A Progress Update (inc. the BIG FGFGF Xmas Giveaway!)

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

Well life hasn't been quite the same this year has it now? It's been a struggle, even for Mr Annoying Positive guy over here. Keeping going mentally is challenging enough in life as it is, let alone more lockdown news across the world. However, I haven't stopped, maybe procrastinated a little too much, but I wanted to report we are getting somewhere. Needless to say I can't do it without you all visiting and popping in, not forgetting our home for which i'm extremely grateful. This could be a long-ish one but it will be worth it so please read all of it!

 

I'll do my best to keep it brief (yeah, okay Lee) and maybe give you some visuals a long the way to make it easier to not switch off 😁

 

FG Progress Updates

 

We mentioned some months ago here, we (or more so I, with the help of you amazing people) wanted to make a stand and keep things moving where we could to make a difference. I've copied the bits mentioned from the thread and shown any progress next to it:

 

• Merchandise Shop - New application purchased for FG so it can support the Merch shop. Early days but you may see that there is a resemblance of a shop on our Home (you can check it out in the menu bar).

 

It needs a lot of fleshing out with way more bits need to be added of course so obviously any ideas of things we should have in there please can you keep them coming. Big shout out to Matty @Misneach_  as he working through to find an american provider so we can get the same or similar designs to save on the postage.

 

• FG Points/Gamerscore - This hasn't moved anywhere. Not received any ideas since we raised it and sits lower down the pecking order as it was an added incentive to your daily life at FG.
• Creating new sections (New entire page spaces for games) - I've started creating a few but obviously need a little more content to get them fully up and running. I'm considering making a few live with bare bones and getting all of you to help flesh them out a bit and offer suggestions on what you think would work best. That way we have something workable ongoing to regularly improve. Destiny and FIFA are a few i'm looking at but there's a lot of work under the hood with the new functionality to get it bang on. Just wanted to show you something to see progress is being made even if it still needs major tweaks and changes:

     

 

• Creating new sections - New homepage - its coming along too. Not too much to giveaway here but I think we need to have a central point for everyone to remember all the other parts of stuff we have fun with too. Work in progress below but getting there...even if it could end up meaning one extra click for some:

 

• Expanding existing areas - we now have dedicated forums and discord channels for a few games with also corresponding notifications for those games. You may have seen a few pop up in discord and these should work well with new page spaces if we decide to have them.
• Guides & Tips section - We haven't received any new updates to it. With Destiny launching soon and with other brand new games as well as existing games starting to get a following (FIFA, 7 Days, etc) it would be good to get a few more up.
• Re-engaging with old FGers - we've seen a few faces come back, and its nice to see some of the PPRs of old (and new!) being updated. Its just a rubbish time for everyone so reading everyones PPRs, hearing that you're all okay and getting by however you can is really awesome to see. Would love to see more updates and people embrace PPRs more, even if its just to read others and comment on their ones. Its the one big way we can make a difference in such a small amount of effort.
• Open our doors to new FGers - A few people have graced us with their presence. Awesome thanks to people like Nutty @Nutcuttlit  spreading the FG wings out there on all manor of games. When you can, make sure you take the moment to make newer people feel part of the group properly. The more we help each other, the better we'll all feel about stuff going on.
• Regular gaming nights schedule - We've definitely picked up a few things and I can only see more to come. FIFA Monday Night Football, GT Sport Weekly Races on Tuesdays, 7 Days horde nights every so often, and Destiny Raids have popped up again too. I think what I probably need to do is more simple YouTube explanations on how to set up events, etc as I fear just because I might not be able to turn up or can't make a night doesn't mean we can't make a go of things. We also have to be persistent. If a few times they don't work, you keep trying as the more it becomes force of habit, the more times people will join for fun and good times.
• Ways to help others (real charity fundraisers starting with charity streams) - I don't think we've managed to find enough time to do these of late which is a shame as its something we could definitely do to support others. I did think about a group Movember even if its 3 days late.
• Try to get a regular pattern on sending out Feel Good Fund parcels to caring FGers - There's been a few parcels sent out. I haven't updated the thread lately but this probably leads into a time where because this year has an absolute awful one for many, i'm going to try and do what I can to make something happen, starting with the BIG Xmas FGFGF Giveaway.

