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! ^ ^