An update on Foghladha

Hey Everyone,

Those that know me know I've been a bit slammed atm. When im not leading the Gaiscioch Empire to virtual world domination, I survive in the real world working for several companies. First being the director of tech for Franchise Update Media Group, the largest publishing, education, and recruitment group in the franchise sector. I build an maintain all of FUMG's online entities including Franchising.com, FranchiseUpdate.com, MuFranchisee.com, and soon all 3 conference sites. This network recieves hundreds of thousands of visitors and processes over 500 applications for opening franchise businesses globally each and every day. Thankfully I have Don & Esther working with me who you probibly know as well. Now the facility that this huge network is housed on is the same as where the Gaiscioch site is housed. When the site isn't working here, that means most likely my 1.5 million dollar revenue stream is down as well. Each minute were down costs my company thousands. So trust me, I know the site's down before you know it's going down ;). I've got my trusty server admin John who helps me get things back up and running when things go bad.

When my day ends at FUMG I go to work for one of my many side gigs. I build and maintain sites for JR Hildebrand (INDYcar), Alexander Rossi (F1), Brett SMRZ (Stuntman), and most recently I've traded website development for waved league fees in the Gaiscioch Football's flag football league PortlandFootball.com. Now if you take a look at that last one.... you'll see why I signed on to rebuild it for them. 

So that's the backstory. So earlier last month I found out that FUMG would be rolling over all conference site to my department (after 5 years of fighting to get it there). However in doing so that required me to build a CMS system that could streamline the workflow of 3 different conference sites all at the same time so that pieces could be integrated across the entire network. Oh and did I mention they want it by next monday (9/9). I need to have the working prototype done by monday so that we can start rolling over the sites into the new system.

As if that wasn't enough the rebuild of PortlandFootball.com also is pushing to have it ready for next season which starts on 9/15. I have to have it Live Ready by next friday which includes and entire CMS system, xml import / export, api integration with facebook, twitter, and youtube and a complete frontend design / buildout. 

So for the last month by day im busting my left keester off to finnish the conference site engine, and by night busting my right keester off trying to finnish the new league site. 

For the past week and a half i've been working 7am - 3am M-M. With 3 hour breaks here and there to run an event in RIFT or GW2 where they've been scheduled and still have enough energy to play 2 games of football each weekend. 

None of this includes the work i've done on the Gaiscioch site the last month. In addition think about the last month. From the time my daughter left, i've flown to california and back on business, drive to PAX prime, hosted the Gaiscioch Party, Attended the Trion & ArenaNet parties, build up some new contacts, Launched the family in GW2, wrote a ceannard notes, organized a memorial for Roger Rall, updated the press on our plans and events, threw up the Sanctum of Rall website (bigger one comming soonish), and still manage the time to make sure everyone that needs invites gets them and have been parsing RIFT every other day along with trying to pass out some bags.

In addition my right hand lady is all the way across the world in Slovakia this month, which as it turns may have been a blessing in disguise. I do miss her dearly but would feel real guilty being in my cave all day and night without being there for her.

So yeah, this month damn near might kill me. But if I pull it off, a double website launch in 1 month's time i've never done before. A new impossible mission. I appologize in advance if I come off easilly irritated or standoffish. It's not my intention and it's the lack of sleep talking. I promise once the workload lightens up a bit later this month I'll be back on track and tending to everyone's needs. This last month has been a chaotic one to say the least. 

Well I just wanted to give you all an update, and please forgive me for my lack of pressence in both GW2 and RIFT. I just can't play right now more than what I have scheduled. I have way too much on my plate. I'm not going anywhere, I just have to take care of real life first. Thanks for understanding.

Ben

I knew the second I read the thread title and saw Fog was referring to himself in the 3rd person, something was going on lol, but thanks for putting in so much effort into everything with Gais even with all the IRL stuff.

Fog, real life comes first, hang in there you will get it all done. Hugs Seacoral

Fog, are you sure you do not have a clone? How can one man do so much? You are always missed but we do understand that RL is important too. :)

Your health is way more important Fogh. We totally understand.

