WWJD (What would Jeeber do?) - JeeberD's posting secrets

[Antmeister]

After observing the way JeeberD increases his post count, I have decided to post my discoveries here.

"Dola" - This is a tried and classic method used on this board frequently. Come up with a complete thought and break up your long winded paragraph with a lot of dolas. The word Dola should be at the beginning of your post before proceeding. Jeeber has been able to use this as an artform but he still has many dirty little secrets.

Psuedo Dola - Similar to the dola, but you don't start the post with the word Dola. This is effective when you allow people to post between your psuedo dolas. That gives the illusion have given your thread more thought and felt compelled to post it.

Thread jack - There are times when you don't feel posting your own thread when you are already in one. This method allows you to post something that is barely related to the thread and break it up with a lot of psuedo dolas.

One liners (Me too, I like boobs, Where's Pumpy?, SkyDog is a dictator, etc.) - Just throw in something that has nothing to do with the thread you are reading. The masters have a notepad on their computer with a list of these and randomly select one to post in a thread.

Single word (What?, Huh?, Trout, etc.....) - Sometimes you just don't feel like writing a whole sentence so this is a really effective weapon.

"Pix pls thx!" - Any mention of a female requires this line. Only one person gets to call it, so try to post it as soon as you can. The masters can type this phrase in under a second.

Abbreviations (LOL. ROFL, OMFG, U2, etc...) - Use it for anything that may even be remotely funny. It's great for those times when you have nothing constructive to add.

Smileys ( :mad: :eek: :confused: :D , etc....) - This is a very powerful weapon when you really don't feel like typing at all. Some of the masters just go through hundreds of threads looking for one comment in which they can respond with a smiley.

Drama Fiend - Find a thread contians any level of controversy in it and try to elicit anger by attacking another poster or mod. The subject can be related or non-related material. This is a risky tactic, but you can definitely pad the post count and possibly get someone else suspended if you play your cards right.

Post a news article - Why spend all your time writing a long post when you can simply post a news arrticle. This method is best used if you quote one piece of the article at different times in a thread.

Ellipsis (...) - I don't know who started this, but there are some who practice this well guarded posting secret. To use this effectively, you have to quote somebody and you follow it up with three periods. If you are real lazy a single period will do. And some are even lazy enough not to add anything.

The Hell Atlantic - Write a post about a subject you are not really angry about, but pretend to do so out of the sake of controversy. Then insult that person's sexuality, personality, culture, and hoagie to pad that post count. Very tricky tactic and only the masters can handle it without getting banned.

[Added by RavenHawk]
Sign Up For All Interactive Dynasties - The interactive dynasty provides a wealth of opportunity for posting small quips without doing much work other than scanning the write-up for your handle, reading two sentences, then commenting and your character's pseudo prowess or lack thereof.

Create an Interactive Dynasty - Here's a tried-and-true method. By spending some time creating an interactive dynasty that updates regularly, you can chew through post count quickly. Best of all, you can continue posting without using the "Dola" trick because, dammit, it's your dynasty. Additionally, you get post count value out of creating ambiguous rules that require dynasty participants to ask questions that can often be answered with one-word answers.

[Added by Raiders Army]
"Fixed that for you!" - Quote any post that you disagree with or that you think you can make more humorous and edit it to your liking. Then follow it with this quote and you are safe.
Sign up to a Werewolf thread - It you don't want to be too obvious, you could sign up to one of these and use any of the various methods listed here to pad your post count. Plus you could also appear to be super geeky, which is most likely true.

[Added by Dodgerchick]
Quote yourself - There may be times when you feel you can add anything to someone else comments, so why not quote yourself and comment about your brilliant post.
Random pics - When you are in a threadjacking mood, but don't want to offend anyone with your comments, try a random picture. People may notice it, but they won't be offended. They may even comment on it.
Piecemeal quoting - This is when you pick one sentence out of a post to quote and you type up a reply. You do this with another sentence and repeat. Very effective and sneaky.

[Added by Shorty]
Random quoting - Similar to piecemeal quoting except you randomly select an entire post and comment on it. You then proceed to another post and repeat. Shorty's favorite weapon.

[Added by CoffeeWarlord]
Random movie quotes - Usually used by the masters of trivia, this is a very effective weapon since it is very much like a stealth threadjack. Coffee Warlord, WSUCougar and a few other movie buffs have taken this artform to new levels. Here is CoffeeWarlord description of this weapon:
"The power of the movie quote not only gives you that all powerful post, but popular movies will generate others posting quotes from that movie, which in turn allows you to retort with yet another quote."
Random movie pics - Can be used solo, but according to CoffeeWarlord:
"I must also note that Random Movie Pics used in conjunction with Random Movie Quotes is truly the mark of a master."

[Added by gottimd]
"bump" - This is a little known trade secret by the masters of posts. Go through a number of your favorite threads or theads that people refuse to respond to and use this word to bring it back to life. It may not seem like an effective weapon, but it comes in handy for those slow days. So go into those archives and bump the hell out of them.

[Added by Airhog]
Small novel mode or Chief Rumming or Combative Post Setup - This is when you do something that seems to go against the moral code of the post count master, but that is how they trick you. You simply type up a long drawn out post with semi coherent sentences and wait for a smart ass one liner reply. That is when you can consistently bash the other poster throughout the majority of the thread.

[Added by Farrah Whitworth Rahn]
Seductive posting - This is most effective when women use it (Farrah's favorite weapon), but males can sometimes use it too. Most recently Ksyrup used it with his "cleaning in the buff" posting. This is how it works. Quote somebody and reply with a post that is laced with sexual innuendo. If you are a woman, you are guaranteed to get a response about 100% of the time from any of the male FOFC'ers. If you are a guy, you have less than a 10% chance. But once that person responds, you can go through a sort of post flirtation to pad the post count. And sometimes when this happens, SkyDog gets concerned.

[Added by EasyMac]
Pumpy pics - Liven up any thread and increase your post count by adding any Pumpy pic to any thread. For some reason no one will question your logic.

[Raiders Army]

This post intentially left blank.

[korme]

Strange I am currently listening to the song Dirty Little Secret

[Easy Mac]

huh?

[Antmeister]

This post intentially left blank.

LOL!

[Easy Mac]

I'm not sure the point of this thread except to pad a post count.

[Antmeister]

Dola...

See it is working. Thanks JeeberD!

[Raiders Army]

LOL!
...

[Easy Mac]

dola,
does anyone else agree?

[SirFozzie]

you know that now thet you've exposed their secrets, that the Fucking Elitists can't let you live.

[Lorena]

...


:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

[Raiders Army]

How 'bout them Raiders?

[Easy Mac]

...
pix plz thx

[Lorena]

Watch me get to 700 in this thread

[Lorena]

619

[Raiders Army]

pix plz k thx
fixed it for ya

[Lorena]

620

[Lorena]

Heh, I'm just kidding, I don't wanna be in the box for something stupid like that

[AgustusM]

Post counts might be the single most worthless thing on the Internet.

If the number of posts you have made on any internet forum is a major factor in your self worth, you need to do some serious self evaluation.

You can punish me for pointing out the obvious by setting my posts to 0, or negative one billion or whatever. I could care less.

[Antmeister]

fixed it for ya

I have to add that one to the list. Forgot about that one.

