I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but I've not really been active since the OSL/MSL finals last season. (I've been off since January.) After almost three years of reporting and photographing eSports I've decided to go into (semi) retirement.
It's been a bit of a crazy journey which included times when I had no money at all and yet reported seven days a week and others when I've gone to events covered in band aids and still had an amazing time.
I actually feel terrible about this, but working the events is a lonely, sometimes thankless and incredibly tiring job. I was spending over $40 a week just to cover one event and $80 if it was two. I need to start socializing so I'm sorry to everyone. I loved my work and the chances I've been given, but I need to think about my own life right now.
I will be reporting the odd event (selection nights, finals and Proleague from time to time.) but my days of weekly coverage are ending.
I will also attempt to finish all outstanding projects such as 100 Messages and the impending card for Flash during my Mum's three week stay. (I need a helper!)
It's mainly because of health and money concerns. I still love eSports, but the passion I had to report it constantly has been dulled by finding a wider spectrum of things to do and *finally* making some new friends after losing a large portion of the ones I had before.
Thank you to the following people for all their help, support and the good times we've spent together;
Everyone on Teamliquid.net (Especially Lilsusie, Pholon, Scaramanga, Kerotan, Zuries, Plexa, GoSu, Rekrul, Midian, Artosis, Tasteless, Mani, Chill, June, Sohee, Smix, Konadora, GTR, Peanut and the rest of the staff.)
Hwanni, all the teams and players who I've worked with.
Special thanks to; Sungeon, Jungho, Jaedong, Sangho, Ingyu, Yeongchul (I miss you -_-) Chanwoong, Jaeyoon and Yeongsu. Eugine from Nexon, Bangpok, Magyecain and the other DF league players, the boys from Kart Rider, Fomos, Fifo, Sora from Daily eSports, everyone at Kespa and everyone else who has helped me.
On March 22 2010 16:07 justiceknight wrote: how much did u earn for doing this in korea?
i miss ur work too.......
For eSports, absolutely nothing in over two years. I can't be paid due to my visa so everything was voluntary. I work as a teacher mainly so that was my income to support my work in eSports.
If it's any consolation I will be covering MSL selection night on Thursday evening. I won't be doing OSL though (;_;) because it clashes with a concert I've aleady booked tickets to ages ago.
On March 22 2010 16:07 justiceknight wrote: how much did u earn for doing this in korea?
i miss ur work too.......
For eSports, absolutely nothing in over two years. I can't be paid due to my visa so everything was voluntary. I work as a teacher mainly so that was my income to support my work in eSports.
If it's any consolation I will be covering MSL selection night on Thursday evening. I won't be doing OSL though (;_;) because it clashes with a concert I've aleady booked tickets to ages ago.
Damn... As an econ major I can't understand this one little issue...
WHY?
Why did you invest so much when the returns were minimal at best? Sure, you may get a serotnin kick now and then while doing what you love... but that is not sustainable with no $$ (which I imagine you know better than anyone @ TL...). Plus, I know how hard it is to live in Korea, even more so (I imagine, since I'm not a foreigner) for foreigners. Teaching was prob. a bitch too. I've done it once(private tutoring though) and it's a bore. 수고하셨습니다...
Thanks for all you have done for us. You will never be forgotten, that's silly. Even if you're not covering esports, I hope you will still share you wonderful photography. All the best.
In my opinion, you have no need to feel terrible about your decision, as you put it. You have done all of us here at TL a fantastic service all this time, driven only by your own motivation! What more could any of us have asked for? Thanks for everything you've done for this community and good luck in all your future endeavors!
On March 22 2010 16:07 justiceknight wrote: how much did u earn for doing this in korea?
i miss ur work too.......
For eSports, absolutely nothing in over two years. I can't be paid due to my visa so everything was voluntary. I work as a teacher mainly so that was my income to support my work in eSports.
If it's any consolation I will be covering MSL selection night on Thursday evening. I won't be doing OSL though (;_;) because it clashes with a concert I've aleady booked tickets to ages ago.
Damn... As an econ major I can't understand this one little issue...
WHY?
Why did you invest so much when the returns were minimal at best? Sure, you may get a serotnin kick now and then while doing what you love... but that is not sustainable with no $$ (which I imagine you know better than anyone @ TL...). Plus, I know how hard it is to live in Korea, even more so (I imagine, since I'm not a foreigner) for foreigners. Teaching was prob. a bitch too. I've done it once(private tutoring though) and it's a bore. 수고하셨습니다...
Cheers NeverGG... I hope for the best for you.
