Moderators
The Start
The moderation team faced several challenges right from the start. When we first began, the initial group of moderators wasn't very active or motivated, which left me shouldering most of the responsibility. I found myself handling the bulk of the tasks and trying to keep things running smoothly. That's when Luke Skywalker and BoardyNFT approached me and offered to step in and help. It was a welcome change, as they brought fresh energy and a willingness to contribute, something we desperately needed.
Volunteering
It's important to remember that everyone on the moderation team was volunteering their time, which made it even more challenging to maintain the level of engagement and organization we needed. I was often asked to recruit more people to join the team, but that wasn't always easy. Even when I reached out to potential candidates, it wasn't always guaranteed they'd be able to commit at the level required. Many people expressed interest, but following through and getting the right level of dedication was tough.
Organic Growth
To keep the community active and engaged, we tried several organic methods. We focused on creating genuine connections and fostering an environment where people felt like they were part of something important. This often meant going beyond the basics of moderating and creating an atmosphere where people felt heard and valued. But we also realized that, at times, we had to get more creative to maintain engagement. So, we experimented with new ideas, like games and giveaways, to encourage participation and interaction. These tactics weren't always foolproof, but we learned a lot from them, and they helped keep things interesting for the community.
Throughout this process, we constantly sought ways to balance organic engagement with strategic marketing, understanding that both were essential for building a lasting and active community. Even though we faced challenges and had to adjust our approach along the way, I believe these efforts contributed to the growth and overall success of the community.
When Luke and Boardy came on board, they started off strong. They were active in the Discord, keeping things moving and helping with the momentum. At one point, Luke and Boardy mentioned they didn’t have PCs, so the project bought them two Chromebooks to ensure they could fully participate. Luke, in particular, was a big help during the early stages. However, over time, I began to notice that Boardy wasn’t as focused on the project. It became clear that he was spending more time with other projects, particularly the BasedFishMafia, since he had come from that community. A lot of people were hopping between projects during that time, and while I understood that, as a mod, I expected them to focus on our project.
The BoardyNFT Lie
At one point, I had a conversation with Luke about Boardy’s lack of commitment. We were both frustrated, and yes, we talked about him. It wasn’t anything personal, just about how he wasn’t giving enough to the project and was too distracted with other things. I admit, we talked badly about him. Later, Boardy found out about this conversation. Since Luke and Boardy were good friends, I understand why he would tell Boardy what was said. Boardy confronted me about it, on voice chat, and I, unfortunately, lied and denied it. I’ll be honest, I made a mistake. I didn’t want to escalate tensions, but I see now that I should have been truthful from the start. Eventually, I admitted to him that I had said it before the call ended, and that’s when we parted ways.
Wattsy, BHarry & Matt on Board
After Boardy left, Wattsy came into the picture, as well as Bharry, Matt, and a few others. At this point, Luke was still helping, but his involvement was starting to wane. There were other mods, but not many who were as committed. The problem with Wattsy was that he wasn’t putting in much effort either. Both Luke and Wattsy started losing focus. Luke was distracted by Fat-Rat, and Wattsy had shifted his focus to his own project. It became painfully clear that neither of them was giving the level of commitment we needed. Everyone saw it, even Ray Charles could have noticed it. Luke would complain about Wattsy not doing enough, and Wattsy would complain that Luke wasn’t pulling his weight. It was a frustrating situation for everyone involved, but nothing really changed.
Eventually, Wattsy took on the lead mod role, but that didn’t last long. Both of them seemed to check out, and it wasn’t long before they approached me with an ultimatum: they would continue working on the project, but only if I paid them for their time. If I couldn’t offer compensation, they’d step away from promoting and helping the project, though they would remain in the Discord. Their involvement would essentially stop unless they were paid.
I’ll admit, I was frustrated by the timing of this request. Honestly, I would have expected something like this when the project was thriving and had real momentum—not when it was on the brink of collapse. But they still pushed for compensation. Luke didn’t say much during this conversation, but I told both of them that I truly appreciated their help up to that point, though I simply couldn’t afford to pay them. I think I gave them a small token of appreciation, but ultimately, I had to explain that the project didn’t have the resources to offer them what they were asking for.
After that conversation, the project started to spiral. Without their help and with the lack of commitment from the rest of the moderation team, things began to slow down, and we lost the momentum we had.
The Honest Truth
I want to take a moment to truly thank and recognize each one of you for the unique contributions you made to the project. Without your help and hard work, the community and the project would not have reached the heights that it did.
Wattsy – You brought a sense of urgency and leadership to the team, and your belief in me and the project was evident in how you stepped up when it mattered most. Even when things weren’t going smoothly, you were willing to take charge and ensure that what needed to be done got done. That kind of dedication was invaluable, especially during challenging times.
