BallLightning

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Do NOT and I repeat do NOT, call yourself a puller...run out in the open, fire off your blast AND STAND THERE. Cut a damn corner, get out of line of sight. Especially if your fighting ranged enemies. It baffles me how some people dont understand this logic.
Then complain when they're kissing the floortiles, 'why didn't you guys help me?'
I never boot noobs for being noobs, but man they can try your patience.

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Yeah. Love when I pull, go to back up and run around the corner and am able to backpedal 2" before slamming into the team. "Uh guys... MOVE!" followed by ::trampled::

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You go through the time and effort to expain what you're about to do, set up a corner with Ice Slick, Caltrops, Tar Patch... whatever; then take a beautiful shot, and go around the corner waiting for the enemy pain to commence, only to see the melee characters rush past all your traps and engage the enemy before they reach the setup...

My main is a Scrapper, and even I find that painful to watch...

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LOL My robots tried doing that last night with my */traps corrupter teammate.

At least when I bark at them to get their [censored] back here they listen.

Traps were successful once they came back.

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I like the hidden contacts as is. It helped add a sense of wonder to the game.

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As in:
I WONDER where the heck I can find this contact
I WONDER what badge I need before he will talk to me
I WONDER if i've outleveled this contact

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lol for real
and QFT

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ELECTRIC- not very familiar. Replace Lightning Field with a one-shot version- same animation, same name, PbAoE End drain with minor damage? It's a power worth fixing. It would stack nicely with Short Circuit [although probably not 100% End drain in combination]. Or make Lightning Field have 7.5% ranged Defense and 15% Energy and End Drain resistance.

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Maybe at one point that would have been nice. However the AV/EB conversion brought the indirect end drain nerf which pretty much destroyed our inherint.

A month ago that woulda' been great for newbie ele blasters. Then as they get older they can 'stack' it with SC... then PS. Oh well.

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Also, "Blappers" would no longer exist... as you just turned all of our key melee attacks into ranged ones. Losing the melees would completely kill my character concept. Some of us don't care about attack chains.

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But not everyone is playing AGAINST the AT. I have a blapper 'toy'. I play him when I want a change of pace. I in no way take him seriously. Blasters are meant to be RANGED offensive juggernauts. Just because some people take advantage of the mistake that's the melee attacks doesn't mean that's what they're there for.

Asking me to suffer with blasters in their current form because your concept for your blaster goes AGAINST the AT isn't fair dude.

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I understand the Blaster debate. However, drastically removing and altering powers at this stage of the game with this magnitude is extreme..

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ED

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and the Blaster problem is not "that" extreme.

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IYO. IMO my ele cubed blaster is for [censored] now. Add to that the varying ranges of my ranged attacks constantly forcing me to remaneuver etc...

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Adding new power options is the way to go. Not removing them.

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That's fine and dandy but the second they start adding powers to our pools the other 4 non-epic AT's are going to be up in arms demaning their share.

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Unlockable contacts are an existing system that's not working as intended and in many cases bugged.


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The real question here is "Is the system working as intended?"

If a Dev answeres No then I would agree with you. I have seen no indication that the system is not working as intended other then user feed back.

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It's not. Veluta is in fact broken. She's only offering one arc to many people and forces you through that arc 1.5 times, then awards the souvineer, then refuses to talk to you again.

Confirmed as 'broken' by my email reply from support when I petitioned it.

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I think fixing a system and/or bug and/or glitch on live will always take priority over a concept or alpha build of something.

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You would be wrong.

Bug fixes don't sell new boxes, but new content does. From a beancounter's standpoint, your dev staff should spend 5% (or less) of their time bug fixing/retrofitting old code, and the vast majority of man hours on new development.

Most dev bosses invest more time in bug squishing than that, of course, but there are an awful lot of MMOs out there where you can still find bugs that were in the game at release, or early beta.

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Uh huh... and how does your system hold up against a system they themselves can't figure out how to implement? Keep wasting man-hours hoping to get it to work or fix things that are already there and broken and move on to other things?

Anyway, I PERSONALLY don't care what a bean counter would think. I care what me the player thinks. I know the new content is coming. I7 is around the corner. There's there new content. I'd rather they fix some of the bugs V brought with it than waste time working on a system that can't figure out.

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Well since flashback has been put off indefinately we need to come up with a more realistic solution

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Last I heard on the subject was they put it off because they couldn't find a "good" way to implement it.

I would put fixing this "problem" people have with unlockable contacts about the same priority level as flashback IMO, unless a Dev says otherwise.

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Unlockable contacts are an existing system that's not working as intended and in many cases bugged.

Flashback is at best an alpha system.

I think fixing a system and/or bug and/or glitch on live will always take priority over a concept or alpha build of something.

