DBM11085 (19:42:03): hey there.
TVaughnWV (19:42:09): Hello.
DBM11085 (19:42:11): you wish to speak with me?
TVaughnWV (19:42:36): Yes. One second. I'm wrapping it up with another bashing board user who also uses AIM.
DBM11085 (19:42:44): k
TVaughnWV (19:44:59): Alright. You wanna start?
TVaughnWV (19:45:06): Or should I, and if so, where?
DBM11085 (19:45:32): I guess I'll sum what my view of this is real quick, then you can say what you will...
TVaughnWV (19:45:42): Alright. Fine with me.
DBM11085 (19:47:31): basically, you've read what my friends/other board users, as well as what I said regarding all this... We truly don't tolerate plagiarism around here. It's happened to me at an earlier date, and he was promptly removed without further questioning. I do see that you're being sincere and all, but despite what you say and how I feel about it (btw, I do appreciate you actually coming out and accepting the consequences and apologizing for it all), I can't be indifferent to what I've posted previously.
TVaughnWV (19:47:56): Alright. Can I go?
TVaughnWV (19:48:08): (I read it.)
DBM11085 (19:49:06): Although it may seem so, I don't actually go "hunting" for people that take my work; it just seems to happen so often nowadays that I have to watch my own skin. I'm not going to go further with this, since I'm about done with posting in my own topic, but do understand that I'm not up for you having a second chance with this game/guide. Nothing personal, it's just the way I feel (can't contradict myself and my beliefs on plagiarism/guide writing just for one incident)
DBM11085 (19:49:10): go ahead if you like now
TVaughnWV (19:49:36): OK. I'm going to explain exactly how this happened.
DBM11085 (19:50:21): sure
TVaughnWV (19:52:40): I have been following SSBM information since I heard about it, which was sadly later than most people. I have been racking up every single bit of Melee info I know about in my head. The game's finally out and I can finally share with everyone this info I know of in a FAQ. However, I fear that my FAQ will not get finished in time. So I stay up late working on it. I get half of it done. I had not gotten nearly enough of the Bonuses, however, and basically needed a reference. A lot of people use FAQs or other sources are references and I admit its wrong. This is a cruel world we live in, however, and people (including myself) feel that taking bits and pieces of information from other sources and changing it makes it there's and no one can prove it otherwise ... (not done yet) ...
TVaughnWV (19:54:04): So I had cut & pasted your Bonus section. I had not only planned on editing it to fit my FAQ correctly but I had planned on changing every bit of it. I was basically using it as a reference. I admit to it and am not trying to build up your pity or anything. However, I got wrapped up with finishing every characters' A moves, stage descriptions, a list of trophies that I and other people I know have found, and so on that I forgot to change any of the information. I seriously did not recall changing any of it ... (still not done) ...
TVaughnWV (19:57:37): I'm proud of my new FAQ and submit it. I was completely oblivious to my wrongful act. The FAQ is submitted. I was incredibly happy for it was my most successful one yet. I seriously had no idea anything was so wrong with it until my topic on the Melee board. Then I saw a link to your topic. I had read over FAQ contribution faqs all the time. I THOUGHT I understood it all. Though no one may believe me, its all true how my mistake was made. Again, I believe people make mistakes and deserve second chances. (not done)
TVaughnWV (19:59:57): Oh, I'm so confused. I'm not quite sure I know what I'm even getting at. I'm afraid I'm turning the entire thing into a whole hypocritical statement.

DBM11085 (20:00:42): You'
DBM11085 (20:00:47): You've more to add, or can I comment?
TVaughnWV (20:00:55): I guess I'm done.
TVaughnWV (20:05:42): ...