[Lorena]

Heh, I'm just kidding, I don't wanna be in the box for something stupid like that

How about quoting yourself to get your count up?

[Young Drachma]

Wow..great thread.

[Raiders Army]

How about quoting yourself to get your count up?
Nice. It's like saying "A great man once said..."

"Who said that?"

"Me."

[st.cronin]

I like Scotch.

[lighthousekeeper]

trout

[vex]

:D

[Airhog]

**********

[Easy Mac]

Wow..great thread. http://img472.imageshack.us/img472/4467/c8ab96822a727st.jpg

now it's a great thread.

[st.cronin]

dola

I may go see Aeon Flux tonight.

[st.cronin]

whoops, didn't realize there were other posts ... my last post was *not* a true dola.

[Lorena]

Posting a pic that has nothing to do with the thread gets your post up

[st.cronin]

dola
but my last one was

as is this one

[st.cronin]

ah fiddlesticks

we should really turn 'dola' into an automated function to avoid this sort of confusion

[Izulde]

mmk

[Lorena]

Oh, a very used tactic is quoting one post at a time instead of putting all quotes in one post.

[Raiders Army]

You should change the title of this thread to WWJD? (What Would Jeeber Do?)

[Antmeister]

You should change the title of this thread to WWJD? (What Would Jeeber Do?)

Good idea. By the way, I just added the new ones to the top.

[Izulde]

I'd hit it with Clemence Poesy.

[Izulde]

dola,

Who knew Rosario Dawson could sing? I've been listening to the Rent movie version of Light My Candle nonstop since last night.

[Emiliano]

Where's "GOLD"???

And "beat me to it"???

:D :D :D

[Easy Mac]

First the insanely gay picture pose, now liking Rent... seriously man, get it together.

[Raiders Army]

Good idea. By the way, I just added the new ones to the top.
Nicely done.

[Izulde]

Posting a pic that has nothing to do with the thread gets your post up

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/Izulde/orly4.jpg

[Izulde]

First the insanely gay picture pose, now liking Rent... seriously man, get it together.

People have thought i r teh ghey for years, but those that know me the most know I'm not. :D

[korme]

Oh, a very used tactic is quoting one post at a time instead of putting all quotes in one post.
Spying me in the noop thread? I made like 4 posts in a row albeit unintentionally, I was just responding to the comments as I read them..http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/cool.gif

[Izulde]

That reminds me, I need to watch Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen and get it back to Blockbuster by midnight. Forgot all about it till now.

[Lorena]

Hang out in a thread until someone posts something you can comment on

[Coffee Warlord]

You need to add "random movie quotes" to the list. The power of the movie quote not only gives you that all powerful post, but popular movies will generate others posting quotes from that movie, which in turn allows you to retort with yet another quote.

That said, I hope your first child will be a masculine child.

[Coffee Warlord]

Dola.

I must also note that Random Movie Pics used in conjunction with Random Movie Quotes is truly the mark of a master.

[Antmeister]

You need to add "random movie quotes" to the list. The power of the movie quote not only gives you that all powerful post, but popular movies will generate others posting quotes from that movie, which in turn allows you to retort with yet another quote.

That said, I hope your first child will be a masculine child.

Good one! :D

[gottimd]

What about "bump" for old threads?

Also the Ping thread to alert the whole board that you have PM'd someone but their box is full?

[DaddyTorgo]

bump

shameless post-whoring

[Airhog]

Don't forget the reverse threadkill. That's were you fire off a nice threadkill post, but in reality, you want it to backfire on purpose, which leads to any of the above things.

Have to be careful though, you fire off one that is too good, and it will kill the thread :D

[Raiders Army]

Paging flere...how about a diagram for this?

[Airhog]

Another great way to increase your thread count is to write a long drawn out post. Someone will surely call you out with a one-liner, and then you can bash them for it...

[Airhog]

dola: that last technique, is called "Small novel mode"

[Buccaneer]

Don't know if it's worth anything but whenever a certain poster makes a post about a historical event, the requisite reply is to say something along the lines of that poster having been there when it happened. What would you call it?

[dawgfan]

What would you call it?

Funny. ;)

[JeeberD]

Ummmm...'k.

[Bearcat729]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/Izulde/orly4.jpg


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/PCM72/owlinotamused7ms.jpg

[Bonegavel]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/PCM72/owlinotamused7ms.jpg
http://www.bonegavel.com/images/notamuse.jpg

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

You should change the title of this thread to WWJD? (What Would Jeeber Do?)
I think we should add it as a t-shirt in flere's cafe press store. I'd buy it. Maybe a thong too. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/eek.gif

[wade moore]

I think we should add it as a t-shirt in flere's cafe press store. I'd buy it. Maybe a thong too. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/eek.gif
pix plz, k thx

[Raiders Army]

Ant, also need to put "Sign up for a Werewolf thread" in there somewhere. That really pads the post count.

[duckman]

In before the lock.

[wade moore]

In before the lock.
Why would this be locked?

[JeeberD]

I think we should add it as a t-shirt in flere's cafe press store. I'd buy it. Maybe a thong too. http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/eek.gif

That just made my day...

[duckman]

Why would this be locked?
I was kidding. Plus, I was post whoring. :D

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

That just made my day...Well its not as if you'd get to see it. You need at least 20,000 posts before I'd send pixplsthx.http://www.operationsports.com/fofc/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

[JeeberD]

You wanna see how quickly I can get to 20k? :D

[korme]

dola: that last technique, is called "Small novel mode"
I just call that Chief Rumming

[Antmeister]

Ok I added Raiders Army, Farrah's and Airhog's.

[wade moore]

I was kidding. Plus, I was post whoring. :D
I'm so slow.

Duh...

[MIJB#19]

We need Heybrad to post, so somebody can "Hey Brad!"

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

What? Seductive posting? I don't know if I should laugh or feign offense that someone thinks I use seductive posting.

[Antmeister]

What? Seductive posting? I don't know if I should laugh or feign offense that someone thinks I use seductive posting.

See, you are doing it again. You used the word seductive and laughing in the same post. :D

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

See, you are doing it again. You used the word seductive and laughing in the same post. :DI always seductively laugh at patriotic panties, especially if they're worn by trout. Or worn with matching socks and ants.

[Antmeister]

I always seductively laugh at patriotic panties, especially if they're worn by trout. Or worn with matching socks and ants.

Damn it! Falling for her post count trap, but I hope trout is not something you and Arlie use as a code word for something else. And when do you match socks with ants? That leaves you with only two colors to choose from. :D

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Damn it! Falling for her post count trap, but I hope trout is not something you and Arlie use as a code word for something else. And when do you match socks with ants? That leaves you with only two colors to choose from. :DDamn. I got nothing. :p

[Easy Mac]

this thread can't die!

[Airhog]

oooh, the Heybrad technique is a good one, but its main flaw is that it is limited to heybrad posting.

I think another technique would be called Hatricking. This is where you join Hattrick, and 90% of yours posts are in the hattrick forum. People call you a lurker when you post in the main forums, even though you have 4000 posts...

[gottimd]

http://www.geocities.com/gottimd/Pics_and_Gifs/illumn8d.jpg

[Antmeister]

http://www.geocities.com/gottimd/Pics_and_Gifs/illumn8d.jpg

Nice!

