What's this new thing?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

What is this?

http://img.skitch.com/20090401-fqmyh8f27g9ficwfksitg4gpey.jpg
and why is mine different?
http://img.skitch.com/20090401-pcx8nuk7hudyd5fq1qjgjeb73g.jpg

PS: sorry bigrash, I was just using yours as an example.

[crazyxzer0]

What is this?

http://img.skitch.com/20090401-fqmyh8f27g9ficwfksitg4gpey.jpg

i was just about to ask the same thing :)

[TuffLuffJimmy]

i was just about to ask the same thing :)
I'm glad I'm not the only one confused.

I'm using Safari 3, and they look like buttons, but don't do anything. Do they work in Firefox or a newer version of Safari or something?

[TwinCities Dan]

The second to last icon is a little iPod? :confused:

[jmann]

The second to last icon is a little iPod? :confused:

All different types of course. ;)

[Cassie]

MacRumors' annual April Fools Joke. Hover your mouse over the icons. They spell "APRIL 1"

[TwinCities Dan]

I'm using Safari 3, and they look like buttons, but don't do anything. Do they work in Firefox or a newer version of Safari or something?

They don't do anything in Firefox...

[mac88]

Thanks. I have been searching the site as to an explanation to these.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

MacRumors' annual April Fools Joke. Hover your mouse over the icons. They spell "APRIL 1"

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH
silly me, I should have known. I would have never guessed, here it's still 9:45 March 31.

[IgnatiusTheKing]

MacRumors' annual April Fools Joke. Hover your mouse over the icons. They spell "APRIL 1"

I figured that out, but why are the icons different for some people. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?!?

[Peace]

It's a sick,twisted mathematical plot by Dr. Q

[TuffLuffJimmy]

I figured that out, but why are the icons different for some people. WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?!?

I think that's the joke. :)

[IgnatiusTheKing]

It's a sick,twisted mathematical plot by Dr. Q

SAYS THE GUY WITH THE CHINESE-LOOKING FLAG!!!

[Teh Don Ditty]

It's a sick,twisted mathematical plot by Dr. Q

^That's an understatement.

[IgnatiusTheKing]

I think that's the joke. :)

So you're in on it, too, then...

[TuffLuffJimmy]

So you're in on it, too, then...

I lol'd at that, and not many posts here get a lol out of me.

[it5five]

I have a sweet flag with mine.

I wonder what the different flags mean, or if they were just randomly assigned. I haven't seen any other Canadian flags yet.

[jmann]

I have a sweet flag with mine.

I wonder what the different flags mean, or if they were just randomly assigned. I haven't seen any other Canadian flags yet.

Everyone's iPod icons are changing too. My has changed like twice already. :confused:

[it5five]

Nothing of mine has changed at all yet, although I've only been on for about 5 minutes since this started.

[ravenvii]

Look at the alt for the images.

They spell out A-p-r-i-l-1.

Happy April Fools, mateys!

EDIT: ****, I'm way too late. But hey, I caught that by myself, too!

[EvanLugh]

Lol, yep first thing i did was hover over. Nice little icons they are! :D:D

[Apple iKid]

I feel slightly dumb for not realizing that. Hahaha.

Good connection there. =]

[Mr. Giver '94]

Interesting.... I'm still not sure exactly how each icon is decided.

[SBik2]

so we all have different icons, but they all still spell out april?
weird.. i wonder how exactly these are chosen?

[yudilks]

Are those icons appear automatically?

[SnowLeopard2008]

Oooohhh... Btw, they do 'work' under Firefox. I know because I'm on Firefox right now. :p

[iBlue]

Man, you guys are slow. MR does something for April Fool's every year. You just can't trust this place on the 1st of April. :D

[TwinCities Dan]

Oooohhh... Btw, they do 'work' under Firefox. I know because I'm on Firefox right now. :p

I meant clicking on the icons does nothing. I made that comment before we found out about the "Hover" part... ;)

[pknz]

Hmmm I see. Nice one MR

[miles01110]

Well I got the joke, despite the fact that in my FF, the alt reads "Rule 'A'" etc. instead of just "A" ...

[andimaciphone]

Nice April Fool macrumors

[Eraserhead]

SAYS THE GUY WITH THE CHINESE-LOOKING FLAG!!!

Its Vietnam's flag actually ;).

Its a nice April fool though.

[BergerFan]

Haha. Quality.

[r.j.s]

Man, you guys are slow. MR does something for April Fool's every year. You just can't trust this place on the 1st of April. :D

BTW, did you buy your bundle (http://www.macrumors.com/BunnyBundle/) yet?

[adameels]

What was last year's one?

This is not a bad idea for new MR features. The iPod one caught my attention. Instead of signatures describring what hardware we own, about roll-over icons :D

[jaw04005]

Pretty.

[iJohnHenry]

I'm just happy I didn't get no lame Shuffle. :p

[Melrose]

Dammit my last one's a rainbow. Get that stinkin' thing off my name!

[iJohnHenry]

Dammit my last one's a rainbow. Get that stinkin' thing off my name!

You are now officially obligated to convert. Good luck.

[OrangeSVTguy]

I want the good ol red, white and blue flag :(

Anyone figure out how the icons are assigned?

Oh and iJohnHenry above me got the orange ipod :mad: lol

[epyfa]

I actually like the idea. We should keep them and they should represent the data you type in to your profile.

[Legolamb]

cute. :D
Next year, we could have entire posts in iconese that you need a magic decoder ring to decipher:p

[jzuena]

What was last year's one?

This is not a bad idea for new MR features. The iPod one caught my attention. Instead of signatures describring what hardware we own, about roll-over icons :D

I think last year was just a Page 3 with bizarre rumors. Definitely not as subtle as this year.

I thought the same thing for new features. Arn turned on some feature in order to do the April Fool's thing, but now that we all know the feature is there, he'll be stuck putting it to a real use! :D

[AmbitiousLemon]

I actually like the idea. We should keep them and they should represent the data you type in to your profile.
maybe they do...
decipher

[xUKHCx]

Dammit my last one's a rainbow. Get that stinkin' thing off my name!

