The point that I was trying to make, though, is that while you give others the surprise of something like that you inevitably leave many others out. I'm sure you realise that and I'm sure that something else has been said on the matter.

I just didn't want to be misunderstood.

I remember the honor of my tag, and that truely was years old. Tags are fun and when they're used as rewards they really rock! That is why I like option 1.

Ok first...AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I seriously love my tag

See!! This proves my point so much! When I first saw my tag, I got all gitty and couldnt wipe the smile off my face

But I looooooove the idea that of having a thread open during a holiday and requesting them as presents for other people. That keeps the suprise and the gittyness (That is so not a word, but it is now ). This is a great idea. Whoever came up with it is a genuis!

Thank you for my tag!!!

Um, are you sure I was around for this for siggies with Valentine's Day? Cause I don't remember; either that or I was overlooked... Which brings me to mention of the TP, where you say majority of random tags get given out. I've been relatively active in the TP since about the end of last summer, I think... and yet, I've never gotten a random tag. Now, I don't mean to sound like I'm complaining or anything. of course, it might be as you said, that maybe I just know the admins too well and that's why Not that I'm concerned; when it's earned, I guess it will come.

Then again, as I had joked with someone on here who also had a full load of "official tags", we decided that maybe we were just "official peeps". I even made a graphic for us

But yes, I do LOVE that idea of "give a tag, get a tag"...

Oh yea, and no matter what happens as a result, of course I'm glad that you guys are giving us the opportunity to vote on such a matter - which appears to need some middle ground, the way things look now

<333

I mean I guess I need to say something here. First off I am in no way upset about the tags thing! So please don't take anything Ive said as me being upset that I never got one or anything. And please don't take this as me moaning and complaining so that I can get a tag. That wasn't my intention at all. Please don't take it that way. I'm sorry if I came off that way.

I didn't mean to make anyone, especially the admins feel that they are hurting ANYONE'S feelings with their random tag. Please, please don't think thats what i intended to do.

I mean I can totally see the thrill of getting something random! I can see it. It feels good to know that someone is paying attention to the things that you are doing on here and that they want to reward you for all your hard work.

On the other hand it hurts a little when you are doing the same work as someone else and you don't get anything. That's all I'm saying. But I will shut up now! I just wanted to throw in my two cents into the discussion. Ok I'm going to stop talking about it before I hurt someone else's feelings! Sorry!

Voted already

Okay, first of all, I see some admins went on a tagging spree in the past day or so. Hooray for new tagged peoples!

Second, I had NO IDEA you could put smileys in tags! That's AWESOME!

Third, I REALLY like Kris' proposal about the Christmas "give a tag, get a tag" or whatever it was called. Just the other day, I asked an admin (who shall remain nameless so they don't get flooded with PMs) to give one of my friends here a tag because she'd been around for a while and was feeling kind of down and out about not having a tag and VOILA! She had a tag, and it was beautiful and glorious and she was super excited, which made me feel really good on the inside. So if there were to be a request thread of sorts, I would rather people request for others rather than request for themselves. It'll make SS full of the warm and fuzzies.

*sigh* No comment....

I saw that too!! And I think its wonderful that people who have no tags are getting random smilies as tags! That is really kool!! Three cheers for Admin/Mods!

I seriously love this idea! I know Ive already said this, but Its Genuis! And it still brings the suprise and gitty feeling!

For somebody who is totally Pro-#1, I see this as a great compromise It still leaves room for the suprise, and people are able to request (even if its not for themselves) I see this as a great way to go.

You dont have to go with what I say , But if this was in the poll I would of chosen it

See, I still stick with #1 for an entirely different reason xD

Tags are a little messy to put in, with all the coding because you have the image tags (like Hufflepuff, Aurors, Quidditch Captions, ect) and the rest of the tags mess up the coding a little. Mods can't do tags, and not all admins do tags either.

The thing with options 2 & 3 is that I think they'd be uselessly stressful on the few admins that know how to do it. Especially #3, of having an amazing influx of people popping up 4 times a year requesting tag changes like crazy. It's just, a lot O_O its like submitting your siggy only once a year, EVERYONE would go, right? Except a tone of people can change siggies, while not so many can change tags.

That influenced my decision a lot too..

