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What an insane year it's been. To think just 10 months ago I had my first actual casting gig, and here I am in a German hotel pondering the next few months on the west coast of the US.
I of course had been speaking to lots of people about work before this happened, especially at the start of the year. Dreamhack was opening a studio, gameon.gg needed founders to get off the ground and of course I would learn Mr. Bitter had decided to take a job outside NASL. I don't fault anyone for keeping my hopes high but it seemed no matter how excited I got about work, many times it would just barely fall apart. I had spoken to ESL and NASL both during 2013, especially before the announcement that there would be less broadcasts, and I don't think I need to explain why there wasn't space for me afterwards.
Things seemed pretty tough, but I had finally settled somewhere. During my move to the ROOT house, my father had finally obtained a steady job after freelancing for almost a decade, and moved into a small apartment in Philadelphia to move on with his life after my youngest brother graduated high school.
I came back after an offer to do the SC2L fell-through with no second season planned that year, and arriving a week too late to cover any WCS NA at the Blizzard offices. I ended up living with a friend who had spare room, a very caring family and a magical tolerance to my shouting at the PC at 6am during Acer Teamstory cup and IEM qualifiers. I haven't lived in one place for a whole year since a housefire in 2009 had us jumping homes every few months, and I can never repay the hospitality I was offered while searching for steady work.
Then it happened. I was scared, nervous to leave the most stable place I'd been in a long time. I was told there was work at NASL in California. I had been told many times about work, and was hesitant to agree to move over as soon as they had hoped I could. I recalled a loss of a thousand or so dollars in flights I paid to come to California the first time I was offered work, eating up all the money I'd saved until that point from casting online cups.
I didn't have many choices at that point. Khaldor no longer working for GOM meant I lost all of my online casting jobs, leaving me only with the Kappa StarLeague which has been funded purely from my stream/supporters and money I made casting events. It was free for me to live with my friend in Pennsylvania, but I've never enjoyed being a mooch. Being a burden on someone is the last thing I want to be, even if they have no problem helping me.
So I agreed. Shout-out to Mr.Bitter for not telling me off, as it took me about 2 weeks to get back to him on this since I was too scared to commit to something so... life-changing. I have no friends on the West coast outside of eSports, I still hate warm weather with a passion and I have a very supportive ladyfriend whom I care for quite a bit back home. I understand the opportunity is huge, and despite what the forums might say I most certainly feel my age more than I look it.
I'm still quite nervous about it all, but Rotti has really encouraged me and knowing that he made a similar jump moving to the US is reassuring that I can definitely make things work. I've had a ton of fun commentating WCS so far here in Germany and I look forward to a fantastic final between HyuN and Oz. I've slowly learned to accept that no matter how much I try it's not really possible to meet the expectations that all viewers may have of my casting, but I will always keep working to improve while keeping in mind that some people will just never like me.
I look forward to a fantastic Season 2 and 3 of WCS America, and I implore you even if you think I'm the worst commentator around to give me a chance to rock your socks off. Thanks for reading my series of rambles and again a big thanks to everyone who has kept my spirits up, it seems for as many negative messages I get there is always some kind stranger willing to brighten my day. I've been told this is a dream job that I should cherish but that doesn't make the real-life aspects any less difficult than when I didn't have it.
Much love to those who read my blogs and comment, especially my stream viewers/subs who are the reason I can afford to pay the moving costs up front 
goodnight, and see you at the finals tomorrow;
~Nathaniel "Nathanias" Fabrikant
 
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I so clearly remember the first time I heard your casting around the Proleague time, you always sounded so happy casting and you would throw in a bit of Batman impressions (AND BANE! <3) and you'd cast everything solo sounding like a duo on your own. The passion and the excitement you had and still have is second to none, its authentic and what you do is so amazingly impressive, considering that you never really had any supergreat team in your back supporting you.
I could not name another name that is as deserving of this as you Nathan. You're one of my absolute favorite casters and I'm sure I've told you this multiple amount of times but still, you're amazing. Congratulations on all your success and I'm sure it will just keep going! Still need more Bane though, please? =P
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You have the best voice for casting within all of esports IMO, I still remember the first time I watched ur stream during DreamHack (online qualifiers?) and I thought "where has this guy been hiding?". You were the first caster that made me think of how casting needs to get refreshed, by throwing in some new names, and not just the biggest personalities out there.
Remember that no matter what they tell u, there will always be a place for u in the sc community. Cheer up and keep fighting~
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It's so crazy to see how far you've been able to go in such a short time! No matter what some people will say it's because of your own hard work and talent, and mere words on twitter or in twitch chat or whatever won't change the facts!
I kind of feel bad for never showing up for any of the Penn State SC2 club events when you were still here because I never actually have been able to meet you in person, just make fun of/support you online, but I guess it's my own fault for being lazy. :p
Anyway, as I usually say keep up the good work! I was rooting for San in WCS EU but the finals in EU and NA should be awesome tomorrow regardless of my own personal biases.
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You make casts exciting and that is all I can ask for!
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They couldn't have found a better replacement for Mr. Bitter!
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Nate! Love you man, youre a great caster with so much passion and charisma. Happy you can realize your dreams!
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On April 13 2014 11:43 IzzoN wrote:
You have the best voice for casting within all of esports
If you ask me Ayesee seems to have THE casting voice (lower your pitchforks I said voice)
Its funny because it looks that some other rising casters seem to have a similar vibe as Nate, personality wise, for example after yesterday's KDL finals I noticed how Lysander does remind me of Nate (real nice folks once you get to know em, hardworking solocasters, nice sense of humor, both live in touch with their inner kappa). On that note it would be awesome to see how well would they mesh together (cross game, KSL?) just a wild thought.
And oh yeah keep it up Nate you are doing really well this year already.
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Congrats man, glad to see all your hard work paying off!
+ Show Spoiler [what?] +slightly off topic, but.. On April 13 2014 11:28 Nathanias wrote: Khaldor no longer working for GOM [...] Hadn't seen anything official and I was wondering why he wasn't doing Code A! That does suck for others trying to move up doing online work!
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I also hate warm weather, haha <3
I wish you best of luck mate, you really had some bad streaks in the past.
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Keep up the good work sir. You're a great ambassador for NA.
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Nice read, sir. Keep doing what you're doing! Everyone I know who plays starcraft enjoys your casts
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Love your casting <3 Glad to see things are working out for you Onward and upward!
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Not offense to Khaldor who is a good caster and very experienced. But I think you're twice as good as him, you're more knowledgeable and your voice is great! I am sure if you keep at it, you will go far.
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I still remember linking you to the casting application for the very first Teamstorycup (I think it was teamstorycup?) in your twitch chat "back in the days". So glad you made it to the big stages.
Keep on doing what you love
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You're a hero Nathanias, an inspiration, but most importantly a badass caster. Hoping for only the best for you.
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It's pretty rare for me to like new casters. Usually takes a while for me to appreciate the stuff they say, but you're one of the few that I've come to like very fast. Knowledgeable, great casting voice, easy to follow along with as a co-caster (from what I can tell), etc. Keep it up!
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Happy for you, Nathan
Hope all goes well & that you'll have a great time too. :D
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EPT