:confused:

Rainbows go

red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet

That flag is red, yellow, green

It is the flag of Bolivia.

[PMB]

has anyone seen any resemblance to sig info, of is it truely random?
or related to posts/forums?

[acearchie]

Slow to jump on the bandwagon as per usual however Im eager to see what my icons are...

[jackiecanev2]

So today I log in... post... and realize that everyone has all these little icons under their username. Did I miss something?? I've never seen them before, until today; I have no idea what they are or mean and they don't seen to do anything...

[techfreak85]

hover over each one of them. they all spell something. ;)

[xUKHCx]

has anyone seen any resemblance to sig info, of is it truely random?
or related to posts/forums?

It is not random ...

[epyfa]

maybe they do...

But then with different pictures please. The current ones don't look any mac like at all.

[iBlue]

It is not random ...

Ooooooh, interesting. There must be some sort of numerical significance if Q is behind this one. :D

[iJohnHenry]

T.T.F.I.P.F.??? :confused:

[Xavier]

lol kinda funny

[firstapple]

just wanted to see what flag and icons I have...

[Eidorian]

I think we should keep them if we can have some control over them. :eek:

[iBlue]

I think a few of them might actually be nice INSIDE (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=49175) our profiles. Little tiny icons associated with our gear. </a passing thought>

[epyfa]

In this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=678667) thread you even get a smiley next to 'APRIL1'.

[xUKHCx]

Ooooooh, interesting. There must be some sort of numerical significance if Q is behind this one. :D

Maybe, maybe not ...

T.T.F.I.P.F.??? :confused:

:confused: Indeed. English please?

[iBlue]

Maybe, maybe not ...



:confused: Indeed. English please?

Ambiguous jerks! :p

Here, have some owls:

http://upload.peekablue.com/files/2/GIFs/WTFowls.gif (apologies, slightly big file)

[Tesselator]

Well I got the joke, despite the fact that in my FF, the alt reads "Rule 'A'" etc. instead of just "A" ...

That's what they read in Safari (for me) too.

But I still don't get the joke. Umm, Do they mean something ordinarily in order for the joke to have context or pretext or whatever that would be? :D

[Markleshark]

Very good. :)

[gusious]

Lol nice job:p

[r.j.s]

It is not random ...

Please share ...

[Peace]

Please share ...

Well here's a theory. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. My flag is the flag of Vietnam.

Just a theory mind you.;)

[r.j.s]

Well here's a theory. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. My flag is the flag of Vietnam.

Just a theory mind you.;)

And the others ... ?

[AmbitiousLemon]

Well here's a theory. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. My flag is the flag of Vietnam.

Just a theory mind you.;)

Well at least you're tryin', which is more than I can say for the rest of you bubs :P

[bartelby]

Well here's a theory. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. My flag is the flag of Vietnam.

Just a theory mind you.;)

I have a few Norwegian friends!

[Peace]

And the others ... ?

Haven't figured it out completely yet. That was just a guess.:confused:

I've noticed the first symbol for some is the Gavel and the members Joined from 2006 on. ?

[xUKHCx]

Ambiguous jerks! :p


Lazy users :p

Please share ...

As AmbitiousLemon alluded (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7388104#post7388104) to the information is available for everyone to inspect

Well here's a theory. I'm a Vietnam Veteran. My flag is the flag of Vietnam.

Just a theory mind you.;)

Good theory, however I am not from Niue or indeed a veteran of it.

[r.j.s]

Well at least you're tryin', which is more than I can say for the rest of you bubs :P

I checked the image filenames, and this is mine ...

dog x imac orange ipod12 hat

:confused:

[Jaffa Cake]

I think I've worked out the reasoning behind the flag I've been allocated. My flag is of Belize, which rhymes with knees – of which I have two.

You can't help but admire the planning behind this. Cap doffed.

[Peace]

[snip]



Good theory, however I am not from Niue or indeed a veteran of it.

Ah yes but your location says Niue.

And Jaffa Cake's flag is Belize which is an English country is it not ?

[iBookG4user]

I believe that I have figured out the first one (gavel/wrench). I believe that the wrench is for those who do not have an avatar and the gavel is given to those who do have an avatar. Just a theory of coarse.

[Nermal]

I think I've worked out the reasoning behind the flag I've been allocated. My flag is of Belize, which rhymes with knees – of which I have two.

But I have two knees as well! Hmm...

[Eraserhead]

And Jaffa Cake's flag is Belize which is an English country is it not ?

No (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize)

[r.j.s]

I believe that I have figured out the first one (gavel/wrench). I believe that the wrench is for those who do not have the ability to get an avatar (6502 or below) and the gavel is given to those who do have the ability to get an avatar (6502a and above). Just a theory of coarse.

What about Nermal? He has a wrench ...

[Peace]

I believe that I have figured out the first one (gavel/wrench). I believe that the wrench is for those who do not have the ability to get an avatar (6502 or below) and the gavel is given to those who do have the ability to get an avatar (6502a and above). Just a theory of coarse.

But I have two knees as well! Hmm...

Close. So very close. The gavel/wrench is actually representative of whether or not the user is using an avatar. As can be seen by Nermal's wrench.

[iBookG4user]

What about Nermal? He has a wrench ...

Read my edit.

Close. So very close. The gavel/wrench is actually representative of whether or not the user is using an avatar. As can be seen by Nermal's wrench.

You as well. (And no, I didn't edit it after I read either of your posts.)

[Jaffa Cake]

But I have two knees as well! Hmm...Ah, but you – a New Zealander – have the flag of Norway. Norway sounds a bit like 'No Way', clearly a reference to the recent protests about that New Zealand internet legislation thingy.

It all makes perfect sense if you think about it.

And Jaffa Cake's flag is Belize which is an English country is it not ?No – you're probably mixing it up with Dorset. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorset) It's an easy enough mistake to make.

[bartelby]

Ah, but you – a New Zealander – have the flag of Norway. Norway sounds a bit like 'No Way', clearly a reference to the recent protests about that New Zealand internet legislation thingy.

It all makes perfect sense if you think about it.

I have the Norwegian flag to. So what's your explanation for that?