[Lorena]

oooh, the Heybrad technique is a good one, but its main flaw is that it is limited to heybrad posting.

A post is a post is a post.

[Airhog]

A post is a post is a post.

true, but you only get a heybrad post a few times a month.

[kingfc22]

BEST. THREAD. EVER.

[Bearcat729]

this thread can't die!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/PCM72/waldorfstatler1oe.jpg


Waldorf: Well, you gotta give them credit.
Statler: Why's that?
Waldorf: Well, they're gonna keep on doing it till they get it right.

[Lorena]

http://pedro5antos.home.sapo.pt/fotos/thread%20die/energizerthread.jpg

[Bonegavel]

http://www.bonegavel.com/images/barf.jpg

[Fonzie]

<table class="contentpaneopen"><tbody><tr><td class="contentheading" width="100%"> History of Asia </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> http://www.asiaworld.org//images/M_images/printButton.png (http://www.asiaworld.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=43#) </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> http://www.asiaworld.org//images/M_images/emailButton.png (http://www.asiaworld.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=43#) </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="2" class="createdate" valign="top"> Sunday, 12 June 2005 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" valign="top"> 1980

Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn (The Buggles) are brought in to replace the departed Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson in YES. They join forces with Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White. The "Drama" album results from the coalition, and a world tour follows. It soon becomes apparent that the Yes-faithful will not accept Trevor Horn as a replacement for Jon Anderson. Yes dissolves, with Horn and Downes returning to the studio for work on The Buggles' second release "Adventures In Modern Recording."

Coincidentally, another British Prog Band, UK, has dissolved. John Wetton had been searching for a new sound ever since his days with Robert Fripp in King Crimson, and UK had been the logical next step in that search. Originally a quartet with Eddie Jobson (Keyboards), Bill Bruford (Drums), and Alan Holdsworth (Guitar), Bruford and Holdsworth leave UK after the band's debut album. Drummer Terry Bozzio is brought in, and UK continues as a trio. Two more albums, "Danger Money" and "Night After Night" result from this line-up before internal difficulties between Wetton & Jobson caused an irreparable split. It is time for John Wetton to reach for the top-40 success he has so longed for. Waiting for a project to come along, he records his first solo album--"Caught In The Crossfire."

On the heels of the "Love Beach" album, Emerson, Lake & Palmer have taken their final bow. Together with a group of American musicians, Carl Palmer forms a new band--PM. One album results before the band splits.

1981

January, 1981. Steve Howe and John Wetton meet and begin writing and playing with an eye towards doing a project together. Eventually, they decide to form a band. Downes & Palmer round out the quartet and a name--"ASIA" is chosen (rumoured to have been the suggestion of manager Brian Lane). Recording begins at a furious pace.

1982

"Asia," the debut record, is released. A modest tour begins. However, what happens next is unexpected. The album, along with the first single ("Heat of the Moment") rocket to the top of the charts. Nine million copies of the debut album are sold world-wide. The band is unprepared for such acclaim, given they only have 45 minutes of material for a live show.

A successful world tour follows. In order to round out a full show, individual solos and demo versions of songs for their next album are added into the mix. Two official videos--"Heat of the Moment" and "Only Time Will Tell" are also released. While on tour to support the album, a video is also shot for "Sole Survivor." It is rarely seen (simply a live shot of the band), and soon slips into obscurity. A video for "Wildest Dreams" is also commissioned, but it is deemed 'too extreme' by the band for it's graphic war footage.

As the tour wears on, some cracks begin to appear in the band's personal chemistry.

1983

In order to avoid the British tax man, the band is advised to spend some time outside of the UK. They turn to Morin Heights, just outside of Montreal, Quebec. It is very cold, and isolated from the outside world. Production begins once again with Mike Stone. Immediately, Downes & Wetton emerge as the 'writing team' for the album. Steve Howe, with five writing credits on the debut record, is completely shut out. Tensions begin to mount between Howe and Wetton.

"Alpha" is finally released. Two more official videos are produced--"'Don't Cry" and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes." More touring continues. On September 10th, John Wetton unknowingly plays his last date with the band (for now) at the Pine Knob in Detroit, Michigan.

Behind the scenes, Geffen and Asia's management are outraged that "Alpha" is failing to meet the expectations set by the first record. Pressure is exerted for a major change, and John Wetton is removed from the band. Greg Lake (ex of ELP) is brought in to replace Wetton for the band's "ASIA IN ASIA" show for MTV in December.

1984

Lake departs when it becomes clear that his voice does not suit the band's material. Geffen and Asia's management realize Wetton's commercial value as lead singer, and lure him back into the fold. Unable to make things work with Wetton, Steve Howe leaves the band while writing for the third album. Mandy Meyer (ex of Krokus) comes in on guitar. Seemingly endless studio work continues.

1985

Third album, "Astra," finally released. One more video--"Go" is produced. "Astra" fails to live up to expectations commercially, and all tour plans are cancelled. For all intents and purposes, Asia is finished as a band.

Never to play with Asia in concert, Mandy Meyer goes on to form Katmandu in 1990, along with former Fastway singer Dave King, Mike Alonso on drums, and Caine Carruthers on bass.

1986

An EP, "Aurora" is released in Japan. It is a limited release with only 20,000 copies allegedly produced. It contains the song "Too Late" from "Astra," and three single b-sides--"Ride Easy," "Lying To Yourself" and "Daylight."

Following the collapse of Asia, Geoff Downes returns to the studio to begin recording his first solo album.

Steve Howe (with Geoff Downes producing) forms GTR with Steve Hackett (ex of Genesis) and Max Bacon. A world tour follows with mild success on the basis of a single--"When The Heart Rules The Mind."

Through GTR's bass player, Phil Spalding, Downes is introduced to bassist/vocalist John Payne.

John Wetton records a duo album with Phil Manzanera (ex of Roxy Music). Album is simply titled "Wetton/Manzanera."

John Wetton gathers a group of friends together at The Marquee Club in London, England. Wetton, Carl Palmer, Phil Manzanera, Robin George and Don Airey play two nights, June 4th & 5th. A wide variety of music is performed, including "Don't Cry," "Keep On Loving Yourself" and a few standards.

1987

Wetton records "Gypsy Soul" under the name Asia for the soundtrack of "Over The Top" (Sylvester Stallone). Joining Wetton are Giorgio Moroder (programming and keyboards) and Dann Huff (guitar).

As a favour to a friend, John Wetton joins in on the Phenomena II: Dream Runner project. There he sings lead vocals on one track--"Did It All For Love" which in turn becomes the album's hit song. A video for the song is produced. During the recording, Wetton meets Scott Gorham and Michael Sturgis (both of 21 Guns).

Geoff Downes' first solo album, "The New Dance Orchestra - The Light Program," is released on Geffen Records.

Wetton & Downes, together with Gorham and Sturgis practice and record for a possible ASIA reunion. A record deal in Japan is arranged, but there is trouble getting a world-wide deal. Wetton pulls out when a global deal fails to materialize. Some tracks eventually surface on other projects--"Summer Can't Last Too Long" (Then & Now) and "Kari-Anne" (Live in Moscow).

In search of a partner, Downes drops by to see a concert by John Payne's band, The Passion, in September. Featured in the band's set that evening is a demo version of the song "Love Like The Video."

