SmallBall Sports Forums Archives

[Greek Wizard]

This thread has been started to that people can reply to this topic:

http://www.forums.smallball.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=55521

People can say good bye, but when I do it, it will be all out.

I will first say a few words and then i will TRY to answer any and all questions.

Q1) What will happen on Oct 23, 2006

A1) On Oct 23, 2006 these forums may or may not cease to exist. That will be up to SmallBall.com to renew the domain name and server lease. Please note my resignation is effective September 23, and will be for 30 days. Thus on October 22, 2006, I will have relinquished any control of The Smallball Sports forums, and as such I will NOT try to save them in their current version.

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Q2) What will happen to all the topics and history?

A2) I would love to answer that with something that will satisfy people, but I can not answer that question at this time, but my suggestion to prevent any possible loss is that anyone that has any topics they want to keep, use a notepad and copy/paste any information they might need.

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Q3) I have tickets, etc in my Private Messages, what will happen to them?

A3) they will be lost. I HIGHLY AND STRONGLY suggest that anyone that has important Private Messages start copying them immediately to a safe place on your computer.

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Q4) The Commish has adanboned us, GW how can you do the same?

A4) I am not leaving the Smallball Community, but in fact I am simply stepping down in my capacity as Administrator. I do not have the time, energy or desire to fix AndNow's issues. I do fee sorry for everyone, but this decision was really not as hard as I thought. I created this community, and I can create another one if I wanted to

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Q5) Will you be handing the reigns on to someone else should The Commish or someone at AndNow actually renew the domain/server lease.

A5) I thought about it. I had some names lined up, but I have decided that since The Commish is the owner of the forums, it would not be in my rightful place to appoint someone with such power and rights without his consent. I realize that this is ironic, but should the domain name/server be renewed the forums will still run on their own until an issue occurs. The Commish and Andnow have more then enough capable and paid people to correct something if need be.. after all someone once said that "An Admin really does nothing anyways, i should know, I am one". I will tell you that registrations will cease to exist or be authorized, so who ever gets in on October 22, 2006, that will be it. I also suggest no one changes their e-mail, or no one is added to usergroups, TAotM will cease to exist, etc, etc. the Admin really does nothing

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Q6) Say it ain't so GW, what will you be doing?

A6) More on that later

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I would like to thank a few people... in no particular order.


The Global Moderator team:

Beaner: We been around a long time.. sometimes we don't get along, but most of the times we do. I only wished people liked me half of how much they love you. You always were the good cop, to my bad cop.

Tim's Dodger's: We also have been around a long time. I always enjoyed playing the game vs you.. First baseball, then soccer. I am sorry I never did take Parma out of mothballs. it was the best league out there. Thanks for being the bad cop, when I could not be around to do it.

Smith: I saw a lot of potential in you when no one else did not. You turned out OK, but I expected you to take over for me. You kind of disappointed me once, and I never told you about it and since then, you were on your own. You are still a good guy, however you still some stuff to work on. You need to learn the line between responsibility & trust vs being popular with your friends. I still would like to consider you my friend though. Maybe we will meet on the poker table some day so I can show you going all in all the time is not good strategy.

TNT1: Great guy, awesome morals, perfect global mod. Well liked, but can be serious and strict when he has to be. I don't know you like the others, but I enjoyed working with you.

mlthmp: Kind of under the radar as a global Moderator. That is also a needed piece of the puzzle. Quiet, yet people listen. Did a great job.

Former Global Mods:

LadyHwk: Wow Debs, hard to believe we met BEFORE Smallball. Always friendly and well loved by everyone. everyone misses you. I hope everything goes well with what you are currently going through.

NMShooter: No one really misses you man...lol. We butted heads many times, but you could always be counted on to do the right thing. We all hope you and Debs have a happy life

Viper: Another good global mod, but there is only so many hours in the day and he had to leave us. Hope all is going well with you.

Tight Wads: We also go way back. Loved your early tourneys, etc. Some stuff happened, you got angry, like I did once. Great Global Mod while you were here, but changes had to be made.

