[CPA Exposé]

Overtime, the graphics standards of groups have increased dramatically.

Starting from very simple, beginner designs with the standard gray background like this:

[img]http://i410.photobucket.com/albums/pp181/GraphicDanny/blank-template.png[/img]


To more complex designs, like this:

How these improvements occured:

There was a time where groups put less effort on finding the best userbar, and were dedicated to actually serving their purpose.

As those times passed, and groups became more of a popularity contest/e-peen grower, the competition became fierce.

A need for innovation began, as users started raising the bar.

More money was being offered in the GFX section for a winning userbar -- More submissions denied than ever before.

Groups being sold more often, demanding higher quality than the last.

Why do groups hardly last?

You see my friends, while the graphics quality has improved, the actual quality of members has not.

This is actually a perfect representation of groups with a superficial purpose and explains why userbars are now prettier than ever, yet groups are being sold more often than ever.

[img]http://reactiongifs.me/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jim-carrey-liar-liar-oh-come-on-angry-its-enough.gif[/img]

They have no substance.

Groups are now either buy-ins, or simply the same popular members who got in the last group are invited to the current one because it helps the group image.

No structural changes ever occur.

The new group is simply a pretty bandaid to cover the real problem. To get a false feeling of new beginnings, similar to a fat person buying a gym membership on new years day, to feel good about fixing a problem but never really following through.



Longlasting groups form naturally. People with similar goals and beliefs come together as one to fulfill a purpose.

Groups like these last long.

[img]http://indiereader.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/group-hug2.jpeg[/img]

Thank you for your time and concern.

Unfortunately, I am not accepting group invitations, so please do not PM me.

[Meechy Ðarko]

The truth has been spoken.

This is how the cookie crumbles.

[Delysid]

I honestly prefer the old ones..
I have a huge old hf nostalgia.

[Prophet Banana]

Lol. No man. The reason the userbars were ugly was because the GFX section was filled with beginner designers who were just learning of tools in Photoshop

"Omgz look at all these tools!"
- Turns on outter glow
- Turns on bevel emboss
- Turns on inner shadow
- Creates a shine animated effect

"Oooo It's a Masterpiece!"

[daymon]

Unfortunately, I am not accepting group invitations, so please do not PM me. [/b][/align]

Damn, man! I really wanted to invite you to my group!

[Meechy Ðarko]

Lol. No man. The reason the userbars were ugly was because the GFX section was filled with beginner designers who were just learning of tools in Photoshop

"Omgz look at all these tools!"
- Turns on outter glow
- Turns on bevel emboss
- Turns on inner shadow
- Creates a shine animated effect

"Oooo It's a Masterpiece!"

I always thought it was more of people saw the standard userbars and didn't think to step outside of the already set guidelines.

But then Fly By Night came along, or at least I think they were the first, and stepped outside of the preconceived box.

I honestly miss the old userbars. The only one that resembles the old days is the Red Lions userbar, and that's because they've been here since the beginning.

[Retribute]

I would argue that the userbars have become uglier.

[Prophet Banana]

I always thought it was more of people saw the standard userbars and didn't think to step outside of the already set guidelines.

But then Fly By Night came along, or at least I think they were the first, and stepped outside of the preconceived box.

I honestly miss the old userbars. The only one that resembles the old days is the Red Lions userbar, and that's because they've been here since the beginning.

I would argue that the userbars have become uglier.

Night skies, mountain tops, skylines.

Landscape userbars seem to be the new hip thing now.

[Mand'alor]

Although I feel like groups are still cool and I haven't been given any reason ( so far ) to dislike any of them.

If a group were to give me a reason to dislike them, at least they will look pretty whilst I dislike them ;)!

[Ninetales.]

I always thought it was more of people saw the standard userbars and didn't think to step outside of the already set guidelines.

But then Fly By Night came along, or at least I think they were the first, and stepped outside of the preconceived box.

I honestly miss the old userbars. The only one that resembles the old days is the Red Lions userbar, and that's because they've been here since the beginning.

Brotherhood

[c x y k]

The UBs still all ugly as fuck.

[Minimal.]

The UBs still all ugly as fuck.

The first thing that crossed peoples mind when they saw my current userbar was a swastika, so I would say I am quite satisfied with the result.

[Meechy Ðarko]

Brotherhood

I forgot about Brotherhood.

do they even really do much anymore?

[c x y k]

The first thing that crossed peoples mind when they saw my current userbar was a swastika, so I would say I am quite satisfied with the result.

Still looks ugly

[Minimal.]

Still looks ugly

I demand my safe space, you insult my looks.