Late 1987 and 1988 finds Downes at work on the RAIN project. Nothing firm (re: vocals) is decided upon. John Payne and Max Bacon (ex: GTR) sing on various tracks at different times. Bacon eventually leaves. Payne and Downes solidify a working relationship, and continue to work together. Much of the material from this period will eventually appear on the "Archiva" albums in 1996.

1988

Carl Palmer teams up once again with Keith Emerson for a new group, Three, with California-based singer/bassist Robert Berry. Their debut album sparks little interest, with Emerson departing shortly thereafter.

John Wetton compiles his greatest (non-Asia) hits in a package--"King's Road" for EG records.

After completing extensive session work with John Payne, Downes begins working with Greg Lake on a possible project.

1989

Responding to an invitation to play a series of stadium dates in Europe with the Beach Boys and It Bites, Wetton quickly bands together Palmer, keyboardist John Young and guitarist Alan Darby. Geoff Downes is temporarily out of action writing and recording with Greg Lake (on the "Ride The Tiger" project).

As the mini-tour progresses, Wetton and Palmer quickly realize that there is an audience for Asia's music. Another tour is arranged for the autumn, primarily in Germany, for some smaller venues. Darby is gone, and replaced by German guitarist Holger Larish.

Rejuvenated by their success, Wetton and Palmer manage to coax Downes into re-joining them. John Young departs the band. Holger Larish is also unceremoniously dropped from Asia.

John Payne is invited to work with Electric Light Orchestra in New York, following the departure of Jeff Lynne. The project (not yet titled ELO II) is in shambles. Payne later departs, never to record with the band.

1990

Pat Thrall (ex of Hughes/Thrall, and Pat Travers Band) is brought in on guitar for 1990-91. A deal with Geffen (or fulfillment of an old agreement) to release a collection of old and new material results in "Then And Now." A video for the minor hit "Days Like These" is filmed, but never released.

Hoping to create momentum to lead them to another studio album, Asia tours extensively. More festival dates in Germany are followed by shows in Japan, the UK, Russia, and finally in Brazil. Wetton is becoming disillusioned with the reunion and expresses his plans to depart for a solo career.

As souvenirs, two shows are filmed for distribution (Nottingham & Moscow). The Nottingham show is titled "Andromeda" in its video release. Wetton leaves, and Carl Palmer jumps to the reforming ELP.

Pat Thrall goes on to several projects, including studio work and touring with Meat Loaf. In addition, he also works alongside his old Hughes-Thrall team-mate, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, on Hughes' own 1995 solo release, "FEEL."

1991

Without a firm project to call his own, Geoff returns to producing, this time for the band If Only for the album "No Bed of Roses." Led by guitarist/vocalist Greg Hart (who later collaborates with Geoff on Aqua tracks), Geoff produces and lays down a few keyboards. The album is released on Jimco/Czar in 1992.

Downes then decides to raise the Asia-phoenix once again, and proceeds to rebuild the band with John Payne on bass and vocals. Sessions begin on Asia's first studio album in 7 years with assistance from Carl Palmer and Steve Howe. American axe-man Al Pitrelli joins in on the festivities to lay down the majority of the guitar tracks. Session drummer Michael Sturgis adds some additional drum tracks.

1992

Downes begins the year playing a series of dates with Trapeze (Glenn Hughes). He later completes work at Advision Studios in Brighton, England on what will be his second solo effort--"Vox Humana."

"Aqua," Asia's fourth full-length studio album, is released. Steve Howe remains to tour as a 'Special Guest Artist'. A successful world tour follows, with drummer Trevor Thornton and guitarist Vinny Burns along for the ride. Howe is conspicuous by his absence on stage for any tracks from the "Astra" album. Geoff releases his second solo effort, "Vox Humana," on Jimco Records. 1993

More touring to support "Aqua." Prior to the summer, Vinny Burns departs for Ultravox, and is replaced by Keith More (later of the band Arena) . Summer festival dates in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania and Estonia complete the "Aqua" tour. Asia take a well deserved break from touring. Steve Howe leaves to pursue various solo projects.

Unsatisfied with the mix of his second solo effort, "Vox Humana," Downes remixes several tracks, and the album is re-released on ALL AT ONCE Records.

Downes & Payne begin writing in the late summer, and return to the studio in November to begin recording the follow-up to "Aqua." Al Pitrelli returns on guitars, with Michael Sturgis once again on drums.

1994

May '94 sees the release of "Aria." Asia's management drops the ball by not actively pursuing a North American deal. The summer is spent performing in festivals, with Japanese and European dates. Michael Sturgis joins the band as their 'permanent' recording and touring drummer. Al Pitrelli joins in for the first part of the tour before departing. Former Simply Red guitarist Aziz Ibrihim replaces Pitrelli for the last leg of the European tour.

1995

Downes & Payne regroup in London by building their own studio. They proceed to sever their relationship with management team Huge and Jolly. A new management structure is put in place and the band takes control of their own affairs. Recording begins on Asia's third album with John Payne.

1996

1996 sees the release of the long-awaited "Arena" album. A brave departure from previous ASIA recordings, "Arena" attempts to bring the ASIA sound into the 21st century. Geoff Downes' keyboards take center stage, and John Payne returns with a vocal performance that betters anything on "Aqua" or "Aria." Rounding out the lineup this time are Michael Sturgis, Aziz Ibrihim, Elliot Randall (guitar), Luis Jardim (percussion) and Tomoyasu Hotei (guitar).

The band pays homage to progressive years gone by with a stunning performance on their new classic "Day Before The War." It is destined to be a concert staple for many years to come. "Words" and "Turn It Around" have the ability to make waves for the band. "Arena" takes its final bow with a beautiful keyboard solo performance from Geoff Downes. Asia is back!

After seemingly endless negotiations with Geffen Records, Duane Gworek [long-time Geoff Downes associate] arranges for the licensing of Downes' debut solo album, "The Light Program". At great personal expense, Gworek oversees re-mastering of the keyboard classic. In conjunction with Downes, Gworek arranges for the album's re-issue through Rob Ayling's UK label Voiceprint Records. As a result, Ayling agrees to re-issue all three of Downes's solo recordings ("The Light Program," "Vox Humana," and "Evolution") on Voiceprint's sister label Blueprint.

Once entrenched in their new studio in Wales, Geoff & John open the vaults. Demo recordings of the band from 1988 to the present are brought together for a double album of unreleased material. "Archiva 1" and "Archiva 2" are released on June 17 on Resurgence Records in the UK. They feature demo tracks from the first Downes/Payne sessions, "Aqua," "Aria," "Arena," and some surprises. Rodney Matthews once again supplies the cover artwork.

1997

Tour plans for the "Arena" album never materialize, so the band turns their attention to other projects. Four live CD's are released through Voiceprint Records in the UK--"Live In Nottingham - 1990," "Live In Osaka - 1992," "Live In Philadelphia - 1992," and "Live In Koln - 1994."

A greatest hits package, "Anthology: The Best Of Asia," released through DML in Japan, contains several nuggets for Asia collectors. Along with several re-recorded versions of Asia classics (with Payne on vocals), the band included two new tracks, "Different Worlds" and "The Hunter." The collection is later released in Europe on the Snapper label.