 

Comms - WhatsApp

We clearly still have a major problem with how life is at present, even though we have Discord, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our Home here to keep in touch. Whilst I started many years ago saying it could work, over recent years it proved to get in the way, as it makes us all a little lazy at times. However, with the year we've had, how many people are splintered over all those ways to connect, the inability to help get everyone on one simple chat application AND Sony royally fucking up playstation chat parties, I'm planning on resurrecting one purely for FGers. All I ask is that you don't forget this place as this is our Home. If we don't have a home, FG will splinter and die which we all don't want. Let me know if you want to be part of one and we'll see how it goes. When we seem in a better place in the world we'll see how things lay, like everything here and we can change things around as and when we're at that point. I won't hesitate to close it though if I feel this place is dying away. Any views, thoughts, opinions i'd be seriously grateful on this thread.

 

The BIG FGFGF Xmas Giveaway

Well, here we are. After not being able to do something last year and we've said enough about 2020 until the cows come home (never understood that expression when written down but it works when i say it out loud), its time I believe to put some smiles back on people's faces. I want to keep the Feel Good Fund surprises coming to direct people as and when I can but for the main part of the rest of this year, I want to do the following as I special thank you for being FG and being there for others here too.

 

We all love an advent calendar so here is our very own. Behind each door will be a prize we will give away, each day of the year. I'D URGE YOU TO KEEP IN CONTACT HERE TO NOT MISS OUT ON YOUR CHANCE.

 

Rather than spell out all the prizes on this thread straight away, the below lets you select each door to see whats behind each day of the 25 days of Christmas. I can detail them properly on a separate thread but for now go and enjoy whats behind each door 😄. The Raffle System will go up within the next 2 weeks for, I'll create a new thread and it will be for EXISTING FGers ONLY. It will be clear what the rules are to enter so make sure you check your FG login details as it will be linked to those.

 

The final point I just wanted to quickly touch on is Donations. We can't ever run without them, so thank you for anyone that has donated this year when it's been really tough. No matter whatever you can give and at whatever time, its massively grateful. It can't be like this every year but this one is on me to try and help bring some smiles back to the end of this year - Thank you to all of you for being FG.

 

GGFG

 

Link to FG Advent Calendar below (EDIT - I had it embedded in the post too but it doesn't paginate correctly on mobile, the link will be good to go for all):

 

Forever Gaming's Christmas Giveaway!

CALENDAR.MYADVENT.NET

---

FG has created an advent calendar for you! Happy holidays! 🙂

 

[Plumbers Crack 4,062]

@GazzaGarratt

Nice update Lee and I only have one major problem with it at the moment......you want to add one more click??!! That’s outrageous and a step too far young man! I suggest you reconsider immediately!

 

Seriously though, thanks for all you do Lee, it’s greatly appreciated mate

 

Oh, and the cows saying apparently relates to “a very long time” going back to when cows were let out to pasture and wouldn’t amble back until the next days milking...every day’s a school day here! 😎😂

[Spacedeck 920]

Question regarding merchandise.  Is it permanent or is it going to be a fixed period in when they can be purchased?  I do very much intend on getting one when I get enough money, but I also don't want to miss out on the chance if it's time limited.

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

18 minutes ago, Spacedeck said:

Question regarding merchandise.  Is it permanent or is it going to be a fixed period in when they can be purchased?  I do very much intend on getting one when I get enough money, but I also don't want to miss out on the chance if it's time limited.

 

I want it to be permanent, clearly youtubers do it fixed time cos they can get the costs down but that doesn't help people like yourself and many others that might want one at any stage. Hell i want more but i'm not ready yet 😅 Unfortnately, costs end up being costs which i spoke about ages ago but I think we just need to start somewhere and see where it goes. You never know, we might not do any at all and then at least I know what was the point in it. Just would look pretty awesome having FG gear for us to have at home i feel.

