Dear Sparky

[Sparky]

I get so many amusing/frustrating emails from people about Foster's that I thought it was time I started a thread where I can post them so everyone can point and laugh and/or weep for humanity.

Let's start with one I just got this evening: Someone actually sent me an email to tell me there were new eps all this week. They thought I should know so I could get screengrabs. Because despite the fact that I run what is (not to blow my own horn, its simply a fact afaik) the world's biggest Foster's fansite *and* forum, there was a possibility that I didn't know about the new eps, and God Forbid I not get the screencaps done right away omg!!

That person can wait for screengrabs just like everyone else. -_-

[Shelltoon]

I hope I'm allowed to post in here. It could be worse, he could have asked for download links.

[Sparky]

You guys can post comments yeah...

I got one recently from a guy who acted like since I owned the Season One DVDs and *hadn't* ripped them and uploaded the actual DVD files that I was being selfish and/or lazy.

[Shelltoon]

Tell them that if they honestly love the show, they'll support Craig and CN by buying the DVD.

[antgirl1]

People are so stupid sometimes.

[Lynnie]

I second Antgirl's reply. I have a hard time understanding how people can actually forget that they're not the only one's with lives, and feelings, and memories, and people that love them, and people they love, and jobs, and schedules to keep... I can go on, but no need to. Yo dude, you're not the center of the universe any more than every other person on the planet is!

This also reminds me of some of the comments left for Craig at his blog after he quit posting for a while. C'mon people! He's got a life, and he's VERY BUSY!! Give him a break! As fun as they are, even for those of us who are sensitive to the goings on in his life, there are more important things than humoring us with blog posts. Sheesh! :jk:

[Sparky]

That's why I gave up on having a guest book. People were just using it to demand that I post things on the site. Apparently most people prefer to use webforms to make requests than to just send an email; people keep using the forum's contact form to try and wheedle stuff out of me. Which makes it hard to reply when they don't actually give me their email addy...

[Sparky]

Of course not all emails I get regarding my site are negative..I just got an email from show writer Chuck Klein, who wrote/boarded Seeing Red, and I was able to tell him how that was the episode that made me a fan. ;D

[Ub3rD4n]

Wow, that's awesome! Tell him for me, too! In fact, perhaps you should make a list.....

[One Radical Dude]

That's awesome, chief! It's nice to have a positive email for a change! :)

[antgirl1]

Awwwws. :D

[duck2k]

I got something to say I have not said at all:

I really love this website, and I thank the Sparkster to appealing to my incessant child behavior, and the love of the show. When I found this place - it was (and still is) a goldmine of everything you wanted to know about Foster's but were afraid to ask. I have met some very interesting people here (whom I wished meeting at the ComicCon, but was unable to attend). I do not post very often here (because of my job and other outside activities), but I do enjoy visiting.

Again Sparky, thank you for a good home to run to when I feel abandoned out in the real world.:frankiesmile:

[Sparky]

I got something to say I have not said at all:

I really love this website, and I thank the Sparkster to appealing to my incessant child behavior, and the love of the show. When I found this place - it was (and still is) a goldmine of everything you wanted to know about Foster's but were afraid to ask. I have met some very interesting people here (whom I wished meeting at the ComicCon, but was unable to attend). I do not post very often here (because of my job and other outside activities), but I do enjoy visiting.

Again Sparky, thank you for a good home to run to when I feel abandoned out in the real world.:frankiesmile:

Dude, I totally didn't see this post until now, I either glanced at it when it was first posted and it didn't register because I was distracted or the forum didn't flag the thread as having new posts...anyways you're welcome. :terrsmile: I do my best. :D

Anyways I just sifted through all my saved emails thinking I had kept more of my bizarre correspondences regarding the Foster's site; I wanted to share some, but it looks like I wiped them last time I cleaned house or something. I do have a couple series of emails from some memorable characters and some incriminating printscreens of certain websites, but I don't want to re-start any wars so I won't drag that stuff back up. But it's sure been an interesting ride so far. ;)

[Cassini90125]

Heh, I'd love to see some of that stuff sometime. :bendy:

[Medikor]

That's wonderful that you got an e-mail from someone involved with something you love so much, Sparky. What really makes that e-mail seem special to me is that they took the initiative to contact you.
It's one thing to mail a celebrity and get a reply, but a celebrity went out of their way to tell you how they appreciate your love of their show. I'm sure the rewards you get from this site far out way the headaches you must get from maintaining it.;)

[Sparky]

I'm sure the rewards you get from this site far out way the headaches you must get from maintaining it.

To be perfectly frank, they don't. I'm sorry to say it but I want to be honest with you guys. You have no idea of the things I've had to deal with because of this website. I may quit some day, but I'll be sure to try and pass the site on to someone I trust first.

