I sort of get it, actually. I'm surprised anyone in the DSGHQ is intrigued by special relativity. It makes for a mind blowing topic!

Hi Scott!

I'm a couple days late to this discussion, but I just wanted to leave a reply to share my support of you. It obviously took great courage for you to get to this point, and I'm proud of the honesty that you lead with in admitting this. I read quite a few of the comments, and although I can understand the commotion this subject caused, I personally still think you're just as much of an amazing person as I've always thought you were. We've all struggled with truth in our lives to certain extents, so it's normal to be afraid of confronting it in fear of losing the people close to you. And what you spoke about regarding the ingrainment that men/boys are expected to uphold this image of not (or rarely) crying/showing emotion, that's something I think everyone of every gender/orientation should hear and understand.

Periods of growth come at different points for everyone; everyone's journey in life is different and we all have to overcome different obstacles in pursuit of being our authentic selves. Things that may seem minor to some are hard for others because of their circumstances and how they were raised. A lot of young kids can get wrapped up in issues surrounding identity, so I can understand that as you get older it can get even harder to confront that, because in your case it's all you've ever known in this community. As humans we all make mistakes, but regardless of the natural stigma that a lot of people have against forgiveness when it comes to seeing someone admit their faults, I believe that everyone's deserving of forgiveness and compassion no matter what they've done. Moving on and creating a new path for yourself is the only thing you really can do, and I can see you're doing just that! You opened up about your past in a really respectable and honest way from my point of view. I can't speak on behalf of everyone here, but I'm seriously so proud of you and I admire you for coming clean. You've always been yourself and have always embodied your true feelings/thoughts, so nothing has changed that way. You're just you, and I hope sharing this has helped you feel more at ease with embracing who you are!

sarabareille wrote on 13th January 2020, 07:21 PM:

Oh boy, you caught me. I'm that little old lady taking money out of the ATM.

Whoa! You must be a Jedi from another dimension then. Teach me the ways of the force?

I'm pretty late to reply to this discussion (and to the comments) but I had a suggestion. I'm not sure if it'll be read by anyone after most of the commotion surrounding this topic has settled down, but I figured it might be cool to give some input as a witness to the drama that usually occurs over redemption. This idea has probably been considered in the past (or maybe even done), but it usually never hurts to share an opinion so I'm going to give it a go. Hopefully even as an outsider, my words can be of at least a little benefit.

Onto the suggestion ---- What I personally recommend is that the entire administration team of OldCP is to give a yes/no vote in response to each verdict before it's official. This lets valuable insight on who should stay/be promoted/be demoted be heard before decisions are made. And if possible, maybe seek creating a poll on the forums consisting of the results from OldCP (so that the public can vote a second time if they think the OldCP result should be marked in stone before it's rendered official .... which I say mainly because there are people who AFK on OldCP in one spot, and through a poll on the forums it's impossible to do that). This might seem to be of too much effort for what's only a game, but if events like redemption are thought of as unfair by so many people, then something certainly needs to change if we all want a decently happy community. The outline of how voting works needs to be as fair as possible so that it doesn't drive anyone away. I've read complaint after complaint that directly correlates to someone leaving, or considering leaving, out of feeling like the ranking system is biased and that their role is not appreciated.

The reason I suggest this, instead of scrapping redemption as a whole, is because it's obvious that events like this having to do with power over the game are popular and attract quite a few people back to OldCP (which brings me to the point that I don't think ranks should be of utmost importance in the eyes of the user base, but that's a subject for another time). Either way, the comments on this discussion lead me to the conclusion that things need to be modified going forward so that the DSGHQ can maintain a positive environment. That's just my own two cents though.

Sleddy wrote on 2nd January 2020, 07:29 PM:

I thought we voted on her but maybe not...I think I got distracted. I do think demoting people and promoting people should be strictly discussed by admins, but since this event did bring people online, it is continued to be done. I do like that we have some new/returning faces, but I wish those people had played more before earning a rank back. Also it is very upsetting what happened to you and I wish I could have done something about it. It's good to speak up as well.

