Passing on the torch

This is a rather huge announcement that I write in a bit more of a personal tone since I feel that it deserves a level of reverence and respect.

As many of you know, DustWolf has been wanting to step into the background for a long time now. He has been the owner of tg, and thus it's face, for... I don't even know how many years at this point. Love him or hate him, he keeps the lights on, he pays the bills. He coded TG from the ground up and he is still the only person here who can take care of the site from a technical standpoint. Whether you like him as a person or not, please understand this and respect the work he has and continues to dedicate to this space. Many people in the wider therian community dislike him, but despite all of this, he still put forth that dedication to keeping this space here, so all of us can use it freely. This place is like home to many people, myself included.

I've been here since the year TG was founded, back on the old website. I remember back when Dusty joined actually, I've been here even longer than him, and lots of folks over the years already thought I was staff since I just seemed to be a fixture in the community. When TG needed new staff early this year, I felt that it was a chance to give back to this space that has been my home for these many years.

Now I come to you all, once again taking up a mantle of service for this space.

Dusty will be officially stepping down as owner of Therian-Guide. He is tired and has been trying to give the rest of us staff the tools we need to take over as much of the technical as we can. He won't be leaving the site, and still plans to keep the lights on, but he wants to fade back as much as he can to enjoy the quiet role of tech wolf. The past few days, we staff have been carefully discussing and casting our votes on who will be taking up the torch as the new owner of TG. As you may have already surmised by my winded personal speech, I have been chosen to be the new owner of Therian-Guide. Unanimously so. I was humbled to wake up this morning and see that every single staff member felt that the community would be best in my hands.

It was a lot, I'm feeling many emotions right now, and I write this announcement nervously because I'm feeling some hella imposter syndrome right now. I also want to make sure I do what is best for this community, and that isn't always easy. Being staff was already difficult. More difficult than many folks see since we try to keep much of the goings on behind the scenes, to try and keep this space tranquil. As the other staff have said during their votes though, they have seen me consistently handle issues head on, with compassion, and maturity. I know I'm not perfect and will end up making people mad at some point, but please know that I truly love this space, and will do everything in my power to do what I feel is best for it. So with that, the torch is passed. May we continue on to a bright future.

With humility,
Bagera

I hope to see Dust around still but I'm happy this place will continue. I wish you all the best with your new role, Bag!

Congrats Bag! And I really do hope Dusty gets the quiet he needs and deserves, but I do hope to see him around sometimes! :3

A huge thank you do Dust for everything they have done for the site and its upkeep over the years!! We all really appreciate it, and I thank you for giving us this place to belong , genuinely.

Good luck in ur new role Bag, I’m sure u will do great! ^^

AAHHH OMG!!/ pos
congrats Bag!! i think you'll do AMAZING!! and Dusty, good luck, whatever may happen with you. you've done well for TG, and you deserve this. i hope we'll still see you around sometime. <3/plat

Bagera, you seriously deserve this, i think that the community is in good hands with you. you've been around for a long time, you're smart, and i think you really want the best for this community. i feel honored to have known you since before you were staff at all, and i'm happy to be able to consider you someone i trust.
and for Dusty; you deserve to be able to step down now. we, 100%, have our differences, but i respect you, truly. i'm happy for you, and i'm happy for bag- honestly so much so that i might cry, as dumb as that might sound?? you two both have my respect, and i'm, again, very happy for both of you.

i think TG has a bright future ahead of it. the whole staff team is amazing, kind, and good at what they do.

man i posted twice on accident, ignore the other one

Congrats on the new role Bag! You'll be great!

And thanks for all you've done over the years too Dusty!

I’ve only joined for a few months now, but I want to congratulate Bagera and thank Dusty for everything they have done for this forum. <3

I remember seeing Dusty when I first joined the forums years ago, and have continued to notice their presence now as I've returned. As someone who's hopped sites every so often as my identity has evolved and I've looked to chase the community wherever it goes, I cannot imagine the level of dedication and love it takes to do so much for a single forum for longer than I've been awakened. It says a lot that after multiple years, I've returned to TG and again found a place here. aAll creatures need rest and to enjoy the fruits of their labors, and I hope Dusty is able to do just that.

Congratulations Bagera, it's amazing to be here for this very special occasion and just like the rest of staff, we all believe in you!

Thank you Dusty for all you've done, we truly appreciate you! You've kept this site running with amazing precision and kept it in the best shape! I hope you get the break that we all know you deserve!

On the same note, Bag I know you are going to do a damn good job owning TG! Seeing you online and interact with everyone on the daily, and seeing you become staff has been awesome! I hope you have an amazing journey as the new owner of TG!

I wish you both the best with your new journeys and hope to continue interacting with both of you^^