Um_nik's blog

Unnecessary blogs on main
By Um_nik, history, 6 years ago, In English

Last three blogs on main page of CF shouldn't be on main page. And it become quite common thing in recent CF practice. Main page should contain only something that all users should see. Of course, round announcements, platform upgrades and sponsor posts should be on main. Blogewoosh had some rights to be on main because it was cool series of blogs which had chosen CF as its platform so CF should have praise it (but it would be nothing wrong for it to be just in Radewoosh's posts like everything else). But all other stuff? Let's look at some examples for the last year.

Important: I'm not saying that these blogs are bad. Most of them are good. But why are they on main page? CF have great blogs system, every user can write something helpful. Just don't put random stuff on main.

Some algorithm stuff which is better than other algorithm stuff, I guess:
C++ STL: Order of magnitude faster hash tables with Policy Based Data Structures
Linear Recurrence and Berlekamp-Massey Algorithm
[Tutorial] Searching Binary Indexed Tree in O(log(N)) using Binary Lifting
Don't use rand(): a guide to random number generators in C++ — this one is kinda mandatory for participating in CF rounds due to bad compilers on CF, so it is good that it was on main
Blowing up unordered_map, and how to stop getting hacked on it

Random contests in gym which are better than other contests in gym, I guess:
Original Gym contest: Geometry Special 2018
2018-2019 ACM-ICPC, Asia Xuzhou Regional Contest (Online Mirror on Gym)
ROI 2018 in GYM

Promoting Errichto, I guess:
Stream
Sums and Expected Value — part 1
Lecture #3 — Exchange arguments (sorting with dp)

More sponsored stuff??
Анонс кружков от tinkoff.ru
My Course at Harbour.Space University: Advanced Algorithms and Data Structures (January, 2019) — selfpromotion, also nobody should pay 1000 euro for a course no matter what this course is. This is just abusing position as Codeforces CEO

IDK
Lunch Club at ICPC WF
The D programming language in competitive programming
Codeforces Contests Picker Goes Live: Celebrating ICPC Season
Team dashboard
Let's bring souvenirs to the ICPC World Finals
Unnecessary blogs on main

MikeMirzayanov's personal blog:
Hello, ITMO! — yes, there are some inforamtion about platform improvements but it is just an excuse to write this post
Codeforces Round #547 (Div. 3) — round announcement? Um_nik is totally crazy. Well, yes, but the photo and "I'm so cool I made a round in 6 hours" is nonsense. Also how about wait in line for half a year like others do?

It looks like it is just a question of whether Mike saw and liked the post. MikeMirzayanov, CF main page is not your personal blog. Please don't use it as your favorite tab.

  • Vote: I like it
  • -391
  • Vote: I do not like it

Comments Comments (101)
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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +239 Vote: I do not like it

inb4 this blog makes the front page

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +290 Vote: I do not like it

  1. How do those posts bother you? I don't see why it's better to just see the announcement of a previous round. The coming round is not hidden in any way, because it's usually at the top.

  2. "CF has great blogs system" -> well, that's arguable. Instead of a forum, there are "recent actions" where a new blog can quickly disappear.

  3. While I agree Radewoosh's blogs can be on the main page, I don't really understand why you approve them there. The quality? Then other educational contest can be there too, as long as it's good?

