Custom user titles

So just today I've noticed at least a half-dozen folks have new custom user titles. Is there some new functionality that enables us to set our own titles? I looked in my profile settings and didn't find anything offhand.

Broader question - how do you guys feel about the current user titles arrangement (whereby they display the 'rank') versus throwing the doors wide open on letting everyone set their own titles?

In a nutshell: Shouldn't have happened, now deactivated again, but those who chose to self-title themselves during the narrow window were grandfathered in.

Lum accidentally turned custom titles on, a handful of people noticed and changed theirs, Lum caught the mistake, turned them off, but allowed those who already had them to keep them.

Edit: Go fuck yourself, Omniscia!

Hey, at least I didn't name names, Griot!

Huh. Thanks for the heads-up. That doesn't seem very fair to the rest of us, let alone the people who actually earned their custom titles through outstanding contributions to the BF community. This is no trifling matter.

I propose a complicated solution involving many charts, graphs and a hungry alligator called Stephen which, after many burglarious japes, leads up to an ultimate-mega vote on an additional word to be inserted into the titles of anyone who perpetrated the grand crime of self-penning.

Harmless Kitten!

If I got to set a custom title for myself, I'd probably end up with something like "Don't Mention The Beard" or something similarly insipid, so on balance it's probably better if I don't.

BEEP BOOP MAGOOP

I like trying to guess if a title is auto-set, self-set or given from on high by Lum. I don't even know which mine is!

"Custom titles Y/N?"

Would be the only way to phrase that question.
I think they're fun, but if everybody got to make their own, it would just be like signatures and location fields. Whatever Lum comes up with will amuse me and that a few posters exploited a loophole doesn't bother me.

I agree regarding everyone getting custom titles, Hans. I like the ranks, personally. I like that there's mad science behind them that nobody other than Lum (and probably not even he) understands. I love that he adds new ones occasionally, often inspired by hilarious external factors like Cleve or Brad Wardell. I like custom titles like Dan's and Angie's, which were earned via some memorable event or contribution.

y'all just jealous you can't be sassy black ladies like me. :T

Every day of my life, Mul. <3

I know. :( sadface!

Don't be jelly

It's hard to object to Adree's

I just want everyone to know that I am crushed by being too late to change my title to Scanline Interleave Bouillabaisse.

Adree's title is perfect for his avatar. Actually, just plain perfect.

One day, if ever, my title is going to be Candi Randi Bellíssimo and I will be pleased as punch.

That'll be the day you go on my ignore list and I will be pleased as punch.

No feels, Talisker? :(

I suddenly remembered that conversation. Gooood times.

Someone tell me what I need to do to get to the next tier of titles because I really hate being an Elitist Negative Nancy (see what I did there? But really, I hate the title so I'm willing to game the system until I can move to the next one).

What can I do to get more points, though? Shine Lum's shoes? Arrange all the forums in alphabetical order? Be nice for a week?

Big Shotz Sports
Broken Social Scene
Bridge Over The River Kawaii, The
Debate and Discussion
Drama Llama Holding Pen
Entertaining Diversions
January And Everything After
League of Extraordinary Game Players, The
Let Us Play: Fatbird vs. Dancing Gen. MacArthur
My Souls So Dark
MMO Game Discussion
PC/Console Game Discussion
Rainbow Connection, The
Sanctum Santorum, The
Technologics
Traditional Non-Video Gaming Gaming



Here you go.

Now the custom title shall be mine. All mine.

Is there a list of the standard titles anywhere? I'm English. I like my class systems up front so I know my place.

I'll admit, having Hard Cider Gal below my avatar right now is preeeetty weird, but I think it's growing on me in a weird way.

That sounds like a great job for a newly-minted moderator.

It's like in that Spiderman movie. With inconsequential power comes unwanted responsibility.

I'm just sad that I'll never be "Spinning Toe."

*has no idea what the hell the titles mean*

*is both provoked and amused by this*

It just always cracks me up when I look at my profile page and it says:

Keeper of the Elemental Materials, Female

Newbies? I have no idea what I did to get my title.