Well. It was a fun two months over at GameRiot, but things didn't work out quite like I hoped.

I don't want to get into the specifics of the situation too much. Not only is it not important, but I'm not sure how much I'm allowed to say.

(Although, if there's one thing I've learned in my time as an eSports writer, it's that secrets don't stay that way for very long. The current that powers the rumor mill is strong, indeed.)

I will say that I learned an important lesson about power and control. Namely, if you're looking into a job and somebody is selling you on a vision, or making promises of any kind, make sure they're in a position to deliver. My time with GameRiot was disappointing for one reason only: I feel like the people a few steps above my position weren't drinking the Kool-Aid. They weren't as committed to the plan as the people under them (those directly above me), and we all know who will lose that war ten times out of ten.

That's not to say I was treated unfairly or harbor any ill-will. I don't. The people I worked with on a day-to-day basis were nothing but honest, friendly, welcoming, and helpful. It was truly a pleasure to work with them for the short time. And I don't even blame the higher-ups for switching directions. It was a business decision, plain and simple. They wanted to move in a different direction -- one that no longer necessitated staff writers. I completely understand.

My only wish is that we were given more of an opportunity to build what we had envisioned. There was a lot of talent on the editorial team, and we had enough resources to make a huge impact on the community. But building readership takes a lot of time, especially when habits are already ingrained. There was no hope of returning their investment in the first month, two, or maybe even six. Still, somewhere down the road, with enough faith and patience, I think we would have gotten over the hump and been able to provide the community with something truly special.

Maybe that's just wishful thinking, but the saddest part is that we'll never know.

Regardless, I want to give a quick thanks to Stu, Slasher, Slapnuts, Kyle, Detonator, Glenn Cravens, Austin, Brad, and anybody else I got a chance to work with but am too stupid to remember. It was a fun ride; I just wish it lasted a little longer.

So, for now it's back to LANDodger. I'm not sure where I'll end up yet, to be honest. I'm talking to some people about a staff position right now, so this is probably a temporary home.

Thanks to everybody that followed the switch back and forth. I wish I didn't have to put you through the hassle but I'd rather write for LD right now.

And, lastly, thanks to everybody that left comments in my posts the last two months. The feedback is much appreciated, and I can honestly say I was really pleased with the kind of comments I received -- they were, by and large, thoughtful, honest, and always made an attempt to further the discussion, which is something you rarely see on eSports sites. You guys are the best.