Article after article has been written about the lameness of #ansi, the ridiculous number of ops there, and the personal conflicts that have replaced any sign of intelligent conversation. Now that people are starting to wake up to the fact that an alternate channel (#ans) exists, the problems are spreading. It was only a matter of time, obviously.

True, #ans seems to attract real, live artists. True, there is actual art-related discussion. But now the wonderful world of "Ops `R' Us" has moved to the channel. I understand the need for ops, at least when it's used responsibly. Just yesterday, someone was in #ans, displaying his ability to "draw" male genitalia in ascii...and he eventually got banned. Obviously an #ansi reject who was trying to be ever so entertaining with his "art". In that case, someone (with ops) had the sense to rid the channel of an idiot. But a couple hours late, people were getting kicked/banned for disagreeing with an #ans op. People, if you have a grudge with someone, take it to a private channel or e-mail.

When I go into #ans, I see artists, not beggars and wannabees. But now that there is a channel for artists, keep it the way you've always wanted it. It'd be a shame for #ans to end up like #ansi, wouldn't it?

inazone/acheron staff writer