Greetings everyone,
Like the headline says, today marks my departure from Deputy Grand Master. I imagine this will come as rather unexpected and you would be right for thinking so however it is not entirely unanticipated.
In the past few weeks Jac and I have been talking about who is going to succeed him as Grand Master next spring and the reality is that I just dont have the will nor the motivation to take over. I did once, however after almost five years working solidly for this organisation I am more set for retirement than the greatest challenge this club can offer. For as long as I can remember I have advocated that those of my generation need to learn to trust those of the newer generation and accept that there comes a time when we all need to pass on the torch.
For me, now is that time.
I could have stayed, I could have become Grand Master, but it just wouldnt be right. I have given all I have to the Dark Brotherhood, I have donated every last thought I have to make this place stronger, so it is time now that someone newer, younger, with fresh ideas that have not already been tried a thousand times before can take to the throne to pursue the interests of the present and future membership. Rather than see someone new go into Grand Master blind Im stepping down early so that Jac can get a head start on training his successor.
I cant say I dont feel disappointed. Like anyone else I would have liked to have stayed the course but the reality is I just dont have it in me and it wouldnt be fair. The Dark Brotherhood deserves somebody fresh and full of enthusiasm and I have been at a loss for both for some time. One of the things I often criticise is that we have begun to increasingly recycle past leaders, allowing our unwillingness to allow the many new members who possess the same, if not better, qualities than those of the past to shine. This fear, this lack of trust, or else this general arrogance that the younger generations are unable to outshine the old is something that we as a club need to overcome if we want to push forward and develop.
When Jac is gone this club doesnt need another Jac. It doesnt need another old member from the past. In the past three years it has grown and flourished and there are many, many members who have proven themselves the equal to anything we have seen in the past. It is no longer necessary for us to stumble around in the closet for an old new Grand Master. In short, it doesn't need me. It is a great irony that I represent the very thing I dislike, which is the very reason why I have no qualms stepping aside to give someone else a chance.
I would go into a long list of thanks but Im not retiring. Im still going to be around and will no doubt carry on working on many of the things I have already begun; my successor will have enough to do learning to fill Jacs shoes than take over everything else the Deputy Grand Masters office entails right away.
So, to those who hate me, rejoice, you wont have to deal with me in charge, and to those who like me, my apologies, youll have to hope whoever succeeds me can bring about the changes you continue to seek.
All that leaves me to say is my thanks to Jac for giving me the opportunity to help lead this organisation for the better part of this year, I may not have stayed as long as I originally planned back in March but it was an enlighteningly experience nonetheless, if nothing else I now feel some sympathy for Mav and Kir, and my thanks to you, the members of the Dark Brotherhood, for continuing to make this club what it is and ensuring my continued interests in its future development.
In service to the Iron Throne,
His Eminence
Dark Jedi Master Xanos Sadow
Deputy Grand Master
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wtf was the first thing that came to mind when I read this. Goat you're one of the longest serving and most influencial members of this organization. Uner your leadership Clan Naga Sadow grew and prospered. With your direction the DB has begun to move into new and exciting directions. With your understanding and strength you've made those of us who know you respect and admire you. I am saddened to see you leave the position of DGM, I believe you could have been a great GM. I am honored to have served under you my friend and I look forward to now serving beside you in our clan once again. Welcome Home.
I personally expected something even longer, but I suppose I will be satisfied with what I've got. Goat, you have helped the Brotherhood move in many ways and I've always liked reading your long (x50) posts on the forums. Thanks for everything you've done for this club. Good luck on your endeavors.
Thanks for all you have done for us, Goat. I always appreciated the fact (and still do) that in you I have someone to share opinions and to discuss about various things - either about the DJB or WoW :)
I respect you highly as an advisor. A sharp and wit mind with the right attitude towards this online fan club. I wish the way for you hadn't ended here at this spot.
At least I am happy to see you back in Clan Naga Sadow and only have one last thing to say:
wtf? you arent a dark lord!
=)
Sil
I guess I can play the "bad guy." I am not sorry at all to see Goat resign, nor am I sorry to see that he will not (at least for now) be the next GM. Personally, I think this is the best move for Goat, and for the facets of the Brotherhood that he affects.
Why? Simply put, Goat is one of the best things that has happened for Naga Sadow, and he has more work to do there than he could do, or would do, as Grand Master. I think everyone in Naga Sadow should be happy this is happening. Goat returning to Naga Sadow is the best thing that could happen for you and your Clan. I think every Clan should be happy, since this will now save us from novel-length GM reports in the future. :P
All that being said, I like Goat. I think he's a good guy, and he's got some good ideas. I think he's a leader in the Brotherhood, but he's not THE leader of the Brotherhood. I think Jac made the right choice in choosing Goat as his DGM, but I think Jac and Goat have both now made an even better choice to recognize that someone else is needed to succeed Jac in the future.
Goat, be proud of what you've done, and where you will continue to go. You have every right to feel satisfied about your tenure as DGM. But, honestly... "Darth Vexatus"? Nerd. :P
Thanks for all the help with, well, a lot of things. For those of you who don't know, the DGM and GM get a final look at new SA exams before they go up. Xanos has been instrumental because he's far more of a nerd, ...er, I mean erudite individual, when it comes to Star Wars material than Jac or myself :P
Good luck, and see you around, Darth Goat :P
Hey Goat I never really go to know you that well but I have heard many great things so it is sad to see you go hope you do what you want in life good luck!
Ricco
Welcome back, Xanos!
Who are you again? :)
It takes guts to admit you need to step down, and to do so with grace instead of letting the position - and your reputation - rot. Have fun in the Clans... try to avoid the drama.
Thanks for your dedication to the club. If only everyone had a shred of that...
goat you rock. If you think you are not the best person for this position, then you are probably right. Anyways good luck in CNS, im sure you'll get your enthusiasm back sooner or later, I mean this place is perfect for a SW nerd like yourself ;P
~Luc
Hahaha yes - my farewell letter was longer than Goat's. FINALLY!!! I win!!!!!!
goodbye xanos sadow ;( may u rest in peace
as for darth vexatus, hiya! is that a new name?