Last edited: 01/12/04

The Basics

What is the purpose of this web site?

This website was originally created to serve two primary purposes:

	•	As a place for PPG/RRB fanfic authors to learn and contribute to the craft.
	•	A RowdyRuff Boys shrine.

However, it has grown to be much more than that.  We now have tons of fan art, articles, reviews, transcripts, etc.

Who are the RowdyRuff Boys?

The RRBs are male counterparts to the PowerPuff Girls introduced in the 12th episode of the first season.  They were created by Mojo Jojo and killed off in that same episode.  For years, many fans of the show, including myself, had hoped that the boys would make a comeback.  The RRBs have finally made their official reappearance in the fifth season with the "Boys are Back in Town" episode.  They have different hairstyles and slightly different personalities, which have not yet been explained.  I guess time will tell where the writers are taking them.

By the way, I've compiled a comprehensive collection of all the RRB sightings ever found since that fateful episode aired.  Take a look and see what I've found.

What are fanfics?

Fanfics, short for "Fan Fictions," are unauthorized stories written by individuals other than the "official" writers of a show.  These stories usually do not have the same limitations imposed by the "real" writers and producers.  The themes and plot lines of these stories can be very different from the show they are based on.

Whose fanfics do you have here?

I initially just had ones done by me.  I never planned on hosting other people's fanfic work.  However, people have taken it upon themselves to keep asking me to post theirs.  I decided that some of the "extraordinary" ones deserved a spot for all to see.

What fanfic resources do you have here?

I created a Fanfic Writing Guide that will hopefully help you write better stories.  Also, I created an author's guide to my first fanfic, "HER!" and one for my second fanfic, "Star Crossed."

Why do you write fanfics?

One day, a whole bunch of ideas for my own PPG episodes just popped into brain.  No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get them out of my head.  I've only written one other fanfic in my life (non-PPG) and the only reason I did it was because I was bored out of my skull at my old job.

Putting "HER!" on the Internet was a good experience for me.  The development of the story stimulated my thought process.  Not just the creative aspects; it effected every part of my psyche in a positive way.  Maybe it's because science fiction stories require you to use both halves of your brain.

More importantly, writing fanfics can be fun.  I get a buzz when someone else appreciates the stories I have written.

Why don't you draw any pictures for your fanfics?

Well, for one...I can't draw to save my life.  However, some great artists out there are beginning to donate.  The artist/Goddess RockerBabe and a bunch of other artists have created a number of scenes for my fanfic, HER! and Star Crossed.

There are certain formats used when writing a screenplay.  Why don't you use them for your fanfics?

Good point!  I did not know about proper formatting when I began writing HER.  Halfway through final editing, I stumbled upon the standard script format that Warner Brothers recommends.  It's pretty detailed and has some really helpful hints.  To completely redo the HER web page would have been a heck of a lot of work.  I might adopt this format for future fanfics I write; however, I really don't know what is appropriate for animation.  If anyone knows how the writers of animated shows write their scripts, please let me know!

Who writes the episode reviews?

I do.  The ratings go from one to four stars.  Before you write to me to complain about my rating of a particular episode, assume a 1/2 star margin of error.

In your review of the episode "Equal Fights," you make a reference to a "Susan Stewart."  Who is she?

The the December 30, 2000 edition of TV Guide had a review of the PowerPuff Girls in the magazine's Hits & Misses page.  The reviewer, Susan Stewart, scored the show a 3 (out of a possible 10).  She labeled the PowerPuffs "Charlie's Angels before puberty."  She went on to say the episodes screened had no wit and ended the review by saying, "If this is feminism, I'll nominate Barbie for Supreme Court."  My little joke at the end of the review was a playful jab at Ms. Stewart noting the conspicuous similarities in attitude between her and the "Femme Fatale" character from that episode.

I noticed in your writing guide the part about characters made from chemical x (and other "substances") should only have names that begin with the letter 'B'.  Isn't that too restrictive?

I know it's a very restrictive limitation.  Don't blame me...I didn't invent it.  Heck, it's even hard for the shows creators to come up with more 'B' names.  Two different characters both called Bunny?  And what about the RRBs?  Could you imagine the writing session for that episode?

