In honour of the Community Spotlight Crew's 100th Episode,
the Creator Spotlight Crew is proud to present...
"Turning the Spotlight Around"
For those of you with fancy iPads and iPhones, here's the direct link to the video:
http://youtu.be/GYElJuoTJ7Y
Who can believe that it's already been 100 episodes? Over 4 years ago, our beloved Community Spotlight first opened our eyes to the world of awesome LBP levels, posted right on your front doorstep, here at LittleBigPlanet Central!
Such a momentous occasion just cannot go uncelebrated. So we on the Creator Spotlight Crew thought it would be wonderful to hear a few words from behind the scenes – to speak to the Community Spotlight Crew themselves, and get an idea of what makes them tick.
So without further ado, I present your Crew Members, new and old!
Our heartfelt thanks to biorogue, Ccubbage, Clarie, fireblitz95, GruntosUK, Holguin86, Joey, Matt 82, Morgana25, Mr_Fusion, Shropshirelass, Taffey, TheAdipose, and WESFUN for agreeing to take part in this interview!
Interview conducted by rialrees
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The Spotlight Crew has been going for so long now that it can be quite hard to keep track of all the friendly community folk who've contributed. These tireless volunteers have given their time and energy to bring us the best content that LBPCentral creators have to offer. Let's start off with the basic facts:
When did you join the Spotlight Crew?
Join? You make it sound like an option. I was kidnapped off the dusty streets of LBPC then water boarded...*scuffle sounds* Injection administered *monotone voice* I joined near the end of September 2011 and my first episode as a spotlighter was Episode 69.
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Holguin86
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Shropshirelass
...recalls Joey
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Fireblitz95
...recalls WESFUN
...recalls Clarie & TheAdipose
...recalls Ccubbage
What made you want to sign up?
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls biorogue
...recalls WESFUN
...recalls Ccubbage
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Clarie
Yes, yes, sign up my friends - join one of the best LBP community teams around! Suckers...
Shortly after signing up however, these poor wretches would soon find out just how many levels the community were capable of publishing, all during the course of just two weeks. For the most dedicated, the dreaded Spotlight Deadline would take up much of their thoughts. Sleep? Sleep was for the weak!
How much time each week do you spend playing levels?
I played every level in the showcase for months and months until we started to break up the workload more sensibly. It wouldn't be unusual for me to spend 4-6 hours a night on weeknights and anywhere from 4 - 10 hours on a weekend, sometimes more, getting through the entire showcase for the two weeks worth of eligible levels. So ya, I'd rather not do the math on that. It was fun most of the time and after you play that many levels you start to get a real feel for what makes a good level work and what a great level has that a good one lacks....recalls Morgana25
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Shropshirelass
What's the longest you went without sleep to make a Spotlight Deadline?
...recalls Joey
...recalls Clarie & TheAdipose
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Ccubbage
...recalls Morgana25
What's the most levels you have ever played through for a single spotlight episode?
...recalls Joey
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Matt 82
But it's not about Quantity, but Quality too - Let's not forget that the crew don't just play the levels - they have to actually form some sort of opinion of that level, too. I can't go any further without finding out who are the softies in the crew, and who are the tougher nuts to crack!
When playing levels, there must be those of you who are particularly difficult or easy to please - which of these are you?
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Shropshirelass
...recalls Clarie &The Adipose
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Mr_Fusion
With all this time dedicated to the Spotlight, you would think that every member would turn into a shadow of their former selves - sat in the corner of a darkened room, crying out for mercy. You could be forgiven for wondering if a Spotlighter might become bitter, resentful for the time they sink into such a large project. But that would never happen, of course!
.... Right?
Have you ever felt resentful for the time you've lost playing levels on the Crew? Time you could have spent elsewhere, like on your own creations, for example?
...recalls Clarie &TheAdipose
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Holguin86
*Looks around room at posters and hugs Sackboy plushie.*
There now, that's better....recalls WESFUN
stolewas inspired by many of the great ideas I saw in all those community levels I played.
...recalls Taffey
You meant to say that they still do this willingly? There's no bribery involved at all?
Not even a crumb of cake?
So, you volunteered to join this crew? Are you certifiably insane? You've heard about the hazing, right?
...recalls Fireblitz95
*...recalls WESFUN
Hmm, intriguing. . .
With new crew members coming on board in almost a constant stream, and with LBP's community shifting, splitting and changing so much, the crew must find it difficult to adjust.