  4. Complaining about the price is fine, but what is wrong in Mike's selfpromotion? If he is the owner of the platform, then he can put sponsored things there, also if it's promotion for him, not for another company.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it -22 Vote: I do not like it
    1. Everything not normal bothers me. Actually, I really don't like the idea of "talking to people" on main page.
    2. If the blog disappear it is not that good.
    3. Because it was supposed to be series. And it could be on different platform.
    4. I don't believe he is a sponsor.
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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +80 Vote: I do not like it
      1. I think you are in the minority.
      2. This is not how it works. A good blog won't necessarily have a new comment every day or so. Actually, for educational content, many questions would imply that something isn't explained well.
      3. I could say my streams are a series, and I think they shouldn't often be on the main page. Instead, some valuable educational lecture can be. I don't think being a series should be a big factor.
      4. Using your website to promote your service is normal.
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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it -80 Vote: I do not like it
        1. So what?
        2. Then who decides on what is good and what is not? Mike? I don't think that he is capable.
        3. Your main content is not on CF. Also your posts on main are randomly chosen, I don't understand it. But OK, I can agree that Blogewoosh is not a must on main.
        4. No.
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          6 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +105 Vote: I do not like it
          1. If you don't care what others think (or that most of people don't agree with you on some topic), why do you even bother writing the blog? You want something to change, and yet "so what?" is your answer to "most people disagree"?
          2. Yes, Mike. And people with their votes. I think Mike is quite experienced in competitive programming and as a teacher, so he should do fine.
          3. Note that I wanted to understand your reasoning, not change your mind.
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            6 years ago, # ^ |
              Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it
            1. I'm in the minority on the matter of liking other people, not the whole blog. (It looks like the whole blog also) And yes, "most people disagree" is not a reason not to say what you think.
            2. People with their votes is better (still not good because people are stupid, but there is no good solution). And this is already implemented. You don't need putting something on main.
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              6 years ago, # ^ |
                Vote: I like it +37 Vote: I do not like it
              1. Ofc. it isn't a reason not to say what you think. I'm just saying that answering "so what?" to the minority thing, suggests that you want things to be exactly your way, and it doesn't matter what other users want.
              2. Voting doesn't make a blog more visible. Being on the main page does.
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                6 years ago, # ^ |
                  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
                1. Everyone wants the things to be exactly their way. But that's not the point. I think that Mike should hear that different views exist.
                2. Why these blogs deserve to be more visible?
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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it
                  1. Because there are more valuable.
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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it +67 Vote: I do not like it

                  niBBa that's 2.

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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it +26 Vote: I do not like it
                  1. thats how CF markdown works.
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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it +148 Vote: I do not like it

                  $$$~$$$ 69. improvise, adapt, overcome

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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it -16 Vote: I do not like it

                  What a nice discussion related to the topic.

                  Thanks Ant_Man for suggestion.

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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it -28 Vote: I do not like it

                  I wonder why you have deleted the first comment. The first attempt to overcome didn't work ? :)

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                  6 years ago, # ^ |
                    Vote: I like it +20 Vote: I do not like it

                  nah it's just that imgur was acting like a bitch

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it -7 Vote: I do not like it

    Also I think you missed the point. Why all of these on main? Why nothing else is on main?

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +28 Vote: I do not like it

      These are some random-ish blogs that many people will want to read. It is hard, obviously, to perfectly choose the best of them to be on the main page. But I don't understand what else you would want to see there.

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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

        If people want to read some random blogs, they can go to recent actions. I would prefer to see nothing that is not required to be there.

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          6 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it

          Highlighting blogs more valuable than others makes perfect sense to me. And things quickly disappear from recent actions.

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            6 years ago, # ^ |
              Vote: I like it -23 Vote: I do not like it

            Highlighting some random shit doesn't.

            So maybe Mike should change how recent actions works, not choosing what he likes?

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            6 years ago, # ^ |
              Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

            The problem is: who gets to decide that a blog is more valuable? I think there should be rules for that.

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              6 years ago, # ^ |
                Vote: I like it +23 Vote: I do not like it

              It isn't that important to make rules for that. IMO.

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                6 years ago, # ^ |
                  Vote: I like it +96 Vote: I do not like it

                I agree. IOI

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          6 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

          I have always found main page blog useless for me (with or without stuff you mentioned). Will you really use it if there's only contest notifications and editorials?

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -15 Vote: I do not like it

    Errichto, You're a smart guy who's just about to top the contribution list. I think u made the right choice to be at the top in the contributions because Um_nik won't let you go above him in the ratings.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +293 Vote: I do not like it

grabs popcorn

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +58 Vote: I do not like it

I want to see this blog on main xD

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +10 Vote: I do not like it

I agree that blogs on the main page shouldn't be chosen with an individual's opinion (whether he likes or not). I mean the mechanism for a blog to be on the main page should be clear to the community and I think the best option is to let the community decide (although I agree that people are stupid).

