@all: Hey, all!
Yesterday was some event, right? In a way it reminded me of the first meetup (when we were less that twenty Nightlings in total). I remember how nervous I was fretting if everything would be okay, how much time I spent with CEOWitch and Luna in PMs, the constant concerns if everypony will have a place to stay, if the foals (at the time still in school) would get parental permissions, what I’ll need to do to provide assurances to their parents, and all sorts of other things. :)
It was crazy, it was fun, and it’s something I’m no longer capable of doing.
Yes, you read right. From today I’m no longer “in charge” of the site :) Just to let you know, this isn’t a decision out of the blue. Ever since I got pregnant I knew that I might have to give up the reigns. It’s something I’ve discussed with Bob in private, but decided to delay for as much as possible because I wanted to be sure my departure doesn’t affect the site in a negative way.
Just to let you know, I have no plan on leaving the site or anything like that. I’ll be still here reading the stories I love, making silly comments, and on occasion organizing contest. But I won’t be a mod or in charge of anything. :) So don’t think of it as me leaving, but rather choosing to spend a bit more time with my lovely foals.
The @mods and @curators, will be taking care of things as they have until now (and been doing a magnificent job), so in that regard don’t expect any changes. Well, you might expect one change. With me stepping down, I have chosen somepony to take my place as owner (I guess?). MixaMax could probably do a better job explaining the legal stuff, but the bottom line is that there will be somepony new to keep the cite moving forward and maintain its values (The MC values :))
That pony is, @DaBoss, so please everyone, give her a big welcome and show her your support! (I have already spoken with the other mods and my close friends about this and we all agree she is a perfect choice.)
One thing I want to be clear. Please don’t start comparing her decisions with mine. If DaBoss decides something, that’s it. Comments such as “Lyra would never have done this” have no place here. I have based my decision on three months of thought, so I know exactly what I’m doing, so if you trust my decision you’ll trust her. ;)
I better stop becomes I’ll start crying again... and this time I have no pregnancy of personal issues to blame it on :P
Thank you, Nightlings!
@DaBoss: lead on, Boss! :)
LyraHands
@LyraHands: *hugs* I know you’re not going anywhere, but I’ll still miss you not being the site admin. In my mind EqF and you are one and the same. I still catch myself referring to this place as “Lyra’s site”.
I don’t care if CEOWitch is making fun of me as I’m crying all over him, but I see this as an end of an era. You made something remarkable Lyra and you’ve always been (and still are) a very close friend.
Brush
LyraHands,
You were the one who sparked the site into existence. This is not to belittle S&S and the Midnight Castle staff, who would have become popular through their outstanding merits, but you transformed the fandom from a small group to the most influential places on the aethernet (yes, I have checked).
But that is not all you’ve done. You’ve helped countless members find friends, love, work, become better beings in general. Just going through the threads you’ll see hundreds of success stories (I’ve checked) and thousands of thank you posts explaining how EqF changed their life.
For all that and more, I can only say... thank you my dear friend. No matter what happens we’ll be always here for you.
The TechNightling
@LyraHands: Mare, what can I say. You transformed me from a loser to a loser who’s married to a the best stallion in the world and is recognized by millions.
For once I’ll listen to Jade’s advice and not try to say things that have already been said. (Those who write have done it better than I ever could.) I just want to add that I love you and you’re the best fiend a pony can have!
Thanks for all the posts and see in you every day in real life ;)
Max & Jade
MixaMax
@LyraHands: when I first joined the site I was a mess. Reading back I cringe at the things I used to do, my messed up life (me biting YouKnowWho’s wings to get attention, by attempts at self harm, and other stuff...).
It’s very much thanks to you that I’m where I am today and I’ll always think of you a The pony who created the MC site.
Also, for once I’ll take Max’s advice and shut up. You know w everything I’m about to say anyway :P Just one thing, though, Short and I would like you to be the starmare of our foals (surprise? ;))
Take care, you! You’re the big sister I always wished I had.
@DaBoss: you have you rework cut out for you. Don’t mess up too much :)
RRBB
Well... *yay*! I didn’t see that coming. And I’ve been curtains fecs for a while now! Keep in touch, okay? ;)
Feather
@LyraHands: umm, I know DarkSparkle will hate herself for missing this, but at the moment she’s occupied and I don’t she’ll be able to respond in the next few hours.
When she finds out you can expect lots of crying, sobbing, and probably a dozen scrolls and PMs (you know what she’s like).
It’s a really cool site you made and I’ll keep using it, as will hundreds of ponies :)
My only regret is that now I won’t be able to troll you as much (and DaBoss is too good at trolling for me...) :P
TheTrueLuna
EverSpike
@LyraHands: I understand your decision, and support it. Having foals is more difficult that most imagine (so prepare for a lot of sleepless nights :)) Of course, I’m a call away should you need any help.
Flurry is already panicking, so don’t be surprised if she pops up there to ask why “you’re leaving”. I tried to explain that you’ll still be on the site, but not sure she understood. (I blame SaltyHuman. Who’s looking innocently at me right now :/)
Thank you for the magic you’ve created on the aethernet and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other more often. :)
InItForTheShipping, SaltyHuman & FlurryHeart
InItForTheShipping
@LyraHands: You’re one crazy mare, you know that ;)
Yeah! Completely crazy! Then again I expect we’ll be joining you in site retirement (?) in an year as well.