[TheMuggySpud 239]

11-12 years I've been a part of this group (FG/FPS/MW2F) and seeing the amount of work you put into this Lee, is astounding, inspiring and makes me feel guilty for not being around here too often. (I already know you're thinking "you're not meant to feel guilty")

 

I'm going to make more of an effort around here to get involved, I'm just shit at sticking to things these last few years.

 

Lee, I love you.

FG, I love you. Even the lads I haven't officially met.

[Nutcuttlit 359]

I shall endeavour to do more on the site but I don't really know what. My PPR is pointless as I only really play games with other people and don't actually monitor progress of the game itself as I'm laughing to much to notice or I'm completely pissed off my head. If someone could give me a direction to follow and a sole role I'd be alot more comfortable.

[BO7H B4RRELS 2,453]

1 hour ago, TheMuggySpud said:

11-12 years I've been a part of this group (FG/FPS/MW2F) and seeing the amount of work you put into this Lee, is astounding, inspiring and makes me feel guilty for not being around here too often. (I already know you're thinking "you're not meant to feel guilty")

 

I'm going to make more of an effort around here to get involved, I'm just shit at sticking to things these last few years.

 

Lee, I love you.

FG, I love you. Even the lads I haven't officially met.

 

This is exactly how I feel.  I've been around from the start and feel absolutely terrible that I don't contribute more.  I always intend to do better but I always fall short.  It blows me away at how awesome Lee is.  It blows me away at how awesome this community is.  I would have never imagined that it would still be going strong today.  I was just googling some MW2 tips and tricks and ended up finding mw2forums.com Crazy how it's all come together.  

 

As for the awesome update.  You're the man, Lee.  I love the advent calendar idea.  That's amazing.  

 

I feel split on the Whatsapp topic.  I love that we all shoot the shit in Whatsapp, but if it didn't exist, I'd probably post here more often.  But, I feel that as a whole it's a net positive for us.  It's nice to just talk some shit real quick in middle of a busy day when I don't have time to browse a forum.  But, you've got the right idea, it's a balancing game.  Members have to be conscious about making sure they're still keeping the home base going.  

 

Thanks for all you do buddy!  I'm looking forward to checking out some of these upcoming changes.  

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

1 hour ago, Nutcuttlit said:

I shall endeavour to do more on the site but I don't really know what. My PPR is pointless as I only really play games with other people and don't actually monitor progress of the game itself as I'm laughing to much to notice or I'm completely pissed off my head. If someone could give me a direction to follow and a sole role I'd be alot more comfortable.

 

You see this is great to know. I perhaps am not clear with some vision bits and pieces because i want everything to succeed. We have certain things I personally want to see better and i started that in the separate thread back in June. You would be a super person to write simple step guides and tips for people. You can create whatever ones you think for whatever games. If we get it going I just need to sort out access but I think you could likely write one already in there. Theres also regular social accounts i want to keep them more up to date. Push out larger story posts of all of our escapades. Make them into mini-series. You'd be incredible at that. @ChaosGladiator  did some awesome write ups on DayZ before in his PPR. If I know it will be regular we can find ways to highlight things going forward, not just at our Home.

 

As for your PPR, i'd argue it isn't pointless at all. People don't realise how interesting they are and you only find even more cool shit about a person when they start sharing this stuff. In mine, I share Personal home life, games progress, Fg stuff, etc. You can share what you like. But look at it in a different way Nutty; if you share some of your awesome things you did with your animals it might inspire others to be interested in them and do stuff with animals too. They might get a pet Tortoise, etc. The point is, your voice shouldn't be devalued because you don't say shit on here. The PPR brings lights to your life in a place where I would hope others are all interested in each other, through the good times and the bad times. Do an update. See how you go.

 

2 hours ago, TheMuggySpud said:

11-12 years I've been a part of this group (FG/FPS/MW2F) and seeing the amount of work you put into this Lee, is astounding, inspiring and makes me feel guilty for not being around here too often. (I already know you're thinking "you're not meant to feel guilty")

 

I'm going to make more of an effort around here to get involved, I'm just shit at sticking to things these last few years.

