Proverbs 13:20 And You: The Lead-Up

So there's a chance you may not be familiar with the aforementioned Proverb.

But it's all good, because that's what I'm here for:

"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

That's the NIV translation, and if you're not familiar with this translation it's saying 'find good friends, because if you have incredibly shit friends you're gonna look like a horse's ass too'.

I am incredibly fortunate in this regard, and I will take every chance I can to point this out.

Some people aren't so lucky.

And by some people I mean Ryuu. I'm starting to think Ryuu really, really needs to take a good long look at the people he hangs out with, because we've got more proof of one of his friends being a really awful fucking person.

No, it's actually not Stormsworder this time, though I'm sure she's still off being a hypocritical religious wang somewhere.

Today, I'm gonna introduce Moonlightelf!

Maybe you've heard of her. Maybe you haven't. Until relatively recently I more or less fell into the latter category, because I knew she existed, that she was an admitted fangirl of Ryo's (I don't understand this at all), had a half-dragon at some point on Ryuu's forum that was approved despite being a nonsensical turd of a character, and that Ryuu was on very good terms with her.

I kind of fucking wish that was still all I knew.

On the 24th of April, I was given a conversation between two of Ryuu's friends, Moonlightelf and Hoodcom. Hoodcom's come up before as one of Ryuu's supporters, but I've talked to the guy through email a bit and it turns out he's not as blindly supportive of Ryuu as I was initially informed.

Moonlightelf (who I'm going to call MLE, because there's only room for one Elf in my life and that's the She-Elf) had never come up before this conversation was given to me.

What I learned from reviewing this is that MLE is the most unbelievably arrogant human being I have seen in a very long time. I thought Ryuu was really bad, but he's got nothing on her.

In this conversation, MLE is consistently confrontational for no reason, passive-aggressive, manipulative, takes the conversation in places that get uncomfortably close to emotional abuse if not cross the line, and it makes for really unpleasant reading. If any of this hits too close to home for whatever reason I'm gonna recommend you go do something pleasant instead. Go outside. Go play with your pet. Go watch Ashens videos. Just... don't read on and upset yourself.

Hoodcom quotes are in green, MLE quotes are in orange. In the interest of full disclosure, I have had to cut several chunks of this conversation due to irrelevance and a desire to not let this get longer than it is. 

So here we go! 

So the conversation starts with a bit of idle chatter that I've cut because it's not particularly relevant (it's literally just Hood telling her hello and her saying she was sorry she didn't get back to him because she was out) and then...

Reese: I've been practicing, and here's even my first proper shading attempt even... http://reeseriverson.com/rriverson/Reesepractice-color-4-23-15_smallres.jpg

Moonlightelf: Hmm... still little flat, but it's improvement

Explain how. You can't just tell someone something that vague and give them no further critique if you genuinely want to be helpful. 

For almost every thing this blog has said about Ryuu's art or writing there's been an explanation of how he could fix things, and unlike this lady we're not even pretending to be supportive.

If I was going to offer comments to Hoodcom, for example, I'd point out that it's a solid practice attempt at shading but I wish I'd seen that before he'd gotten to this stage because something looks off in the eye area. The thing is, I can't tell if it's the left side of the (viewer's left) eye going too far up or if the face is slightly misshapen. He'd be better off asking someone who has a better grasp of facial anatomy than I do, really.

I'd also mention that the lines look kinda jaggy, so I'd suggest using a softer brush for the lineart so the horrible artifacting I'm seeing blends out a little bit. 

Reese: I have a bit to learn on shading, but I do plan to learn that too.
First, I'm focusing on drawing well.

And practice makes perfect, so Hoodcom and anybody else who's reading this and trying to work on their drawing skills, keep it up! Don't give up, you'll get there.

Moonlightelf: good luck with that
Though... how's the city coming along?

It's been explained to me that Hoodcom is attempting to make a model city for some of his RP characters. That's totally cool, and someone will have to tell me if there's a program to do that.

Reese: I still need to familiarize myself with the terrian tools[sic], but it hasn't gotten made yet. Tools confused me, but I hadn't touched that game (or any games) for a while now, since I've been trying to work on my artistic skills.

I feel this. One thing you want to practice consumes all of your free time and you only have so much of that, and then everything else gets kinda temporarily put aside. It's not guaranteed to happen, but it does. So it goes. Not a world-ending kinda issue here, is what I'm trying to say. Most people have probably had this happen at least once--

Moonlightelf: *tilts head, giving little "you had one job..." look*
You just can't get anything done, can you? *tilts head other way*

... or not. 

What the fuck warranted this sort of shitty hostile attitude?