[Eraserhead]

Close. So very close. The gavel/wrench is actually representative of whether or not the user is using an avatar. As can be seen by Nermal's wrench.

That makes sense as most people seem to have the gavel.

[xUKHCx]

Ah, but you – a New Zealander – have the flag of Norway. Norway sounds a bit like 'No Way', clearly a reference to the recent protests about that New Zealand internet legislation thingy.

It all makes perfect sense if you think about it.

And what does Niue rhyme with?


I want to see how far you can take this :D

[Eraserhead]

And what does Niue rhyme with?

Oui??

Everyone seems to have the page...

[Peace]

No (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize)

It was..

In 1836, after the emancipation of Central America from Spanish rule, the British claimed the right to administer the region. In 1862 Great Britain formally declared it a British Crown Colony, subordinate to Jamaica, and named it British Honduras.

The flags!!

They all were once governed or ruled or started in Europe ? If this is correct edesignuk has the answer.

[Eraserhead]

They all were once governed or ruled or started in Europe ?

Practically every country was at some stage ruled by the Europeans.

[xUKHCx]

The flags!!

They all were once governed or ruled or started in Europe ?

The tree that you bark up has no fruit.

[r.j.s]

The flags!!

They all were once governed or ruled or started in Europe ?

All G20 nations, perhaps?

[Eraserhead]

It was..

Sorry, I got country/county mixed up :o. I thought you said the latter.

All G20 nations, perhaps?

Belize isn't G20 by any means

[r.j.s]

Belize isn't G20 by any means

Ok, didn't research it ... just threw the idea out there when it popped in my head.

[Jaffa Cake]

I have the Norwegian flag to. So what's your explanation for that?You changed your 'tar to support the protest. that's probably it.

And what does Niue rhyme with?Yours has nothing to do with rhymes – a cursory look at Wikipedia tells me that the inhabitants of the island of Niue call it 'the Rock'. The Rock was of course a film starring popular Scottish actor Sean Connery, who also starred in cult flick Highlander. This movie featured immortal types who could only be killed by decapitation – and if a head is dead, it soon ends up as nothing more than a skull. And what does your 'tar show? ;)

As I say, it's really quite simple if you put a bit of thought into it.

[Peace]

Sorry, I got country/county mixed up :o. I thought you said the latter.



Belize isn't G20 by any means

You've been to Vietnam right ?

Six degrees of separation.

[Eraserhead]

You've been to Vietnam right ?

True, but unless we are "special" and have had it done manually its not done on that because its not on my profile - hell its barely on my website (http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en-gb&q=vietnam+site:matthewhutton.com&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8).

[Peace]

True, but unless we are "special" and have had it done manually its not done on that because its not on my profile

True but I simply went to your homepage and found it out.;)

Your tag cloud has Southeast Asia in big letters.
Truly diabolical scheme going on here.

[xUKHCx]

I don't think we have a record of where every single one of you have been. Before today I hadn't even heard of Niue (:o) let alone been there.

Jaffa Cake that is some masterful thinking you have going on there. :).

[Peace]

I don't think we have a record of where every single one of you have been. Before today I hadn't even heard of Niue (:o) let alone been there.

Jaffa Cake that is some masterful thinking you have going on there. :).

Question :)

If you have never heard of Niue until today why is your location set to Nuie ?

Are you the culprit that came up with this Moderator game ?;)

[bartelby]

Question :)

If you have never heard of Niue until today why is your location set to Nuie ?

Are you the culprit that came up with this Moderator game ?;)

He changed his location once he found out what his flag was...

[Doctor Q]

We did not study the personal histories of hundreds of thousands of forum members one by one and assign them flags or other icons that related to them personally. (Some of the coincidences are rather funny, however.)


Every icon is determined by a rule, the rules don't change, and all of the information on which they are based is easy-to-find and public. The icons are computed.


Everyone with a given icon matches everyone else with that same icon in some way that observant forum members may be able to figure out.


It's a puzzle!


Collectively you've already solved the first part, figuring out what Rule A is.


Collectively you've already solved the last part, figuring out what determines whether or not you get the final "Have a nice day" http://images.macrumors.com/im/ima09/april1.gif icon.

We at MacRumors have a huge bet going with the staff at pcrumors.com. We claim that our forum members will figure out the rules before their forum members do. Don't let us down!

[11800506]

I think a few of them might actually be nice INSIDE (http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=49175) our profiles. Little tiny icons associated with our gear. </a passing thought>

That's actually was my first thought as well!

I can't even tell what my country my flag corresponds to. The icons are all so bizarre... it's a weird idea for an April Fools day joke.

[Peace]

He changed his location once he found out what his flag was...

DO'H!

Thanks.. I need to get a life I'm starting to feel like Nicolas Cage.:o

[r.j.s]

We at MacRumors have a huge bet going with the staff at pcrumors.com. We claim that our forum members will figure out the rules before their forum members do. Don't let us down!

Either way, we win, and you are let down ...

[11800506]

Well everyone I can see has the same icon for Rule P, so maybe that one is based off of if someone has posted or not?

[xUKHCx]

That's actually was my first thought as well!

I can't even tell what my country my flag corresponds to. The icons are all so bizarre... it's a weird idea for an April Fools day joke.

Your country is Fiji (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiji).

[bartelby]

Well everyone I can see has the same icon for Rule P, so maybe that one is based off of if someone has posted or not?

It's if they've posted in the last 24 hours?

[11800506]

It's if they've posted in the last 24 hours?

That sounds like it has some bearing. I think people who have posted today have the paper with the lines icon while people who haven't posted today have different icons depending on how long they haven't?

[Peace]

It's if they've posted in the last 24 hours?

The second rule is if the poster has been posting a minimum of one year.

[Randman]

I like them. Keep 'em.

[bartelby]

That sounds like it has some bearing. I think people who have posted today have the paper with the lines icon while people who haven't posted today have different icons depending on how long they haven't?

Ah, I think you're right.

[11800506]

The second rule is if the poster has been posting a minimum of one year.

I don't think that's it because if you look at any thread from today, everyone that has posted in the thread has the same icon for rule P.

