My reasons for leaving were due to the current state of the Village. But I have come to the realisation that it is my responsibility to change that, and to make RV what it once was.
So does this mean mods don't get free cookies anymore?
I guess I'll have to steal from the Registered Users cookie jar now. 
Statistics: Posted by Snake1235 — July 21st, 2008, 8:53 am
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Welcome back, Shando.
-Phat
Statistics: Posted by Phat Hobo — July 21st, 2008, 7:40 am
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People change, ideas change, everything changes over time.
I really can't say anything and try to top Musc, because he expressed mostly my views exactly and I dont have the time to give out every thing I feel about the subject of the past of the Village.
Statistics: Posted by Hellfire — July 20th, 2008, 8:35 pm
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But otherwise, congrats on getting admin Shando, and even though you were only just making your way to the exit, I believe it's still appropriate to say "welcome back"
.Statistics: Posted by Jackstick — July 20th, 2008, 8:18 pm
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It's rare that I agree with much of what you say, but for once I have to say that it's actually very true this time.
Most likely because you only joined last year. I've hardly even been around since then and if I have been, well, to put it bluntly, I haven't been posting like I use to
Statistics: Posted by Muscular Ape — July 20th, 2008, 7:28 pm
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Then, I'm just going to applaude Muscular Ape. It's rare that I agree with much of what you say, but for once I have to say that it's actually very true this time. I have to say that the part of your post ranting against the use of the phrase "Back to what it once was," wasn't all that useful, but I agree that the answer isn't to try to recreate what the village once was, but to instead to push the village on to a place where people can express themselves without moderators feeling the need to edit their posts so that they don't actually get to say anything that the moderator doesn't agree with. Shando, if you want to do anything, make sure your moderators know what is insulting or degrading to another member, and what is expression. Expression is allowed, and should really be encouraged; it is afterall what makes a community a community.
Statistics: Posted by Halley92 — July 20th, 2008, 1:06 pm
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My reasons for leaving were due to the current state of the Village. But I have come to the realisation that it is my responsibility to change that, and to make RV what it once was.
I am sorry, but I can't help to suggest that this statement is ridiculous at best. For one person to think they can quite simply return this site to it's former glory is laughable, downright ludicrous, and perhaps a tad egotistical from your end. Please don't tell me this promotion (I won't get into that... that would become a flame-fest) has gone to your head already. As time passes on, everything changes and in no way is this place an exemption of that. Runevillage will not become 'what it once was' because quite frankly, it is impossible to define what it 'once was'. It meant a lot of different things, to a lot of different people. There are so many different elements that made this place what it 'once was' and personally I believe Nostalgia would have to be right up there in the most influential of them. It is also the most misleading element in terms of determining when Runevillage was at it's best.
With a consistent amount of arrivals and departures of influential members, and veteran members reaching maturity, you will never achieve the same atmosphere that people here seem so intent on regaining for that sense of 'Nostalgia'. You cannot bring the friends back that people have lost, you can't simply re-instate an atmosphere that was created by originality and a small community base. This site will always be changing, whether for better or worse, it will be changing. As well as changing, it will always be growing. Perhaps this is one of the areas the veterans, like myself, and you offer wonder and reminisce about. Wasn't it great when Runevillage was a small-knit community and everyone was friends with everyone? Short answer; yes. Can that be re-obtained? Longer answer; no. You may be able to regain a friendly atmosphere, but you cannot bring back the small-knit community. We can't force people to be friends, there will always be suggestions on how to improve relations, but in the end, you can't force people to like each other.
And as much as I like to criticise the Village, to be serious for a moment, apart from the "politics" (see the global..) and perhaps the inane censoring of opinions in posts, I do not really see a problem with the way it is right now. (I know, it sounds crazy coming from someone like me who likes to stir the staff, much like a certain chat moderator... ) But I digress from the previously stated issues, as they quite simply cannot be fixed from a regular Villager viewpoint, and the regular Villager does not expect them to be changed any time soon. Some of the posts that I have seen edited here, or deleted, or punished for would be humorous if it were not for the people that become effected by this sort of 'censorship'. But we know that. We know this site is designed to be a family friendly site. A lot of us, I know I do personally, have to watch our posts in comparison to the way we would type on another randomly selected forum, and perhaps this is causing some discomfort amongst members.
