New Moderator Needed For MP.com

It is with a heavy heart, but a clear conscious that I have decided to retire my position here as moderator at MP.com.
 
A few of you know the trials I have been through since last December, fighting the state of CA for custody of my daughter who was made a ward of the court after being removed from her mother’s care. Back in August, all my hard work and due diligence paid off, and since the state could not prove that I was “brain damaged from excessive drug use,” along with the rest of their asinine accusations, I received custody of my daughter. I also recently found out from a DNA test on her oldest brother that he is my son.
 
Since that time, I’ve found more of my focus shifting to family matters and less of my attention focused on the internet, video games, movies, etc. I’m now a full time father, and while DebraKadabra and I could function reasonably well with her income and what I brought in doing independent web design and managing internet properties, one solid income is not enough.
 
I want to make this clear, this has nothing to do with Mike or Dream Theater. This is about my family and I, and having to put them first. I discussed this with Mike last week, and he understands and there are absolutely no hard feelings on either his behalf, or my own.
 
I still plan on being an active (more so than when I was the moderator) member of the community, and will take the time to show whoever is willing to step into my shoes the ropes of what needs to be done around here. I will not be stepping down right away, as I want to make sure the new moderator is trained and comfortable in the daily duties here.
 
Responsibilities will include :
 
Monitoring the MP.com Forum for content that violates the rules.
Approval of new members.
Approval of moderator approved messages.
 
Requirements :
 
Microsoft Outlook. I will send you all of my records on warnings and bans, along with all the tasks associated with such (users coming off bans, etc.)
 
If you’re interested please email me at Weymolith at mikeportnoy.com with the subject Moderator Consideration.
 
This is going to take someone with unique abilities and thick skin to do, so I’m going to be real picky about who I hand this off to. I’d prefer it to be a user that everyone is familiar with, and I know to be of strong character. Those that have repeated warnings / bans need not apply.

Best of luck to you Wookie! 
 
Hope to see you around here sometimes!!

Family first. That was probably an easy decision actually. Good luck to you and congratulations.

You're making a decision to better your family's life. That is great to hear, and best of luck to you.

Wey,
We will miss you, but I am so glad to hear about the favorable results in the custody battle. Parenthood is a full time job. It may be the toughest job that you ever have, but the most rewarding. I wish you the best of luck!

I wish you all the best Wey, and hope to see you around here often. As someone with 2 (small) kids, I know how much attention and work is required.

Good luck Sir!

good luck man!!!!
 

Wey ,
    Best of luck to you and the family always !!! I will never forget the MP A7X stick. It was great having you as Moderator , and it will be equally as great having you pop on more often now...   ...Rich

I've been on here, for several years, and I think you've done a great job of moderating. I have 4 kids and certainly understand your decision. I wish you and your whole family the best with all the transitioning. See you around the forum, Wey.

Much love to you sir, I don't think there's a single entity on these boards who would begrudge you for your priority shift. This gent wishes you the best in all future endeavours, and has full faith in your ability to handpick a top-notch successor

All the best Wey

I logged in just to reply to this.

I really wish you the very best of success, nothing like the love of a family. I have a two year old and although it is a great responsibility, I her smile is worth all the "trouble".

You, god sir, have major balls.  I salute you.
 
Best regards!
 
Rafael

I wish you and your family the best in all your future endeavors!!!!

I don't frequent any other forums, but if I did, I bet I wouldn't find one that is moderated any better than this one. You were a pillar of stability here and I respect that (even after having 2 ban vacations ). And being a father of 4, I understand the family comes first rule whole heartedly. Good luck in the future and hope to see you around these parts once in a while. Rock on

Hey,if you remember...
 
I just wanted to say thanks again for holding on to that Hammer Of The Gods dvd when they took down the merch table while I ran out to get some cash to buy it after the Amazing Journey show in Whittier.
 
Best of luck to you and your family.

Is there any chance that Yngwie Malmsteen will become the Moderator of this Forum?

Best of luck, Mr. Weymolith!

Good luck Wey, family priorities need to be addressed first.
 
Oh God what fate awaits us now?

Good luck finding a replacement, Wey, and good luck with your family!
 
 
 
Mommy I'm scared.

Easy decision to make, Wey, and I'm glad you did. Best of luck to you, and to the next moderator.

Good luck and see you around the halls.  
 
We should get a pool going on how long before Wey gets his first ban...  

You have done a great job  moderating this place, good luck finding someone of that shoesize
 
As a father of two, I totally understand and respect your decision to put family first. Good luck with everything in the future Wey....

All the best Wey :)

Thank you Wey for being the one who kept this bizarre carnival together for all those years. This place is really one of the best moderated places on the net due to your no discussion stick to the rules policy. It sure needs some large feet to fit into wookie shoes.
I´m glad that you are not planning to leave us completely and I´m looking forward to exchange opinions with you apart from the duties of a forum moderator.
All the best fot Deb, your children and you and your new born family spirit!

No way I would do that job
 
Wey deserves maximun respect for holding the line over many years

Congrats winning the custody battle and suddenly having a son.
 
I cannot even begin to imagine how many hours you've spend moderating this site - you must have purple eyes. I have not always been too fond of all the rules, but nonetheless you have done a great job upholding them.
 
Lots of good luck to you, Deb and the rest of your family in the future to come. 

I am very sad to see this happen, but at least it is for the right reasons.
 
I wish you and your all the best Wey. You have been through so much here, other forums, and in real life and are still kicking. Choosing to do the right thing, is the best thing to do. We're all still here for you.

I post on several forums where the moderation often feels unjust. Not so here. How on earth you've managed to walk that tightrope of consistency, I've no idea Rai.
 
Good luck to you and your family - and, most importantly, thank you.

Wishing you all the best. Easy choice, but you still had to make it. Good luck with your family.

All the best, Way! Let the light shine upon your life.

All the best Wey and thanks for doing such an awesome job.

As someone who has been banned himself, all I can say is hats off to you, Wey. I´m glad you got custody and fully understand the decision. Thanks for all the years of excellent modding. 

I'm not here around for a long time, but your excellent moderating is one of the big reasons I joined this forum at all. Thank you for keeping this place pleasant and all the best to you and your family.
 
P.S.: Could you clone yourself, please? You are supernatural, aren't you?
 

Thanks for years of even handed moderation. No favorites. No special treatment for
'pals'...everyone here was treated equally. It will be very hard to find someone who
will follow in your shoes. All the best to your family as you move forward.

It's a sad day. I knew you wouldn't be mod forever but I always thought you did a great job. I hope you will keep your promise and stay around as a forumer.
 
Good luck in your new life!

Best of luck and kudos on the great job you've done all these years.  You couldn't pay me enough to moderate this madhouse, especially on those days when the goo really hits the fan and sticks to the walls.  Sounds like you made a very wise decision though and I wish you the best with the family and life in general and hope we do continue to see your smiling wookie face around!

Did everyone else miss the omg you have a son?!!! 
That's so exciting!! 
 
Good luck with everything Rai, I've had a wonderful 9 years (!!!) posting here with you as a mod. 

Good luck Wey. I'm sorry to see you step down but glad to know you'll still be hanging out here.