Shadowmage’s resignation
Do people want to talk about this? Is this a big deal? I mean, I’m not sure what’s warranted in this situation, since the last time we had a resignation, the person that resigned (Kurier) specifically asked that we not make a big deal out of it. This is slightly different for a number of reasons, but the most important of which is that Shadowmage was one of, if not the, biggest contributor to the site. I mean, no matter how I look at it, he’s a huge loss.
The reason I make this post is that are a few questions that I want to ask in this situation. I’m interested in seeing what the general reaction among our readers is to such an event, and while this probably isn’t the best time and place, I guess we’re here and it’s convenient. There are mitigating circumstances here which, as I posted on the front page, are beyond the control of any of our staff, and to kill any speculation to the counter, Shadowmage’s decision to leave was purely a result of a series of unfortunate events, and not any sort of wavering of commitment to the site (I’ll let him reveal to details, if he decides to do so). Personally, I hold out some hope that things will change in the future, and he’ll be able to write for us again. But I want to take this opportunity to engage our readers on a few issues, just to see what they think about all of this and what, if any, impact they can see this event having on our site.
I think this is ultimately my big question: will he be missed by our readers? Because he’ll be missed by the staff. I don’t think I need to go on a big massive ego-stroking session, since it’s pretty obvious to most why he’s so valuable to our site. He’s passionate and committed. Those are the first two things that any good member of any team is. Do the casual observers of our site value his contributions? Respect his opinions? Can he be replaced? Do people want to see him replaced? Should we bother trying to replace him or just let the hole he leaves be filled gradually, of its on volition?
Am I making a big deal out of this? Hell, I’m not even sure if I’m overstepping my bounds by making this post, since we’ve heard very little from the man in question himself since the announcement was made, so I’ve no idea how big a deal he wants made of all of this. Maybe I am overreacting, but I can’t say I’ve been totally happy with how things have gone in general this month, and this has been the worst single event to happen. Not that I’m blaming anyone… it’s not like I can blame anyone. But I do want to hear what people think. Staff included. But particularly readers. So post up.
I don’t know, what do you want readers to say x_x. It was obvious that he was the most devoted reviewer to the site (no offence to other reviewers) which is evident from the consistently quality reviews he has been submitting at a quick rate. Exactly why my first reaction when I heard about him quitting the team was ‘wth’(quoted from main site, but no one posts there anyway). But he hasn’t bothered to tell the public his reasons and I don’t see the point of making a news about it if SM himself doesn’t want it to. And no, you can’t replace a reviewer because each has their own unique perspectives on anime. If you’re going to replace anything, it’s their level of commitment and quality of writing, and I’d say finding one at the level of SM would be hard so good luck trying to find one (mandatory ego stroking blablabla).
And good luck SM in whatever you have decided to do in your life. PM me and we can have nice good convo in our own mother language if you want v(0.0)v