| Outline's Grand Finale [Delayed] | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Monday, 9. September 2013, 14:51 (15,666 Views) | |
| Cody | Monday, 9. September 2013, 14:51 Post #1 |
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Winter is coming.
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Update: The finale on Monday will be delayed pending the result of staff discussion based on everything we've read in this thread so far. Greetings friends, strangers, and all members, I've made a lot of announcements throughout the years of my leadership over this forum. I've brought you bad news and great news, insignificant news and revolutionary news. Regardless of the content or how significant these announcements have been, they've all shaped Outline in some way. They've shaped me as well. But I come to you now with the hardest announcements I've ever had to make. I'll first be blunt with the point as I'm sure the title and my first paragraph gave away the meaning of this topic and I don't want some key information to be lost. It was decided late last month within the staff team that, as of September 23rd, Outline will be entering into a non-updated state. This means that the board will remain open, people will be allowed to post in most sections, and staff members may continue to moderate the community at their leisure. There will be no more future development, and staff will have no obligation to check the board. We leave it in this state for the community and the resources - there's no need to lock off those aspects of the forum that could still be useful in the future. Please note that if the board eventually becomes overridden with spam or otherwise defaced then posting may need to be restricted. With that in mind, we'd like to invite you to one last party to say goodbye to Outline: from the 16th to the 22nd, we will be holding several events, games, and contests aimed at honoring Outline and going out with a bang. We hope to use this last week as a time to get closure and remember everything that Outline has done for us over the last five years. We're spreading it out over a week so that timezones and schedules aren't a big issue and everyone who wants to may use this opportunity to come, reflect, and say goodbye. That's the official part of the announcement - this next part is going to be more personal from my heart and mind both. It's going to be some rambling, but it's going to be honest. If you don't feel like reading it, that's fine - you should have all the essential information you need from the paragraphs above. Please excuse any mistakes in spelling or grammar, I'll likely be typing fast or emotional at some points. Here it goes. First of all, you deserve a reason and an explanation for all of this. I'll give you the answer after a little story. When I first joined Outline, I was only 13 - I was a child, just barely a teenager. My young eyes were captivated by this forum - the way it looked, the way it ran, the way it was uniting people together even in its early first few days. I immediately devoted myself to becoming a part of it. I went through all of the ranks: member, Gold Member, Staff, and before I knew it I was a Manager. But before I could become an Administrator, Sith told me I needed to learn how to design. He taught me how to make an H2, and I just ran with it from there. This moment changed my life forever. I've only ever really wanted to be two things in life: as most of you know now I'm going to school to become a graphic designer, but up until I was introduced to graphic design by Sith I wanted to be a police officer (many children do, but it was literally the only thing I wanted during my childhood). The point of that story is that Outline has shaped who I am - not just my professional path, but also my entire character and personality. I'm 19 now and wouldn't trade one minute of the time I've dedicated to Outline because of how much it's given me. But as much of the community is talking about right now, forums are for younger people. Some people are able to keep it going even after they're young and I respect that, but I don't feel I can do that. In Outline's prime, it literally consumed my entire life in order to keep things moving and going forward. When I was 13 - 17 and wasn't responsible for my own life (parents are great, don't ever take them for granted), I had no problem dedicating most of my waking hours developing Outline. But as I've grown up and gone off to college, I've found that responsibilities and new opportunities are dominating my time. I'm learning and preparing for my future professional life. I tried very hard to make Outline a part of my professional life so that I could keep dedicating countless hours to it. We had plans to convert Outline into a business and try to run it as a non-profit until we could find a source of revenue. But as I kept exploring the options and contemplating the decision, I eventually came to the realization that it just wasn't a viable option. I don't regret trying for a second - it allowed me to begin thinking about small business ownership (something I do want for myself eventually) and during the process I was also able to obtain full ownership permissions for my account. After five years of leading the forum, I've been able to experience actually owning it for the last few months. I have to thank Sith for giving me that opportunity because I feel as though my journey at Outline would have never been complete without it. I considered the option of allowing someone to take my position or promoting a co-administrator who could take the front line while I sat in the back, but ultimately I came to the conclusion that simply closing the 'official' part of the forum is the best course of action for Outline. The final week is going to be a good one - a proper ending for a forum that really deserves it. I've watched other forums slowly fall into desolation and neglect by their administrators - that is not going to happen here. We cannot underestimate the importance of a good ending. Outline will forever be remembered in a good state. Some people may be shocked, angry, upset, or not even know how to react to this news. I understand if you feel this way - I understand if you're angry at me for making the decision that I have. It's not one I'm particularly joyed about, but it's the one I believe is truly right. I'm willing to answer questions (I'm sure I missed something in this announcement), talk to you if you'd like (my PM box is open), or listen to rants (just try to keep them private - this is Outline's last announcement, let's not muck it up). Regardless of how you feel, I really hope to see everyone present a week from now to honor Outline's last moments as a complete forum. I'm also willing to listen to input from the members on how much of the forum should be available after the 22nd. Every person who has posted on this forum has helped build something amazing. Outline has created love, friendships, and skilled professionals who will represent us forever. Very few who were part of this forum will ever forget it. Thank you all for helping to make Outline what it is today. Cody Mannigan Outline Owner Edited by Cody, Sunday, 15. September 2013, 22:43.