With some free studio time, Downes and Payne try their first attempt at soundtrack work. The BBC documentary "Salmon: Against The Tides" features original work by the duo, heavily influenced by Downes' "Light Program" album. Another project to perform the soundtrack for a Sega video game falls apart due to disagreements with the producers of the game.

In September, Downes and Payne (along with Aziz Ibrahim) perform live (acoustically) for the first time in three years for the German Progressive Rock Festival. The remainder of the year is spent writing new material for their next studio album.

1998

With the dawn of the new year, writing for the new album heads into high gear, with the addition of Saga guitarist Ian Crichton. Chrichton's addition to the sessions sparks a new direction for their music, into a more progressive vein.

Just as sessions to record the new studio album progress, the possibility of a possible reunion of the original members of Asia is raised following a brief personal reunion between Downes and Wetton.

1999

Despite negotiations that drag on for months, the much-discussed Asia reunion fails to materialize. Downes and Payne return to the studio to finalize demo tracks. With demos in hand, the band signs with a new label, Recognition, and forges ahead with recording sesions for a new album due in 2000.

2000

In order to continue the Asia tradition of drawing on the best of the best in the rock world, the band stacks the recording sessions for the new album with a wealth of musical talent. Supplementing Downes and Payne in the studio are Elliott Randall, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Levin, Simon Phillips and former Asia guitarist Pat Thrall. By June 2000, the album was in the final stages of production, with even more guest artists yet to be announced.

2001

After a number of delays, Asia's new studio album, "Aura", is released. A world tour to support the album began in February in the UK, and later brought the band to Germany and through the US for a summer tour. Touring band includes John Payne, Geoff Downes, Chris Slade & Guthrie Govan.

2002

Asia return to the road for more concert dates throughout the UK and Europe. In October, the band played their only American date of the year in Trenton, NJ. The show was recorded for a live CD and DVD, "America: Live In The USA", to be released next year.

2003

After a brief hiatus, demos are being prepared for a new studio album expected late in 2003. Downes and Payne go out on the AAA (Asia Across America) tour in July/August, playing acoustic versions of the band's hits. September brings a move from Wales to Los Angeles, where proper writing begins on their next album.

2004

The first six months of the year are spend writing and recording the new album, "Silent Nation." Released in August on the InsideOut label (JVC/Victor in Japan), the album breaks new ground on two fronts - a movement away from their traditional "A...A" album titles, and a new direction in album cover artwork. Downes and Payne begin with a fifteen-date promotional tour of Borders bookstores in the US.

2005

The year begins what will eventually be a successful 75+ date tour of Europe, Mexico, South America, the United States and the United Kingdom. With a setlist that leans heavily on the debut album and the new record, "Silent Nation", Asia receives some of their best concert reviews in the history of the band.

Starting in June, InsideOut re-issues the entire John Payne era collection as special edition releases with lavish slipcases, all new liner notes and sleeve design, and featuring numerous bonus tracks. Releases include Aqua, Aria, Arena, Anthology and Archiva.

For the first time in six year, Asia's lineup changes. Chris Slade, who pounded the drums on Silent Nation and became a fan favorite over the years, departed. In his place, the band introduced Jay Schellen. Schellen brought with him an inpressive pedigree of studio work and related experience with bands such as Hurricane, Badfinger and the Chris Squire / Billy Sherwood "Conspiracy" project. Immediately, Asia re-entered the studio to begin work on the new album, tentatively titled "Architect of Time", due in the first half of 2006. Schellen will join Downes, Payne and Guthrie Govan on their planned European dates in November/December. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>

[Airhog]

<table class="contentpaneopen"><tbody><tr><td class="contentheading" width="100%"> History of Asia </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> http://www.asiaworld.org//images/M_images/printButton.png (http://www.asiaworld.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=43#) </td> <td class="buttonheading" align="right" width="100%"> http://www.asiaworld.org//images/M_images/emailButton.png (http://www.asiaworld.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=43#) </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <table class="contentpaneopen"> <tbody><tr> <td colspan="2" class="createdate" valign="top"> Sunday, 12 June 2005 </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="2" valign="top"> 1980

Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn (The Buggles) are brought in to replace the departed Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson in YES. They join forces with Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White. The "Drama" album results from the coalition, and a world tour follows. It soon becomes apparent that the Yes-faithful will not accept Trevor Horn as a replacement for Jon Anderson. Yes dissolves, with Horn and Downes returning to the studio for work on The Buggles' second release "Adventures In Modern Recording."

Coincidentally, another British Prog Band, UK, has dissolved. John Wetton had been searching for a new sound ever since his days with Robert Fripp in King Crimson, and UK had been the logical next step in that search. Originally a quartet with Eddie Jobson (Keyboards), Bill Bruford (Drums), and Alan Holdsworth (Guitar), Bruford and Holdsworth leave UK after the band's debut album. Drummer Terry Bozzio is brought in, and UK continues as a trio. Two more albums, "Danger Money" and "Night After Night" result from this line-up before internal difficulties between Wetton & Jobson caused an irreparable split. It is time for John Wetton to reach for the top-40 success he has so longed for. Waiting for a project to come along, he records his first solo album--"Caught In The Crossfire."

On the heels of the "Love Beach" album, Emerson, Lake & Palmer have taken their final bow. Fonzie Sucks. Together with a group of American musicians, Carl Palmer forms a new band--PM. One album results before the band splits.

1981

January, 1981. Steve Howe and John Wetton meet and begin writing and playing with an eye towards doing a project together. Eventually, they decide to form a band. Downes & Palmer round out the quartet and a name--"ASIA" is chosen (rumoured to have been the suggestion of manager Brian Lane). Recording begins at a furious pace.

1982

"Asia," the debut record, is released. A modest tour begins. However, what happens next is unexpected. The album, along with the first single ("Heat of the Moment") rocket to the top of the charts. Nine million copies of the debut album are sold world-wide. The band is unprepared for such acclaim, given they only have 45 minutes of material for a live show.

A successful world tour follows. In order to round out a full show, individual solos and demo versions of songs for their next album are added into the mix. Two official videos--"Heat of the Moment" and "Only Time Will Tell" are also released. While on tour to support the album, a video is also shot for "Sole Survivor." It is rarely seen (simply a live shot of the band), and soon slips into obscurity. A video for "Wildest Dreams" is also commissioned, but it is deemed 'too extreme' by the band for it's graphic war footage.

As the tour wears on, some cracks begin to appear in the band's personal chemistry.

1983

In order to avoid the British tax man, the band is advised to spend some time outside of the UK. They turn to Morin Heights, just outside of Montreal, Quebec. It is very cold, and isolated from the outside world. Production begins once again with Mike Stone. Fonzie Sucks. Immediately, Downes & Wetton emerge as the 'writing team' for the album. Steve Howe, with five writing credits on the debut record, is completely shut out. Tensions begin to mount between Howe and Wetton.

"Alpha" is finally released. Two more official videos are produced--"'Don't Cry" and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes." More touring continues. On September 10th, John Wetton unknowingly plays his last date with the band (for now) at the Pine Knob in Detroit, Michigan.

Behind the scenes, Geffen and Asia's management are outraged that "Alpha" is failing to meet the expectations set by the first record. Pressure is exerted for a major change, and John Wetton is removed from the band. Greg Lake (ex of ELP) is brought in to replace Wetton for the band's "ASIA IN ASIA" show for MTV in December.

