Tales of the Admins

[Garrett Jax]

Once upon a time, there was a group of A.D.M.I.N.S. and their friends that decided to group together and create a faction that brought pain and misery upon the community. They created an identity that circumvented the rules that everyone else had to play by and they would head out into space destroying all whom they chose.

In time, they decided to disband, either because of community outrage or out of sheer boredom. Whatever the case, they closed up shop, parked their ships and determined that no one would be allowed to do that to the community again.

Years later, a different set of A.D.M.I.N.S. got together to discuss what to do with these old ships that were not being used anymore. After discussing it, they agreed that they would repurpose these ships and present them as a gift to the community.

One Admin, Garrett, had what he thought was a wonderful way to present this gift. He carefully and thoughtfully planned out how exactly to wrap it up in a nice attractive looking package. After many days, he finished it. He looked back on his work with satisfaction. The community was going to love this gift, he said to himself.

When Garrett presented his gift to the community, many were skeptical. Their thoughts went back to the last time these ships were used. They were fearful the same thing would happen to them as before. No, Garrett assured them. This gift is nothing like that. He explained and explained to them, spending many hours talking to the community and even privately to individuals that had questions.

Some people were very happy to get this gift. They wanted to be a part of it. However, others were not happy at all. Some rejected it. There were those that didn't even look at the gift wrapping before they decided they hated it. Garrett tried to assure these ones that this was going to be a gift everyone would enjoy, but his plea fell on deaf ears. Still, there were enough members of the community that expressed interest and Garrett was thrilled that he would be able to present his gift to them.

After a little while, there were others that wanted to present this same gift to the community, but in a different wrapping. The A.D.M.I.N.S decided that any that desired to provide their own gift to the community would be able to present it and after a short time, they would vote on whose gift they thought might be best.

At first, Garrett was annoyed. He worked so hard on his gift and now he had to wait even longer to present it to the community. But, he figured, if someone comes up with a better presentation, then the community would benefit. So, he waited patiently for the others to wrap up their gifts nice and neat.

After the others finished the wrapping of their gifts, the A.D.M.I.N.S. collected themselves together and looked carefully at them. They examined each one, trying to determine which of these gifts would be in the best interest of the community. After deliberating for almost two weeks on the matter, the decision was made. Garrett's gift was selected.

Garrett rejoiced at the opportunity to present his gift. Finally, he would be able to share with the community the special present he had prepared. He knew that once it was presented, even the doubters and skeptics among them would see how great his gift was.

Sadly, though, there were those that were not happy that Garrett's gift was selected. Some were fearful still. They were worried that Garrett's gift would hurt them. Others were ignorant because they didn't take the time to look the gift over carefully. They rejected it outright without examining it.

One member created a poll to see which gift the community would have chosen. Very few selected Garrett's. Many selected one of the other gifts. This saddened Garrett because he worked so hard on his, but he wanted the community to be happy, so he did something very difficult for him. He put his gift away and let the other member present his gift.

The community rejoiced when Garrett told them the news. They were thrilled that they didn't have to receive his gift.

Garrett noticed, however, that many in the community were unappreciative. We don't want any gift, they shouted. Some only picked the other member's gift because they thought it was the lesser of three evils. They even demanded that the gifts be destroyed and no one have them. Garrett thought that that was ridiculous. If they didn't like his gift, then so be it. But, to refuse all the gifts? Garrett was ashamed to be part of the community.

Even some former A.D.M.I.N.S. came forward to mock Garrett's gift. The very ones that made it so difficult for the community to accept his gift, were now laughing at him for trying to do something nice. Even they didn't take the time to look at the gift first before they ridiculed his efforts.

Garrett was dejected. He went to the forums to take care of his Admin responsibilities when he noticed a newer member offering a gift of his own. It was a clumsily wrapped gift in the shape of a giant cube. Many in the community pounced on him like a pack of hungry wolves. Instead of taking the opportunity to teach and encourage, they laughed and mocked him for his efforts. Finally, Garrett had to step in and pull the dogs off of him. Poor kid, he thought.

What kind of community was this? Was this the type of community he wanted to be a part of? Instead of an appreciative and encouraging community, it was just the opposite. Garrett was thoroughly sick of what he was seeing. How long will a community last if it's members tear one another up? Did he want to be around to see it eat itself up from the inside?

He decided he needed a break. He had to get away from this divisive community and clear his head. He jumped aboard his ship, docked at the Temple of the Damned, punched in some coordinates where he knew no one would bother him, and flew off.

There, next to the coffee pot in the Temple's breakroom, he left a note for the other Admins to see.

It read, "Be back in a couple weeks....maybe."

Signed,

Garrett Jax

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