The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien - The One Ring

by **GandalfStormcrow** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 3:27 pm

Not that I usually make a habit of posting twice in a row, but I think this is worthy. Here I'll post a reply I made last night in the One Ring forum in regards to a complaint about the announcement on chat threads. This pretty much covers what I feel about spam and how quickly or slowly a thread travels. "As far as the adopters go, we exist to help the new folk make it through the existing cliques and enjoy their TORC experience, not create new ones as you've implied. I was overjoyed to hear that I had been accepted as an adopter, but not because I'd have my own happy little group of lemmings. I heartily enjoy this site and want to do everything I can to help other newer folk enjoy it just as much. If you'll notice, most if not all adopter's conversation threads also include an "all welcome" type phrase. Mine is called "A Conversation Thread for Stormy's Adoptees Et Al." I made it quite plain that others who are non-adoptees are more than welcome in the main adoption thread and the conversation thread alike. Several well-respected posters have popped their heads in there to help the n00bs in my family feel more at home, seeing more names they'll see around the boards. They also pop in just to have a bit of fun, which I very much doubt the mods are in a hurry to stop. It's not so much a problem when a thread moves fast, the problem comes when the reason for the speed of the thread comes from the quality of posts. My conversation thread moves at a decent speed, but not a page out of the fifty plus that are there consists entirely of one or two line posts. Be the topic of the forum "off topic" or not, Jon's and Ted's purpose was not to create a chatroom. They started a message board, and they pay out of their pocket for the site's bandwidth. An excess of one or two line posts uses that bandwidth at a rate that is unfair to the site administrators, and I think out of respect for them we should consider that. When Lock-Bearer, IE, SJ, or any of the other mods try to do their job and monitor the site the and the way it is being used, I do not think it is fair to berate them for it. It was not until people began making sideways comments about fair or unfair treatment that one of the mods came into the MNT thread, and I think that says something. Every forum has undergone renovation at some point, and Talk should be no different simply because it is an "off-topic" forum. Sadly a good friend of mine was recently a casualty of spammy posting, even when he tried time and time again to tell the people posting in his thread to straighten up. The admins' and mods' intent is to keep things like that from happening again, so people do not get hurt. I would not presume to say that what happens in the MNT thread or my own thread or any other conversation thread is less valuable than anything else that goes on anywhere on this website. People meet, talk, and enjoy each others' company here, and that is one of the things that has kept me here for just over a year now. But when it deteriorates to a chatroom atmosphere, simply put it is in violation of the effort Jon and Ted and the mods put into this site. That is what the mods are trying to prevent, and it is their job to do so." If you want to read what others have said (There are only nine posts so far, it's very short at this point), you can find the thread in its entirety <a href='http://www.tolkienonline.com/thewhitecouncil/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=77208' target=_blank>here</a>.

by **grotecakes** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:25 pm

SHEEZAM! *checks glasses ta see if burnt a hole in em That's a whole heap of windy there poppa Stormy! But well worth it and understandable ...even ta an ol' grote! Almost made me forget Ah was gonna welcome somebody ... ummmmmm ... musta been a recent adoptee ... aaaaaaaa ... OH YEAH ... EXCELLENT ta see ya Anacrian! Ah knows me brothers n sisters n aunties n weird many times removed cousins will make you comfortable here! P.S. LAND-o-whatever ... ya be truly shameless! *doubts he even knows what aloof or hard ta get means ...

by **grotecakes** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:25 pm

SHEEZAM! *checks glasses ta see if burnt a hole in em That's a whole heap of windy there poppa Stormy! But well worth it and understandable ...even ta an ol' grote! Almost made me forget Ah was gonna welcome somebody ... ummmmmm ... musta been a recent adoptee ... aaaaaaaa ... OH YEAH ... EXCELLENT ta see ya Anacrian! Ah knows me brothers n sisters n aunties n weird many times removed cousins will make you comfortable here! P.S. LAND-o-whatever ... ya be truly shameless! *doubts he even knows what aloof or hard ta get means ...

by **grotecakes** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:29 pm

OK DAT WEREN'T ME FAULT! Ah's NOT trying ta pad me post numbers! Browser messed up n kept givin me error page! OK Ah's just loves ta hear meself speak ... but ta prove Ah ain't paddin me post tally ... OK DAT WEREN'T ME FAULT! Ah's NOT trying ta pad me post numbers! Browser messed up n kept givin me error page! OK Ah's just loves ta hear meself speak ... but ta prove Ah ain't paddin me post tally ... <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-devil.gif"border=0>

by **GandalfStormcrow** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 6:47 pm