I know there were moments when your focus shifted to your own projects, and I completely understand that when you have a project of your own, your commitment and focus naturally go toward that. While you were with us, you worked hard to keep the community engaged and involved, and your contributions helped shape the direction of the project.
Even though we didn’t always see eye to eye, I recognize and respect that you went on to build something new with the community that felt left behind. That speaks to your ability to lead and create opportunities, even when things didn’t go as planned here. Thank you for believing in the project and for giving your dedication when it mattered most. Your efforts were vital, and I’m grateful for everything you brought to the team.
Luke Skywalker – I know there were moments when things slowed down, but your dedication and loyalty to the project were truly commendable. You believed in me and the vision of the project in a way that inspired confidence and kept us moving forward. That belief meant so much to me—it was a constant reminder of why we were doing this and what we were working toward.
You were there when it mattered, especially during the early stages when everything was being built from the ground up. Your commitment to the team and the success of the project was evident in everything you did, and it played a key role in laying the foundation for what we were able to accomplish. Despite everything, you stayed a valuable part of the team and stepped in to help in the ways that were needed most. Your efforts, your belief in me, and your faith in the project did not go unnoticed.
Thank you, truly, for standing by me and for giving so much of your time, energy, and trust. It meant more than I can put into words.
BHarry – You were a dedicated and reliable part of the team, and your belief in me and the project never wavered. Whether it was handling tasks in Discord, helping organize community efforts, or just being there when things needed to get done, you were always someone I could count on. That kind of trust and support meant so much to me and made a real difference for the team and the community.
Your work ethic, willingness to put in the time and energy, and unwavering commitment didn’t go unnoticed. Beyond your contributions, the faith you had in what we were building kept me motivated during even the toughest times. I truly appreciate everything you did for the project and the community. Thank you for always being there when we needed you and for believing in me and the vision we were working toward.
Matt Force – From the start, you were a crucial member of the team, and your belief in me and the project was evident in everything you did. Your design work was exceptional, and the creativity you brought to the table was invaluable. It takes a lot of determination to become great at anything, and it was clear that you were committed to improving your craft and delivering high-quality work. That dedication and passion inspired me and others to keep pushing forward.
Your contributions went beyond just design; you played a key role in keeping the team together and worked hard to maintain order during tough times. Even when things weren’t going as planned, you stayed committed, and that effort didn’t go unnoticed. Your belief in what we were building and the energy you brought to the project made a real difference.
Thank you for all the time, energy, and creativity you put into the project. Your work and your faith in me truly helped shape what we accomplished. I’m incredibly grateful for everything you did.
Other Mentions
Cheech– Cheech, you’ve always been someone who believed in me, and I can’t express how much that’s meant. You were always there, a constant presence in the group, doing everything you could to help the community thrive. Whether it was offering support, lending a hand, or simply being part of the team, you showed up in ways that truly mattered. You made a difference, and I want you to know I’m deeply grateful for that.
I also want to say how truly sorry I am for everything that has happened. I know you were one of the people upset about the situation with the Sandbox land. I vividly remember our conversation about it that day while I was at my son’s baseball game. You shared your thoughts, and I could feel the weight of what you were saying. I’ll never forget how you ended that conversation, saying you needed some “private reflection time” with your wife. That moment has stuck with me because it showed how much you cared, not just about the project, but about how everything was handled.
Thank you for everything you’ve done, Cheech. Your belief and support were invaluable, and I regret that things didn’t go differently.
Thrill – Thrill, your passion for the project was always so clear. You genuinely loved the art, and it showed in how much you supported and celebrated it. Your enthusiasm was infectious and helped bring so much energy to the community. It wasn’t just the art that you believed in—you loved the community and the project as a whole, and your dedication to it was inspiring.
What meant even more to me was how much you believed in me and the success of the project. You saw the potential, even when things were uncertain, and your unwavering support and belief in what we were trying to build kept me going. You weren't just a fan of the work; you were fully invested in seeing us succeed.
Thank you for your belief, your positivity, and for being such an important part of this journey. Your love for what we built and your faith in me and the project will always be remembered.
Dupees- I’ve been reflecting on one of the most meaningful conversations we had about two years ago. We spoke for over an hour while I was out of town, and I opened up about how overwhelmed I was feeling with everything I had taken on—Moose Society, Alpha Island, Reignlabs, Astronauts, and more. I felt like I had taken on more than I could handle, and I was really in need of help and reassurance.
You were there for me, talking me off the ledge not once, but twice that night. Your support meant more than I can express, and I will always be grateful for it. I also want to thank you for all your continued support of the project and your active involvement in the community. Your efforts to help boost the project when we truly needed it made a huge difference and are something I’ll never forget.
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