All right! I just reached level 20, Metal Slime! It has been quite the long haul taking one year and two days short of a month. Is this typical for most people?

My only concern is that I still feel like a noob around here. I get quite frustrated when I miss chances to earn emblems, or cannot find things (like the stock quotes for our favs).

My favorite is the people. I have met some talented people, like minded, and others with similiar interests outside of gaming.

My goal over the next year is to get more active posting with video review of games. I want to learn how to make banners and art, and meet more people. I also would like to attend a game convention.

I am the new owner of a tv and computer. This weekend I purchased a 32" Vizio Plasma for gaming and a 24" I mac computer. I am soo excited. Whick makes me wonder what my associates at GS use.

Current tv set up?

Current computer?

Game and rig?

Set up linking, etc?

Any advice on getting it all in sync with my 360? I saw somewhere a program to run 360 with an apple. What other ideas do you have. I use direct tv with a dvr, imac will have a ati card.

I know grading is a hot topic. I of course do not expect all scores to be the same but I would anticipate them to be in the same ballpark. With that said I am getting really confused. The two sites I use the most to determine my purchases are Gamespot and Xplay on G4.

They scored Star Wars the Force Unleased 7.5 and 2 stars of five respectively. I equate that to 75% and 40%. Now how does the average gamer use that to determine purchases. It seems that I am seeing this variance way more than in the past. It is also relative when we remember the controversial firing of a former editor. Another example is Too Human. I just finished the game and really dont get the 5.5 it received. While it is not a ten its guite a bit better then that. I game it 7.5 but would probably make it 7. The game has potential, alot actually. What if that low score prevents sales and the remaining two games dont get made, I think we all lose out.

I would really like to hear your thoughts and opinions as we enter the big release season. I think I will be renting many games before purchase.