[bartelby]

I don't think that's it because if you look at any thread from today, everyone that has posted in the thread has the same icon for rule P.

Then look for older threads, then find someone with a different icon and look at the Last Activity on their profile.

[rdowns]

Oh cool. I just found the control panel for these in my User CP.

[iBookG4user]

It's if they've posted in the last 24 hours?

Hmm, that is an interesting observation, although I don't think that is quite it. this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7371179#post7371179) user (robarmy) hasn't posted today and they have the same icon as those who have posted today. Although they have been online today, so perhaps it has to do with actually being online rather than posts.

The second rule is if the poster has been posting a minimum of one year.

I don't think that is it, that wouldn't explain why there are more than two icons for the second rule.

[LeahM]

Neat-O.

[Jaffa Cake]

Thanks.. I need to get a life I'm starting to feel like Nicolas Cage.:oHe was also in The Rock with Sean Connery... you might be onto something here.

[bartelby]

Hmm, that is an interesting observation, although I don't think that is quite it. this (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7371179#post7371179) user (robarmy) hasn't posted today and they have the same icon as those who have posted today. Although they have been online today, so perhaps it has to do with actually being online rather than posts.



He has posted today.

[iBookG4user]

He has posted today.

You sure about that? I clicked on the "find more posts by" and it showed that their last post was that which I linked. And also, there is the MacRumors bot (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=675415) which has posted today and has a different icon for Rule 'P'.

[bartelby]

You sure about that? I clicked on the "find more posts by" and it showed that their last post was that which I linked.

Look at his activity.

May it's activity rather than posting...

[Peace]

Ok then. Rule 2 means either a user has logged in in the past 24 hours or not.

Rule 4 is the month the user joined ?

[Jaffa Cake]

I suspect the third icon somehow related the type of computer we own – the colours indicate which model of Mac you're on. I'm on my MacBook Pro, hence my flag is orange.

[bartelby]

I suspect the third icon somehow related the type of computer we own – the colours indicate which model of Mac you're on. I'm on my MacBook Pro, hence my flag is orange.

I'm not on a MBA

[AmbitiousLemon]

I suspect the third icon somehow related the type of computer we own – the colours indicate which model of Mac you're on. I'm on my MacBook Pro, hence my flag is orange.

a mouse has four paws, but he does not wear a belt.

[iBookG4user]

Look at his activity.

May it's activity rather than posting...

That is what I was referring to originally...

Ok then. Rule 2 means either a user is logged in or not logged in.

I wouldn't say it is so clear cut though, as it wouldn't explain the multiple paper icons that a user can get. I've seen at least 4 so far.

[Jaffa Cake]

I'm not on a MBAAre you sure? :confused: ;)

[11800506]

I suspect the third icon somehow related the type of computer we own – the colours indicate which model of Mac you're on. I'm on my MacBook Pro, hence my flag is orange.

I'm on my iMac currently but have an orange flag... although I do use my Macbook Pro the majority of the time. Maybe it is related?

[bartelby]

Are you sure? :confused: ;)

Positive. It says PowerBook G4

[bartelby]

I'm on my iMac currently but have an orange flag... although I do use my Macbook Pro the majority of the time. Maybe it is related?

It's a green flag!
165228

[iBookG4user]

I suspect the third icon somehow related the type of computer we own – the colours indicate which model of Mac you're on. I'm on my MacBook Pro, hence my flag is orange.

I just switched from my MacBook Air to my MacBook Pro and my flag did not change colors. Hmm, it is the same web browser on both computers though (Safari 4 beta).

[11800506]

I wouldn't say it is so clear cut though, as it wouldn't explain the multiple paper icons that a user can get. I've seen at least 4 so far.

It isn't as clear cut, but it does look to be related to activity. It seems there are different icons for the different amounts of time from when the user has logged in.

[Jaffa Cake]

a mouse has four paws, but he does not wear a belt.Falsehood, as this mouse proves.

165229

[11800506]

It's a green flag!
165228

I swear it was orange at the time, but for me now it's red. I haven't changed computers though, so I doubt it's computer related.

EDIT: And now it's sky blue...

[r.j.s]

I swear it was orange at the time, but for me now it's red and I haven't changed computers so I doubt it's related to computer.

And now it's blue.

[iBookG4user]

It isn't as clear cut, but it does look to be related to activity. It seems there are different icons for the different amounts of time from when the user has logged in.

I would agree. From what I can gather anyone who was on yesterday, although hasn't yet been on today has this (http://images.macrumors.com/im/ima09/2.gif) icon for Rule 'P'. Which leads me to believe that it is indeed related to activity, so my first instincts were correct.

[Peace]

The 4th rule is definitely month joined.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

The 4th rule is definitely month joined.

I don't think that's true. I think it's completely random and the joke is that people are trying to figure out what the "rules" are.

[TwinCities Dan]

I don't think that's true. I think it's completely random and the joke is that people are trying to figure out what the "rules" are.

I think Peace is onto something, look, you both joined in April...

[11800506]

Month joined for Rule 4 does sound accurate. 3 down, 3 to go...

[iJohnHenry]

I based mine on: Tool; Text; Flag; Icon; Pod; and Flag.

Could find an acronym to fit though. :( TTFN something, but just confused now.

Let's find the perp, and sting 'em up!!! http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g158/MouseMeat/Smilies/dead.gif

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Oh. after further inspection the fourth one definitely is date joined. :o

[Peace]

I think the iPod refers to the duration between posts.

[Doctor Q]

I'm on my iMac currently but have an orange flag...

It's a green flag!

I swear it was orange at the time, but for me now it's red.

EDIT: And now it's sky blue...
You guys are better icon detectives than I am because I can't tell a lot of these colors apart. I might have to file a protest with MacRumors on behalf of the chromatically challenged. At least with my new Screen SuperSize software I don't have to squint to see the little graphics.


The 4th rule is definitely month joined.
I don't think that's true. I think it's completely random and the joke is that people are trying to figure out what the "rules" are.
One of you gets points for accuracy!

[PlaceofDis]

amazing what a stir this has caused...
my favorite still was the pirate theme from years back.

[11800506]

I think the iPod refers to the duration between posts.