Anyways I've gotten emails from professionals before regarding my other sites, its not just this one. If you do more than just throw together a site which is mostly just links to other sites people will notice. It takes a lot of devotion to run a good site, and it's NOT a job for someone who just wants to do it for the "glory" or to be be popular or whatever. Sometimes I think this site is only as successful as it is because I view it at least as much as an actual job as I do a hobby. ;)

[duck2k]

Dude, I totally didn't see this post until now, I either glanced at it when it was first posted and it didn't register because I was distracted or the forum didn't flag the thread as having new posts...anyways you're welcome. :terrsmile: I do my best. :D

Anyways I just sifted through all my saved emails thinking I had kept more of my bizarre correspondences regarding the Foster's site; I wanted to share some, but it looks like I wiped them last time I cleaned house or something. I do have a couple series of emails from some memorable characters and some incriminating printscreens of certain websites, but I don't want to re-start any wars so I won't drag that stuff back up. But it's sure been an interesting ride so far. ;)

Don't worry Sparky, I have to apologize too, because I got miffed by the lack of response. I forgot what stress it is to run such a website (especially when it gets a surprise visit from the Foster creators), and not have time for everyone. I am quick to have contempt prior to investigation (a fault of mine which I constantly work on).:frankiesmile:

[Sparky]

Don't worry Sparky, I have to apologize too, because I got miffed by the lack of response.

:( I'm sorry, I didn't know that. I honestly hadn't even seen the post or, like I said, I may have actually "seen" it but it didn't register. :P

[Medikor]

No worries! You're only human, Sparky and I'm sure that if you needed it, most of us would be willing to help in some way. You gave us a wonderful site to get together with other fans of our favorite show.
I've been to a lot of nasty boards run by equally nasty mods in the past five or so years. I have been very lucky to make some great friends who guided me to some wonderful havens run by some of the nicest people you could ever meet online. "Sparky" happens to be one of the names at the top of my list hard working mods that would bend over backwards for you.
I guess I'm just trying to say "Thank You" for all the hard work that you put into this board. Because of your efforts we have a safe and friendly environment to talk about our common interests and you should really give yourself a pat on the back. I don't doubt that it's hard and frustrating to maintain a board like this but remember that your efforts don't go unappreciated.

[Sparky]

Lol, okay, thank you, and you're welcome. :terrsmile: But let's please not make this (or any other thread) into the "Let's all thank Sparky" thread, it makes me feel weird. I appreciate that y'all appreciate what I do, but I'd do it no matter what people say, and I don't like having my ego stroked, especially not in public. My ego is shy. And lives under a rock. ;)

[One Radical Dude]

To be perfectly frank, they don't. I'm sorry to say it but I want to be honest with you guys. You have no idea of the things I've had to deal with because of this website. I may quit some day, but I'll be sure to try and pass the site on to someone I trust first.

Anyways I've gotten emails from professionals before regarding my other sites, its not just this one. If you do more than just throw together a site which is mostly just links to other sites people will notice. It takes a lot of devotion to run a good site, and it's NOT a job for someone who just wants to do it for the "glory" or to be be popular or whatever. Sometimes I think this site is only as successful as it is because I view it at least as much as an actual job as I do a hobby. ;)

Whether you choose to quit or not, I'll totally respect your decision. I know it's been tough running the site, but you have done a brilliant job. :up:

[Nyo]

My ego is shy. And lives under a rock. ;)

Hah don't sweat it, my ego is the same way. :bloocross:

Anyway, I suggest ignoring negative e-mails.

[Sparky]

Got a new one today from another person thinking I run Big Fat Awesome House Party:

your not letting me play, I used my password and it is telling me that it is invalied.

Oh noez, I'm not letting her play! I'm such a meanie! :jk: She might have tried giving me a return email addy that works too so I could explain this is only a fansite; but since she didn't she gets mocked here. :P

[Frankie_4_Prez]

I'd say the age of the people who write these things might have a lot to do with their content... just think of them as Cheese #1, Cheese #2, and so on. Point, laugh, and move on.

Now here's a question to ponder about, what would Frankie Foster do? She does run the "official"/adoption site in her world, after all.

[Fomalhaut]

I just have one thing I worry about... I know I might seem stupid, but now that Foster's gonna be over, I just hope this forum and site will stay.

[Sparky]

I honestly don't know why people are worried about the site staying open...I belong to fansites for shows that have been over for 20+ years! I don't see any reason to delete the site, or even just the forum. Perhaps if it attracts less traffic, I can even save some money by switching to a hosting package with less bandwidth. This site's package is three times the size of theneitherworld, and I have like a DOZEN sites on there. ::) Lol.

