Curahee: The History of Final Fantasy Experience

Curahee: History of Final Fantasy Experience

Curahee means “We Stand Alone Together”, and that’s the key why FFE is standing still after all the difficulties we have faced in the past. Everyone stood together alone despite all the criticisms and we have overcome all of it flying colors.

This may not be a good presentation of our history, but I tried my best to make it one. All information in this article are base don facts as supported by our huge archive of posts and comments.

Learn more about FFE… This is our story.

I. The Foundations

Pre-Creation Period

It all began at the backyard of the Metal Gear Solid Network Union. When the leader, deathseeker, went AWOL for some time, the officers, then, felt that they were abandoned and made a nice plan, which eventually led to the creation of one of the most successful unions in GameSpot.

The officers mgatson, Cloud_Soup, B1wfdz33, pvtvaladez, storm1110, LIK, videdeogamegirl105, BMO999 and Jumbo120788 sharing the same interest not only in the Metal Gear Solid series, but also in the Final Fantasy series decided to create the union we now love and enjoy.

The Birth of the Union 

After days of planning, finally, on May 25, 2005, the “The Final Fantasy Experience Union” (FFE), was established with Cloud_Soup, B1wfdz33, pvtvaladez, storm1110 and mgatson as founding members; the latter being chosen as the union leader.

Few hours after the establishment of FFE, LIK, videdeogamegirl105, BMO999 and Jumbo120788 were promoted to officership.

II. The Union 

From the day of establishment, FFE immediately showed great potential to become a successful union. Above all, it has the most important elements for a union to succeed: ACT… Activity, Character and Traffic.

Activity. FFE is known to be one of the most active unions in GameSpot. Our archives show that the early activities in the union focused on games, quizzes, social discussions and occasional Final Fantasy (FF) news. These things ensured that members will have a great time with the union. Subsequent changes in union policies turned FFE in a more organized and professional union, but still able to maintain the fun atmosphere around.

Character. FFE has a character of its own. Although it tries to imitate things to improve the union, its own identity remained intact. The union remained faithful to its policy that fun is the reason why the union was created. All the efforts of a union would be useless if members do not enjoy it at all. It is not bound by the strict rules on topicality, but it has developed the culture of mature and organized activity with the implementation of concrete rules on Off-Topic activities without sacrificing much of the fun. We may not be serious all the time and even acts like a child at times, but it does not mean that we are immature.

Another character of FFE, which is worthy of mentioning is the loyalty of people maintaining it. Whether officers or regular members, everyone takes an active part in union-building. Each true member has remained loyal to FFE. We’ve lost many active members in the past, but still we remain. Don’t try to degrade FFE or you’ll taste the wrath of the likes of natiko and shoots18. As what has been said long time ago, FFE believes in quality over quantity of members (although we will be happy to have both).

Lastly, I am proud to say that FFE has one of the most dedicated members around. In our own little ways we try to make FFE a place worth visiting for. FFE is not the union of the leader or of the officers alone. It is the union of each true member and we, therefore, are the ones creating it. Whether in physical appearance or in quality of contents, we strive to give the best our limited skills can make and give. It is up to you to judge if FFE is being left behind by its more talented counterparts.

Traffic. This one goes as a buddy of Activity. Regulars of FFE came from all over the world: America, Europe, Australia, and Asia (I still have to know if we have members from Africa and Antarctica :P ). The difference it time zones has an effect in the activity, but with this in mind, rest assured that whenever you’re at FFE, you’re just unlucky if

III. Experience the Final Fantasy

- Early Days -

FFE has been known as one of the most fun and active unions out there. It has great members who contribute a lot to union progress and it is in the records.

With the officers excited with the newly founded union, posts count skyrocketed to 1,000+ within 5 days from its establishment.

- June 05: -

FFE first made its public appearance via the Union Spotlight on June 04, 2005.

“ericcartman3722” was promoted officer on June 06, 2005. (There is no record on the date and reason why he was demoted.)

Records state that on June 09, 2006, the union was ranked 50th in overall union standing.

FFE members showed much enthusiasm in participating in the union activities. By June 13, 2005 it has reached Level 5; Level 6 4 days later.

When the union rankings was checked on June 18, 2005, FFE was ranked 22nd. It jumped over 28 unions in just 9 days!

FFE has never been member hungry. Quality over quantity. As of June 22, 2005 or few days before it turns 1 month old, it only has 200 members. “FenrirMM” was promoted as officer on the same day. (There is no record on the date and reason why he was demoted.)

Exact date of level up was not recorded, but as of June 25, 2005, FFE is Level 7 – 19%.

Activity has been increasing in a fast rate that in celebration of its 1 month of existence, the union has beaten the 10,000 posts mark on June 26, 2005!