How exactly would that work? The posting frequency is constantly changing.

[iMpathetic]

Does the flag maybe have something to do with the letters in our usernames?

[TuffLuffJimmy]

Does the flag maybe have something to do with the letters in our usernames?

I don't think so. Don't the flags change color? Do any of the icons have to do with our post count? Maybe like how many you've posted, or like numbers that end in 3 sort of thing.

[iMpathetic]

I don't think so. Don't the flags change color? Do any of the icons have to do with our post count? Maybe like how many you've posted, or like numbers that end in 3 sort of thing.

I was talking about the world flags.....

[iBookG4user]

How exactly would that work? The posting frequency is constantly changing.

Yeah, that wouldn't work. And we first have to figure out what causes one to have either an iPod nano or an iPod shuffle.

I don't think so. Don't the flags change color? Do any of the icons have to do with our post count? Maybe like how many you've posted, or like numbers that end in 3 sort of thing.

The wrench/gavel has to do with if you have an avatar, so it indirectly relates to post count.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

I was talking about the world flags.....

oh, sorry. There are more than one flag, be more specific. :p

[iMpathetic]

oh, sorry. There are more than one flag, be more specific. :p

They seem to have no correlation. My idea might make sense.

[iJohnHenry]

My flag is Greece, and G is the 7th letter in the alphabet, but I am not yet 70. But I will be within this year.

[Abstract]

amazing what a stir this has caused...


There's just too many "I'm a PC"s in the Mac universe right now, and not enough "I'm a Mac"s. Thank you Apple marketing team. ;)


Anyway, no need to get analytical, folks. It's just a bunch of icons, and it's April Fools.

[r.j.s]

Anyway, no need to get analytical, folks. It's just a bunch of icons, and it's April Fools.

Yeah, but it is taking my mind off of this damn javascript I can't get to work right.

[DoFoT9]

lol @ bunnybundle

[Eanair]

Oh, good, it's not just me then who noticed that.

I thought I was going a little bit crazy... :)

Part of me thinks the joke is fooling us into thinking there is a rule. Part of me thinks there might be something more to it.

A for avatars...

[Peace]

I was referring to the flag with the pole.

And the icons have nothing to do with a computer,O/S or version of Safari because I switched to my beta machine running X,X and X

[andiwm2003]

why do I have a nano symbol? I have a touch and an iphone. also i'm on leopard, not tiger.

[TuffLuffJimmy]

also i'm on leopard, not tiger.

How is that relevant?

[renewed]

LOL I'm glad this mystery was solved. I couldn't for the life of me figure it out. :rolleyes:

[11800506]

why do I have a nano symbol? I have a touch and an iphone. also i'm on leopard, not tiger.

That's what we're trying to figure out as a part of this April Fools joke.

[GGGUUUYYY]

checking

[imaketouchtheme]

I've read through every post, and it's obvious that the icon "rules" have something to do with the first letter of the word. For example, the first icon is Rule "A", meaning avatars. Second one is Rule "P", meaning posts.

[Peace]

http://images.macrumors.com/im/ima09/ipod98.png

that means first post of the day for the user.

[TwinCities Dan]

I've read through every post, and it's obvious that the icon "rules" have something to do with the first letter of the word. For example, the first icon is Rule "A", meaning avatars. Second one is Rule "P", meaning posts.

Fourth ("I") could be "Initial Join Date"? :confused: :p

[Peace]

Fourth ("I") could be "Initial Join Date"? :confused: :p

The 4th one is the month the user joined.

[TwinCities Dan]

http://images.macrumors.com/im/ima09/ipod98.png

that means first post of the day for the user.

No, I don't think so, if you check iPhone Savvy (a few posts up) that was his first post of the day, but he has a green nano.

[TwinCities Dan]

The 4th one is the month the user joined.

I meant "Initial Join Month" then...

I was trying to fit it in to the "A" for avatar, "P" for post, etc. theory...

[imaketouchtheme]

The third one (flag with stick) is corresponds with computers. If you look at the page source, the picture's name is either, MacBook Pro, MacPro, MacBook, or MacBook Air. I know it's not the computer you're currently on, but it may have something to do with something haha. Not real sure, let's keep thinking.

[Rt&Dzine]

LOL I'm glad this mystery was solved. I couldn't for the life of me figure it out. :rolleyes:

Is it solved? I just got here and want to figure it out, but not if it's already been done.

[imaketouchtheme]

Is it solved? I just got here and want to figure it out, but not if it's already been done.

Nope, but check my post a few up, it has what we have 100% confirmed so far.

[Rt&Dzine]

I'm wondering if the flag might be something to do with "Rule 1" of the Forum.

1. The #1 goal is to discuss Mac News and Mac Rumors.
1.1 Moderation
1.2 Warning and Bannings

"A" is for avitar
"P" is for profile?
"R" is for ?
"I" is for Initial Join Month
"L" is be for Length of ?
"1" is for ?

[Doctor Q]

I've read through every post, and it's obvious that the icon "rules" have something to do with the first letter of the word. For example, the first icon is Rule "A", meaning avatars. Second one is Rule "P", meaning posts.

The 4th one is the month the user joined.

I meant "Initial Join Month" then...
You guys are good! (One correction noted.)

[Moi un Mouton]

Did anyone post this, that your ipod is determined by the number of letters in your user name?

[Rt&Dzine]

Did anyone post this, that your ipod is determined by the number of letters in your user name?

Ooh. Good one. Love my lime green!

Oh wait ... that doesn't work for my username.

[Abstract]

Yeah, but it is taking my mind off of this damn javascript I can't get to work right.


Oh, ok then.


I didn't read this thread all the way through, but if you want to find a link between join dates, post count, post rate, current post rate, and all that other stats stuff, compare me (Abstract), bartelby, and Q. There are definitely others, but if you're comparing active posters in this thread, we'd be comparable.

[Moi un Mouton]

Yes, including:
5 = purple ipod
6 = yellow ipod
7 = green shuffle
8 = red shuffle
9 = pink ipod
10 = orange ipod
11 = red ipod
13 = black ipod
14 = blue shuffle
15 = pink shuffle

.... err, E&OE

[11800506]

Did anyone post this, that your ipod is determined by the number of letters in your user name?

