This past year has been a heartbreaking year for users leaving. We've seen many either get banned, or simply don't bother anymore. With Smeags leaving today, its just another unfortunent casualty. Here are just some I could list...
Ka-pi96 (didn't even know till a few days ago :(), ethomaz (had lots of disagreements, but I still think he was a big part of our community), smeags (just left today, damn), JayWood2010 (Xbox Empire... that's all you need to know), and many more that have left our small but happy community. These users were all big posters here, and its saddening to have seen them all come and pass.
I've always loved the community here (even if I got pissed and raged at it...), and I feel its far better than most forums. I've learned the hard way just how bad other forums can be, and it feels safe here. Everyone knows each other, its friendly, welcoming. So I don't get why this is happening... maybe the community is too nice (I doubt it though)? Maybe its not as great for xbox fans as it is for other communities (which is why we've seen a large part of them leave). Maybe its something else... I don't know.
But seeing all these people leave. Its hard to say. I've made lots of friendship's here, and I'm sure we all have. We're all loyal to this site, and I'm sure we'd do anything to keep it running. I feel this needs to be addressed as a community. I wouldn't know how, but encouraging users to stay, or simply showing them positives. People do grow up, and I understand that. But I've seen people as young as 14, and as old as 56, so its clearly diverse in terms of age group.
But I hope this starts to happen less often. I really like this community, but seeing so many people leave, it leaves a hole in my heart.
Edit: Having problems posting other users images, so I'll just leave Smeags for tribute for now.
Made a bet with LipeJJ and HylianYoshi that the XB1 will reach 30 million before Wii U reaches 15 million. Loser has to get avatar picked by winner for 6 months (or if I lose, either 6 months avatar control for both Lipe and Hylian, or my patrick avatar comes back forever).