Because as I explained it's not possible for me to be employed by a Korean company due to my visa. I did it out of passion and having not much else in my life at the time. I'd have liked to have been paid considering eSports has cost me in excess of $4000 not including event transportation, hotels etc. However, it was never the priority for me.
I'm still remaining in Seoul and still teaching until at least January 2011 so we'll see how it goes and I'll try to make it to some of the important events in the Summer, but nothing near as much as I used to cover. I will of course go to finals - since I adore photographing them above everything else Thanks.
I hope you will still post your lovely photographs from time to time, even if it's random pictures inside your room. Always liked your photos. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Oh yeah and thank you, especially for doing those message to progamer projects.
Good-bye in a way, NeverGG. I'll it simply because I feel it's the most truthful. I will miss you and your photos, they were an awesome part to be connected to e-sports. Good luck to your future! ^ ^
On March 22 2010 16:07 justiceknight wrote: how much did u earn for doing this in korea?
i miss ur work too.......
For eSports, absolutely nothing in over two years. I can't be paid due to my visa so everything was voluntary. I work as a teacher mainly so that was my income to support my work in eSports.
If it's any consolation I will be covering MSL selection night on Thursday evening. I won't be doing OSL though (;_;) because it clashes with a concert I've aleady booked tickets to ages ago.
Damn... As an econ major I can't understand this one little issue...
WHY?
Why did you invest so much when the returns were minimal at best? Sure, you may get a serotnin kick now and then while doing what you love... but that is not sustainable with no $$ (which I imagine you know better than anyone @ TL...). Plus, I know how hard it is to live in Korea, even more so (I imagine, since I'm not a foreigner) for foreigners. Teaching was prob. a bitch too. I've done it once(private tutoring though) and it's a bore. 수고하셨습니다...
Cheers NeverGG... I hope for the best for you.
Because as I explained it's not possible for me to be employed by a Korean company due to my visa. I did it out of passion and having not much else in my life at the time. I'd have liked to have been paid considering eSports has cost me in excess of $4000 not including event transportation, hotels etc. However, it was never the priority for me.
I'm still remaining in Seoul and still teaching until at least January 2011 so we'll see how it goes and I'll try to make it to some of the important events in the Summer, but nothing near as much as I used to cover. I will of course go to finals - since I adore photographing them above everything else Thanks.
If you factor in the time you've invested in eSports... your costs are probably in excess of $20k... I fervently cheer your genuine passion though. It's something that's hard to come by these days...
When I first arrived on this site, your photos were one of the first glimpses I had into e-sports in korea. You allowed access to a foreign country for me and countless others. For that I am eternally grateful. I hope you rest and relax and enjoy yourself because you've more than earned it. I hope that some day you are paid for your incredible photographic talents.
On March 22 2010 16:44 HuskyTheHusky wrote: I don't know why people are sad, you've really earned a break. Thanks for everything you've done, you take amazing one of a kind pictures
I don't think a single person doesnt think she's earned a break. Doesn't stop us from being sad about it. :/
Hope you get a much needed rest. With all the work you have done for us all, it is deff justly earned. You have put up with a lot to do what you have done for the community and it is appreciated, although you most likely don't hear that enough. Good luck on your journeys and get susie to take you out more, deff easy way to make new friends
You have been absolutely incredible for the community. I hope everything works out, and you can get some stability into your life. Many thanks, and may eSports live on!
Thanks for the great work, it's surprising that almost two years have pasted already since you became a big contributer. Having a live reporter at the actual Finals is just awesome.
I'm, in a way, happy that you decided to do this. esports should be something fun and yes, a passion. But it was holding you back from so many other things... I know you have passions elsewhere and I want you to be happy and healthy to continue doing these things.
Thanks for all the photos and crazy times at the finals and such~ Enjoy the time you have in Seoul with your friends doing other things. Esports is not the only thing to enjoy here
Thank you for your timeless effort and ridiculous amount of photos taken for the benefit of this community. Best wishes... I hope you find fulfillment in whatever else you decide to pursue <3
See this is the problem with the state of e sports currently, we have all these driven people with all this passion for their hobby, and many others really enjoy their labors. But there is no way for them to maintain. Like why aren't there esports companies, with e sports magazines, and e sports networks. Cmon World (excluding korea) get with the program already. Sad to see you go and be forced to give up because you shouldn't have to.
What a shame, but you've more than earned your break though! I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Are you considering continuing with photojournalism (on more conventional subject matter)?
Thank you for your hard work. Your great effort brought us much closer to the korean ESPORTS. You have all the reasons to feel proud about what you've done for the community
I'll surely miss your rants about various progamer's bottoms, but best of luck being "retired" (put this word in "s because it makes you sound old). Also best of luck with whatever you'll end up doing (MSL selection coming up though - can you resist progamers in wigs?).