I still like the idea of tag's being given out at random, because to me, the tags are spunky little surprises. They're fun, they're silly, and most of all, they make great little surprises. If you could ask for a tag, it kind of loses that special, elusive quality, because then it's what YOU're choosing, and while that's fun and all, it's more fun to see what OTHERS give you. Like being gifted!

I actually never received my first tag until we could request them during one of the Potter Christmases, but even still, I didn't get to request color or what it said. You gave a few things about yourself and then Ern would give you a tag. It was still a surprise. I suppose something like that could be allotable once again, but I still stand firmly by my grounds that random tagging is much more fun. It used to be that the tags were rare and special and deemed something extraordinary.

You shouldn't feel BAD because you don't have a tag, though. It doesn't make you any less special than anyone who HAS received one. Really, a lot of people get a tag for personality quirks, someone having said something funny. I've noticed that some Admins will prowl through the TP and hand out a tag for something said or done, or they'll browse through the school. Really, it's all a matter of your personality.

Random tagging may seem like it's favouring some and leaving out others but really, it's not like that. Besides, if we were tagging everyone, would you feel so special when you finally DID receive one?

Oh Touz said she hands out most of HER tags in the TP, not that that's where most of them are handed out. I'd say the TP is one of the last places where random tags are given out in general. Most of the tags I give are because I see someone doing something silly or fun or they mention something to me or someone requested it for them. I don't go in the TP so my random tags are almost never handed out there.

Secondly, I really thank everyone for their concern over the admins' sanity. We have actually taken the workload into consideration so, vote for what you want and let us worry about the stress. I think, in the end, it'll be some sort of compromise of some sort and we might even have another poll (though don't tell Touz I said that cause I don't know if she actually has one planned )

I agree with my adopted-mommy!!! I kinda think that thewy should be earned, but its also like will I ever get a tag?? But in the end, its like, Tags are fierce, but SS and the friends I made here are Fiercer!!

I just wanted to pop in and say CONGRATS to those of you who recently got tagged!!! Isn't it just thrilling?!?

I also wanted to say, in regards to the new thread posted about "post bit colors," thank you soooooo much for getting that up and running for us! You are amazzzzziiiinnng!!!!!

Also, I looooved this debate! It was interesting to come on and participate/read other's thoughts.

Yeah. Since this thing is so inconclusive (and might I add totally way far from what I had thought would happen - I thought it'd be between Option 2 and 3, not a huge mass with 1 O_o) we'll probably do another poll. I personally (and maybe I'm biased) am fond of the "Tag Tuesday" where we give out random tags - but on specific days (ensures randomness + guarantee of tags AND changes things without changing the spirit of said things). Hum. But, maybe () we can have said "Give a tag, get a tag" (or some variation that doesn't make my brain hurt to think about) in an up and coming event.

And yeah, The TP is where *I* give out tags mostly. I'm a TP kind of gal, even though I don't get much time in there. It's where *I* enjoy, so that's where my tags go. Sue me? haha *thumps people*

Oh and you nins stop apologizing to me and the admins! If we were offended by something you said, you'd know it. It takes more than a strong opinions about tags to get me riled.

Jess: It was the siggy exchange. Maybe it was longer ago than I thought and you weren't around for it. *shrug* I can see the give a tag, get a tag thing being like the TP Secret Santa, too. *rubs beard*

PS: Touz <3 you. You. All of yous. hehe

Mods, thanks for the tweak in my user title. i like this one so much better

and for allowing us the freedom to tweak our own post bit coloring. yay a new toy for us to play with. that should keep us kids quiet in the back for... a few weeks?

Mods Rock. "Nuff said.

Oh boy. You people are evil. Making us go and chose... what if some of us are indecisive?

Of course I love the randomness, I mean, it makes me feel special that an admin would even THINK to tag me with "Mickey Gee!" since it was so long ago that it happened... and "Magical Reader".. well I don't even know where that one came from, or why, lol.

but there are some tags that I've had that were just so dear to me, I'd love to be able to request them back (which, by the way, did you set a limit on how many tags can be requested at a time?), but of course, that DOES take the fun out of tags... But I'd probably go for option 2, because over the next year or slightly less I'm going to have unpredictable internet time and if I thought of a good tag I wouldn't be able to request it when I thought of it, and I'd forget. That is, if I went with requests, because I like it how it is now, too...