DBM11085 (20:05:43): I guess I can start by saying that I do understand what you're talking about. I can recall several times when I'd try to rush things to get my FAQs up, but I'd always make sure to do it the legitimate way, even if it does mean my FAQ doesn't get posted for an added day or so; at least I can say that I wrote the FAQ myself. I'm sorry, but I can only accept your apology and nothing more. It's nothing personal, as I don't really know you other than the times I've seen you post at the boards, but when it comes down to things like plagiarism, I do not break down that easily. As I stated above, I do not plan on really pursuing the prospect of pulling ALL your work from the site, but as an open warning to you... If you do get your SSBM FAQ reposted (which I personally doubt), I will almost definitely question CJayC and see to it that no double-standards are used anymore.
DBM11085 (20:06:52): All in all, I cannot show much, if any, pity, mostly because you took from me upon your own will. From what you said before, you should know better, and it's a shame it came down to it, but that's how it's going to be.
TVaughnWV (20:09:39): The whole thing that really bothers me is that my SSBM FAQ may not be reposted. One of the things that I want more in the world is for the world to know me. FAQs is one of my ways to let everyone know me. SSBM was my most successful and its gone from one slight error. I was so happy to see it posted, but sadly for only a few hours. I'm not angry at you. Perhaps ... I am ... but I will get over it as soon as my mind cools off some. I see it this way. There's no way I can win and all I can do is hope that CJayC has a bit of "miracle," "mercy," "kindness," or whatever you want to call it left in his body to put my FAQ up. Basically, I see that we made no more progress than before, besudes that I give up. For the first time in my life, I give up on something that I'm fighting for. You win. I'm glad we could talk in private. Let's put it this way to the people at the boards: forget about it. I would prefer it if the subject could be dropped at the boards. Is that good with you?
DBM11085 (20:09:51): No matter how much or how little, a plagiarist is a plagiarist in my eyes, and all should be treated in the same standard as any other. Last time I went all-out on a plagiarist (back when Paper Mario came out), I saw to it that he'd never be able to contribute again, and to this day just about nobody around these parts like him, especially after what he did. He's allowed back now, 6-7 months later, and when that happened, I immediately went to CJayC demanding why, rightfully so. If it comes down to such matter, then I'll have to revert to such actions once again. I personally think it'd be for the better at this point if you'd either lay low about this fiasco, and forget about writing for SSBM since this conversation didn't redeem you one bit.
DBM11085 (20:11:45): FAQ writing is not about popularity, nor is it about getting on some lame list saying you're "prolific" or whatever. It's for helping other gamers who need it. Who cares if people know you or not at this point? You even said that you're fairly new, and so not as many folks will know you. I've been here for over 3 years writing FAQs, and you better believe that hardly noone knew me, until I hit it big with Ocarina of Time for N64. I'm sure it looks tempting to write for fame, but that's really not the answer, and you'll only be burned at the end for doing such.
TVaughnWV (20:12:03): I guess my heart-of-gold if confusing me. I personally can't see how anyone could make everyone hate a person, no matter how awful a thing he or she did. No person is ever wrong, but instead their doings. It may be the person's will to do those doings, but it was how that person was brought to be that has created that will. But everyone has their opinions and I can't stop it. It's amazing how doing something you enjoy so much could destroy everything.
TVaughnWV (20:12:54): I do like to write the FAQs to help people. Is that not the reason I made that topic at the Melee board about my FAQ? I wanted people to know so I could help them. That was my priority: to make it perfect to help others.
TVaughnWV (20:13:17): And my first FAQ was Kirby 64, so that's a pretty decent amount of time.
TVaughnWV (20:13:24): (In my eyes, at least ...)
DBM11085 (20:14:03): But you had to rush that FAQ in the manner that you did, just to help people? What makes you think that my FAQ, along with the other 2 posted, weren't helpful enough at this point in time? It really wouldn't have killed yourself or anyone else for that matter if you just took the extra time to make sure you got everything by yourself, the legit way...
DBM11085 (20:14:57): I can't, nor will I, stop what CJayC may have in store for you. You did what you did, and now you must deal with the consequences.
TVaughnWV (20:15:08): I have a lot to say. First ...
TVaughnWV (20:15:55): I want people to know about me because that is my dream. I want to entertain and help people. I want to be known around the world for good deeds and such. It's important to me at this point.