How have things changed for you since you joined the Spotlight Crew?
reignmembership, would have to be the hub and in game news feed. This has been instrumental in getting more attention to the Spotlights and thus the creators themselves, which is what the goal is. I can't thank MM enough for doing this....recalls biorogue
The levels on the showcase are huge compared to what they were, also, we only had LBP1 to worry about, not all the other games that are in the franchise. I don't envy the current spotlighters at all.
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Joey
) We still share cookies and oreos in the spotlight thread but no, I'm not nearly as active in there, or even on LBPCentral or LBP as a whole any more. I still keep an eye on the latest levels and queue them up, and will hopefully find more time soon to get onto the PS3 and play them!
...recalls Holguin86
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Mr_Fusion
It's incredible to think that 100 episodes have gone by so quickly. I can even remember reading through some of the original spotlights back in the day, and jotting down level names to go check them out. I was always watching from a distance then, I never really spoke on LBP forums then, as I didn't have much to say. Times have certainly changed for me too!
--------------------------
Time to get grilled good and proper - Make mine extra crispy.
It's time to get under the surface and find out what exactly goes on behind the scenes; How is a level chosen for a spotlight? What the heck is a nod? What happens when you let Biorogue loose with google's image search?
Let's find out
How on earth do the Spotlight Crew manage to play every single level in the showcase? You must have some sort of secret!
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Ccubbage
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Taffey
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Clarie & TheAdipose
Not that there is really a magic formula per say, but I am sure many would love to ask: What do you feel makes a level amazing, and what are the things you feel makes it worth spotlighting?
...recalls fireblitz95
...recalls WESFUN
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Joey
GAHHHH!
rrrRRRRRAAAAAGGGGEEEeeee...
sorry....recalls Mr_Fusion
*Hands Fusion a cookie*
There, there, we feel your pain.
What is the difference between a 'Spotlight' and a 'Nod', anyway?
...recalls Clarie & TheAdipose
...recalls Morgana25
tl:dr: Bribes....recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Joey
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Taffey
You guys must see your fair share of, let's say, not-so-awesome levels which were possibly made with a cookie cutter. Have there always been a lot of these levels posted to the forums? Are there still a lot of these kind of levels around? Essentially, do you feel that the ratio of Rocket Cheetah Fuel to Bomb Survival Cardboard has increased, or decreased, and why?
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Ccubbage
There is rumour that you guys have your own magical room in the Central Forum, where no other Sacks dare to go. They call it The VAULT. What happens in The Vault? Pie fights? Cookie rationing? Holding one's breath for hours at a time?
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls GruntosUK
A little of this:
Some of this:
A bit of
Then this:
...recalls biorogue
Shortly after the demise of the PSP Spotlight, the crew recently split into three: PS3, Vita and Karting. Do you feel this has had any impact on the way the crew now works? Are things harder to keep organised and under control than they used to be?
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Matt 82
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Taffey
Like Lass, I joined the crew around the time of the great LBP2 backlog. *Shudder*.
Things have come a long way. New games have been released, the hub, and our dearest friend Hubbie have come along to the party, and new members have walked through the doors (and right back out again in some cases! I blame Bio. That guy's a proper slave-driver!).
--------------------------
"When all else fails, poke them with a stick."
It's time to pop you all in the hotseat! These are the questions everyone is really dying to know!
That many people in The Vault together... there must have been some... tension. Which Spotlighter was the biggest flirt on the crew?
...recalls Joey
...recalls Taffey
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Morgana
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls GruntosUK
We can't all be sweetness and light 24/7, we're all allowed to throw our toys out of the pram once in a while. I imagine whilst debating the merits of levels there were a few temper tantrums! Who had the most hissyfits?
...recalls biorogue
...recalls Joey
...recalls Taffey
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Morgana25
- Badly Posted Threads.
- Duplicate Threads.
- Missed Deadlines.
- People not reading the guidelines.
- Not posting recipes. . .
Ermmm... no comment....recalls Mr_Fusion
Just because you're all tasked with playing levels from the showcase, it doesn't mean that you're technically a skilled player. Which spotlighter is actually pretty talentless when it comes to playing levels?
...recalls Shropshirelass
Did he just vote for himself?...recalls Biorogue
...recalls Holguin86
...recalls GruntosUK
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Taffey
Oh no, Joey, don't worry. You have no idea what I have in store for you. . .
. . .
I love you. Please don't kill me....recalls Joey
Here you go Taffey, enjoy your shorts.
Is there anyone on the crew who just wouldn't be quiet? Who'd keep talking no matter how much you ignored them? Who'd just go on, and on, and... hey guys, are you still listening?
...recalls Biorogue
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Fireblitz95
...recalls Shropshirelass
Yes. . . fun.
I'm sure you're thinking that while I'm blabbing away in your earpiece on PSN chat, and you're snoring on the sofa.
