So I'd just like to expand upon what Platina mentioned yesterday (in other words, thanks for letting the cat out of the bag early). I'll be splitting this up into easy to read sections for everyone:
Why are you switching leaders?
When I was requested to start doing this thread, I was in the second year of University and deemed it the best way I could possibly help out the site. I enjoyed greatly updating the thread, hosting tournies and what have you; I still do. Since then there's been a lot of changes going on both on and off the site for me, and during my absence over the past 5 weeks I've employed the help of Platina, Ultrashroomz, Leadified, Captain Yuri (my hero and secret lover) and Smeags (sorta) in order to try and keep this thread running smoothly. I cannot thank those people enough for the time and the energy that they have put in to helping to make this thread a better place and to keep the tournies going in particular.
However, during this time it became abundantly obvious that other users were as enthusiastic about this thread, if not moreso, than I. Due to this and another, key driving factor with regards to this site it was enough for me to decide to make the incredibly difficult decision to pass this thread on.
What? Why now?
As mentioned briefly above, things have changed from when the thread started and it's time to let someone else do it. Let's just say that about a month ago I was given a bit of a kick which meant I had to readjust my priorities. And that's fine.
Who's Platina? Never heard of him.
Me neither. But apparently he joined the site three months ago and comes from Canada. He's an incredibly nice and caring man and he's taking on an awful lot of responsibility doing this, so I'd like any complaints or issues directed at me as opposed to him about this switch.
But I wanted XXX to do this thread! Why Platina?
Call it intuition. Platina came into this thread and effectively re-energized it, which is something I'm incredibly thankful for. Upon leaving for a couple days I jokily made the comment that Platina was in charge due to his activity at the time. He put in an awful lot of energy in that time and subsequently has been invaluable in assisting over the past five weeks; effectively "taking over" the thread in my absence. As such when I decided what was more important to me, the choice was obvious.
What happens to the points?
Don't worry, the points will carry across. A final list of defenders will be posted momentarily as a "legacy" for the thread.
What about the structure of the thread?
The structure of the thread will remain very similar indeed. It will just be a little more up to date. Like I mentioned previously I'll still be involved in the thread; as will a number of other users and moderators. So hopefully this combined power will be able to make the thread bigger and better than it has ever been before; and less intimidating for "new users" to join. We want to create something that everyone can enjoy, and not just the select few.
OK...so when is the thread switch going to take place?
An exact timescale is still uncertain, due to a couple of factors yet to be confirmed or handled. However, expect to see the threads switched within the next 24 hours.
So, that's about it from me for now. I'll be writing one final post when the thread is locked, but for now I just want to thank each and every person who has every commented in this thread; all 377 of you; in making it what it is today. Without you guys this thread would be nothing, and I really, really do mean it.
I guess all I can say is, thanks for the ride.
