Emm: Sorry about the delay in responding, but I didn't notice your message for some. The message indicator doesn't seem to be as visible (or obnoxious as at some places) as it used to be.
I've definitely noticed your acitivity and presence in the forums - in short order, you've restored order to what was spiraling into choas and have done a superb job in making the forums much more accessible and beneficial -- sorely needed and certainly greatly welcomed. Before receiving your PM, I had intended to PM you to introduce myself and express how invaluable your work has been.
Like everyone else, I thought OiNK (RIP) was the shit, but (and I suspect that I'm not alone in realizing this) it wasn't until its demise that I fully grasped or appreciated how special OiNK was and how much it had to offer and how unique it was and how much it had given me. Tragically, we all much too often take for granted the best of kthe goodnesses that life has to offer, sometimes not until it's gone. I joined OiNK in March 2005, but only slowly started to participate in the community and forums. Ultimately, but only for about OiNK's last full year, I was fully participating.
Anyway, I mention this to explain my active involvement here at what.cd. I learned from my experiences at OiNK and its demise that OiNK didn't just happen but became the unique and exceptional place we knew by virtue of the hard work of its staff and the active participation of its community which essentially defined OiNK. The worth and value of most BT sites is its product. While OiNK had an unmatched product, it really only achieved that distinction secondarily or as a consequience of its real virtue and achievement, namely the community that it created (or that created OiNK).
That's why I find what.cd special. What.cd (and to be fair waffles) came into existence not as much for its own sake but more by virtue of the overwhelming desire of the unexpectly displaced strongly desiring that the OiNK legacy continue. What and waffles answered that call, and immediately so, and both have worked amazing miracles in doing so for the benefit and sake of displaced OiNkers and OiNK's legacy. None of this just happened, but has been achieved only through what I can only begin to imagine has been the truly back-breaking work and dedication of you guys, the people who have made all this a reality. I think it's incumbent on those of us who are the beneficiaries of your collective incredible efforts and who wanted what.cd to come into existence to "seed" and not leech and actively participate and make at least some attempt to lend a hand and help what.cd in return. All other BT sites had a natural time to grow. What.cd has achieved so much overnight and virtually seamlessly so, that many forget that OiNK is dead and expect that what.cd, which didn't exist 2 months ago, already be able to match OiNK's resources.
As Hillary used to say: It takes a village.
I've enjoyed more actively participating in the forums which rather unintentionally somehow mushroomed to the extent that it has. I know this will sound truly cliche and lame, but I really was taken aback (floored) and flattered by your kind words and the offer to participate in an affiliated manner. I would like to do so, but first, the staff should know that I've never been a mod and my abilities are basically reflected in what you've been able to see in my posts. So, second, having no prior experience, I don't know what is expected of a moderator and the logistics of performing that role in an "official" capacity. You guys have already achieved the absurdly ridiculous. I'm interested in serving as a mod if the staff determines I'm competent to do so and I can assure and commit to perform that function based upon a better appreciation of what is required and expected. Otherwise, I'm game if you are.
Whatever we decide, I'm here for the long haul and I think what.cd has already moved in a direction that will equal or exceed the best qualities of OiNK without necessarily embracing the lesser ones, all the while creating and developing its own unique personality and character.
Thanks and I look forward to helping in whatever manner is best.