From counting a few usernames it looks like that could be it. So far, it seems that:
Red shuffle = 8 letters
Black nano = 13 letters
Purple nano = 5 letters

Edit: I see you've beaten me Moi un Mouton^^

[Moi un Mouton]

Ooh. Good one. Love my lime green!

Hmmm, I'm not sure if your use of the "&" confuses the algorithm, you seem to be an exception

[TwinCities Dan]

EDIT: Beat to the punch... :o

4 Silver Nano
5 Purple Nano
6 Yellow Nano
7 Green Shuffle
8 Red Shuffle
10 Orange Nano
11 Red Nano
13 Black Nano
14 Blue Shuffle
15 Pink Shuffle

"L" stands for "Letters in username"

[imaketouchtheme]

Ok so, so far we have:

Rule A - Avatar
Rule P - *****
Rule R - ***** (has to do with Apple computers)
Rule I - Initial Join Date
Rule L - Length of Username
Rule 1 - *****

I'll continue to update this post as we reach more answers.

[Rt&Dzine]

Hmmm, I'm not sure if your use of the "&" confuses the algorithm, you seem to be an exception

That's what threw me. I don't know if anyone else has an "&"

[imaketouchtheme]

That's what threw me. I don't know if anyone else has an "&"

Well, the '&' would not count; as it is a character and not a letter.

[Abstract]

So the "space" in Doctor Q's name counts as a character, right? Makes sense.

[imaketouchtheme]

So the "space" in Doctor Q's name counts as a character, right? Makes sense.

Correct, only actual letters of the alphabet count as the letters for the iPod type/color.

[Abstract]

No, I think the space counts. Otherwise, "Doctor Q" comprises of 7 characters, and would throw the whole thing off. They must base it on character, which explains why we're both red Shuffles.

[TwinCities Dan]

Correct, only actual letters of the alphabet count as the letters for the iPod type/color.

Letters, Spaces, Numbers, and even Punctuation counts. See example of 13 = Black Nano.


I don't know why the "&" is different :confused:

[imaketouchtheme]

No, I think the space counts. Otherwise, "Doctor Q" comprises of 7 characters, and would throw the whole thing off. They must base it on character, which explains why we're both red Shuffles.

EDIT: You got it, TwinCities Dan

[Eraserhead]

EDIT: Beat to the punch... :o

4 Silver Nano
5 Purple Nano
6 Yellow Nano
7 Green Shuffle
8 Red Shuffle
10 Orange Nano
11 Red Nano
13 Black Nano
14 Blue Shuffle
15 Pink Shuffle

"L" stands for "Letters in username"

9 is a pink Nano (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=676834).

[techfreak85]

could rule "1" be the date that u made your first post? like today is the 1st. :confused:

[imaketouchtheme]

could rule "1" be the date that u made your first post? like today is the 1st. :confused:

Well, that wouldn't have anything to do with the different country flags.

[na1577]

I'm so confused. :confused:

[Nermal]

I don't know why the "&" is different :confused:

Anyone experienced with HTML will be able to tell you why :)

[Moi un Mouton]

So far, i think I spotted 31 different flags for Rule "1"

This makes me think it might be the day of your birthday.

Mine flag is the Red over White over Blue slices, my birthday is the 18th, can anyone confirm or disprove?

There seem to be a lot of Vietnam and Wales flags though :confused:

Edit: Techfreak, yeah, you could be right, it might be a different date to your date of birth

Edit: Date of my first post was also the 18th

[techfreak85]

Well, that wouldn't have anything to do with the different country flags.

like if ur on the 1st u got china
the 2nd u got inda etc....:rolleyes:

[techfreak85]

So far, i think I spotted 31 different flags for Rule "1"

This makes me think it might be the day of your birthday.

Mine flag is the Red over White over Blue slices, my birthday is the 18th, can anyone confirm or disprove?

There seem to be a lot of Vietnam and Wales flags though :confused:

mines the 23rd

[iJohnHenry]

could rule "1" be the date that u made your first post? like today is the 1st. :confused:

No. Hammers have over 500 posts, and avatars, wrenches do not.

[imaketouchtheme]

Anyone experienced with HTML will be able to tell you why :)

I'm pretty sure I know why. If you know, is this (http://rabbit.eng.miami.edu/info/htmlchars.html) why?

[techfreak85]

No. Hammers have over 500 posts, and avatars, wrenches do not.

Not rule "A". rule "1". the flags.

[imaketouchtheme]

My birthday is the second, couldn't tell you what country my flag is from though. Anyone confirm India?

[Rt&Dzine]

Anyone experienced with HTML will be able to tell you why :)

&amp;

counts as 5

[Eraserhead]

My birthday is the second, couldn't tell you what country my flag is from though.

Vietnam

[TwinCities Dan]

So far, i think I spotted 31 different flags for Rule "1"

This makes me think it might be the day of your birthday.

Mine flag is the Red over White over Blue slices, my birthday is the 18th, can anyone confirm or disprove?

There seem to be a lot of Vietnam and Wales flags though :confused:

Edit: Techfreak, yeah, you could be right, it might be a different date to your date of birth

Moi un Mouton, you and I have the same flags, lets put this together! I was born on the 14th so that can't be it. Can you figure out the date you became a member?

[imaketouchtheme]

Well, if it does have to do with the date that you joined/you were born, we need to figure out the correlation between that and the "1".

[Eraserhead]

So what are the similarities between

http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=61325
http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=143362
http://forums.macrumors.com/member.php?u=49829

All of which have the Vietnamese flag.

[Nermal]

Can you figure out the date you became a member?

The "join date" is listed in everyone's public profile.

[imaketouchtheme]

Vietnam

We have the same flag, were you born on the second? I joined on the fifth, so maybe it's join date. What day did you join? (see public profile)

EDIT: Ok, so it's obviously not the day you joined as we have different join dates. Birthday maybe?

[Moi un Mouton]

Anyway, it's no longer the 1st here, so I'm off to bed. See you on the 2nd. ;)

[techfreak85]

If its "1" thats a date.