LOL! If you get an error message, just refresh the page until you see if the site took your post or not, grotes. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Usually it does and you won't have to hit "done" more than once. But I just think you're trying to boost your post count. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0> And thanks for the compliment on my wordiness! If you'll notice, I have some ahem "l33t sk1llz" when it comes to polite debate. It's the two time youth pastor in me coming out. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0>

by **Jilbo_Baggins** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 7:15 pm

(Jil, you remind me a lot of a hobbit friend of mine.) NFElf, I do? Now you have me curious. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> I can understand what you're saying about the size of the Adoption Threads though, but with me I checked em all out and they seemed friendly enough, for some reason I was drawn here to Stormys..perhaps I should say guided..by a "Loopy" little star, whom I might add I keep missing in the Conversation thread, bad timing I guess. Anyway, it just felt right at the time, to come here. I'm really glad I'm here even if I get skittish and confuzzled sometimes. Its an added bonus to be the first!! LOL So thats my story..<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-rolleyes.gif"border=0> Grotes..You crack me up! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Thanks for all the info Stormy!

by **Mighty_Squid** » Fri Jan 23, 2004 11:22 pm

*Squiddy puts a fresh baked apple pie on the table and pats Stormy on the head* Just letting some of the newer new people know that although this is Stormy's Adoption thread, myself and other friendly oldbies (I'm over a year now <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0>) can answer any questions when Dadddy ain't around. I think the new 500ish post rule is a great way to help people feel included. Large threads are sometimes hard to keep up with. The beauty of being the "weird" aunt is that you don't need to make sense. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0> <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>

by **elfshadow** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 12:25 am

Welcome to TORC and the House of Stormy, anacrian!! It's wonderful to have you here boosting the size of our family, we're always more than delighted to have new members <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>! Jilbo, those were really good questions you asked. Ever since the "renovation" of the Talk thread has started going underway, I've been trying to be a lot more careful of spamming, but I find it very hard to keep up with the forums. I like to skim over every post and page so I can reply to what everyone has said in one or two posts. But also since I've been busy these past few days, it's been really hard to keep on top of everything going on here! And by the way, Jilbo, yes you (and all the rest <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0>) may certainly call me Elsha! It's actually the name of a character in a story I wrote, it was posted on the site several weeks ago. But I had joined a guild (the Anti-Penguin alliance, or Alliance for Those Gifted with a High Sugar Count <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-rolleyes.gif"border=0>) and one of my friends on the thread wanted a shorter way to type elfshadow. So I used Elsha because it's sort of a contraction of elfshadow, and takes less time to type <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0>!

by **Farawen** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 6:41 am

Stormy - *blushes* Thank you for your compliment. Coming from you, it really means a lot. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> I agree that smaller threads are probably more welcoming to newcomers than monster threads. I remember looking in here for the first time and thinking, "Oh Gawd, they don't expect me to read all 20+ pages of this before I can post, do they?" <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>

by **Freudo_Baggins** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 10:24 am

Greetings Family! My how things have changed, since last I stopped in. I'm not very familiar with spam so hopefully I'm not guilty of it. Hah! I noticed that many of you are visiting the Lucky Fortune Inn, so I hope you don't mind if I joined you there for a time. I'm right behind you Beertapgirl! I've been very busy of late so I thought a little rest and relaxation might do me a whole lot of good. Faith_Hawking I hope you don't mind terribly if I caught your eye. I figured that's what you were there for, a breath of fresh air..indeed! GandalfStormcrow I hope you are faring well! It seems our wonderful family continues to grow. Happy Happy Day! I'm off for some exploring. Have Fun Everyone! Welcome to all the latest family members. I hope you enjoy your TORC experience. Freudo HHD

by **Suzanne_Knight** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 11:58 am

Suilad family, Stormy: I'm a firm believer in supporting boards I frequent, and since I have decided to make a significant contribution to TORC via releventI hope posts and helping newbies, to say nothing of using bandwidth... an extra PM is not too much to give. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Pooooooor Grotes... pats him on the back while sliding the chain from his shoulder I keep telling you to let me take care of this burden...then you wouldn't be tripping over it so often. Ever think they might be JINXED links ... <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0> causing those Errors? Freudo Baggins (love the nameplay)... Faith would be delighted to attend to your needs shortly. She is there to serve and assist in any way needed. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> As for the 500 page change: Stormy has a valid point, sometimes volume can be intimidating. A newbie may get the sense of being lost in the shuffle. Especially those new to the whole scene of message boards, etc. I must commend those whom choose to be Official Adopters. It is obviously a labor of love, patience and takes a special type of personality. Tenna telwan san' Suzanne

by **grotecakes** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 2:18 pm

ACK! The vampy wench be tryin ta steal me steel! And for your information ... me lengthy links may occasionally bounce off an extra key upon me keyboard they be innocent of any more affensive errors than that!<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0> *runs back to better hiding place

by **GandalfStormcrow** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 4:50 pm

Hello everyone! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Just a quick check-in here, don't want people to think I'm neglecting my family or nothin'. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0> Farawen, credit where credit is due. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> And I'm off to run the boards, I'll be here if anyone needs me! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> ><>

by **NorthfieldElf** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 7:53 pm

Jil, the way you phrase things and the words you use remind me of my best friend. When you said "things directed at certain individuals" I could almost hear her saying it. Also how you are always concerned that you're doing something wrong, and then saying how silly you are for being so worried. My friend does things like that a lot. She can take a small incident and make herself very upset or convince herself that someone was very offended. She uses the phrase "I'm being ridiculous" a lot. She is quite hobbit-like, cheerful, helpful, and caring, and she's even short. Unfortunately she does not get along with the computer very well, especially not the internet, and she can't type very well. She finally got an email address, but I'm not too confident she'll use it frequently. BTW Stormy I laughed when I saw that you changed the title of the chat (or should I say conversation<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0>) thread. We adoptees really appreciate how much you care about us and this site.<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Grotecakes, may I ask what a grote is exactly? I get an error message every single stinkin' time I post. But I learned quickly after my first DP that my posts do indeed go through. I now know that I don't even need to wait for the error message to come up. I watch the little window that tells how many bytes have been sent/received, and when it comes to a halt (a long time before the error message finally appears) I reload the page or go on to the next thread I want to read. Hi weird Auntie Squiddy! Can I call you Auntie instead of Aunt? I've called all my aunts "Auntie" since I was little, and I STILL do to this day! You'd think I'd have outgrown that by now, but I just can't get out of the habit.<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Thanks for the pie! It's my absolute favorite dessert! Hey Freudo and Elsha! ~NFElf

by **grotecakes** » Sat Jan 24, 2004 9:26 pm

<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Ah'll be GLAD ta explain what a "grote" be ... tis an abbreviation of "grotecakes" <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0> Ah stole da name from a line of Porgie Tirebiter's of Firesign Theatre fame! LOOOOOOOONG story but there are many comedy albums/CDs by them. Mostly it be OLD fogey stuff!

by **Suzanne_Knight** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 8:51 am

Suilad Nosse, Simply checking in to see how the Adoption thread is doing and if there have been any new victi..... errrrrrr orphans. Anyhoooooo.. If anyone needs me for anything, just shout. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Awwwwwwwww Grotey, Even OLLLLLLLLLLLLD sweeties need huggies once in a while <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> ((((((((((((((HUG))))))))))))))). sneaks a tiny nibble <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Tenna telwan san' Suzanne

by **Aislinn** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 10:06 am

Good Tidings, GandalfStormcrow! I was reading through here and I discovered that this Humble Abode appears to contain many of the latest role players in The Lucky Fortune Inn. I would love to park myself here if you don't mind, in case I have questions. I'm still and ever in need learning when it comes to things such as this. This appears to be a wonderful family. In fact, I feel like I know you all already! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0> I would appreciate any comments or criticisms when it comes to my role-play capabilities and my writings. I'm sure that it would help me. I thank you all, in advance. Farewell! Until we meet again that is. I bid you all Irish Blessings of joy and contentment! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>

by **Landatauro** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:15 am

Bright Blessings to you Aislinn. May This humble scoundral be the first to tip his hat and say welcome to TORC. *bows, takes her hand and brushes her knuckles with a kiss.* Seems our esteemed leader is occupied elsewhere at the moment, though he's sure to appear before too long. If I may be so bold, in LFI, would thee lady take offense if this rascal of dubious character asked to join the flaming tressed Aislinn for a bit of conversation over a round or two of the house best ale? By your leave, mi'lady, until then. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0>

by **elfshadow** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:28 am

Welcome to TORC, Aislinn!! Glad you made your way to Stormy's adoption house, it's definitely the best house by far <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif"border=0>! Come by our <a href='http://www.tolkienonline.com/thewhitecouncil/messageview.cfm?start=0&catid=24&threadid=75442' target=_blank>Chat Thread</a> and introduce yourself to the family over there. We're all lots of fun to talk to <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>!

by **Gilraen7** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:01 pm

Hi everyone. I am Gilraen7...I am new to this site, but not new to BB's. This place is huge! Not sure where to go etc., just looking at the moment. Am not a premier member as of yet. I have really enjoyed the films, and hope that Peter Jackson does the Hobbit as well. I read the books in college and now my son is reading them in middle school, so I get to enjoy them all over again! I have a few questions, if you have a minute. How does one access the sig lines, and other avatar-like things in the sidebar? Don't see where to do that at present. Also, any idea what the average age is here? Just looking around, I would guess 18-30. Is that about right? It's not important, just want to know how elderly I should feel in all this! (lol). Thanks for your time. Am awaiting my extended version dvds via UPS....can't wait to see those! ciao.

by **grotecakes** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:12 pm

ACK dat vampy wench bit me! Tryin' ta steal me chains ... and now me BLOOD! Guess there ain't no good hidin' place from her! And TWO new folks ta welcome! WELCOME ta both Aislinn and Gilraen7! Certain that pops Stormy will make it official soon enough.

by **Jilbo_Baggins** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 5:25 pm

Welcome Hugs to Gilraen7 and Aislinn! Yes, as soon as you get Premiere Membership you can add titles and siggies and stuff. I'm new myself so I won't try and answer too many questions, I'll leave it to the experts. Someone should be along soon. Stormy, our daddy, or a helper. I can say that I am over that age range. I'm not sure of the average. Grotes! Good to see you here so often! So you gonna RP or not? NfElf Great big huggles to you, you are so very perceptive! I often wonder at you're age, you seem very wise. I'm starting to feel much more comfortable because of great family like you, and all my other bros, sisses, and other relatives and helpers, and Stormy, of course! Elsha and Rinon More Thanks! Huggles.... Aunt Squiddy Thanks for the pie! Jil <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>

by **Loopy** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 6:07 pm

hi Jilbo, Stormie and everyone. how are you? <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> welcome Gilraen7 to this beautiful family. Hope you enjoy your stay <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>

by **grotecakes** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 7:24 pm

Jil ... RP? Ya sayin' Ah's RiPped me pants or what? Gots several of y'all wantin' da grote ta role play ... dis a conspiracy or somethin'? Not sure if'n da grote should play or perhaps write under another persona ... will eventually decide ... might oughta join that procrastintion guild ... someday ...

by **Gilraen7** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 9:02 pm

Thanks Loopy and others. Not sure how much I will be here, RL keeps intruding and all. Is there anywhere here that can teach what Elvish there is? I mean like pronunciation, and vocab. I would especially like to learn about the liguists on the movies and how they developed the dialogue etc. I would just like to be able to say one or two things in Sindarin or Quenya (I'm not picky! lol) Also, will swoon over Aragorn and Legolas a bit, but off to sleep now!

by **GandalfStormcrow** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 9:24 pm

Mae govannen (well met), Aislinn and Gilraen7! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Pleased to meet the both of ya. Please, make yourself at home and swing on over to the chat thread if you haven't already! <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Gilraen7, if you check out the Language forum you'll find an answer to just about every question you have about Sindarin and Quenya. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Aislinn, looking forward to reading your LFI post, glad to have you as part of the family! Namarie (farewell), Stormy ><> <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0><img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0> Oh yeah, I almost forgot. W00T W00T FOR ROTK!!!1 Won all four Golden Globes it was nominated for. Best Original Score for Howard Shore, Best Original Song for "Into the West," Best Director and Best Dramatic Motion Picture! ROCK!

by **LadyOfLorien** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 10:34 pm

Hey auntie mighty_squid,dragonking, and anacrian!!!!!!! official welcome landatauro<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif"border=0>!!!!!!!!! unofficial welcome faith_hawking, aislinn,and...hold on i know this... ummmm.. gilraen7 (ya know stormy hasnt added you yet, but who cares?)!!!!!!!!! *whispers to stormy you should add them (but shes actually talking to the wall<img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0>oops)* i really have to come on more often cause i keep having to go back and read every thing thats happened since i was last on. grotecakes: you can call me lol if you want. or you can call me lady. or whatever. oh yeah thanks stormy for answering (yet another) question and... ummm i forgot... i think <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> edit: this is the third edit and i want to ask:stormy do you contribute to the reading room? stormy(hey didnt there used to be a crying face or something??? oh well)!!!!!! my friends are too busy to join!!!!!!!!! *wahhhhhhhhh* they dont like me*wahhhhhhhh* well anyway bye lady

by **GandalfStormcrow** » Sun Jan 25, 2004 11:05 pm

LOL LadyOfLorien, believe it or not as much as I write on this website, none of it has been in the Reading Room. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> The crying smiley is done like so...: ' ( w/o spaces. And yes, I'm adding our two newcomers as we speak. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif"border=0>

by **Suzanne_Knight** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 4:58 am

Hail and Well Met Gilraen7, Hope you enjoy your time here in TORC. The family grows by leaps and bounds. <img src="http://www.tolkienonline.com/mb/i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif"border=0> Grotes: Yes dear heart, you must join the RP. Fabulous about ROTK...winning all four Golden Globes. I haven't had the opportunity to see it yet, Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa May everyone's day be productive and prosperous.!! Tenna telwan san' Suzanne

by **FinweGolodhFinwe** » Mon Jan 26, 2004 7:28 am

Hi there ! I believe you´ve got room for one more.

The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien - The One Ring

The Most Humble Abode of GandalfStormcrow

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