EPTDear reader,
There's nobody I'd rather work with than Zombiegrub. She's been there for every cast & crazy moment, she's got a fun sense of humour, and a great set of kitties (Okay, this is a very serious message, there's my 1 joke allowance). She's really just the best, and I'm going to miss her. Zombiegrub's taking a step back from BaseTradeTV, so let's talk about it:
Zombiegrub has accomplished a number of impressive accolades this year, from the start of 2017 with the live Nation Wars broadcast, all the way until the most recent WCS Montreal commentary she provided. She has shown the world just how great of a main stream commentator she can be, and also how talented she is. Anyone can see just how lucky I've been to have her as a partner by my side these past 5 years. Unfortunately, due a number of different personal and professional reasons, combined with her own personal goals moving forward, she has decided it's best that she steps down from her role in BaseTradeTV.
...I wanted to make this some sort of magnanimous point about how we both agree it's what's best going forward, but I can't do that. I'd be lying if I said anything other than the fact that I’m losing a great colleague, diligent worker, and the ability to work with one of my friends whom I've known the longest. However, as with all her endeavors to date, I will continue to support and cheer for her to succeed, no matter how much it may burden or sadden me to lose her as a co-caster.
As for the future of the channel, we've discussed how things will continue for the rest of the year. Zombiegrub has agreed to stay on and finish some of our contracted work, such as the Ting Open Season 4, but will be participating less in general upcoming tournament broadcasts. Whether or not this will have an effect on BaseTradeTV going into 2018 has yet to be determined.
As for my own personal thoughts: Zombiegrub has helped hold me accountable for a great many things. In some cases that would surface to the public or to reddit, in others she would just be the motivator making me show up to the cast, even on days where I really didn’t want to. In truth, I’m still unsure if I have the desire to try and find someone to fill her role, she was so much more than "just a co-caster" to me. Although her presence will not be totally gone, and she will still likely pop around now and again, she will be missed.
-Rifkin
Starting in November, I will be reducing my time spent casting on BasetradeTV in favor of working on my own brand. You'll see me for our weeklies and some odd tournaments here and there, but I will not be casting everyday like many are used to seeing. This means I will be streaming more on my personal channel, producing more content, and continuing to accept as many live gigs as possible. This has everything to do with me wanting to set new goals and develop as my own person.
I've really enjoyed growing BTTV alongside Rifkin, but after so many years, I'd like to take charge of my personal brand again. Rifkin has been great in supporting any chances I've taken or ideas I've had, but the simple fact is that casting (and many other miscellaneous things like business meetings, delivering packages, scheduling etc) takes up a lot of time and energy. At this point in my life, I would like to take charge of my own growth while still working with BTTV, but in a different capacity.
For anyone that hasn't already been following my endeavors, I've recently enjoyed streaming, and I mean that I've actually enjoyed streaming, so I want to work on that going forward. I recently cast WCS Montreal and I'll continue pursuing any chance to do live events. Traveling is awesome and every event I've been to has been an amazing experience. Additionally, I'll be taking up other jobs and looking for my own sponsors and opportunities. So, however you feel about this post, please consider continuing to support me.
P.S: There's no way to halt the onslaught of trolls, but here's my attempt. Please don't assume to know more than you do, and instead actually look at the words written here. I want to grow as my own person and set new challenges for myself. My time casting with Rifkin has been great, and I look forward to many more casts.
I've really enjoyed growing BTTV alongside Rifkin, but after so many years, I'd like to take charge of my personal brand again. Rifkin has been great in supporting any chances I've taken or ideas I've had, but the simple fact is that casting (and many other miscellaneous things like business meetings, delivering packages, scheduling etc) takes up a lot of time and energy. At this point in my life, I would like to take charge of my own growth while still working with BTTV, but in a different capacity.
For anyone that hasn't already been following my endeavors, I've recently enjoyed streaming, and I mean that I've actually enjoyed streaming, so I want to work on that going forward. I recently cast WCS Montreal and I'll continue pursuing any chance to do live events. Traveling is awesome and every event I've been to has been an amazing experience. Additionally, I'll be taking up other jobs and looking for my own sponsors and opportunities. So, however you feel about this post, please consider continuing to support me.
P.S: There's no way to halt the onslaught of trolls, but here's my attempt. Please don't assume to know more than you do, and instead actually look at the words written here. I want to grow as my own person and set new challenges for myself. My time casting with Rifkin has been great, and I look forward to many more casts.