I... y'know what, I can't fucking answer you because I don't see it either. What is her issue?

If she talks to everyone this way I'm genuinely fucking shocked Ryuu and his ego are friends with her.

Reese: I do eventually, but excuse me for being busy with other things.

To be honest, he shouldn't even have to justify that. The guy has a job, the guy's only gonna have so much free time. Even if he didn't have a job, spoilers! He's a grown ass adult and some douchebag on the internet doesn't get to dictate what he spends his time on.

And there's nothing wrong with taking your time on things you care about. 

Moonlightelf: Typical man. Can't multitask. No offence.

'SCUSE ME, WHAT?

'Gonna say something douchey, offensive, and made of incorrect gender stereotypes. LOLOLOL NO OFFENSE THOUGH'

If Hoodcom'd said 'Typical woman. All she can do is nag. No offense!' I bet MLE would have been incredibly offended, and justifiably so.

While the latter is generally (rightfully!) considered more offensive than the former due to ages and ages of institutionalized sexism, etc., throwing gender stereotypes around like that is gross for a whole host of reasons and just universally not cool.

Moonlightelf: Though seriously... I thought you RPed for fun.

You know what, if you don't understand how a quick chat RP where people don't put a lot of thought into stuff that's going on is totally different than working on a project that takes hours of time and practice like drawing, I don't know how to explain it to you in a way that you could possibly understand

Look, it's pretty simple. This one thing (drawing) takes a shitton of time and energy to improve on. This other thing (roleplay) can be very lighthearted and generally good for destressing. These two things are not mutually exclusive even if you're shit at multitasking. 

Additionally, there's no shame in being unable to multitask when you're talking about multiple major projects.

Or at all, but it's extra understandable when there's a lot going on.

Reese: I do, but a lot of requirements can slow things down, like said city.

I'm not that quick on coming up with things, ask Ryo.

Moonlightelf: I don't think I gave that many requirements.

The fact that you're giving ANY requirement at all is over the line. 

Hey, if someone you barely even know starts talking to you like this, you are under no obligation to put up with it. Tell the offending wanker to quit it. 

Moonlightelf: Definitely will ask about that

...yeah... *eyes you*

...blanking on Reese and his own grandfather?

I'd like to hear what's story behind that one?

... What is Reese doing to his granddad now? Do the authorities need to be called?

Reese: What do you mean blanking on Reese and his grandfather?

YES, PLEASE EXPLAIN. I'M ONE HUNDRED PERCENT SURE IT CANNOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR AS BAD AS MLE MADE IT SOUND.

Moonlightelf: You told me to ask Ryo and I did ask. *tilts her head*

Her fucking stupid *headtilt*ing is quite possibly the most obnoxious thing in these first few messages. It's not cute, it's not clever, it's not charming. It makes her look like a fucking twelve year old weeaboo. Fucking stop.

Reese: I didn't blank anything with those two, all I said is I ought to have his grandpa take Reese and his buddy camping, and let them invite a couple of friends

Ryo responded with "You could."

I have not responded back yet.

OH MY GOD SHE MEANT THERE WAS A DELAY IN RESPONSE? JESUS. THAT'S REALLY NOT WHAT THIS SOUNDED LIKE. 

Moonlightelf: Well... "ought to" refers to being not so sure about it.

No, 'I ought to' means 'I should'. Words mean things. You're a moron.

Moonlightelf: Do you ever plan things ahead or do I have to do everything when reaching certain points? 

One, you're an asshole.

Two, you've done literally nothing so far, so take that attitude and shove it. And spoilers, she does nothing to help any sort of plot creation THIS ENTIRE CHAT. 

Moonlightelf: Because I don't mind showing how pro at imagination like me can do it.... *smiles*

Good fucking shit.

This woman's ego is a bloated, vile, and grotesque thing (insert joke about Ryo that's so easy even I don't wanna take it here), so I don't want to dwell on it too long on the off chance that any attention (even negative) will make it larger. God,I thought Ryuu was pretty bad but at least he seems to have restrained himself from saying shit like this (in public, at least) as of late.

Who wants a tangentially related fun fact? 

... You don't? Too bad, you're a buzzkill so you're getting one anyway.

See, there's a thing called the Dunning Kruger Effect.

If you're not aware of the concept, the Dunning-Kruger Effect is a form of cognitive bias where people who are competent at... any given thing, really. Take any given thing and people with a certain degree of competence consistently think they sucked it up while actually doing quite well.

The flip side of the coin, of course, is that people who suck at shit rate themselves as far more skilled than they actually are. 

Moonlightelf: Though during all the RPing years... honestly... I've never had problem with starting one.

