Hey all,

Just a quick session this time. Some updates, explaining, and hopes. So, straight to business.

You may or may not have noticed that I haven't been very active lately. Why, you might ask? Well, I was on summer vacation and then got grounded. I'm actually still grounded, I think. But I'm in school now, so I can get on a ton more, along with some other members. Hopefully soon I'll be able to take my laptop home and then I can do more stuff at night as well. Also, I'd like to ask that you don't ask about why I'm grounded.

Secondly, we're deleting the 'News' section real soon. It doesn't get used much (the topics will be moved, btw) and is a bit of a waste in the end sometimes. However, in the 'General Discussions' section, we'll be adding a new section I'm going to call 'The World' to more or less replace the 'News' section. This section will be a bit different, so pay attention to the rules thread and my starting threads. Basically, this section will have to be on important topics that have sources based in newspapers, news sites, etc.
I would also like to note that we have deleted the 'Programming' section (it was never used) and moved the 'Discussions' section to a different spot in the forums. Moving 'Discussions' was needed in an attempt to increase posts in the other, less accessed, sections. I personally believe part of the other sections not getting more posts is because some people never make it to them.

Third, I'd like to request that everyone who has had a name change put their most well-known name in either their status or their sig. So, for instance, I have in my status that I was previously Rain Stinks. Buttercup! would but Feral, Harry Potter would put Artrain, etc. This is not mandatory, but it is recommended so that people can figure out who is who. It just smooths the transition to your new names.

Fourth, I would like to thank everyone for calming down. I've had nothing but good news on the old fighting issues (Except for one thing that happened recently, but that's cooled down mostly now). Again, thanks for taking it off the chat and everything and putting it where it needs to be.

Fifth, I want to hear from you. On what? Cussing around the site, mainly. I would like to hear (through a PM, to me) your thoughts on cussing and similar thoughts throughout the forum, in chat or topics, etc. I would also like to hear your opinions on what you think about the current set of rules and setup of the forum. I really hope to hear from you soon. Note: This is not required. All PMs will stay confidential, so put what you really think into them. Views on other important aspects are are also welcome, as are any questions.

Finally, thanks to everyone for everything they've done for and with this site. We're nearing the 100 member mark (which is really awesome, since we haven't even been up for a year yet) and our post count rises everyday. Keep posting, remember the rules, and most of all: HAVE FUN!

Oh, I'd also like to note that I'm going to be doing some experiments with PBB and Invision to see if they would be worth switching to over our current version of PHBB3. If they're worth the upgrade, expect us to be switching to one of them within the next few months. But there may not be any change, so don't get too worked up on it.

I should also state that there will be another competition coming up within the next month sometime. For you artists, get ready. This competition will be for a site banner. I'm not sure on what size to use, but on a computer scale 200 high by 500 wide or 100 high by 500 wide should work. All art will need to include 'BattleZone'. If you can put a wicked background image that doesn't fade out the words (which would be great in an awesome lettering/text), I'll be beyond happy. A background image is totally up to you, of course. Expect the competition to appear soon.

Thanks again.

Truly yours,
Bellatrix Lestrange, Head Admin/Site Owner