Great. I'm actually going to have to think this one over. Lol seriously...

EDIT:
I just had a thought: What if we had something that was unlike all of them? Of course the randomness would still be there, and if you WERE allowed to request them, but not for yourself? If the request thread was open for everyone (qualified or at certain times, still not sure) to request a tag for their friend, anonymously? Like during the contest things when you post and the posts are hidden from everyone except Mod/Admin view, you could do that with requesting tags. That way it's still special, and still fun with requesting, and the randomness is still there because the members wouldn't know who the tag came from, but it would definitely be personalized to themselves.

There. It doesn't get me any closer to voting, but it gets my opinion out there.

EDIT AGAIN:
Dang. I see I was a bit slow on having this idea, lol. Oh well, I still like it. And I can claim it as my own because I thought of it before I read it in Kelvin's post.

EDIT AGAIN AGAIN:
So I just went back and read 3 pages of debate. This isn't a popularity contest, tags aren't about being in a secret 'club' or anything, that's just ridiculous. I admit, before I got my first tag I felt kinda, unloved, because everyone around me(in the TP waaay back in January 2006) was getting tags, but they'd been members for longer, their personalities were more out in the open on this site.

My first tag came from dear, sweet Cat, (Kitty Loves Steps) requesting it for me in the Christmas tag give-away thing. I just foundout over the past year that she was the one who requested "Has Snuffed It!" for me. It was special, because it appeared one day randomly, the sameday as my SBFC Activities Officer tag, so I knew it was from someone withinthe SBFC, but nothing more. The warm tingly sensation inside just made me feel special, and personally, the requesting of one's own tags would take away that special feeling. I loved my random tag, and was very sad when it got taken away.

One of my other tags, "Busted Custard!" came from talking to Dainsie in the TP while she was on Bedtime Patrol, lol. Tags aren't a popularity contest, they don't make members any more special, it really just means that a) admins were feeling spontaneous, b) you've let your personality show on the site enough that admins know the perfect tag for you, c) someone who loves you very much requested it for you, or d) you happened to say something funny while an admin was around.

Mostly, too, the tags that I've seen people with comes from them being active on the site, like my first one. I was being active in the SBFC every day on SS and I was an addict (not that I'm not now, I'm just preoccupied), and so naturally my first tag was Sirius related.

Advice for tagless folk: Hold your heads up high that you aren't whining [I am not accusing anyone here] of not having a tag, and just keep on being active, because then you'll recieve the most perfect random tag and you'll be all warm and fuzzy inside and you'll feel GREAT about yourself and very loved.

I don't really want to vote, because if I could, I'd vote for: "Special occasion request thread where you can only request tags for other members."

I would like one, im always slightly jealous, but i do haev agony aunt there, i just wish it was in blod and blue. Dumbledore gave me it years ago, for helping out.

I think everyone should get one if the are loyal SS's. but option 3 is best.

Em!

Of course it isn't a popularity contest. But, it could seem that way, especially for a new SSer, I think, since they're only given out as officer titles and as gifts now. You see noobs asking about them all the time in the Newbie Forum, and they'll ask if they can request one, and then they're told that sometimes they can be requested but not right now and you should never ask for one because the admins will bite you so just wait for the possibility of getting one (and I'm pretty sure the admins get a PM or two from someone asking anyway). To someone just getting to know the site, it can look that way. Just perspective is all

Ok, one last point and then I will be done.

We are all in agreement that the tags are pretty cool. It's fun to get them as a surprise so why not surprise every member at some point and give them a tag?

I still maintain that people do feel left out. Because there are some who don't like the TP. Some who are shy even when it comes to RolePlay and that's no fault of theirs.

So ... Either surprise the members with at least ONE unique tag at some point ... or get rid of them altogether perhaps.

that was a hard choice, but im good with what i picked!! I agree with kimstar18 you should either surprise them or get rid of them it is like a popularity contest, if you are not seen or heard from too often then you won't get a tag, but if your out there and everyone knows you you wil. so i think they should give everyone tags at some point, get rid of them of even go with the third choice where anyone can get one.