[Eraserhead]

We have the same flag, were you born on the second?

No.

[TwinCities Dan]

The "join date" is listed in everyone's public profile.

Yep, I see that now. Hmm...I joined on the 19th, he joined on the 18th so that can't be it... :confused:

[iJohnHenry]

EDIT: Ok, so it's obviously not the day you joined as we have different join dates. Birthday maybe?

Could still be the join month, or more probable, year. :)

[imaketouchtheme]

Ok, it's not your birth date or join date, it could still possible be a date, just not either of those.

Could still be the join month, or more probable, year. :)

But the other person counted 31 flags, MacRumors has only been around since 2001.

[Moi un Mouton]

Moi un Mouton, you and I have the same flags, lets put this together! I was born on the 14th so that can't be it. Can you figure out the date you became a member?

My join date was also the 18th, by coincidence. That's given on my public profile.

Yours was the 19th, and your first post on the 23rd.

So much for my bright idea:confused:

[imaketouchtheme]

Everyone that's trying to figure this out should get on AIM or MSN and we should hold a chatroom so we can be much more efficient in solving this. We don't want to let MacRumors down in the bet! (AIM: bottlerocket625)

[techfreak85]

But the other person counted 31 flags, MacRumors has only been around since 2001.

if its 31, that just alarms me as date.:cool:

[Eraserhead]

I think the final flag is random to be honest. I can't see any similarities with the publicly available information...

[it5five]

I haven't seen any other Canadian flag besides mine. What could that mean? I've seen plenty of repeats like the Greek or Vietnamese flag.

[Moi un Mouton]

I haven't seen any other Canadian flag besides mine. What could that mean? I've seen plenty of repeats like the Greek or Vietnamese flag.

Damn, a Canadian flag. Make that 32.......

Now we just have to figure out what makes you unique.

[Eraserhead]

What about the second icon? I think that is somehow based on last activity. All the people with the face on page icon like me have been active within the last hour.

[TwinCities Dan]

Hey techfreak85, there is a contestant on Wheel of Fortune right now from Boring, OR right now... ;) :p

[HydroMan]

No. Hammers have over 500 posts, and avatars, wrenches do not.

I've got a hammer in mine ;)

[techfreak85]

Hey techfreak85, there is a contestant on Wheel of Fortune right now from Boring, OR right now... ;) :p

really? awesome. its only 5 right now. weel is on at 730. ill go DRV it right now.
thanks hehe.:D

edit:dvr'ed! :D

[marclapierre13]

Wish we could change them, they would be awesome if they carried some significance besides a silly 'joke".

[Abstract]

What about the second icon? I think that is somehow based on last activity. All the people with the face on page icon like me have been active within the last hour.

I've been looking at newb posts for Rule P (2nd icon with the paper):

- 1 post, blue arrow pointing towards the right. (last posted: March 4, 2009)
- 4 posts, green arrow pointing upwards.
- 4 posts, yellow star.
- 12 posts, blue arrow pointing towards the right (first post: March 18, 2008; last post: March 4, 2009)
- 12 posts, paintbrush (first post: March 3rd, last post: March 30, 2009)
- 20 posts, green arrow pointing upwards.
- 23 posts, yellow cube (first post: Jan 31, 2009; last post: March 11th, 2009)
- 23 posts, paint brush (first post: Feb 9th, 2009; Mar 11th, 2009)
- 27 posts, green arrow pointing towards the right (first post Nov 9th, 2008 ; March 16th, 2009)
- 29 posts, piece of paper with a tree on it (first post: March 4, 2009 ;last post: March 24, 2009)
- 50 posts, piece of paper with a green ball/globe on it. (First post: Feb 27th (2007), last post: March 31, 2009)
- 84 posts, piece of paper with a green ball/globe on it. (last post date: March 25, 2009)


Forget it, I see no pattern, except that all the people I've found who don't have a plain paper have fewer than 100 posts.

[techfreak85]

yes i wonder if they will be gone tomorrow.

[Peace]

A- Avatar yes/no
P- Post in last 24 hours yes/no
R- Rate of posts per day
I- Initial month of joining
L- ??
1- ??

BTW..PCRumors and MacRumors are the same. The Good Doctor was messing with some folks.

[Rt&Dzine]

I think the final flag is random to be honest. I can't see any similarities with the publicly available information...

A lot of users have your flag.

Mine is the Maldives flag (I think).

[techfreak85]

We at MacRumors have a huge bet going with the staff at pcrumors.com. We claim that our forum members will figure out the rules before their forum members do. Don't let us down!

it thought Pcrumors just aliased to macrumors?:confused:

[Doctor Q]

Ok so, so far we have:

Rule A - Avatar
Rule P - *****
Rule R - ***** (has to do with Apple computers)
Rule I - Initial Join Date
Rule L - Length of Username
Rule 1 - *****

I'll continue to update this post as we reach more answers.
Excellent!

Instead of updating that post, please repost the list when you have new information. That way people can follow the investigative chronology. Internet archaeologists of the future will thank you!

By the way, it's a red herring that the icons used for Rule R have filenames related to Apple computers. (It's also a red herring that I used the word "red", which starts with an R, in this explanation. Sorry!) So the mystery of Rule R still remains.

[imaketouchtheme]

Alright, here's an updated update (no pun intended):

Rule 'A' - Avatar
Rule 'P' - Post in last 24 hours; yes/no*
Rule 'R' - Rate of posts*
Rule 'I' - Initial join date
Rule 'L' - Length of username
Rule '1' - ~~~~~~

*Needs more proof.

[techfreak85]

R could be recent activity. ichat style. Green is recently, yellow, not so much, and red not recently.
ahhh. it was a guess.

[HydroMan]

*Needs more proof.

No, I looked at an old post of mine before posting, the icon stayed the same.

Edit: rule P

[imaketouchtheme]

No, I looked at an old post of mine before posting, the icon stayed the same.

Are you referring to rule 'P' or 'R'?

[Peace]

R could be recent activity. ichat style. Green is recently, yellow, not so much, and red not recently.
ahhh. it was a guess.

Not true. My flag w/pole has been light blue since this first started.

