Well, another years has quickly shot by me/us and we are now starting a whole new year. Sometimes it seems I have been a part of this community, and sometimes it is like I just got here. Now I don't say it feels like I have been here forever because it's like a relationship you want out of so bad, but more because it really feels like a family. There have been so many friendships made, that I would not trade for anything, and people that I have gotten closer to here than with some people in real life. And when I said "and sometimes it is like I just got here", is because I am always learning.

Though A lot of things stay the same, so many change. Members come and go, people get promoted and demoted, things are always changing it seems. To be honest, it really keeps things fresh sometimes (Though I bet some of the older members may scoff at the thought of things being fresh hehe), but that is a good thing.

There have also been a lot of ups and downs. Some have left, some have been demoted, for whatever reasons. For some it may be real life, jobs, moving, and so on. Sometimes people grow, and this was only a stopping station for them in their lives, and that's okay, we will enjoy them in the time they get to spend here with us. Some were forced out, some caused enough drama in a few days to last a lifetime, and that only cements to me how much we really are like a family. I mean there are so many personalities here, something would be totally wrong if there wasn't a little drama and infighting hehe.

Overall I think it was a great year though. I am pretty sure we met the donations goal, or really got close. We added many new members to the fold, some of whom have become extremely important to the community (not saying all members are not important) with certain skill sets or what have you, that they have brought with them. The servers are still up and running, though there have been a few ups and downs. Overall the core of who we are, what we stand for, and what we believe has not changed, and if you ask me, that right there is a good year.

Lots of promotions have been handed out this year, probably the most I have seen since I have been here, and that is awesome. I say they were well deserved, and much appreciated for all their time and effort they have put into this community. Of course I cannot name them all, but I would like to do a few shout outs real quick to some of my friends who have been climbing the ladder.

SiD - He has done an amazing job helping out, he is with the GFX Team now, and if you haven't given some of his work a look, you really should. He also started a YouTube Chanel for game review-ish content, which I also love and follow like a creeper hehe.

Von Rantala - I will say first, I consider Von a good friend, and hope that continues on. Von who is now a well deserved Co-Leader, has worked his butt off for this community, and is probably one of the nicest level-headed guys you will ever get to know, and if I were you I would take the time to get to know him!

DJ aka GDR DJ - I am pretty sure most of you know of, or have seen a post from DJ, either Pic of the Day, or MOTD. I know he has been around for a while, but he just last year for a promotion to Co-Leader, and again it was more than deserved. DJ has taken every day to give us hilarious pics, and great videos, that on several occasions when I was having a bad day, would check the forums only to have my mood lifted up by one or all of the things he has posted..

Heretic - Yes another FA that I feel I have become good friends with, and for those of you who don't notice, he is always working hard on something for FA, well maybe not to hard, but always working hahaha.. Sometimes things happen for the good of the community that you never even know about, or hear about, and lots of times, he is right in the middle of it..

Short list, so to speak.

Alex The Angry Mosquito

RedBaird

AnG3L

Kat0n

Kami

LuCkY ' 13

Lady*Raevyn

Hell, even Ol'Smoke got a promo this past year hehe (Love ya buddy)

Well this list could go on and on, but I just wanted to throw a few notables out there, if I missed your name get over it lol

This blog wouldn't be complete without mentioning those here that really make this place happen..

DareDevil, I mean really do I have to get in to it hehe. Without his time and patients, along with the other founders, we wouldn't be here, these friendships wouldn't exist at all.. There would be no forums, servers and so on. The work he puts into this is amazing, the time he takes is incredible. That's why I always get so mad when I see people verbally attacking him, or trying to slander this awesome community. Dare, I can't tell you how much I appreciate what you do, and the opportunity you have helped give us here. We really do owe you so much.

Speed/Gi-Joe/KillerGun. If DD and the other founders are the head of this community then these guys are the arms legs, and feet. They do so much that most of you will never understand. From changing server rotations to dealing with all the trolls, and all the effing infighting.. They are leaders, mediators, Voices of reason, and always there to handle the punishments that no one really wants to deal with. Most of you cannot even comprehend what these guys go through, are more often that not, it is just for this community, just to serve us, and help. Makes me wanna punch people in the face when these guys get attacked on the forums over decisions made with servers or rotation, or whatever it may be. Let me put it to ya this way. If someone were to say of the things that are said to these guys in front of me physically, there would be a fight. These guys put up with so much crap, I just don't know how they do it. And the level heads they use in the process is amazing. I feel fortunate, and blessed to call these guys clan mates/friends. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

Well to close things out, I truly love this community, and the friends I have made, and hope there are more friends to be made in the future. I plan on sticking around as long as these people plan on putting up with my spam and nonsense. If I missed someone, or need to be corrected please feel free to do so..

Love you all <3

Shane aka Chameleon