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| SZ Live: Episode 4; RA Edition | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Oct 18 2005, 09:23 PM (1,085 Views) | |
| Ross | Oct 18 2005, 09:23 PM Post #1 |
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Inspire
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![]() ---------------------------------------------------- Episode 4 Color of Announcer Color of Ross Color of Valleri + Color for RA’s *Denotes actions* Announcer: Welcome folks! While the show has definitely had some down time, it is back, and better than ever. Please welcome our hosts, Ross and Valleri! *SZ Live Jingle plays, applause is heard, and the camera zooms into center stage where Ross and Val are sitting in the center* ![]() Ross: Welcome everyone! *Hoots and hollers from overly excited crowd* Valleri: I see that you guys haven't lost your enthusiasm! Ross: Well I guess we owe it to the people to tell them why we were gone. Valleri: *whispers* Ross don't *whispers* Ross: It's true...I'm leaving the Skin Zone. *Silence goes across the audience as Trav-man stands up and begins to dance* Ross: Sorry but it's just my time. I don't have the time or ability to continue here. And I really didn’t want to have to go but life just takes a toll on you after a while. I’m really sorry. *Trav-man begins singing "Hallelujah..."* Ross: Just kidding guys, I couldn't think of leaving this place Valleri are you okay?*Trav-man storms out of the theater, sad to hear that Ross isn't truly leaving. And then the audience notices Valleri has passed out on the floor* Ross: We need medics! *Catfriedrice runs across stage with a defrillibrator* Catfriedrice: 1...2...3...Clear! *Valleri's lifeless body begins to move* Ross: Valleri can you hear me! Valleri: *mutters* Where am I? Oh...no. Did I pass out? Ross: The shock of me "leaving" *winks to audience* kind of sent you to the ground. Valleri: Oh yeah. Actually Ross, I was really happy. My heart rate sped up so much that I couldn't control my happiness any longer and I must have fainted. *Laughter* Ross: Yeah, yeah. Anyways, the real reason the show hasn't been coming out lately is just due to some life issues that got in the way. You know...school and junk. But now that I have a D instead of an F in Calculus, so we can get this show on the road again. Valleri: But alas, we are taking a new outlook on this show. Ross: That's right. Instead of the corny pictures and one-liners we are going to deliver real news. Valleri: But don't worry, not the boring stuff you see on CNN. This will feature weird stories, movie reviews, and... Ross: ...more SZ related things. We will keep you updated on contest results, skin battles to keep an eye out for, and maybe even a topic/member of the week. Valleri: However this new format doesn't mean we will stray from the core things like the interviews and funny, and sometimes cheesy, dialogue. Ross: That's right. So I hope you all will appreciate this transition from a show centered around randomness to more of a concrete SZ Show. It will all be here from now on ![]() Valleri: Sadly this week we don't have the news, reviews, etc. to deliver but we DO have a great interview planned with some of the most hardworking members of the Skin Zone. Ross: That is correct. On this Episode we will feature Request Assistants. Just so everyone knows, Val why don't you fill us in on exactly what they do around here. Valleri: Sure. Request Assistants, also known as RA's, are assigned the duty of working on the requests found in the Skin requests and Graphic Requests area of the board. In our interview I think you will see that this is harder than it sounds but they definitely do a great job at it nonetheless. Ross: So first off let me thank the RA's for taking time out of their busy schedule to join us on this show. It is a privilege to feature you guys tonight. Valleri: So whaddya say audience, are you ready for some RA action! *RAs! RAs! RAs!* Ross: And here they are! On the graphics side we have Hero of Dreams, and Anamaru! *Cheers* Valleri: And on the skinning side...GO SKIN TEAM...we have Feare and Doffy90! Ross: Welcome to the show guys! Glad you could take some time and be here. Valleri: So how do you wanna do this? I guess I'll ask a question and then you ask a question? Ross: Wait, we are going to give the RA's permission to interrogate us? Valleri: No silly, like I ask the RA's a question and then you ask them a question...duh. Ross: Yeah...that works. So guys welcome to the show. We are going to start by asking you all a big question about RA and how it has changed your perspective. Do you have more of an appreciation for the work put in by those who run this site, now that you have been working as an RA? + Hero of Dreams: First off, thanks for having me on the show guys. It's great to be here. Now to that question. The answer is definitely. We RA’s work very hard to keep the people happy, and it’s not only us, the rest of the staff works very hard to keep us satisfied. Since I’ve also had my first taste of a little modding on a huge board, I’ve really grown to appreciate the admins; just for putting up with us, even. + Anamaru: As Hero of Dreams said, it is a pleasure to be on the show. Well, when I first became a request assistant I noticed how much more work the RAs did. It was inhumane. It really couldn't believe it and I doubted myself that I could do the work. I didn't really notice staff though because I don't exactly see how much work is done. I have only noticed Amberon though because he is our boss. He does a lot of work, and my appreciation is much higher now that I'm RA. + Feare: Thanks a lot for the invite to the show! And very much so, I've always known it