And I guess I'll just get down to it, the bits, bones, pieces and minutae of the whole thing.
I personally DO hold you in high regard. The literally countless hours and effort someone like me can only imagine you have had to sacrifice to make El Tank the comprehensive and all-inclusive plug-in that it is, and of course the subsequent time spent each time Turbine makes a dramatic change to it's client, forcing updating and teaking of said plug-in.
I get it. I really do. I also can feel for the endless crying (some of which came from me over the years) you have graciously put up with over certain aspects of the plug-in, or whether or not it's up and running at all after a patch in what we, the consumer, considers a fair amount of time - IE: Right now.
And in all seriousness I can even see and understand the various reasons why you've decided to leave, some posted on this thread, others in other threads and still more on your own El Tank forums. There has been considerable flailing about, not only on my part, but on the parts of quite a few other people in response to your announcement. Mostly boiling down to the simple fact that whether or not the masses will agree to this statement, YOU are NOT hurting Turbine by quitting.
And I won't even do as I usually do, and try to put words in other peoples mouthes here - you're hurting me.
How?
I am a creature of habit, as most humans are. We eat certain things, like certain likes, craves certain craves and in the realm of MMRPGS, like our gamleplay a certain way, as I have come to rely on AC a certain way. For me, only me, there IS no AC without El Tank. El Tank's VARIOUS functionaility SHOULD have long since been incorporated into the game officially. The list of things it CAN'T do is substantially shorter than those it can. I was ok with certain lesser plug ins, such as 6th Sense dying and Bandid Sight going the way side, as I had old reliable to fall back on. They left and didn't CRIPPLE my play style.
This leaving does.
Now, go ahead everyone and chime in about how good this other plug-in is and how another plug-in will come along or my favorite: PLAY THE GAME AS GOD INTENDED, PLUG-IN FREE!! And for many of you, and sadly me as well, I will have little choice but to heed such words - but for now, for the precious little time left, we still have El Tank. It still works.
The simple fact that it won't, and soon, infuriates me - and I will happily admit, is a very selfish feeling.
As to you owing me something.... again, nope. We've never met in real life. You've never made me any promises, be it in E-Mail IM, PM, verbal or in person for that matter.
But I would like to submit something - were I the creator and sole developer of El Tank, a plugin that I equate to efficient and fun game play to countless users, I would feel a certain obligation to that community. Much akin to a Monarch and his followers. Perhaps that sense of obligation is what kept you around all these years, and it is now outweighed by all of the other reasons for departing. I cannot read your mind, so will never know.
Earlier you said it was not your intent to punish Turbine, nor hurt anyone's game play. I honestly believe you mean that. This said, and once more I will speak only for myself - my game will be hurt.
And that Elgar, more than anything else is why I am as bitter as I am about this whole debaucle.
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Advanced Dungeons and Dragons - DM for 28 Years!
Asheron's Call: Bleys Icefalcon; Monarch of Renaissance - on Harvestgain
If you want someone to be politically correct, I suggest not engaging me in conversation.