Why "x"'s blog is on the main page but "y"'s is not? This is a serious question and needs to be answered to.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
    ← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +6 Vote: I do not like it

    Btw, no offense for saying "people are stupid". But I think this is a TRUE fact. Look at random up/downvoting blogs and comments.

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6 years ago, # |
← Rev. 3   Vote: I like it +17 Vote: I do not like it

So were there any violation of ToS, or moral hazard?

I know what you are talking about, right, Codeforces has become huge community, so admin should be responsible about it. But it is just a blog, admin can think it is featured and put it in to main page.

This can be good suggestion toward the good community... And it might be better not aggresive when you say it.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Ebin trole suggestion: put this blog on main.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +35 Vote: I do not like it

Why is it on main page? According to your post, this is something that shouldn't be on main.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

Real main page. Enjoy.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +104 Vote: I do not like it

I see some comments disagreeing with the blog and it seems to be downvoted as well, so I want to instead thank Um_nik very much for making this blog as it completely expresses what I've been thinking for a while. It is quite annoying (for me) to open Codeforces and see arbitrary blogs on the front page. I miss the time when it was just contest announcements.

To the people using arguments such as "if you don't like it, don't visit the website" or "The admin can do whatever he likes" — you're correct, but that doesn't mean criticism is not allowed.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +17 Vote: I do not like it

I have a great suggestion. Give everyone with 2600+ rating the right to decide on their own discretion what may be on main page. Like we trust people giving them extra rights in gym, why not to do this with main page as well? :)

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +17 Vote: I do not like it

Auto comment: topic has been updated by Um_nik (previous revision, new revision, compare).

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6 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +21 Vote: I do not like it

Well, yes, but the photo and "I'm so cool I made a round in 6 hours" is nonsense. Also how about wait in line for half a year like others do?

Couldn't agree more. CF's management and communication are very low. I had the chance to organize two contests and had an overall good experience apart from waiting. I understand that some writers are given priority because they are more connected and have more experience, that's fine, I would support this if this would increase the contest quality, but at least give some reply and say something like "this problem sucks, either get a new one or fuck off".

OMG, you are so unpleased by everything, but why won't you contribute yourself? Well, I would, but I didn't see any public selection of testers or coordinators or anything that would contribute.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +9 Vote: I do not like it

    I heard that someone has already been waiting in line for half a year while "the schedule of this month is not replete with rounds".

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      That's surprising, while some other coordinators are opening more than 2 contests in a month? If the quality of given proposal sucks then coordinators can deny them...

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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        Nobody cares, they don't even reply most of the times.

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          6 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

          That sounds very bad. I think this is why they should be transparent. Codeforces is very closed..

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      That's true, I waited for about 3 months each time. Some wait more.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +38 Vote: I do not like it

wathever, ... but is it rated?

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +11 Vote: I do not like it

I don't know what is going on but I'm glad I'm a part of it now.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +34 Vote: I do not like it

    this is the fight of the century! Mr weak mind vs Mike

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

What is the exact condition to be listed on the main page?

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +53 Vote: I do not like it

> Um_nik

"Some algorithm stuff which is better than other algorithm stuff, I guess: Linear Recurrence and Berlekamp-Massey Algorithm"

> also Um_nik

"I can't understand anything from your post. (...) Even code is not helping."

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +31 Vote: I do not like it

    I misunderstood this part at first too. He's not saying that these blog posts are better than others — he's trying to categorize Mike's rationale for putting these blog posts on the front page.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

    Did you read the whole blog?

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +69 Vote: I do not like it

    Is it time for part 2 of my "Learn to read" blog?

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it -17 Vote: I do not like it

      Chilli Errichto Um_nik you guys need to increase number of levels of irony you operate with. On one hand I wanted to recall funny comment of dear mista Um_nik on second hand I wanted to piss off some users by intentionally clearly taking things out of context.

