Friends,
The time has come for me to step down from my position as Grand Master of the Dark Brotherhood. Most of you have known that this was coming, albeit with a different time frame in mind. My original plan was to step down in a little over a month from now or maybe after I finished a few more projects, but I feel that now is the right time to step back.
I have been at the helm of this club for quite some time now. I took over as Grand Master twenty-eight months ago, and I was Deputy Grand Master for eighteen months prior to that. I am as surprised as anyone that my time leading this club has lasted this long. GM and DGM are not easy positions to hold; but throughout my reign, I have never felt any sort of burn-out until a few weeks ago. The day-to-day operations of the club have started to grate on me more. I am taking longer on menial tasks that I used to fly through, I am less patient with complaints, and I don't have the drive to work through solutions for problems that are not of my own making. I am surprised at how fast this feeling developed; it was literally overnight. Luckily, it is something that I have learned to recognize and I am going to step out of the way before it becomes a problem.
I have been in this club for over eleven years now but I can say without hesitation that these last four years have been the greatest for me. During my time in charge, I have had the absolute pleasure of interacting with so many of you. I have developed a lot of lasting friendships and I think that I have grown as a person. I find myself applying lessons from the DB to real life situations; as I have matured here, I have in real life as well. Truly, I love the fun and camaraderie that the Brotherhood gives me. I will miss dearly the interaction with so many of you as someone new takes over, but I am satisfied with the number of members that I have been able to connect with so far.
Satisfied. Content. Those are words that I have been searching for throughout my time in the Brotherhood. Those of you who know me best understand that I have an insatiable appetite for improvement, initiative and innovation. Not once in my time as Grand Master have I been content to leave things be or keep from hearing out new ideas. I have never been satisfied with where we are; I strongly believe that with the Brotherhood there is no stagnation...only moving forward dying. That is why as we push through one project, five more are already lying in wait -- there is so much potential left to be tapped in this club.
I have taken a good hard look over the last years of the Brotherhood's existence. While I am neither content nor satisfied with where we sit today as there is always more to do, I am nonetheless happy. I am happy with our level of activity, our commitment to the members, our service from the top down, our constant innovation...everything. Today I step down from Grand Master confident in the job that we, together, have done and confident in the future that we, together, will pursue. That is a good feeling, one that is unexpected.
I can only hope that the last few years have been as enjoyable for you as they have for me. Many of us old members tend to live in the past and remember the good old days or the Golden Age of the DB. It would give me so much joy to know that for some of you, these years were just that; the best of your careers and the most fun you've had. For me it was, by far. These are the the best of times.
There are so many people to thank for their friendship and service during my time as GM. I could write for hours about the people that have helped me so throughout the last few years -- I won't even attempt that now. I think that those of you who have worked with me know very well who you are. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for you. Especially those of you I worked with on the Dark Council and other leadership positions. It's hard to fully comprehend the time and effort those spots require until you obtain one; and it's especially hard to comprehend how much I ask for until you work with me. Thank you for working so hard, for putting up with me, and, most importantly, for trusting me.
I have truly been blessed with this opportunity to bring my vision to the forefront of the Brotherhood; I am honored by everyone's faith in me and their continued service to this great organization. I do believe that we have the finest group of members of any Star Wars club on the internet and that we will continue to grow and prosper under the next generation of leaders.
As for what happens now, I will be nominating my successor to the Dark Council in a few moments. It should come as no surprise: I am nominating Sarin to replace me. Sarin has shown an uncanny ability to lead members and projects in his time as Deputy Grand Master. I feel that he takes almost every one of my strengths into his leadership role plus some. He is the one person that I truly trust to be able to follow in my footsteps, and more importantly, to be able to protect that which we have toiled so long to build. Should the Dark Council confirm my nomination, I am ever confident that Sarin will be an exceptional Grand Master.
Oftentimes people disappear completely when they retire, but since the DB is like a crack habit for me, I won't be going far. Really, the primary reason for my retirement is so that I can work even harder on the things that I want to focus on. Grand Master is 90% taking care of what others need and 10% working on your own projects. I am looking forward to reversing those numbers. Sildrin has graciously offered me a position as her Praetor, which I readily accepted. Her and I will continue to work together to rebuild the backbone of our site. I only have a few more scripts to build before the next big release (new dossiers), so I am quite looking forward to having more time for that. Further, I am going to continue to work on the Alacrity and serve as a constant advisor to the next GM. There are countless other things that I will find myself working on. Really, in retirement, you will see more of Jac's skills put to good use.
