Who Knew?

Who knew that taking on the role of Community Manager here at 2old2play would result in so many opportunities (and responsibilities) in such a short period of time? Having spent the last four years working as an Outreach Specialist for a major retail outlet (it has recently come to my attention that maintaining separation between my work life and my online personality is a wise choice) I have quite a bit of experience with organizing events and coordinating multiple partners working to reach common goals. I presumed that serving as the Community Manager for this site would be a very similar undertaking that would be easily orchestrated via a few quick emails, IM's and Twitter posts throughout the day, perhaps augmented by an updated blog post here and there to fill site members and guests in on what is just around the bend. Though there are certainly similarities between these two endeavors, I had not anticipated the shear amount of work that it would require, nor the response I would receive from the 2old2play Community to my invitation for ideas, support and participation. Since posting my "Please Allow Me to Introduce Myself" threads ( http://tinyurl.com/cuowyy ) in some of the key forums on this site, I have been overwhelmed by the response from the members of 2old2play. It seems that many of our members are as excited as I am about some of the plans that we have in the works. If the number of PM's in my inbox is any indication, there is a fairly large reservoir of untapped energy available here at 2old2play. I would like to thank everyone for their input, willingness to participate and offers of support. In the near future, I will be reaching out to many of you to take you up on these offers in supporting of events such as the 2old2play Xbox Live Community Playdate, the Grudge Match with SFX360, the PWNathon and the 2009 LAN.

Planning for many of these events (specifically the PWNathon and LAN) were well under way prior to my coming on line as the CM. A great deal of coordination and work goes into everything you see on this site. From the 2old2type pod-casts with CodeMonkey and DSmooth to the regular front page stories submitted (after many re-writes, discussions and input from others) by the Press Corps; from the numerous tournaments, game nights and member blogs to the hard work that Doodi & Co. are doing to bring us 2old2play V.3,  this site kept functioning by numerous unseen and often unheralded hands. The time spent emailing, PMing and speaking with folks via various digital and online portals is potentially overwhelming. Though it can be quite challenging to keep up with all the information that is exchanged through this site on a daily basis, I find it exhilarating and very motivating to see how much the members of 2old2play are personally invested in the success of our community. I see some pretty cool things happening and am very glad to be able to play a small role in helping to reach our common goals.

I strongly encourage you to put what energies and skills you may have to use and pitch in somewhere as well. If you like to write, submit a story to the Press Corps for publication on the front page. The folks in the Press Corps are very willing to help by previewing potential articles and giving constructive feedback to help you create the best piece possible. If your skills veer more toward witty repertoire, then by all means, try your hand at writing a blog and expressing your own, less structured view of the gaming life (or whatever else is on your mind). If you are more suited to organizational skills, then lend your assistance to the formation of a league or ladder. Don't see your favorite game in the limelight? Then by all means, figure out a way to gather others around you who have the same interest and create a new clan. There are countless ways that each and every one of you can contribute to the ongoing growth and success of 2old2play as a Gaming Community. So I challenge you to choose one thing that you can contribute to the mix and pitch in. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy playing a more active role in the site. And who knows, you may even learn a thing or two along the way.