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BOO! Ah, Halloween. It's ironic that I choose the week of what is normally the busiest time of the year to finally update my journal. Big events always get me back into the spirit. Plus, this year, <b>ramoneguru</b> is leading the charge with developer support from me and <b>Narumi Misuhara</b>. Plus, we're getting a ton of great coordination and planning from <b>indy_cole</b>, beautiful art and story from <b>jenzee</b> and <b>reapersun</b>, great user-interface thanks to <b>Brunosmad</b> and <b>Ling</b>, amazing items from <b>Juno</b> and her team, story and hilarity from <b>boxcarsocial</b> and <b>Cashmere Cactus</b>, support from <b>omgwill</b>, and the creative influence as always from <b>cp</b> and <b>L0cke</b>. It takes a lot of people to put together a big event that lasts only a week-and-a-half! Narumi mentioned that we're being ambitious, and this is true, but you'll also see some familiar mechanics from some events from the now-distant past -- along with a number of things you haven't seen yet in Gaia Events. There will be new ways to get items (no more of the usual "level up, get item, level up, get item" wink , and some new mechanics. As Lanzer pointed out in AtA recently, it will not be forum-based, though of course because of the choice between S.I.N. and B.O.O., we're hoping that the people who want to be a part of the social aspect of the event will be able to do so as much as ever. In fact, there will be parts of the event that require you interact with other users. For my part, this has been a great event process -- except for all we're trying to do, we're still down-to-the-gun, crunching like crazy these last two weeks. Everyone's stepping up their game for this one, though I do worry that enhancements in UI, ease-of-use, art/story, pre-event, and monetization have left us with as little time as any event to focus on what makes the actual gameplay fun. One of the exciting things about events like this though, and also a huge source of anxiety for people on the team is the question of: <i>will it be fun</i>. This question haunts our dreams. To some extent, I mean that literally. When I finally went to bed late last night/this morning after working for several hours on the <b>[[CENSORED FOR THE SURPRISE]]</b>, all I could dream about was how I was going to finish the rest of the work that needed to be done. I kept coding in my dreams, only to wake up to realize that I had also dreamed up a totally incorrect requirement for the event. Oh well, one night of sleep wasted. So I've got to get back to work now on this craziness. If one thing about Gaia hasn't changed, it's the madness surrounding Event production. Here's to not crashing the site! crosses fingers

Posted by: Fleep Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 10:09pm

Gaia Isn't Being Money Hungry

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Gooey
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Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 10:14pm


	Sounds like a really nice event! I'm really excited!

Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 10:19pm


	I wish you guys all the best of luck, especially when treading in new waters!

Slick Southpaw
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Sparkling Anon
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Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 10:49pm


	YAY FOR A SURPRISE!

Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 10:52pm


	I'm so impatient. ;-; Thanks guys for working so hard, here's to hoping (and it probably will...right, right?) that it'll be really fun. >w< Can't wait to see what new aspects of game play you're gonna bring into this.

your local teashop
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Iam WhoIAm
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Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:09pm


	Thanks you for working so hard for us. I am sure whatever you have in store for us will be amazing, you always do such a good job on things. I hope you are able to sleep with good coding when this is all over smile 24 hours every day is all i get to spend no saving up or borrowing or going back again So when I reach eternity beyond lifes final breath God will grant the choice I made Eternal Life or death the_hamster is mine heart* we wed on the 28th of September, 2013* DA

Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:12pm


	GAH! Your making me even more excited! I can't wait, keep up the good work!

Midnight Trickster
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love luna
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Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:17pm


	i cant wait to see what you've been planning so excited >w<

Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:43pm


	I can't wait for the event. I wish it was the 28th now sad .

MrsrachaelSnape
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ladywolf
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Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:45pm


	Its sad to say this,but I cant think of anything constructive to say..I cant stop staring at your new look Fleep! Just..wow. Well actually,there is one thing.I hope you guys are'nt overkilling on the interaction between users...thats torture for us shy peoples! blaugh I think Halloween will be wicked sweet,as always! No worries! (yeah right eh..LoL) Yanno what else sucks about dreaming about work? You dont get paid! Anyhoos,dont work toooo hard! xx

Commented on: Fri Oct 23, 2009 @ 11:57pm


	Can't wait for the event, it sounds like it's gonna be epic! xd

Jme83
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snufflypoo
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 12:05am


	looking forward to it! 3nodding eyes avvie can i assume you are supporting B.O.O.?

