From the Desk of Deacon Rayne
01/02/08
Greetings, Salutations and Happy New Year,
Well, I imagine if you're reading this, then you already know who I am and so I will forgo the introductions so that I may instead right now, take this opportunity to thank you. Thank you for the attention and thank you for the time you have spent with my story: it has, and continues to be, both my honor and privilege to receive your patronage, to share this story with you and to have you share your thoughts and wishes regarding it, with us, in return.
After being absent for many years, only to come back and, almost effortlessly, reacquire the sustained interest of you, the readers, was a gift that I had neither expected nor had earned. You, reading this now and leaving the comments you've left is absolutely vital. Not only does art absolutely REQUIRE an audience, but your interest and your comments, ranging from suggestions to simple words of encouragement and expressions of interest help sustain all of our efforts: by helping us remained motivated and, speaking for myself, helps me become a better writer in the process.
Unfortunately, not even the best motivation will overcome the occasional complications life throws at us.
By now, you've noticed that the Friday update did not go up as scheduled last week. Regrettably, a combination of people not being available for the holidays, technical failure, and the loss of an editor stretched our resources to the breaking point and this week, my colleagues and I simply could not get the chapter posted in time.
"A mistake is not a mistake the first time it is made; it is a learning experience". That's a saying I've always enjoyed and I believe that it holds true for this "learning experience" as well. A new editing schedule has been set up and responsibilities have been redistributed so that this does not happen again.
This should not have happened at all: if you, (I am not speaking of "you" in the "anonymous fan-base" sense but YOU, specifically, the reader, right now reading this) are going to devote the time and energy to faithfully tune in every Friday Night to read the latest chapter of the Hellmouth Ascendant Trilogy (Much as all of us tuned in to see Buffy or Angel every week), then we have an obligation, to you, to see that your devotion is rewarded by ensuring that every week, the material is their and ready for your enjoyment.
Speaking personally, I used to get really upset when Buffy or Angel would be preempted for a holiday special or an episode would be axed completely due to the political climate (especially in the US; see below). Thus, if I intend to avoid hypocrisy, then I intend to make sure I don't do the same thing, for whatever reason.
At any rate, below are a few pages of BRAND NEW material. Beginning with this chapter, the Hellmouth Ascendant Trilogy truly begins to earn its title of "Re-Vamped Edition". I have done everything in my power to remain true to the canonical material of the Buffy/Angelverse (including the official comics that make up Season 8) in regards to this story and to the new material. I ask your indulgence in the event that I make a mistake: I offer no excuses, merely the simple fact that nobody is perfect.
These pages are my gift to you specifically and to you all as well, it is my way of saying three things to you:
"I am sorry for not making sure that this was not waiting for you when it was wanted and when it was supposed to be"
"I am truly grateful for everything all of you have given me over the last few years: All the support and encouragement and feedback. Thank you all very, very much"
And finally
"I promise each and every one of you who have been reading, who continue to read and who are just starting to read this story; this will never happen again if I have any control over it whatsoever".
I sincerely hope that not only will you all continue to read this story but that those of you who have (or have yet to) added comments will do so.
Enough talk. Enjoy the new material. 2008 will a year of failing light, darkness, and the coming dawn. I invite you all to join me on the journey.
Remember, it could have been a lot worse as far as this delay: do any other US citizen's remember how long it took to finally see "Becoming Part 2" and "Earshot"?
See you Friday
Yours Faithfully,
Deacon Rayne