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I haven't read through the entire thread yet (I don't have the time at the moment), but it seems that most poeple are having a problem with this mostly becuase of leveling restraints. This could be solved with the ever elusive "Flash Back" feature...

The other day I was respecing a very old toon (one of my first ones) when I realized the biggest problem with Respecing. Durring normal game play I put a lot of thought into choosing powers, sometimes not training for 3 or 4 levels before I decide. The same goes for Slotting. Spending all this time lets me use different enhancements in various different powers, taking note of the effects to determine what power I eventualy want to slot. (I rarely use the test server anymore). When I am respecing I don't have the luxery of seeing how the power(s) function before adding a slot to it.

Then I thought "Hmmm....wouldn't it be cool to kind of merge the mythical Flash Back feature with the Respec feature." Basicaly you would be allowed to choose what level you "Flash Back" to. Once you are in "Flash Back Mode" you can see a Trainer and train as many times as you want, up to the level you were before Flashing back (once you are trained to your previous level you would exit flashback mode). In between training you can do any missions you were unable to do at that level. While doing these missions you would not be getting XP, instead you would receive either Inf or Prestige or a combination of the two.

Perhaps even add the ability to "cancel" the flashback...kinda like a "Wooh what a strange dream" kind of thing.

Seeing as how there have been many many many threads regarding flashback, it wouldn't suprise me if something like this has already been suggested, but It seems relevant to the discussion at hand so I figured I would put my 2 Inf in.

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Well since flashback has been put off indefinately we need to come up with a more realistic solution.

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what building?

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Presumably the one right near where he's underground. I'm not sure though since I've never gone to him. I've just read on the forums he's in an out of the way corner in a building.

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i cant find johny sonata with just coordianates hes 160 ft below the surface i cant find anywhere that deep

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He's in a room in the building.

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I haven't even done the respec trial yet because no one seems to want to do one. I don't need one but it would be nice to have one banked.

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Yes, most people don't normally voulenteer for forced anal [censored] with a giant cactus and no lube.

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Also, they require actions that in no way correspond to the contacts themselves, and the reasons behind these actions are never explained.

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I like how Veluta is done. Given her storyline, it's not unusual that she'd require trapping ghosts to start talking to you. Having to get the Bling back (1 million inf) for Doc Buzzsaw doesn't really.

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As far as making sense, Veluta does. However... getting the bagdes (at least the last time I did it) was rediculous.

Yay! States has spoken.

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Do NOT and I repeat do NOT, call yourself a puller...run out in the open, fire off your blast AND STAND THERE. Cut a damn corner, get out of line of sight. Especially if your fighting ranged enemies. It baffles me how some people dont understand this logic.

Then complain when they're kissing the floortiles, 'why didn't you guys help me?'

I never boot noobs for being noobs, but man they can try your patience.

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Yeah. Love when I pull, go to back up and run around the corner and am able to backpedal 2" before slamming into the team. "Uh guys... MOVE!" followed by ::trampled::

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Pax, when you quit ranting and can give me a LEGIT reason why my pre-i2 toons are being discrimnated against I'll start paying attention to your posts.

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Legit Reason? Your reason is right here! *Rips off my shirt* Look at this body! Flawlessly scupltured in service of our forums! Feel how the pulse with loyalty, how solid and serious they are! Feel how! If you don't believe me, then they'll make you believe! Feel!

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O.O

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Careful with that "we", kemosabe - the guy Iw as replying to DOES think that Isolator SHOULD just be given, for free to all pre-I2 characters.

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Only because of the badge wording. If they changed Isolator in it's current form (even a simple description edit saying "You have helped keep order in Outbreak by..." then I'd be fine for a method of EARNING it. However in it's current incarnation earning it as a level 50 is more off to me than just outright rewarding it to those who were never given the chance to earn it.

Pax, when you quit ranting and can give me a LEGIT reason why my pre-i2 toons are being discrimnated against I'll start paying attention to your posts.

Beyond that all I see is unjustified fear. I don't get it. But anyway... when you can give me a legit reason why my toons aren't allowed to get it... then I'll listen.

Beyond that... your posts are coming off more and more like you just want to ruin it for others.

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Say your cell company starts a new promotion with your plan. But to get it you need to ask for it. It'll give you 100 extra minutes of usage a month.

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And it says "New customers only". Thus, I am disqualified, sucks to be me, oh well.

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No, answer the scenario AS I PRESENTED IT. Don't change it to fit your argument. As I presented it, it's illegal. They couldn't do it. They would HAVE TO allow you to get it.

They could ONLY hold it against you if it required either a difference in your monthly rate plan or if it was LIMITED TIME promotion. Beyond that, they'd have to allow for it to be taken to their existing customer on that plan.

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Now you've had your plan for 6 months. So they tell you you can't get it because you didn't ask for the bonus when you got the plan (when it didn't exist.) How idiotic would that be? You wouldn't get upset and feel cheated?

