The End of an Era

Aleron Ives wrote:Well, this is disappointing, to say the least. I had hoped that the catastrophic server failure might prompt a change in leadership, but Crono has already confirmed that it won't be happening. Not only is he staying in charge, but the same people who naively donated their money under the illusion that it would support the game are apparently going to be duped into donating their money yet again to someone who is clearly not only unable but unwilling to administrate the server. It's true that nobody was ever forced to pay to play here, but it's also true that donations have been accepted for years under the pretense of keeping the server alive, and yet Crono didn't buy a single backup drive, and Lee has had to host the main ship himself, since the server no longer resided on a professional hosting service. If the donations weren't being used to ensure even the slightest degree of reliability or stability for the server's continued operation, then the donation funds have been grossly mishandled. This demonstrates an inexcusable level of negligence and incompetence that sadly confirms the donation system as the sham it was and Crono as the unfit leader many of us have always known him to be.

The same person who has refused to upload new quests, update the drop charts, fix the registration system, or even make sure the server was running at all, not only expects a simple, "Oops, sorry," to expunge his years of demeaning and abusing Schthack's legacy, but also has the gall to say that he genuinely loves keeping the server up for everybody? Actions speak louder than words, and Crono's track record indicates that this sentiment could not be further from the truth. At this point, the only action that would even come close to righting the wrongs Crono has inflicted upon the PSO community for years would be to release the server program (and its source code) so that somebody who actually cares about the game could prevent Schthack's hard work from being wasted under an administration based on corruption, fear, and greed. It's no surprise that talk is circulating about recruiting new staff members, as Crono has made sure to surround himself with people who will defend his indefensible actions to the bitter end and who will remove all staff members who dare to question him. Even Cranberry, the best and most upright GM we ever had, is not only summarily removed from office for opposing unfair policy changes but is officially rebuked for responding to people who explicitly thanked her by name for her service to the community.

I've been a part of the staff longer than anybody, and I've tried to be a force for reason on the forum in the years since Crono's refusal to support the Ver.2 community forced me to stop playing here, but I cannot sit silently while history repeats itself. Schthack's vision died a long time ago, and the thought that the shell of what was once the greatest (not to mention first) PSO server will simply return to business as usual with only a few empty promises of better conditions from someone whose word has no value makes me yearn for the days when Schthack was actively involved in making PSO players' lives better.

The fact that no meaningful administrative or policy changes are poised to take place sadly leads me to conclude that the server is beyond saving, and as such its salvation is surely beyond any contributions I could make.

I therefore resign as a member of the SCHTServ staff.

I would like to thank Schthack for letting me into the inner circle and allowing me to help test the server and his various tools over the years, Lee for providing his expertise in making so many of my own projects possible, and all the players who have expressed their appreciation of my efforts to support the game. I hope I was able, in some small measure, to improve the experience of our players during my time here.

Long live PSO, long live Schthack, and may SCHTServ's unscrupulous administration never again successfully swindle unsuspecting players out of their money. My time in the Axis of Evil staff has come to an end, but for those of you who may comprise the new guard of SCHTServ's management, may Dark Falz have mercy on your souls.

Nico0020 wrote:Coming to Bluecrabs server was a good choice, and I think in the long run this Server will be able to stand the test of time for the truly dedicated PSO fanbase.  Right now everyone is a bit scattered and segregated, but eventually people will start to settle into their respective choice of server.  I hope some old staff members show up on this server, but I understand if they just wanna move on at this point.  We have been doing this PSO thing for 15 years, and especially in the PC/DC section we are a small group.  But a Dreamcast homebrew vet hosting the last playable space for original PSO, I don't think I'd rather have it any other way.

BlueCrab wrote:

Nico0020 wrote:Coming to Bluecrabs server was a good choice, and I think in the long run this Server will be able to stand the test of time for the truly dedicated PSO fanbase.  Right now everyone is a bit scattered and segregated, but eventually people will start to settle into their respective choice of server.  I hope some old staff members show up on this server, but I understand if they just wanna move on at this point.  We have been doing this PSO thing for 15 years, and especially in the PC/DC section we are a small group.  But a Dreamcast homebrew vet hosting the last playable space for original PSO, I don't think I'd rather have it any other way.

Daawww... Making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside (which is especially good considering how cold it is here these past few days ).

I hope to continue being able to provide everyone a place to play for as long as they want to.