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Thank you to all who posted questions, Jardy’s question above this post will be the last I answer. Take care!

Love the ode at the top, you made me legitimately laugh out loud multiple times. You’re not only great at doing podcasts but you’re going to improve the tiny void left by me. No worries on me being contacted to waive my NTC for Fuhr (if wanted), and I still plan to claim welfare until no team wants my player anymore. I’m glad you didn’t go through my thread doing a play by play, but I’ll say that the list of topics I included were my list, not necessarily the list of a first gen. My post wasn’t for theme week. You rock Hogan, honestly, I appreciate your sense of humour. Enjoy your trip, and take care!

This is where I admit that my writing is not as good as it sounds in my head, and another reason why I wanted Baozi to listen to my voice. This post is not about Spartan, Gus, and Acyd (he's too new to blue). So, when they responded I had to sort of outline who/what I was talking about better. Gus mentioned that my original post was vague or something like that, so then I decided to be specific. Just so you're 100% clear on what I was complaining in regards to you and Josh about are: 1. Rushed hires 2. Enabling staff who have detrimental affects on the league (again, I quite like Baozi as a person, and chatted with him today in Discord - very nice person). But in outlining my Mod Mentality as well as their history this year, I'm trying to point out what happened, and by using me specifically I can argue it until the day is gone because I know all the details. 3. Enabling Toxic Members, in the sense that if you were to go to Gen Chat right now, and look at the past week's messages. You'll see references in there about giving BJ's, doing your Mom, all sorts of stuff. No one gets tagged for that, but I got hung out to dry for making what I thought was a joke. I said something that even children wouldn't get sent to the office for, it's a slap on the wrist. It's a crazy double standard. I want to be clear, I don't mind the jokes that happen in Gen Chat, and in fact I am a fan of dark humor. I am merely pointing out how I was treated so dramatically different. Horcrux (Kachur) was a huge factor in this as well, as the part of me being informed ahead of time of my inappropriate behavior never happened. I wish I could show everyone all that I know, because I spent a lot of time agonizing over it. You're not looking in the right places nor asking about the affect I have had on this league. Ask about me, audit me. Look at the impact I have had with members (especially those who have known me all along). I stayed away from Discord because I got banned for saying Your Ass is Damn. People want to say it's because I was harassing, but I was not, I was doing what I always did. I know now that what I was doing was wrong, and it's changed how I approach conversations. But to say that I am not active, is to be one hundred percent not looking. I believe you for the most part on that, however, some of your comments above suggest to me that you've not paid attention to the work I've put into this site. And to be fair, you're busy as all hell. I get it. I would buy you a beer in person if I could, would love to sit down and shoot the shit with you. I like who you are as a person, I like what you've done for this league. If I could do so right now, I would like to shake your hand. If you ever get around to listening to my podcast, if you could go back and just try to hear the words I am writing in my tone of voice - it will sound a lot better. I think I want you to know at the end of all of this, that I think you're great, even though I said what I said above--- Actually, let me say it this way, after all that I have outlined above I still think you're great. When I think of great leaders here, you're in the conversation, and all great leaders continue to learn and grow as they go. You will too. I've watched you over the past 3.5 years navigate many difficult situations, and I respect you for how you do it. Yes, you are correct. It's the hardest job in the league and IMO it should come with an automatic 12 TPE a week. We've lost some great people due to the burnout that comes with it, and that in of itself demonstrates how strong and capable you are.

I just want to speak on the part I bolded because I think Bek is referring to me here. So, I have never missed a week, always maxed earn, and was a consistent donator. I've also constantly contributed media to this site. Outside of when I criticized you 3.5 years ago, and the mods recently - when have I ever thrown jabs? (the question is rhetorical, you will not find any) This was the same issue 3.5 years ago. You are only one person, but you've got a league filled with members. You need more help Anywho, just had to respond to those parts.

Do me a favor and re-read the sections where I talk about you, specifically. I didn't say any of what you just wrote above. I actually think quite highly of you as a person, member, and site manager. I outlined my reasons above, trying hard to acknowledge how much I like you and how much hard work you put in. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't be made aware of these issues. Definitely not a vendetta against the majority of staff, I've highlighted my concerns. If I thought there was any point in reaching out to you privately before I made my decision to leave, I would have. I did expect you to contact me after the Mod Mentality post, but at this point it does not matter. I want to make sure that you (Bek) know that I think you're not only a good person, but that you try as hard as you can. It doesn't mean that you don't get things wrong, and this is a way for me to not only be specific but also to point it out for everyone else. When I leave this league, I will leave with no hate in my heart for you, Bek. I wish you all of the best going forward, you're a good man. Take care!