It's truly understandable that you want to make this decision, and you have all the rights to. Your voluntary work is second-to-none, especially given the amount of time and money you spent on it (not even including the cards given to Jaedong etc, fan cafe setups, etc).
Thanks a lot for everything you've done. For all the contributions you've given TL, I really hope whatever comes your way in the future brings you much fortune :D.
On March 22 2010 21 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 22 2010 21 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:19 SilverSkyLark wrote: Would you go back if they started paying you?
Actually, I was recently offered a position in Kespa, but I politely declined because I don't believe eSports offers a steady/stable career and at my disadvantage of not speaking Korean it's just awkward to do more than freelance and personal work for TL. Thanks for all the comments guys - it actually made me well up. I'll reply to more of them specifically tomorrow. *Noms on dinner.*
On March 22 2010 21 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 22 2010 21 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:19 SilverSkyLark wrote: Would you go back if they started paying you?
Actually, I was recently offered a position in Kespa, but I politely declined because I don't believe eSports offers a steady/stable career and at my disadvantage of not speaking Korean it's just awkward to do more than freelance and personal work for TL. Thanks for all the comments guys - it actually made me well up. I'll reply to more of them specifically tomorrow. *Noms on dinner.*
Wow that is pretty huge, I respect your desicion though. Maybe some day your korean and motivation will be on par with the increased stability/income that e-sport might have one day
man I remember back when you went to every event every day, there was always this little wait between the games and when you posted the photos. I hit F5 many times during this period
but sincerely thanks for everything, thanks for the photos, the (few) times we had a chat on vent, the cards, the 100 messages project, thanks for reporting from the MSL drama.
From someone who can really appreciate your situation in eSports (doing alot for nothing). I wish you the best of luck. We as gamers and TL as a community are lucky that you sacrificed so much for an often thankless role in eSports. Unfortunately, many people won't appreciate what you do... until it's completely gone. Either way, thanks for making a mark on eSports.
First of all, NeverGG I would like to say thank you for all those pictures you have given to the community for free. The amount of time and passion you have poured into the community for absolutely free is amazing. I think that it's rather safe to say that we will all miss your brilliant photos.
As an avid Liquipedia user I can say that your work has shown up there quite a few times and without your photos we wouldn't have nearly as many to pick from. So thank you once again.
I wish you best of luck in the future with everything and while it's a shame for the community that you are going to stop photographing esports as you did, it's great news that you are going to focus on your social life and your well-being. That's wonderful and something that we should all smile at.
So thanks for all the photos, NeverGG. They have meant a lot to the community and rest asure that you have been a large contributor to the preservation of esports history.
I am sorry to hear that you are retiring from your e-Sports photography career. However, considering what you said, you reasons for doing so are completely justified and I understand that it was probably a necessary step for you. Take care of yourself (and your mother) and best of luck in your future endeavours. By the way, does this also mean you are moving back to England?
Thank you for everything that you have done for the community. Again, good luck.
EDIT: Oh, by the way, any chance you will show a picture of yourself now? As a goodbye present?
Thanks for all your work for our community. Will never forget the MSL finals between Flash and JD where you hopped on Vent and gave everyone a bunch of laughs. =D
Thanks for your hard work. It's incredible how strong your passion is to work without pay. I wish I have some of your passion, I have 0 motivation to do anything at all right now in my life.
I always enjoyed your photos and the discussions about the men of K-pop and Lomo.
Good luck in your future endeavours, its no secret you've got some talent in that nogin of yours. Hope to see you back in the UK some time in the future.
And don't forget to pay a visit to the men, women and scara who make up the ventrillo cabal once in a while.
Thanks nevergg! I've allways felt you do way to much of stuff, so you really should take it easy and not pressure yourself to much. Hope everything works out ) I enjoyed listening to your endless rants on vent
Aww.... you're the best and we all appreciate your work here! So thank you so much for covering esports, showing another perspective of it and also to contribute to all of us for free! I hope to see ya around in TL in future but best of luck!
You will be remembered as (or just seen as, I guess you're not going to disappear completely) as a pioneer and legend of E-Sports in the foreign scene.
Noooo! NeverGG, maybe you should open a paypal account so us, fellow TL'ers, can help paying some of the costs for your awesome coverage of the proleague!
good bye nevergg thx so much for everything, you were a real blessing for the community. dunno what I would have done while the flash vs jaedong incident without you updating us... Your work really had an influence. We gonna miss you, but you will not be forgotten... Hope you can keep your icon...