I stopped reading at about page 3, so if this has already come up, punch me

I've NEVER had a surprise tag. I requested my "The Beast" tag from Rhea and she gave it to me 'cos she rules like that. My other two are FC tags.

I think surprise tags are fun, but I'm going to crusade on behalf of those members who slip under the radar a tad (like me, methinks.) For example, When I first came back on SS after an extended leave of absense, I felt so left out because I didn't have a tag, and I felt that the people who did have tags must be more popular or something. I guess I felt a bit excluded out of the "tag" club. Now that may just be me, but I can understand the feeling if people are feeling a bit sad that they haven't got a tags or have never had a surprise tag. It feels like some kind of popularity contest when you haven't got a tag and everyone else around you has.

It's hard to get especially noticed on a site this big, and I think requestable tags would make members who don't have surprise tags to feel better that they have something on their profile to feel good about, rather than it just being blank. Rather than feeling that they have to work hard to be liked or noticed to get a surprise tag, which I don't think anybody should have to do, they could request one that is personal to them, which would get people interested in their personality.

I know surprise tags aren't about your popularity or anything, but it can feel that way. So I'm crusading for the requesting, to make everyone feel included.

I can understand the thrill of getting a surprise tag, and I'm in no way angry/bitter/upset/annoyed that I've never had one. Please don't take it that way. It's just nice to have everyone included in something. Yeh, that's it

Phew.

Not that I'm implying that anybody leaves anyone out on SS, by the way. Oh, you know what I mean.

I hope I haven't offended anyone...

to everyone

I agree with InTheirBadnessReign. I've never had a surprise tag. The only ones I have are my Keeper ones. And I'm not even the RLFC Events officer anymore. I understand that there is an outstanding number of members on this site. And Kudos to the MODs for keeping it up and running. But some of us have slipped through the cracks. I think that a request would be alright. I mean sure it isn't random, but if the member wants the tag then they are choosing the non-spontaneous route. I don't know. I think that there should be a request thread at least for those who don't have one.

Oh man guess who is back?? Me!

I think the Mods are coming to a compromise where like on special days people can request tags for other people This still leaves the member suprised and it gives the chance for people who dont have a tag to get one.

But like many people have pointed out. You dont have to RP in the school or be in the TP everyday to get a tag. I saw a member the other day have one that says "FanFic Fan" She got it for reading FFs a lot. I know Tina got a tag for being in Zonkos the game thread all the time.

So they all dont revolve around the TP and RolePlays. Im not going to say some dont come from there, but a lot of people do hang around in both places. So if a rule was forced that tags cant be given out in the TP or from RPs, then that just kills a lot of chances for anybody to get a tag.

I understand if somebody is shy and doenst want to go in either of the places. Nobody is forcing anybody to go anywhere just to get a tag. There are other places for one to get a tag

When you say get rid of that tags all together I want to cry.
This just isnt a fair option at all. So just because one member is too shy to go anywhere, you think we should get rid of the tags all together? This doesnt make it fair for the other members who show personality. Im not just looking at it for the personality members. I see that it could make a shy member upset for not having a tag.

I always try to see both ways when it comes to this argument

So I can see that the shy members win if there are no more tags. But what about the other half of the site who are random and always talk to everybody? Do they win? No.

But I understand why it is not fair for the members. But the Mods are working on a compromise to the poll. So we may be getting what we both want I trust the Mods when it comes to things like this

Ok I also see what you are saying also

But the Mods have repeated many times its not a popularity contest. They give them out based on personality or something funny that was said. They watch everything. They are like the all mighty ones They see and hear everything and that is how members are tagged.

So to get a tag a member has to give the Mods something to work with. If somebody is just posting one or two words around SS, that doenst give the Mods much to work with. What kind of tag are they suppose to give you? (Im not saying you as in you particularly I mean in general) They have to be able to know something about you to give you a tag. That is what makes a Tag so special. It is something that suits you and only you.

hello i'm back again heh.

i just wanted to say thank you to whoever gave me the second title. i'm flattered

a little favor though? will it be ok to bold face both user titles? i like the colors (they're my house colors natch! ), but they're both a little hard to read, specially the second one, cuz the color is very light (silver/ grey).

thats all. thanks so much again!

Woot. Voted. Wonder how the end results turn out.