Writer #1: Okay, we need names for three boy characters.  Let's see...okay, how about "Butch"? That's a tough sounding name.     Everyone nods their heads approvingly.   Writer #2:    Hmmm...another "B" name, huh?  Well, I've heard of "Boomer".       Writer #1:    Yeah, that works.       Everyone nods their heads approvingly.   Writer #1:   Okay, we need one more...uh...um...anyone got any ideas?       Blank stares from the rest of the group.  An hour passes.   Writer #1:   Okay people this is getting silly!  We've been here an hour and all we have is "Bite", "Burner", "BigBoy", and "Bastard".  None of these are acceptable!       Writer #2:   Wait.  The leader is red right?  Let's call him "Brick"!  Get it?  He's red...bricks are red.       The rest of the group groans.   Writer #2:    Look, if anyone else has a better idea, I'd like to hear it!       Writer #1:   Fine!  "Brick" then!  Let's move on people!  We've got a lot of work to do yet!

Well, that's my guess at least.

Why do you think a RowdyRuff Boys spin-off is a good idea?

The PowerPuff Girls show is well written and has great characters.  Why not expand on it with a spin-off?  By featuring male characters, the show could be taken in a completely different direction.  Why not have two hit shows?  I mean, look at what's on Cartoon Network these days.  Nine hundred hours of Scooby Doo?  Sheep in the Big City?  Geez.

The PowerPuff Girls has a wide audience.  Young girls, teens, and adults love it to pieces.  That being said, young boys are just not going to watch it.  Craig himself addressed this in an LA Weekly feature on the show:

Why the heck would Cartoon Network want to alienate 50% of the child population?  I know, maybe this isn't the best reason to create RowdyRuff Boys spin-off, but facts are facts.  Look at the toy industry; boys are not going to play with toys made for girls.  Yeah, there's probably not much difference in that hunk of plastic that is used to make a "Barbie" from the one that is molded into some fighting-dinosaur-transforming-ninja-robot.  They're both dolls, right?  Er, well...not exactly.  One is a doll and the other is an action figure.  The knee-jerk reaction is to blame the parents for this prevalent attitude.  "Why, no son of mine is going to play with dolls!  But an action figure...that's a-okay in my book solider!"  Please, don't point the finger at the parents on this one.  I won't get into a debate whether this is a product of nature or nurture, but I've seen enough parents fail miserably to get their children interested in gender-specific toys of the opposite sex.

The biggest reason to do a spin-off is quite simple: the fans want it.  Look at all the fanfics out there.  Boys and girls are interested in seeing a RowdyRuff Boys television show.

For a different opinion on this topic, check out the editorial, "The RowdyRuff Boys: Jar Jar Binks in Reverse" written by Sean Phillips.

How can I get a personal fan artwork page on RowdyRuff.net?

Post one or two examples of your best artwork in the forums.  If I like it, I might just offer you a page of your own.  I only post pictures involving the RowdyRuff Boys in the main section.  Therefore, if you want to try to get posted immediately, make your picture feature them.

I should warn you that I'm not planning on adding any new artists right now.  So keep that in mind when asking.

How else can I post my artwork on RowdyRuff.net?

Post your artwork in the message forums.

What are RuffHouse comics?

I was inspired one day to make my own comic strip based on the members of this website.  Sometimes called the "RowdyRuff.net Regulars" (or RRR), the strip focuses on the fictions lives of our Internet/puffed personalities if they all lived together in the same house.

It's my goal was to release a new comic strip every week.  Unfortunately, my life has gotten much more hectic since the website began, so I haven't been doing any new comics lately.

Who draws RuffHouse comics?

That's a complicated question.  You see, each individual RRR donated a single 3/4 pose picture of their puffed character.  I simply use the SAME picture in every frame.  I stole the idea...uh, I mean, I was inspired by other comic strips that use this gimmick.  It's great for me since I can't actually draw anything on my own.  So in a sense, everyone is responsible for "drawing" the comic strip.  However, I am the one that arranges the scenes and writes the scripts.

Web site

What do you use to generate the HTML pages?

I use FrontPage as a starting point, because it has a nice WYSIWYG interface.  However, I have to insert my own HTML to get things done.

How do you embed audio on your site?

When I started this web site, I had to deal with the fact that many people were using Netscape 4.x.  The problem I found is that web browsers couldn't stream MP3 files natively.  Oh sure, Internet Explorer can do it if you rely on the undocumented trick of using the BGSOUND tag.  If I did that, I'd end up alienating all the Netscape users, many of whom simply cannot use Internet Explorer.  I needed to find a media player that is available on many different platforms and works with both Netscape and Internet Explorer.  The only one that had all those qualities was RealPlayer.  However, since then I've discovered ways of doing it through Flash (swf) files.  It's essentially an MP3 file wrapped in Flash program.