1984

Lake departs when it becomes clear that his voice does not suit the band's material. Geffen and Asia's management realize Wetton's commercial value as lead singer, and lure him back into the fold. Unable to make things work with Wetton, Steve Howe leaves the band while writing for the third album. Mandy Meyer (ex of Krokus) comes in on guitar. Seemingly endless studio work continues.

1985

Third album, "Astra," finally released. One more video--"Go" is produced. "Astra" fails to live up to expectations commercially, and all tour plans are cancelled. For all intents and purposes, Asia is finished as a band.

Never to play with Asia in concert, Mandy Meyer goes on to form Katmandu in 1990, along with former Fastway singer Dave King, Mike Alonso on drums, and Caine Carruthers on bass.

1986

An EP, "Aurora" is released in Japan. It is a limited release with only 20,000 copies allegedly produced. I love men. It contains the song "Too Late" from "Astra," and three single b-sides--"Ride Easy," "Lying To Yourself" and "Daylight."

Following the collapse of Asia, Geoff Downes returns to the studio to begin recording his first solo album.

Steve Howe (with Geoff Downes producing) forms GTR with Steve Hackett (ex of Genesis) and Max Bacon. A world tour follows with mild success on the basis of a single--"When The Heart Rules The Mind."

Through GTR's bass player, Phil Spalding, Downes is introduced to bassist/vocalist John Payne.

John Wetton records a duo album with Phil Manzanera (ex of Roxy Music). Album is simply titled "Wetton/Manzanera."

John Wetton gathers a group of friends together at The Marquee Club in London, England. Wetton, Carl Palmer, Phil Manzanera, Robin George and Don Airey play two nights, June 4th & 5th. A wide variety of music is performed, including "Don't Cry," "Keep On Loving Yourself" and a few standards.

1987

Wetton records "Gypsy Soul" under the name Asia for the soundtrack of "Over The Top" (Sylvester Stallone). Joining Wetton are Giorgio Moroder (programming and keyboards) and Dann Huff (guitar).

As a favour to a friend, John Wetton joins in on the Phenomena II: Dream Runner project. There he sings lead vocals on one track--"Did It All For Love" which in turn becomes the album's hit song. A video for the song is produced. During the recording, Wetton meets Scott Gorham and Michael Sturgis (both of 21 Guns).

Geoff Downes' first solo album, "The New Dance Orchestra - The Light Program," is released on Geffen Records.

Wetton & Downes, together with Gorham and Sturgis practice and record for a possible ASIA reunion. A record deal in Japan is arranged, but there is trouble getting a world-wide deal. Wetton pulls out when a global deal fails to materialize. Some tracks eventually surface on other projects--"Summer Can't Last Too Long" (Then & Now) and "Kari-Anne" (Live in Moscow).

In search of a partner, Downes drops by to see a concert by John Payne's band, The Passion, in September. Toss my salad baby! Featured in the band's set that evening is a demo version of the song "Love Like The Video."

Late 1987 and 1988 finds Downes at work on the RAIN project. Nothing firm (re: vocals) is decided upon. John Payne and Max Bacon (ex: GTR) sing on various tracks at different times. Bacon eventually leaves. Payne and Downes solidify a working relationship, and continue to work together. Much of the material from this period will eventually appear on the "Archiva" albums in 1996.

1988

Carl Palmer teams up once again with Keith Emerson for a new group, Three, with California-based singer/bassist Robert Berry. Their debut album sparks little interest, with Emerson departing shortly thereafter.

John Wetton compiles his greatest (non-Asia) hits in a package--"King's Road" for EG records.

After completing extensive session work with John Payne, Downes begins working with Greg Lake on a possible project.

1989

Responding to an invitation to play a series of stadium dates in Europe with the Beach Boys and It Bites, Wetton quickly bands together Palmer, keyboardist John Young and guitarist Alan Darby. Geoff Downes is temporarily out of action writing and recording with Greg Lake (on the "Ride The Tiger" project).

As the mini-tour progresses, Wetton and Palmer quickly realize that there is an audience for Asia's music. Is this the new threadkiller? Another tour is arranged for the autumn, primarily in Germany, for some smaller venues. Darby is gone, and replaced by German guitarist Holger Larish.

Rejuvenated by their success, Wetton and Palmer manage to coax Downes into re-joining them. John Young departs the band. Holger Larish is also unceremoniously dropped from Asia.

John Payne is invited to work with Electric Light Orchestra in New York, following the departure of Jeff Lynne. The project (not yet titled ELO II) is in shambles. Payne later departs, never to record with the band.

1990

Pat Thrall (ex of Hughes/Thrall, and Pat Travers Band) is brought in on guitar for 1990-91. A deal with Geffen (or fulfillment of an old agreement) to release a collection of old and new material results in "Then And Now." A video for the minor hit "Days Like These" is filmed, but never released.

Hoping to create momentum to lead them to another studio album, Asia tours extensively. More festival dates in Germany are followed by shows in Japan, the UK, Russia, and finally in Brazil. Wetton is becoming disillusioned with the reunion and expresses his plans to depart for a solo career.

As souvenirs, two shows are filmed for distribution (Nottingham & Moscow). The Nottingham show is titled "Andromeda" in its video release. Wetton leaves, and Carl Palmer jumps to the reforming ELP.

Pat Thrall goes on to several projects, including studio work and touring with Meat Loaf. In addition, he also works alongside his old Hughes-Thrall team-mate, bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes, on Hughes' own 1995 solo release, "FEEL."

1991

Without a firm project to call his own, Geoff returns to producing, this time for the band If Only for the album "No Bed of Roses." Led by guitarist/vocalist Greg Hart (who later collaborates with Geoff on Aqua tracks), Geoff produces and lays down a few keyboards. The album is released on Jimco/Czar in 1992.

Downes then decides to raise the Asia-phoenix once again, and proceeds to rebuild the band with John Payne on bass and vocals. Sessions begin on Asia's first studio album in 7 years with assistance from Carl Palmer and Steve Howe. American axe-man Al Pitrelli joins in on the festivities to lay down the majority of the guitar tracks. Session drummer Michael Sturgis adds some additional drum tracks.

1992

Downes begins the year playing a series of dates with Trapeze (Glenn Hughes). He later completes work at Advision Studios in Brighton, England on what will be his second solo effort--"Vox Humana."

"Aqua," Asia's fourth full-length studio album, is released. Steve Howe remains to tour as a 'Special Guest Artist'. A successful world tour follows, with drummer Trevor Thornton and guitarist Vinny Burns along for the ride. Howe is conspicuous by his absence on stage for any tracks from the "Astra" album. Geoff releases his second solo effort, "Vox Humana," on Jimco Records. 1993

More touring to support "Aqua." Prior to the summer, Vinny Burns departs for Ultravox, and is replaced by Keith More (later of the band Arena) . Summer festival dates in Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Romania and Estonia complete the "Aqua" tour. Asia take a well deserved break from touring. Steve Howe leaves to pursue various solo projects.

Unsatisfied with the mix of his second solo effort, "Vox Humana," Downes remixes several tracks, and the album is re-released on ALL AT ONCE Records.

Downes & Payne begin writing in the late summer, and return to the studio in November to begin recording the follow-up to "Aqua." Al Pitrelli returns on guitars, with Michael Sturgis once again on drums.

