The edition you are currently reading is the 113th full edition. To read any older editions of HF News, please go here.
![[Image: jba1spITkcOXLN.png]](http://i.minus.com/jba1spITkcOXLN.png)
HackerCraft
The last week has undoubtedly been a busy one for our Administrator Omniscient as he has propelled himself into a new business venture that is closely tied to HackForums. Specifically, Omniscient has invested into a Minecraft "Faction" server dubbed "HackerCraft". The server, although it will not be attached in a business manner to HackForums, will be primarily vacated by members of the HackForums community along with an allotted subforum and award designated for users of the new server. The server is currently in an Open-Beta phase where anyone is wholeheartedly welcomed to participate in. As of right now, entry to the server is free of charge and according to Omniscient, the only things that will be paid will be donations and factions. On that note, factions are increasingly becoming hot commodity in the HackerCraft section which will surely lead to some good business possibilities once they are available for purchase! The server is planned to go into it's full version within the next week which surely many anticipate.
The Empire Fully Paid Off
One of the final official usergroups of HackForums has been fully paid off by Tibit yesterday. The statement was official when Omniscient tweeted "The Empire group is now fully paid for with a $0 balance due. Thanks to Tibit for making on-time payments." With official custom groups no longer being created, this occurrence will surely become more and more rare. Congratulations on Tibit for his group staying here for good.
HJT Recruitment Approaching
The highly anticipated event of the HiJackThis crew opening its doors to its training course and subforum is coming increasingly near. T3h Hack3r, the head leader of the HJT Team, created the "Hackforums HJT Training Program: Applications Thread" which will be used for the application process. This along with official statements from HJT Teachers stating that nearly everything is ready to go is leading to many twiddling their fingers and preparing themselves in anyway possible. All questions, concerns, or updates can currently be found here
New Award
As previously mentioned, Omniscient has implemented a new award that correlates with the new "HackerCraft" server that Omniscient has invested and spearheaded. Very little is currently known on how one would receive the award as the current description states "You cannot obtain this award yet. You can only drool at its beauty and elegance." Currently, only one member of Hack Forums has received this intriguing award whom goes by Third. The reason for him receiving the award was for creating the official logo of HackerCraft which can be found here. The award will surely become the center of speculation and talk as the server goes from Open-Beta to open.
![[Image: jHAVGLpCK2X3O.png]](http://i.minus.com/jHAVGLpCK2X3O.png)
User News
Fresh Prince, BELLAGIO and iDuL reached 1000 reputation points.
Chris resigned from Staff.
Repfucks
Bans
Awards
Group Leadership Changes
None.
![[Image: jC7Qf9JqwY96f.png]](http://i.minus.com/jC7Qf9JqwY96f.png)
Mr. Anderson - How Romney Failed the Entire Presidential Debate
Mr. Anderson - Mitt Romney Leads Us Into An Age Of Stupidity
The Merovingian - Julian Assange running for senator
malichi - Fact-checking the U.S. vice presidential debate
![[Image: juGD7pFSr607C.png]](http://i.minus.com/juGD7pFSr607C.png)
Interview - Ethereal
Interview - -Analog-
The last week has undoubtedly been a busy one for our Administrator Omniscient as he has propelled himself into a new business venture that is closely tied to HackForums. Specifically, Omniscient has invested into a Minecraft "Faction" server dubbed "HackerCraft". The server, although it will not be attached in a business manner to HackForums, will be primarily vacated by members of the HackForums community along with an allotted subforum and award designated for users of the new server. The server is currently in an Open-Beta phase where anyone is wholeheartedly welcomed to participate in. As of right now, entry to the server is free of charge and according to Omniscient, the only things that will be paid will be donations and factions. On that note, factions are increasingly becoming hot commodity in the HackerCraft section which will surely lead to some good business possibilities once they are available for purchase! The server is planned to go into it's full version within the next week which surely many anticipate.
The Empire Fully Paid Off
One of the final official usergroups of HackForums has been fully paid off by Tibit yesterday. The statement was official when Omniscient tweeted "The Empire group is now fully paid for with a $0 balance due. Thanks to Tibit for making on-time payments." With official custom groups no longer being created, this occurrence will surely become more and more rare. Congratulations on Tibit for his group staying here for good.
HJT Recruitment Approaching
The highly anticipated event of the HiJackThis crew opening its doors to its training course and subforum is coming increasingly near. T3h Hack3r, the head leader of the HJT Team, created the "Hackforums HJT Training Program: Applications Thread" which will be used for the application process. This along with official statements from HJT Teachers stating that nearly everything is ready to go is leading to many twiddling their fingers and preparing themselves in anyway possible. All questions, concerns, or updates can currently be found here
New Award
As previously mentioned, Omniscient has implemented a new award that correlates with the new "HackerCraft" server that Omniscient has invested and spearheaded. Very little is currently known on how one would receive the award as the current description states "You cannot obtain this award yet. You can only drool at its beauty and elegance." Currently, only one member of Hack Forums has received this intriguing award whom goes by Third. The reason for him receiving the award was for creating the official logo of HackerCraft which can be found here. The award will surely become the center of speculation and talk as the server goes from Open-Beta to open.
Fresh Prince, BELLAGIO and iDuL reached 1000 reputation points.
Chris resigned from Staff.
Repfucks
Bans
- Airon was vacation banned.
- Plutonium was banned for reputation abuse.
- Grammar Rays was banned for LQP.
- Curt. was vacation banned.
- Brandenx781 was banned for cross posting in the HJT section.
- Shekhar was banned for leaking.
- Fanatic was vacation banned.
- Gabber was banned for scamming.
Awards
- Minnesota Nice received the 24k award.
- Third received the Hackercraft award.
- Designer and Third received the Graphics Guru award.
Group Leadership Changes
None.
Mr. Anderson - Mitt Romney Leads Us Into An Age Of Stupidity
The Merovingian - Julian Assange running for senator
malichi - Fact-checking the U.S. vice presidential debate
Phytrix: Welcome to the 113th edition of the HF News Ethereal! As always, any shoutouts?
Ethereal: Just to all my buddies in TA who have helped me to be who I am today. Special thanks to Paradoxum who gave me the opportunity when I was lurking, despite the controversy and hate he received for it. Thanks to Viral Dragon and kudos to him for his dedication and hard work, and of course to his lovely wife, iceybunneh. Thanks to Coding.Smith who worked with me when I was new. Thanks to those who have worked hard in the Wiki Team and TA. Also, shoutout to my friend "CtrlAltxNinjax" who's recently come back to HackForums and is doing good graphic-based work for members.
Phytrix: Well, they're definitely some in-depth shoutouts! You're a relatively highly regarded member on HF currently. How were you introduced to the site, and what did you hope to accomplish?
Ethereal: As far as I remember, I was gaming with my friends a couple of years back, and we were getting screwed by a team far better than ours, but that also used hostbooters. I had a chat with one of them after, and he was telling me about HackForums and how I should sign up for free perks like his booter. I signed up and had a look around, but didn't do anything for the first month or so. Then I started looking into programming(my father made a career out of it) and began learning C#. For the first few months, I focused on C#, relevant mathematics and cryptography, and spent time working to help people in relevant sections. I hoped to learn and make a few friends to work with.
Phytrix: Looking at your post activity and threads, you look like quite the programmer. What languages do you know, what issues did you face learning them, and where do you think your programming will take you?
Ethereal: The majority of my knowledge is centered around C# and relevant technologies, for example XAML and ASP .NET. However, I delved into a number of other languages such as MASM, C++, Python, Java and even Haskell for a time. I don't use them often, but I usually have a few pet projects to tinker with. Learning programming takes a certain mindset, and the difficulty is in finding that. I had no trouble learning to program in terms of logic, but I have several friends who find it increasingly difficult. All I can say is stick with it at regular intervals; I spent several months learning for a couple of hours a day to get into a decent position, but you never stop learning. I don't think I'll go further with it, but it has made some money on the side that I hope will continue. At the moment, I'm working on utilities for my Android phone.
Phytrix: What are your future plans (both on HF, and IRL if you feel like sharing)? Do you see yourself staying on the site for much longer, or do you plan to move on?
Ethereal: I intend to remain on the site for the foreseeable future to continue working in my two groups; I hope that I will make a positive difference within them. If I were to leave, I certainly wouldn't leave behind the friends I have made here. I am not sure what I wish to do IRL, although I intend to study at college and university.
Phytrix: While we are on the topic of groups, you are a contributing member in Writers (Wiki team) and The Alliance (from what I've heard). How do you feel you better these groups and are there any other groups you wish to be involved in?
Ethereal: In The Alliance, I've contributed through projects such as TAFWA for some time, and have been encouraged to help people outside of the structured work. In addition, as with most groups, we help each other out and so much of it is difficult to quantify. Currently, I hold the position of Head Mentor and have plenty of work to do during and after the current recruitment. In the Wiki Team, I'm Head Publisher and have been working closely with Viral Dragon for some time. I've done the job required, but also managed the group for a time and encouraged our team to work and improve both their skills and the Wiki itself. I hope that in both, I have done well to improve the workings and ethos. Currently, I have no interest in joining any of the other groups; this is not borne of prejudice, but from time. I have plenty of work online and in my private life, and have no anchors to the other groups currently that would encourage me to join.
Phytrix: If you were to have a few things on the site change or be implemented, what would they be and why? There are a lot of suggestions that aren't passed although that are controversial, so I suppose it comes down to logical thinking on Omni's part, as well as a balance of opinions.
Ethereal: I think that Omniscient is doing a great job with the site thus far, and I'm not much of a web developer, but I think that there are a few alterations that could be made. I think the warning system should affect prestige(if it doesn't already) and past warnings should be publicly archived(if they aren't). I think that prestige should have rewards and incentives to increase contributions, but be managed closely so it doesn't become akin to Rep. Really though, I think it is good and I look forward to further innovation from Omni.
Phytrix: I most definitely agree. While we are on the topic of warnings, how many have you received prior and for what reasons? Have you ever been banned? What advice do you have towards members to not receive warnings or be banned?
Ethereal: That I remember, I've received several for Flame/Threat/Harassment, as I used to argue a little more coarsely than I do now. I may have had one for Off-Topic Posting, but I haven't had many for a while so I don't remember. I was banned once for a short time due to a misunderstanding; Omniscient confused me with another member and repfucked/banned me before another Staff member realized and pointed it out. To those of you who remember, that was when Omniscient gave himself the 'Asswipe' award. My advice to other members is be friendly and do not act badly; it rarely helps the situation and being positive towards people tends to have a reciprocating effect. In addition, if you decide to leave, don't have a silly 'blaze of glory' or go scamming people, because it is completely the wrong thing to do.
Phytrix: Oh wow, the repfuck part sucks. Good to see you recovered though. Where does your HF username branch from?
Ethereal: My original username originated from my Xbox clan. My current one hasn't a great history behind it; I decided to pick a new name, and made a shortlist, before picking 'Ethereal'. There's no real reasoning I can think of behind it, although there may have been at the the time. I've wanted to change it to several different things meanwhile, but the name has a history behind it and I'm not sure I want to forfeit that.
Phytrix: What is your view of reincarnation? Do you believe humans are reincarnated after death, and in what sense if so? Why?
Ethereal: I do not believe in any form reincarnation or existence post-mortem because I have no reason to. I think that with our current understanding of reality and the universe, there is no reason to believe there is anything beyond death. Some people would find this terrifying, I think it is better to see it has liberating - you're encouraged to make the most and do good acts for the sake of them, not for any hope of an existence after death.
Phytrix: Thanks for the great interview today Ethereal. Any final thoughts/comments?
Ethereal: Just thanks for your own work for the forum and to any who contribute in a positive way day in/day out without any real recognition. You make a difference, keep it up, and there's always a door open in The Alliance/Wiki Team for those dedicated and willing to help out.
Ethereal: Just to all my buddies in TA who have helped me to be who I am today. Special thanks to Paradoxum who gave me the opportunity when I was lurking, despite the controversy and hate he received for it. Thanks to Viral Dragon and kudos to him for his dedication and hard work, and of course to his lovely wife, iceybunneh. Thanks to Coding.Smith who worked with me when I was new. Thanks to those who have worked hard in the Wiki Team and TA. Also, shoutout to my friend "CtrlAltxNinjax" who's recently come back to HackForums and is doing good graphic-based work for members.
Phytrix: Well, they're definitely some in-depth shoutouts! You're a relatively highly regarded member on HF currently. How were you introduced to the site, and what did you hope to accomplish?
Ethereal: As far as I remember, I was gaming with my friends a couple of years back, and we were getting screwed by a team far better than ours, but that also used hostbooters. I had a chat with one of them after, and he was telling me about HackForums and how I should sign up for free perks like his booter. I signed up and had a look around, but didn't do anything for the first month or so. Then I started looking into programming(my father made a career out of it) and began learning C#. For the first few months, I focused on C#, relevant mathematics and cryptography, and spent time working to help people in relevant sections. I hoped to learn and make a few friends to work with.
Phytrix: Looking at your post activity and threads, you look like quite the programmer. What languages do you know, what issues did you face learning them, and where do you think your programming will take you?
Ethereal: The majority of my knowledge is centered around C# and relevant technologies, for example XAML and ASP .NET. However, I delved into a number of other languages such as MASM, C++, Python, Java and even Haskell for a time. I don't use them often, but I usually have a few pet projects to tinker with. Learning programming takes a certain mindset, and the difficulty is in finding that. I had no trouble learning to program in terms of logic, but I have several friends who find it increasingly difficult. All I can say is stick with it at regular intervals; I spent several months learning for a couple of hours a day to get into a decent position, but you never stop learning. I don't think I'll go further with it, but it has made some money on the side that I hope will continue. At the moment, I'm working on utilities for my Android phone.
Phytrix: What are your future plans (both on HF, and IRL if you feel like sharing)? Do you see yourself staying on the site for much longer, or do you plan to move on?
Ethereal: I intend to remain on the site for the foreseeable future to continue working in my two groups; I hope that I will make a positive difference within them. If I were to leave, I certainly wouldn't leave behind the friends I have made here. I am not sure what I wish to do IRL, although I intend to study at college and university.
Phytrix: While we are on the topic of groups, you are a contributing member in Writers (Wiki team) and The Alliance (from what I've heard). How do you feel you better these groups and are there any other groups you wish to be involved in?
Ethereal: In The Alliance, I've contributed through projects such as TAFWA for some time, and have been encouraged to help people outside of the structured work. In addition, as with most groups, we help each other out and so much of it is difficult to quantify. Currently, I hold the position of Head Mentor and have plenty of work to do during and after the current recruitment. In the Wiki Team, I'm Head Publisher and have been working closely with Viral Dragon for some time. I've done the job required, but also managed the group for a time and encouraged our team to work and improve both their skills and the Wiki itself. I hope that in both, I have done well to improve the workings and ethos. Currently, I have no interest in joining any of the other groups; this is not borne of prejudice, but from time. I have plenty of work online and in my private life, and have no anchors to the other groups currently that would encourage me to join.
Phytrix: If you were to have a few things on the site change or be implemented, what would they be and why? There are a lot of suggestions that aren't passed although that are controversial, so I suppose it comes down to logical thinking on Omni's part, as well as a balance of opinions.
Ethereal: I think that Omniscient is doing a great job with the site thus far, and I'm not much of a web developer, but I think that there are a few alterations that could be made. I think the warning system should affect prestige(if it doesn't already) and past warnings should be publicly archived(if they aren't). I think that prestige should have rewards and incentives to increase contributions, but be managed closely so it doesn't become akin to Rep. Really though, I think it is good and I look forward to further innovation from Omni.
Phytrix: I most definitely agree. While we are on the topic of warnings, how many have you received prior and for what reasons? Have you ever been banned? What advice do you have towards members to not receive warnings or be banned?
Ethereal: That I remember, I've received several for Flame/Threat/Harassment, as I used to argue a little more coarsely than I do now. I may have had one for Off-Topic Posting, but I haven't had many for a while so I don't remember. I was banned once for a short time due to a misunderstanding; Omniscient confused me with another member and repfucked/banned me before another Staff member realized and pointed it out. To those of you who remember, that was when Omniscient gave himself the 'Asswipe' award. My advice to other members is be friendly and do not act badly; it rarely helps the situation and being positive towards people tends to have a reciprocating effect. In addition, if you decide to leave, don't have a silly 'blaze of glory' or go scamming people, because it is completely the wrong thing to do.
Phytrix: Oh wow, the repfuck part sucks. Good to see you recovered though. Where does your HF username branch from?
Ethereal: My original username originated from my Xbox clan. My current one hasn't a great history behind it; I decided to pick a new name, and made a shortlist, before picking 'Ethereal'. There's no real reasoning I can think of behind it, although there may have been at the the time. I've wanted to change it to several different things meanwhile, but the name has a history behind it and I'm not sure I want to forfeit that.
Phytrix: What is your view of reincarnation? Do you believe humans are reincarnated after death, and in what sense if so? Why?
Ethereal: I do not believe in any form reincarnation or existence post-mortem because I have no reason to. I think that with our current understanding of reality and the universe, there is no reason to believe there is anything beyond death. Some people would find this terrifying, I think it is better to see it has liberating - you're encouraged to make the most and do good acts for the sake of them, not for any hope of an existence after death.
Phytrix: Thanks for the great interview today Ethereal. Any final thoughts/comments?
Ethereal: Just thanks for your own work for the forum and to any who contribute in a positive way day in/day out without any real recognition. You make a difference, keep it up, and there's always a door open in The Alliance/Wiki Team for those dedicated and willing to help out.
Interview - -Analog-
+Entity: For the 113rd issue of the HF News, we have -Analog-: as our guest. Any shout outs you want to make to your friends?
-Analog-: Hello and thank you for having me! I'd like to say hi to Paradoxum, AlbinoShadow, Apathy, TheHackersLove, and everyone in The Alliance and Reviewers.
+Entity: You're very privileged to be in those groups. How did you come to be on Hack Forums, participating in this interview?
-Analog-: Well, back in 2010 I was an administrator on a decently popular gaming forum. Naturally, we brought in crowds from all over the internet which included what some may consider to be "hackers". I befriended a couple of them and so eventually they got me to join HackForums to become the l33t hax0r I was born to be. I quickly realized the blackhat life was not for me and turned my attention to groups and improving my knowledge in computing and various other aspects.
+Entity: Is that how you got into graphic art and computer hardware, or does that come later?
-Analog-: It came from that basically. I did a bit of graphics on my gaming forum but for the most part I refined my knowledge enough to be accepted into the Graphic Masters. As for PC hardware, I wanted to build my own PC and start gaming on it so I just thought I'd read up and learn the ins and outs of a computers.
+Entity: The sticky by Glassy has a lot of content written by you... you must have read a lot. How long did that take to make?
-Analog-: Oh gosh, I think about 1.5 weeks or so. Originally it was a solo project taken on by myself, but I ended up recruiting Glassy to help and he posted it. I took the knowledge from that sort of writing and applied it to my DayZ guide which earned me the sticky man award.
+Entity: Might as well have two sticky awards. How did you get involved in The Alliance and The Reviewers, and what are they like?
-Analog-: Well I applied to The Alliance around this time last year. People were telling me that the group was very prestigious and I shouldn't of bothered applying as I am not "known" enough. I had no idea why or how The Alliance was so popular I just thought it was a couple group and would apply. To my surprise, I was accepted and I quickly understood why this group was considered so special to many. The group quickly became my home on HackForums where I reside with my fellow cats such as you. As for Reviewers, there wasn't all that much to it. TheHackersLove notified me that they were recruiting and I applied. To my surprise I was one of only 3 that were accepted which was a humbling experience.
+Entity: What are your opinions on some of the groups on HF?
-Analog-: It's a touchy subject to talk about considering the large spectrum of opinions on the matter but overall I see them as a positive influence on HF. If my memory serves me correctly, I've been in 16 groups since I joined in January of 2011. Yes I know that's a lot but I'm quite picky with the ones I stick in. Every single of those groups had a great member base that made for an enjoyable experience. I have yet to figure out why everyone has convicted groups to needing a purpose to serve or else they should be disbanded but I doubt that will ever get figured out. I really enjoy the groups I'm in now.
+Entity: Have you applied for all your groups, or have you bought into one or two of them?
-Analog-: I have never bought into a group. The only one I'll pay for is probably HijackThis team as I will be paying for a course rather than a simple userbar. I see no reason to pay to enter a group.
+Entity: I'm hoping to apply myself... me and everyone else on the forum. Why did you change your name from Raptured to Analog?
-Analog-: Well around May 2012 I decided I needed a long break so I went AWOL for about 2 months. When I came back, I decided I was due so a fresh start so I changed names and went from there
+Entity: Fresh starts are always good. I've had several myself; pretty rejuvenating. To wrap this up, do you have any parting words for our audience?
-Analog-: Get your priorities right people, you shouldn't take HF too seriously. Enjoy yourself, and in the words of Walter White "apply yourself".
-Analog-: Hello and thank you for having me! I'd like to say hi to Paradoxum, AlbinoShadow, Apathy, TheHackersLove, and everyone in The Alliance and Reviewers.
+Entity: You're very privileged to be in those groups. How did you come to be on Hack Forums, participating in this interview?
-Analog-: Well, back in 2010 I was an administrator on a decently popular gaming forum. Naturally, we brought in crowds from all over the internet which included what some may consider to be "hackers". I befriended a couple of them and so eventually they got me to join HackForums to become the l33t hax0r I was born to be. I quickly realized the blackhat life was not for me and turned my attention to groups and improving my knowledge in computing and various other aspects.
+Entity: Is that how you got into graphic art and computer hardware, or does that come later?
-Analog-: It came from that basically. I did a bit of graphics on my gaming forum but for the most part I refined my knowledge enough to be accepted into the Graphic Masters. As for PC hardware, I wanted to build my own PC and start gaming on it so I just thought I'd read up and learn the ins and outs of a computers.
+Entity: The sticky by Glassy has a lot of content written by you... you must have read a lot. How long did that take to make?
-Analog-: Oh gosh, I think about 1.5 weeks or so. Originally it was a solo project taken on by myself, but I ended up recruiting Glassy to help and he posted it. I took the knowledge from that sort of writing and applied it to my DayZ guide which earned me the sticky man award.
+Entity: Might as well have two sticky awards. How did you get involved in The Alliance and The Reviewers, and what are they like?
-Analog-: Well I applied to The Alliance around this time last year. People were telling me that the group was very prestigious and I shouldn't of bothered applying as I am not "known" enough. I had no idea why or how The Alliance was so popular I just thought it was a couple group and would apply. To my surprise, I was accepted and I quickly understood why this group was considered so special to many. The group quickly became my home on HackForums where I reside with my fellow cats such as you. As for Reviewers, there wasn't all that much to it. TheHackersLove notified me that they were recruiting and I applied. To my surprise I was one of only 3 that were accepted which was a humbling experience.
+Entity: What are your opinions on some of the groups on HF?
-Analog-: It's a touchy subject to talk about considering the large spectrum of opinions on the matter but overall I see them as a positive influence on HF. If my memory serves me correctly, I've been in 16 groups since I joined in January of 2011. Yes I know that's a lot but I'm quite picky with the ones I stick in. Every single of those groups had a great member base that made for an enjoyable experience. I have yet to figure out why everyone has convicted groups to needing a purpose to serve or else they should be disbanded but I doubt that will ever get figured out. I really enjoy the groups I'm in now.
+Entity: Have you applied for all your groups, or have you bought into one or two of them?
-Analog-: I have never bought into a group. The only one I'll pay for is probably HijackThis team as I will be paying for a course rather than a simple userbar. I see no reason to pay to enter a group.
+Entity: I'm hoping to apply myself... me and everyone else on the forum. Why did you change your name from Raptured to Analog?
-Analog-: Well around May 2012 I decided I needed a long break so I went AWOL for about 2 months. When I came back, I decided I was due so a fresh start so I changed names and went from there
+Entity: Fresh starts are always good. I've had several myself; pretty rejuvenating. To wrap this up, do you have any parting words for our audience?
-Analog-: Get your priorities right people, you shouldn't take HF too seriously. Enjoy yourself, and in the words of Walter White "apply yourself".
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