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 12:10am


	Can't wait to see the event <3

Lady Kayura
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Le Koj
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 12:18am


	yaay! I'm looking forward to it!!! POWER UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPP! screams to cheer on all the staff at gaia

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 12:26am


	I'm looking forward to it! <3 I have no doubt in the event, the new tactics will be a great change.

pinkgalYall
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I Sinistro I
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 01:13am


	This year is going to be great. I like the teams so far, and I can't wait for this event to kick off! Class of 2006 Gaia Vet! Team Durem! / Team S.I.N! I log in VERY sporadically, but I love this site like it's a second home still! You can message me anyway! I'm as friendly as ever!

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 01:21am


	.¸¸.¤´´¯``¤.¸¸.´When witches go riding, and black cats are seen...* Thank you for all your hard work Fleep, I'm sure that the vast majority of Gaians (myself included) will love this year's Halloween on Gaia! Please ignore all the b*h and moaners and don't let them get you down. heart heart heart The moon laughs and whispers, tis near Halloween!*.¸¸.¤´´¯``¤ .¸¸.´

Lady Karris
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moresugarthanspice
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 01:36am


	Poor Fleep, crunching data in his dreams. pat pat You'll sleep well when this is over with I'm sure.

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 01:50am


	I bet the event will be totally awesome, Fleep.

Fossil Tape
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Enigma Neko
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 02:28am


	best of wishes for you and the rest of the event crew...i'm crossing my fingers as well that the site doesn't crash from the upcoming halloween event take care biggrin

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 02:41am


	Sounds awesome, Fleep! We appreciate your hard work!! heart

OddBird
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GrannyD
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 03:25am


	Granny-Hugs for ya.... just take a deep breath and know that no matter what, we LOVE YOU ALL! Thanks for naming names, too. I like that. Hee! Captcha - font of I LOVE GAIA. You can't make me.

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 03:48am


	is excited I just hope that: a.) The "socializing" aspects won't be too hard on those of us who aren't social all the time, and b.) That it won't be too hard to get multiple sets of items, as I get them not just for myself, but I always end up getting at least a couple sets for people who either aren't around for the event or who aren't too skilled with the games. 3nodding Very happy to hear it'll be running for a week and a half though, I know more than a few folks were worried about it. Also, I will say that while the summer event definitely wasn't my thing this year, I very much enjoyed last year's Halloween event, both on-site and the zOMG portion. 3nodding Lulz @ dreaming about the event, I was doing that for the zOMG leg of the Easter event this year. I also got out of work and jumped out of my jeep, reaching for my Hunter's Bow and looking around the yard for eggs before someone ninja'ed them from me. I'm so glad no one saw that... ninja Anyway, w00t w00t! Thank you for all you guy's hard work! heart

Kai-Shan Valandria
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Qyp
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 05:34am


	So for those that don't play zOMG... they will miss out? Cool man. You guys are cool.

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 06:57am


	@ .@ Not.. forum... based!? That's even possible? Oh boy. I'm doomed. That does sound intriguing. As far as events being fun... I always find the simpler events to be more fun. I know you guys have to take care of the element of people who finish within a day, and then whine about their event action being over too soon. However, when events start taking hours upon hours to get the final item, I stress out. It doesn't give me time to hang out with other users. No matter how fun the event could potentially be, it's no longer fun. I just stress over whether I'll be able to finish in my small breaks from real life. Let's see... study for a microbio and/or organic chem exam... or play the Gaia Halloween event. I don't have tons of gold or cash, I have to earn items with time. The last zOMG Easter event was stressful! I didn't have unlimited time to play for the items. I was tense. In the little time I had, I had to snipe those eggs first. And it was sooo disappointing to get egg after egg of gold. I never thought I'd grumble about getting a free egg with gold in it, but I did. XD; I wanted those pretty loot items for the recipes, darn it. On the other hand, events like caroling in the shops are sooo much nicer. I can participate in the event without worry and study at the same time. XD; Eheheheh, sorry about the ramble. I'm looking forward to the kick off of the big event. I'm getting antsy as the date nears closer and closer. <3 You guys always put so much effort into these events and it does show. Each one gets more awesome than the last. Which, you know, I never think is possible... but you guys pull it off. ==== Edit 11/30/09: I've been around to see every Halloween event since 04. This format is great. To make this short (since the comment is already long), any problem I've ever had with past events has been resolved in this one. Excellent work. Excellent. I'm really enjoying this event. Thank you all.

