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So long, and thanks for the fish! Quick update: Hey, just wanted to address some stuff. It is not some evil plot that the company cannot talk about individual or cases. These are standard privacy rules for all companies. That it was an execution. I think people are getting confused by the term that's used for it, but it's like "garbage collection" or "killing an object" -- sounds much worse than it is. Standard protocol for companies over a certain size is to get everyone affected into one room, everyone else into another. Nothing evil about it. I mean, it's not pleasant for anyone involved, but it's standard operating procedure. Now: do you let people get closure with their friends afterwards at work? Usually not. I personally think Gaia is the exception, but they chose not to do it that way for whatever reason -- which is their perogative, it's the safe default. Why doesn't Gaia say something? They just want to get the messaging right -- I mean, everyone needs to come up to speed on the new plan and get coordinated and whatnot. Give 'em a little bit. Any bitterness? No, absolutely not. It's bittersweet: I loved working with the Gaian community, but I'm also really looking forward to something different. I have many friends still working at Gaia, and hope the best for them, and I'm sure that they'll do a swinging job at the new strategy. If you want to do anything for me, you can leave a comment on this journal entry, and make this my most commented journal entry ever. biggrin Original: As always, I can be a little more honest and forthright in my journal, and I wanted to thank the community for the chance to interact and work with you over these past years. Yes, another layoff -- bunch of senior people, bunch of artists, and probably the least important, me! Bunch of secondary stuff as a result, but I'll let the company make whatever announcement it deems fit on that. It's part and parcel and endemic to this industry, unfortunately; the trials and tribulations of the technology sector, especially the social networking sector, mean that while you might continually have a job, it almost certainly will not be the same job. Having been on both sides of this at various times, it's hard either way. On the one hand, you have people that are suddenly worrying about how they're going to make the rent (and, while CEOs might get the cushy layoff packages, the rank-and-file do not), and on the other hand you end up having to go to work and feeling a bit of survivor guilt and wondering whether it might not be time to look around. It's sad leaving -- the people at Gaia are very special; to give you an example, during the last few layoffs, when everyone was told and the people that were staying were given the option to leave, many people stayed to help their friends through a difficult time. That's really unusual and really gives you the sense of the Gaia "family." (Unfortunately, for whatever reason, they did it this time with what we in the industry call the "gas chamber" method, which details I will not go into but should be pretty obvious). The company is bound by privacy laws, and they can't legally talk about anyone that has left; anyone that gives specific details doesn't know what they're talking about (or is being really unethical, I guess) -- it's one of those things you just don't do. Like most industries, the ratio of pretentious blowhards to people that know what they're talking about is about 10 : 1, hah! My big regret is not making it a user meeting, in all the years; I've had such great relationships with so many different people, it's really a pity that I didn't get a chance to meet you guys face-to-face. And I'll miss especially working with the mods -- I didn't have a chance to do it recently, but I'll tell you that sitting in the Gaia #mod channel and reading their conversations is something that should be experienced by everyone at least once. You guys only see the tip of the iceberg for the work that our volunteer mods do -- they do 10x behind the scene, and they do it with a style and a passion and a sense of humor that is amazing. However, you guys have made this place great (well, great any time I wasn't reducing gold payouts), and it was amazing to work someplace where we could push something and get feedback in 5 minutes. You may still see me on occasionally -- I am going to wait for my few MCs to appreciate and then I will spend my golden years commissioning art, because while I have neither the funds nor the family nor the fancy monocle to be a patron of the arts in reality, I can definitely do it on Gaia! But in the now, as I type this: I am sitting across the table from gracewar7 while drinking coffee at Paris Baguette in Palo Alto. I'm trying to block the sweet smell of carbs while we are planning out our new company and a new (educational) iPad app. Long shot? Definitely. Scary? Yeah. Will I be homeless after it fails? Potentially! But, it's something that maybe could take off, and maybe do some good for disadvantaged or disabled children, and doesn't that seem worth a risk? Life is short -- so why not take chances while you can? Why not try to change the world for the better? But, if you're in the Bay Area, and see a homeless person, be extra nice to that homeless person: that homeless person might be me. biggrin

Posted by: Panagrammic Thu Apr 25, 2013 @ 04:42pm

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baby_kitty_258
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 03:26pm


	so graceful and eloquently put. you are a gentleman and yes, a scholar! (been waiting to use that since i first heard it and this is the first time that has ever applied, imo) heart