Fred: Shortest serving Global Mod for a reason. You were not very good at it. It was a mistake to make you a Global Mod, but not a mistake when I removed you. you just had too many things going on I guess and Smallball was not at the top of that list. i hope that other site you have is successful (I am sure it is). maybe you sucked at being a Global Mod, maybe you were The Admin in training instead. Either way, don;'t read this the wring way. Was a pleasure to have you around, but a Global Mod position required dediication and hours spent on the forum, neither of which you did.

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Nelmo: Always a great friend on Smallball. I hope someday to go to NY, NY and meet with you my friend. We sit down, have a coffee, etc and show me your work.. it sounds awesome.

Solipsta: My fellow Canadian. Great community guy. Entails what this community is all about.

Starzzie: No idea if you will read this.. We had a great idea. We could have made it happen. You will always be a good friend, hope all is still well with you.

CJ: I think we clashed because we are more alike than anything else. First impressions are a strong thing, and we both got the wrong ones IMO. I actually think we could have been buddies... (OK, maybe just friendly..lol)

Meat: you are a funny guy man.. with same sense of humour, I used to have. I never ever had any issues with you. it was other people that did that chased you from here.

there are many others that deserve their own spot, but it's just not going to happen.. don't be offened if I forgot you or missed you.

All the Trade Agents: I never dealt with you guys, but you do a great job

All the Hammers: I also never dealt with you guys, and you guys also do a great job.

The Commish: the last one should belong to this guy. Regardless how much dislike the guy now, he is still a nice guy. He just moved on to greener pastures. Did he do it the right way, probably not. Either way, he gave me a chance back in 2002 when no one else in their right mind would and he TRUSTED me. Speaks volumes about him IMO and I will always consider you a friend, regardless when happens in the future. Just some advice though.. nothing in this world is free, and as such 4 years later, I will be leaving this place with something

There are others whom I have crossed paths with since starting these forums...

Some people that I got along with: (way too many to name everyone)

Some I never: Mater, BTB (at first we did, but you hurt me with your words man), Kelowna Pioneers, Biker Trash (aka guy that dies the 100 deaths) and others that simply put, you were a PITA, I banned you for a reason...

Such is life... people at the top of the mountain are hardly ever liked, but I did the best I could. I would like to think I left with my morals intact and my traits of honesty and fairness undamaged.

I wish you all the best, and don't worry, remember one thing, this community will NEVER die... not as long as GW is a part of it

What looks like the end... is only the beginning. You just have to trust me on that
_________________
11 time PL1 Champion

[West Coast]

I saw this coming, it was only a matter of time. As we never crossed paths at all, there isnt much i can say.

Only a few things.

GW, you did a great job with running these forums, no matter what anyone says.

And I read this post and the Official letter to the commish and i see a few "trust me"s and "this is the only the beginning".

I can only hope that means what I think it does.
I will keep it to myself and just hope.

Thank you for running this communities forums with the integrity that you did.

~WC
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SBCF Admin
Smallball College Football League
SB Baseball, Not Footy
Signups for Season 2 being Taken.

[Greek Wizard]

[West Coast]

Instinct trusted.

I really hope someone (GW) buys out Andnow, SB, or whatever else. (I know...wishful thinking, i had to though). If this was 3 years later when i had my business college degree, i would invest in this. Yet, I cannot.
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SBCF Admin
Smallball College Football League
SB Baseball, Not Footy
Signups for Season 2 being Taken.

[Greek Wizard]

[FwaltonBVike]

When you gotta go...you gotta go

No worries we'll meet again..i trust ya on that one

until then take care GW...thanx
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[humdrums]

(humdrums stands up and claps but then sees that everyone is staring at him and sits down but shouts "Woo" and all is quiet) ...GW, thanks man. I haven't been here very long but I thank you for making it a pleasurable stay. I know I must've bugged you on a few occasions but I hope that is all in the past now...Why are you playing games with my mind?! Stop winking and hinting and tell us what you're talking about (just kidding, I'm trusting that you've got an ace or two up your sleeve). Again, thanks. If this doesn't get through to anyone then I'm glad that everything is moving on. Total lack of...of...everything from Commish and AndNow! You did the right thing.
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[nelmo]

