_FFC_
As 2007 winds down, I wax nostalgic and reminisce about the F.F.C. and all the good times we've had over the years. In many ways this has been a rough year for me personally...loss of job after 10+ years, family & friend tragedies and health issues, and many other private struggles. I know I'm not alone in being glad to see this year finally pass. But my good friends here have helped tremendously in get'n me through the dark times, so I want to take a moment to reflect on the F.F.C. origins if I may.
Back in the early origin days ('03, '04) we played buku rounds of "BlackHawk Down" and later the "Team Sabre" addon. Those games provided my first real experience hosting a game server, even if it was one sit'n in my closet at the time. And who can forget "Hammer'n Hank" and his kick'n our ass over a dial-up connection from some distant farm out in America's Heartland, or "Big Daddy" terrorize'n the sand dunes with a combat knife. Good times indeed...
Sometime after that I hosted the very first F.F.C. blog when we began playing "Call of Duty" and "United Offensive"....here's a very early (circa 2004) forum thread talk'n about those days. Then in October of 2005 the newsletter blog moved to it's current location and you can wander thru those archives here if interested. We also flirted with another game or two at times ("F.E.A.R. Combat" comes to mind) but have focused on the "Call of Duty" series since it's release.
Gameserver-wise, we've been thru several hosts over the years....my junk closet in association with NovaLogic, then ServerXtreme, Leetservers, Clanwarz, and so on. Seem to have better luck with the smaller host companies....definitely better pricing and service.
While we've had players come and go, our core "faithful few" has remained mostly intact. To those players I want to say "thanks!" for all the fun and support (both the $ and the fellowship)....it's really appreciated. It's taken a few years to "train" our wives but I think most have come to view our strange addiction in the same light as bowling, pool or poker leagues. At least we're home and not wandering the streets and bars...that helps the acceptance level a lot. To the newer players, I hope you are enjoying the F.F.C. even a tenth as much as us ragged old-timers....like a fine wine it only gets better as the years roll by....so stick around!
Finally, here's a link to vote for the Top Game of 2007...of course I cast mine for "Call of Duty 4" but it's up to you.
Happy Holidays!
M