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Dude, that's STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE. Most special deals like that state, clearly and up-front, "new customers only".

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Again, you're adding to my scenario to make it fit your argument. Read what I said above.

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Argue however you want... that is the simple truth of the matter.

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Argue however you want, but, the suggestions for "some contact should give a mission that has Contaminated in it" is in absolutely no way limited only to Pre-I2 characters.

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Uh huh... and quote ONE post of mine where I sign off on a mission ok'ing us to get Isolator. *I* am asking for it to be awarded outright to all toons who were built PRE-I2. I DON'T believe in a mission to go back and get it. I DO know had I been made aware of it before the badges I WOULD have invested the time to get it. I can prove that quite easily with EVERY HERO toon I have made after I2. They ALL have Isolator wether or not I hunt badges with them simply because if I ever change my mind I CAN'T go back to get isolator.

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Which is why the suggestion I made in this thread - some thirty seven pages ago - was to give the pre-I2 characters their own, exclusive badge .... instead of Isolator. Something only THEY could have .... "Golden Age Hero" was one of the names suggested for that.

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The problem with that is... people will STILL want Isolator. I'd gladly take a different badge in it's place. Especially one that gave me the credit of being a 'Golden Age Hero'. That'd be a badge of honor. However, I'd still want Isolator.

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And since it'd involve some quick, relatively-easy datamining ... it could be limited SOLELY to characters made before I2.

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Same could be said about my suggestion about Isolator.

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The problem with all the bloody other suggestions here is, as I've said already, THEY ARE NOT LIMITED TO PRE-I2 CHARACTERS IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. Anyone who simply chose not to get Isolator would be able to run the mission and go back to get a badge they missed.

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Uh huh, and as I've said I do NOT support 'going back and getting it' since the badge states you STARTED your career... going BACK and getting it would make the badge purpose moot. HOWEVER it's not right nor fair that pre-i2 characters are not allowed to get it. It should just be outright awarded. A mission would be useless semantics 'forcing' us to earn it. It'd require them building a new mission etc for it when we know damned well once that's done anyone who wants it is going to get it anyway. It's not a hard badge to get nor is it that time consuming. The investment in building a mission around getting it is a waste of time.

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Tutorial is not a special event. It's an option available to ALL toons.

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And it's inherently and intrinsicly "... for NEW CUSTOMERS only ..."

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Says who? You. Show me a red-name post that says Isolator is for new customers only.

Oh wait... I'm not a new customer. Been here since about two weeks after release and can get it on any new toon I roll.

So no, it's not new customers only. It's new toons only which is discriminatory against toons made before that.

The reason States said it would never be tied to an accolade is because he CAN'T do that unless he gave it to all pre-i2 toons and made it available for newbies who aren't aware of it in Outbreak.

That would completely screw up his have/have-not philosophy and would instantly turn a 'useless bauble' into 'loot'. It would be something you could get that would give you the ability to give your toon an advantage someone else doesn't have. As it is now... they can 'ignore' the issue. After all, it's just a 'useless bauble'.

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It is an all-or-nothing affair; if you can go back for ONE badge you missed, then you should be able to get EVERY badge you missed - othing else is at all even remotely fair. However, I personally believe once you miss the bus, YOU MISS THE BUS, and there should not be ANY "do-over" opportunities made or given especially to recover missed badges.

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No, it's NOT.

We're not asking to go back for a badge we 'missed'.

We're asking for a badge we were denied the CHANCE to get.

THERE WAS NO REASON PRE-I2 TO BEAT 100 MOBS IN OUTBREAK.

Argue however you want... that is the simple truth of the matter.

The Halloween mobs no longer exist. Isolator is an ON-GOING, NON-EVENT badge that anyone who rolls a new toon can get.

This was denied existing toons. It should have been rewarded to all toons the second badges hit since we wouldn't have the chance to earn it.

Your argument would be great to cover say accomplishment/mission badges. (Though running the mission with someone else allows for the badge.)

Aside from event-related badges there's not a single ongoing badge you CAN'T get.

Hunt-x's can still be gotten by anyone.
Healing, damage, held, debt etc.
History, exploration.

If someone has the mission, you can get it.

Isolator is the only ongoing you can't. This made worse by the fact that it was introduce well after the game was.

That is completely different than a badge that is only available for a limited time based around a limited-time SPECIAL EVENT.

Tutorial is not a special event. It's an option available to ALL toons.

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But Liquid... barring the badge what would have been the point? Outside of the badge there's still no point.

I get the principle... but the fact is had the badge been avail then or we had the advance notice... those of us who do get every badge we can would have invested the time in.

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So? If you didn't earn it, you didn't earn it. Even if you didn't "know" about it. Odds are, any new player to the game won't know about it either, so they shouldn't have it retroactively awarded to them just because "they didn't know about it".

