Digg Mark 1 blog, hurrah!

Yes, it's true! Digg mark 1 finally has a blog! It includes Kong news, Digg Mark 1 interviews, a 'Hall of Fame' to show the best users, voted by the users (i'm in the top 5 (for now!))!

Ducklette interview

Fastest space between interviews and fasted editing I've done so far. DC's template used :)

Wizky

Bonjour Ducky! Interview tiem!

Ducky

bonjour, monsieur wizky. i am prepared to be interviewed!

Wizky

Note: DarkChameleon's interviewing template is being used

Wizky

When did you sign up to Kong, and why?

Ducky

I signed up for kong in late august of last year. i had just moved to a new city, i hadn't started classes yet, and i had a lot of time on my hands. so i figured i'd squander it by playing computer games! :)

Wizky

=P And do you remember any of your first friends on Kongregate?

Ducky

my very first friend was notagamer, who has since "left the building." but there was also unproductive, and AlisonClaire, and trickyrodent, and the rest of the Old Van Gang, so to speak.

Wizky

Do you have any particular 'Best friends' on Kong? *coughcough*

Ducky

ZOMG, there's this one kid naemd WIZKY and he's SOCOOLOMGPONIES!!!!!111!!one

Wizky

He sounds like an ass

Ducky

nah. i mean, only sometimes.

Wizky

D:

Ducky

XD

Wizky

K.. how long do you spend on Kong every day?

Ducky

every day? wow, this is going to be embarrassing....i suppose the average is anywhere from 2-4 hours? give or take. sometimes i'm not there at all, of course.

Wizky

Lul.. and, what's your favourite room?

Ducky

haha, do you really have to ask that? i spend most of my time in the van, and enjoy it. now that i've been modded, though, i get to spend some time in other rooms, which i enjoy. i mean, i enjoy it when i'm not called in to ban somebody...

Ducky

i think i just typed the word "enjoy" like 6 times. go duck.

Wizky

Well newbs don’t know this stuff do they ¬_¬ Although newbs probably wont be reading this, but still

Wizky

XD

Ducky

good point. SPECIAL NEWB MESSAGE: find duck in teh van!

Wizky

ROFL

Wizky

Anyway moving on D: What's your favourite game & why?

Ducky

favorite things are always hard for me to pick...i barely ever have one favorite anything. but among the games that i like are mardek chapter 2 (i know i'll get some flak for that, but i like it, so shaddap), the super crazy guitar maniac deluxe games (because the only thing better than practicing a real instrument is practicing a fake one), and whatever all else is on my favorite's list.

Wizky

Hehe

Wizky

And what's your current favourite Kong feature and what are you looking forward to?

Ducky

I must say that as elementary as it is, the chat on kong is brilliant. you meet great people, and what's more important, you meet great people who are better than you at games and will sometimes help you with them! what i'm looking forward to...i could say kongai like everybody else, but i'm really not sure. but i must say i'm usually a big fan of any improvements administration makes.

Wizky

Lots of people who agree with ya there ^__^

Ducky

that's because i'm always right, OBVIOUSLY. XD

Wizky

XD

Wizky

Anyway, game questions; do you play a lot of non-Flash games?

Ducky

not recently. i used to live with somebody who had a wii, and then i sure did! i was a super big fan of zelda twilight princess, and wii tennis. also, when i'm feeling more mellow, i like the myst games for pc. they get my mind working and have gorgeous graphics.

Wizky

And what's your favourite console?

Ducky

so far, the wii. i must say i love swinging my arms around to simulate whacking things. a lot of people would prefer a ps3, but i'm not so hot on first person shooters. i prefer to bop cute things on the head and whatnot.

Wizky

Haha

Ducky

i mean, i cherish all living things...

Wizky

:P Alright, straight on down to mod questions ^__^

Wizky

How long have ya been a moderata?

Ducky

not very long at all - perhaps about two weeks now?

Wizky

I thought it was like, 1 week.. but ok

Ducky

ok, a week and a half?

Ducky

haha.

Wizky

Fine, fine. And how did you feel on becoming a mod? (surprised, happy, shocked..?)

Ducky

hmm, I was a little surprised, but mostly happy.

Wizky

Is there anyone you've seen that you thought should be a mod too?

Ducky

well *that's* a loaded question if i ever heard one! there are people who i've thought would make good mods. but being a newb mod, i should probably have some time to hone my mod-dar before my opinion counts for anything.

Wizky

Hum.. I suppose I'll ask the same questions I asked Nick

Wizky

If a troll/spammer was trolling/spamming, what's the advised action to take:

#1: Mute

#2: Ask to stop

#3: Modcall

#4: A combination (state which)

Ducky

i'd say a combination, and here's what it is: first, i'd suggest *politely* asking said troll/spammer to stop. in the event that they don't listen to you, and depending upon just how offensive they are being, or how many rules they are breaking, either just mute them, or get a mod (who may or may not tell you to just mute them). but remember, mods are always here to help. even if you're not sure if something needs attention, it's always better to ask us than not.

