Many people have talked about trolls and how awful they can be. But what of the wise, nice, thoughtful poster? I propose that certain people be voted as Disciples of the Dragon in honor of the sincerity and dedication to THIS forum.

OUR FIRST DISCIPLES HAVE BEEN ELECTED:

Pooldude256,
Humblenewb,
Ddendong116

The disciples may choose between

By: _Nalesnik_

or

By: Raienbrasa

AND FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT MAKE THE RANK OF DISCIPLE BUT STILL WISH TO SHOW YOUR OWLISM:

By: The_White_Lotus

*NOTE* When a disciple chooses between the icon or the user bar, they will receive it via PM by the artist, personalized with their 'name' on it.

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Here are some answers to some questions asked. Hopefully this helps.

Q: How do you become an official Disciple of the Dragon?
A: On the first day of every other month, nominations will be sent in for the next disciple. Then, we will vote for the top 5 of these nominations. These 5 will go on to a secondary voting stage, which will take place as a poll. the top THREE winners of this poll will be awarded the rank of disciple.

Q: So the title is temporary and switches out each month or so? Or, once elected as DD, you remain a DD?
A: You remain a Disciple for as long as you earn it. After the voting for who will become a new Disciple at the beginning of EVERY OTHER month, there will be vote to see if anyone thinks a current Disciple needs to have his or her status revoked. While we cannot go in and remove their icon, their name will be posted here so that everyone knows that they are no longer a Disciple. If they continue to keep the icon, not only will they be publicly shunned, but they will never be accepted for nomination again.

Q: People could easily steal the icon. How will we prevent this?
A: This is a big concern. However, when an icon is voted on, my associates and I will discuss with the artist how to keep the picture safe. On a side note, the winner will be able to have this icon in their sig at all times, albeit with "creator" somewhere on it.

Q: can good trolls be owls, like reflectthestorm, or nicasso, i think they are very deserving, they entertain us with their off-topicness but never insult anyone.
A: I believe that this is the very problem i am trying to fix. they were only known as trolls because there was no other term to use. there is no such thing as a good troll. only trolls and owls. so yes, they are owls.

Q: I'm thinking a lot about what I'm posting.. Always.. But at some threads, I don't really know what to do.. For instance.. The adult Avatar thread is funny at some points.. but really sick at some other points.. If I respond to anything there or join in on the humor.. I wonder how far I could go.. I mean.. It's always fun and jokes but I feel uncomfortable if I join in on the fun somehow.. A: I see your dilemma, and it is one that many people who are trying to do good in the world face. Just how bad is bad? Can I still have fun while adhering to the restrictions of kindness? While I cannot answer life's problems, yours is a bit simpler. As long as the fun is not directed to make fun of a person, race, religion, etc. than I see it as ok. But if someone gets offended, then you should back off. I hope this helps.

Q: why 'owl'?
A: In all the fairy tales and ancient lore, the owl is the one people respect and go to for advice. Those are the qualities that define an Owl; you are respected for the good you do, your knowledge, and your politeness. Also, by Tomitan's great suggestion, it now also stands for the Order of the White Lotus.

- A note on the voting process. - The nominations will be held for the first 2 days of EVERY OTHER month, in THIS thread. You will post who you think is Disciple worthy. Then, the nominations will close, and the voting will begin, lasting 2 days. After 2 days, the top five will go onto a POLL vote also on THIS thread. This voting will go on for 1 day, and the top 3 will be given the rank of Disciple. The icons will be distributed. The whole process takes 5 days. The next day is when the nominations for impeachment will be held. This process will take FOUR days, on THIS thread. The first day is for nominations. The second day is the voting. Anyone with 15 or more votes against them will be impeached. Those impeached will have 2 days to remove their icon before their candidacy for future nominations is revoked. Their names will be posted HERE on THIS POST.
Exceptions: The only time the voting process will take place outside of this thread is when I am not available and my associates host it. In this case, the voting will proceed as usual until it comes time for a poll. Then the poll will take place in a thread with the title "Official Disciples of the Dragon Nomination Poll".

-I believe that to be a Disciple, most everyone needs to know who you are for the GOOD that you have done. this will NOT be a popularty contest. Also, becoming a Disciple takes time.

-Also, just to clarify, an Owl is just the standard term, like troll. but a Disciple is special, and specific to this forum

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Major Edit: Voting for nomination for Disciple will be held EVERY OTHER month. Thank You!

I would like to thank, for their support of this idea from its very birth on a remote (and now seemingly extinct) topic,

Elementavatar14,
HumbleNewb,
Zukofangirl2006,
Mysterodragon23
and, of course,
Pooldude256

and anyone else I have forgotten! Thanks for all your support!

(*I will update THIS post as much as possible so you dont have to go searching through the thread for answers*)

(*If you have any questions as to what a Disciple of the Dragon is, you can pm me.*)