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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

        On the third hand you just wanted more upvotes.

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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

        You just failed

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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

        You are right. We should assume you never misunderstand anything. That's so funny! What a comedian.

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          6 years ago, # ^ |
            Vote: I like it +14 Vote: I do not like it

          Xellos you're my last hope among this crowd of normies ಠ_ಠ

          You shouldn't assume that I never misunderstand anything, but at the point where only explanation you see is that I didn't read the blog, a red flag should raise in your head and make you think twice before posting a question whether I read the blog or not ¯_(ツ)_/¯

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +45 Vote: I do not like it

Okay, add a separate section for announcements (or reversed, add a section for nice blogs and only leave announcements on main), problem solved.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    That's just like the top section. There is only one main page.

    However, a new section for nice blogs about algorithms is a good idea for those who learn algorithms on Codeforces.

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      Blogs in Main should not be in Top. I don't know why Mike hasn't done that yet.

      MikeMirzayanov, please look into that.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Umnik is crazy => at least you know you're crazy

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6 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +26 Vote: I do not like it

Here's my opinion, There should be a different tab for announcements and editorials( "Home" or "Main") and a tab for something like "Editor's choice" as they have in many blogging platforms. Codeforces can assign a role "Editor" or a "team of Editors" to some candidates by means of rating or voting maybe.

The Editor team will regulate the "Editor's Choice tab" and choose what posts might be helpful to the greater percentage of the community. They will also be elected and replaced periodically. They need not be paid in any form, many people might be willing to do this voluntarily.

This way, the random but useful blogs, and promotions will be segregated from the Codeforces round announcements and editorials.

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

    They will also be elected and replaced periodically.

    Politics are coming to invade Codeforces!

    Also twice fans.

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6 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it -30 Vote: I do not like it

A one like Um_nik has appeared in Facebook and now there is the news feed which is adapted to a user by machine learning or something else. So I suppose it is a suggestion from Um_nik to make a "clever" main page which will be generated by AI. :)

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it +40 Vote: I do not like it

    actually it seems you got it backwards, and he wants to see predictable main page

    And algo-feeds suck, btw

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it +3 Vote: I do not like it

      Actually I just want to whine raise awareness. I don't think that there is a good solution but current situation is not ok either.

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        6 years ago, # ^ |
          Vote: I like it +15 Vote: I do not like it

        I do not really understand awareness of what, then

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +18 Vote: I do not like it

One of the rarest things on the planet, a Legendary GrandMaster getting downvoted

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +2 Vote: I do not like it

Ya lor ngmh

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it -8 Vote: I do not like it

    I literally have no blogs wdym

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6 years ago, # |
← Rev. 2   Vote: I like it +88 Vote: I do not like it

"I don't know how many of you have ever read Um_nik's posts, but you probably know that arrogance in competitive programming is measured in nano-Um_niks."

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it -19 Vote: I do not like it

I have a much better solution: don't look at the main page.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Totally agree, only Most Valuable Posts(MVP) should be on main page.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

lmao check out tags

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

I don't know how someone could be annoyed from Mike lol.. after all the work he has done he has no right to post what he wants ?

if you are legendary grand master ofcourse you aren't interested in Errichto posts and you don't want to see such a thing on main page but other beginners like us could find something helpful

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    6 years ago, # ^ |
      Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

    i know u r interested in upvotes...but i truely feel what u have written

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      6 years ago, # ^ |
        Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

      nah not really I had a blog got me down to -20 but I don't give a **** I just kept watching my contribution going down

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +1 Vote: I do not like it

Do not write any criticism if you care about your contribution ;) Let it be worse. Don't be umnik ;)

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +7 Vote: I do not like it

this blog is just too much fun for me.

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +8 Vote: I do not like it

The irony in this being on the home page :D

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it 0 Vote: I do not like it

Unnecessary blogs --> Unnecessary downvotes :D

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6 years ago, # |
  Vote: I like it +5 Vote: I do not like it

I am really interested in seeing you as a president for some country one day. The IQ Hitler.

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