Goodbye NeverGG. Thanks for all your hard work. It has really given so much depth to teamliquid's progaming coverage. Good luck in life, I hope everything turns out well for you
I think your photography skills have developed tremendously in the time you put in towards your efforts. And although I can't be sure as a spectator, I'll bet that your planning and project execution skills, as well as your ability to network, probably has improved as well.
well what do you plan on doing in the near future careerwise? Do you have a degree of some kind? Would you go to school to get one at this point? Just wondering since up until now your life was very unusual from what it seems, not many would even dare to think of trying that. What will you do when u leave korea in a year?
On March 23 2010 00 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 23 2010 00 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:06 Tom Phoenix wrote: I am sorry to hear that you are retiring from your e-Sports photography career. However, considering what you said, you reasons for doing so are completely justified and I understand that it was probably a necessary step for you. Take care of yourself (and your mother) and best of luck in your future endeavours. By the way, does this also mean you are moving back to England?
Thank you for everything that you have done for the community. Again, good luck.
EDIT: Oh, by the way, any chance you will show a picture of yourself now? As a goodbye present?
I'm not going back until at least January of 2011 provided nothing radical happens. I'm thinking of extending my current contract into 2011/12, but we'll see
On March 22 2010 18 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 22 2010 18 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:11 dementus wrote: What a shame, but you've more than earned your break though! I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Are you considering continuing with photojournalism (on more conventional subject matter)?
Drop by once in a while and say hi!
I'm going to be continuing covering Kpop events and doing more personal photography, but I'm not nearly experienced enough imho to do it professionally. I'm pondering it in the future, but I'm not sure yet.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
On March 22 2010 21 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 22 2010 21 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:19 SilverSkyLark wrote: Would you go back if they started paying you?
I don't think so - it's just not steady work. If I was bilingual I'd definitely have joined Kespa, but as it is my powers are limited by my lack of language abilities as well as my visa type. I am usually too tired out from work to study so my Korean skills are kind of rubbish.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
100% trustable sources have confirmed that there was something between the P Nut and the P Rican
On March 23 2010 18 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 23 2010 18 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:17 Rekrul wrote: btw nevergg isn't this like the 4th thread of this nature you've made?
u crave attention more than me, and thats pretty hard to do!
I've never retired before and never said anything about retiring in the past. I just wanted to explain why I'm not going to be doing much coverage in the future. I *knew* you'd have to say something like this.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
100% trustable sources have confirmed that there was something between the P Nut and the P Rican
I don't know enough about PuertoRican to care. But I would like to. It sounds evocative.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
100% trustable sources have confirmed that there was something between the P Nut and the P Rican
I don't know enough about PuertoRican to care. But I would like to. It sounds evocative.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
100% trustable sources have confirmed that there was something between the P Nut and the P Rican
I don't know enough about PuertoRican to care. But I would like to. It sounds evocative.
Rekrul, if I come to Korea, will you take me out?
I banned Rekrul from my blog for that comment he just made about me attention whoring. Pretty rich coming from someone like him. This blog isn't about inflating his ego so please don't rehash the whole stupid, boring Peanut/PR issue. I don't want to talk about it in here.
On March 23 2010 18 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 23 2010 18 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:25 pubbanana wrote:
On March 23 2010 18:23 Rekrul wrote:
On March 23 2010 18:20 pubbanana wrote:
On March 23 2010 18:16 Rekrul wrote: peanut obv
I've never heard of her.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
100% trustable sources have confirmed that there was something between the P Nut and the P Rican
I don't know enough about PuertoRican to care. But I would like to. It sounds evocative.
Rekrul, if I come to Korea, will you take me out?
I banned Rekrul from my blog for that comment he just made about me attention whoring. Pretty rich coming from someone like him. This blog isn't about inflating his ego so please don't rehash the whole stupid, boring Peanut/PR issue. I don't want to talk about it in here.
I don't even know who those people are, to be completely honest with you. Like I said, I don't know enough about either one of them to care. I was just asking Rekrul a question.
On March 23 2010 18 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 23 2010 18 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:25 pubbanana wrote:
On March 23 2010 18:23 Rekrul wrote:
On March 23 2010 18:20 pubbanana wrote:
On March 23 2010 18:16 Rekrul wrote: peanut obv
I've never heard of her.
I would pay more attention to the females who post on this website, but I'm much more interested in putting a shotgun in my mouth over the ones I know in real life.
100% trustable sources have confirmed that there was something between the P Nut and the P Rican
I don't know enough about PuertoRican to care. But I would like to. It sounds evocative.
Rekrul, if I come to Korea, will you take me out?
I banned Rekrul from my blog for that comment he just made about me attention whoring. Pretty rich coming from someone like him. This blog isn't about inflating his ego so please don't rehash the whole stupid, boring Peanut/PR issue. I don't want to talk about it in here.