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Why are you so scared of them awarding this to toons who weren't given the CHANCE to earn it?

Say your cell company starts a new promotion with your plan. But to get it you need to ask for it. It'll give you 100 extra minutes of usage a month.

Now you've had your plan for 6 months. So they tell you you can't get it because you didn't ask for the bonus when you got the plan (when it didn't exist.) How idiotic would that be? You wouldn't get upset and feel cheated?

Your argument doesn't hold water and make sense anymore than my scenario would. You can't tell us we should only get it for having beat 100 outbreak mobs when at the time there was NO POINT in it.

You wouldn't ask for that bonus on your plan because at the time it didn't exist and there'd have been no point to ask for it.

The point we're trying to make is that had it been available at the time, we'd have it.

I don't have a hero-side toon post I2 that doesN'T have it. I think I can prove it's something I would have invested the time it.

However at the time there was no reason to sit around hunting 100 mobs in tutorial. So you can't hold that against us.

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When Issue 2 and the entire badge system was introduced the devs really should have awarded Isolator to ALL characters created between Issue 1 and 2, because as the badge says, we all "began our career on a high note."

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Only if you actually defeated 100 contaminated in Outbreak, and odds are most people didnt. So no, it shouldn't have been auto-awarded.

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But Liquid... barring the badge what would have been the point? Outside of the badge there's still no point.

I get the principle... but the fact is had the badge been avail then or we had the advance notice... those of us who do get every badge we can would have invested the time in.

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That one can not! When Issue 2 and the entire badge system was introduced the devs really should have awarded Isolator to ALL characters created between Issue 1 and 2, because as the badge says, we all "began our career on a high note."

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That I'd sign off on. Not going back and getting it, but being awarded it retroactively. God knows even my non-badge toons get it simply because if I ever change my mind I couldn't go back to get it.

That being said you know damned well I'd have gotten it on my pre-badge era toons for that same reason ESPECIALLY since most of those ARE badge hunters.

It should be retroactively awarded to toons who were built BEFORE badges were released. I can't imagine pulling THAT data would be hard. Not like data-mining specific mob kills etc. All they'd need is to locate the toons made before I2.

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Another idea for Isolator!

The Abandoned Sewer System is underneath the entire city, so why not have an entrance in Outbreak!

IIRC, heroes that reach level 35 can enter the Abandoned Sewers. They would have to find the route to Outbreak and would exit a manhole cover in the street. They would be autoexemped to level 1 upon entry.

They could take out 100 contaminated, get the badge, and the only way back to the city would be back through the Abandoned Sewers.

The manhole would only work for L35+ so level 1s wouldn't be able to use it.

This would also be a way to help teach friends that are new to the game. You could meet them in the tutorial and show them the ropes!

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Liquid & Celtic,
What do you think of this idea?

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::sigh:: From following this thread I'm beginning to think people are less interested in the badge and care more about the number.

Isolator is clearly branded 'you have STARTED your career'... funky time warps or tunnels from the sewers can't change that.

Isolator as it stands now does not work for heroes well into their careers.

My 50 didn't start his career by stopping the riots. He got the minimum required to comp the missions and leave.

No matter what I do with him now that won't change. So getting the badge is meaningless outside of having yet ANOTHER badge.

The badge itself needs to be changed. I fully support that and would like to see that since it's NOT fair that our pre-badge era toons were left out of the chance to get it. However I don't want it in its current form. Would feel as cheap as getting Traitor... I mean Redeemed on heroes.

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??? In what universe does skipping 12-16 levels of EXPERIENCE in one night teach you how to play the game?

Give a man a fish he feeds for a day. Teach a man to fish and he feeds for a lifetime. You're not teaching, you're giving.



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I'm sorry, I know this is completely off topic, but anymore, every time I hear that "give a man a fish" saying, I'm reminded of something similar I read (I think it was in someone's signature on these boards). I still find it funny and I'd like to share, so here it is :

"Build a man a fire and he is warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he is warm for the rest of his life."

Sorry, I had to share. Continue!

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Yeah I've read that before on here. Always makes me laugh.

Em... bro your analogy (while I understand your point) doesn't fit.

We're talking about a (realistically) pointless badge. It's not nor will ever be part of an accolade. It's just one more bauble. Do you need it to boost your ego that bad? ::ducks::
**THE ABOVE STATEMENT IS IN REPLY TO ISOLATOR IN IT'S CURRENT FORM WHICH IN ITS DESCRIPTION *CLEARLY* STATES HOW YOU GET IT**

Now that that's out of the way... see my other post a little ways up about how they SHOULD change the badge (remove Isolator in its current form) to make it something that CAN be rewarded to pre-badge era toons and still make sense.