So I've played a pretty major role in the Gamespot User Fellowship Union for roughly three quarters of a year now.  I could tell the story of the union's founding a million times, yet to belive that it has come this far in such a short time is still nearly beyond belief.  We have maintained one of the most active unions on Gamespot, branched out to IRC chats and now, we have started our very own website. 
    The union has been kicking such an idea around for several months.  Gamespot unions are a handy feature for loose communites attached to the site.  However, our members have been moving farther and farther away from the arms of the site.  About a month ago, as a simple test, an invision powerboard was started and met with instant success.  Due to some recent bans and such, several of our members were left with no connection to the gufu outside of our IRC chat. 
    The site is meant to serve as a sort of hub for all branches of the union.  We will, of course, retain our Gamespot roots, but at last we have a neutral forum where all of our members can meet to discuss gaming, post articles and even share files. 
    I began work roughly one month ago when I was approved for a Frihost hosting plan.  In use currently is software known as Simple Machines forum along with an attachement used by many people in my situation.  In short, after installing the two pieces of software viewing, editing and management of all the resources offered is made available to whom the system adminstrator allows. 
    Already the site ahs met with success.  As of posting time, twenty one union members have registered accounts, and the forum has been considerably active.  Several articles have been submitted after review from the union officer staff, and comments and ratings bestowed upon them by readers.
    The aim of the site is now expanding, not only offering a safe haven for our members but allowing non members to view our content and post on several boards as well.  We hope to maintain the factor that really makes or breaks any community however, and that is the quality of the posters.  That is, after all, what the union is all about.

After three years of preperation, my highschool wrestling career has finally begun.  This is something I've waited and trained for all the way back to sixth grade.  Plain and simply, although not the hardest thing I've put myself through, it's enough to cut back on my online activities. 

Along with my eight credit load in preparation for running start (a program that allows me to begin college and gain highschool credit at the same time) next year, I have at least a three and a half hour practice every day.  This will mean a major decrease in my role here on gamespot, in the new GUFU forums and even on my own start up website.  My weekends will still be relatively open, and I will try to be around to help with union activities and such, but my normal posting here will take a backseat to wrestling and school for the time being.

So yesterday I got back in town from my latest venture and proceeded to make it known I was back in town. Unfortunatley, I only spent a couple minutes doing so and I failed to make a post in the GUFU announcing that I will no longer be inactive. This morning, I got a short but sweet message from gamespot to let me know I have been kicked from a union which I have made a fair contribution to. I won't even mention my lost officer position...oh...oops... Anyway, hopefully AK will give me a spot in the union again and maybe even my hard earned *cough* spot as an officer.