TVaughnWV (20:16:40): Second, I enjoy writing FAQs. Rushing the FAQ may have been painful for me in some ways, but I also enjoyed it very much. The hard work to go after something I want so much may hurt at the time, but I love it so much afterwards.
TVaughnWV (20:17:20): Finally, I'm positive that you've used other sources as "references" before. You don't need to answer that.
TVaughnWV (20:17:30): I'll accept my consequences and live my life.
TVaughnWV (20:17:52): Afterall, this site is nothing more than a rainy-day project, right? I'm not gonna kill myself if I get banned or anything.
TVaughnWV (20:17:58): I may be disappointed, but that's life and I'll get over it.
DBM11085 (20:18:14): And I didn't "make" anyone hate a person for stealing my stuff. As is known across the board, plagiarism is THE deadliest sin at GFAQs. But then again, the kid was being a major jackass about it even after I had endless amounts of evidence against him (and he knew it). I know you're trying to get leniency from the folks at my turf (FAQ Contributors), but it is a bit too late. Myself, Matt, Colin, and the others are all used to this stuff, and we can't waiver our views just for a mistake. Brakker called his (huge) mess-up a mistake, made no difference to me, so I have no reason to feel any different here.
TVaughnWV (20:18:15): No need to make it sound so terrible like CJayC is going to kill me and spread my name around the world as the most terrible person alive or something.
DBM11085 (20:18:33): I'm only speaking what the truth is, based on past instances.
TVaughnWV (20:19:00): What exactly did Brakker take from your FAQ?
DBM11085 (20:19:38): And about how I used "references" in my FAQs.. Whenever I did such, I'd make damn sure I got the person/site's permission before posting their info. I've done 55 FAQs and counting, I think I know the drill by now, therefore it's easier to catch folks who apparently don't.
DBM11085 (20:19:58): He basically took everything from mine, including half the walkthrough, EVERY list section, plus plenty of other thigs.
DBM11085 (20:20:00): things*
TVaughnWV (20:20:30): No offense, but I find cursing one of the first signs of losing your temper, not to mention a shine of immaturaty. Why are you getting so upset? I'm not, and you're not even the one who "sinned."
DBM11085 (20:20:31): Hell, he even had the nerve to list me in his credits for "all the help", yet he took my damn guide and acted like it's all good and fine cause he listed my name!
DBM11085 (20:21:32): Well it's not alright. Even if you did list me as a reference, I'd still take such actions, but to a lesser extent, since you at least acknowledged it. Nobody takes my info without me knowing about it beforehand, and if I don't give the OK sign, that's how it'll be.
TVaughnWV (20:21:52): But why are you upset? You won, remember?
DBM11085 (20:22:01): I'm not exactly losing my temper, I'm trying to explain my stance on this whole situation so that you understand exactly what I feel has/is/will be done about it.
TVaughnWV (20:22:18): My FAQ's gone. Your's is on. I'm living with it. You should too.
DBM11085 (20:22:51): True, but it doesn't mean I will forget it, nor will many of the other folks here.
TVaughnWV (20:23:00): Let's just end this. Nothing more can be said. No hard feelings, alright?
DBM11085 (20:23:14): And with that, I think I accomplished enough with this discussion. Your fate is with CJayC at this point, I'm done here.
DBM11085 (20:23:18): I suppose so.
TVaughnWV (20:23:28): And I'd prefer it if you didn't even mention this to any board members. I don't want anyone else involved besides you, me, and CJayC.
TVaughnWV (20:23:41): They don't have anything to do with it anyway.
DBM11085 (20:24:02): They would've found out sooner or later, had I not posted on the boards in the first place.
DBM11085 (20:24:04): But eh, bye.
TVaughnWV (20:24:27): So, goodbye. I'll keep my fingers crossed that my FAQ is reposted.
TVaughnWV (20:24:30): BTW, I liked your FAQ.
TVaughnWV (20:24:42): Too bad I never got around to sending you a list of trophies I found. Might as well later.
TVaughnWV (20:24:49): See ya.