Your a class act GW


Hasnt it been great to play a game that is played by people of all age groups from all nations? Some of us that had stayed from practically the beginning thinking and believing whatever was told to us have the responsibility to take ownership for our choice in spending, taking lots of time training, and spending numerous hours for the sake of the game. I love the people and have made tons of friends here and hope we don't ever lose touch. I don't want to sound like a basher, but the fact is I am a adult with a wife, kids, and a business, and realize how business is, and sometimes it isn't pretty. The fact is commish (for whatever reason) didn't have the balls to come and address some of the issues to his loyal customers. Somethings have to end so that others can start, but the honor, class, respect, and appreciation comes from things like what GW just did. Something the commish has not done, and even if he did today would only be political and not honorable.

I tip my hat to you GW........A class act

[LCD]

GW, how many times did I curse your name, swear at you, couldnt believe what you just did. Your football team was an incredibly tough foe. Though our interactions in this community were limitted there will always be memories of a few good nights with a few good friends around a poker table online and a battle 1 on 1 that just wouldnt end. I never had a problem of how you ran this community and in fact admired the way you did it. You ran this place with class, dignity and just enough humor to keep us on our toes. You are someoen that has gain my respect and I 100% respect your decision on this matter and agree with it completely.

This is the 2nd online game community that Ive been apart of that ended this way with no communication. There is no easy choices amongst the senior members or those with power and responsiblity that arent directly affiliated with the company

GW what ever happens to you and your involvement in this community ,you will always be welcomed around us. You are a man of class and a true gentleman. I wish you the best of luck in all your endeavors and all the success you deserve
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Season 69 PL 1 Football Champion 56882 LCD Dynasty
Season 80 PL 1 Football Champion 187063 Pitt Panthers
Part of Season 138 PL 1 Baseball Champion 1930 XsT | The Clan Of Choice

[Vriezzer]

I can only accept your decision. Nobody should fix problems from other people.

Commish is probably to weak and sick to come and just say: Game Over.

I just want to know:

1. Smallball will continue
2. Smallball is on his end

That simpel is it.... it's or YES or NO..

And why i want to know if it will continue or not?
I've just restarted my HCW. And if everything will stop I'n not going to **** my time anymore on SB.
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HCW - Honkball Club Weert - ID: 526282

Stats at 29 Septembre 22:28PM {Dutch time}:
Stars: 4

[TThomp]

G.W.
Wow, I knew this was coming and that it was just a matter of time.
But it still kind of hits me in the gut. Your list of names you mention reads like a who's who in SmallBall. I agree with everything you said about each and everyone of them. My only regret is all these years of taking part in this forum, was that we are all seperated by distance. I would have loved to meet all the people on your list and many others face to face. Wouldn't it be great sometime to have a meet and greet with everyone? A SmallBall reunion would be awesome.
I hope you will contact us in the near future in reguards to your next venture. I know you have something cooking and I want to be part of it in some way.
The only thing I would change with your list of who's who in SmallBall, would be to put your name at the top of the list. You are the glue that holds us all together. I cannot remember ever disagreeing with anything you have ever posted here. That's rare. You could be harsh when it was needed but you were also always fair. In my eyes you are like the grandfather of this SmallBall family. LOL, we are probably close in age though. I wish you good luck in whatever venture you take up next, and I wish you a good life. You are a good person and it's been an honor knowing you even if it was only through these forum's.

Tim(tthomp)
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[Rowdy Rooster]

As you said you would, the questions have been answered I knew my dates were right when I posted in the Is it a sign thread.
Thank you for responding to them and confirming (to my dismay) what I really already knew.

During my short time here ANY and ALL issues that I had encountered with the SB Forums were rectified in an efficient manner. You were always very personable and IMO ANDNOW are just a bunch of idiots who don't realize what they have. For you not to be paid is ridiculous and I support your decision to walk away from your so-called designated responsibilities. You have been a great support to us here in the game and did an impeccable job as Forum Administrator. Tolerating some of the dopes that these Forums have carried takes a special person. Honestly, I'll miss your flames (They were some of the best I've ever come across).