 

Lee, I love you.

FG, I love you. Even the lads I haven't officially met.

 

I love you long time too sweetcheeks 😘 Don't put yourself down though mate (you know i would say that 😁), we all have our lives which carry on. I think its basically about force of habit with this place and all the things we do. When I lack motivation (yes, i really do sometimes) I come here and go over people's PPRs and go back and read previous thoughts on stuff, which usually picks me up cos in a weird way it feels like you're all talking to me when I read it - whether other people do that or not I don't know but it certainly makes me feel like i'm not alone. Others should feel the same too.

 

Looking forward to seeing you more around though mate, for that I will always be excited about ❤️

 

27 minutes ago, BO7H B4RRELS said:

 

This is exactly how I feel.  I've been around from the start and feel absolutely terrible that I don't contribute more.  I always intend to do better but I always fall short.  It blows me away at how awesome Lee is.  It blows me away at how awesome this community is.  I would have never imagined that it would still be going strong today.  I was just googling some MW2 tips and tricks and ended up finding mw2forums.com Crazy how it's all come together.  

 

As for the awesome update.  You're the man, Lee.  I love the advent calendar idea.  That's amazing.  

 

I feel split on the Whatsapp topic.  I love that we all shoot the shit in Whatsapp, but if it didn't exist, I'd probably post here more often.  But, I feel that as a whole it's a net positive for us.  It's nice to just talk some shit real quick in middle of a busy day when I don't have time to browse a forum.  But, you've got the right idea, it's a balancing game.  Members have to be conscious about making sure they're still keeping the home base going.  

 

Thanks for all you do buddy!  I'm looking forward to checking out some of these upcoming changes.  

 

Thank you bud, your words mean a great deal as always. ❤️

 

I hear the concern on WhatsApp, its actually given me lots of anxiety about it. Thing is I've never ever said we can't live with just one. The balancing act is spot on, otherwise as we get older its easy to float more apart with other responsibilities in life, etc. In an ideal world i'll gather enough funds to create this place into a proper App which will help and then if we all ended up just one chat App it would be so much easier but you've got to respect how people like different things. We've always gone the extra mile to make people feel comfortable, so lets more work at keeping things balanced and nudge each other rather than me nudge/nag/piss you off even more 😄

[TheMuggySpud 239]

@GazzaGarrattour goddess

Edited November 3, 2020 by TheMuggySpud
Typo because diddums would bully me

[Dan94 913]

Great update Lee, thanks for all you do, as the others have said its inspiring 👍

[slamminbones 1,785]

Great update lee.

I keep forgetting we have a discord i'll show my face then forget it's there not sure what that's about 😅 but i've moved the icon so its not lost in all the shit apps i have on my phone.

I haven't had a look in depth but to make the forum a little more manageable are you able to consolidate some sections? Just anidead for less work for you.

Liking the advent calendar idea. 

 

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

5 hours ago, TheMuggySpud said:

@GazzaGarrattour goddess

 

FFS 🤣🤣🤣

 

28 minutes ago, Dan94 said:

Great update Lee, thanks for all you do, as the others have said its inspiring 👍

 

Thanks mate ❤️

 

23 minutes ago, slamminbones said:

Great update lee.

I keep forgetting we have a discord i'll show my face then forget it's there not sure what that's about 😅 but i've moved the icon so its not lost in all the shit apps i have on my phone.

I haven't had a look in depth but to make the forum a little more manageable are you able to consolidate some sections? Just anidead for less work for you.

Liking the advent calendar idea. 

 

 

Cheers Paul. Tbh, you turn up here and I enjoy reading your posts. Chat stuff like discord was initially made to grab people for games and quick chat, not to replace this place. At least it also gives people auto notifications when stuff gets posted which might actually help people keep up to date a little more.

 

The forum sections don't really take much maintenance tbh. Forums will always be about whatever people post up...so everyone can help with this one and stick stuff up! Like the previous post I did in June, there's loads of things we can do, improve, create, etc but we also need to keep everything running, like the usual game nights of fun and lolz. You're always welcome to support and help where you can. The people that raised their hands and i created separate sections for them to put ideas down and get stuff could revisit these perhaps as a good start?