^ This is part of what brought me to the conclusion I have. Staying true to what Sled mentioned about redemption bringing people online, while also adding in the element of reviewal by the admins. And as a side note, to consider doing polls on the forums to double check results (e.g. if a moderator was found to be in favor of demotion on OldCP, and the forums poll says they should stay, then the next step would be to consult the administration).

This ended up being a super lengthy reply, but I enjoy helping out in any way even if it means devoting my time to a simple to fix issue, so hopefully my opinion on things might add to the 'improvement suggestion box' per se!

I like how this kind of serves as a summary of part of the CZ on OldCP. As someone who hasn't been entirely involved with it lately, it can be a little cumbersome to follow, so thank you for the info!

aaaahhh, I am so so happy about this! I just made a Snaildom-related nostalgic post yesterday, and I'm thrilled that the word's being spread to everyone. I'll be there for sure!

Out of the feeling of nostalgia, I went on a google hunt for Snaildom images and I ended up rediscovering an abundance of wholesomeness (is that a word??? I don't know, but I'm going to use it anyway).

Snaildom is probably one of my top favorite games to have ever been released - not just from the DSGHQ, but from any developer - so I wanted to spread the good vibes in hopes that it sparks some interest in you guys to play it again. I might even dare to say that I prefer it over OldCP because of its unique features and designs. And also because it still upholds the Empire theme we all know and love, but with a base of originality.

I would love to see it rise out of the ashes and become successful again, but I suppose if all good things come to an end and players have lost attraction to it entirely, then we'll just have to look back on the fun times and appreciate them for what they are. Hopefully this discussion can be a place to do that, even in the future.

Nevertheless, I hope you enjoy!
(and if you've got any personally saved images you'd like to share, feel free to drop a comment! I'd love to see them)

Iconic

I've been encouraged by a few people to do the shout-out thing again this year, to follow up from the previous one, so I figured why not.

Just want to give a disclaimer that I am a very forgetful person when it comes to names, so if you end up not seeing yourself present on this list, please let me know and I'd be more than happy to add you. I've connected with so many people from the DSGHQ throughout my 'lifetime' of the community (which now is almost 6 years....6 YEARS! That's crazy!!!), so I'll also be adding old friends' names in addition to 2019's, since it's the beginning of a new decade and time to look back and reflect on the last one. This place was the highlight of my childhood in a number of ways, so it fills me with great joy to reminisce those memories even though times are vastly different now. I am a stronger, more socially equipped and overall just a happier person than I was when I first joined this community, and in part I owe that to the friends I've made here - both old and new.

With that being said, let's get on with the shoutouts (in no particular order)

Parthia: You don't play any longer, but I first met you in December of 2018 and it's been a little over a year that we've kept our streak of talking everyday going. You've become not only one of my closest best friends in that period of time, but you've also become what we both always call 'my platonic soulmate'. Words can seriously not justify the beauty you hold within your soul, and I know for a fact that your mark on my life will never be undone. We are so different, yet are so in tune with each other. You've got a home in my heart wherever you go that will always remain there for as long as you want it. I love you infinitely, muffin!

Bailey: My boyyy, my Baileyyy. You are such a freaking goofball sweetheart. I love you more than I love myself, and although you also aren't involved in the community regularly anymore like Parthia, I just wanted to add you here to pay tribute to your role in my life. We first became friends when we both moderated OldCP during its most active era, and even after my long hiatus, we picked up on our friendship like it was nothing. You're one of my very, very best friends and I promise to visit you in person one day.

Pablo/Angelo: MOST. TALENTED. ARTIST. EVER. You've been such a good friend to me this year, but what inspires me the most about you is your willpower to reach for your dreams no matter how difficult. You truly do deserve every bit of success you receive in your life, because you choose to lead with appreciation for your accomplishments instead of boasting. You're a kind soul who was made to inspire others and share your gift with the world. I believe with all my heart that you're going places. Please never give up on your passion.

