The title says it all folks. This is not a joke; our beloved big dog is leaving us. After well over 4 years of hard work for this site, acting as my right arm, BigAkita has helped put us where we are today. His articles and reviews were thorough and concise... He is a man of honor, respect, and loyalty. He will be sorely missed from this site and I can only hope he can return some time in the future... I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for that.
Here is a good-bye letter that he asked that I present to you all when breaking this news:
"Ever since I stumbled upon our site several years ago, I knew that there was a spark that I hadn't seen on any other website. That spark was a feeling of camaraderie and a sense of belonging to a community. That spark has continued on through each generation of members that we've acquired. Yes, there is drama; but there is also an easygoing friendliness and willingness to help that is always underlying... just like in any family.
Over the years I've managed to progress from uppity n00b to regular member, then senior member, then reviewer and staff member, to senior reviewer, and finally to Admin. I've always enjoyed myself, I wouldn't have stayed unless it was so. As a matter of fact, I think I enjoyed it a little too much; so much that I couldn't see what else was going on around me.
I have been on the forum for years, and over the last few have been hot and heavy into reviewing and administering the forum; both of which consume a huge amount of time. I have been so focused on my online family that I had forgotten or ignored my real family. Most evenings I would get home from work, eat dinner, then retire to the dungeon for some review action and to keep an eye on the forum. Many weekends were spent trying to meet review deadlines and editing other staff members reviews. I wasn't allocating enough time to what truly should have been important to me.
A short while back it suddenly dawned on me that I have let way too much time slip away. I came to the realization that my children will start leaving home in about a year and that it must seem to both them and my wife that I didn't care for their company anymore. That epiphany came with a huge wave of regret, but also with a resolve to change things immediately.
Since my decision to leave I am amazed at the free time I have now, and how much I can get accomplished around the house and yard. I am holding actual conversations with my children again and the relationship between my wife and I hasn't felt this strong since we were newlyweds. I want everyone to know that leaving is something that I had to do... life is too damn short.
I know it seems sudden, but that is my military background. Sometimes it is easier to walk away quietly than to have to bear the goodbye's. I wish everyone well for the future, especially Gary with this very special community he has built. I'm not turning my back on geekiness, oh hell no, I will always be a power hungry mobo abuser, but instead I am turning towards something that for too long I didn't realize I was missing."
- BigAkita
I wish Brett all the best in his life. May good fortunes fall upon him and eventally bring him back home to us.