I've recently been directed to this thread which has filled me with deep sorrow. For those of you that don't know me my name is Niela. For those of you that do know me you are aware that I've been with the people who were kicked or left AND the HNMLS leader(Thalion)for a long time; way before this ls was even made and when chat linkshells were cherished. Needless to say I've been around for more than two years and I've watched everyone grow in-game to the ppl they are now. These ppl were my in-game family, we did everything together, experienced the good & the bad, we knew eachother's strengths and weaknesses, moods and personalities. Seeing as how i'm close to both sides I do have certain things to state.
First the sackholders and loyal members, the ppl who were kicked were part of the life and soul of the linkshell, they were true leaders, helpful and patient (most of them :) but even the roudy ones were there to back you up if you found yourself in trouble. They sacrificed a good part of their real lives to make sure things ran smoothly, got events done for other members and still knew how to have fun and make light of certain situations. These guys were the best of the best and it pains me to hear them so badly treated. On the other side I can see how their playing WoW could of seemed like abandonment of the ls, but honestly this is a video game keep that in mind. They should not be outcasted for a recreational choice, nor treated like strangers from the rest of the linkshell members after giving so much of themselves in the service of others. If I had been there at the time something would of definitely been said but sadly I had to hear of this after the facts then to later to see it for myself.
Now Thalion, we all knew what kind of person you were. To some you were an ***, to others you were a god, to me you were just my in-game big brother and that's it how you'll remain. You can be serious and stern but that's what is needed from a hnmls leader, you were organized and orderly which was crucial for events, you got things done and took the initiative to plan these events for ppl who needed them and for that no one can put you at a fault. I will not comment on what I think about these events in a negative or bitter light. To me Thalion was a great leader b/c he had the guts to make decisions and stand by them whether they were wrong or right, as a leader you can't be everyone's "best friend" but nor can you behave or think that you and the ls are invincible which I hope and pray has not happened.
Sorry for this long winded post, but I do have one more thing to say. Think about what this has done, think about the immature thoughts that have brought about these events. Many of you considered the other a leader, a comrade, a brother, a sister, or at the very least a good friend. Don't let this experience come between these relationships, blood is thicker than water and from any way you choose to look at this, Final Fantasy XI is still and always will be a game and nothing more...
This will be the last thing I do before I say my farewells in-game. This was the first time I've ever posted anything on here and I hope it will be my last. I wish you all nothing but the best and you all know what you mean to me.
-Niela- aka "Nini"