I'm sure that new things are brewing (as you have eluded to) and hope that I don't lose touch with you and many of the people in this community. I don't really like poker, TC, or Hattrick so if that's the basis of the possible new site well.... then I wish you all well. The time has come to move on but I'll still train until they pull the plug.

GW=CLASS ACT! Good luck when the Forums go down. I can only hope that we cross paths in the future.

Sincerely, RR
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"A true risk taker is one who invests in SmallBall."

[Wayne All Stars]

Does this mean that smallball could possibly end?
I'll miss all of you guys if it does...but more importantly, we'll all miss you GW, and the game!
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Wayne Valley Indians
411722 8*
Current PL: 9
10 Pro League Wins

[omgwat]

Your speech deserves a standing ovation. It's really sad to see you go GW. You seem to be a pretty cool guy. Well anyway, good luck with everything GW. You've done a great job with the forums.

[Feldon]

Thanks, GW.

You've always got my respect. /applaud

Your list is a who's who of AcAer's. Probably not a coincident.

[bigdogv65]

Thanks for your time and energy GW. You have always had my respect. I understand and respect your decision. I do however it would magically go away and the game wouldbe fine and live for ever. I think we all know thats not going to happen.
That being said I am looking forward to seeing what you have in store. Your little hints just kill me.
Take care my friend and I hope this isnt good bye for real.
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"The desire to be a champion is not nearly as persuasive as the commitment to be a champion"

[Trevor]

so we could be on our last days of talking to eachother on this forum?

[wileyone]

Personally, I would like to thank you GW. You kept these forums fun, respectful and interesting for people of all ages. You, and all the mods have done a fantastic job under the most trying circumstances at times. I am sure people dont always realise the hard work you put into this with little or no compensation, or appreciation.
But I do know, without you we would not have had all those years of discussions, trades and laughter with some of the great people (and not so great lol) from this community.
I know I never speak up too often , unless its something so ludicrous its hard not to respond to, lol. I will admit I will miss people (and your posts) such as yourself GW, Beaner, Nelmo, Tim, Lady Hawk, and even Rally (always been a stand up guy whenever I have talked, or traded with him). I wish I got to know all of you better, and even more too numerous to mention before the forums close down.
So please do keep us posted on your future plans GW. I have been a fan of yours for 3 years now (my time on these forums) hopefully we will have many more years of enjoyment to come. So again.....

Thank you
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PL 7-- 45353 DT
PL 8 -- 91844 DT
PL 8 -- 538811 ST
No Where - 476236 DT
IDLE -- 411088 ST. 423002 ST. 478644 ST. 485241 ST. 545872 ST, 545893 ST

[Blazer44]

GW, great job with the forums. This is something to be proud of. I can only hope the forums get some last minute rescue. good luck
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Common sense is not so common.

[MidgMen]

I have never been a part of an online community other than SmallBall. At first I found it intriguing and a little odd to invest so much time in a virtual world. But as I met members of the community I became very thankful and see how valuable this REAL community is to so many people including myself.

I honestly don't remember how I heard about SmallBall, but am thankful I did. I have not posted much in four years, but have appreciated the friendships I have made and enjoyed watching the sparing matches in the forums.

GW, I am shocked that you have done this for so long without any compensation. You are truly a man to be admired and respected. You show great character and integrity. Those qualities are few and far between in our culture today.

I look forward to seeing what may come in the future, but will definitely grieve the loss of SmallBall. It is an amazing game.

Peace to you all,
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MidgMen

Deadliest Catch #549986

[Beaner]

Well at least our disagreements never got ugly, that I remember anyway. Seems like most of the time I was disagreeing with you, I was disagreeing with everyone else at the same time. Wouldn't go back and change anything though. Maybe in my next life (if I believed in that stuff), I'll be a bad cop.

I've put quite a bit into these forums myself, and it's not going to really sink in to me that they are going to be gone, until it actually happens. It'll be sad. Maybe a miracle will happen.