[techno 3,510]

We'll now I'm at work and had some free time I've read through the thread first of all I'll just repeat what's been said, Lee the effort you put in here is outstanding and you deserve all the praise you get....the pain Im feeling now from having to praise someone really hurts 😉😁

 

It's also testament to the place that so many old timers have stuck around or returned and the one thing I've always got from the various forms of this forum over the years is the enjoyment I get from reading other people's views on shit with us being from various backgrounds and countries.

 

I don't own a computer so my only access is through my phone and I do make a point of visiting this place daily and with the new games coming up that's bound to continue.

 

@Nutcuttlit  you may not know what to put in a ppr but having listened to your inane ramblings both in person and online I'm sure with your job it would make interesting reading 👍

 

Anyway keep up the good work @GazzaGarratt

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

1 hour ago, techno said:

.the pain Im feeling now from having to praise someone really hurts 😉😁

 

🤣🤣

 

Whats been great to read from my opinion is what a few of you have said about the place and everyone rather than me. This is why I try and tell so many people that may haven't been here for a while to keep checking in.

 

1 hour ago, techno said:

@Nutcuttlit  you may not know what to put in a ppr but having listened to your inane ramblings both in person and online I'm sure with your job it would make interesting reading 👍

 

100 bajillion percent agree. Other people here that haven't got one or tried to get them started should give them a go and maybe take a sneak peak at a few others too. Only takes a minute to check someones PPR out 👍

[Dr Diamond 407]

What's up folks

Can you add me to the Whatsapp please. Some prick called Diddums removed me from it a while back.

Only really playing Warzone these days, I've added some of the regiment but i need to add the rest.

[Stretch616 697]

@GazzaGarrattAs the guys before me have already said, what you do for this community is nothing short of astounding and I cant thank you enough. As with some of the other guys as well, I feel bad that I dont participate on here in the way that I'd like to. All good intentions for a while but then it goes South through nobody's fault but my own.

 

Keep doing what you're doing buddy. It's really appreciated from all the members here and we'll try and do our bit on here to support you more.

 

Much love dude 😘

[Nutcuttlit 359]

Ok I'll try to add more on my PPR but I'm more an answer question rather than write stuff about myself kinda dude. Every time I've tried to do a piece about myself I often delete and forget about it because it's just normal to me and seems really interesting. That's probably just because it the norm for me but will be different for the person reading it I suppose, I will try to do more on it and work through my personal barriers.

[Middle Class Caveman 980]

Shut up, Leigh.

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

47 minutes ago, Nutcuttlit said:

Ok I'll try to add more on my PPR but I'm more an answer question rather than write stuff about myself kinda dude. Every time I've tried to do a piece about myself I often delete and forget about it because it's just normal to me and seems really interesting. That's probably just because it the norm for me but will be different for the person reading it I suppose, I will try to do more on it and work through my personal barriers.

 

Definitely mate, having different perspectives on stuff is what its all about. Looking forward to the next update and in the meantime we can work out what things that would be awesome if you took up a lead on 👊

[GazzaGarratt 11,049]

Aaaaaaand they're up. 😅

 

The FGFGF Giveaway items are available in the new Raffle section. You'll find 'Raffles' in the menu bar at the top on desktop or in the 3 line burger menu on mobile - but if you want to go straight to them, then click here.

 

Like I said before, one for each day of the month, open to only FG members that have a valid login and was already a member at FG before I put them up to keep it free from people just signing up to get the good stuff.

 

This is for all of you at FG, whether you are new FGers or FG veterans, go and enter in however many of the days you'd like to win! Good luck everybody!

 

Reminder of all the prizes:

 

Forever Gaming's Christmas Giveaway!

CALENDAR.MYADVENT.NET

---

FG has created an advent calendar for you! Happy holidays! 🙂

 

[Misneach_ 299]

Love it @GazzaGarrattyou always go above and beyond. Glad we have you on our team keeping this amazing thing fresh and amazing.