I heard you. You can't hide it.
You're all asked to write reviews about the levels you play. Many of you are very witty in your reviews - The Vault must be a mine of jokes, whoopie cushions and cymbal crashes.Which spotlighter is the biggest joker?
...recalls Biorogue
...recalls Joey
...recalls Holguin86
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Shropshirelass
You guys already mentioned the sheer amount of baked goods that get thrown around The Vault nowadays. Despite the fact that you have no oven or ingredients to speak of, who makes the best cookies?
...recalls Biorogue
...recalls Holguin86
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Fireblitz95
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls Shropshirelass
What, this one?
Gives me a sugar coma just looking at it.... Mmmm. Pumpkins...
If you were to go to a fancy dress party, all dressed up as characters from Star Wars, who would be the most likely crew member to wear THE Princess Leia costume (and look pretty darned good in it to boot)?
...recalls Biorogue
...recalls Joey
...recalls Holguin86
...recalls Taffey
...recalls Morgana25
...recalls Mr_Fusion
...recalls WESFUN
...recalls GruntosUK
ell the answer to all of them is Morgana of course. Except the last one. Grant takes that honour. Man, I'd be his Chewbacca any day....recalls Matt 82
--------------------
Want some cake??? Well you can't have it! Silly Spotlighters.
So there we have it!
100 episodes. What was the point of it all? What has the spotlight added to LBPC?
Despite the fact that it's probably part of the reason half of us came here in the first place (me included), the fact that it gives players a place to find levels (well before the days of lbp.me), and creators the chance to be celebrated for their work? Forgetting the thousands of levels now residing in Hubbie's hearted list, still waiting to be discovered by players new to the LBP universe?
I could go on (and Lass knows it), but you know where I'm going with this.
In a nutshell, the Community Spotlight is awesome. And I'm so proud to be a part of it. Whilst the extra work can get a little stressful at times (), it's great to see our little family of LBP addicts grow, and even better to be part of a group who are still doing all we can to ensure that players everywhere know where the best levels can be found. A group who doesn't judge a creator by the hearts on their profile, how many plays they've racked up, or the ribbons around their levels, but purely on how fun their levels are.
I'm fairly sure that they're not going anywhere. So long as you guys keep publishing good stuff, the Spotlight Crew will go play it.
So, shall we say, another 100 episodes?
:3
Well, that's all, folks! We hope you have enjoyed this installment of the Creator Spotlight. For past spotlights, please visit this link. See you next time!
Results 1 to 20 of 29
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12-16-2012 #1Grand Den Mod-er of LBPC
- PSN
- Morgana25
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Posts
- 10,270
Creator Spotlight 32 - Spotlighter's Spotlight
Last edited by Taffey; 12-17-2012 at 06:40 AM. Reason: im in ur spotlight, messin with ur bb code
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Thanks!
4wheel, actio1_618, biorogue, bonner123, CCubbage, Dragonvarsity, fullofwin,
goranilic• , Hanfi1311, Holguin86, Joey, julesyjules, Kaboosh99,Kato• , L1GhTmArE,Matt 82• , megaextremist, Mnniska,mr Radical 5601• ,Mr_Fusion• , Night Angel, OmegaSlayer,Ostler5000• , pate59, RainbowT-Rex, Rapidkirby3k, rialrees,RickRock_777• , Rogar, Schark94,shropshirelass• , Slurm, Smurfetta5683, Taffey, theIronHorse, thespacemonkey187, vezonfan01,xxMATEOSxx•
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12-16-2012 #2
LBPCentral Spotlight Crew
- PSN
- rialrees
- Join Date
- Feb 2011
- Location
- Wales, UK
- Posts
- 2,929
- Blog Entries
- 16
Whoot! Glad to finally let this baby out of the hat!
Thanks so much to everyone who willingly gave their time to answer these probing questions, and thanks to jww for letting us hijack the creator spotlight this week - we do like to milk the celebrations somewhat, don't we?!
To all my fellow crew - don't kill me. I captured you all as humanely as I could!
And I apologise to all those of you who are bound to suffer from eye strain reading this MONSTER of an interview. I just would have felt too bad editing too many answers out - it's the spotlight crew's time to shine - for a change!
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12-16-2012 #3
LBPCentral Spotlight Crew
- PSN
- jester946
- Join Date
- Feb 2009
- Location
- Great State of Texas
- Posts
- 9,593
- Blog Entries
- 25
This was freakin' awesome Ria! Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to the community. You rock!
The video is amazing! I've missed seeing that Remote Moon logo. Hey!How'd that mouse get under my couch?
