When I discovered the NBA Live Series Center back in 1997 it immediately became one of my favourite sites to visit. Back then I was still playing NBA Live 96 (at the time I couldn't run NBA Live 97) and was amazed to discover the world of patchmaking and the editors that Tim, Lutz and Brien had made that allowed me to modify the game myself. I had always wished that my created Michael Jordan in my Chicago Bulls season could have had accurate bio data and with the help of the NBA Live 96 Editor, that was finally possible. I became a frequent visitor, downloading the latest roster updates as well as the retro season patches and anything else I could get my hands on.
Pretty soon I was inspired to start making updates of my own and began my own website hosted over at Geocities called the NBA Live Domain. It was mainly a place for me to host my own work but I hosted some other files (including some of Shane's patches) and maintained a couple of weekly columns called the Midweek Patch Report (posted every Wednesday) and Webmaster News (every Friday). The Patch Report contained news and notes on my latest work and later, work of others in the community. Webmaster News covered site updates, future plans and other miscellaneous topics. When I took over the NLSC I kept writing the reports for both sites but eventually phased them out.
Around about July 2001 Tim contacted me and told me he could no longer maintain the NLSC as his new job at EA Sports didn't allow him enough free time for the site, in addition to the fact that it was (and still remains) an unofficial site. He asked if I would be interested in taking over in his stead. Excited at the prospect I agreed and with my first post in the NLSC news on this day five years ago I began a new online venture (or more accurately, adventure) that I hope will continue for a while yet.
After some deliberation I decided to close the NBA Live Domain in late December 2001 after a few months running both sites simultaneously. It was a difficult decision because I had grown quite attached to my work and proud of the consecutive update streak which stretched 596 days at its closure. However, it was for the best. There was little need for the NLD as most of its content had already been absorbed by the NLSC and as the larger site the NLSC demanded and deserved more time and attention. I'm proud of what I was able to do with the NLD but it was time to move on and dedicate myself completely to my new position. There would be one more news post on the NLD but that's a story for another time.
I should take some time out to say that Tim was extremely helpful during the first few months as I accepted several new responsibilities and had quite a bit to learn about running a site the size of the NLSC. Lutz and Brien were also very supportive and made me feel welcome in my new role. I have a lot of respect for those three guys and as I said in my Community Day report I was thrilled to finally meet Tim in person a couple of weeks back. He's a very cool person and I've always tried to follow his example as a webmaster and admin.
It hasn't always been smooth sailing though especially where the forum's concerned. I think it's safe to say we've had our ups and downs. I had my first challenge thrown at me less than a month into running the site as the anger felt over the September 11 attacks hit Internet forums across cyberspace and there was a lot of tension in the NLSC Forum to say the least. Since then there's been other blow-ups on the boards but we've come through them all so far. It's funny to look back on some of those threads because I get along with really well with a couple of those guys now and they remain moderators and members of the NLSC team to this day.
I've always greatly appreciated people willing to give me a chance. Not everyone was willing to accept someone new at the helm of the NLSC and I've made my fair share of blunders these past five years. But I've been given the chance to make up for my mistakes and grow (and hopefully improve) as a webmaster/admin and there's no doubt still room for growth and improvement. I'll always strive to do a better job of my duties here at the NLSC. A very sincere thank you to everyone who has supported me and continue to offer their support. I truly am grateful. I'd also like to thank everyone on the NLSC team who continues to devote time and effort to the site as I certainly can't do it all by myself.
The NLSC has also given me opportunities I never dreamed of when I agreed to take over five years ago. I never thought it would lead to an overseas trip where I would tour EA's studios, meet the NBA Live production team and get a hands-on preview of the game. It has also led to job interviews and played a part in landing me the job that I'm in today.
Speaking of the Community Day, it was very flattering when some of the producers complimented me on the NLSC and said how much they liked the website and how useful they found it as a link to the NBA Live fans. It was very cool to hear them mention some of the recent topics in the NBA Live 07 and Wishlist sections by name.
This is probably starting to sound like a retirement post which it most certainly isn't. I'm not planning on giving it up just yet. I've got some stuff lined up that I'm excited about and I think everyone will like and enjoy so stay tuned for that. Remember that I'm always open to feedback and suggestions (so long as they're civil; "You suck" isn't always very helpful
) and I look forward to doing what I can to make the NLSC an even better place for NBA Live fans in the furure.
Five years on, it's still great to be here.
yeah three guesses who that is.
You know how we rate you, what about your thoughts on us forum members? 