On June 28, 2006, I started the use of tracking threads to monitor the activity of FFE as compared to its neighbors in the Top 15. FFE was on Top 14, then. The union reached Top 13 after 2 days!

- July 05: GameSPot Slams FFE with A Reset -

Top 12 on July 01, 2006. FFE is at Level 8 on July 02, 2005.

The so-called “SPAM fiasco”, where some members, including officers, where reset to Level 1 by GameSpot due to the reported “SPAM thread” happened on July 06, 2005. Things should be clarified here. Many people insist that FFE has been a spam union in the past and points at the SPAM fiasco as proof of their claim. They do not know a thing. That incident was a big misunderstanding on the part of GameSpot. Yes, we admit that the “SPAM thread” was posted, but such was not really a SPAM thread. The leader, then, intended to make a general off-topic thread. Due to lack of understanding what a SPAM is, he made the title of the thread “SPAM thread” to indicate to the OT thread. After the reset, all those who were involved with the incident went into a semi-depression and learned the rules in spamming by heart.

Granting arguendo that such was a true SPAM thread (which is not), FFE learned a lot from it and we will not tolerate any SPAM at FFE.

“Fantasy Gamer” was promoted officer on July 08, 2005.

July 11, 2005 was a memorable day for FFE. First, a Final Fantasy Experience – Final Fantasy Alliance merger was proposed by Soulja_West. After few days of contemplation, the proposal was turned down by the FFE community. It was also the day when FFE got a double gift from GameSpot when we reached the Top 11 spot and turned Level 9.

By July 15, 2005 we got 300+ members; 400+ members on July 27, 2005.

- August 2005: The Top 10 GameSpot Union -

The month of August was a great month for FFE. First of all, it was welcomed by a nice gift: FFE turned Level 10 on August 01, 2006.

We had our 500th member on August 16, 2005.

It also marked the formal entry of FFE in the GameSpot Top 10 Unions (August 21, 2005).

On August 25, 2005, mgatson posted a bulletin expressing his sentiments on my performance as an officer and provided guidelines on how a member may become an officer of FFE. No one knew that it was a preparation for an impending

- September 05: “mgatson” Steps Down -

Huma64 and shoots18 were promoted officers on September 03, 2006.

September 04, 2005 gave us 600+ members.

On September 09, 2005, “mgatson” stunned the entire FFE community when he announced that he is leaving FFE due to personal reasons. On that day I received a PM from him asking me if I am willing to take over FFE. I replied by asking him why is he asking me such question.

On September 10, he said that he no longer have enough time for FFE because he is planning to migrate to another place. What made me accept his offer is when he told me that if I will not accept he might as well close down the union.

So, on September 10, 2006, “Fantasy Gamer” became the 2nd leader of FFE. This marks the end of Mark’s (real name of “mgatson”) 3 monhs and 16 days of administration.

Immediately, I took over the job. Mark (real name of “mgatson”) demoted all his current officers, then, so I will be the one to re-promote them.

KnowledgeOrCred was promoted as officer on September 10, 2005. He is my very first officer. He has been very supportive of me even before I was not the leader. He even said he was not interested with the mod position at all.

September 11, 2006 I decided to make my rules on who will be promoted as officers. This decision resulted into criticisms. On September 12, 2005, realizing that I should respect Mark’s last wish, I re-promoted storm1110, Jumbo120788, natiko, Huma64 and shoots18 to their officer status.

I have set some concrete rules for FFE consisting of our Constitution, Rules on Board and the Off-Topic Rules on September 13, 2006. There were minor resistance at first, but members easily adapted to the idea of more organized posting.

The rest of the month was hard not only for me, but also to the entire community.

Despite the pledge of all officers and regulars to support me as the new leader, I can feel that everybody is still adapting to this big change. First of all, there was a big difference between Mark and my personality. Mark is a charismatic leader. He can easily persuade members and get along with them. He is a huge and fun poster that is why members love him. I think it is very effective, but it is just not me. I’m pure business. If you trace my posting history at FFE, I became an FFE regular to prove that FFE can become the top union, not only in rank, but also for quality, in Gamespot.

Another thing, I had a hard time learning the ways of a union leader. Above all, I do not know how those coding used for the homepage and updates works. I don’t even know how to use a tag/sig.

Kraker2K was promoted officer on September 30, 2005. He makes good banners and served as our graphic artists when Jumbo120788 is busy.

- October 05: The Dark Days -

October was a dark period not only for FFE, but for the entire GameSpot community. The overhaul made by GameSpot intensely affected the activity of everyone. Unions cannot post updates in the homepage. The message boards are usually down. So many members, along with union leaders and officers, lost interest with GameSpot and abandoned their respective unions.

This is a very hard period for me. I’m still learning with my new position and suddenly these things happened. I don’t know how to contact the members and encourage them to not lose hope. Luckily, many members are really loyal and we talk with each other via PM. Sometimes the message boards are open and we do not waste those times to make some discussions.

It is so heartwarming that even with this condition peoples still visit FFE as proven by members joining the union. On October 24, 2005 we had 700+ members.

- November 06: GameSpot Messed With FFE Boost -

“phazonsamus” was promoted officer on November 03, 2006. He makes good reviews and is also a good writer.

On November 07, 2005, FFE reached the 35,000 posts mark.

GameSpot resumed regular operations on November 08, 2006. Boosts for the past weeks were given to unions as one big accumulated boost, which caused big changes in union standing. FFE was not exempted from this.

After all the activities we’ve done for the union, while other unions were sleeping or dead, we only got a +30% boost, which pulled us down to the Top 8 spot.

Mark also made a return in this day.

As the union leader, I felt that this is a big insult for the FFE community who remained loyal to GameSpot despite the bad service they had, and so I made a formal request for reconsideration. GameSpot did not promise anything, but they said they have to evaluate our performance during the GameSpot downtime. I specifically asked for an, at least, additional +30%.

On November 11, 2005, another FFE-FFA merger was proposed by Soulja_West. For the second time, it was turned down.

FFE resumed with its activity. We accumulated at least 1,000 posts for each week of November. We reached the 36,000 posts mark on 14 November 2005; 37,000 posts on 17 November 2005; and 38,000 posts on 22 November 2005.

Finally, on November 23, 2005, GameSpot decided to give us the boost we truly deserve. An additional +80% was given to us, so much more than what I asked. This helped us to propel to the Top 4 spot and reach Level 14.

The news of our new boost invigorated the passion of the FFE members. The posting glory of FFE has continued. We reached the 39,000 posts mark on 25 November 2005;

40,000 posts on 26 November 2005; 41,000 posts on 27 November 2005; and 42,000 posts on 29 November 2005.

I have no records on the exact date, but I’m sure Huma64 and shoots18 was demoted in this months. The last time I heard from shoots18 he was complaining about his broken internet. As to Huma64, he was too busy. He even told me in his last PM his intention to return, but he did not return.

- December 05: -

December was a cold month for FFE. We do not have much to talk about. The GameSpot downtime caused many of our regulars to disappear from the scene. Nevertheless, I can say that we still made a good job as compared to most unions out there.

By December 02, 2005, we have 800+ members. We also reached the 43,000 posts mark on the same day.

December 05, 2005 made us reach the 44,000 posts mark. Kraker2K resigned as mod due to lack of time on this day, too.

On December 07, 2005 FFE turned Level 15.

For the second time, Mark left FFE on December 09, 2005.

December 10, 2005, 45,000 posts mark was reached.

“lilkamikaze” was promoted officer on December 11, 2005. He has been a long time regular of FFE even before I became one here.

“RedNEXUS” was promoted officer on December 12, 2005. He is a good graphic artist. What he lack in time is being made up with his nice and in-bulk creation of tags and signatures.

The 2nd homepage design update was made on December 13, 2005. The design was modeled by Jumbo120788 on the current tabs of GameSpot. Remains of the said design can be seen in the FFE Directory thread.

“Kefkamania05” was promoted officer on December14, 2005. Like “lilkamikaze”, he has been a loyal member of FFE for a long time. He seldom makes signatures, but everything he makes is great.

46,000 posts mark was reached on December 15, 2005; 47,000 posts on December 18, 2005.

- January 06: This Is Our Year -

After returning from my Christmas break, the work to make FFE more content oriented.

Storm1110 and KnowledgeOrCred were demoted, due to long absences without notice, on January 18, 2006. That was a big decision for me because I am taking the risk of losing two of our most active posters, but the mod position is too important to be left at the hands of persons who are not appearing in the union.

FFE reached the 50,000 posts mark on January 21, 2006.

On January 23, 2006, FFE had its first 1,000 members.

“phazonsamus” was demoted due to prolonged absence without notice. When he came back, after almost 3 months, with a new username, I learned that his account was hacked.

- February 06 -

“lilkamikaze” was demoted on February 14, 2006. He told me that he is busy and can’t handle the job effectively at that moment.

February 16, 2006 brought the union to Level 16. BlazingStar was promoted officer on this day, too. She was a great artists and writer.

“daleerin24” was promoted officer on February 23, 2006. He was such a great artist and I being with Ubisoft, I thought he would be a great help for FFE.

- March 06 -

We have 1,500+ Members on March 11, 2006.

“daleerin24” resigned as officer on March 17, 2006 because she will be very busy with her new task in her job.

“BlazingStar” resigned from FFE on March 18, 2006 due to a misunderstanding with me. We’re okay now, but she thinks FFE is not her place.

On March 23, 2006, maa4208, SQUALL20XX and Orasion_Seiz were promoted officers on temporary capacity. After a good job as temporary during my absence, I decided to keep them in my team.

- April 06 -

64,000+ Posts on 10 April 2006.

NeoGen85 was promoted officer on April 24, 2006. Ever since I became the union leader I always wanted him to be in the team. He has a very vast knowledge of all things FFVII.

- May 06: FFE Turns 1! -

The Images and Wallpapers Section started to feature wallpapers on May 04, 2006.

We reached the 70,000+ posts on May 08, 2006.

SQUALL20XX resigned as officer on May 21, 2006 due to difficulties in his internet. He promised to return in 3 months.

The Media Section has become operational on May 22, 2006.

May 25, 2006 marks the 1st founding anniversary of FFE. We had 1,900+ members and 72,000 + posts at our side. We are able to sustain our spot in the Top 4 union rankings and are at Level 17.

Time slips so fast and many things have happened to FFE. In our journey to be the best we can be, we are not stopping to find a way to improve FFE. With all the loyal and dedicated members of FFE, I know we can do better this year. We shall stick and see through together the fulfillment of our great dreams for FFE. Let’s all work hard for this second year of more Final Fantasy Experience.

Thank you to all of us and Curahee (We Stand Alone Together)!

By Fantasy Gamer

I love this place:) It will always be the union closest to my heart. A lot of things have happened along the way that pushed me away of which only some are listed up there and several times I thought of leaving for good, but I could never do it. This place was just too awesome. Plus, where would the be without me:P

Yeah we've come along way from the old days lol though I won't lie, I miss some of the people we had around back then.natiko

[QUOTE="natiko"]Yeah we've come along way from the old days lol though I won't lie, I miss some of the people we had around back then.The1andOnlyMG

And that's not even counting the other posts in all the other classic threads we had around back then.natiko

So, would you say about 1000 posts a day?

Yeah that happened often.natiko

That is just crazy.......:o

I intended to put those things we considered as "attacks" to the union, but I hesistated as it might cause flames. What do you think?Fantasy_Gamer

Well, it shows the hardships we all went through to get to where we are now. But, it is in the past. Live for tomorrow.

It's always good to look at the past, but not live with it.Fantasy_Gamer

Looking in the past is good and all, but it won't change anything. Thats why we should look toward the future, and the FFE's 2 year anniversary! :D :P

Looking at the past helps me plan things for the future.Fantasy_Gamer

Well, yeah, but.....aw screw it. :P

wow! it's been only a year! and we've (well i dont knwo if i can still say "we" seeing as i am sooo NOT active anymore) accomplished SO much!!! This great union would never have started if it wasnt for Mark (and partly deathseeeker for leaving the MGS union randomly but w/e) and the many contributions he made to the union combined with his dedication is what made this union what it is today. Of course, this union would never have maintained its rank after Mark left if it wasnt for one of our top posters, Natiko. If it wasnt for his numerous posts on killing along with actual Final Fantasy information this union would have died long ago, thanks Natiko :)storm1110

Awwww, isn't that nice. Tom, you are a special person. :)

Yeah we've come a long way and thanks for the compliment even though it was vastly understated :D lol

Yeah that happened often.natiko

But then how come u have a total of only 8800+ ? I have more posts than u

[QUOTE="natiko"]Yeah that happened often.StalkingDeath

But then how come u have a total of only 8800+ ? I have more posts than u

He's one of the victims of the "SPAM fiasco".

If ya dont mind could ya tell me what "SPAM fiasco" is??

yea this union is the best!

p.s im so honoured to see so many CORE members wearing my banner i feel really gratefull and proud, i really love this union!

[QUOTE="StalkingDeath"]

[QUOTE="natiko"]Yeah that happened often.Fantasy_Gamer

But then how come u have a total of only 8800+ ? I have more posts than u

He's one of the victims of the "SPAM fiasco".

That sucks. ppl should respect u for whom u are. Its obvious that Mark made u the leader cuz he thought u were the best choice then. And he was right. Others should just accept that and move on rather than critisizing StalkingDeath

but what everyone(icluding FG) must understand is the way I ran things and he runs things now.  There were alot of people that loved the way I ran it but trust me folks I had plenty of people who didnt and I know how irritating it can get constantly getting crapped on by people but when FG took over he took over and began to make some changes to better the union, and it really pissed off some folks (the ones that loved me mainly) but it made some of the others that didnt like me too much to crossover and enjoy it here

funny thing is almost all of the changes FG made were changes I was about to make anyway so I would've eventually had to put up with all of the complaining and criticism, thats why I picked FG cause I knew he would carry this union in the direction i was intending to.  and he has done much better than I ever thought, and I applaud him for it