All Good Things...

[Cormac]

They say all good things must come to an end. NationStates Gameplay is not a good thing, but I suppose even things with a soul-sucking effect that I wouldn't recommend must also come to an end eventually.

I have decided, fairly abruptly, to retire from NationStates, and unlike others who prefer to go out on a high note or fade away, I prefer to go out saying exactly what I think and how I feel, as I have always done. This game is poisonous. It is toxic. It encourages people to build friendships, to make this a social game, but due to its political nature and some of the deeply disturbed people playing this game, it also encourages people to exploit those friendships and to use the social nature of this game for the worst kind of emotional manipulation.

I had hoped by the time I retired I would look back and have fond memories of things I had accomplished in NationStates. Instead, I'm looking back and wondering why I didn't retire when Earth did in early 2013. Or even earlier than that, when I first caught a glimpse of what NationStates does to people and the friendships they form here, way back in the Asgard days of 2012.

To the few of you I have called true friends over these nearly three years, I wish you all the best in this game and, more importantly, in life. I hope you'll stay away from the toxic individuals who are around every corner of NationStates, and I hope they'll stay away from you. I'm sorry, but I don't have the energy to do individual messages as many people do in their retirement threads, but all of you know who you are and -- even through some arguments and whatnot -- you know I love you.

To anyone considering retirement because you're fed up with NationStates, do it now. Don't wait. There is nothing to wait for and this game does not improve. You just get more addicted.

To anyone who has made this game miserable for me over the past year and a bit, but who is now considering posting how much they respect me or how much I'll be missed, don't. If you actually have any respect for me, don't use my retirement to make yourself look good.

Best of luck to anyone who decides, for whatever reason, to continue playing this ridiculous game.

[Tim Stark]

Best of luck IRL, Cormac! If you think this is the best choice for you, then this is the best choice.

You've always got a place in Osiris or Spiritus if you want it, though.

-Tim

[Andrew]

Bye And Good Luck

[North East Somerset]

Well, despite your general harassment over the past week - unfairly banning me from #osi three times in the past week, and then a couple of hours ago trying to blackmail me to "leave OFO today" - I wish you good luck irl and hope you'll reconsider any rash decisions in game.

[Seker]

I generally believe we can make the things to wait for happen now.

Bye, Cormac. You're a lot like me and I expect you'll be back, and that's fine. If this is really "it", thanks for being a positive part of the gameplay experience.

[Lord Ravenclaw]

I understand how you feel, Cormac. You've been a pain in my arse almost as much as I have undoubtedly been a pain in yours over the last year and a half. I echo what Tim said, if you feel this is the best move, then you're right. Stay in touch? <3

[Koth]

I give you a week.

Love you, man. Stay in touch.

[Ridersyl]

Stay in touch please.

See ya Cor.

[War Wombat]

Ah, well. Fare thee well, Cormac.

[Theoden Sebastian]

I hope life treats you well Cormac, farewell!