Correct

Hi Hatter, I did not initially see your reply until now. Not ridiculous, I guess I'm doing a bad job of explaining it because everyone seems to be getting my point wrong. My whole thing on Frank was HOW the process was conducted. I don't believe I've earned a job due to my time in the league, but based on my contributions (which are outside of this, very positive), I should have at least been given an interview. I'm talking about how choices like that kill morale in others. It's about how people feel they've been, "treated," - whether they are right or wrong in their observations. Frank is fantastic, for the love of all holy. That's why I pointed to a GOOD hire done poorly. So, I kept silent when I came back, and I tried to play nice. I spoke out because of what I saw them do over a calendar year. Please, if you're interested, take the time to read my thread and listen to my podcast. The listening part is the most important IMO because you hear my voice, and my real tone. I do try to write in a way where I don't sound like a complete dick, but based on my responses I think I don't know how to write otherwise. lol. I'm sticking up for the silent people here, Hatter. You may not be one of them, but there are others like me. This is just for clarity (about me), none of this will likely change the league.

The only thing I want to comment on here (for others visibility), is let's say that the line of applicants was not that long - doesn't mean interviews should not be done. This is what I mean about doing your due diligence. Now, we all know how busy Bek is, and again (I quite like Bek), but this is why I have always stated that there should be a minimum of 3 active commissioners. Their workload is way too high for just 2 people, let alone 1. My overarching theme on the first point I made was making the process of applying visible and fair. If everyone feels like they had a chance at the job, and Frank still gets it- the mood in the room is far less tense. This is just a fact of how emotions work with people.

He was one of the people involved with my suspension and enabling this movement of the COC change. Just in case anyone is curious. Again, I like Al as a member, as a person -- but wanted to clarify who it was I've been talking about.

Also I should just mention, I’m not coming back, so I’ve got nothing to lose here. I’m going to speak my truth, and you may not like it, but it might cause some others to notice or think about these things. All of what I have done here is to explain my retirement, for the present members, and for the future.

Hi Sam, there is truth to all sarcasm. That’s a life lesson btw, anytime someone uses it on you they believe what they’re saying. Sam, you’re a gem. I have no issues with you whatsoever. I wish I could clone you, and make you every mod. You’re a lovely person with a kind heart. Which is why you always come to the aid of your team. Keep being you.

Everyone from here on out should follow Spartans advice in the above reply. Also, everyone take note of the staff who did come in here and how they’ve responded. When I spoke of great leaders being here already, you’re seeing them now.

Just to clarify further, I was not calling Frank toxic. I was speaking on each point I made. Frank is an excellent hire, and the right choice. My point is that the line ahead of him was much longer and people in that line didn’t even get an interview. I am showing how their actions cause a loss of morale. For toxic hires I am going to point at the mod team. Fishy was a toxic, damaging hire, and is a toxic member. Baozi in my opinion is also not only bad for the role, but makes bad hires. A current example of a bad hire for the mod team is @Dil. Go look at Ricers complaint for evidence, and read his history in Discord. I like Dil as a member, as a person, but not as a mod. Dil gets away with saying some horrendous stuff, far beyond what I ever did. These are individuals who cause harm in what they do and they’re key cogs in the wheel of the VHL. You’re fucking your league by having them in the roles that they are. All of this, every single bit of this, is a problem because of the people sitting at the top. It’s their responsibility to hold their staff accountable. Everyone ran to fishy’s aid when they started their campaign of hate, and yet, crickets for me. It’s because I’m not valued as much. Perhaps because I was too critical 3.5 years ago, or perhaps because I’m annoying. Either way, I’ve dedicated the past 4 years of my life to this site, being a max earner, donating. My feelings should matter. This is why the VHL sucks at Retention.

So all of the examples I gave were relevant to my original points. I can give you more examples by DM but you don’t have a problem hiring people. You’re literally one of the people on this site I am NOT talking to with this thread, and yet, my most active critic. This is directly against Bek, Josh, Big Al, Baozi, fishy, and a few others. Naming more names won’t change anything. The most concerning parties are the people I’ve listed.

It happened long before this.

Just to follow up on that, my toxic people being hired comment was in a reply. Naming more names in this thread or even by DM serves me little purpose, showing examples of how these incidents happened was my best bet. @Spartan

@Spartan Im not going to debate all of your points, I just want to clarify that I was not, “going after Frank.” I am showing examples. I also write this stuff out with the intention of others reading it. In my opinion I’ve demonstrated my points above, all of which is just to let people know what happened with me before I departed the league.

Not forgotten, Shindigs is fantastic.

Are you saying fishy won by bullying me, and helping to cause me mental distress?

I am not going to debate or tag Baozi for their above comment, because in reality Baozi is not helpful, and only continues to dig their own hole with their comments. But for some reason that still won’t matter, even though Baozi is the Head of one of the most critical departments in this league!