Wizky

^_^

Wizky

Also, cookie, pie, or cake?

Ducky

cookie, closely followed by pie. cake would be good if it weren't a lie.

Wizky

K, 2 more questions; What's your advice to any future moderators?

Ducky

let's see...ASK QUESTIONS! mods are often made mods because they are friendly, helpful people. as i'm new, if i'm ever in a situation that i'm unsure about, i usually ask advice from a more experienced mod. the styles of different mods are (surprise) often different, but soak up whatever information you can, and use it to create your own style.

Wizky

And.. what's your advice (again!) to anyone who would like to be a moderator (almost everyone o.o)?

Ducky

yay! people like duck's advice! let's see, what i usually tell people is to learn the rules, obey the rules, be accepting and friendly towards most everyone you meet in chat, and show to us that you can be helpful and a good example. it also helps if you're around pretty frequently so we know who you are. that's about it, i think.

Wizky

And that's it for the interview too! ^_^ Thanks for participating etc

Ducky

thanks for having me etc. hehe.

ItBeNickYo interview

Another post, finally =\ This time with an interview on ItBeNickYo, room owner of ItBeARoomYo! and mod of DM1.

Can also be found on the new forums

Wizky
Interview starts: Now! *snaps that board that movie-directors have*
ItBeNickYo
Lawls
Wizky
HAI NICK
ItBeNickYo
HAI WIZ
Wizky
When did you sign up to Kong, how, and why? ^_^
ItBeNickYo
I joined up in June of 07, i was on Armorgames and was searching through there links of other gaming sites and click on Kongregate. Main reason i joined was because i loved the idea of a card game.
Wizky
;D And can you remember your first few friends on Kongregate?
ItBeNickYo
Yes, actually im still friends with them now. Dazb, Spartakips, & Outrightchaos.
Wizky
Any particular best friends on Kong?
Wizky
*COUGH COUGH*
ItBeNickYo
Yes, a couple really. Sparta and Wizzy.
Wizky
B)
ItBeNickYo
=]
Wizky
And how long do you spend on Kong every day? =]
ItBeNickYo
O god, way too much time. ANYWAYS, at least 4 hours off and on.
Wizky
That's all? Hahahaha
ItBeNickYo
Hahahaha, probably more.
Wizky
Suuuuuuuure
ItBeNickYo
I am!
Wizky
I believe you. Really.
Wizky
Anyway, moving on
Wizky
What's your favourite room? =D
ItBeNickYo
ItBeARoomYo! & Digg Mark 1
ItBeNickYo
I love them equally.
Wizky
WE LOVE YOU TOO NICK <33333 style="font-weight: bold;">ItBeNickYo
=]
Wizky
Anywayz, what's your favourite game on Kong?
ItBeNickYo
Hmm, I’m not sure. If i had to pick one, it would probably end up being either Sonny or Idle 2!
Wizky
Idle 2? Hahahahhahahhaaha
ItBeNickYo
YES!
Wizky
I mean; great choice (!)
Wizky
=D Cool, down to 1 question in the Kong set. What's your current favourite Kong feature and what features are you looking forward to?
ItBeNickYo
I love the badges system. i pretty much cant wait until the card game is completely done.
Wizky
Probably same case as at least half of Kongregate right now :p
ItBeNickYo
Were all the same.
Wizky
Anyway, do you play a lot of non-Flash games? ^_^
ItBeNickYo
Not really, I used to though.
Wizky
And what's your favourite console?
ItBeNickYo
Mostly Nintendo Stuff.
Wizky
Ok, down to mod questions my moderator amigo
ItBeNickYo
Thats me!
Wizky
Who else :P
Wizky
(No guys, I'm not a mod, we just work together on getting people banned. ROFL)
ItBeNickYo
hahaha, yes!
Wizky
Soooo, How long have you been a mod?
ItBeNickYo
Almost a month.
Wizky
And how long have we been working together?
Wizky
ROFL
ItBeNickYo
About 3 weeks now, i think.
Wizky
=D
ItBeNickYo
=]
Wizky
And how did you feel about becoming a mod? (Happy, shocked, etc)
ItBeNickYo
I was happy about it, i knew it was coming so i coudnt of been shocked.
Wizky
I know pretty much everyone thought you were a mod already :p
ItBeNickYo
Haha, yeaaa.
Wizky
And is there anyone you have seen that you have thought should be a mod too?
ItBeNickYo
Hmm, i used to think Severeflame was a mod. we all know what happened there.)
Wizky
:P And what's your advice to any future mods?
ItBeNickYo
Um, try harder would be my advice
Wizky
And what's your advice (we ask a lot of you, dont we) to anyone who would like to become a mod?
ItBeNickYo
Never ask to be a mod, always keep the rules in mind. Arguements can never happen.
Wizky
And seeing as a lot of "moar modz plz plz plz" threads seem to pop up recently, answer this question =D
Wizky
If there was a troll/spammer in the room, what is the advised action to take?
#1: Mute
#2: Ask to stop
#3: Modcall
ItBeNickYo
If there isnt a mod in the room already, it would have to be #3
Wizky
And when should that action be taken;
#1: Instantly
#2: After a few minutes of asking to stop
ItBeNickYo
It depends on how bad the troll/spammer is.
ItBeNickYo
Usually #2
Wizky
Oh, and user-contributed question; what's better, Cookie, pie or cake?
ItBeNickYo
Cake!
Wizky
Ok ^_^ Last set; Room Mods!
Wizky
Do you feel that owning a room makes people look up to you?
ItBeNickYo
A little bit yea.
Wizky
How much time do you spend in your room, in comparison to the time you spend in others?
ItBeNickYo
Usually i try to be in my room most of the time. Unless my room is dead, then i go visit my peoples in Dm1
Wizky
I would ask what rooms do you like to visit if not your room, but you've answered that ^_^ So we're done!
ItBeNickYo
=]
Wizky
Thanks for participating in the interview!
ItBeNickYo
No, Thank You.
Wizky
BAI NICK!!
ItBeNickYo
BAI WIZZ!
Wizky
=]
ItBeNickYo
=]