Hopefully we can make our last few weeks here really good ones. If they do go, hopefully we will all have a forum afterlife (aka somewhere else we can all hang out).
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Proud Member of Smallball Devils
803 - 11 Great Trainers and Beaner (AcA)-(PL1)

[Lil_Smit18]

Hey GW do what you got to do.

Don't let that man step all over you.

If it helps I would say, IMO, if you are appointing another admin, Jon would be the guy. This is if he wants it. Jon is a good guy and knows how to work these kinds of things.

My 2nd choice would be LCD. He is also good with sites, but I haven't seen him in awhile so I don't know.


Hey hope you can pop in and say hi to us every once in awhile.

Long live The Corleone Crime Family.
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[ACE]

All this just makes me feel like slapping someone. Jim...honey could you come here for a sec.... LOL Seriously...thanks a lot GW...I always loved reading your posts. Good Luck Hope to see you again sometime.

[Trevor]

wow......all this culture......and soon it will disappear w/o a trace........we need to create some other forum where we all can still get together.........end of a long gaming chapter

[TNT1]

[Trevor]

cant we make a petition or something?

[bigdogv65]

That has been non-effective in the past. Why bother.
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"The desire to be a champion is not nearly as persuasive as the commitment to be a champion"

[Trevor]

the game is on the line this time

[Havana Slim]

I've played some very good games and I've belonged to a couple of very good comunities, but it's rare to find both in the same group. I feel kind of cheated that I won't have a chance to contribute and become a full member over time. It seems pretty unbelieveable that if the current owner can't keep the game going he wouldn't sell it, but we'll see. I guess I'd like to say that as a n00b, it's been great almost knowing you guys.
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Alacranes 9*

[MaluBro07]

Props to you GW, and all the Mods / TAs / Hammers.


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"XXI - When Doc say it’s a Rap, it’s a Rap, its Still Aftermath, and Aint nothing after that "

[Trevor]

[epiphanic]

I would also like to thank you GW for doing what needed to be done to keep these forums running (whatever that was. ). I understand and respect your decision about this matter. Seemingly, with the disappearing of Commish, you became the "face of SmallBall." The fact that you laid out a time table of what the future holds speaks volumes about it. You obviously don't know exactly what's going on, but you have honoredwith your gentleman's agreement with the Commish, and let the community know what may or may not happen come the 23rd of October. I would like to thank you for everything you have done for this community, will do for this community, and will do in other online communities in the future. Good luck in the future.
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Have you hugged the search button today?

[carsonlorts]

It has been great knowing you GW. Good luck with whatever lays ahead. It has been great knowing you guys.
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"NOT GOING DOWN UNTIL THE SHIP GOES DOWN!"
I am a TsT warrior!!!
22 career PL wins

[Trevor]

thanx for helping us when nobody else could GW...it was an honor to be part of a community like this

[Snyder281]

If a new place is formed, please try to keep it away from trevor.
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131351 Cats.n.Hats|Nationals

[Trevor]

your 1 person i wont miss

[bigdogv65]

No one else will ask this question so I will.
Does this in fact mean that on October 22, 2006 SmallBall the game is indeed over along with the forums. From what I have read, it's just the forums. I dont say just the forums with disrespect. I spend a lot of time here. I will hate to see it go.
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"The desire to be a champion is not nearly as persuasive as the commitment to be a champion"

[Trevor]

[oaf]

Yikes, not the type of thing I was expecting when I went away for the weekend.

Thanks for all the hard work and good times GW. I totally accept and understand the decision you made.

I just hope there's some place we can all hang out in the future, because we've all made so many good friends here.
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[Trevor]

anybody willing to make a forum? i know how but it would take a while

[humdrums]

[Greek Wizard]

Thanks for all the words and PMs guys.

Just to clarify....

The SmallBall.org domain and server (Which is ONLY the forums and Hall of fame) is what will be going down on Oct 23, 2006.

I fully expect the game to be online for months to come maybe longer if no issues arise, however the official forums may (or may not) cease to exist at the time stated above.

