Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.
- George S. Patton
IsraeliRD (for legacy's sake) was not simply an administrator, he is the pinnacle of the Marble Blast Community. IsraeliRD's decision to create a new Marble Blast Community haven, safe from the spam, flames, and misdirection of the Garage Games forms spawned the Marble Blast Community we know today. IsraeliRD's contributions, direction, and determination to pursue his passion for Marble Blast sparked an ambitious project that would eventually turn into Marble Blast's first community modification. After years of planning, discussions with the original Marble Blast developers, and collaboration with several other members of the Garage Games community, Marble Blast Platinum was conceived, constructed, and completed.
I was lucky enough to have found an interest in Marble Blast during this time and to join the community during its earlier stages and to watch the Platinum project grow from an outlandish idea into the core of the community. IsraeliRD, Perishingflames, Pablo, Andrew, Moshe, and Lonestar are the reason I decided to join and contribute to this fine community. I can honestly say, none of us expected the community to come as far as we have in the long span of time since its conception. From the early days of the Garage Games forums (where I lurked for many years unseen!) to the early days of Proboards, the Marble Blast Council, to the rise and fall of InstantAction and Marble Blast Online, to the Marble Blast community website, and the current state of Marble Blast, IsraeliRD stood strong at the helm to ensure the success of the Platinum project and the Marble Blast community, despite the long hours, stress, and demands of it all.
Anyone who worked with IsraeliRD could tell you he would ensure ideas and project goals were met no matter the cost. IsraeliRD would push team members to complete a certain task based on their skills without having to guide them directly. The result? Take a look at the content of Marble Blast Platinum and judge for yourself!
However, much like Patton, many members did not agree with IsraeliRD's leadership style, nor some of his actions. Some may have found certain decisions rash or short tempered, but I classify them as more of a necessary discipline which demonstrates the pride, care and decisiveness necessary in a leader. I would proudly follow IsraeliRD to the reaches of the world for his ambition, dedication, and will to succeed. These traits are hard to come by, and I have no doubts they will serve you well in your future endeavors!
IsraeliRD has long discussed with the staff his stepping down to pursue more pressing matters in his life, and I am honestly relieved to see the torch being handed down to the next generation of the Marble Blast Community.
I see no better fit than HiGuy to lead our community into the next decade of Marble Blast adventures. HiGuy's talent, ingenuity and dedication to this community is simply marvelous, and I am continuously impressed by him each day.
I am sure we will see plenty of IsraeliRD in the coming years, and hope to see him fill the news feed on occasion. I don't think any additional thanks is necessary for you, IsraeliRD, as I think the success of the community and the Platinum project along with the inspiration for the additional Marble Blast mods that have sparked as a result of the Platinum Team speak louder than any thanks I could give.
To everyone else, us Marble Blast old timers are slowly fading away from the community to explore new opportunities and adventures, and we're handing the reigns over to you. I'm still here, and plan to be for the foreseeable future to assist HiGuy and the Marble Blast Community Staff in any means possible.
Do not think of this as the end, think of this as the beginning of the next magnificent Marble Blast project that so many of you have shown interest, passion, and contributions towards. In the next decade, I will not be surprised to see a fully fledged standalone game designed by all of you, empowered by all of you, and cherished by the community. It's your turn to inspire the next generation of Marble Blasters
Go get 'em, IsraeliRD.
~Aayrl