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| Aidan | Monday, 9. September 2013, 15:06 Post #2 |
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Level 12
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Without going on and on as much as Cody has, and rightfully so, I too think Outline has shaped me and set me on a path. My future as of now is unknown, but the more and more I think about colleges and job careers, I see myself as a coder. That wouldn't have been the case had it not been for Outline, and I'm so happy that I found this place and got to dedicate the time that I did. Thank you to everyone I worked with and everyone I met, you guys mean a lot to me. <3 |
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| Geoffrey | Monday, 9. September 2013, 15:12 Post #3 |
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It's a love story, baby just say yes
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I've been of mixed feelings ever since I found out. At first, I was angry because the forum wasn't being handed over to another person but the more I think about it, I realize that Cody has made the right decision. I'd rather see the forum go this way than to be passed from person to person and die slowly over the next few months. It's been a great 3 years since I've been at Outline and I don't regret a minute of it. Like Aidan and Cody both said, I learned a lot here and while I'm not pursuing anything computer science related career wise, it is good knowledge to have for anything in life and I owe that all to this forum above all others. Outline has been my "home forum" for the past three years and it's going to be weird to not have that anymore. With that said, I plan to be here as long as others are and embracing whatever community remains after the 22nd. We have some great things planned for next week as well. I hope everyone will participate in Outline's last event. |
Consider this statement my permission to convert my themes to other platforms. Please link back to http://geoffreykoester.com. Be sure to rehost all theme images on the new platform as we do not know how long they will redirect. Also some boards hosting theme/skin images may not survive the move.![]() Other Sigs Awards & Memories
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| Chris. | Monday, 9. September 2013, 15:12 Post #4 |
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Truth begins in lies.
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While Outline may not have been the biggest part of my life (only recently did I become more active, like I was when I had first joined), it is still sad to see a long time forum close. I've learned many things from many people here that I've met on Outline. Let's send out Outline with the honor it deserves. |
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Chris. | Outline Staff | Facebook | deviantART "Day before yesterday, I saw a rabbit. Yesterday, I saw a deer. And today, it's you." | |
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| cynosure.x | Monday, 9. September 2013, 15:33 Post #5 |
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Reach for the stars.
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I've never been emotional about a forum closing but...![]() i'm outta words at the moment to give some kinda speech. Outline is awesome. Edited by cynosure.x, Monday, 9. September 2013, 15:34.
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| Maddie | Monday, 9. September 2013, 15:37 Post #6 |
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❤ max
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All I can say is that it's been a fun ride. Knowing each and every one of you was pleasant and even though some of us aren't friends anymore I'm still open to talking and stuff like that. Outline changed my whole life. Without it I wouldn't know Raxby and I wouldn't be where I am today without it. It might of not set me on my career path but it did help me find someone I want to spend the rest of my life with and I will be eternally grateful for it. I can't even put it into words and I really want to thank Cody especially for taking over and keeping it open and getting me here. Geoffrey as well. ![]() My skype is always open, my inbox is always open, you can have my facebook if you want it, etc. Just because it's not going to be updated doesn't mean the talking should stop. But I'll stop rambling. It's been fun guys, and thanks again. |
![]() [5/20/2013 2:43:24 AM] Maddie: You and me. Always :3 tumblr. | |
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| HelenaZF | Monday, 9. September 2013, 17:27 Post #7 |
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Level 2
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This is a sad announcement. Many have looked to Outline as a place where fresh ideas spring up and new designers are nurtured. That sort of thing doesn't happen without strong leadership. It's been amazing to see how much heart and dediication Cody has continually exhibited in leading this design community. I can't think of many administrators that have so consistently and over such a long time provided interesting and new opportunities for their community to learn and grow. So kudos to Cody for his vision and tenacity, and also to the faithful staff members that have come along to help with the task. I applaud the generous decision to leave the resources available to the larger community. I'm sure that will be appreciated. Edited by HelenaZF, Monday, 9. September 2013, 17:28.
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| .Josh | Monday, 9. September 2013, 18:25 Post #8 |
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Reversal-Gaming.com XB1 & PS4. Interested?
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I'm really sad to see it end. I know I haven't been all that active or put much into the community due to my personal life and other things that I have on but I was really getting into the swing of designing again and trying to improve. I've always wanted to learn to code and become better at designing graphics. I'm sad because I've not pushed myself or got involved quick enough to learn how to code and that's why its so sad to see this place end. It would be nice to have another admin to take control and carry on what cody has been doing but I understand why you don't want that to happen. Best graphics and community out. Shame it's ending. |
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| Moonface | Monday, 9. September 2013, 18:46 Post #9 |
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Level 5
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I have to say, even though I've not been here long, nor do I feel I'm really any real part of the community here, it's still gutting news to read this, even if I understand the reasons. Of course, I'm sure plenty of people love this place enough that it can continue to thrive, but if it ever ceases to do so, I have to admit the network will have lost a great board. Perhaps some of the staff will step up and try to help keep the place going with new ideas and whatnot, and even without Cody around to manage things all the time, he can perhaps take more of a very back seat role if possible and help the staff implement their visions and ideas they come up for for this place. For example, nothing could stop others coming up with a great new custom theme for the board, and quickly asking for it to be added to the theme selector. I dunno, I'd just like to think that just because Cody has left and there no longer has to be any official updates and whatnot, that it doesn't have to mean all work has to just stop. I guess a way to look at is will this celebration be a farewell to Outline, or will it just be a celebration of what has been, those who've been here, and a farewell to Cody while the board continues to live on? The answer to that is pretty much something the community as a whole has to come up with. Whatever the answer though, everyone should be proud of what they made this board to be, and...something. My mind has pretty much blanked out now. |
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| Chance | Monday, 9. September 2013, 19:34 Post #10 |
Dang, dang, dang, skeet, skeet, skeet, She do that thing for three retweets
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We've explored that possibility. I find, however, that without Cody, Outline is merely just another forum. I'm sure he has explored that possibility as he has taken weeks to consider even doing this, as this was his last resort, but it's also the only reasonable one. Everything happens for a reason, so lets see what does happen from this. |
![]() GET READY FOR A NEW OUTLINE... Show our Guests how much you appreciate us by writing a testimonial! | Ask me a question! | |
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| .Josh | Monday, 9. September 2013, 19:36 Post #11 |
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Reversal-Gaming.com XB1 & PS4. Interested?
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You guys are great designers and coders, that could and should of been the new improvement. Get lessons started and looking into some sort of paid lessons if needed.. anything is a possibility. If you wanted to earn money via graphics then implement that into outline should of been the next move? |
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| Jimmy | Monday, 9. September 2013, 19:39 Post #12 |
Level 9
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Holy shit... Wasn't expecting this. |
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| Chance | Monday, 9. September 2013, 19:42 Post #13 |
Dang, dang, dang, skeet, skeet, skeet, She do that thing for three retweets
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For months Outline was looking to find ways to implement money into it, not as an only resort, but for those who don't have time to go around and spend their time on making quality posts or winning competitions. However, that was a bust. I'm going to college currently for Web & Graphic Design. I use what I learn in class at Outline, and vice versa. To replace that will be tough for sure. It's hard to see such things happen, but I don't have doubt that Cody is doing this without knowing other plans wouldn't be worth the risk. Outline isn't just a community, it's a family, a school, and a home. And most would never think that, because they didn't come here in hopes of becoming such great friends with others, many came here straight from school, so of course they didn't see outline as a school, and a home, it just happened. I haven't been here but a few months but I have been sitting back watching Steven spend years on it. All I can say is, thank you for what you were, and forever will be, in our lives. I'm sure Steven will say something when he comes on at some point. |
![]() GET READY FOR A NEW OUTLINE... Show our Guests how much you appreciate us by writing a testimonial! | Ask me a question! | |
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| Stacha | Monday, 9. September 2013, 22:03 Post #14 |
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When you wear my flower, you make it beautiful.
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I'm not okay with this, but that doesn't mean I don't feel it's the best decision. I just don't want to lose my friends. I love you guys. |
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| Steven | Monday, 9. September 2013, 23:24 Post #15 |
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WeDesignTheNet
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When Cody told me this was going to happen, I begged, and plead for another way. Outline has always been more than a forum to me, it has shaped who I am in life much like it has Cody and many others. There were many points in my life where if I didn't have Outline, I have no clue where I would be, and i'm thankful for that. But not only for the forum, but to everyone here. Not just those extremely active ones, my co-workers, or any of those, but anyone who has made a post here, especially one who has used our services here, because if you did around a year or two ago, I'm sure you would know me simply from helping you in any way I could. I loved being on Outline, whether I was sober or not, but of course, I never posted when drunk or high, because Cody "frowned upon such a thing" (whatever). Anyways, could you imagine what other possibilities there could of been if Outline wasn't there when I was high or drunk? I'm cleaned up now so no worries anymore, but Outline has been a memory for me. It's not just a forum at all, it's a place I call home, and I will always visit this forum, I don't care if I have to pay to keep the domain thriving just so I can always visit the same way I always have. May be sad to some, but you can go beat yourself while I can say I don't regret spending years on a forum. That's what you call living the way you want ![]() Sincerely, Stevo Kneivo P.S. Again, you respond with bullshit, I will bullshit back. I no longer have anything to lose maggots. Bring it. |
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Steven | Outline Retiree | Ask your Favorite Retiree a Question! | |
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| Seth | Tuesday, 10. September 2013, 00:13 Post #16 |
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Level 10
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If it wasn't for Outline, I would even be in college taking graphic design classes. Outline has truly changed how my life has been in the past 5 years. I remember back when Outline first opened, I thought it would die out. But after a year I finally decided to give this a place a Chance (pun) and god dammit that was the best decision I've ever made. If it wasn't for Outline constantly bringing us updates and creativity, I wouldn't have been inspired to start learning how to design. I never learned how to code but that's completely my fault. I'm just too lazy to learn all of that. But the Outline community has taught me many things about designing and some coding. I just want to thank everyone that has helped make Outline strive how it has. This was literally the FIRST place I visited daily for the past 5 years. Outline is not a school or a home. It's a place to get away from all the bullshit that is this world. The people within this community are the most talented, inspiring, annoying, funny, and truly special. I hope everyone who has stuck with Outline and treated this place more than a resource forum learned everything they could. Even if you did come only for the resources, you helped spread outline wherever possible. I love everyone from the bottom of my heart and I hope everyone continues to stay even after Outline's last Big Bang. Long time member and follower, Seth. P.S. My name is actually not Seth. It's Ernesto. I just stuck with Seth because everyone already knew who I was with the name Seth. Edited by Seth, Tuesday, 10. September 2013, 00:13.
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| Louisa | Tuesday, 10. September 2013, 02:55 Post #17 |
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Louisa Vuitton
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same but that's all i'll say since it won't change anything |
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| Tom | Tuesday, 10. September 2013, 05:47 Post #18 |
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Light that never goes out.
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I don't really agree with this. You probably don't have to listen to anything i've got to say, and that's fine. I told Jackie I wasn't going to say anything ... I lied. Outline's kind of a big deal. You can stop updating the forum - but just leave it as it was. The community aspect of Outline was gonna keep it alive for as long as it could. I understand you're moving on, and i'm sure everyone here respects that decision appropriately. The actual 'resources' part of Outline was almost pointless at this stage of the snowglobe anyways. Realistically speaking, if you were part of the snowglobe you probably wouldn't end up using the themes/skins much anyways; at this point it was pretty much for people's continued progress in learning how to design. I understand you've mentioned you're not closing the entire forum anyways - but I don't think this should be Outline's 'Grand Finale'. If anything, it's only an end to the services. In my opinion, 'Outline' doesn't -- or rather at this point, shouldn't end till the community is gone. I'm sure people agree with the general gist of that, but probably won't say anything as Outline's 'end' is supposedly a fitting ending. Regardless, it's not my forum. Not my decision. Do what you want. |
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| Jacksonn | Tuesday, 10. September 2013, 07:45 Post #19 |
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frick
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Man, was not expecting this. It's sad to see but it's probably going to be the best decision in the long run. Just want to say thanks to all the opportunities this place gave me and for everything I've learned in becoming a better designer. But yeah so many friends were made here, don't want to lose them. Love this forum and love all you people who made my time here fun and worthwhile
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| Bluezone777 | Tuesday, 10. September 2013, 09:54 Post #20 |
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Level 8
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Seems to me this is more about the current admin having his life be taken in a direction where Outline doesn't follow then anything. I don't see why the current managers can't both be promoted to administrator to carry on admin duties provided they want to take on the job as I think both are truly capable of stepping up to the plate provided they want to take that step. I think it would be good to see Outline get new leadership to take it in a new direction and continue evolving itself as I think things have grown too stagnant here due to the leadership staying essentially the same for so long. Perhaps this could be seen as an opportunity to change and evolve Outline instead of just closing it and letting be forgotten? When Sith quit, this board didn't just up and close then so why should it do that now simply because its current "founder" has decided to essentially retire? I truly think you are making a mistake in letting this be the end simply because it's the end of the road for you, Cody. //My two cents |
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