Gearheads of War

All right Gearheads, with the new site redesign, we may be "Back in Black," but in actuality we’re really "Back in Red."  Let me start by first commending Jon and Jeremy (scoop and ct, respectively), on providing the outstanding graphical and new site feature improvements for GearheadsofWar.com.  In fact, they’ve worked without any monetary compensation thus far (although I did get Jeremy a copy of UT3 since I knew he was a huge fan).  I know that each and every one of us here understands that time is money.  We appreciate their commitment and I would like everyone to continue with their commitment to this site.  All of us value your continued input.  We hope that you guys and gals like what you’ve seen and experienced so far.  I realize that there are several bugs left to address, but I assure you that Jon and Jeremy are looking into them.  Please bear with us as we are fine-tuning the workings of the site.  

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a regular visitor, diary poster, or lurker of this site.  This site was created because we all share the same passion for Gears of War and gaming, in general.  Throughout the two years of this site’s existence, many of us have shared games (FFF), opinions, personal trials and tribulations, created friendships, and laughter together.  I believe that this has brought the members of this community closer and this aspect alone is the one thing that differentiates us from all of the other communities out there.  We may argue from time to time, but that’s what a family does.  I don’t know of any family except the Cleavers (Leave it to Beaver, man I’m old) that embodies that "perfect" family relationship.  It would be a sad and boring place, if people that only chose to agree with each other surrounded us all.

Now let me return to the earlier comment about "Back in Red."  Let me be frank with all of you, we are in desperate need to increase our site donations.  I have listed and thanked those that have originally contributed toward the site many months ago.  Despite the fact that they did not wish to be identified, it’s their commitment that has meant the most and it should be acknowledged in a public forum.  However, those donations did not necessarily cover even a fraction of the re-design costs. The admins and myself want to generate enough funds to adequately compensate Jon and Jeremy for their hard work.  

OK, time to make the hard sell folks.  The purpose of this latest diary is to announce our new Donations Drive to raise monies for all of these site improvements.  In this current fiscal dilemma that has ultimately affected the entire world, we realize that it’s not the most opportune time to ask for donations.  However, we have come up with a way where your contributions will not only help out the site, but you as well.  

Here’s how it will work:

• #1: With every five-dollar ($5) donation that you make to the site, you will earn one (1) raffle ticket.  In essence, you improve your chances at winning with a larger donation (i.e., $10 donation will earn you two raffle tickets).  When we hit a specific Dollars Goal (i.e., $25 for the first goal/raffle, $50 for the second goal/raffle, etc.), GHoW.com will raffle off something Gears-related for those that have donated.  Blankman will handle the raffle tickets.  The donations should be sent to my PayPal account which is bleszinski - at - gmail - dot - com.

• #2: As soon as the Donations Goal is achieved, the raffle will be conducted via the video chat feature on Skype to be as transparent as possible.  We will announce the time and date that we will conduct these raffle drawings, so you can join in & watch them.  The winner will be announced on the site and contacted for his/her address for delivery of that item.  ***I won’t go into any specifics about what we have in our extensive prize inventory, but I can assure you that the prizes are substantial.  These aren’t merely trinkets.  The admins have worked very hard to purchase and acquire these items for the past five months in anticipation for the re-launch of the Donation Drive.

• #3: A new "Donations Goal" will be announced and it’s essentially a rinse & repeat formula.  Again, our ultimate goal is to compensate Jon and Jeremy for all of their hard work and create long-lasting partnerships with not only our community members, but also foster relationships throughout the Gears-related companies, retailers, and industry professionals.  Our first donation goal is a modest $25.

I want to thank Blankman, Suns and Zoso for helping bring this idea to fruition.  These aren't guys who look for credit, but I'm going to give it to them any way.  Thanks for all you guys do.