BADGE RSS!!1!

Woot! Kongregate user tehniobium made us the Kongregates Badges RSS that we've all been updating!! It runs on his servers, updates every 10 MINUTES, and shows the 20 latest badges so you don't miss them! I've added the RSS to the sidebar, and you can add this to your personal toolbar by visiting here!

Thanks tehnobium! :D

BoomsticK review

Yes, we finally got a review! Done by SuitedCriminal over at GIFlux.

This shooter, developed by innercircus, from Abduction Studios Inc., is one of my personal favourites – not only because I like saying “boomstick” (I like doing redneck impressions: “Martha! GIT ME MAH BOOMSTICK!!! Etc). Its gameplay is very simple; control your character (who to me looks like a sort of astronaut/ninja), shoot your shotgun’s glowing squares at the floating, and also glowing, shapes, and collect the ammo they drop. Each kill drops much needed ammo – quickly grab it before it disappears and your ammo runs out or it will be game over for you. The art style on this game is very simple, yet very professional – the glowing effects on the enemies and the bullets is like a miniature light show, and you can’t help but try to create the best display while playing the game.

The game is very addictive; the simple controls, the amazing graphics and the brilliant music and sound effects all combine to form an enjoyable experience, blasting the evil floating shapes. The accuracy and rank you attain, displayed after every round, make you want to improve your ranking, if only to brag that you managed to get over 200% accuracy (which I have done! Check the screenshot!). Although the shapes can’t hurt you until later in the game when they sometimes fire red lasers at you (getting hit by these lasers makes you lose 5 of your precious ammo) or the purple balls try to squash you, your main problem is the lack of ammo. Blasting away at the shapes in the sky, you tend to forget you have limited ammunition and run out, losing the game.

The music’s electronic sounds are futuristic – techno music suits the game perfectly – the whole art style and the music go together very well making the game a visual and aural treat.

Now for the criticisms: the lack of ammo offers a challenge but if you blast away in the first tier, you have ruined the game for yourself, ensuring a game over in the next few levels, for new players this may seem “stupid” and they may just change games because it is too hard for them. Also, the fact that you have to click the menu button to pause instead of just pressing P is very annoying, especially when you click to shoot; accidentally miss the menu button by the tiniest gap and you have wasted your ammo – the same goes for the level select and unpausing the game – a possible solution could be a delay before allowing the player to shoot when choosing the level, and pressing P to pause instead of clicking. The game could also have more variety; there could be options to change your character, change the colour of the bullets you fire, change the background… but these do not make the game any less brilliant. The repetitiveness of the game is also an issue, it is just a case of shooting and moving around to pick up the ammo the enemies drop, more powerups could change this however.

Overall - 11/15

New badges!

Badges overload recently with 11 BADGES in 2/3 days! 7 were ranked EASY, 1 MEDIUM, and the last 3 HARD

Games that got badges:

'You Have to Burn The Rope': 1 badge (Easy)
'Mardek RPG: Chapter 2': 4 badges (1 Easy, 3 Hard)
'Understanding Games Episodes 1, 2, 3, and 4': 1 badge each (All Easy)
'Warlords: Call to Arms': 2 badges (1 easy, 1 medium)

Any comments, ideas/suggestions, remember to comment! :D

Art forumz

OK, after my other failing art thread until recently revived (here) - I made another one, made purely with MSPaint! I done 2 wimminz and a set of smilies so far. See here for the thread - Remember to post (and comment here ;D)!