After much deliberation, I’ve decided it’s time to leave this site for good. Almost exactly one year ago, our family made the brave (or foolish, depending on how you look at it) move from Edinburgh, Scotland to New Plymouth, New Zealand. Most things in our life have now changed, including where we live, work, where the kids go to school, our circle of friends and hobbies. I was involved in the reasonably early days of the site, from November 2002 till last year. Most of the stuff I did was behind the scenes, keeping the site running, tuned and up to date. At that time, as well as the site’s mythical founder known only as Cooler, we had the likes of Andy Murray, Waya, Melanie as well as the mighty Yoda on the moderation team. Topic moderators didn’t exist, because the site was small enough that we could manage without. Over the last few years the site has grown into one of the top Martial Arts sites in the world. The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep this place running is incredible. Guys like Saz, Kickchick, Freeform, Aegis and Kinjiro Tsukasa go through hell to keep this place afloat often without any thanks. Likewise with the topic moderators and the testing team. Nobody here gets paid for the work they do. When I left, I remained as an Admin as I thought I might return one day. However, I’ve realized that I’ll never be able to put the time in that a role of an Admin deserves, and I’ve seen that the site is now in safe hands. Shortly MAP will be moving to a new dedicated server, and progress on upgrading the site seems to be going well, so it’s as good a time as any for me to depart. Best wishes to all that remain, keeping this site true to its ideals. If anyone actually remembers who I am, and wants to stay in touch (or donate to the charity run I’m doing on 1st October) then you can find me at www.frost-family.org Spare a thought for your friendly neighbourhood moderators. :love:
You were there with encouragement for me from the beginning. I get to NZ twice a year, maybe I'll run into you! Good Luck!
Change is the only constant in the universe. Walk softly where ever you go and leave only footprints behind. Thanks for all you have done!
Goodbyes are sad I've not been a member long so unfortunately haven't had the chance to know you. But I wish you all the best over there in NZ
James, i was here from almost the beginning and i knew you long before the website took off (who can forget the hunting knife through the foot incedent). You are , without doubt, the most unbalanced Englishman i have ever had the pleasure to know, and i know you'll take that as the compliment i mean it to be. Wherever you go i'm sure you'll have people running away in fear and i'm sure it'll be a while before Interpol catch up with you again. Best of luck to you and your lovely family regards Fraser
Fraser, I've not smiled as much in a long time. I've mellowed out a lot in my old age, but appreciate your sweet words! My wife has decided that I qualify as being Scottish now, but I suspect that's because she doesn't want to be married to an Englishman!! Staying one step ahead of Interpol, Scotland Yard and those guys in white suits. I like that. Personally, I believe in embracing change, and never looking back and wondering 'what if I'd .....'. Try, try, and try again, and if you don't succeed, try something else. That way you can live life with no regrets.
I'm sorry, but, by mentioning the word combination of hunting, knife and foot, you are by law required to tell us the full story!!! Does it involve juggling with knives, barefeet and a bad cold or is that just me..?
Hey mate you probably dont know me but the pride I got from MA's Thro MAP was big time. I hope u and family go big time in the southern hemisphere
farewell and good luck with things! and many thanks to you and all the mods and techs who enable us to post on MAP!. Keep up the swell work
Good luck James (and family) in your new life. It was a pleasure to meet and train with you at the Edinburgh get-together a couple of years ago Sounds like we have a few MAP members over that side of the world, so I'm sure you'll still meet up with a few of the gang Chris
Welcome to the southern hemisphere mate . New Zealand is probably the only country not to get nuked, so you'll be living sweet while the rest of us die . Sorry to hear your leaving map, good luck mate.