Dear DQers,
I started this website in my teenage years back in 2005 without any deeper purpose for it, apart from simply having a place on the internet to call my own and to showcase my creations. Mainly flash animations and some art work. To my surprise people actually found their way here and a bit further on, the Castle series came into existence and along with it more members found our small but dear community. I was sixteen back then, I'm getting close to my thirties now.
Tomorrow DQ turns twelve. It's somewhat hard to grasp that DQ is more than a decade old website! Life really has changed during those years, not only for me I imagine. I think the trend here is that the older I became, the less attention and time I gave the website. I was always under the impression that the site would be around forever anyways, so leaving for periods here and there wouldn't matter. But I've finally realized that there's little to no point in running a website which I don't give the proper attention or love it deserves. I have other priorities in life nowadays, and it's hard to imagine that will change in the near future.
I'm still sometimes mind-boggled by the fact that the community kind of maintained itself for so long. Especially by the fact that some of you guys actually became so tight you decided to meet up in real life on multiple occasions. I can't be sure of course, but I imagine we have members here who will keep in touch with each other in one way or another for many years to come.
Dear DQ - This is where we part. All things come to an end, and I think we had a good run. I've always said I'll keep the place running for as long as people actually keep showing up and keep showing an interest in the forums and I did. I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to all of you who made this place be, it wouldn't have lasted this long without you. I'd also like to thank a few members in particular for showing an extra interest in the site for times on and off.
Victory, we've had our bright moments and beefs, but in the end you were always fair and incredibly supportive in both my personal and life and helpful in my strive to achieve great animation and creative works. Thanks man, you rock.
Killing_Time, you really kept the place going for periods of my absence and managed to encourage the community into participating in various contests and creations. And I'll always remember your fantastic genuine support during dark times in my personal life. Thank you.
Drunky, I think I've known you the longest of all, although at first not through DQ. We don't really talk too much nowadays but I think we share some really good memories together and I'm happy you migrated to DQ when you did. Thanks for all (and for the Discord initiative!)
Ecfor, oh man you busted your ass of in those character bios. I'm surprised you never gave up on me. You're also a great giver of critique whenever I had something I thought was cool to show. We had good personal talks as well and I appreciate especially your Deviant-art page initiative and Castle arts. Thank you!
Polo, man you're a great guy. I don't even remember when you found DQ but I know it would not have been the same without you. Thanks.
Calvey, back in the days and even to the end you were a helpful friend both in terms of voice acting, FAQ, character bios and general site maintenance. Thanks man.
Netrosis, yes I'd like to thank you as as well in case you even see this. I know we parted ways in the worst kind of circumstances but I'll always be thankful for your passion in the site during the early years and helped make the site to what it was. Thanks and good luck in your life however it looks lately.
Varth & Wadling, we never spoke much directly, but I know you guys have been key figures in the site and various community "come togethers". Thank you!
Rezuth, you eel. Even though you haven't been around for ages, you did help come up with the name of the site. Much thanks for your companionship during all the years.
I have other names too, especially old timers and it's a bit lengthy to name you all, hope you don't mind but I'm sure you know who you are. Thanks a lot for being a part of the site!
So what happens now? The plan is to close/archive the forums soon, but I'll keep them open a few weeks longer for you guys to say good bye to the site or share your personal DQ story. I'd appreciate that. The site's hosting has been paid for already and will expire October next year. Until then I'll probably keep the site itself running just for the Castle info, animations and what not. After that I'm unsure. I'm pretty sure I'll keep the domain name despite the site being up or not, just in case I'd like to revive it in the future or something. You never know.
And by now I'm sure one of the biggest questions now is: What about Castle IV? Sadly I must admit I have not produced anything new for the past six months or so because of the same reasons I'm closing the site. Life looked different about three years ago when I decided to pursue it. I'm putting it under the official state "on hold" for an unknown future. There's too much work in it for me to simply throw it away at this point. Yet, there's so much work to get it done that I can't see it happening soon in this production rate, and I've already decided not to involve other people in the production. In theory, I could prioritize all my free time into making it, but there's no reward, true purpose or light at the end of the tunnel in doing so. And the sacrifice of family time and being a dad is just unrealistic and undesired. I'm already working full time as a 3D artist too so there's no motivation to land a job or anything. What's left is my passion for the nostalgia, Castle-story and love of animation. I'm sorry to say but that's not enough right now. I hope I won't disappoint too many of you.
That's it folks! Sad news but cheer up, you can all still stay in touch with the community and myself in the discord channel. You all take care now!
Edit: Site is now archived. You may read and save whatever memories you have until October, but can't post except for in this thread if you wish to say your good byes etc. Thanks all everyone!
- Oscar Johansson