1994

May '94 sees the release of "Aria." Asia's management drops the ball by not actively pursuing a North American deal. The summer is spent performing in festivals, with Japanese and European dates. Michael Sturgis joins the band as their 'permanent' recording and touring drummer. Al Pitrelli joins in for the first part of the tour before departing. Former Simply Red guitarist Aziz Ibrihim replaces Pitrelli for the last leg of the European tour.

1995

Downes & Payne regroup in London by building their own studio. They proceed to sever their relationship with management team Huge and Jolly. A new management structure is put in place and the band takes control of their own affairs. Recording begins on Asia's third album with John Payne.

1996

1996 sees the release of the long-awaited "Arena" album. A brave departure from previous ASIA recordings, "Arena" attempts to bring the ASIA sound into the 21st century. Geoff Downes' keyboards take center stage, and John Payne returns with a vocal performance that betters anything on "Aqua" or "Aria." Rounding out the lineup this time are Michael Sturgis, Aziz Ibrihim, Elliot Randall (guitar), Luis Jardim (percussion) and Tomoyasu Hotei (guitar).

The band pays homage to progressive years gone by with a stunning performance on their new classic "Day Before The War." It is destined to be a concert staple for many years to come. "Words" and "Turn It Around" have the ability to make waves for the band. "Arena" takes its final bow with a beautiful keyboard solo performance from Geoff Downes. Asia is back!

After seemingly endless negotiations with Geffen Records, Duane Gworek [long-time Geoff Downes associate] arranges for the licensing of Downes' debut solo album, "The Light Program". At great personal expense, Gworek oversees re-mastering of the keyboard classic. In conjunction with Downes, Gworek arranges for the album's re-issue through Rob Ayling's UK label Voiceprint Records. As a result, Ayling agrees to re-issue all three of Downes's solo recordings ("The Light Program," "Vox Humana," and "Evolution") on Voiceprint's sister label Blueprint.

Once entrenched in their new studio in Wales, Geoff & John open the vaults. Demo recordings of the band from 1988 to the present are brought together for a double album of unreleased material. "Archiva 1" and "Archiva 2" are released on June 17 on Resurgence Records in the UK. They feature demo tracks from the first Downes/Payne sessions, "Aqua," "Aria," "Arena," and some surprises. Rodney Matthews once again supplies the cover artwork.

1997

Tour plans for the "Arena" album never materialize, so the band turns their attention to other projects. Four live CD's are released through Voiceprint Records in the UK--"Live In Nottingham - 1990," "Live In Osaka - 1992," "Live In Philadelphia - 1992," and "Live In Koln - 1994."

A greatest hits package, "Anthology: The Best Of Asia," released through DML in Japan, contains several nuggets for Asia collectors. Along with several re-recorded versions of Asia classics (with Payne on vocals), the band included two new tracks, "Different Worlds" and "The Hunter." The collection is later released in Europe on the Snapper label.

With some free studio time, Downes and Payne try their first attempt at soundtrack work. The BBC documentary "Salmon: Against The Tides" features original work by the duo, heavily influenced by Downes' "Light Program" album. Another project to perform the soundtrack for a Sega video game falls apart due to disagreements with the producers of the game.

In September, Downes and Payne (along with Aziz Ibrahim) perform live (acoustically) for the first time in three years for the German Progressive Rock Festival. The remainder of the year is spent writing new material for their next studio album.

1998

With the dawn of the new year, writing for the new album heads into high gear, with the addition of Saga guitarist Ian Crichton. Chrichton's addition to the sessions sparks a new direction for their music, into a more progressive vein.

Just as sessions to record the new studio album progress, the possibility of a possible reunion of the original members of Asia is raised following a brief personal reunion between Downes and Wetton.

1999

Despite negotiations that drag on for months, the much-discussed Asia reunion fails to materialize. Downes and Payne return to the studio to finalize demo tracks. With demos in hand, the band signs with a new label, Recognition, and forges ahead with recording sesions for a new album due in 2000.

2000

In order to continue the Asia tradition of drawing on the best of the best in the rock world, the band stacks the recording sessions for the new album with a wealth of musical talent. Supplementing Downes and Payne in the studio are Elliott Randall, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Levin, Simon Phillips and former Asia guitarist Pat Thrall. By June 2000, the album was in the final stages of production, with even more guest artists yet to be announced.

2001

After a number of delays, Asia's new studio album, "Aura", is released. A world tour to support the album began in February in the UK, and later brought the band to Germany and through the US for a summer tour. Touring band includes John Payne, Geoff Downes, Chris Slade & Guthrie Govan.

2002

Asia return to the road for more concert dates throughout the UK and Europe. In October, the band played their only American date of the year in Trenton, NJ. The show was recorded for a live CD and DVD, "America: Live In The USA", to be released next year.

2003

After a brief hiatus, demos are being prepared for a new studio album expected late in 2003. Downes and Payne go out on the AAA (Asia Across America) tour in July/August, playing acoustic versions of the band's hits. September brings a move from Wales to Los Angeles, where proper writing begins on their next album.

2004

The first six months of the year are spend writing and recording the new album, "Silent Nation." Released in August on the InsideOut label (JVC/Victor in Japan), the album breaks new ground on two fronts - a movement away from their traditional "A...A" album titles, and a new direction in album cover artwork. Downes and Payne begin with a fifteen-date promotional tour of Borders bookstores in the US.

2005

The year begins what will eventually be a successful 75+ date tour of Europe, Mexico, South America, the United States and the United Kingdom. With a setlist that leans heavily on the debut album and the new record, "Silent Nation", Asia receives some of their best concert reviews in the history of the band.

Starting in June, InsideOut re-issues the entire John Payne era collection as special edition releases with lavish slipcases, all new liner notes and sleeve design, and featuring numerous bonus tracks. Releases include Aqua, Aria, Arena, Anthology and Archiva.

For the first time in six year, Asia's lineup changes. Chris Slade, who pounded the drums on Silent Nation and became a fan favorite over the years, departed. In his place, the band introduced Jay Schellen. Schellen brought with him an inpressive pedigree of studio work and related experience with bands such as Hurricane, Badfinger and the Chris Squire / Billy Sherwood "Conspiracy" project. Immediately, Asia re-entered the studio to begin work on the new album, tentatively titled "Architect of Time", due in the first half of 2006. Schellen will join Downes, Payne and Guthrie Govan on their planned European dates in November/December. </td> </tr> </tbody></table>


Ah, the grasshopper has learned well from the master!

[Lorena]

This thread should be renamed "Pad your post count here"

[st.cronin]

This thread should be renamed "Pad your post count here"

agreed

[JeeberD]

The Thread Killer was better...

[Airhog]

The Thread Killer was better...

The original one was the best. The one that I slayed!

[Passacaglia]

The most common pitfall for those hoping to increase their post count is reading. In order to truly pad your post count, you have to get TYPING -- you don't have time to read what everyone else is saying!

[st.cronin]

The most common pitfall for those hoping to increase their post count is reading. In order to truly pad your post count, you have to get TYPING -- you don't have time to read what everyone else is saying!

huh?

[st.cronin]

dolabump

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Did someone already say "Start a Werewolf thread"?

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

dola - quickly followed by a thread bitching about the werewolf thread?