was a load of work, but I never knew how much work it truly was. All the workers here at the Skin Zone spend loads of time on the site, helping in any way they can. + Doffy90: I know I am mirroring what the first 3 said but thanks for having me on the show. And yeah of course I do, I knew being a RA was going to be a lot of time taking but I never had any idea how the RA's worked before I became one myself. We work very hard. Valleri: Great responses guys! It is easy to see that you are all in accord that it truly is a job that puts things in perspective. So, on a scale of 1-10 what would you honestly rate your RA time as? I'll give this one to Doffy90 and Anamaru. + Doffy90: Probably a solid 7. It’s very nice but at some points but it’s very hard because we all have a life to maintain but we manage to balance SZ & real life. + Anamaru: 8.9. The work is hard but I have improved a lot at graphics though. And the RA Lounge is fun ![]() Ross: Well its good to see you are enjoying it. As an Ex-RA I know the work is tough. However I definitely think it has gotten a lot harder now that it was back then. This is partly due to a larger member count which means more requests coming in, etc. So first off good work with the job in general, it isn't easy. What part, to you guys, is the hardest? Hero of Dreams and Feare, you two can take this one ![]() + Hero of Dreams: Lack of respect is definitely what makes it difficult, at times, to do my job. We put time and effort into filling requests for people, and when people don’t appreciate that, it doesn’t make me, along with the other RA’s, very happy. The most challenging aspect is probably fulfilling the requests even after you’ve had a long, hard day. You still have to do your job, though, I enjoy filling requests. It leaves you with a satisfied feeling. + Feare: The workload really isn't that bad, its the complaints and lack of respect that really set me off. People complain about almost everything, they even ask for us to put no copyright on "their" skin. I've gotten numerous PMs from people asking if the skin has been released. Valleri: Here is another one for Anamaru and Doffy90. I'm sure both of you had some sort of inspiration or idol in skinning and graphics. Is there anyone in particular that you looked up to or still do today as far as their skill goes in graphics and skinning? + Anamaru: Wow, I'm not really sure. I know Ignite was my inspiration for buttons but I'm not sure in general. I've been here for many phases and I don't really know. + Doffy90: Hehe, I think everyone who have seen my skins would know that Zeus00 is my inspiration. Ross: Both of those are very skilled in their fields so I can see exactly why you would set your standards like them. Good choices of inspiration Now onto a brighter side of Request Assistanting, the things that make you feel rewarded. What about being an RA makes you stick on the team. I mean, just doing requests can't be THAT fun by itself. There has to be some kind of reward to you, right?+ Hero of Dreams: When people PM me saying “Thank you so much for filling my request” I just want to do back flips. It’s very rewarding, knowing that what you do is appreciated by at least some people. + Feare: The fact that I am doing something for people to help them, and when they say that they love it, that always fills you with a sense of pride. Valleri: It is very good to see you guys get something positive out of doing that work. Most members couldn't probably see how rewarding the job can be but it is obvious you guys are very happy in your positions. How about the treatment of RA's? There are a lot of topics concerning you guys. Do you think you are treated unfairly by the members? Don't worry...this won't come back to bite you so be honest ![]() + Anamaru: Yes. Our workload is not taken into consideration. And people forget that the service is 100% free and we aren't robots. + Doffy90: Yes, people post and say that we must fill their requests all the time and that’s unfair. We have lives. Their request will eventually get filled but it doesn’t help when they post and complain. We're not robots. Ross: You guys aren't robots :o I would have never guessed But anyways, any good worker must have a tool or item he uses to get his work done. Now unless you’re just a psychic and control pixels with your brain waves, I'm sure you use something for your work around here. So what is it, Flash, Photoshop, The Gimp?+ Hero of Dreams: I don’t make a new signature/banner every single time for a request. I have a set of about 15-20 templates I use specifically for requests. I’ll color it the way I like, blend the pics, add text, and if it looks good, use it. I do that about half the time. Mainly when requests are piled up and when they need to be filled quickly. When it’s a little more relaxed, I make a complete new graphic every time. Also, keep the .PSD files when filling a request. Frequently members will ask for edits. Oh, and most members like grunge. I don’t know why, I’m more of an abstract person myself, but if the person doesn’t specify, use grunge. They like that more. + Feare: A graphics program is key for filling requests, in my case I use Photoshop. Other than that there is nothing else I can really think of though. Valleri: And Hero of Dreams, I've heard it through the grapevine that you are only using the outdated Photoshop 2.0 :o That is quite an accomplishment to get request quality graphics done on such a lower end version. If you had CS or even 7.0, I would think that you would be an animal, not that you already aren't Well it has been a true pleasure having you guys. Do you have any words of wisdom on your way out, for the aspiring request assistant? I'll let you all answer this.