Or maybe one of us will continue to do some work on the site while I take care of our foal. :P Remember how I told you you were crazy to start a MC fan site? Well, you’re still crazy, but I’m the best way :) I can only wait to see what your next crazy scheme will be (I know there will be one :P)
Also, now that you have more time, maybe you’ll join is in our O&O games? It’s really fun and I have made a great supplement with MC humans O:)
Or maybe she won’t have time for that, and take care of her foals, instead? :/
That works too. Anyway, hugs and kisses! :)
CodeFilly & MightyDragon
CodeFilly
@LyraHands: it’s... I know why you didn’t tell me. You thought I’d be all sad and depressed and... well you are right. I know this isn’t the end of Equestria or the site, and that I’ll still see you around, but... for some reason I’m so sad :(
You helped me go through a lot. It’s enters thanks to you that I stopped thinking about my health problems and focused on more constructive things. It’s not just the site that did this, you did. I’ve been on many sites, most of which had nice ponies (even if I had to hide I’m a stallion), but this place...
I’ll keep going on here. We already know there will be lots of volumes that need “analyses” but I’ll always remember the time when you were here.
Thank you for everything. I so wish you’d told me yesterday so I could have hugged you.
Please post often, okay?
PrinceEric
With the risk of sounding cold hearted I’ll just say “good luck” :) I know I’ll continue seeing you around, and I know that I’ll draw lots of things for you, so... :) Change isn’t always bad. I this case it’s great, especially since I’ll get to see you and your foals more in real life :)
Also, since I’ve been expecting this for a while, here’s something special I’ve been working in secret:
[lyra_and_wqf.ani]
That’s you and all the regulars in human form (no OCs just how I see everyone). Hope you enjoy :)
PaintDrop
@PaintDrop: well... at least you got her to start sobbing uncontrollably. Good job! :P
Seriously, it’s means a lot of both of us. Thanks, Paint. :)
Bob
@PaintDrop: That was evil! Now you’ve made the whole site cry (me included!)
@LyraHands: I wish I was back in Ponyville. *hugs* You’re the best there is! Even my big fat sister will agree!
SweetStuff & ForceFeedback
I saw this coming, but... *sniff* Don’t forget us, okay?
I’m organizing a farewell LyraHands party this evening at Sugarcube Corner. *sniff* *sob*
Edit: *sniff* I wish I could be there as well. So sad!
PPI
@PPI: she’ll still be on the site... sheesh! :/
Seriously, listening to all of you it’s as if it’s the end of the site. If LyraHands hadn’t made the announcement no one would even notice! As one of the ones involved in the back end of the site, I have a pretty good idea what’s going on and know that the majority of members don’t!
LyraHands will remain on the site. She will be MORE active than before since she doesn’t have to spend most of her time trying to organize us and stuff.
I don’t know why I’m so upset at this, but I thought that everyone would be glad for her.
Now that I’m done ranting. @LuraHands, come visit me sometime. (bob knows the details :))
LightSparkle
It’s a sad sad day... yet the site must go on, and so must we... *dramatic music*
Despite LightSparkle’s rant, I’ll use this as an excuse to thank LyraHands for everything she’s done for me, and to tell her to expect a surprise when she goes to sleep (don’t worry, it’s sanctioned on the highest level ;))
From one showmare to another, you have captivated your audience well, and have the rare skill of knowing when it’s time to move on. After all, the snow and yeh site must go on ;)
Simile
@LyraHands: I have a counter announcement! And after a long argument with Luna, CEOWitch, and number1, I get to announce it! (We drew straws. :P)
It’s clear that in our minds you’ll remain the mare who started it all, and for that I have received permission to make you... an Honorary Aethernet Wonderbolt!
Usually this so reserved for pegasi, but because of all the things you and your site have done to help the Wonderbolts and the royal guard, we decided an exception could be made.
Congratulations, Lt LyraHands, and enjoy your retirement! (You’ve earned it :))
Wonderbolts Command and the Royal Palace
Fleetfoot
@LyraHands: wow, I never expected this. I know I’ll never be able to be as good as you, but I hope to keep your vision of the site and our love of MC going forward for generations to come!
Thank you for your trust, Lyra. :)
I’ll just like to correct you on one thing. Just as you had a chat with a few ponies, I had a secret chat with HopHop, MixaMax, and the rest of the mods. And we came to a decision:
You are to remain the owner of the Site, but be excused of all organization and site matters until such a day that you deep fit to return (whenever that may be :P). And since you’ve already made me the big cheese, you have no say in the matter :D
And just to be sure, I’m locking the thread so you can’t post a response :P
Happy aethernet birthday, @LyraHands. It’s been one year since you created the site, a site that is as much your child as the foals you had. :) Enjoy some rest, and don’t worry, this isn’t my first time babysitting ;) We’ll take care of your child for you.
DaBoss