Thumbs up x2
by MessengerOfDreams » October 21st, 2012, 1:34 pm
Ladies and gentlemen, it's my turn.
As a matter of fact, this has been in motion since August. Well, really, since Amp was made an Admin's Assistant. You see, this wasn't going to be a thing just to cover up my lazy tracks. As a matter of fact, it was a training session. I was training Amp to become a Global Moderator.
Because as it happens, I'm retiring. Effective tonight, unless sudden circumstances interrupt.
I've made a lot of promises I'm pretty ♥♥♥♥ at keeping, aye? The biggest of them all, though, was the idealistic view that I'll be on the job forever and ever. Anyone remember the prologue of What Once Was, with the man in the tavern when no one else was there, creating a world that no longer existed? I always thought that would be me, the last original member of the site that would stand after everyone else fell. That was originally going to be me as that deranged man, but that changed when I realized that even I would have to move on some day.
(maybe someday I'll let you figure out who that man was.)
And the fact is, 18 is a jarring kick in the reality that I'm going to have to turn my view to somewhere other than my computer screen from time to time. I need to get a job. I need to look towards going to college. I need to pursue my writing as more than just a way to get my kicks on Fanfiction (and post stories here no one reads but awards me for, lol). What I mean is, I depended on this site more than it ever depended on me. Having the power as the third in command, the guy who looks over how the forum runs and guides it along, that's a remarkable feeling. Especially for someone like me, the underdog, the scrappy kid who didn't know when to quit sometimes, whose own personal issues would dictate his behavior here as well? In 2010 you'd never guess I'd get farther than the ban log, but to be here... there is nothing more vindictive than that. Nothing more gratifying or satisfying.
I don't know what it was about this site, but from as early as late 2009 I swore I was going to be one of the most revered site members of this site's history. I was going to be a moderator, and do all sorts of cool moderator things. I was going to see the inside of Forum 23! Wouldn't that be awesome, to look at all the secrets and stuff? I was going to run LDCs and Runouw Votes and make new contests and do all sorts of cool things! I was going to make the best levels ever and win LDCs instead of crashing and burning in eighth place! I was gonna write the most famous stories ever and be the most famous author! I was going to do everything and be the best! It's that sort of enthusiasm where EVERYTHING is possible, and while it fades away for some people as they become happy with a more relaxed pace on the site, I never let it go for better or worse, and I achieved a lot of these things, which I find to be incredible. But now, I realize where I am and I feel that unshakable intuitive voice telling me that it's time.
I was going to retire by New Year's, but with my level of inactivity already kicking up as it is, it wouldn't be fair to keep the position for the sexy green name. (I love the green too... god, I'm gonna look so ugly in yellow! ;_;)
I've done enough for both myself and others that I'm satisfied with how things turned out for me. In October 2010, I retired while being attacked by the first Anti-MoD group, and feeling pressure from my own off behavior and others who had noted it. This time I retire satisfied, knowing that I've ended on a high note with my bucket list almost entirely checked off.
So I'm glad.
What does this mean for myself and my projects?
1) I'll work on WITBLO12 with Volcove, MP3 Amplifier and Yoshi Boo 118. I'll probably still help out with the others; it's easy for me to do because I play levels for fun anyways.
2) My duel level with MP3 Amplifier (the four-month one I haven't done one tile of) will tentatively be my last level, unless I feel like making others on a whim. I will not be dedicating hours of manpower for LDC levels anymore, however. I fully realize that not even I can top Dark, so I'll leave that as my high point gladly.
3) The timeline, tier list, hall of fame and Runouw's Votes will be left to MP3 Amplifier and any other mod/level mod that would like to assist with her OK.
4) I'll work on What Once Was when I feel like it, but I don't wish to abandon it.
5) I actually do have a final project in progress. It'll be about the size of the Timeline but will be more directed towards Runouw, although y'all can see it too. It'll take awhile, though.
Overall, I'll probably be as active as I have been lately; not dedicating myself to do things but paying visits to chat and maybe play a forum game now and again so I'm not too missed. I'll be casual, not active.
How about the staff?
Well, as it turns out, I've decided that the more green, the merrier! Both MP3Amplifier and Buffooner will become global moderators! Of a lower priority, I wanted to instate another Orange Moderator with Aznchau4ever. This was going to be nin10mode but I'm not sure if he accepted it or not; he was really vague, lol. If he doesn't, I'll find someone else or just leave Chau as the sole orange. For now, I'll downgrade to User Rep until I'm sure things are taken care of. At the very latest I'll be yellow by January.
Again, thank you all for everything you've given back to me. I've met amazing people I won't forget; you guys are a sign that although we're pretty crazy and often all over the place, the youth of the world have a lot to give towards it in terms of wisdom, creativity, strength and humanity. I'm proud of you all and I thank you for letting this typical aspie moderator learn how to become something greater than he was.
To quote Imagine Dragons
"It's time to begin, isn't it? I get a little bigger but then I admit I'm just the same as I was? Now don't you understand that I'm never changing who I am."
May you all continue to flourish and prosper in your own ways.
~MessengerOfDreams
Also, if you're wondering about the title of the post, DeVotchKa. ^_^


My Most Recent Works: show Updated Works! Some of my past best and current stuff: show "You were always a revolutionary, now there's just less of a chance of you crying in the corner." ~Ridder