You know, it's weird. I've visited BCC (and formerly BCU) almost every day for the last ten years of my life. When I started I was barely out of high school. Now I'm 30 years old, married with two kids. I have a house, a career and university degree. I've worked as a speaker, a teacher, a musician, an actor, a forklift driver, a salesman, and an oilfield grunt... All since this community established itself. For some reason I've spent a decade of my life connected to this place, and while a lot has changed in my life, the BC community has been a relatively stable part of it. I actually miss this "place" when I'm away from it too long. I've actually thought about the fact that I will be sad when it finally slows and comes to a halt.
I can't speak for any one else. I can only say that I mod because I like to build ships. As a boy, I built dozens of star trek models, I still do, rarely. I really enjoy 3d modeling, I actually teach it as an option to my middle school students. Modding for BC has been a thrill. I always used to release my new ships on Sundays because that was the day the "top 25" downloads of the week list reset on BCFiles. I loved watching my work make its way to the top; what a great feeling. Makes you feel really appreciated. It's nice to know that people like the work you do. I should have done some non-fed ships. I always played safe and stayed in my comfort zone. Sovereign001 is absolutely right with his criticism. But, modders have to mod because they enjoy what they are doing. That has to be recognized and respected.
Has it been about "glory", as you say, JB06? Maybe in a strange way, yes. It's fun to be popular. There's been a culture built up in this community that glorifies a few, and for good reason, they do good work, even if the praise is frequently exclamatory. I KNOW I've done some good work. I also know that for a while I was probably the best around, but I'm not anymore, and believe it or not, I actually had to come to terms with that. It's lame I know, but I do have a connection to this community. Playing second fiddle to Wiley was uncomfortable at first, but now I'm just glad he's doing what he does. Do I compete with him or Baz? Not openly... But do I sort of miss the days when my work was at the top of the list? Sure. Do I want to be better? I do. I respect them both, and others who many of you guys underrate.
I've felt this community slowing down for the last few years, and I still think its pretty vibrant, all things considered, but Jimmy is right. There's not too many people still modding this game, and we haven't, as a community, been all that welcome to outsiders all the time. I don't agree with the idea that requests should be outlawed, and I don't agree with the default response of, "Use the search function," when a new member has a question. We have not always been the easiest bunch of people to break into.
I also feel I want to address the point about my involvement in Excalibur and why I stayed modding for BC. It's two fold, and I don't think some of you are going to like what i have to say. First, I started working on Excalibur because LC asked me to. He was my friend and I wanted to help. I stopped working on Excalibur because it wasn't fun. It's that simple. But to me, BC was, and is, more valuable than Excalibur. You know what they say about a bird in the hand being worth two in the bush, right? BC is something we actually have. We can center our community on it. Excalibur is a promise. It's intangible, and I don't think it will ever find its way to completion. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely don't question the talent of the people working on it, I know them. I know they know what they're doing. I also don't question Mark and LJ's determination. But I also know a thing or two about what drives the project and mods in general. It's the drive to achieve perfection, so the development will never stop, because without a huge team, it will fall behind. I also know that organizing modders is like herding cats, damn near impossible. The term "mod team" has more often than not meant "unfulfilled expectations". It's never a problem with the people, it's a problem with the system. Sometimes it works, and when it does, the results can be spectacular, but usually it falls victim to the reality that modding successfully often requires a singular focus and drive. In my career, I'm a team player, because it's about people. In my modding, I always work alone. I hope I'm wrong about Excalibur, but I don't think I am. This community is a bird in the hand.
10 years is a long time for people. I think about time a lot. Our lives are pretty short when you really think about, and I've spent a lot of time here. I don't regret it. It's been fun. But maybe it's time to move on, I mean for all of us. Maybe grasping at the last few threads is not the best. Maybe it's best to remember something that was good when it went away, instead of something that had become hollowed out and threadbare. There is something to be said for a graceful exit. I might be wrong.
Jimmy, you've done a great job man. You are one cool motherfucker.
Wiley, you're a kick ass modder, the best. But clean those meshes up a little, eh. I do look at them you know.
Baz, you're like the energizer bunny. It's great.
Farshot, you're the next big thing. If anyone is still around in a year, you're going to be the main man.
Darkthunder. Max 3.1. You made it happen all those years ago. Thanks bro.
Moed, comments are the lifeblood of the modding forum, and you're the best.
Mark, Viper, I wish you guys still hung around here more.
LC, you were my mentor. Sorry I bailed on you. I should have been straight about it. I avoided you.
Adonis, you are the only know it all I know that actually knows it all. Thanks for all the help over the years.
Nebula, you wore out my keyboard nitpicking my Galaxy over MSN. I am grateful for that and everything else.
RCGothic, I don't know if you ever check in, but I'm sorry I called you a pompous dick like six or seven years ago. You gave me a warning, remember? Something about Oxford as I recall.
Mleo, I can't believe how many questions you've answered over the years. You've been a backbone of this community.
Shadownight, Aces_High, Captain obvious, thanks for all the feedback over the years. You helped me be better.
MarkyD, I am jealous of your abs.
JB06, sorry. I was too possessive back then. Too controlling. My pride was hurt because I couldn't do what you were doing. If ever you still want to release it, go ahead, but I understand if you don't. Make sure the DQP gets released.
Killallewoks, Tally, et al, thanks for all the wicked screenies, especially lately. You guys rock.
Gmunoz, you deserve a medal for your TOS work.
Rifleman, thanks for using so many of my ships in your great videos.
Cordanilus, you are the most innovative modder I ever knew.
And my Buddhist buddy from Texas. You never visit any more. I hope things are going better. Still miss you, bro.
I missed lots of people. It's been a long time.
All good things, right fellas?