Fog, I may be a new member and I have not had a chance to get to know you that well yet. However that being said. Do you what you need to do, take care of yourself and your family. We will be fine. We just have to practice patience... ;)

yup fog real life comes first so take care bit of urself so yeah do what u need to do and take ur time with it ;)we will not fall in chaos here that fast u trained ur elders/officers well so dont worry

Ben, You have to be the busiest person I know even before you posted this. I know we all sincerely appreciate all that you do. Take care of yourself and the home front first. You have a great bunch of Rift and GW2 leaders with big shoulders.

Real life first, and for sure take care of yourself. We'll hold down the fort.

You rock. Keep up the great work, Ben :)

no worries, we'll hold down the fort.

Mr. Ben You are going a great job. Leaders need time for themselves so make sure to take that once this hectic time is over. The land of Tyria will be protected by Odiin and his elemental misfits until you return. Do not fear. Do not trust fraimos though. He will steal your wallet when you aren't looking. All the best Odi

Two Words: Thank You!

Wow, talk about a full plate. Good luck and thanks for all the hard work. :)

I'm not sure how you fit it all in Fog. You make me tired just thinking about it. You have some talented leaders supporting you here. I think you can trust in them to hold it all together while your otherwise occupied. Don't forget to schedule some sleep for yourself, it makes everything else a little bit easier.

I LOVE YOU, MAN!!!! *Tuug hugs Fog*(In a purely non-sexual way,of course). ;)

I don't know how you do it Fog. You're a machine.

Your doing fantastic! You must be some sort of super hero that you are able to still make and attend events with us when you have so much irl to do. My hat goes off to you. Thanks for taking the time to explain to everyone! I don't know anyone here very well but you definitely have y respect!

Do you have to bot irl to get it all done? Ps: please schedule a date night/ week for Juliana's return!

» Edited on: 2012-09-08 16:57:24

Sweet Cesar's Ghost man! I had a panic attack just reading that. I've always wondered what you do to unwind, just relax, what relaxes the Foginator-M2000?

WOW!! When do you sleep? Thank you for all that you do. ;-)

real life always comes first, we understand.

Hang in there, buddy.

I want to personally thank you for the projects and endeavors that u have undertaken. I personally know how real life can be taxing and complicated at times. Most of all I want to thank you for the wonderful family that you have provided us over many years through your blood, sweat, and tears. We commend u, but most of all support you. Thank you once again. Anything that we can do to help, please feel free to ask. Miraj

I knew you'd been busy, but wow. I don't know how you are doing it, I wish there was some way for all of us to pitch in and do your work for you so you could sleep :P. I hope when these projects wrap up you get a small break, or at least a less intense work load. Thanks as always for your hard work for us, I don't know anyone else that would be able to do what you do inside the family and out. What you need is a vacation on a beach somewhere in a hammock. Thanks again, Ben.

take care of yourself in this incredible rush!! Sure drink coffee, but take vitamins and try to get some sleep. you can do this! it's the FogTechZerg conquers Uber Alles! cheers, Rox

Fog, I am amazed at the amount of work you do. It seems like you're always there to lead another event in GW2. Keep up the incredible work and I'll enjoy your WvWvW leadership each time I get to experience it! Puma

I tip my hat to you, sir. Take care of yourself best you can, we'll hold tight. And by that, we mean we'll keep the cookies away from Bloodmaw. Hugs! Lil

*adds 8 hours to each day in Fogdimension space* Oh you poor dear man! ((hugs))

WoW. I feel like I should try to help in some way. Sounds like work is keeping you hella busy. I am envious tho. I wish I had a job like that. Its annoying having a degree, and not a job in that industry. Keep up the good work sir. Im amazed at your multi-tasking skills.

That nuke furnace that you've got running has a shelf life. Take care of yourself, Our Chieftain, you've leaders that can run events. We know your passion and it's very much appreciated. It's all said in "Slainte". Who else nominates our our leader for the Guild Master of the Decade? Nuuli

I'm tired after just reading all that you have on your plate let alone not sure how the heck you are doing it. I've heard whispers that you may be super-human and I think we now have the proof! Thanks for all you do Fog!! Myk

Woot, Foghladha - Doin big things on a Daily Basis Good work man

Fog, pushing yourself so far (both mental and physical abilities) is too much for anyone. Unless you are a superhero you should hold less on your back.

I'm frankly surprised you haven't managed to fit in a full marathon every other day in midst of all that. :b