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 03:30pm


	Thank you for all the hard work, Pan. We'll miss you. Best of luck with your new company! heart

Chouryou
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Cerulean Miko
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 03:46pm


	Lord, have mercy...this is so sad knowing that you have been laid-off. Well, this explains why I have not seen a site update from you for awhile. I really enjoyed the way you worded site updates because I could tell that you care and love GaiaOnline. Thank you for all the work you have done for GaiaOnline, especially for all of us Gaians. I will miss you. Please don't be a stranger here on GaiaOnline. Moreover, I wish you the best of luck on your future endeavors and for you to never become homeless. Hugs ♥

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 04:01pm


	I don't see how there could be a nicer, sweeter, more special person than you. I've always liked you since I joined this site. I loved reading your stuff because there's just something sweet and original about the way you write and express yourself. Even if it was technical stuff, I always liked to read it anyway because you made it interesting. You are one of the key staff people who made this such a special site for me. Because I always felt like you cared about us, and you had our best interests at heart, and you'd never lie to us. I don't trust too many people, but I trusted you 100%, and whatever you said, I believed, because you had this pure honesty that was so refreshing. And now that you're gone there's such an emptiness here. It isn't the same anymore. I won't ever feel the same about Gaiaonline, and I'll never feel good about coming to a site where they would let such a wonderful person go. I wish you the best, but I'll never stop missing you, Panagrammic. I heart you.

TeezyCat
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OtakuJeannie
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 04:44pm


	gaia_angelleft Best of luck and thanks for the clairification. gaia_angelright

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 05:34pm


	All the best for your future and upcoming project <3

demon blurry eyes
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Sagebomb
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 06:44pm


	Ive spent the past few days travelling so didnt get to see this sooner. But this has to be one the the biggest shocks I have seen gaia pull. For me there are about 10 core devs/admins which to me make up the core front on gaia (though I know there are many many more that makes it work). But you are one of the cores that makes up the gaia I know. With the layoffs in the past I knew it was tough, but with certain people still there I knew it could pull through, but now I have seen the main people of the site I believe in knocked out. I really really hope you post about your new projects, so I can still see your posts and I can try and support them how I can. I just hope that you dont only focus on apple based stuff since Im not really a believer in the apple. I really hope that this will just be a big step in a positive direction for you. I know you have the skills to do much bigger things than you did at gaia. And I look forward to seeing those. Please keep us updated.

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 07:00pm


	heart Good luck with that app, Pan. It sounds like you have an amazing idea. <3 We'll miss you very much!

Lyca_Watyre
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Dread Archon
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 07:14pm


	I really hope this isn't the work of the new CEO. From a user standpoint, something like this sounds like an asinine business decision. Regardless, I am sad to see you go and hope you can quickly find employment elsewhere.

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 07:41pm


	Good luck with your new app! And... onward to your most commented journal ever biggrin

lilloulou
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Apollos Liar
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 09:22pm


	I lurk AtA a lot, but I've never actually spoken with you. I was just browsing the recent one today and I was shocked to see your status had changed. After reading this, I really wish you the best of luck. Life's too short to sacrifice your goals. At this point, ******** the economy and just do what you want, man. Thank you for all of your hard work and I hope everything works out for you.

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 09:50pm


	Have fun with the dolphins and I'm sorry to see you go!

Dhyffyd
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KaylaGalela
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 10:11pm


	Like everyone else, I'm sad to see you go. Good luck, Pan.

Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 10:31pm


	Hi, Pan, I still can't believe you're gone. cry I still can't believe you'll never write another update in the HoC Forum, or post one of your "hey guys, just lurking" notes in the ATA. I have really missed you for a long time, though, since you moved over to Social Games. I remember the good old days when you were around so much more on the main site. I'd get these Dev Notice things and say to myself: "please let it be from Panagrammic, please." Because I just LOVED reading anything you had to say. And just knowing you were running things on Gaia gave me a comforting feeling, because I trusted you and I liked you. The other staffs are okay, but they aren't you, and you were just extra-special somehow. You have kind of a charming way about you -- I can't really describe it, not to mention being kind of fascinating. You give off the impression of being a very deep but very kindhearted person. I dunno; hard to describe. But I just really miss you. I was heartbroken when I found out you had been let go, and I still am. It's just so wrong. cry

Toolee
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yuckabug
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Commented on: Fri Apr 26, 2013 @ 11:36pm


	You will be missed. crying

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 12:28am


	Best of luck and fortune in the future.... and don't be a stranger. (That goes to all effected by these layoffs.