And now, I am going home to Taldryan. They have already put the sheets on my bed and stocked up on Depends in the Old Folks' Home. I'm looking forward to being back in my clan with my friends. From there we will continue to work and strive so that the character and reputation of this club may be upheld.
And with that, I end my reign as Grand Master. Thank you all again for everything. I appreciate you.
Sincerely,
Jim Coutinho aka Jac Ae-Sequiera Cotelin Taldrya-Cantor
Grand Master Emeritus x 2
You need to be logged in to post comments
I knew this was coming...but still...you've been "in charge" for so long a guy gets used to it :P I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I don't envy you for what you have to put up with as GM. From my little corner of the DB over the years I've seen what goes on, and I know what you have had to go through is far beyond anything I've had to cope with.
Enjoy your retirement. If anyone deserves one, it's you. The DB is functioning at a higher level than some other clubs we know or have ourselves been a part of, with much to look forward to. We have managed to grow and change and try new things, and are now a different organization than we once were. If people sit down and take a moment to truly comprehend the amount of time and effort you do put into all of this, they'd be astounded. Thanks for everything Jac, and I look forward to pushing your ass over those ledges in CTF :P
Oh, Sarin4GM :P
salutes
I can't find words appropriate enough for my sentiment.
Rest well, friend... you deserve the break.
You're gonna get lots of praises and pats on the back Jac, which are all well earned. But in all honesty I doubt the brotherhood could ever hope to find another Grand Master as dedicated as you have been to the club. I wasnt around your first term as GM, but I always heard you were one of the best and I'm glad I got to be around for your second reign man cause this has definantly been some of the most prosperous years our club has seen. Great work, hugs 4 t3h Jac, and I look forward to your work on the site man.
Through all of our disagreements, I must say this day saddens me a great deal. I too knew it was coming, I have for many months now, but to actually see it happen - to see "GM: TBA" on the side of the website, is something I've never seen in my time in the Brotherhood, which no where near as long as some, is still a good chunk of time. You've been the idol for everyone else to strive, and you've done damn good in what you've done. You've left your mark on the Brotherhood more then any other, and you can rest assured that until the day the Brotherhood is decommisioned, you're name will be spoken with reverence and respect.
Many times you've been my "guiding voice", and even when I didn't listen, you have no idea how much I valued what you had to say, and what you contributed to my career in the Brotherhood.
So, Thank You Jac, for being a great member, a great leader, and a great Grand Master. Sarin will have very large shoes to fill, and the Brotherhood as a whole is saddened today.
<salute>
~Thorinoooo</salute>
About bloody time you quit. What can I say, I'm not one for praise ;)
Welcome home brother, finally there will be two golden tallywhackers in the Old Folks Home...
I'm talking about the Lightsabers you perverts.
Its been a pleasure to work under your leadership, so hopefully your stay in Tally will be full of more adventure for you...enjoy, and thanks!!!
I have lost a Grand Master that I have great respect for - making me wish I have had more time to serve him.
But now I gained an awesome Praetor instead.
Let's continue to build the future of the DJB webpage, Jac. :)
Thank you for all what you have done.
Sil
Jac, If you're departure from the Iron Throne is a "pint" then the news that you'll be kicking around to churn out more new projects is the "chaser" we all needed to stay drunk on Jac!!!
You are a truly exceptional memeber of this Brotherhood, transcending beyond the internet to become a real friend and someone, I personally, would still like to meet (shut up Oberst - it's nothing kinky)!!! The vision you have had for this club and the way you have lead us toward that vision is testament alone to your popularity and ability. Thank you for everything you have done for us on a daily basis for the last 4 years - and more!
A smal testament of Jac's devotion to the members (or maybe it was just cause he loved the l33tness of Mejas....) is when he shipped me a copy of JK: Dark Forces 2 just so I could play it! That gesture has never been forgotten my friend, and when I see you in Scotland you're going to get very, very pished!!!
PS - Sarin, some big shoes to fill but I'm looking forward to seeing what you come up with. All the best mate!
What can I say that hasn't been said?
Well I can say this. Jac, I have always been proud to call you my Grand Master, and you will, forever be remembered.
I am glad to have known you in your time as GM. I've watched the changes in the DB since I joined have heard of the many other wonderful improvements you've made over the years. We look forward to your continued service and I for one am glad you aren't going far.
Thank you, Jac for everything you've done for us. Sarin has some big shoes to fill but I know he's up for the challenge and he will be a great GM. :-)
Ashia Kagan Keibatsu
Shniguds,
You were an awesome Grand Master. But srsly man...it's about time. :P
When I read this, I wasnt to sure to be happy or said. I think I should be both.
