Alas, another
Star has dimmed in the Calypso nightscape. MS9, I have always enjoyed your comments, posts, and insight into this (somewhat) fractionated (and, yes, fractious) universe we call our virtual home. I will miss this. Seems that without you in it, Calypso loses a very important voice of reason, fairness, and impartiality...one which I know MA will regret losing as well (even if they don't/won't admit it due to TOC/EULA rule 10-55.329867/b subsection a thru x
). I hope this will not be a final goodbye but merely "See ya when I see ya" sort of thing. If not, then let me say that it was (and is) a pleasure to have conversed with you from time to time. You have helped bring this world (kicking and screaming though it was) to a better place (I know---still needs
a LOT of improvement).
I will miss you greatly.
All the best to you in your endeavours now and in the future, Hon.
All my love,
Dan
ps...somehow, my sig seems somewhat poignant in that we have lost a great fighter now.
My Dear Dan ... thank you, not only for your most appreciated words, but for the support you have always given me over the years without fail. You have been a wonderful friend, and I have definitely enjoyed every interaction we ever shared.
One of the things that has always been important to me is this community, and that they be respected and appreciated for what they contribute to this universe that keeps MindArk going. I don't think that it has happened to the degree that it needs to happen, especially with this game being a real cash economy.
I think the worst infraction has been lack of communication and information that would have endeared the player base more, and certainly would have garnered more support. We have now been witness to just how much importance this plays in the grander scheme of things with Arkadia, and the phenomenal job that Dave (Ozi) and his A-Team have done. All questions are responded to, and the community is far more forgiving if something isn't quite right.
MindArk is making another attempt at community interaction at EntropiaForum with the "Ask MindArk" section, but I'm not quite sure how well that is going yet, so I guess we'll see over time how it fares. I'm glad that they're at least engaging in dialogue that may open up channels a bit more, so in that respect, it's a good thing.
I have always wanted what's best for this community, and over the years if something struck me as not right, then I became vocal about it (perhaps on behalf of the community - unsolicited of course), but then it was just my perspective. However, I've always tried to bring reason, logic, critical thinking, and evidence to support whatever came out of this purple matter.
Some disagreed, and that's ok, because my goal was not to persuade everyone to my thinking, but rather to present information as food for thought, and then everyone could do with it as they please. Some did, and some decided to make a big deal out of it, but even that is ok, because it showcases the many sides of our community and how we're all affected.
MS9 as this community has known her is finally done ... and while I won't be doing any more reporting, no magazine work, no front page work, nor any in-game activities, I'll still be hanging around to remain connected to the many special friends that I have made over the past 6+ years, as well as to watch how the universe continues to unfold. Just because I'm finally walking away from the usual activities, it doesn't mean that I lose knowledge or experience, nor that my brain turns to mush.
If there is a discussion in the forums that I feel I have something of value to add to, then I will ... just like many before me who have
left and still do. However, I think the majority of my posting will probably be at EP, because I fully intend to continue supporting Lykke and Peter in their effort to develop that forum into an even greater environment.
Thanks again for your thoughtful comments Dan, they mean a lot.
HUGS!
PS ... yes, your signature is quite relevant, and ... your comment about the TOU/EULA rule thingy cracked me up ... but you're probably right about that as well, unfortunately.