TeamMaybe/Ella: Such a fabulous person. I remember when we first met on OldCP and became friends right off the bat, and in 2019 we grew even closer than before. You're a girl with such a big heart for your friends, but at the same time you're one of the most sarcastic class clowns I've ever known....and that's why I love you.

Bryn: You are honestly one of the sweetest people I've met in this community to date. I always enjoy seeing you around and I know that you're going to go on to do great things someday. I'm here for you anytime. Happy new year, Bryn!

Lush: I've loved getting to see you around on OldCP every now and then, and I've also loved our little chats on discord occasionally. You're one of the greatest staff members I know because of your strive to help others. LOVE YA, LUSHIE.

Sled: One of the best administrators to have ever been. I've read a lot of your replies to discussions here on the forums and I wanted to add you here because I admire your passion for making this community better. I hope I can get to know you a little more in 2020 because you've always seemed like such an endearing and friendly person.

Brit: Hi Brit if you're reading this! I don't know you personally, but I wanted to include you on this list for all of the time & effort you've tirelessly been putting into this community. I've noticed it to great lengths, even despite being someone who's only slowly working into becoming more active again. I can recognize a hard worker when I see one, so thank you for all that you do.

Damen: I've witnessed your growth as a leader so much during my visits throughout the years. The most prominent changes I've seen are comparing from when I first got involved in the DSGHQ in 2014 to now, the present. How much you've learned about being a role model that kids can look up to by admitting your mistakes is what I admire the most about your evolution. Some people refuse to see the possibility of change in themselves, but not you. I can only imagine how chaotic running a platform can be, but please know that all of your work has been worth it. You've given so many people a safe place to express themselves, especially during their childhoods. Thank you for being so kind to me recently and I sincerely wish you a great new year.

Sadie: One of the moments I remember most vividly about our friendship was when we bonded over the lyrics of Sara Bareilles and Celine Dion songs almost 6 years ago. I don't even know why I remember that after so long, but it was the first time I think I truly saw how kind you were. You were my partner-in-crime mod buddy back then, and somehow we'd end up discussing some of the deepest life subjects almost every time we'd run into one another on OldCP. It's been a while since we've spoken one on one, but I hope you have a great new year and I'm always just a message away in case you're interested in catching up.

Terry91: You're no longer around, but if you happen to read this someday, I want you to know how highly I still think of you. You were such a sweet person when we were friends years ago, and your joy for helping others always had a way of spreading to everyone. We'd sit on the walls of OldCP together back then, and we'd judge the GOM competitions in unison with the same opinions on the contestants. Something coming from you that impacted me a lot (I think which happened in 2015, before I resigned) was the time you told me that I had a rare type of kindness. A "light you admired" to quote your words if I recall right. That message still lives on with me because I strive to stay true to it to this day. And although I only knew you online through text, in my eyes you will always be a precious soul who deserves the world. I genuinely hope wherever you are in your life right now that you're happy. Love ya old pal!

Zoe, Alea, Kev, Loki: I don't know you guys super duper well, but I think of each of you as great people judging from what I've seen. Zoe, you are such a sweetheart. Alea, you're hilarious but are also such a lovely person. Kev, I loved our Vogue fashion show cover party on OldCP a while ago LOL. And Loki, you're an awesome moderator. Wishing all 4 of you a happy new year and decade!

Dancebear, CoffeeCow, Kricken: I unfortunately haven't spoken to you lot in a while, but thank you for all of the memories this year within the PCC chat. I hope you guys go onto being successful in school/university, since I know that was a pretty big aspect of each of your lives.

Paradise, Mask, Amy: #YamBand (you'll know what this means if you read this)

Adawg, Iceesofie, TikiLiki, Key123, Ellie, Suzeh: I knew all of you around the same time in 2014-2015, but I think the only one of you who still comes on regularly is Adawg. If you're reading this Adawg, what's up! I hope you have a great new year and I'm very happy for your success in the DSGHQ.

Rila: I love you Rila!!! I hope you had a great holiday season with your family and friends. Happy new year, you amazing person!

