An End of an Era (My Resignation)

This journey has been a rollercoaster and a half over the last couple of years, there have been many highs and lows along the way, and I couldn’t be more appreciative of everyone who has supported me and the community along the way. I joined New Blood way back in 2016 (crazy to think that was nearly seven years ago) and have been through the carwash and back in these years. I began my journey in staffing way back in 2016, rising to the rank of Manager before being demoted and eventually banned for inappropriate behaviour, which I still feel deeply embarrassed about. However, I returned back in 2021 and have climbed up the ranks to the final rank of Administrator. It is a great and odd honour to be the only person in this community to have legitimately experienced every rank. I clearly am the coolest guy around the block (just kidding, I'm not that arrogant).

Staffing in this community has given me some of the best experiences I ever imagined. Way back in 2021, when I started this tenure of staffing a group of us - myself, Yorkiebarz, Cherobrine, Alice912 and Alex_ - all became staff at similar times with the “Back To Blue” threads, invoking deep discussion within staff chats on how rules needed to be changing and a plentiful of other brilliant ideas. Sadly, a lot of these ideas never saw the light due to limited development and other factors. I slowly worked my way up to become Manager, dealing with over 200 map submissions across the summer period before being approached by the Admin Team at the time to become an Admin. Sadly, the timing was always unfortunate as I received Adminship just before I went to university, in which my free time was consumed by partying and studying. For a short stint, I was the solo Admin, trying to juggle New Blood, my complex social life and my university studies. A few ex-Administrators and senior figures (Zingan and Subelectronite and then Venk and Panda later on) came in to give a helping hand. All of their support and hard work have been incredible and I couldn’t be more thankful for having such a fantastic group of people to offer support through that period). I will confess that this period really damaged my mental health due to the messages I was receiving on the server and on Discord, but alas… we got through and onto the other side. Thank you so much for the brilliant Revered team in offering excellent support throughout this. I am very proud of the staffing team, it has been through so many renditions from I first started staffing. Whilst it isn't perfect, it is defiantly at a level better than before. 

I’ve always told my parents about New Blood, and they are pretty familiar with all the faces. I recall back in 2017, prior to my demotion, telling my Mum about all the ranks that New Blood has and who has each rank. I recall talking to her about how I aspired to be like Yorkiebarz, Electronus1 and Alice912 when they were the administrators at the time. I recall telling her how happy I was to have such a safe space and a good group of online friends. She still gets bombarded with me talking about New Blood here and there and often asks how certain community members are doing. I think this shows how deep my love for this community goes. This little story may have been corny and it probably cringed a few folks, but it is truthful. Makes me a bit tearful to think that my Mum tried to remember all the ranks so that we could talk about it. 

I have definitely made some mistakes and acknowledge and accept that my judgement as an Admin has sometimes be faulty. For example, my failure to implement the Helper rank in the way in which Arvid and Zingan intended. This definitely wasn’t a highlight of my time as staff. As I mentioned previously, getting demoted and banned way back in the day also was a low point, disappointing Yorkiebarz and the rest of the staff when they cared so much about my success still makes me disappointed in myself. I think it has been interesting growing up from a little kid to where I am with such a community, I sometimes look back on the old forums to relish the memories of my first application and my ban appeal - yes, I am a peculiar person. 

An interesting thing about this community is how many sub-communities are within it, primarily due to our teams' system. I have had the privilege of being welcomed into quite a few different subcommunities and quickly wanted to mention a few, apologies if I have forgotten your name. DramaticLove, Buzz, Crowley, Ogushallday and a few others welcomed me into their CTF group. These lot meant so much to me back in the day and am eternally grateful for their friendship - even if this was the eventual demise of my first tenure. If any of you read this, you guys are great. The second group of folk that welcomed me under their wing was Bed (or Sad). This group consisted of veterans like Anshulgamer, Grimmjowforever, TheRedShark and SemolinaPilchard. These folk truly helped me become a better person and grow in confidence. We still sometimes talk in our group chat but not as often now. I am so thankful for their words of wisdom and for helping me through some of my health struggles. The next group I joined was WTF - I’d like to thank dez, Ally Terre, and Maple for being so kind even though absent from the New Blood community sometimes. Lastly, the Chill lot; folks like minoclub, Shad, mop, rabab, idratex, Andy, lex and so many more for being great friends and welcoming me into their community.

Yorkiebarz - thank you for everything. You’ve given me countless chances and countless pieces of advice. You are truly a gem and I do hope we go for a pint sometime. My Mum still asks how you are to this day.

Electronus1 - we’ve been through thick and thin buddy. Thank you for always being such a great mentor to me and helping me get to where I am today. I loved administrating with you.

Zingan - probably my oldest friend here, we first met back in, what? 2011? Thank you for everything, you are a true saint, pogChamp. Do stay in touch!

Subelectronite - a great chap that has always cared deeply about the integrity of the community and stands for what he believes. We’ve had some pretty complex discussions.

Panda - as I said in your resignation post, I consider you an older brother. We’ve had a LOT of arguments in text and voicecalls but our opposing views have strengthened our bond.

Arvid - probably the greatest character development of New Blood. You have truly become quite a gentleman and have enjoyed seeing you flourish.

Venk - we’ve had some fantastic conversations and have always considered you to be one of the smartest guys around the block. A fantastic staff member through and through.

The current, and past, staff teams - all of you have been fantastic and have enjoyed staffing and working with all of you, even though the lows. It is an honour.


aymanbouraaman - I can't really leave this community without thanking ayman. I truly consider this kid a younger brother to me and he always makes me smile. I may actually cry when he reacts to my resignation. 

So, I guess this is it. It is time for me to fully pack my bags, empty the closets and leave. Whilst I will be stepping down as an Administrator, I’ll be the caretaker of the files for a bit until the Administrators have decided who takes on this role. It truly has been an honour to play with all of you and share so many special moments with such an amazing group of people. This community has taught me so much about myself. Goodbye and farewell, New Blood. I owe you so much.

Leaking Admin chat as my final farewell, also (don't worry yorkiebarz said it is okay):