Egads, I go 'topside' for two weeks and what happens? Live gets shutdown for my birthday!

Well, if you look at my earlier posts regarding the game itself, I was part of that 'clerical error' and did not moan or otherwise get mad. I just got in when I did and had fun exploring, talking, and trying to figure out just what _was_ going on anyway?

I had a great time when there. Best time of my life was a chance to speak with Plinthon; I was hearing all this flak from the other sides, in particular GT and the other 'Sharper' groups, and wanted to get a better bearing on the other side of this. Great discussion, and was about 95% on the way to join Safety First 'Hood after that. I was even going to _finally_ go back to having my own website again, just so I could help paint a better picture of the political situation down there.

The best part of my experience with the game was right here, in the fourums. It gave me an opportunity to do the required 'social' aspect of this game offline, which is a distinct advantage. You cannot do that on most other MMRPG, they are more physical in nature either in case of combat or other skills-based format.

This game was almost purely social in nature. The overall format gave you this nebulous idea with no real set goal, and the makings of a social dilemma (actually several I think). Most people could walk around here and just admire things, follow what was asked of them, and in general enjoy the games and puzzles. But for those who saw a larger picture, and cared about it, there was more.

You had to think about how YOU fit in here. Decide if you wanted to make a difference, and in what way. Making a choice and choosing a side. It was the most fun I've had in long time, and this from a person who hates politics - and loathes ordinary online RPG 'business as usual' politics.

And so I reluctantly and annoyingly take my extended leave of absence from cavern, and from these forums (though I will lurk from time to time). But with that I leave behind a public note of kindness and confidence to UBI, Cyan, and in particular to Rand Miller, in response to his letter:

Don't let yourselves down because of this. The format introduced by Live was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. Persevere and keep working at that code base, you've got a big winner in there.

--------
--T_S_Kimball (both realms)
--------

Never get your doctor, or your SysAdmin, mad at you.