, I went by who I felt had the most unrealized potential. I think I explained it in my most/least potential post, but I felt Dancehall had the most realized potential.

[Bey_Rihstan]

Latch coming for my wig in most times at the bottom this cycle, I see