Anyone else smell Dunning-Kruger: the Sequel? 

Seriously, though, some people are great at character creation. Some people are better at plot. If she was as creative and smart as she says she is, she would be aware of this already.

Since I've never been shy about showcasing my own fuckups here, I'll use myself as an example. I am absolutely fucking shit at plots. I am openly fucking terrible in my own opinion, and I stress out about this all the time.

However, I am (according to people who've RPed with me) good at creating likeable, well-rounded characters.  I don't see it myself but people keep RPing with me so I must have done something right.

They have to create the bulk of the plot. I try to warn them about that, but I contribute when I can (which is usually a decent amount once things pick up. Not an amazing amount but enough to keep things going). I am not capable of whipping out massive intro posts right off the bat with no preparation, and plotting things out is difficult for me. So I sympathize with Hoodcom.

Reese: I have my good days, I have my off days. Sometimes my mind seems a bit foggy and depending on what's going on around me how it effects my ability. I do role play for fun, but I usually do what feels comfortable for me. Things that require more concentration just need to be done when I am not pre-occupied, or on my better day.

 And that holds true for a shitload of people, so never feel bad if you're a person who has to do this. If someone tries to push you into doing this anyway you may want to reconsider RPing with them.

Reese: I never been a good role play starter so I tend to keep things simplified, but that's what I generally am happy with. 

Intro posts are fucking shitty if you struggle with starters and plot in general. A couple of paragraphs are about all I feel like you can expect out of anyone. 

Reese: If Ryo starts something, it may be a couple of pages worth of intro for a new role play of his own. 

Jesus fucking christ, I know this isn't about Ryuu but that sounds fucking miserable. So much excessive detail. God, Hoodcom, you are a stronger dude than I am.  There's not enough alcohol in the world for me to want to tolerate that.

Reese: Me, maybe a paragraph or two. (Which anyone else I can role play with is the same as me in situations.)

Yeah, see? This isn't enough evidence to say that a couple of paras is pretty normal, but it's definitely not uncommon. 

Reese: I usually think as I go.

Hoodcom is a pantser. So am I. The times I've tried outlines (and wasn't forced to use them, fuck you high school English 3) the story died rapidly, so I don't usually use them. 

MLE, however, appears to be a plotter to the point of inflexibility.

Hoodcom and I may need to work on using outlines for plots, but MLE will be fucked if things happen in an RP that she hasn't prepared for. You can plan out every single detail down to the direction the character's hair blows in a scene all you want but if you lack any degree of flexibility you're going to be completely, utterly fucked when unplanned events happen. Like when your characters decide to totally change their personality on you.

Oh yeah, that happens. 

I've had it happen with my characters and I've seen it happen with my friends' characters. And really, it should be happening. If your characters aren't changing at least a little over time, you're doing it wrong. 

And god help you if you're doing tabletop shit where you will not get all the information from the GM spoon fed to you upfront.

Moonlightelf: Well... ought to start now learning. Nothing can't be accomplished if you keep being "I never been". Time to change it to "I'm not finest, but at least I try".

That's what he's fucking doing with his drawing and you pooh-poohed him for not being able to do as much at once as you think he should.

 If someone needs to work on things here, it's MLE. Where does she get off trying to strongarm this dude who (to my understanding) is barely more than an acquaintance into total compliance? Her attitude is absolutely horrendous.

Moonlightelf: I'm not Ryo when it comes to making intro,

And thank fuck for that, because I don't think my sides could survive laughing at two of you. 

Moonlightelf: but at least I try.

The implication here being that Hoodcom doesn't try. After she just sneered at him for trying. She really needs to stop flip-flopping all over the place, assuming she isn't doing this to test him or some shit.  

But seriously, when he shows he's tried to practice, he gets shat on. When he tries to explain what he struggles with, she shits on him again.

It's like she thinks he should just not bother.

Frankly, I agree. No, no I'm not talking about not trying to improve his art/writing/character creation. He should totally do that. I mean that he shouldn't bother with HER.

Just because he didn't meet her incredibly demanding standards doesn't mean he didn't try. 

I mean, it's her right to be this picky (excessively so, I'd say, but your mileage may vary there), but it's not her right to look down her nose at people who don't make every effort to reach these stupid demanding standards because she thinks she's so superior. 

That's not okay. 

And I honestly can't believe this blockhead had the temerity to sit here and say this to someone she barely knows.

Moonlightelf: In fact... his intros aren't exactly couple pages, but relevant to the situation at hand.

He kept going off on tangents for ages in Child of the Triforce. You'll have to forgive me for being skeptical here. 

