Woo, glad someone finally went out on a limb and posted something to this effect.
I, too, had my avi removed. I'm also currently finding it harder to see where I last posted in topics since my black Culex has gone missing everywhere. Yes, EVERYWHERE!
That said, I'm kinda upset of having it removed. I also had the avi for years (I think our Custom Avis both went up around the same time) and I honestly don't see the reasoning for making every pic on this board be non-Pokemon related. I could argue the semantics for why a VG character 1) From Nintendo, 2) Supports the use of multiple types of elements to do themed attacks or healings, 3) Is from a starter RPG (a precursor to the Pokemon series as The Nintendo Starter RPG), 4) Is from a frickin' Mario game...
...the list goes on and on.
But I haven't made that post in the TC Hideout.
I may at a later date when I feel the need, but at present I'm fine with my rather neutered avi being disabled.
My problem is with the reasoning behind why the avi was removed. Not Pokemon related? Are we not allowed to espouse for other causes outside of the Pokemon universe that have either inspired us to do other thing for the Pokemon franchise and/or impacted our Pokemon careers. Culex for me stood for the fact that Pokemon was my gateway into the rest of my gaming career, which has been incredibly rewarding. Culex for me represented the rest of the gaming I do, branching into other TCGs, traditional board games, war gaming, and video gaming (especially). Pokemon is just a small part of the rest of my life, and Culex was that small part I chose to represent myself on this board. And now I'm being forced into choosing some Pokemon item to represent my entire self on the board. And Imakuni? is the closest thing on the current avi list that there is (other than Muk, for which I have a personal attachment).
But I know that it's near impossible for the mods right now to go through and double check every avi on the board (although somehow they did to take off all teh grandfather avis) and people have abused this privilege in the past. I know that this previous abuse was the biggest reason for the recent limit on what was legal in avis. However, I do suggest that TC and the rest of the mods please discuss for the next Custom Avi Day to allow for the submission of certain requirements for non-Pokemon related sigs. The narrowness of the recent allowing of Avis even I found obscene for a board of such clout in this community and especially for coming down on members who have been contributing for the board for many years now. Thank you all for reading, and I hope that this issue can be resolved soon.
I have more to say on this issue but (as suggested by the mods) it is more appropriate at this point to take those discussions to the TC Hideout. However, I do ask that the mdos allow this topic to stay open for the discussion of Custom Avis and teh recent restrictions. I think we, as a cummunity have the right to do so as long as we do it in a respectful manner.
Peace.
~Cardz.