I don't even know who those people are, to be completely honest with you. Like I said, I don't know enough about either one of them to care. I was just asking Rekrul a question.
Love you, Nevergg.
It's okay - I just don't want this blog to descend into some dumb mud slinging thread about people I'd rather forget. Rekrul's comment was bad enough.
On March 23 2010 23:51 heyoka wrote: We will probably continue using your pics for a long time in the future for the proleague news coverage, thanks for everything!
Enjoy yourself.
Yeah, I don't know if anyone explicitly mentioned how professional and sexy you make TL look. Your photos aren't just cool to look at but they really add content to the site.
Sad news. We all enjoyed your work covering E-sports, your work definitely deserved pay. At least now you can just enjoy being in Korea for the most part. I'm surprised your still going to do the 100 message project given the difficulty for some teams though as a fan of an unpopular team I appreciate that.
On March 22 2010 16:07 justiceknight wrote: how much did u earn for doing this in korea?
i miss ur work too.......
For eSports, absolutely nothing in over two years. I can't be paid due to my visa so everything was voluntary. I work as a teacher mainly so that was my income to support my work in eSports.
If it's any consolation I will be covering MSL selection night on Thursday evening. I won't be doing OSL though (;_;) because it clashes with a concert I've aleady booked tickets to ages ago.
Damn... As an econ major I can't understand this one little issue...
WHY?
Why did you invest so much when the returns were minimal at best? Sure, you may get a serotnin kick now and then while doing what you love... but that is not sustainable with no $$ (which I imagine you know better than anyone @ TL...). Plus, I know how hard it is to live in Korea, even more so (I imagine, since I'm not a foreigner) for foreigners. Teaching was prob. a bitch too. I've done it once(private tutoring though) and it's a bore. 수고하셨습니다...
Cheers NeverGG... I hope for the best for you.
If your an econ major then you know what i mean by saing that The Positive Externality was greater than the opportunity cost of no money.
On March 24 2010 02:19 BlackMagister wrote: Sad news. We all enjoyed your work covering E-sports, your work definitely deserved pay. At least now you can just enjoy being in Korea for the most part. I'm surprised your still going to do the 100 message project given the difficulty for some teams though as a fan of an unpopular team I appreciate that.
Well with my Mum around it's only going to meet writing half the messages for each one. Plus I actually have one of them ready to go with all messages written and bottled. It's just a case of delivering it at PL. I'll also be covering WL finals since the location is in Seoul again this time and it's only 20 stops on the subway from me.
Amazing work NeverGG, I haven't been here that long but if someone could do a writeup covering your TL career/work thus far would be awesome. You're definitely a staple in my eyes. Enjoy your days off!
I'm not sure what the bandaids are for and I didn't have the patience to read everything before thanking you for your time/effort/courage/work, but if money is the problem I hope you win the lottery so you can cover more than just the occasional event.
but on the real side, your work has been phenomenal and the conversations over ventrilo have been very interesting. especially those involving the theory on bowlcuts and adult films. Have a good retirement
I've never even read a single post or seen a single picture you've taken, but I can tell you really were a StarCraft purist. Thanks for everything you've done!!
It's painfully ironic how the post appears as "Going Into Retirement." by "NeverGG". ;___;
On March 26 2010 13:14 Z3kk wrote: I've never even read a single post or seen a single picture you've taken, but I can tell you really were a StarCraft purist. Thanks for everything you've done!!
It's painfully ironic how the post appears as "Going Into Retirement." by "NeverGG". ;___;
On March 26 2010 22 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 26 2010 22 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:33 BlinkNudie wrote: =) Hey~ i'm not a person who post much around here, but i certainly do read all the stuffs here lol~!
I gotta say your journey really touches me to see how much you sacrifice for this game! All the very best for your real life!
Thank you Also this made me laugh so hard this morning. Damn you eSports!
I'm still retired, but I cannot resist finals and selection nights.
On March 27 2010 08 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 27 2010 08 end_of_the_skype_highlighting:39 eshlow wrote: Thanks NeverGG!!
Also, hope your healthy eating is going well.
It's going badly! I just saw a photo of myself though so I am going back on the tofu diet. I'm potentially considering going vegan for a while and then swapping to vegetarianism because white bread/cakes/other carby shite are my big vice and it'd keep me off them.
EPT
![[image loading]](http://i44.tinypic.com/ajqzhu.jpg)
thanks for all your hard work
Thanks. 
![[image loading]](http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/3332/thxnevergg.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i42.tinypic.com/fot8n.jpg)