Moonlightelf: The longest post I've seen from him...? Nearly one page.

Okay, well, maybe he writes longer intros with Hoodcom. You don't know that. I don't know that. Ryuu's known to act drastically differently with different people.

Also good shit, one page is still probably too much when it's Ryuu writing it.

Reese: Well sometimes it's too much detail for my taste. I like detail don't get me wrong but I have a preference in a proper balance.

I for one would actually rather have too little detail than too much. Detail overkill fucks with more than just your characters. It can derail your plot and pacing, too. Look at Child of the Triforce or My Inner Life. Any flow is absolutely butchered by Ryuu/Jenna dropping shittons upon shittons of details about the characters' appearances.

By the way, why are we even still talking about Ryuu's shitty intros? Ryuu has nothing to do with this conversation. Shut up about Ryuu, MLE. Crush on him later.   

Moonlightelf: Though detail is still essential, especially when describing a character.

Thanks, Captain Obvious. You're talking to a grown man, not a fifteen year old kid. I'd bet... well, not all the money I have, but a couple of bucks that he's aware of that.

Reese: I know Reese is easy for me to discribe[sic]. Blue wolf boy, who's age 13, brown messy hair, dark blue eyes, a black sleeveless shirt with a nintendo gamepad on the chest, and tand[sic] and black cargo shorts Then a set of matching shoes.

Honestly, this is about all I'd need to know to get a mental image. This is perfect. You get an idea of what he looks like and wears without it veering into 'too much detail, do not want'. If I had any more questions, I'm sure I could ask.  

Moonlightelf: What is his nail color?

SPEAKING OF DETAIL OVERKILL, WHAT DOES THIS ADD TO FUCKING ANYTHING? 

I have a character who loves the hell out of nail polish and his color of choice changes weekly. It doesn't have any bearing at all on who the hell he is. It's superficial bullshit.

Also I thought she said she was going to try and help him practice being less of a pantser.

This has less than nothing to do with practicing outlines and working on plots. This is just a drive-by interrogation by some random asshole.

Reese: black

Moonlightelf: his worst/greatest fear?

Reese: Clowns and Tornados.

Moonlightelf: Why?

FEARS DON'T HAVE TO HAVE THEIR BASIS IN ANY SPECIFIC REASONING, MLE. Some people are fucking terrified of spiders. A guy torched his house trying to kill a spider last summer, and if you think there's a reason behind being that scared of it beyond "spiders are fucking creepy" you're probably wrong.

And does anyone actually know why they don't like clowns? Specifically, I mean.

YOU CAN'T BE SCARED OF THEM IF YOUR ONLY ANSWER IS CLOWNS ARE FREAKY OR CLOWNS SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME WHEN I WAS LITTLE ACCORDING TO FLESHLIGHTELF, HIGH PRIESTESS OF RP RULES.

... On the very very slim chance anyone wasn't aware, that was totally sarcasm. You have every right to not like clowns because they freak you out. I don't really like clowns all that much (wouldn't call it a fear, but y'know), and hell if I know why.
  

Of course some fears don't have a solid 'rational' reason behind them, but realizing that requires some basic knowledge of human beings. I'm increasingly convinced MLE is an alien from space wearing a human suit who has never talked to any humans ever.

For the record, because there's been some confusion about my jokes in the past, that was also sarcasm.  

... but damn me, that would explain a lot.

Reese: For the former, I had in mind because one was pretty scary looking when he was a young child, back when his Grandpa took him and his sister to a circus.

For the latter, likely the same reason as me... I never am sure what made me fear tornados... other than just living in an area that had them a lot. Not being in one, but they are very deadly forces of nature. 

Fun thing about tornados! They can kill you, your entire family and everything you own with no effort in the slightest. They could wipe your entire town off the map. You can't do anything to stop it.

When I put it like that it's a lot easier to be scared, isn't it?

I know MLE isn't from the US, so I'm going to assume MLE does not live in a country where tornadoes happen regularly. Therefore, I feel like I should suggest MLE google some of the damage caused by F-5 tornadoes to see how bad these things can get. The Moore, Oklahoma and Joplin, Missouri tornadoes are the most recent events I can think of. 

I'm not going to drop links because while I'm personally fascinated by tornadoes, that shit is legitimately upsetting for a lot of people. Having said that, if you're curious to see how much damage tornadoes can do, go search YouTube for either 'Moore Oklahoma tornadoes' or 'Joplin Missouri tornadoes'. 

Go do that now, if you'd like. This is getting long so I'm cutting it here for now, but I'll probably be here again when you're done.  

(EDIT May 2015: fixed some formatting/incomplete sentences/poor wording choices.)