+ Anamaru: Do requests but remember quality over quantity. + Doffy90: Try to help us RA's to fill request and you will get noticed. Remember, if you are good at graphics or skinning and can do them quickly, you can easily show off your skill and get recognized in either of the request areas. + Feare: I would say that you better be prepared to be flamed at a lot. Also make sure you're willing to spend a lot of time on the SZ. + Hero of Dreams: Keep practicing. Don’t let bad remarks on your graphics discourage you. When I started, I got “you suck” and “wtf quit graphics before you kill someone” so often, I about quit. I’m glad I didn’t though. If anyone ever wants to pm me asking for encouragement or help, I’d be glad to. I don’t bite… Ross: Well all of you, thanks a lot for taking time out of your busy day to come out to the studio. And great work on getting those requests filled while everything was down, I'm sure the members appreciate it. Good luck with your future Skin Zone career and remember to always stick with it *waves goodbye to RA's*Valleri: See ya guys. *Audience stands, claps, and applauds to show their appreciation for the RA's as they head off stage* Ross: That about raps up our show for tonight. Expect a full blown version of this new system shortly. Sorry we couldn't do this one how we will be doing the others but just remember, SZ Live is sticking around. See you all next week ![]() Valleri: Thanks everyone, and goodnight! *SZ Live fades off* |
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| Celia | Oct 18 2005, 09:28 PM Post #2 |
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Ð3AÐ
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*Applause* Nice. |
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| Deletion. | Oct 18 2005, 09:28 PM Post #3 |
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Unregistered
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The best yet. I loved every word. B) |
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| Maru | Oct 18 2005, 09:28 PM Post #4 |
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Member
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Yay. Great show
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| Delirium | Oct 18 2005, 09:28 PM Post #5 |
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Rill Rill
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very cool, I thought Ross was leaving for a minute. |
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| Valleri | Oct 18 2005, 09:33 PM Post #6 |
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wishing on a star
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Amazing. Guys, I really fainted believe it or not. Edit - For conventional purposes, we decided to leave out the fact that Ross did CPA to me. :angel: |
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| Maru | Oct 18 2005, 09:39 PM Post #7 |
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Member
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CPR
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| Ross | Oct 18 2005, 09:41 PM Post #8 |
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Inspire
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And by the way, that DID include mouth to mouth resuscitation :angel: And as always, please PM me with any suggestions for upcoming shows. And suggestions don't include requests to be interviewed or requests for other people to be interviewed
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| Brendan | Oct 18 2005, 09:56 PM Post #9 |
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Awesome, best episode to date. |
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| jelly belly | Oct 18 2005, 10:08 PM Post #10 |
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The SZ asshole
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that was good, i enjoyed it
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| Excella | Oct 18 2005, 10:08 PM Post #11 |
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Midnight Caller
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Haha, nice edit XD. Val makes a good Kelly. |
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| Spammy Sammy | Oct 18 2005, 10:09 PM Post #12 |
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carpe diem
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Awesome, definitely the best. |
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| Wiedle | Oct 18 2005, 10:18 PM Post #13 |
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Member
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lol, nice one guys. |
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| Hero of Dreams | Oct 18 2005, 10:19 PM Post #14 |
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1 Peter 3:15
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rawr B) By far the best one, definitely. I mean, it had RA's in it... XD (just playin) Awesome job Ross and Val
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| OmgKThxBai | Oct 18 2005, 10:21 PM Post #15 |
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Member
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I can't wait 'til the day I see you two on national television.
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8:32 PM Jul 10
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![]](http://b1.ifrm.com/0/1/0/p601690/pipright.png)


Valleri are you okay?
Now onto a brighter side of Request Assistanting, the things that make you feel rewarded. What about being an RA makes you stick on the team. I mean, just doing requests can't be THAT fun by itself. There has to be some kind of reward to you, right?









8:32 PM Jul 10