A good 2011, a better 2012

Hello everyone

In the final hours of 2011 I would like to address you all so together we can have a look back at the year we have had.

Like any year 2011 had it's ups and downs, but on the whole I think everyone can look back positively.

In the game itself there was a lot of change that had to be dealt with, none of them smaller than saying farewell to Codemasters after years of being in their care, though some welcomed the change and others dreaded it the kinship made it through intact and continued to prosper under Turbine. With direct access to the developers some of our very own members have begun to influence the path of this game in big and small ways and will continue to act as a sounding board for Turbine.
Sadly the move also means the loss of some old friends, the deadline for transfers now having ended, soon these people will have to be removed from the kin for good, a sad affair for the older members among us.

The other big upheaval was the transition of Lotro from subscription to free to play, in Turbine's unique own way.
Dreaded by most, the f2p option has had its positive effects on the game and on the kinship. With an increase in revenue the addition of content has significantly started to speed up, and members no longer able or willing to afford a subscription are able to keep playing as much as they want, a very good thing.

There were victories in the halls of Dol Guldur, but the denizens of Ost Dunhoth proved too much of challenge in the short time given to us. But we soldier on, having been humbled and having learned from our mistakes, we approach the new content with greater determination and cohesion in the ranks, so that 2012 will be sure to know only victory for the Western Alliance.

We started this year with 64 active full members, rising to a peak of 79 in June, we are now at 73, with another group of very promising recruits awaiting their promotion in just a few days. At the peak in the middle of the year TWA counted almost 500 Characters. Despite the loss of some members it has been a year of steady growth, and I hope new members will continue to feel welcome and at home within our ranks as we continue to develop in 2012.

The Council has not been idle this year, for the first time since its drafting by Methrendomir our Constitution was given a major overhaul, adding critical parts such as member's rights and updating other parts as the change in the game and kinship demanded. 10 different people served as officer in 2011, and no election had less than 34 votes. Ingaras was granted the position of Kinship Elder (or honorary officer) and is the first person to do so without having been a kinship leader.
A new code of conduct was approved, making previously unofficial guidelines clear to all and the introduction of a monthly Council meeting has made running of the kinship more smooth than ever.

On a more real life note, several TWA babies were born this year, giving proof that our members do not spend all their quality time behind a PC *wink*wink*.

We said goodbye to several long time members this year, some left the game, others felt their gaming needs better suited a different kinship, regardless of the reason it is sad to see them go and we wish them all the best. But in turn we welcomed back several old members and acquaintances who we hope will be with us for a long time.

With SW:Tor having just launched, it is inevitable that some members will decide to move on, and although this is sad I want to remind them they will always have a home in TWA, and that this kinship will hopefully be here as long as the game continues to run.

As we enter 2012 I hope we all work together to continue to improve our gaming experience, to expand the scope of our kinship activities and bring the atmosphere in the kinship to new heights.
That we all remember that behind the characters are real people, with real problems, real faults and with real hopes and dreams.
And that even though most of us have never met in real life, we can honestly and proudly say, we are real friends.

To all members, initiates, friends of the west, old friends and casual visitors I wish you and your families a happy new year and a prosperous 2012
May it be a year filled with hope, laughter, drink, song and good company.
And just in case the Mayans are right, let's make it the best year yet.


Your proud leader,

Thoronthor

A great look back on 2011 Thor

Little one is doing well and is now 6 months old and with his baby walker has free access to my PC so I now need to baby proof the place!

But I wish you and the entire kinship a happy and prosperous New Year!

:xm4:

Very well said and heartfelt Thor.
Just like to add my best wishes to you one and all for this coming year.
Here's to 2012! 

Have a good Hogmany and a great newyear, guys. :xm4: :vh1:

If by life or death I can save you, I will.

"You see, there's this thing called aggro."
"What's aggro?"
"It's a very complicated, very technical roleplaying expression. Loosely translated, it means 'the healer dies'."

Have a great New Year folks!  :xm4:

Happy 2012 everyone!  :party2:  :party:  :xm4:

Well said Thor 

happy 2012 everyone!  :vh1:

I'd just like to add that while we all, individually, have our flaws and weaknesses, we seem to have produced something really quite valuable in this kinship. The whole is greater than its parts, for which thank you one and all!

Eventhou I'm only a simple friend of the west member and(I hope) a good friend of The Western Alliance, I am really touched by your post Thor. This was really a great year for me, a year that granted me lots of friends in your kinship and lots of good times doing all sort of things with you. Every single word you wrote filled my heart will hope that 2012 will be even better then the 2011 and therefore I wish you all Happy New Year!  :vh1: :vh1: :vh1:

Threclo on Facebook

New Year has gone officially live here. Being the geek that I am, I'll take a chance to say that since I joined tihis kinship 4 years ago, I've always considered it to be a prime example of a great online community, the one that unites people of all nations and ages. I hold it as an example of camaraderie, friendship and mutual support.

I value you all greatly and wish you all to remain as awesome as you are. Up TWA!  :rawkon: