jack

CRACKen

@jack

^

I'm not the best to answer this, guys like @Mr.Baller and @boubabi would be the best to answer, but I'll try.
 
You really need to focus on your composition for a clean sig. Think about render placement and text placement, and don't be afraid of changing stuff around if it's not working. 
 
Lighting is also very important, you want it to be clean, but not just flat. Baller's recent sig here is a good example of it:
 

 
The background is fairly simple, but has some depth to it.
 
Try different things with stock work, keeping things interesting but subtle.

The only way I think this will work is if we have 1 LR on top and 1 on the bottom.

It's time VHL. Devise wants suggestions, so I'm digging through the box of my favorites and back at it again. Let every user have two players if they want to.
 
Im on mobile, so forgive me if this seems rushed, formatting is weird, or any other complaints you might have. Let's talk about all of the good this would do:
 
1. Users can try multiple things at once. 
 
Somone like @Mr. Power could have one of his builds and then also an effective one  @Da Trifecta could make the player he wants and keep the one he might normally give up on. @Banackock could have his goalie he wants and the center his team needs (I'll get to GMs involvement in this). The ability to experiment with builds or types of players would give users more options without feeling like they are handicapping their career. We might even get around to using real backup goalies.
 
2. Drafts would be way more interesting and consistently awesome.
 
Tired of weaker drafts? Imagine two @Kendrick players coming through during 8 seasons, instead of one. Or imagine two Kendrick players in one draft! Now multiple that by all of the prominent members and users. Every draft would be exciting. 
 
3. We'd either have more teams or deeper teams.
 
The SHL runs full sets of four lines and (I think) more teams. We could do one of those, or maybe both, simply by doubling our players without having to recruit at all (something we've slacked in). More players and depth would mean more trades, more competitive teams, more competitive awards, etc.
 
4. Users get to interact with more people. 
 
Tired of the same five people on your team? Guess what, you could be on two teams and interacting with twice the teammates, maybe even more! Not only does this give veterans more exposure around the boards, it makes new members get to know a lot more of our community.
 
5. Free Agency and Trades would be more prevalent.
 
Some people want to test free agency but are also loyal to a team. Why not do both? Have one player that operates @boom style and one that operates @Jamie style. Suddenly way more people are gonna be moving teams in the offseason. We'd also see people more likely to trade all sorts of players. All we ever see low are deadline deals to save money and depth players moving for late picks and chance prospects. Let's see some big names moved because there would be more big names to go around!
 
Now, let me address some of the concerns I expect to hear before we even hear them:
 
A. But Molholt, what about locker rooms? Won't that be an issue if you're in two? 
 
Who gives a damn about locker rooms? Let people be in two, or get rid of them all together. Why does it even matter? It's not like some big secret is in locker rooms. I had to confirm through PM that @eaglesfan036 could be in our locker room this year, because he's an opposing GM. How dumb is that? Did he learn anything that might sabotage us? No. He contributed as was a part of our team and it was fun. Who cares that he's an opposing GM - he wanted to succeed with TebowGow just like I do with Max. He wanted to win a cup just like the rest of us. People aren't going to use locker rooms for some devious thing or to hide some major secret. I just think this argument is so dumb. Alternatively, dump locker rooms altogether and get the posts on the forums like some want anyway.
 
B. But Molholt, won't this just benefit GMs to get two of their own players? 
 
Will this benefit GMs? Hell yes it will - but not for that reason. I'd want to limit GMs to only one of their own players on their team, meaning that, finally, GMs could GM a team but still get to enter the draft! That's part of why I stepped down as GM of Davos. I hate going straight to a team and not getting the full draft process. You don't get to be a part of Kendrick's VHLSC, you don't get to see how you stack up against other prospects, you don't get to experience other teams. I'd love to be able to do that and still GM my team. Max could be on Toronto and some other player I created could wind up anywhere! You could easily apply this to all users - only 1 player on 1 team at a time, not allowing you to stack 2 on your team (i.e. Toronto can't have two @DollarAndADream players at once).
 
C. But Molholt, won't users sabotage their players?
 
Are our members evil? Do we really think this is a possibility? Last time I checked, we all put in work here to do well, win awards, win cups, break records, etc. If someone wants to sabotage all of that for their own player to try and get at a team, let them! Guess what, it ruins their own reputation. They can already do this, it isn't like their is a rule against it. A.C. Savage had 99 fighting. I wasn't banned. Ultimately though, everyone wants to succeed and this gives them twice the opportunities to, and most people are gonna take that opportunity and run with it. 
 
D. But Molholt, what about welfare and earning TPE?
 
Guess what lazy bums, this would be a great way to let the welfare people have their way but really reward those that put in work. This is how I suggest it goes. First, if you claim welfare, it could only apply to one player in a week. You couldn't use welfare on two players. Second, I think point tasks could go one of two ways. Either a single point task could apply to both players (do one, get 12 TPE benefit) or you could make it so you have to do one for each. I don't mind either direction. Make job pay and VHL.com stuff apply to both either way. So then, point tasks are more crucial than before without hampering welfare. Either they are twice as powerful, or they are the only way to build and develop a second player (since welfare would only apply to one).
 
---
 
I'm sure I'm missing something or there will be some other complaint, but if you want to breathe some new life into the league, use the life you already have. Because let's stop pretending the recruitment issue is going to fix itself or magically start working - it hasn't for tens of seasons. Some people would take advantage of this, some wouldn't, but it would boost numbers and excitement all around. I don't see how that's a bad thing.

Welcome @boom and @jack

Accepted
Thanks for everyone showing interest in my player. Jack and the franchise deserve a headstart for their next rebuild so I'll be glad to give that needed help. From this point, jack will be in control of my destiny ( dun dun dunnn)
 
Jack, paint me like one of your french gurl.

haha boubabi. There's a new king in Stockholm.

insane

To Seattle 
Simon Valmount
 
To Stockholm
SEA S51 1st
Maxime Deschamps
 
accept

Blake Campbell, new Head GM of the Seattle Bears approaches the podium, holds up a Bears jersey and shows the camera his name on the back of it. He takes a drink of water, clears his throat..
 
Initially, I thought it would have been best to address the media and the VHL community sometime shortly after the S49 VHL Entry Draft, however, when I came to thinking of what to say, I knew what to say, just not in what order. Numerous thoughts came to mind of my tenure in Bratislava, my new player, my new journey with the Bears, the Draft and what the future holds for myself and my new family in Seattle. With all of that to say, I literally couldn't find a way to say all that was on my mind. I figured now, heading into Free Agency discussions and into tomorrow's contract offers, was a good time to clear the space for myself, the Bears organization and the rest of you throughout the league.
 
My time in Bratislava 

This week is an extremely bitter sweet one for me. On one hand, I get to start a new journey with a promotion to the big leagues. It's something I've always wanted to do and something I had my mind set on when I first joined the Watchmen. Over the seasons though, I really started to love the VHLM, the GM's and my role leading the Watchmen. Throughout those 5 seasons I've had with the team, we made the playoffs 3 times, went to the finals twice and are two time, defending champions with 2 cups during my tenure. Along with that, my players had seen great success on the ice and I couldn't thank them enough for being apart of the organization, making us as great as we were, making the LR enjoyable and making my time with Bratislava so special and memorable. @ADwyer87 @Da Trifecta @Green @Mr.Baller @enigmatic @fever95 @Nobody @bukss_a @jack @Splat @StevenStamkos91 @Mike @Bojo @701 and possibly anyone else I missed, thank you for being apart of my time with the Watchmen and thank you for making us agreat as we were during those 5 seasons. I owe each and every season to you guys. @eaglesfan036 & @Smarch, thank you for allowing me to lead the Watchmen and trusting me with the role. Obviously without you I'd never have had the great experience. Cheers, boys.  
 
I will miss Bratislava greatly. It was my goal to continue winning cups, continue to have us as one of the best VHLM teams ever and to become the longest reigning GM in the history of the Watchmen (plus to win the most Jack Reilly awards). To whoever steps up next, best of luck continuing on Bratislava's great success.
 
