I loved AS. Right until the end I had a lot of fun there. Above all else I met some great people, people I consider true friends.
I gave time and money to that site, and in return I got countless laughs and a few tears. Some amazing links, some fantastic jokes, an in to a lot of memes and things I would have otherwise never seen. No matter what went on in the outside world, I knew people who cared or would at least mercilessly mock me were there to turn things around
When one person was down, the rest picked them up. There were characters of all sorts, and like them or not it made you think. It was a true microcosm. Perhaps there are other communities out there, but in my mind for a good long time AS was the best there was because of the members who formed its core.
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I do need to say this though. And I hope it doesn't sully the atmosphere Hal was going for here in this thread.
Things changed recently, and when the invitation to come here was extended I jumped on the opportunity. My best friends from AS had come here and I wasn't going to lose them. The people are worth far far more than the net address. I never made a peep of trouble, had a cross word on AS, nor did I personally recruit a single member.
So when I was not only downgraded from mod to nothing
but banned yesterday without notice... it left a sour taste in my mouth. After all those years and great times it came to an end like that?
No warning, no questioning.. just a straight ban. Perhaps the first one to occur out of actions taken on other forums (which were neither ban worthy nor malicious)
I'm not going to hold a grudge... it's not worth it and like I said, AS and dm gave a lot to me for a lot of years that I won't forget. The friends I made amazing and thankfully are here now. You guys are far, far more valuable than anything else.
I'm looking forward and couldn't be happier that I am here.
Love you guys (and gals). Cheers to the next 5 years.