You know, it's funny. I've always said to myself that I wasn't going to do this when the time came, and here I am.

I've been debating this internally for months now, wavering back and forth on what to do. After racking my brains all day today, I've come to the following decision:

I am stepping down as Member Photos Manager of MKO, and I will be leaving MKO effective immediately.

It wouldn't be right of me to do this without explaining myself, so here goes. I'm leaving because MKO has fallen into a pragmatic cycle of failure. Traffic is as low as it's been in years, news is behind or nonexistent when it needs to be spot-on, there's little to no current in-house content anymore, and the place has simply lost its luster... rather, it lost that a few years back, but to be honest I've been denying it to myself all this time. This place just isn't fun anymore. We talk about improvements that can be made, and nothing gets accomplished. It's really defeating, honestly. Any projects that have been attempted lately have fallen flat and I'm tired of it. I'm tired of being disappointed by a place that I've loved and put so much time into over the last eight years. I've also decided to leave altogether as opposed to only relinquishing my staff title and powers because put simply, I know too much. I know that I'd eventually wind up getting myself banned anyway because I know the personalities and the reasons that things happen around here and I'd vehemently object one too many times.

Regarding Fight Klub, I'm going to be handing control of it over to Killswitch. I'm also going to be turning over to him everything he needs to run tournaments and ladders, so he'll be able to take it from here. As for SOTW, I would like (Erik) to assume command of it, if he would be so kind, and if Killswitch wouldn't mind pulling double duty and continue doing the rating in SOTW, I'd really appreciate it.

I'd like the Drive-By thread to remain open, not that I believe it would have been closed even if I wanted it to be. I'd imagine that it will hit 50,000 posts early in 2012, and I'm glad to be the one who was the creator of the biggest thread in this site's history. That wouldn't have been possible without being given the blessing of takermk, so if you're reading this, thank you.

My final request to the staff that I am honored to have worked for over the last five years is that Ninja_Mime be my replacement. He's proven himself to me that he's a true asset to the future of this website and it would mean a lot to me if he got bumped up to take my spot.

Before I go, I want to recognize the people who I've developed friendships with on this site. If I forget you, I apologize, but after eight years I could go all day with this list. I'm trying to keep it short here.

Crow - Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be on the moderating team and later on, the staff. I've always appreciated you for having faith in me and I only hope that I did not disappoint you. I'll be seeing you in IRC.

TonyTheTiger - Your words last night in our IRC chat are what made this decision easier for me to come to. I will always have a great deal of respect for you and the way you handle your business on here. You've made me feel that I can be satisfied with the path I'm taking, and I'll never forget that.

DArqueBishop - Thanks for putting up with all my questions that you didn't want to answer, haha. You've been a true friend to me and I wish you the best in your marriage and all your future endeavors.

Mick - We didn't see eye to eye for a while, and I guess on a handful of things we still don't, but I admire your drive and your will to make things happen... now update your damn site lol.

dibula - MKO's most successful troll ever and someone who I've always gotten laughs out of. Your music kicks ass and so does your sense of humor. Looking forward to many funny Facebook chats with you, buddy.

Killswitch - You've been an immense help to me every time I've asked you, and even when I haven't. Your deeds won't go unnoticed with me, that's for sure. Take care of Fight Klub and SOTW for me dude.

Jerrod - Thanks for being around to talk to and have humorous back and forths with through Facebook comments. I have my fingers crossed that your acting endeavors take off. Best of luck to you, my friend.

CCShadow - Thank you for making this all possible.

Nemesis316 - My old partner in crime. Things just haven't been the same without you, friend. Hit me up on AIM again, natch.

Chrome - You're one of the wisest people I've ever known, and an overall awesome person to be around. I'm glad I got to experience your posts.

SubMan - Thanks for helping me out with my forum games and for being a fellow football enthusiast. Playing the pick 'em game that we used to do would not have been as much fun without you.

tgrant - This list wouldn't be complete without you, buddy. You've always been willing to help me and go the extra mile for me, and it's a shame that I don't get to talk to you as much as I used to. We need to fix that.

Mime - You're a true voice of reason. Please never change dude. Please be the change that this place needs.

Erik - Still mad that we didn't bump into one another at the Coheed show back in June. Anyway, you're a really fun person to talk to and socialize with both on here and elsewhere. We need to meet up for some beers, soon.

Predator - Last but not least, Predator, you've had my respect from day one. You can do absolutely amazing things with all the talent that you possess, and I truly hope that you make the most of it. Best of luck to you with your family and your career.

To anyone else that I may have missed or slighted, I sincerely apologize. If you want, find me on Facebook, Twitter (links will now be in my sig), or IRC and take up your grievances with me... I'll set things straight. Don't hit my Tumblr yet, though. Work in progress. Anyway, I think this post is getting long enough. MKO, you've been a trip. Thanks for the memories.