 All Good Things Come to an End |
10/05/00 |
| Bahn bids adieu to GameFan Online... |
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If you're like many of the common netizens which during their trek for gaming coverage pass across GameFan Online, then you're aware of its recent defunct status. Suffice it to say despite exaggerated reports on various sites now flocking to everything but the truth, it's a venue which has already triggered a significant response in the community. The who's actually sound more like why's? Many are perplexed. Though, this editorial doesn't serve to investigate the cause, but to reflect on how its impact to the team at TNL, and myself. Its existence paved the roads for many who have moved on to new careers and experiences, and helped to flourish new dreams. In it's existence, it's best expressed as what was uttered via our BBS as the column below reads: "It was the best of times...it was the worse of times" Certainly all of us gathered on TNL, ones who've come and go (or kicked? hehe) surely will never forget what GameFan Online meant to us all. While I personally am not expressing closure like my industry colleague Makaze, this recent string of events leading to the concluding episodes that we all assembled to via #GF_tav. Before I began my own quest in GFO's early birth, I recall the bubbling activity that went down in that chat. It spawned what now is the net's latest craze...the unforgotten rivalries (man, what a saga!); between PSi and GN (which we all now recognize as "The Next Level") is a page of history that I shall always remember. 3 years...it's been that long huh? These days I now have to handle TNL's admin operations/PR and that in itself is a welcomed joy and challenge; all which I juggle with my passions for writing (hey, I can spell "Klonoa" now!); and art. In addition, TNL now shares its insight and quest to be unlike the rest with its keen comraderie with Perfect Zero; a decision which I till this day am very happy to have made. Now we look to the future...2K1 is almost here; to put it briefly - times have changed. I am still set on my path to be among the ranks like Makaze...but to say that my role right now isn't significant I believe wouldn't be giving myself enough credit. GFO and its members were this huge online family...many personalities, interests, dislikes and the like made it all the more interesting and in one form or another gave me the drive to create the very venue in which we all are expressing our homage to what is already a missed vehicle for gaming news, inspriation, and the cure for the common jaded gamer. Yes, GameFan Online will be missed. I don't believe I need to reiliterate to the TNL team as to how much I value their efforts, they're certainly the most unique batch of gamers I've ran into and certainly many of us wouldn't have known each other if not for that depot which we assembled in that which is now the underground "gf_tavern". I express it at each chance I get, but to sum it up in one phrase, I say "thanks for the support, and let's keep it up!" My "farewells" are somewhat concise, though relevant: Dango - Best of luck in your next writing endeavor. Thanks for the friendship, your periodic insights, wit,...the coverage of ECC4, my Zero 3 collage, the plethora of "Weekend Warrior" columns (I'd definitely welcome them on TNL if you're interested), and simply for being a true gamer at heart. You still owe me an arcade engagement in some serious SF fighting. SSF2T anyone? ^_^ HiFi - Lights, camera, action. You've got it down solid man. Your words of encouragement have given us a foundation that has surely been welcomed and appreciated by me and the media team alike. Certainly it's been a pleasure knowing you, thanks for cool editing escapades (GFO goes to Hollywood still cracks me up). Keep in touch and I'll remember on my end to "crank it up!" The Wanderer - Hmm...haven't got to know you that long, but I am certainly glad to have known you for a short time. Ulala is certainly pleased you enjoyed her portrait and has asked if you wish to have a sequel. ^_^ Big Bubba - Man,...does he even still remember me? Who else besides the crew above remembers Bahn? Oh man...I may have to convey my msgs through Makaze. Where's my cell??? shidoshi - Ah, how I miss those html lessons from you on improving TNL back then? Hehe. You know you're welcome too when Max Anime (should we decide to keep that name or whatever) debuts. Your anime drive must be harnessed somewhere and I am sure I speak for everyone on the team when I say we've got the door open for you if you wish to contribute any work to us. Eggo - Where's my cheesypoofs?!??! Where's my SF challenge? I don't think you're that good. Oh yeah? Oh yeah? You just wait till E3 2k1 mistah! I don't care what that pastry-puff says, you're going DOWN MAN. Heh. All the best man, please keep in touch... ^_^ To the rest of the GF crew: ECM, Jay Boor, Levi, El Nino, Knightmare, Reubes, along with George Jetson, his boy Elroy and Jane his wife...thanks for the memories. It was a pleasure each time vistiting your site and nagging in you in fanboy fashion whenever the opportunity arised. In closing...well, I prefer not to think of such a finale expression. We're still here, you're still around; as are your fans. TNL will continue to express its support even if GFO is never to resurface...we welcome your comments on this board always, I am sure many would like to hear from you folks as much as conviently possible. Till then, the next level begins here, and I remain... Past Columns:
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