MSM MS9's Final - "EU State of Mind"

There comes a time when I think you just have to accept the obvious!

It only took me 6+ years to get there - but nonetheless, I have finally arrived!

Maybe this should go in achievements, eh? :D

Let me sum this up in 3 words - I'm finally done!

My initial plan was to give you the usual long-ass wall of text with the customary warning, but then I thought, what for? - it's really meaningless in the grand scheme of things, even though my past offerings were well-received.

So where to from here? I'm going to join McCormick and the others at the bar, and watch the unfolding of this universe on the big screen to see just how far MindArk will stretch it.

The EU community is nothing short of awesome, and why in the past I've only taken breaks and altered my game-play, but to be honest - I just can't justify my time and effort any more, which is really sad, but truthful.

While I know some will celebrate this news, I also know from my relationship with the community for 6+ years that my contributions have been appreciated.

To my fellow Entropians I say … keep on keeping on, and I hope that you get everything you deserve – eventually – I'm tired of clinging to strings of hope that intimate a better future, when all it ends up being is one step forward and two steps back as far as I'm concerned – I'm entitled to my opinion.

In all fairness, I absolutely want to sing the praises of Dave Dobson (Ozi) and his A-Team, as well as Ed Robles for their amazing efforts and interaction with the community. Their level of communication and contributions have been nothing less than phenomenal, and the developers of Theryon Wars seem to be following in their footsteps as well.

However, aside from aesthetics, I no longer have faith that MindArk will do what's right by this community, let alone the Planet Partners to the degree that it will foster the level of success that many hope it should be able to achieve. The player base is not respected, nor given the level of credit it so rightly deserves. For my money, MindArk is single-minded, and this self-serving approach without a deeper consideration for the players will only continue to cause them challenges.

On a final note – my respect and deep love and affection go to Lykke and Peter for what they have been able to develop and share with this community. They are my best friends in this universe, and will continue to be. I still plan to make my trek to Denmark for a visit, and now that I won't be inundated with EU-related activities, perhaps I can accomplish what needs to be accomplished and make this happen.

I had a personal chat with Peter last night as Lykke was preparing for her daughter's return home from vacation, but all info was shared with an understanding of my "EU State of Mind" and my decision going forward.

With regard to the September issue of the magazine, I will be connecting with those I have already chatted with and divulge where we go from here, as well as what the plan is, so be on the look-out for an email or PM. Everything tentatively scheduled will go ahead as planned, but there might be an adjustment or two along the way. I just respectfully ask for cooperation so that we can accomplish what needs to be done in a timely manner without adding additional stress. I don't think some realize how much is involved in the production of the magazine, so respecting the time factor would be much appreciated.

My most humble thank you goes to those who have supported my efforts and contributions over the past 6+ years, because it's what kept me going. I will be checking in on you at the forums just to see how everything evolves going forward, but I will not be participating, other than in this thread, or if there might be a topic of interest where I feel I have valid information to share. Just because I've made this decision, it doesn't mean that all knowledge and experience is lost.

I wish everyone the best.

PS ... I will not be posting this information elsewhere! If anyone has anything they would like to share, then I prefer that it be here at EP - thank you!


 

Thank you Khaos, your comments are much appreciated, as well as the friendship over the years.

To Lykke ... what can I say Hon, you are incredibly special to me, and I only see that getting even better with my ongoing friendship and relationship with you and Peter. I will definitely make it to Denmark once I have accomplished some things IRL that need my attention, so yes - keep the wine cold. :D

I will most assuredly continue to connect with you guys on Skype, and if I post anywhere at all, it will be here at EP. Thank you for supporting my decision, which is absolutely not a temporary decision, but a final one - there's no longer a need for me to step back and take a break - it just all came together for me recently, and there was only one decision I could make for myself.

I wish you continued success in whatever your choices end up being as well.

Much love, respect and hugs to you both!

EDIT:

Sorry Stilton, I missed your post - probably because I was in the middle of mine, so thank you very much for your comments, it's really appreciated. I too find it a shame that more of what could be considered veterans are leaving.

I realized this BIG time when I got involved in one of my articles for the Sep issue of the magazine. I was searching through the membership list at PCF and just shook my head at how many of the more prominent and active (as well as well-known) Entropians are gone. I've known that quite a few have left, but going through the list was actually surprising to me.

The unfortunate thing is ... I don't see this trend ending anytime soon.


 

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I love you my dear virtual son, and many times have reflected upon the good ol' days when we (JSA) used to have SO much fun - the evidence is everywhere - and how we collectively gave back to the community through our philanthropic activities, which included an annual JSA Xmas Giveaway at PA.

I'm glad that we have been able to share time in other games, as well as stay in touch through Skype. Moonie and I adopted you as our virtual son many years ago, and we are proud of how you have grown to be an even more incredible young man.

Today is actually mine and Moonie's 6 year anniversary since the day we met in front of the auctioneer at Fort Fury, but there's nothing left of that city that remotely resembles anything we experienced, so we won't be meeting up there for sure. He has been patient, understanding, and supportive of the intensity with which I have approached this universe for over 6 years, and now - this too is my anniversary gift to him so that we can move forward and enjoy an unencumbered relationship away from a source that benefited from far too much of my time.

Thanks Bunny - you are incredibly dear to me! And thanks also for the song, it's an old time favorite. :)

 

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Thank you for yet another classic Billy Joel tune, I love it, as well as your good wishes.

And yes - we have met a few times in-game, as well as at forums, and you are appreciated. I love the Blaus texture effect as well, and something we definitely have in common. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with my "Purple Fleet" yet, but will give that some thought. I also have a helicopter that I never got Blaus'd, but don't think I'll do that now.

 

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I have no idea what you're talking about - you must be visually impaired. ;)

Also, I've never heard of that old Florida saying, but then it might be because I'm not a native Floridian. :D

Thank you AG, you sparked a smile, as do most of your posts because they're clever, and quite often thought-provoking. You have a way with words that I appreciate.

 

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:p ... no planet necessary, but ... make sure that the original MS9 Hut has a bit of purple in it before I head to Denmark, along with whatever the beverage of the day is. :D

 

To RAZER ... my dear E-Team buddy ... thank you for your kind words, and to be honest, I'm sure MA is quite aware of how many veterans have left our universe - they just don't care, which is unfortunate. I'll keep in touch for sure, and I hope you have an awesome time visiting Lykke and Peter - who wouldn't. I'm looking forward to my own journey in that direction as well, so take lots of photos. :)

To Calin ... my dear friend ... thank you also for your special words, they are appreciated. As far as my belongings are concerned, I've been down to the bare minimum for a long, long time, so I don't need to be concerned with that. As far as Arkadia is concerned, I have no doubts whatsoever that Dave and the A-Team will continue to do a magnificent job, because they know what it takes.

I also feel that Ed Robles and his team will bring an equal quality to the universe. I really love both of these planet partners and consider them great friends, and thank them immensely for the opportunities they have given to me in so many small ways. I will watch their progress, but even they are limited by MA's hand in many respects, and have to depend on their hard work being implemented properly - we all know that doesn't always happen.

It looks like Theryon Wars may be following in their footsteps, so this may be another planet to watch as well. They've already made a great showing, and launch isn't even until 2012.

I'll pop in to see how things are going, but I really won't be active.

However, I'm sure our paths will meet along the way. :)