Sad, because we see a great GM stepping down after 4 years of service. Damn...that sucks.
Glad, because our GM will always be amoung us and will forever be with us as not just a leader, but also an Icon.
I remember when I was only a Guardian that I mailed Jac, offering him help on the Rebirth Project. Even though I was only a Guardian he gladly took my help even when it was only little. When I did the survey and asked for his help, he answered within the week. He never treated any of us like a number, but as friends.
Jac, enjoy your well deserved Retirement and I think I say for everyone when I say, Thanks Jac, for everything!
<salutes and raises his glass>
To Jac!</salutes>
While you have been a member of this club for eleven years, and the Grand Master for close to five years of that time, I have only been a member here for just over Three Years now. In that time, you were the Grand Master. For my entire stay here, in my experiances here, and through it all, you have always been the only Grand Master a "youngster" like has known.
In that time, many things have been accomplished before my eyes. The addition of loyal and friendly clubs through diplomatic means, the seperation from the EH Fleet, and the revision of the Convenant. Many things have been accomplished by you, or under you in your time.
Many hark back to the days of Lord Firefox, and give him credit for being the savior of the Brotherhood, a Great Man, and a Great Person. I doubt none of these claims, but I was not there to see his influence. In my eyes, it is you Jac who is the Savior of the Brotherhood. For signing the document that severed ties with a stagnant club that was dragging us down. For revitalizing the club, for placing strong leaders in the dark council and as your apprentices. You are in my eyes a Great Man, for donating your time, your life, and your own money to this venture. You are a Great Person, and for that, this club will forever immortalize Jac Ae-Sequiera Cotelin Taldrya as a Hero and an Idol.
Thnx Jac
Though on this day, the DB loses a terrific Grand Master, it also wins a dedicated programmer for our site. Thank you Jac, for all the work you've done for us over these last years.
Who's Jac? When did he get newspage access?
Thank God you retired, the rest of us were getting really sick of pretending to listen to you while we do what we want.
Good work with all that stuff you did, but I really want to congratulate you on your choices of DGM while you were GM, those guys you picked were really just outstanding :)
Now go back to the Old Folks Home, they've got your bedpan all shined up.
Standing ovation, deep bow
I'm surprised to see him step down because ever since I joined he was the GM. WHen I was in CP Sarin was one of m leaders so I know he will do a good job.
Darn that Jac and his resigning ways... throws off the balance of power and stuff. With a vacant GM spot, the rebels can just swoop right in and take over. Should have confirmed a new GM before you left, now we're all doomed, doooooooomed.
I have only been in the Brotherhood a very short time in the grand scheme of things and admittedly Jac is the only Grand Master I have ever known. But I have spent over five years in online Star Wars communities.
Having run the full gambit of SW[insert letter here] games (SWC, SWU, SWV, SWD etc.), I can say with no small amount of authority that the dedication, competence and sheer functionality of the Dark Jedi Brotherhood is nothing short of amazing and stands as a testament to great leadership with patience and vision.
There is no greater compliment I could pay Jac Cotelin, than that.
Thank you for all your time and hard work, Jac. Take care of yourself over there in Tally.
Them's shifty-eyed folk, don'tcha know?
-Vassan
Thank you for everything you've done for the DB.
Good Luck with your new nonGMness
Thanks for everything you've done for the Club and others. Good luck with what will come. :)
Jac always responded to my emails no matter how minute they where, I only hope that who ever earns the next GM tittle is as dedicated and fair as you have been. I was truly a pleasure being galaxies Tribune under your wing.
Thank you-
Master, to me, you will always be the Grandmaster. I was just getting used to this, but rest Master, your journey has just begun.
On the contrary, I think it's just wrapping up.
Jac, for various projects that I have worked with you, I can say that you're an amazing person to work with. You give advice and help when help is needed, be it to a DJM or ACO. You're a great coder and I hope to see lots of cool stuff on the site when you're working on it. Good luck in whatever you do
~Luc
Thank you, everyone.
I am just floored by the outpouring of support and appreciation. It means a lot to hear what you all are saying -- it means that I've done what I came to do.
I don't really know what else to say but thank you...so much.
Jac
Thank you, Jac, for all you've done. Your reign as Grand Master has brought stability and happiness to the Dark Brotherhood, and so long as this organization exists you shall always be remembered as one of its greatest leaders.
And Sarin, I know you'll do great as Grand Master. But, really, you need to be the symbol of the Brotherhood's leadership. That means lose the dress! :p
Even though I haven't been around for a while, I have to mention that it has always been a pleasure working with you Jac. Thanks for all that hard work and the best of luck in the future.
~J