The Amazing Arya
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Seraphine Holodore
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 12:39am


	You'll be dearly missed, Pan. crying

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 01:04am


	The best of luck to you and Gracewar! I know you guys will do right and get your project off the ground. It'll be tough, but I know you both can achieve success! Remember, the smallest ripples cast the largest waves over time. Just know, no one can replace you. You're one original guy, Pan!

Kain-Senpai
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ghgvjj
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 03:15am


	Adding comments for your most commented journal ever. HUGTOUCH

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 03:25am


	Sooo, may many time should we all comment? xd I wish your new project to be a great sucess! 3nodding And thanks again for all that you've done for us.

Starshine
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Hybrid
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 03:39am


	It's terrible to see you go, since you were one of the best devs Gaia has ever had (also a gentleman and a magician, of course). Anyhow, I wish you the best of luck wherever you go from here 3nodding

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 05:42am


	First, I nave to say, I love the title and reference to Hitchhikers Guide. And it's awesome that you are creating an app for disabled/disadvantaged children. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors and wherever you end up, they'll be lucky to have you.

darth acheron
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Princess-Orphelia
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 06:20am


	You want my 2 cents worth? I've already let them have it. But nicely. I just think that all this is a huge mistake [on their side, not yours] Just remember that you were a huge asset to the company and your expertise will always be number one, no matter what. It's their loss, and not yours. And maybe one day they will realize what they did. Just be good to yourself and take one step at a time in doing what you love best. And when the time is right the Universe will be in your favor. And reward you nicely for all the wonderful things that you did in the past. Such as here on Gaia. Thanks for all that you did for the community and work such as yours will always be remembered. Always look ahead and don't look back, because good things await you such as your next adventure. Enjoy what awaits you and be blessed. Anyways Good luck and best wishes to you and what you decide to do in the future. whee

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 02:53pm


	I can't believe you're not with them anymore. You're sticking around Gaia, though, right? You've been around forever, it seems.

Dressia
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WideEyed
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 03:01pm


	Can't tell you how sad I was to hear the news Pan. You will be sorely missed by so many people around here and I wish you only the best in whatever direction you choose going forward. (engaging "tangent drive" wink I remember posting a Topic years ago, asking people if their avi's in any way were a reflection of themselves. A lot of people said "no", and a lot of people said that they guessed their avi's reflected their taste in clothing or colours, or their passion for sci-fi/fantasy/anime/horror, what have you. The ones I was fishing for and really appreciated though, were the people who had imbued their avi with a bit of their own personality, because that's what I've always tried to do with WideEyed. When I look at her, I see someone who is sweet and kind, and she reminds me that those are things I value and should always try to be. When I look at your avi, I see a gentleman. Someone who's always polite, whether or not the person with whom he is dealing deserves that consideration or not. I see someone who's kind, together and professional, regardless of the situation. In other words, I see the Panagrammic that I've always seen on the site. A true gentleman. A gentleman we will all miss and be the poorer for his having departed. Take good care of yourself Pan. Qualities such as yours, as uncommon as they are today, are nonetheless still highly sought after and valued, and I have no doubt that you will find a place where everything you have to offer will not only be recognised, but valued. Now I'm going to go somewhere, eat some fattening foods and cry for a while.

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 03:22pm


	pannagramic, I'm really going to miss seeing your updates in the dev notices. You really brought some heart into this thing we all call Gaia. I really do wish you the best in your future endeavors.

daydreamer_girl
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Humphreypoptart
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 04:53pm


	Thanks for everything, I appreciate the work you did, especially in aquariums. I wish you luck, and hope you land on your feet. emotion_hug

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 05:02pm


	Oh, Pan, it's such a shame to see you go! I wish you the best of luck with your new company... I am sure you will succeed! As an early childhood educator, my support is behind you all the way. Perhaps I will be able to ask you to do some artwork for commission, sometime in the future. smile Bump \| Analysis I glow! I thank Anons!