Hi @Spartan I'm going to give you three recent examples of the issues I listed above, just so I can also show any other individuals who wonder about the same thing. Here we go: Outsiders Don’t See the Benefit While it would be easier to point to a bad hire, I am going to use a good hire but where the process was done wrong by the Blue team. Wrong in the sense of the above issue, outsiders not seeing the benefit (after the hiring process). Look at the hiring of @Frank as GM for Vancouver. You and I both know that Frank is a top tier GM, great to his players, engaging, creates fantastic content. Literally, a perfect person for the job. However, when Frank was hired he quite literally leaped frogged over a whole assortment of people and got the job in about five seconds (an exaggeration but not far from the truth). Why did this happen? There was a time crunch and a decision had to be made quickly. Frank was a logical choice for the job, because of the above -- but so too were many others, many of which who were never even given an opportunity to interview for the job. Which is quite frankly (pun intended), not doing your due dilligence (a common theme in the leadership team here - see further below in a moment). The above scenario is a really good way of killing morale. You achieve your goal of securing a solid GM, yes, but you may as well of given the middle finger to all of those who applied before him. Bad Staff For those who come to this thread in the future, check this out: That thread outlines a perfect example of the mod team not doing their due dilligence, and also not giving a fuck about the fact that they fucked me over. The fact that only yourself, Spartan, reached out to me after this thread speaks volumes. I've really gone after @Baozi on this subject, because while I don't think they're a bad person I do believe they have the wrong ideals for their role and because of that, even their mistakes in hiring people are brutal holes to climb out of. Look, the mod team isn't all bad. I don't want people to believe, that I believe that. I can directly point at both @samx and @frescoelmo (Edit - nvm on Fresco) and say that Sam is ONE staff members that I am almost certainly dislike me, but always treats me with respect and is nice-ish to me. I have all the time in the world for her because she tries hard to contribute positively to the community. Other hires like @fishy (more below on that) - were the worst of all, and after witnessing the work that both Baozi and fishy dished out on this site the past year in suspensions and bans - y'all should be having nightmares. fishy did this site the biggest world of service by stepping down from the mod team. Toxic Members Like I said to Hatter, some people are toxic to some but not others- but let's just show you an example of how a member like @fishy is toxic toward me. Let's just take a look at some recent comments from fishy in regards to me: Why the comment above sucks ass: fishy was directly involved in suspending me, and was a person who did not do their due dilligence. Not only did fishy read my Mod Mentality thread, and listen to my podcast, fishy openly mocks me because of it. This is quite literally a form of bullying. Ironic that it comes from the person who posted the current COC. Here is another example of fishy mocking me below: That again comes after my thread where I bared my soul and put myself out there, exposing my pain. There is no remorse from fishy, only subtle shots and cruel comments. But I am not the only one, fishy is also unkind to others. Here is another RECENT example: Members like fishy do a great job of making other members like me feel like shit, but no one claps back at fishy because they're one of the elitist now (who are far too good for us commoners). Especially, far too beyond making an apology for causing a member like me a great deal of pain in my life. That, is what makes a toxic member.

I know it's not a business, but we're talking about growth and retention. The best way to view it is as a business, not to make money, but to sustain and grow it. I don't think @Beketov is toxic. I have a follow up to Spartan's post I'm going to post in a few momentos. There are people who are toxic to some, and not to others. The overall point is about culture.

Gustav, good sir, you're a part of the excellent leaders that are here. If I could personally pick an ambassador for the VHL that greets you at the door and walks you around, it would be you. @Spartan , @Acydburn, are equally great leaders in their own right. None of this is a personal attack (per se). I quite like @Beketov as a person and member, and I think he does a great job at making this site go from A to B. Same is to be said for @Josh. As people, members, and site managers, they rule. It's the lack of attention from them, on the matters I've listed above, that I'm primarily calling out on. Obviously, Josh is away on parental leave, and Bek does the best he can - but that doesn't stop the fact that there's still steps that they do wrong. It would seem as though no one wants to accept that some of the people you have in your positions are not right for them (Head of Moderation for the love of almighty). However, these positions play key roles in league management and retention. I have no issues with what you're doing in the VHLM, Gustav, but I would argue that the VHLM is NOT the most important league for retention. It's what happens beyond the VHLM where we lose people. You see, the VHLM is a ton of fun. The managers are engaging, the teammates are in it together, the vibe is altogether different. Then you get to the VHL, and depending on where you land - the vibe could be amazing or it could be a ghost town --- or even worse, it could have toxic members hanging out in there that think for some reason that they're better than everyone? Which is confusing for me. I was blown away when @Baozi complained to me that they had to use their, "personal time," to listen to my complaint. Just an insane thing to say from a person in that position. That comment alone should warrant a conversation. What is this site for, if it's not for personal time? Also, those members here who are outright toxic, get to walk around being outward POS's, and yet they still get rewarded with jobs. In fact, they're the first in line when the next one comes up. You think other people are not keenly aware of that? Only if you're ignorant. Listen, I have a lot to say on the matters above, but I also figured this was the best way to use my last .com article. What better way to end it than with what got me in trouble in the first place? But please, Gustav, of all people - do not believe any of the above involves you. It's what comes after you that I'm pointing at.

1. Why are you asking yourself questions in your retirement thread? 2. Do you plan to answer these questions during your last podcast? 3. Is this just a fake post to get 2 TPE and work the system? 4. Should others look at this very example and do the same thing? 5. How silly is it to ask six questions for 2 TPE? 6. Why does the league make us continually do miniscule tasks?