Popular Post Roarey Raccoon Posted August 13, 2013 Popular Post Share Posted August 13, 2013 It's been more than 9 years since I joined the SSMB staff, that's a lot of memories. I was initially against writing anything about leaving the team, especially making a topic about it, the idea seemed egotistical. I can't get around the fact that it pretty much is but I'll try and share a few things with you that I learned about the SSMB in my near-decade behind the scenes. Might make an interesting read, you never know XP. I personally haven't been the same since the old forum was wiped in March 2009; a lot of time, energy, effort and emotional experiences were put into SSMB, 5 years of my life, basically. All vanished instantly. It was pretty damn horrible for everybody and a lot of people moved on from that. For me, though, I felt everything I had worked for had died. Whilst my emotional attachment to SSMB was decimated, I was still wrong to think that anything had been wasted at all. Let me explain. In the early 2000's SSMB was a volatile place, drama everywhere you cared to look. It was a bit of a fucking mess really. The staff worked their asses off and went through a lot of emotional shit to get the forums into an acceptable state. Since the forum wipe, this process has not been needed again. I'm actually genuinely surprised that SSMB runs as calmly as it does, it's fascinating and lovely to see. I know some of you likely don't feel that way, that you feel there's still way too much drama, but believe me this place is a calm pond in comparison to how things used to be. The staff forum was filled with activity during those years, at least one person was being banned every day and many more were receiving strikes. These days it hardly happens at all, not because the staff can't be bothered but because they don't need to. The years I've spent at SSMB honed me into someone pretty ruthless, early on. I became adept at swiftly knocking down flamewars and dealing with aggressive situations. I was also often a gigantic prick. Since the forum has changed so much (and it's a good change) I feel out of place, like a relic of older times when ornery sons of bitches like me were required. I don't have that raw passion any more, nor do I have the setting that would make my services required. The SSMB staff are a close, specialized bunch and I think they show their effectiveness very plainly. My time away from SSMB in the aftermath of the server wipe has distanced me from that close group and from all of you. I recognize so few faces and no longer understand the environment here. Back in the day I literally read every topic, I would check over every new post on the forums for signs of people breaking rules or being jackasses. I loved it and as a result I knew the forum like the back of my hand. I don't have that passion to get to know SSMB all over again and, honestly, 9 years is a long-ass time. I met my partner here (10th anniversary next year), I made friends here, I've been part of SoS, I've made enemies, got hundreds of people to hate my guts. Maybe I even earned some respect. So it has been a truly special ride. To the staff: I love you. I have loved working with you, getting pissed off alongside you, wading through mountains of verbal abuse and emotional shit with you. I've loved your passion and your drive. I don't want to make a list of everyone's names because I'd feel like shit if I left someone out, but three names have to be mentioned. Bmn and Chris, my fellow admins, you two are the best. Bmn has always been there at the back, the literal spine of TSS, without whom all of this could so easily have gone to total shit. He has done more for TSS and SSMB than you can ever know. Chris, the guy who joined as a kid, who is now clearly the admin to whom the rest of the team look up. Glad you stuck it out, SSMB couldn't ask for a better-suited admin. Then there's Dreadknux, who didn't just give me the opportunity to be here in the first place but worked with me as a friend and colleague. Dread is the guy who decided in which directions the SSMB needed to be steered and has the patience and presence of mind to see things clearly. He also created the site, so there's that, lol. To the members: There are no forums without you. SSMB is as good (or awful) as you decide to make it. Staff can enforce rules but you set the tone of the boards, you make an atmosphere welcoming or forbidding, you show newbies how to fit in and therefore dictate the attitude of the site. Remember that. If SSMB is great it's because you made it so, if it ever ends up horrible you also share in that responsibility. You're doing pretty great so far XP. Be good to each other. I don't want to drag this out any further, I'm at risk of being entirely too long-winded and sentimental, so I'll just leave you with a final point. I'll still be around from time to time, but as a member (or in the Retired Staff group, I forgot that was a thing, haha). Whatever I've done here may or may not amount to a damn thing and perhaps few will give a damn about be stepping down, but I've had a blast either way. If you want to ask me about anything, feel free to; I'll answer honestly. Be seeing you. 84 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diz Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Hiya, Roarz! I got back from UK just now (1 week England, 1 week Wales), so I did not hear about this until now. I just wanted to thank you for being the awesome raccoon that every forum should have, and obviously also for helping every staff member through difficult times and protecting us for all this long. I am sure I speak for pretty much everyone when regarding that. You will certainly always be remembered. You resigning has been brought up by yourself a few times, so I should not be surprised that you finally feel the need to step down. I doubt any of us wants to see you do this, but I know that you must have felt this way for some time, so I just wish to say thank you for everything from a staff perspective, and I hope we can chat again at some point. Throw me a PM or a conversation on Skype anytime! 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tara Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 We didn't talk much, but I always remember you being on top of things during the mid-2000's period. Although back then, I remembered you being very blunt and very firm. But as you said, you sort of needed to be that way during that time period. Anyway, it's sad to see you go, since you do a good job at what you do. I hope that you'll find a successful life outside of the staff, and best of luck in all your future endeavors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badnik Mechanic Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 But Roarz! Now whose going to make members so mad that they'll write a rap in your honor! /old SSMB is old... P.S. there are forum members here who wern't born yet when you first registered. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InfinityAlex Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Even though I'm still a newbie, I find this pretty touching. I regret to say I don't know you at all, so I'm not gonna pretend I do and then start spouting bullshit about how good you've been, because that's just lame and half-assed. However, I do wish you luck in wherever you go and whatever you do next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Seeing as I'm one of the faces you probably don't know, I'll just say good luck and I hope you enjoyed being a mod. Edited August 13, 2013 by The Crash Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheOcelot Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 Good luck Roarz. When I think of you, I always think of those really nice Tails pictures you sometimes use as your avatar, and that really cool banner with four pictures of Tails on it. You are the true Tails of SSMB. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCB Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 I sure remember your influence around the the 'Great SSMB Server Wipe of 09' and was an fan of your SSR show as well. I am not one of the closest peoples you have met on here but I know how passionate you can be in regards to this place. Thanks for your service, we appreciate what you did for the forum and other related ventures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGerkuman Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 I don't really wanna drag this response out so here it is, in condensed form: Thanks for all you've done for SSMB and I hope that things work out for you. 'Cos you're great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strong Bad Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 I think everyone here knows that this site and community wouldn't have made it through those older times you spoke of without you and the rest of the staff at the time. It's been so long and even I remember how confrontational the boards were in many threads (and how I participated in it, heh), and that was after you guys had already weeded some of the bullshit out. I too recognize very few faces here, but it's a welcoming environment all the same. I'd just like to say that back when I was more active here (2005-2009), I always looked up to you as someone I could trust, confide in, and look to for guidance, and I of course always enjoyed tuning into TRZ. I'd like to talk to you and catch up someday. You're a really interesting and honest person who knows what he should be caring about, and the world needs more of people like you. On a lighter note, now this usergroup is that much cooler! But Roarz! Now whose going to make members so mad that they'll write a rap in your honor! Oh my godddIs that archived anywhere? I can't even remember any of it it was so long ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meow Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 I've been here since 2006, so I know who you are. I change my name on a regular basis and have changed it loads even since when I first joined here (with a fancharacter avatar and signature to boot). I've definitely noticed your presence hasn't been as strong around here, especially as of late - but like all good things people move on. I don't really know you all that well but perhaps that's a good sign I never got into any trouble haha. Best of luck in your future Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
\gunther Posted August 13, 2013 Share Posted August 13, 2013 (edited) Been a member since 2006 (lurked a lot before then, tho.), and reading this actually bummed me out quite a bit. You have put so much heart and effort into this little site and I have nothing but respect for you because of that. This fan site and forum would not even exist or be as spectacular as it is without you. We all owe you thanks. Funny how, back when I was a silly little teen brat, that I kinda loathed ya just for different viewpoints lol. I like to think that I matured just a smidge because of your influence. Thanks for keeping your cool way back when I wasn't. But anyways, gonna miss seeing ya with that Admin banner, bro. Take it easy, amigo Edited August 13, 2013 by \gunther Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThereN'Back Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I'm a pretty new member, having only been here for over a month. I only first saw your activity with the Sonic Stadium last night when the new banners were being uploaded. Reading your post, it's incredibly clear that you have put tons of time and effort into making the Sonic Stadium into what it is, and I'm sure that didn't completely disappear when the forum was wiped. In fact, the message board being a lot calmer now than it was then had to be due to the work you and the other staff members put into making the forum a good environment for people to discuss the Sonic franchise. Though I don't feel that I have had the experience to appreciate it as much as members who have been here longer, thank you for the work you've put into the forum. I wish you the best in your retirement, and with whatever comes your way in the future! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goku262002 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 (edited) You'll be back nobody can never really separate from this place, it always has a way of drawing people back. Enjoy your retirement though. I remember the days of your tyranny, harsh times. you kept this place in line with an iron fist and I remember the daily bans, God it was like Retro's "Shark Week" all the frickin time. I remember me and a friend of mine Bolt7 (used to be Lightning89) had monthly MSN/WLM convos about what new thing you were up to back during 2006-2007. Then our Genesis Wave happened, and the SSMB world we knew was reset. Your right in a sense that it was the wipe that calmed things down but we also knew that while quiet, you were still here, lurking. then sometime after 2011 we started getting an influx of new members and leavings of old members which changed the order here a bit and the staff were shown capable of handling things without Iron Fist Roarz anymore. You really mellowed out though in that time, it was weird to think that this was the same guy who was a tyrant years ago but we didn't know how bad the wipe effected you though. sounds like you got pretty crushed man, explains allot. Roareye Raccoon, You did make a legacy of yourself here not a very pleasant one but a legacy regardless, it weird to think your just a member now. but now you can just enjoy this place as a member and not as a admin. You still have 1 thing left to do here Roareye, Stick around, See this age off, See what the future has to bring... Edited August 14, 2013 by goku262002 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danj86 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Seems a shame that you lost something personal from the wipe. I had no idea. But this is not goodbye, right? You said you'll still be around. I can't help but worry when major changes occur, makes me think there could be serious personal problems hidden within. But that's just me and I'm rambling. I've not really had the pleasure to speak with you in the past, but I've always known you as part of the SSMB team, keeping order when it's needed and sticking up for the staff when required. Not to mention being terrifying when your wrath descends on a poor unsuspecting fool. I already have a little homage to you, that most had already seen, but I'll show it again for this occasion. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strong Bad Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Roareye Raccoon, You did make a legacy of yourself here not a very pleasant one but a legacy regardless, it weird to think your just a member now. but now you can just enjoy this place as a member and not as a admin. You still have 1 thing left to do here Roareye, Stick around, See this age off, See what the future has to bring... AhhhhSome things never change... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CrownSlayer’s Shadow Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 (edited) And now, I feel like we've totally lost someone...a bit... You know what I mean. Man, Roarey, I feel like without that hardass at the top watching around the place occassionally, this place doesn't feel right. You kept this place ran tight, and much of the members who've stuck around kinda carried that with them, but with changing times I guess we can't press you to keep doing something you feel out of place around. I joined right in the midst of that shit period in 2004-05 when things seemed to REALLY get chaotic, and I'm amazed at how long I've stuck around and became attached myself. But hey, at least you can get a break from all the admin duties, right? Edited August 14, 2013 by ChaosSupremeSonîc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roarey Raccoon Posted August 14, 2013 Author Share Posted August 14, 2013 Seems a shame that you lost something personal from the wipe. I had no idea. But this is not goodbye, right? You said you'll still be around. I can't help but worry when major changes occur, makes me think there could be serious personal problems hidden within. But that's just me and I'm rambling. I've not really had the pleasure to speak with you in the past, but I've always known you as part of the SSMB team, keeping order when it's needed and sticking up for the staff when required. Not to mention being terrifying when your wrath descends on a poor unsuspecting fool. I already have a little homage to you, that most had already seen, but I'll show it again for this occasion. Haha, you drew me? Seriously though, hadn't seen that before, nice one XP. Thanks for the replies peeps, can't believe none of them are abusive, wowz! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mando-Whirl-Wind Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Ya, always gotta have respect for the old guard, been around for about a year now, and this place has always been pretty fun, but it wouldnt be this way without your work before the wipe. It proably would have gotten worse without a few stern hands. Well guess this is thanks, even if its not farewell, as its hard to get away from here for too long Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goku262002 Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 Ahhhh Some things never change... You really expect me of all people to change? lol thats a good one. Thanks for the replies peeps, can't believe none of them are abusive, wowz! Were all past it now. anything you did is pretty much water under the bridge at this point, can't be mad at a guy if most of the bad history and the members who remember it are gone now can we? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
\gunther Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 (edited) Seriously though, hadn't seen that before, nice one XP. Thanks for the replies peeps, can't believe none of them are abusive, wowz!I can go back to thinking your one old religion topic was a personal attack on me for asking for prayer when I was first diagnosed with cancer back in '08, if you really want, ahaha. u r meaniepants Naaaaah but 4realz, gonna miss seeing ya with the red banner. Heck, it already feels quite odd being on semi-equal status with you of all folks Edited August 14, 2013 by \gunther Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferno Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 (edited) Been around since '06 myself, and although we've never really crossed paths, I've always admired and respected the work you and the other staff have put into this place over the years from afar. If it weren't for you and the rest of the staff, the forum may have died out long ago. Plus I'll always remember the "Fartiste" badge you gave me after the "dress up Tails" thing we had on here back before the wipe. It was touching, in it's own weird way, and I cherished it for the time that I had it. XP Edited August 14, 2013 by Inferno Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_serendipitous Posted August 14, 2013 Share Posted August 14, 2013 I joined a day or two before Sonic Adventure DX was released on the GameCube, so it's been over 10 years. I never did post as much as I would have liked, and the most I got up to was over 500 posts, in the 2003 incarnation of the board. I, too, remember how chaotic and turbulent this place was before you stepped in. Thank you for all you've done. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LATER BUDDY Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 I know we never talked much to each other one on one, even though I've been bumming around since '05 Roarz, but you've definitely always been a giant role model for me here on the site. It's extremely safe to say I probably wouldn't even have half the head thats on my shoulders today without learning from you in discussions, handling situations, not giving fucks about being wanting to be yourself, and hell just being a super awesome person in general. I guess I never thanked you for that, so thanks man. I know I'm starting to sound like it, but I know you aren't like going away forever just yet, but thought it'd be a good time to tell ya how great of a leader you've been around here. Hope your next chapter in life on the internet and such is great though dude, <3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Covskin Posted August 15, 2013 Share Posted August 15, 2013 I think I joined just a couple of weeks before you became a member of staff, so yeah, this was odd to read. I always felt you did what you had to do for the board, and despite laying down the line, I thought you were still fairly approachable when you weren't locking threads. I think its the multiude of XP's I'm going to miss most though... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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