People who are wondering about training, and starting up teams, etc.. please continue to do so, but just be aware that any tickets you may buy might or might not come, and any "official" suport will probably cease to exist.

Not sure why people are confused about this. forever I have always said I have nothing to do with the GAME, only the FORUMS.
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11 time PL1 Champion

[nelmo]

[Greek Wizard]

[The Red Devil]

First of all I would like to say that if this board goes down I will miss you all, even the people I don't like. I see what GW and Nelmo just said and IMO if the forums are gone then the game might as well be gone too. Not sure if everyone agrees with me but I for one only kept playing because of this community. These forums helped me spend time and have some great discussions when there was nobody around to talk to. I have met great people and made great friends. I've even met people that live within 1-3 hours of me that one of these days I would love to meet in person. If/When these forums go, I will go and probably move on to another game but I will never forget Smallball. Smallball is an awesome game, its innovative but not the reason I will remember it...people say the game is addicting but I disagree, its this community that is. GW I already thanked you in private and you deserve better than to get tossed to the side like the rest of us. I would love to see a global mod take over and at least keep this community going even if the game is done. I wish it wasn't liek this but Smallball is dieing like it has cancer and if it goes completely I hope Ed regrets walking away everyday. I feel very disrespected after being a loyal CUSTOMER since 2002 but thats the way things go. If the forums are lost I just wanna say thanks everyone!
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[Trevor]

my idea is we make another forum just like these forums....just as back up incase we loze this forum.....i dont wanna leave this community w/o a fighting chance......and i know im not the only one who feels this way

[Doomchild]

MLB season coming to a close, I might be taking my leave. I know a lot of good people over here, and I hope we can somehow keep in touch. It's been nearly 4 years for me, which is unbelievable when I think about committing to something like this for that long.

I've butted heads my share of times but I've also had the chance to work with some really great people. OSBC's were some of the best times I've had with smallball. Even back when TTM was alive and kicking there were excellent times. I never really had the dedication to the game to try and take it to the next level, but I did make it to 2nd league and for the amount of effort I put into the game, I'm proud of that. I would say I'm going to retire 144359, but, why bother at this point. They might be dieing soon, maybe not. I'm a little upset that I spent so much money on this game, but now that I think about it, it was all worth the ride.

GW, mods, players, SB has been a fantastic place to be for the past couple years and although it may look like its coming to an end, there will never be an end as long as we don't give up and lose contact.

My AIM is in my profile, or it's KevDoom6 for now- I spend most of my time on here playing counterstrike 1.6 or world of warcraft so if anyone wants to catch a game sometime, don't hesitate to contact me. I'd also love to get back into some of those poker games we used to play on fulltilt or whatnot. Though I've stayed somewhat invisible the past year or so, I've always been around and I appreciate what everyone has given to me personally to make this a great experience.

Couple people I just want to make a quick thanks to:

X, Angel- definately 2 of my favorite people on here for multiple reasons. You always helped me with roster issues, training tips, and other things when I was feeling down about my team. Can't say enough about you guys.

Junkybird- had a lot of good interactions with you, you also ATed for me numerous times with little prior notice. I can't say how much I appreciate that.

WildThrashers- Always a good friend. Hated to see you leave the game, it was a real shame. Haven't seen you in a while and wish I had some way of contacting you. Maybe I'll have to look a little harder.

Smith/Money- I'll be serious, I was never a "fan" of either of you guys, but you kept me honest and were some of the best competition I've had here. You guys kept me passionate about the game at times when I wanted to give it up.

Lachi- Damn your timeshift! In all seriousness saved me a ridiculous amount of time and kept me from having to change the date on my calendar every day...

I could go on for days with this list but I'll spare you all.

A lot of the newer faces are probably going "who the heck is this kid?". And I definately don't blame ya. For those who knew me however, take care for now. I'll be hanging around the forum area from time to time to see what happens.
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144359. 894. 152985. 44442. 44117.

[Trevor]

so.........this is where the legends of smallball become dust in the wind..........legends, jerks, everytype of person...we have it all here....except someone from keeping us together it appears

[Greek Wizard]

[LBJ Fan08]