-x-Noxious-x-Nyx-x-
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lDandee
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Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 07:16pm


	Awww, it's so sad seeing you leave. You were one of the nicest devs out there. I hope for the best in your future endeavours. emotion_bigheart

Commented on: Sat Apr 27, 2013 @ 09:48pm


	Of all the people they had to let go, WHY did it have to be YOU??????????? sad You were the best! You were my favorite! sad Gaia will go on (for a while), I'm sure. But it won't ever be the same without our Panagrammic. I'll never forget you. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same. ~Flavia Weedn

Lishee
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shruikan
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Commented on: Sun Apr 28, 2013 @ 02:44am


	You probably don't remember me, but I was the one who made the thread about the item previews. You were the one who made sure that the item previews came back. When they did they were even better than I could have ever imagined. I know I thanked you in my thread when the previews were launched, but I want to thank you again anyway. The fact that you took the time to post in my thread and actually create this feature was amazing. Thank you so much for that. I was crushed to learn that you were let go from Gaia. I really hope you find something awesome (if not better) in the future. And if you ever want art, just hit me up. I would never consider charging you for anything. You are awesome and I want to show you the appreciation I know you deserve. -shruikan

Commented on: Sun Apr 28, 2013 @ 05:10am


	Good luck with your future projects, Pan! I'll miss seeing you around SF, it was always good to know that there were higher-ups keeping an eye on things there.

Bronia
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RoseRoyal
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Commented on: Sun Apr 28, 2013 @ 05:34pm


	wow, I actually take the time to be productive in other aspects of my life (which have really needed the attention) to come back today and find out some of the best gaia employees have been let go! gonk There are only a few (very, very, very, very few) gaia staff that I truly take the time to read/follow what they say and do on Gaia, mainly because those few are the ones that take the time to listen and more importantly, communicate with us users! It is so disheartening to hear that many of those few truly special (and talented) people have been let go, when they are/were what made Gaia different, and special, from the other social sites. It is the interaction of you and those few others that gives us the feeling that what we have to say can make a difference in decisions on this site. It appreciate all the hard work you have put into this site, and after all the crap you have been given, especially when you did have to 'tweak' the gold payouts, I really respect you for everything you did because I also knew you did listen to us, and also knew you were trying to do what was best for Gaia while also trying to keep us users satisfied, which is impossible to do, but you tried anyways!!! I am super happy to hear you are already working on something you are wanting to do, and not being forced to take another job, that you probably would not enjoy, simply because you had to. I wish all the luck with your future and hope your company does well! 3nodding (it makes me even happier that you are putting your talents and passion towards helping others, especially towards education! xd )

Commented on: Sun Apr 28, 2013 @ 06:37pm


	I have been busy for a few days and only just now found out about all of this. crying Pan, you were a wonderful asset to Gaia and will be greatly missed. I loved that you were always there for us. Willing to communicate with us about what worried us and helping us with the issues that bugged us. You were ever a strong presence in the Bug Forum. You helped so many, myself included. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you've done. I hope you life endeavors work out for you. Hope to see you around Gaia. heart heart heart

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Purplesnoopy
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Commented on: Sun Apr 28, 2013 @ 08:55pm


	I was definitely shocked to hear of this; thank you for explain it clearly; I'm still bit sad that Gaia went with the "Safe default' in this case, instead of making the exception the the rule.I'm sure you'll find another job soon with Gaia on your resume and its staff as references. Hope you do indeed come back to visit us some time. Who know,s perhaps they'll can you back on for some future project. You never know. Things break and change eventually, but memories let us revisit the past in our minds... as the song below says.... You'll return to the bitter and sweet memories... www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRxrdNE_GQY "Physical distance is temporary. It's the distance between hearts that matters."-ChainlinkX: "We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams."- Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) "Hope and dreams are what make life worth living." -Me .

Commented on: Mon Apr 29, 2013 @ 01:00am


	Oh no no no. This is upsetting news. I'm more than a little bit confused and disoriented about this. gonk I hope you have success with your new business venture; I don't wanna hear of you becoming a hobo in a few months. crying

Daffodil the Destroyer
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III_of_Wands
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Commented on: Mon Apr 29, 2013 @ 02:12am


	I'll miss your notes. You and JK made my experiences here more interesting when nothing else would; when I strayed from gaia onto other websites. I hope you're successful in your new plans.