Again, this is all but opinion, and like some part of the human anatomy, we all have one. I believe that Runevillage will never return to it's former glory, and quite bluntly, I don't see how an average moderator at best is going to be the one that tries to restore the enjoyment of user's here. Can you bring people's friends back? Can you make people who have been turned away from the site by silly moderator actions, or silly users actions, return? Can you make people who quite simply outgrew the site return? No. Can you, alone, make this place more enjoyable? Possibly, and if you manage, you will have my full support.
The problem with the Village is people who like you, insist on going backwards when we need to be going forwards. 'What it once was' should stay what it once was. Attempting to bring it back is just going to be destined for disappointment and failure. If you honestly think the Village is in dire need, then it's time to do something worthwhile in bringing back some enjoyment. But in my opinion, I see no devastating issues plaguing this place apart from some minor ones here and there.
In a very brief overview, I see a website that has a strong community base, some immature brats, some very wise and learned people, and some average people that just like chilling with their mates. Just like life eh?
I am not honestly not trying to have a go at you Shando; I have merely picked you out when I could have done it to any other villager who believes the site has gone downhill. I believe that to be a far too simplistic and possibly even narrow-minded view. I may have sounded a tad offensive to begin with and perhaps I have taken your statement too literally. I am just very intrigued and this statement of yours has left questions in my mind. What is it that you think you will bring to this administrative staff that others haven't tried to bring already? What changes do you have in mind that will make this place more enjoyable? Remember Shando, we need to go forwards not backwards.
And most importantly, what is your opinion on the 'current state' of the Village?
For someone like me, who has experienced possibly one of the most unique stints at the Village, (not quite as good as Frank's), I cannot determine whether the current state of the Village has changed for better or for worse. I know I have changed, and I think this plays a part more than anything. I like to think I have matured in some ways and that this maturity has certainly altered my pre-conceived conception and perception of this site. Nostalgia will always confuse us, but I think if you think deeply enough, you will realise that you have changed a lot more than the Village has.
Happy posting.
Statistics: Posted by Muscular Ape — July 19th, 2008, 9:35 pm
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See original post
~Shando
Statistics: Posted by Shando — July 19th, 2008, 5:39 pm
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Farewell. I left quite some time ago, but browse out of bordom.
Statistics: Posted by Eastgotenks — July 18th, 2008, 8:05 pm
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Your list couldn't have hit the nail on the head anymore perfectly. With the exception that you're on it, I'd have to say those villagers are what made this place what it is today and kept this community a community.
Have a great life, Shando.
Stay strong! ^.^
Statistics: Posted by Hellfire — July 13th, 2008, 6:55 pm
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Shando! you can't do this!!
you've always been an outstanding Villager, and one of our best mods. you've always made solid thoughtful posts, and been a help to so many, particularily in the techincal areas. you've never been one to crave the limelight, but your quiet, steady presence has beed a bedrock of the Village.
besides, how will we be able to follow your wrestling career if you not here??
and in 5 years of the Village, you're the only one i've come across who share's my birthday!!! (different years, of course!)
is there not something we can do to entice you to stay just a bit more?? say another 5 years? beg? bribe? grovel and sniffle??
i'll drop you a PM about this....
+1
Seriously pal your a class act stick around
Statistics: Posted by Faz — July 13th, 2008, 5:18 pm
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Not sure why you listed me though, didn't ever really seem to get along. Especially after you warned me for talking to my friends (part of the reason I don't visit much any more)
Have fun irl ^_^
Statistics: Posted by Muscular Ape — July 7th, 2008, 9:29 pm
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Statistics: Posted by Chris — July 6th, 2008, 6:55 pm
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Always been great, I'm glad your leaving on a good note
Statistics: Posted by Winterfresh — July 6th, 2008, 3:20 pm
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Statistics: Posted by Tennis Ace — July 6th, 2008, 2:47 pm
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Statistics: Posted by enielle — July 6th, 2008, 12:35 pm
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Statistics: Posted by Tweedy — July 6th, 2008, 4:07 am
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Statistics: Posted by Alpr — July 4th, 2008, 11:28 pm
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