Aurora (new user of OldCP): Hi Aurora! Once you join the forums, hopefully you'll get the chance to read this. I'm so happy that I could help you out with the workarounds of OldCP a little bit, and I'm even happier that you found the game and are enjoying it so far. It always makes me happy befriending new users like yourself.

---

I believe that concludes my shoutouts for 2019 and also the official decade! I probably missed out on including a handful of names, but I want to finish off this post by saying that I am thankful for everyone I've met over the years and all of the amazing memories I've shared here. I do miss the old times when there was more activity, but I'm grateful for the DSGHQ still being around in any way, shape or form. It's a shame that the Club Penguin era of our generation is dying, but I know that this community has a way of pulling most people back no matter how many times they leave, so I remain hopeful for the future.

Cheers to an entire new decade for everyone,
LiveToDance

Late to the party, but you are amazing.

It's truly an honor to be able to watch your growth as an artist and to feel the inspiration you have for your work second handedly. I always love seeing your creativity blossom!

Hey Jaden,

I don't know you particularly well but I just wanted to take the time to leave a comment in support of your recovery. I hope you get back to great health in no time, and I'm sending all of my good wishes and prayers your way.

Get well soon!

2019's treated me pretty well! I'm not incredibly involved in the community on a day to day basis any longer, but I've really enjoyed being back here recently and meeting new people that I now talk to regularly. There are definitely quite a few hidden gems of friends to be made in the DSGHQ which I've luckily been able to find.

Probably the biggest event that took place for me this year was my family moving to a new state roughly 6 months ago which was a fun experience getting to know my new hometown. I went on a few adventures up in the mountains around where I live and I got to see the city from a higher elevation which was super cool, and I'm also planning on making a trip further away from the city lights to see the stars in person soon (for the very first time in my life).

Overall I'm excited for the new year and I'm even more excited to see what new memories it brings. I'm really happy that this year's been good for you too, Damen!

I'm really glad this post was made, because the current CZ has been tainted by all of the unreasonable killing going on, and in turn that's put an ill mood on the entire game for some users. Hopefully the people causing the problems take this to heart and learn to step back a little - it'd make OldCP much more fun and inviting.

Thanks for addressing this!

Yes, this is type of discussion the DSGHQ needs! Listening to the community is the #1 thing needed to have an active platform.

As far as recommendations go, I've noticed that there are a lot of people who aren't caught up with what the crimezone roleplay is about. Just like what's been mentioned in the above comments, the general users need to be more involved with it. Right now, cz seems like a 1-star rated movie in certain ways, meaning that we (the ordinary players) aren't actually involved in anything -- all you can really do is sit back and watch it play out. OldCP is meant to be a fun game that helps everyone interact with each other, not something that leaves the majority feeling left out. I remember in the 2014-15 era, there were so many players excited to come on just to see what would happen to further the story. You'd have people chasing ice ghosts and black hawks, hoping to be one of the rare people to encounter and speak to one. You'd have genuinely FUN wars that were orchestrated to entertain. And there was, by far, much more communication between the "enemies"/characters and the regular players than there is today. If the admin team could come up with something new and refreshing to keep the plot intriguing, I'm sure there'd be more interest in the game as a whole.

Another thing is events. I think the snowball server idea you mentioned is a great start, and it would definitely bring back a lot of fond memories for those who have been in the community for a while. I want to add that as people have grown older here though, they're much less entertained by the simple things...that could be one reason why activity is so low and no one seems to be as eager to play as they used to. OldCP needs to be rethought completely into having an original twist (besides the Empire theme) that people haven't seen before in a CP remake, or else in time it'll fade just like hundreds of other games. I'm not sure if it's even realistic to think that OldCP could adapt to the modern wants of players now, with the effort that would need to go into it (coding, design, and most importantly coming up with a decent plan for a renovation in the first place)...But nevertheless, it might be worth while considering. As for the easily manageable things, I'd suggest firstly adding more events (tournaments, fun games to earn CC/gold, etc) and also entirely redoing the CZ storyline.