Seattle Bears new GM 

As I stated, bitter sweet, but I couldn't be happier. I was extremely fortunate to get a great group of players and guys for the locker room. I've been warmly welcomed to the team and have already had great talks with each of the players. Currently, as everyone knows, it's the off season and is a big time for every organization. For myself, I was named GM literally last night and had a full plate of things to find, figure out, learn and to do. Many thanks to @Draper for answering my questions last night and putting up with my excitement over the past few weeks. In the short 24 hours I've been the Head GM, we've already accomplished some solid moves as an organization.
 
For starters, the VHL Entry Draft. We managed to auto pick myself (high earning tpe goalie) at 7th overall. This gives us the power to use Clegane @JardyB10 until he's in a wheelchair. He is our guy and will be our guy for as long as he wants. I'm in no rush to push him out as he's worked very hard and hopefully enjoys Seattle. But, once he's gone, we have a strong, elite candidate readily available. Along with that pick, we traded our S50 1st and the 17th and 27th OV picks in S49's draft for 701's player and winger, AK47. I've known 701 for quite sometime and he's honestly a solid, loyal guy an will become a huge asset to our organization on the ice and in the LR. I have full belief in him and everyone of my guys. 
 
Secondly, we've made numerous contract extensions and they are as followed: 
 
Two inactive signings for S49.
 
S45 - JACE HINES [P3]
S49: $2 000 000
 
S46 - JORY ROSE [P3]
S49: $2 000 000
 
S46 - NIELS SKOVGAARD [R4]
S50: $3 000 000
S51: $3 000 000
 
Current Contract: 
S45 - BUBBA NUCK [P4]
S49: $2 500 000
 
Extension:
 
S45 - BUBBA NUCK [P4]
S50: $2 500 000
 
Current:
S46 - SHAWN MULLER [R4]
S49: $3 000 000
 
Extension:
 
S46 - SHAWN MULLER [P4] 
S50: $3 000 000
 
The two inactives will give us some minor depth but one thing the VHLM has taught me is that depth is a huge piece to a winning puzzle (as I'm sure most of you know).  @Tim @NUCK @StevenStamkos91 - I'm a new GM to the Bears and the fact that you guys believe in me so much (or I manipulated you so well ) is extremely appreciated. I thank each of you for committing to the Bears for more hopeful seasons of success. I will do everything possible to not let you down.
 
FREE AGENCY

Last but never least, Free Agency. With all the moves we've recently made, we're moving to bigger and better things. My next target is @sterling and his player Hamilton. Such an amazing person and player and a huge asset to the Bears organization. Unfortunately he hasn't been seeing the results within his career under previous management but I know under me, things will change. I'm a different type or caliber of GM. When you become apart of the the Watchmen or the Bears, it's not just MY team, it's OUR team. I listen. I accommodate my boys with whatever they need and always do my best. Together, we win and together we work towards doing so. It's not a reign of terror or dictatorship. When we win, it's because of everyone and that's the biggest reason I owe my seasons of success in Bratislava not only to me, but so much to everyone else who played under me. 
 
Now, Free agents. Here in Seattle, we have a few things. Our youth core is exceptional and will only continue to strengthen. Our LR is full of amazing, active and experienced members who make Seattle so much better. Along with that, we have some extremely talented, strong pieces and I'm looking to have that grow. I know we have some holes, but it's something we can fix. I've done it twice in the VHLM.. Where we weren't looked at as a top team to win and with a few moves and some strong effort, we turned it around and ended up with 2 cups and a game 7 round loss in my first season. 
 
There may be better candidates currently. Maybe Quebec or Toronto, but let's look at the bigger picture here. Toronto is likely done in a season or two and Seattle has a bright present and future awaiting us. We're missing some pieces but with you joining us, it makes it easier to obtain a successful run and to win a cup. If you join us, I can assure you that you will see a level of play and productivity that you will be pleased with. We will also make a strong run and will do whatever it takes to be hoisting that cup at the end of the season.
 
Don't count Seattle out. Join us, throw on that Bears jersey and let's do this together. 

Stockholm selects AK47 @701

way to go buddy! 

I actually don't mind the text here. Nice and simple, and doesn't take away anything from the sig. Great lighting, and I really like the grainy feel to it. Feels like an old western. I don't think I'd change anything here, great work.