The sound on the main page is done through Java and uses AU format files.  This was necessary since the Java applet is controllable through JavaScript.  Unless I redo the whole thing in Flash, my only option is to use Java.

Why do I get a Java error when hovering over the graphics on the main page?

The Sun Java plug-in for Internet Explorer is to blame.  I'd suggest you disable it.  Go into the Control Panel and look for the Java Plug-in icon.  Double-click on it and click on the Browser tab.  Uncheck the Internet Explorer checkbox.  Click Apply.  Restart your browser.

Why does the "Profiles" page work so slowly?

I'm going to assume you are using Internet Explorer 5.x.  If so, the reason could be that you have configured the browser to check for newer versions of stored pages on every visit to the page.  On the older 4.x version of the browsers, using this setting was fine.  However, on the 5.x versions, this will cause all of the image swaps to be re-downloaded every single time they are accessed!

Fortunately, Microsoft has added a new default setting called "Automatic" that is supposed to be optimal for normal web surfing.  I'd strongly suggest using this setting, not just for the sake of the Profiles page, but to improve your performance in general.  Go to Tools, Internet Options..., click on the Settings button under Temporary Internet files, choose the Automatically radio button, then click OK.

Love

Hey, I just read your fanfic and it's awesome!  Will you be writing any more?

As you can see on the fanfics page, I already have titles for the stories buzzing in my head.  So far I've published two of them on the web: "HER!" and "Star Crossed."  Unless I magically become a millionaire so I can quit my current job, I doubt any of the others will be finished any time soon.

You have inspired me to write my own fanfic.  Can I send it to you for your opinion?

I'd love to help you out, but I really don't have the time.  Just keeping up with this website is a major chore.

I want to donate some artwork.  Where do I send it?

E-mail me first.  I'd love to take a look at it!

Has anyone from Cartoon Network offered to buy your fanfics?

Uh...yeah...yeah sure!  In fact they wanted to make a movie out of HER.  Yeah, that's the ticket!  Tim Burton was all set to direct, but only if Johnny Depp could play the part of Boomer.  I told him to take a hike!  "I'll direct it myself!" I said.  And they're paying me a million dollars.  Yeah, that's right!  And that's just because they like me.  I'm getting two, uh, three million more for writing the PPGs show.  Craig McCracken begged me.  He said, "King," he always calls me King, "I want you to take over the show."  I told him to take a hike!

Your stories are the best!  I'm in love with you!  Let's live together.  Wouldn't that be nice?

I'm flattered, but I'm married.  Thanks anyway.

You said you loved me!  Why don't you call?

Uh, I never said any such thing.  All I said was...

Stop playing with my emotions!  Oh I don't care!  I still love you.  I forgive you.  Just please come home!  Why won't you come home to me?

Ok, this is getting spooky now.  Miss, I'm filing a restraining order!

Miss?  I'm a guy.  Didn't you know that?

Sweet mother of mercy!  Someone!  Help!  Help!  Help!  Call 9-1-1!  Call 9-1-1!

Hate

Your stories stink!

Hey, no problem.  Everyone is entitled to their opinion no matter how stupid it is.

Why do you like the RRBs?  The PPGs rule!  Girls rule!  Yeah!

Look, when I was 9 years old, I didn't care much for the opposite sex.  When you get a little older, you'll begin to appreciate boys a bit more.  Trust me.

What do you mean nine years old?!  I'm 26!!!  Step off or I'll give you a dose of Girl Power!  Yeah!

Holy crap!!!  You're 26 and you still talk that way?  Jeez lady!  Get some counseling!  Soon!  A mind is a terrible thing to waste...but in your case I'll make an exception.

You're a grown man writing stories about a show made for little girls.  What's wrong with you?

Nothing.  The show is entertaining (well, not counting part of the third season) and has some great characters.  As far as writing fanfics...I might have actually agreed with you a few months ago.  But here I am...with a website, and two fanfics under my belt...oh man what have I done!  (*sob*)

I'm very offended about (fill in the blank) in your fanfic.  I'm going to sue you for a million dollars for pain and suffering.

Hey!  I'm offended by your comments!  I'm going to sue you for two million dollars.

