Freelancer - The Void

Hi All,

I thought I would drop a line and make sure everyone is up to speed with what I’m up to.

After many years of developing and modding the Void, running the server and website I am taking a long term break. Whilst this has been on the cards for a long time, it became clear to me that during the first couple of months of this year I ran out of energy, enthusiasm and a desire to carry on.

Unfortunately (for me), over the years the community developed into an extremely enthusiastic bunch of people, some critical, some not so critical but most having a lot to say. What started out as a sort of “my vision of freelancer” turned into a bit of a beast and started to eat into a lot of my time. As the years have gone on, it had become more and more a part of my life. During the day I was watching the forums and replying to PM’s, editing player files etc. and then in the evening, playing or modding. I also had a lot of run-ins with server staff and as a result some decided to leave (my fault)

So, in a nutshell the tank is empty. I need to concentrate on other real life stuff and whilst I might be back sometime in the future, currently I’m only passing by to read the forums from time to time.

I can say, with my hand on my heart that I gave it everything and now it’s time to pass it onto others who I’m sure will have the same values and the same enthusiasm that I had. I know the next mod will be good and I know that the current server staff are trying their hardest to make this a great place for all the players. The next mod release will be something else, im sure.

You all make this place what it is, not me not any other individual, it takes you all to make this community.

At a time like this I have to thank some people and therefore I would like to say a big thank you to all the 8,100+ voluntary registered players that proved to me that maybe I wasn’t on my own with my original modded vision of Freelancer.
To all the clans for putting up with everything I did/didn’t do for you. Particularly, my “old” 104 friends - n*o and BBB.  All the other clans who have put up with a lot over the years and still call this place home.

All the players over the years who have taken the time to talk to me about the mod, argue about the mod or just show interest in it.  All the server staff – past and present.

Until we meet again, enjoy what you have and remember your enthusiasm is keeping Freelancer alive!

I hope to return one day and participate in The Void again, however, I am unsure when this might be, until then I bid you farewell and leave you something that’s quite appropriate and a song I really like.
I think im allowed a final "Scream on"!!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMZETRh8iOw[/youtube]

You will be missed thats for sure. We appreciate all that you have done and have tried to do even if it didnt always sit well with some. Such is life. Thanks for the opertunity to be part of this mod and community. We hope to continue in the same vein as you envisaged for this place.  All those involved in keeping the VOID alive bring something different to it.  The fact that we are now a Big Fish in a Small Pond doesnt seem to have dampened the enthusiasm people have for playing here.

A change is as good as a rest and should you choose to return at any point Im certain that you will be more than welcome.  Im certain that you may drop by in "smurf" mode now and again - at least I hope so as it does give a slightly different perspective to the VOID.

All the best in your continued and new projects.  Dont be too much of a stranger!

Regards to you and yours:

Zeb

:aua:
i fear void server and mod will suffer from ur departure....i fear it will be closed...
but when i see guys like vector some hope comes...but doesn't remove all my fear feelings..
Hope u will return mate, u did all the best for this mod, it is the best one ever made, neither disco and their poor rules or HHC and their poor gameplay will remove void from the place of greats.

We'll miss ya Boss

Regards
McViper

Well...all good things have an end..don't they?...
This is your home regardless how often you walk over the front step.
Be safe and successful in RL, and come back and visit us some time.
Thank you for your vision, and thanks a lot for shearing that with us.
And before leaving...leave the key to planet Strail under the mat...
Take care boss.

We all know that the real life stuff is always the most important thing for everyone. And I know you spent lot of time and put so much hard work into this server and mod..for all those years. You have done one of the best Freelancer mods ever and built this place from zero point.

I salute you and I'd like to thank you for your effort. Good luck in whatever you gonna do, take care and hopefully see you soon back in business mate.

Gutted.

Sometimes we argued like cat n dog, we were sometimes friends
we tested and built stories in your mod sometimes on a weekly basis
Remember that time we ramped up the nomad valkeries so they were rock hard and everyone moaned? lol
I did a stint as Admin for you as well at one point, and got to see the other side of FL.
I remember I once had to post you a copy of FL cause yours blew up in your drive.
I remember one saturday morning being the only person on the server with you and we stuck nomad battleships in sparta - lol.

Thick and Thin, friend and foe, Im still here, playing your vision of FL - I think that says more than any words I can type here.

Take care m8
Best wishes to you and you family in the future

To those that follow, that is one heck of an act to follow, I hope your up to it.

and I sign this off the best way I think I can with my best ever char.

[X]EF-PEST-[X]

o7 m8
o7

I have always admired how you managed to do all the Void-related work next to your RL stuff as it must have taken a huge amount of time. And all that just to provide a place for players like us to play on - for free. I salute you for all of your efforts and enthusiasm buddy. You have created one of the top 3 Freelancer servers in the world and that is something to be dam proud of mate.

We have had our share of both relaxed chats as well as disagreements, and I stretched your patience on more than one occasion. But in the end I can only say I have always tried to take an example from your calmness and insights and you always were a true gentleman to have a conversation with.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for putting up with me and my at times controversial approach and for every opportunity you have given me to see them through nonetheless. I am truly grateful.

I don't know much else to say than I wish you and your family nothing but the best. Use your time off to spent with them and other things that let you enjoy life. You have given your share to Freelancer, now it's time to have some of your own.

Even though it's been some time since we talked, I will miss you m8. In a non-gay way of course.

All the best to you mate - Mav.

EDIT:
@ The Community:

Have no worries about the wellbeing of Void. This was coming for some time now, and thorough preparations were made quite some time ago. Your Void is in the very capable hands of the Server Staff Team, and is looking to a very bright future.
So you can all 'Scream On' for some time to come.

Goodbye Boss. I wish to say good luck in the rest of your life and something else, Thankyou. Thankyou for all you have done for me and this server.

SCREAM ON!!!!!!!!!!

I have one thing to say:

























You'll be back.

damn

Strail, if there is one person i respected ALOT on this server its you, and my respect stays.

Thanks for making this mod, doing so much for the community, and helping me with factions on msn

GL Strail

WIFE SAYS  NOT TO OPEN ME GOB SO IM NOT...

You'll be missed m8, hurry back.

All I can say is good luck to you and your familiy. Hope you get everything allright any time soon.

And don't be afraid, The Server is in good hands with Vector and the other Admins.


All the best.

H.

Thank you for evrything Strail

This is a bad day for Freelancer,one of its best and more inthusiastic modders is retiring....


The Void will be here Strail,safe and sound,for wen u come back.


Tc

Thank you for giving a great place to play. I wish you all good for the future