Follow me on the twitterz @bioswoop
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #4
UniverseUnderConstruction
- PSN
- jwwPhotos
- Join Date
- May 2009
- Location
- Indiana, USA
- Posts
- 18,117
- Blog Entries
- 1
Congrats to all the Spotlighters and thanks so much for all your cooperation! Hope nobody was terribly injured during the capture and interrogation. lol
All you folks work so hard every single week and was just a joy to help a bit in seeing this one come into a reality. However Ria deserves all the credit! She came up with the idea and did all the organization. We just helped a bit on questions and such.
Thanks to you all and congrats! Happy 100th!!
(aka jww) - Published Levels
Space Escape (spotlighted!) // Space Escape II (spotlighted!)
Survival Line (spotlighted!) // Space Escape Pinball (spotlighted! Mm Picked!)
Trapped (spotlighted! vita)
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #5
LBPCentral Spotlight Crew
- PSN
- shropshire-lass
- Join Date
- Jun 2009
- Location
- No longer Shropshire
- Posts
- 3,891
Aaw, Ria! Great read!
I loved the interview and I read every word, promise! Such a great idea and so nice to hear from all those past members of the crew. Really honoured to be part of it. I had to laugh, though, when almost every single spotlighter who answered, voted for themselves as the worst player, lol.
It makes me feel all warm glowy. THANK YOU!
Oh, and I do NOT snore, whatever the provocation, lol!Last edited by shropshirelass; 12-16-2012 at 09:37 PM.
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #6
- PSN
- TheNotorious-187
- Join Date
- Dec 2010
- Location
- UK
- Posts
- 577
Great read! It's nice to see the spotlight turned on you guys for once. Congrats to all involved and keep up the amazing work.
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #7Grand Adventurer!
- PSN
- MH4wheel
- Join Date
- Aug 2009
- Location
- Florida, USA
- Posts
- 398
That was an interesting read, it even has me thinking back on some of the older spotlights and remembering how things changed over the years. This site has seen a real roller coaster of insanity!
Y'all keep picking 'em and I'll keep playing 'em!
"Death To The Pink One!" -A True Friend
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #8
This was an incredible read! Great job Ria and all of the Spotlighters past and present. BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO! And anyone here who knows me, knows I don't give 3 Bravos, ever...well, except for now.
And I loved the group hug pic relating to the vault.
Intensify: Epic Tracks Audio (LBP Tunesday Pick)MUSIC: ReverbNation Music
LBP2 Levels
(LBPC Eye Candy) Nature's Gaze
State of Mind: Stargate Portal Race
Scary Swamp Refinery
Light Speed: THE TRAILER Light Speed Acceleron
Facility IX: The Core Easy Version (LBN Pick)
Facility IX: The Core
MGS-L1: Music Gallery System
Pocket Moon Podcast Logo Sticker Giveaway
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #9
Jaja! I laughed so much at some of those questions! Excellent spotlight ria! Surely all of you hardworking Spotlighters deserved your own spotlight
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #10
The cages... they came from no where... D:
But seriously, had a lot of fun answering these questions.
"Stay positive, have fun, and enjoy yourself.
Together, as a community, we will reach our goals."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Also follow me on Twitter, @fireblitz95
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #11Sackperson Private
- PSN
- julesyjules
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Location
- London innit
- Posts
- 1,187
Great stuff, you guys deserve a huge cake/beer/goat for the time you've all donated over the last few years, especially after reading HOW much time you sometimes have to put in to just to get this out on time for us & the site. Massive thanks from me!
Last edited by julesyjules; 12-17-2012 at 12:04 AM.
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Thanks!
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12-16-2012 #12
On a side note...
fireblitz85 ...recalls Taffey
*Slaps Taffey* Get my name right, this only the second time you've done this!
LOL :3
"Stay positive, have fun, and enjoy yourself.
Together, as a community, we will reach our goals."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Also follow me on Twitter, @fireblitz95
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12-17-2012 #13Administrator
- PSN
- tsr13
- Join Date
- Mar 2009
- Location
- Santa Clara, CA
- Posts
- 5,563
Listen, flamebrand47, I know exactly what I'm talking about.
Originally Posted by fireblitz95
On a side note...
fireblitz85 ...recalls Taffey
*Slaps Taffey* Get my name right, this only the second time you've done this!
LOL :3
Pocket Moon Podcast: PAX Prime 2013 Special Episode on
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Follow me on Twitter @tross13
Xenomooch and Space Corps: ReVITAlized, now playing on a Vita near you.