Could be rate of posts. Since I've posted a lot mine stays light blue.

[techfreak85]

what if for the flags u have made 10+ posts in the last hour u turn green. 5+ yellow, 0+ is red.
has anyone noticed the flags turn diff colors?
EDIT: never mind

[imaketouchtheme]

R could be recent activity. ichat style. Green is recently, yellow, not so much, and red not recently.
ahhh. it was a guess.

<strike>That actually could be it. There are four colors; green, orange, red, and gray? I think the other color is gray, may be blue though.</strike>

EDIT: Yes, my flag keeps changing colors. Before this post, I was red.

EDIT2: Ok, my theory is off, there are six colors.

[11800506]

I thought we established awhile ago that Rule P is based off of how recently the user has logged in.

[techfreak85]

<s>That actually could be it. There are four colors; green, orange, red, and gray? I think the other color is gray, may be blue though.</s>

EDIT: Yes, my flag keeps changing colors. Before this post, I was red.

number or posts in the last 24?
EDIT: mine just changed too!
EDIT2: that was also exactly my 400th post!!!!!

[11800506]

Not true. My flag w/pole has been light blue since this first started.

Could be rate of posts. Since I've posted a lot mine stays light blue.

Except my flag has changed multiple times and my post rate has barely changed. As Doc Q said, the Mac filenames relate to what it represents.

[Peace]

I thought we established awhile ago that Rule P is based off of how recently the user has logged in.

Period since last log-in.

[imaketouchtheme]

Except my flag has changed multiple times and my post rate has barely changed. As Doc Q said, the Mac filenames relate to what it represents.

No, he said it's a red herring to what it represents, meaning it's there to mislead you. Look up what red herring means.

[Abstract]

Period since last log-in.


Has that been 100% confirmed?

I'm going to quote myself, but every person I have seen that doesn't have a plain piece of paper has fewer than 100 posts.

I've been looking at newb posts.

- 1 post, piece of paper with a blue arrow pointing towards the right. (last posted: March 4, 2009)
- 4 posts, piece of paper with a green arrow pointing upwards.
- 4 posts, piece of paper with a yellow star.
- 12 posts, piece of paper with a blue arrow pointing towards the right (first post: March 18, 2008; last post: March 4, 2009)
- 12 posts, piece of paper with a paintbrush (first post: March 3rd, last post: March 30, 2009)
- 20 posts, piece of paper with a green arrow pointing upwards.
- 23 posts, piece of paper with a yellow cube (last post: March 11th, 2009)
- 29 posts, piece of paper with a tree on it (last post: March 24, 2009)
- 50 posts, piece of paper with a green ball/globe on it. (First post: Feb 27th (2007), last post: March 31, 2009)
- 84 posts, piece of paper with a green ball/globe on it. (last post date: March 25, 2009)


Forget it, I see no pattern, except that all the people I've found who don't have a plain paper have fewer than 100 posts.

[11800506]

Period since last log-in.

Which is basically the same thing...

Anyways, I don't know if this is related or not, but could the filenames of the flags be relate to what they represent if Rule R has filenames that don't?

A few of the flags:

[techfreak85]

Which is basically the same thing...

Anyways, I don't know if this is related or not, but could the filenames of the flags be relate to what they represent if Rule R has filenames that don't?

A few of the flags:

those the macrumors given file names?

[Peace]

"R" is rank in the number of posts per day in the username database.

[imaketouchtheme]

Yes, those are the MacRumor given names, just check the page source. But, as Doctor Q stated, the filenames of the pictures are a red herring, please google that if you do not know what that means, that will drop the filename association altogether.

[techfreak85]

"R" is rank in the number of posts per day in the username database.

how can i have the same "r-flag" as u when u have way more posts then my 400ish?

[11800506]

those the macrumors given file names?
Yep

Has that been 100% confirmed?

I'm going to quote myself, but every person I have seen that doesn't have a plain piece of paper has fewer than 100 posts.
How does this explain some of the people that posted earlier in the thread then? Such as: (Page 2)

[imaketouchtheme]

how can i have the same "r-flag" as u when u have way more posts then my 400ish?

I highly doubt that's right, the rule 'R' is dynamic, not static.

[Peace]

how can i have the same "r-flag" as u when u have way more posts then my 400ish?

It's based off a mathematical thing Doctor Q has been doing for a long time.

It can change relative to other users on MR almost instantly. Remember there's a LOT of registered users too.

[11800506]

Yes, those are the MacRumor given names, just check the page source. But, as Doctor Q stated, the filenames of the pictures are a red herring, please google that if you do not know what that means, that will drop the filename association altogether.

He said they were for Rule R. He never specified if that applied to the other symbols as well.

[Abstract]

How does this explain some of the people that posted earlier in the thread then? Such as: (Page 2)

You're right. Last Activity is the stat that's relevant. I think the trend I found with noobs was wrong. What I noticed with all those members with under 100 posts may be just a coincidence, since all regulars post here like crazy, and usually post at least once a day. Also, everyone who posted in this thread today will have......uh....been active today. ;)


For RULE "P" (the 2nd icon)

I'm starting another list using THIS (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=7214209#post7214209) thread, and each person's last activity:

(last activity: symbol)

Plain paper: Today (April 1st)
March 31st: Green Globe:
March 30th: Paint brush:
March 29th: Blue Arrow, left
March 28th: Yellow Star
March 27th: (small) paper clip at top
March 26th: < >
March 25th: Tree
March 24th:
March 23rd: Green checkmark
March 22nd: Yellow lightning bolt.
March 21th:
March 20th: Green Arrow, down.
March 19th: Man (in colour)
March 18th: Green Arrow, up.
March 17th:
March 16th: Green Arrow, right.
March 15th: Black film strip
March 14th: Magnifying glass.
March 13th: <green globe>
March 12th: Speaker (volume symbol).
March 11th: Yellow Cube.
March 10th: Paint Board.
March 9th: Green + sign (+)
March 8th: <Green Globe>
March 7th: Green recycling arrow symbol
March 6th: Chain link (or silver hexagon thingy)
March 5th: Yellow key:
March 4th: Blue Arrow, right