sdrawkcab
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Lamoth
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 11:18am


	whatever it is it's going to be awesome and I hope my PC will be able to handle it biggrin

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 11:47am


	gitrdun

Kathleen Starr
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Carmarthen
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 12:33pm


	Aw, it sounds like it'll be the best Halloween ever, I'm looking forward to it whee Please don't put too much pressure on yourselves though ♥

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 03:41pm


	I'm excited the story seems good so far. However I love the forum based stuff a lot at least a choice. stressed

Toxic love bunny
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Silent Superhero
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 07:36pm


	Thank you so much for working so hard. This Halloween sounds like it will be amazing, and I am really looking forward to it. Also, I'm sure this event will be fun. (Many people are already having fun speculating about B.O.O. and S.I.N. and the relationship between Sentinel and Overseer). I really appreciate all that you guys are doing, so good luck finishing the event.

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 08:07pm


	Good luck. <3 You need it.

Lady Rebellion
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Ergo Kortina
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Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 11:24pm


	Good luck, I'm sure it'll be great! You guys always stress yourselves out so much for these events and I don't think people appreciate it nearly enough!

Commented on: Sat Oct 24, 2009 @ 11:29pm


	╔═══════════════════════╗ But guys think, just because it isnt forum based, doesnt mean it's zOMG! ;D So dont freak haha ╚══════I am the shadow on the moon at night, Filling your dreams to the brim with fright══════╝ King of the GCD Lurkers Invisible Children 𝕽 ▌New Profile▌ Semi-Hiatus 'cuz school blows.

Saintsaholic
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Chibi Cheeks78
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Commented on: Mon Oct 26, 2009 @ 03:24am


	I'm sure it'll be a smashing success as always. Everyone's hard work and dedication is always appreciated. I can't wait to experience the Halloweem 09 event.

Commented on: Tue Oct 27, 2009 @ 06:23pm


	Oh, Fleep, why must you tease me? gonk Majorly looking forward to the Halloween event. I wanna see just how different the mechanics will be. I'm all giddy now. Brain's making tinkling noises trying to figure out what you've got in store for us. ninja

Bleeding Apocalypse
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Lady_Threnody
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Commented on: Wed Oct 28, 2009 @ 11:27am


	Good luck! I hope everything works out and that you guys don't break the site as you said. However, it looks like we'll be having some problems with it since we're already having issues with aquarium booty grab links not working and database errors while posting (already). Hopefully they'll be minor issues if anything and that they'll be fun. Im glad you guys are trying some different stuff this year. I just hope that if you guys plan on doing this in flash that it does lag us all into oblivion! Never-the-less, good luck and whether or not the event is fun I still thank you and the entire team behind these events for putting up the long hard hours of work for this. <3 ~Thren "I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent." ~Walt Kelly *[ No, you can't* use my tribal images. ]**

Commented on: Sat Nov 07, 2009 @ 10:23pm


	I think you all did a wonderful job with the Halloween event. I was too busy wondering which mission to run to notice I got items, though. Hah! I also liked the fact that the event wasn't primarily forum-based. While Gaia is a community in itself, I deem myself the community hermet, for I have almost no time to play, so I have limited interaction, thus I have few/no friends. I find the event was easy to participate in, and I didn't have to bust my butt, sweating with anxiety with the question of "Will I get all the items this time?" running through my mind. Thank you, Gaia staff! ~Luna

Lunasnoctum
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Kuroda Kaori
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Commented on: Mon Nov 09, 2009 @ 05:54am


	hugs awesome job on the event Fleep ^_^ and not just to you but to everyone who participated in pulling it together. Of course it had its flaws, but I enjoyed it. I know your guys are just going to get better and better at getting these events together and I'm loving how gaia has grown (user since 04). Can't wait to see what you guys bring to the table next. Good luck and I hope you get a chance to nap a bit now ^_^ Much love, Kuroda

Commented on: Sat Nov 14, 2009 @ 01:15am


	duuuuuuuuuude... nice avi

brodiebrozzo
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