I read your so-called Fanfic Writing Guide.  How dare you list rules for me to follow!  Who the heck do you think you are?

Look, it's just a guide.  Nothing more.  You don't have to do anything.  Hopefully it will help provide writers with a better way to organize their thoughts.  However, in your case, I doubt it will help.  You have to actually have a thought first.

How come you don't write any fanfics about Bunny?  Bunny was cool.  Bunny could kick all the RRBs butts.

Because Bunny is dead.  Hahahahaha.  No, seriously.  Which Bunny do you mean?  The retarded PPG or the combat boot wearing lesb...er..dyk...er...uh...oh, the imaginary friend.  You know...the one that went to the Fiona Apple concert with Velma from Scooby Doo.  That one?

Be serious!  Why can you do a Bunny fanfic?

Okay, fine!  Here's your stupid fanfic:

Buttercup: Gee Bunny, it sure is great how you came back from the dead and all.   Bunny the Retarded PPG: Blaeeeh!  Blah Bleee Blaah Ba!     Bubbles: Oh Bunny, we promise never to be mean to you again.     Bunny the Retarded PPG: Ehhhh!  Haha...muhhh!     Blossom: That's right!  You're our sister and we love you.     Bunny the Retarded PPG: Treeeeeeah!  Neeeecoo  Blah Ba Kaka.  Ba weep granna weep ninny bon!     Bunny the retarded PPG begins to shake uncontrollably.  Her entire body begins to tremble until finally she explodes in a giant mushroom cloud of light.  The girls shield their eyes from the blast.  When they recover, the find Bunny's components scattered about the ground.   Bubbles: She blew up again!     Buttercup: Well duh!  She's retarded.  What did you expect?     Blossom: I can't believe we lost her again!  We'll never forget you Bunny!     The girls bow their heads and close their eyes.  They stand solemnly over the remains of Bunny the Retarded PPG, silent.   Blossom: Oh well, you can't win them all.  Who wants ice cream?     Bubbles: Ooooh!  I do, I do!     Buttercup: Yeah, me too!     Narrator: Oh you girls are just the cutest things!  Once again, the day is saved by...the PowerPuff Girls!

That was horrible you heartless monster!  Besides, I meant the other Bunny.  Why not do a fanfic with her?

Tsk tsk.  They never learn:

Bunny the imaginary friend: Well I'm off to protest the St. Patrick's Day parade.  Hopefully I'll get a chance to stomp on some Pro-Lifer's head with my combat boots!   Blossom: Good luck!     Buttercup: Yeah, and throw a few kicks in for me!     Bunny leaves.  Bubbles turns to her sisters.  She has a worried expression on her face.   Bubbles: I'm a little worried about Bunny.     Blossom: What do you mean?     Bubbles: I've tried to fix her up with every one of my imaginary friends.     Blossom: Yeah, and?     Bubbles: She said they weren't her type.  So I asked her what her type is and she said to forget it because I don't have a "gray radar."     Blossom: Gray radar?     Bubbles: I think that's what she said.     Buttercup: Now that you mention it, she has been acting strange lately.  She's been trying to convince me to join the Girl Scouts.  She says they do "cool" stuff like go on camping trips.  We could stay overnight in the woods all alone, just the two of us.  Why would I want to do that?     Blossom: Hmmm, that is strange.     Bubbles: And she's getting forgetful!  She keeps leaving the bathroom door unlocked.  I've accidentally walked in on her three times last week.     Blossom: What was she doing in the bathroom?  She's an imaginary friend.  She doesn't need to use the bathroom!  By the way, how come you never see Bunny around men?     Buttercup: This is getting creepy.  Maybe MoJo JoJo is behind all this!     Blossom: Nah.  This isn't his style.  There's something queer going on here.  I just can't put my finger on it.     Bubbles: I'm afraid of Bunny!     Buttercup: Yeah, let's just imagine her away once and for all!     Blossom: But what will happen to her?     Buttercup: She's imaginary.  Nothing can hurt her.  We'll just imagine up another friend.     Bubbles: Yeah!  Someone who doesn't look at me funny when I bend over to pick up Octi.     Blossom: Okay!  Let's do it.     The girls bow their heads and close their eyes.  They concentrate on forgetting Bunny.  Bunny disappears forever.   Narrator: Well, that's a relief!  Once again, the day is saved by...the PowerPuff Girls!

Now that's some kickass writing if I do say so myself!