The Time Has Come...

[C.J. Gates]

The time has come for me to step away from APW and from e-fedding in general.

School's been kicking my ass and it only gets tougher in January. Add in my work schedule, and it leaves very little time to sit down and write roleplays, let alone write something I actually enjoy. I don't know if I've written anything I really enjoyed in the past year...which sure takes some of the fun out of it, because it feels more like a job, like I needed to RP.

Right now I'm calling this a leave of absence. There's a good possibility I might be back at some point (probably no sooner then May if I am, maybe Survive and Conquer), but there's also a good possibility I am done e-fedding forever. I know, no one is ever done-done, but I've been doing this for 15 years, and the thought of not having to RP on the regular is actually something I'm looking forward to.

If this is indeed the end for me, I couldn't have had a better final run. From when I started in APW in the summer of 2010 to now, I've had a blast. I've been fortunate enough to roleplay with some of the greatest writers in this game, both here and in interfed competitions (Benevolence/Fresh/Goeren mainly). I've also been fortunate enough to have some great feuds and matches. Through them, I've been able to push myself to become a better writer, and I can only thank those people that made me step up. Sally, Marvin, Rebel, Level One, Biggs, Noble (if he sees this), Envi, Delikado, Saint, Kash...the list goes on and on. Everyone I've had the pleasure of competing against has helped me and I've enjoyed those feuds. So thanks for that.

As for the final match, I thoroughly enjoyed it and the story. I had contemplated stepping back after Shockwave, but when Biggs proposed this idea to us...I couldn't say no. And I'm glad I didn't.

I won't go into a long list of personal thanks - I'll save that for PMs. I'll probably remain on the boards OOC, though I probably won't be as active (not that I was all that active for the past year). Who knows, maybe I'll jump back into mafia if the time is there.

There's a chance I might be back, but if not, good luck to everyone.

If anyone is looking to contact me, feel free to hit me up on AIM (mmclean611). It's probably the easiest way to keep in contact.

And thanks for making me a better writer.

Cheers.

[Reaver]

this sux, u gonna at least stay for mafia?

[Evan De Parker]

CJ, I refuse to believe you'll be staying off these boards! I hope to see you check in every now and again.

Your presence will be missed, in an in-character and OOC basis. This is a huge blow to the Overdrive roster, but hopefully forces the roster to step up and continue to contribute to a compelling "program." Facing you has always been fun, and forced me to bring my absolute best... (TFTB being a prime example.) I'm a little saddened that our Meltdown plans never came to fruition, but these things happen, and I know when you're ready to return, you'll get the chance to do something great with several people, hopefully with myself included.

And. I think we've butted heads a few times. BUT I like to think it was all in good fun.

See you around. Good luck with stuff!

[Shadow]

Gates man, Im sorry to see you go. I wish you the best and like Envi said this does hit Overdrive pretty hard as you were a major face on that show. It is time for some new blood to stand up and be recognized. I understand L-1 gets a rematch for the belt but I really would like to see a face contending too so be thinking if this is your time guys.

Take care and Godspeed sir.

[Lord Raab]

WOAH WHAT? This sucks dude that you are leaving us and the e-fedding community. Damn man. Anyway yep real life does catch up to all of us. It's true everyone that me and Gates have faced against each other this year in a singles match in the T-Act Cup and boy you was a challenge to RP against and the War Games match too. You will be missed by everyone here and no doubt that you are going to be in the APW HOF because you are a god damn legend dude. I wish you all the best for the future.

[SalTal]

Reading this was the worst thing I've read all day (including Shadow's feedback).

CJ - you're as much a stalwart here as anyone else. We started around the same time and I'll always remember the guy who - time and time again - kept getting "passed over" (insert there whatever the equivalent is in feeding). I will always be astounded that CJ Gates never became a multi-time 'top champion' purely based on the fact that each and every week, show, and pay per view you were putting in not only all of your effort but promos that stood up among the best here in APW.

The same can be said for when you were handling Rico as well - you helped to build Asylum, and I'll always associate you with that show, and its success, with you.

I still remember our feud fondly - it rates among my all time favourites. But anyone who has worked with you would say that. You've been a creative force and a great guy to have here in APW, and it certainly won't be the same without you.

See you around the boards, hopefully in the 'ring' too.

[Jace]

It sucks to see you go bro. I'm glad I got the chance to rp against you in the tag and T4TB. I hope everything goes smoothly for you and don't be a stranger.

[Jason Cashe]

This is SHIT! You can't leave!! You are the original Poster Boy for me in APW. You were the one I noticed first and when I found out you were Rico Casteel? Oh man I HAD to get a piece. APW without Gates? First TMarv and now Gates? This is like an era coming into changes. This sucks man, I hope you get the itch so bad you are caught scratching and have no choice but to return. Sorry but that's my hope.

[Chris Madison]

Wow...just wow...

Let me just say it was a complete honor and privelege to work with you in what may amount to your final match in APW. I thoroughly enjoyed bouncing ideas off you and Biggs for our Black Hand/Space Cowboys feud. There's no secret that when I came back to this game Kash/Knox/and Knuckles were the reason for me to choose APW. But once I started rping a bucket list of people I wanted to work with quickly formed. I missed out on Terry Marvin but I'm glad I was able to get in some work with Gates before his time came.

Best of luck in everything you do and don't be a stranger OOC...

[T-Marv]

Whoa... I guess I saw this coming but whoa.

Love and respect you Gates.

[Anthony Bailey]

This is a shocker. We really didn't talk much but you certainly are a stand up guy from my observation. Good luck with everything bro.