[One Radical Dude]

I honestly don't know why people are worried about the site staying open...I belong to fansites for shows that have been over for 20+ years! I don't see any reason to delete the site, or even just the forum. Perhaps if it attracts less traffic, I can even save some money by switching to a hosting package with less bandwidth. This site's package is three times the size of theneitherworld, and I have like a DOZEN sites on there. ::) Lol.

I see. Well, it makes me feel better to hear you say something like that. :)

[Sparky]

I...didn't realise even the staff thought I'd shut the site down just because the show is over...This is the only fansite I've ever run for a show that was currently airing, I have more experience running fansites for shows that are long over! This will simply in time become another one of those. As far as the site goes I am GLAD the show is ending, maybe we'll get less psychos in here, lol.

[duck2k]

Well Sparky,

I have mixed emotions about the fate of Foster's. On one hand, I agree it is time to end and look forward to what Craig and Co. will do next. About the psychos visiting your site, that will never end; psychos visit fan sites of shows that are long gone as well. On the other hand, I wish the show could run a couple of more seasons. They mentioned it was hard to keep the show original without repeating themselves. Why not hire new writers, or writers from Nickolodeon (their humor is just as twisted as CN). Anyway that is my 2 cents. :frankiesmile:

[Partymember]

As far as the site goes I am GLAD the show is ending, maybe we'll get less psychos in here, lol.

LOL 8D

[Lynnie]

Well, uh, this is kind of getting off topic but I must say that I too am glad to hear the forum isn't going to be going anywhere any time soon. :smed: And although I know there will always be kooks to join, I agree that they should diminish once the show ends, so they'll hopefully just be fewer and farther between. That much is good, especially knowing the stuff you guys have had to deal with the last week or two. ::)

I hope you know how appreciated it is by all of us. Because it is. ;)

[Sparky]

Well, WE appreciate those of you who haven't lied to us about one thing or another or didn't care about the whole site possibly having to come down just so your under-13 butt could sit in the chatroom. :jk: So most of you, thank you. :terrsmile: 8D

[Fomalhaut]

I am glad to hear that too - I don't know what I was thinking. :) Thank you.

[Sparky]

Somebody just posted on one of my Foster's vids (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNMgCJPC85I#GU5U2spHI_4) on YT:

33 years old and a fan of fosters? How #$%@ sad.

Eh? :terrconf:

edit: It honestly looks like they registered just to post that, too. Someone we banned, maybe.

[Cassini90125]

I think registering just to post something like that is even sadder. :P

[taranchula]

Probably just another troll, I too have to deal with jerks like that once in while on Youtube.

Best to put them on the ignore list. But not before pointing out how sad it is that a 98 year old (check his profile) is taking the time to rag on one of the favorite programs of someone who is more then half their age. :jk:

[Lynnie]

What the...?? Yeah, sounds like a troll just trying to ruffle some feathers. Just ignore them, they're not worth anyone's time or energy. We're never too old to like cartoons. Never ever ever ever ever ever!! :smed:

[One Radical Dude]

Sounds like someone hasn't finished high school, yet. :P What a waste of time to do something like this person did.

[jekylljuice]

He signed up only to post that and he has the nerve to call you sad? Tsk, trolls. Can't live with them, can't throw them back under the bridge from whence they came. :wiltyeahright:

At the very least, there is a nice friendly delete button you can always press if you want to show these young raggamuffins the contempt which they truly deserve.

[Medikor]

You can just tell that that comment was from one of those Internet tough guys who can't stand up for themselves in person. Just ignore that turkey and don't let it bother you.

[Ditchy McAbandonpants]

You know, I'm going to go against the grain here, and say that I wholeheartedly agree with this anonymous kook. The only reason we're criticizing him is because we know he's right; he's right about Sparky, about Foster's, about us all. What lies we've been living! What a sham it's all been! :'(

Thank goodness, then, for "videowhammer", who has opened my eyes with his wise and utterly unsought counsel. His blunt retort, incorrectly punctuated and partially censored though it was, managed to convey more truth in its concise eleven-word, fifteen-syllable length than most men express in a lifetime; thanks to this flash of clarity from an anonymous source who no-one either knows or respects, I now feel that I can comfortably renounce my childish ways and go on to live as rich and full a life as "videowhammer" undoubtedly does. Farewell, my friends; I hope that you can one day find the peace that I have. :)

Hallelujah!

[Ub3rD4n]

"By the way, that last sentence was in MASSIVE sarcasm quotes"
-GLaDOS, Portal



Whoops, is this not the quote thread? How do I keep doing that?