My PSP Levels
The Space Corps Series -- The Star Bores Saga -- The Interwebs
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12-17-2012 #14
Whatever you say, Taphy. Or should I say rts31? Originally Posted by Taffey
Listen, flamebrand47, I know exactly what I'm talking about.
LOL
Last edited by fireblitz95; 12-17-2012 at 07:51 AM.
"Stay positive, have fun, and enjoy yourself.
Together, as a community, we will reach our goals."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Also follow me on Twitter, @fireblitz95
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Thanks!
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12-17-2012 #15Sack
- PSN
- SlurmMacKenzie
- Join Date
- Mar 2011
- Location
- France
- Posts
- 267
Great interview! It was nice to look behind the spotlight's curtain and have a glimpse of the people and work behind it. Thank you so much for your dedication.
Also cookies! For everyone!
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Thanks!
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12-17-2012 #16CuzFeeshe
- PSN
- CuzFeeshe
- Join Date
- Dec 2008
- Location
- Florida
- Posts
- 5,175
Hey, wow! That's pretty fantastic! Loved the video - I couldn't believe you guys were able to duplicate my sackboy!
Great read - brings back memories....F4F Participant
Levels published: F4F: LIBERATOR - Spotlighted!!!! -, Vectroids - MM Picked!!! Spotlighted!!!! -, Sea Dragon -Spotlighted-, Roll out the Barrel! -Spotlighted-, Splat Invaders III: Insurrection - Spotlighted-, Destiny! -Spotlighted! MM Community pick!-, Vertigo! -Spotlighted-, Splat Invaders Saga -Spotlighted! IGN Pick!-, Splat Invaders II: The Caverns of Splat -Spotlighted!-, Tiger Woods Mini Golf -Spotlighted!-, Starship Troopers -Spotlighted!-
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Thanks!
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12-17-2012 #17
LBPCentral Spotlight Crew
- PSN
- rialrees
- Join Date
- Feb 2011
- Location
- Wales, UK
- Posts
- 2,929
- Blog Entries
- 16
LOL Cuz - I had great fun scouring lbp.me for pictures of your costume - and generally thinking - what the heck IS that thing!
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12-17-2012 #18
UniverseUnderConstruction
- PSN
- jwwPhotos
- Join Date
- May 2009
- Location
- Indiana, USA
- Posts
- 18,117
- Blog Entries
- 1
I think it was one of those things that for some, after you got crown you went a bit native. Some more than others!!! Originally Posted by rialrees
(aka jww) - Published Levels
Space Escape (spotlighted!) // Space Escape II (spotlighted!)
Survival Line (spotlighted!) // Space Escape Pinball (spotlighted! Mm Picked!)
Trapped (spotlighted! vita)
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Thanks!
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12-17-2012 #19CuzFeeshe
- PSN
- CuzFeeshe
- Join Date
- Dec 2008
- Location
- Florida
- Posts
- 5,175
The one thing I couldn't see was if the chest was done properly. It was obscured. 2 words: pimple nipples. Originally Posted by jwwphotos
I think it was one of those things that for some, after you got crown you went a bit native. Some more than others!!!F4F Participant
Levels published: F4F: LIBERATOR - Spotlighted!!!! -, Vectroids - MM Picked!!! Spotlighted!!!! -, Sea Dragon -Spotlighted-, Roll out the Barrel! -Spotlighted-, Splat Invaders III: Insurrection - Spotlighted-, Destiny! -Spotlighted! MM Community pick!-, Vertigo! -Spotlighted-, Splat Invaders Saga -Spotlighted! IGN Pick!-, Splat Invaders II: The Caverns of Splat -Spotlighted!-, Tiger Woods Mini Golf -Spotlighted!-, Starship Troopers -Spotlighted!-
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Thanks!
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12-18-2012 #20ShadowFlareXGuest
That was a great interview. Video was brilliant too lol. I just want to say thanks to all the spotlighters because you're so integral to how lbp works. Promoting a level in some ways is as important as creating the level because if you create a level and nobody plays it, what's the point in creating the level? And if you've worked for months and months on a level, all the agonising bugs to fix, and nobody plays it, it's very hard to take. But thanks to people like you guys in lbpcentral, you genuinely play every level posted in the threads and really help the creators to get noticed. Thanks you guys! I have to thank you for spotlighting Astro Lander this week. Because this was my very first LBP2 level, so I had zero recognition, and it would have got lost. But from previous experience I know how helpful lbpcentral is, so this was the first and only place I needed to come to find help. And you've all helped a whole bunch. And thanks to this site, I've played some other amazing levels I probably would never have found otherwise.
Sorry for the essay
Congratulations on your 100th episode!Last edited by ShadowFlareX; 12-18-2012 at 01:10 AM.
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