Commented on: Mon Apr 29, 2013 @ 05:19am


	Oh Pan.. you've always been my favorite Gaia staff member, and I'm so sad that this happened. I do hope dearly that your new adventures work in your favor. And that in the end everything works out. Thanks for all that you've done on Gaia, but specifically for sticking your neck out and being willing to communicate with us users! Good luck in all you do.

Virgo Whiskers
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DaWooMan
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Commented on: Mon Apr 29, 2013 @ 06:08am


	Best of luck with your future endeavors bro. I just joined gaia, and it is amazing thanks to guys like you...Hope everything works out with your new idea smile

Commented on: Mon Apr 29, 2013 @ 10:14am


	You will be missed. Thanks for the hard work! You won't become a hobo. crying heart Good luck with everything!

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PinkFae15
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Commented on: Mon Apr 29, 2013 @ 05:39pm


	I just got a pink gift box commenting this entry. I'll use that as a sign that good things will come your way. Please continue to lurk the ata's- your dev notices are always the best to read and your dedication should be a standard to all. On to bigger and better things pan. Truly the best of luck to you.

Commented on: Tue Apr 30, 2013 @ 01:48am


	crying No fair... I am sad... You were always one of my favorites gonk

A Song Is Born
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leaf
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Commented on: Tue Apr 30, 2013 @ 12:01pm


	Sorry to see you go, Pan heart crying Come back and tell us about your app when it's made <3

Commented on: Tue Apr 30, 2013 @ 03:55pm


	confused Well this is just awful. I wish you the best of luck Mr. Panagrammic, it was people like you who made Gaia too damn good to forget. sad

Abaddon Magnus
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Whispering Embers
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Commented on: Tue Apr 30, 2013 @ 04:36pm


	Good luck out there! I wish you the very best! You will be sorely missed

Commented on: Tue Apr 30, 2013 @ 06:13pm


	Awww. I'm going to miss you being a staff member, Pan. crying I'm so sorry to hear that you were let go. But you're awesome. I know you're going to be doing something amazing in your future. 3nodding

Zae
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Kayatsu Keauta
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Commented on: Wed May 01, 2013 @ 02:35am


	Sad to see you leaving your post @ gaia exclaim While I've not had a chance to personally talk with you In the threads , I've heard about & read some of the conversations regarding booty grab you've participated In over the last couple of years . As well as some of the Ask Admin. comments regarding you , seems a shame that gaia did not see the value In such a wonderful , thoughtful & kind Individual . I wish you much luck and success with your new venture as well as all endeavors exclaim You will be sadly missed ...............

Commented on: Wed May 01, 2013 @ 02:40am


	Sad to see you leaving your post @ gaia exclaim While I've not had a chance to personally talk with you In the threads , I've heard about & read some of the conversations regarding booty grab you've participated In over the last couple of years . As well as some of the Ask Admin. comments regarding you , seems a shame that gaia did not see the value In such a wonderful , thoughtful & kind Individual . I wish you much luck and success with your new venture as well as all endeavors exclaim You will be sadly missed ...............

Kayatsu Keauta
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eeech
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Commented on: Wed May 01, 2013 @ 03:34am


	Hi, Panagrammic. I really hope you are doing okay out in the real world. Please don't disappear from Gaia. It would hurt if you disappeared. You could come back sometimes and let us know how you're doing. Even if you just wrote things in your journal it would be better than nothing. Today I sent out HoC invitations to my entire friend list on FB hoping it might help the game and maybe you would come back and work on it again. People are so sad and discouraged on the HoC forum without you there. It's like they've had the rug pulled out from under them. I wish there was something i could do about this, but I'm at a loss to know what that would be. Anyway, I miss you. p.s. Oh and I saw the nicest review of the HoC game on one of the game sites, where they gave it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Someone posted the link in the HoC Forum.

Commented on: Wed May 01, 2013 @ 07:57am


	Sorry to see you go. You are one of the good ones Pan!! . But..... this is a new adventure for you. I wish you the best of luck and every success with your new company. I doubt you will be homeless hun! Positive thoughts always. Take the risk. I am sure you will fly with it! Good luck to you!! <33

Reve Casse
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