[Raiders Army]

dola - quickly followed by a thread bitching about the werewolf thread?
Stop being jealous. :D

[Groundhog]

A bit of a thread jack I know, but this got me to thinking about a problem that's been happening in my life, and I'd like some opinions…

To put it simply, a friend of mine told me that she is interested in another friend of mine who happens to be dating someone that used to be married to my friend's ex-fiancee, and wanted to know what I thought about it. So anyway I spoke to my friend and told him what my other friend thought about him and he seemed surprised but genuinely interested. The problem is that I also have an interest in my friend, so I don't know whether I should be trying to help them get together, or whether I should be doing my best to stop my friend getting with my friend when it's me who has wanted the friend for a long time. It doesn't make it any easier that the friend's partner is also a good friend of mine, so I feel like if I'm helping out any of my friends, all it's going to do is hurt my friends. My friend is coming over tonight to talk about it, but I'm not sure what to say to them… can I please get some advice? Thanks.

[sterlingice]

A bit of a thread jack I know, but this got me to thinking about a problem that's been happening in my life, and I'd like some opinions…

To put it simply, a friend of mine told me that she is interested in another friend of mine who happens to be dating someone that used to be married to my friend's ex-fiancee, and wanted to know what I thought about it. So anyway I spoke to my friend and told him what my other friend thought about him and he seemed surprised but genuinely interested. The problem is that I also have an interest in my friend, so I don't know whether I should be trying to help them get together, or whether I should be doing my best to stop my friend getting with my friend when it's me who has wanted the friend for a long time. It doesn't make it any easier that the friend's partner is also a good friend of mine, so I feel like if I'm helping out any of my friends, all it's going to do is hurt my friends. My friend is coming over tonight to talk about it, but I'm not sure what to say to them… can I please get some advice? Thanks.I give this post a 3 ;)

SI

[Bearcat729]

dolabump



http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/PCM72/owlbond6xp.jpg

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

A bit of a thread jack I know, but this got me to thinking about a problem that's been happening in my life, and I'd like some opinions…

To put it simply, a friend of mine told me that she is interested in another friend of mine who happens to be dating someone that used to be married to my friend's ex-fiancee, and wanted to know what I thought about it. So anyway I spoke to my friend and told him what my other friend thought about him and he seemed surprised but genuinely interested. The problem is that I also have an interest in my friend, so I don't know whether I should be trying to help them get together, or whether I should be doing my best to stop my friend getting with my friend when it's me who has wanted the friend for a long time. It doesn't make it any easier that the friend's partner is also a good friend of mine, so I feel like if I'm helping out any of my friends, all it's going to do is hurt my friends. My friend is coming over tonight to talk about it, but I'm not sure what to say to them… can I please get some advice? Thanks.I think this post needs a flere diagram.

[st.cronin]

I think this post needs a flere diagram.

Also, less punctuation and more cryptic abbreviations.

[heybrad]

true, but you only get a heybrad post a few times a month.
My ears are burning.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

Hey Brad!

[sterlingice]

My ears are burning.
Lisa: I like him! He's smart, he's sensitive, he's clearly not obsessed with his physical appearance --
Homer: {walking by} My ears are burning.
Lisa: Uh, I wasn't talking about you, Dad.
Homer: No, my ears are really burning. I wanted to see inside so I lit a Q-Tip.
Marge: Mmm...


SI

[Kodos]

Did you know that trees have rings?

[Lorena]

Did you know that trees have rings?

Actually yes, these rings determine how old the tree is.

[Farrah Whitworth-Rahn]

What are trees?

[MIJB#19]

What are trees?
Trees are for people who can't spell or pronounce threes.

[Antmeister]

Did you know that trees have rings?

Speaking of rings and trees, Lord of the Rings has one ring that ruled them all and trees that walk and throw big rocks. And Arwen is hot! :p

[gottimd]

My company doesn't have French Benefits?

[JeeberD]

Trees are for people who can't spell or pronounce threes.

AKA New Jersey-ites

[Lorena]

I miss Howard already :(

[cartman]

I was led to believe there would be punch and pie in this thread...

Screw you guys, I'm going home...

:D

[Kodos]

Bad luck always comes in trees.

[Lorena]

Bad luck always comes in trees.

*groan*

[Antmeister]

New WWJD tip - Post a news article:

Why spend all your time writing a long post when you can simply post a news arrticle. This method is best used if you quote one piece of the article at different times in a thread.

[SnDvls]

bump

it was getting too low on the 1st page :D

[Franklinnoble]

http://www.webspinners.futura.net/zumaltsp/Jesus2.jpg

Unavailable for comment.

[Raven Hawk]

Some more tricks of the masters are as follows:

Sign Up For All Interactive Dynasties - The interactive dynasty provides a wealth of opportunity for posting small quips without doing much work other than scanning the write-up for your handle, reading two sentences, then commenting and your character's pseudo prowess or lack thereof.

Create an Interactive Dynasty - Here's the money. By spending some time and creating an interactive dynasty that updates regularly, you can chew through post count quickly. Best of all, you can continue posting without using the "Dola" trick because, dammit, it's your dynasty. Additionally, you get post count value out of creating ambiguous rules that require dynasty participants to ask questions that can often be answered with one-word answers.

[fantastic flying froggies]

Bring back the Thunderdome!

[Warhammer]

Posting a pic that has nothing to do with the thread gets your post up

But it gets me up!

[stevew]

What is an interactive dynasty?

[gstelmack]

What is an interactive dynasty?

A dynasty that involves letting FOFC members play the roles of some of the AI avatars in whatever game you are writing the dynasty on. For example, some have run TCY dynasties with the FOFC members as college players, and someone ran a "Combat Mission" dynasty with FOFC players controlling some of the units.

[ice4277]

What is an interactive dynasty?

...

[ice4277]

A dynasty that involves letting FOFC members play the roles of some of the AI avatars in whatever game you are writing the dynasty on. For example, some have run TCY dynasties with the FOFC members as college players, and someone ran a "Combat Mission" dynasty with FOFC players controlling some of the units.

You beat me to it :mad:

[Franklinnoble]

Bring back the Thunderdome!

http://www.fortunecity.com/rivendell/angels/592/posters/mad_max.jpg

Unavailable for comment.

[heybrad]

Question: What Would Journey Do?

Answer: Don't stop believing!

[Franklinnoble]

Hey, Brad!

[Bearcat729]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/PCM72/Needs-More-Cowbell.jpg

[Raven Hawk]

Bring back the Thunderdome!

How do you think I got my post count up? :)

[Raven Hawk]

Dola -

Another trick is to vote in every poll, then post what you voted for without adding any commentary as to why you voted that way.

[JeeberD]

How do you think I got my post count up? :)

I think your post count needs another boost! :)

[Antmeister]

New posting secret:

The Hell Atlantic - Write a post about a subject you are not really angry about, but pretend to do so out of the sake of controversy. Then insult that person's sexuality, personality, culture, and hoagie to pad that post count. Very tricky tactic and only the masters can handle it without getting banned.

[Antmeister]

Well had to add the new posting secret:

Drama Fiend

[BigDPW]

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y284/PCM72/Needs-More-Cowbell.jpg
Still needs more cowbell!

[miked]

This thread delivers.

Am I at 2k yet?

[DanGarion]

Pump... er Bump.

[flere-imsaho]

:+1: