An open Letter to Neal Stevens and the Subsim Community

[Silverleaf]

To Neal Stevens,

I've never met you, never seen you post in these forums, but I've witnessed plenty of your work where it pertains to how this website functions. I've been coming to Subsim since the very early days of its existence - heck I remember Deep Domain as a very cool website. Though I didn't join here for a very long time, what I witnessed was a classy operation with interesting and timely information, and passion.

In other forums I've seen that same passion, but what I also have experienced first hand is how much brutality takes place in those same places. Much can, and I'm sure has been said about this communities fervor world wide - but it's quite another once your a member of SubSim. Those other forums are nice, but here, there is a positive feeling of "family".

Where does this come from?

I believe it's due, in part to the topic and the members themselves. Simulation to me is as close to real world as you can get - in some instances - and part of that allure carries over in how we interact with the environment, treat others, respond to threads, and carry ourselves.

The moderators here perform their tasks well. I don't see them stepping in and manhandling threads here - but when it's necessary, they do a good job. At some forums there is such a heavy handedness about that you'd best keep one eye on the keyboard and the other on your wallet - that might be a bit of an exaggeration but one thing I've noticed here is that the members know the rules, follow them and as far as I've seen, everyone gets along.

The topics here present viable/pertinent information, great exchanges of data and upcoming events, and I would be remiss to forget the bread and butter - reviews. The dedication that this community shares is quite amazing to see first hand. One only need look at the Silent Hunter 3 sections and witness the current topics about a game that's 3 years old, and doing quite well. From mod work, to continuous tweaks and additions, this website is alive with activity.

My point of this post Mr. Stevens is to pass along my sincere appreciation for everything that you do. It is because of your dedication, and that of your staff and moderators that we have such a place to call home. As I look back at this last year, and whilst I've been a member here for not even a month, I've seen some amazing topics, incredible persistence and great ideas put into practice.

Thank you.

To the community;

I'd like to say kudos to you the community. Throughout this post I've mentioned how much diligence and adoration is shown for simulations in general. Without you, this place would still be a fantastic resource, but you help pump the very life into these forums. I look forward to spending more time here, to seeing incredible threads, amazing images and more passion.

I take my hat off (and that doesn't happen very often) and salute you, the community.

With kind regards and deep admiration,

R.S.

[HunterICX]

Well spoken mate, well done

HunterICX

[Biggles]

A noble thing to say my friend. Kudos to you too.

[FIREWALL]

[mookiemookie]

[SandyCaesar]

Hear, hear!

Kudos to Onkel Neal, the mods, and the entire Subsim community, every one of ya. Here's to 2009; many happy returns from your patrols.

Oh, and I'll take the motto from the SH games here, if you don't mind:
SINK 'EM ALL, FELLOW SUBSIMMERS!

[Kapitan_Phillips]

Group hug!