Thanks to everybody who sent kind personal messages and heart-felt condolances during the chat today. For those who may not know, today a bunch of GameSpotters got notice that their jobs were being terminated. While I am one of them, I want to make something perfectly clear: I may not be working at GameSpot after Friday, December 12, but I will not be leaving.

Staffers and fellow moderators ought to be warned that I will still be in chats, still sending in comments, questions, and puns to On the Spot, The HotSpot, and the myriad of other interactive opportunities that will continue to be available on the site.

I was part of this community before I was ever in charge of it and I will continue to be part of it despite being relieved of responsibility for it. There are a multitude of talented, competent individuals who remain employed by GameSpot's parent company (CBS Interactive). I have confidence in Kevin, Brendan, Brian, Justin, Shaun, Chris, Sophia, Tom, and the rest of the awesome edit team I have come to love. They consistently labor to ensure the best gaming content on the Internet (read: THE WORLD!!!! ) makes it to GameSpot.

Despite problems that we see on the site, the development, and production teams labor night and day to work out bugs, fix problems, and ensure new projects make it to the site for our enjoyment. Truly they are the unsung heroes of the site.

I have nothing but respect for the Marketing, PR, Sales, Data, Business Development, and other teams who work on the site. CBS acquired a talented group from many vocational interests.

What this layoff boils down to is a need for some of us to leave so the site can continue. GameSpot provides jobs, content, and enjoyment for many. As somebody who has enjoyed all three blessings, I can only hope and pray those who remain in leadership capacities will be wise in balancing the need for revenue with the need for a return on the user's time.

As somebody who is hours away from completing an MBA (master's degree in business administration), I understand the need for profitability. I am keenly aware of why and when restructuring is needed. IN the interaction I had with my boss (who is ultimately responsible for the execution of that restructuring) I never had any reason to doubt that trade-offs were made and difficult choices had to be evaluated.

For those who remain at GameSpot they deserve nothing less than appreciation over the coming months. Their jobs are about to become a lot harder. Some people are being tasked with carrying the responsibility of completing the work formerly performed by five people. That is no easy responsibility.

Being a veteran of last year's drama, this year's ups-and-downs, my first E3, and a host of gnarly challenges, I can safely say GameSpot was in good hands during those times. Now I continue to have confidence in those who carry the mantle and you should too. GameSpot is more than Aaron Thomas, more than Don Francis, more than any other individual. GameSpot is the Community. As that Community is watered, so it shall grow. With strong processes to protect it and management interested in its survival, we can expect to see GameSpot around for a long, long time. I hope to continue to see it blossom and grow again.