heartunprepared

I suppose some of you knew this was coming. I myself have been in denial a little – this is one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to face. It was a decision that was made for me, a side affect of another decision. A few months ago I was filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation as I booked my trip overseas. The difference between going away for a month and four months like I am is gigantic in terms of real life implications – and all of those implications I was excited for or prepared for. I was more than happy to have something to force me to give my notice at work, I was content with the idea of having to move my belongings back to my parents and then start afresh from here when I return. Despite having sat and pondered the dates and how to time it to try and be beneficial in terms of fandom opportunities, I didn't really consider the fandom implications. It was only later on that it hit me – the fair thing, the just thing, will be to give up my boards. Resigning from this moderator position fills my heart with sadness – yet here I am, because I know it is the right thing to do.

This board here has been my heart and my soul for such a long time. I can never be thankful enough for the day that I was encouraged to venture over here from the safe haven of the FanFiction thread at the Vanessa Anne Hudgens board, to come over here and help kill a thread. We've been through waves of experience over here, there was a time when I avoided particular threads in defiance of the culture, and then I started to want to actively mould the culture into something better. I can still remember the first time I opened the Troy Bolton thread, I remember epically long conversations in the FanFiction thread, I remember first becoming involved in milestone celebrations over here. I'd found my home. When I first was appointed moderator here, I had this feeling inside that I would be one of those epic long term moderators in the position for years and years to come. Even when I'm bored or frustrated with 'the fandom' this board continues to be a sanctuary of peace. What we've succeeded in creating here is so precious and I'm so proud of everyone who has assisted in creating this environment. It's a place where there is no judgement, where 'ships are irrelevant, where you can belittle facial hair yet still support the man himself.

A part of me wants to hold on. Most youth hostels have internet connection. I could commit to being online every other day. I could pop by, glance for spammers, post in a few threads and then shut down my laptop and continue on with my journey. My heart is still in this, very much so, which is what makes this decision so hard. Most of the time when moderators resign, a part of them has to confess they've moved on. I haven't, not from here, not from this board. I want to be selfish because somehow, letting go of the moderator position feels like more than just removing the name beneath my own. However, I don't believe it is fair to this board or to Shelle to be having a part time moderator. And it isn't fair to myself or to my journey overseas to have my involvement in the board to be one of 'obligation'. I need to take this time for me, make the most of the opportunity and all of the experiences that lie ahead.

If you've ever thought about moderating – please apply for the open position. Right now, this time, is the most exciting time to be part of the Zac Efron fandom, where he's at a pinnacle point in terms of the direction his work and subsequently our fandom will take. I think what I take heart from is that being a moderator isn't about having a bold name with little crowns and the ability to edit and delete posts. Moderating is about understanding the spirit of the Fan Forum community and wanting to expand that spirit. Whether you are an official moderator or not, you can make the decision to be a positive force and to strive toward encouraging that culture.

I thank everyone who I've had the pleasure of posting with, the people who have encouraged me to write, put up with my dirty jokes, read my painstaking rants, been patient with my penchant toward being spoiler free. You guys make me smile and laugh and cry and think and dream on a daily basis. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This isn't goodbye, I'm not leaving the board, and who knows, I may be back as a moderator at some point in the future - you know, if Zac doesn't leap across the barricade at the next premiere and sweep me off to live a life of luxury in his Hollywood mansion

With much love,
Dani xo

juju81

I knew this was coming, but I'm really sad I hope you will find the time to post here Dani.


I wish you a great trip overseas

ButterflyBabe

I knew this was coming, but it still brought a lump to my throat. I've been on FF for five years, and I can say with certainty that you are the BEST thing that's ever happened to this place. Your wisdom and your respect for Zac and every person on this board has been such a great influence within this slice of the fandom.

That being said, I think it is so important for you to enjoy your trip fully, and to make the most out of it. I understand and support your decision fully, and can't wait until we have you back here fulltime again.

Ray

When I registered to this forum, I didn't start posting because I have English as a second language as you know. But than I decided I wanted to be a part of this and I introduced myself. You were so sweet to me, encouraging me to post and made me feel - like Shelle and the other members - very welcome here. I've been posting on this forum for only two weeks, so I don't know too much about you, but I can see how lovely and kind you're. I feel like you're one of those people everyone wants to be friend of. I feel so sorry for not having you here around all the time anymore.
But as juju81 said, I hope you'll find time to be here. I wish all the best things to you, good luck out there! ♥

(And sorry for any language mistake :x)

Stars Fade

Dani. You're stepping down? good luck with everything!

Zac Efron's # 1 fan

It' sad to see you Go Dani Hope you will still have time to come around and Post every now and then.

Good Luck Dani, We all Loved the work you did Moderating the Zac Broad.

*PassionateJ*

Dani, I'm so sorry to see you stepping down Trust me, I know what a hard decision this must of been, I was in the same place not too long ago. After getting something you wanted for soooooooooo long and then having to give it up is really difficult. You were an amazing moderator here, and co-mod to me.

StormySky

I knew this was coming but it doesn't make it easier to see.



You are one of the reasons I actually started to post on this board after lurking for what seems like forever, then I got to co-mod the board with you, it has been awesome and I am going to miss having you around the board everyday but I understand and fully support you in this decision

I am so excited for you to go on this trip and for all the new experiences you are going to get, I'm looking forward to spending time with you in person while we stalk....em....fangirl over Zac in London

I wish you all the best and look forward to having you back with us fulltime again

_alexandragrace

aww sad to see you stepping down Dani! am sure you'll have a blast overseas!! good luck with everything!!

Summer Falls

ow no this is so sad

you one of the first people to post on here and i remember back in the days posting on here as well man time has past so quickly ...

Thank you for all you have done for this board for us FF posers you gave us a home and a place to come to that was warm and caring .. this is your legacy and it will still be here every time you stop by you can say i help build that board

we will miss you and we wish you the best in your own personal life may it go well and you be happy ..

splintered

Oh god, I guess I saw this coming after you also resigned at HSM, but especially here, it's really strange and difficult to see you actually leaving. I haven't always posted on this board in particular, but from what I've learned, you're incredible, both as a person and a fan; someone Zac would be proud to have a supporter.

I completely understand your motives, though, and I'm so excited for you for your trip abroad and I hope you have the best time, because you really deserve it. Best of luck!

Lauren Helen Graham

Dani, just reading your stepping down post gives me goose bumps and I'm so unbelievable sorry to see you taking that step. I know how much you love Zac and the board. You for sure were one of the best moderators can think of.

So, good luck on your four months trip, hun, and I really cross everything I have for you to get the chance to be a mod here again sometime in the future. Take care and I'll follow your Twitter to see where you are and what's new Be aware of that

|Sweet Disposition|

Ooh look at Kris being stalker mode!

But seriously you have been an amazing addition to the board. I've had the pleasure of meeting you in person and your just amazing and I am positive you will be successful in whatever endeavor that you take on

V-Nessa

Sorry to hear, Dani, but best of luck with your real life venture! Enjoy!

Full Hearts

It's so surreal to see you stepping down Dani. You've been such a huge part of this board, shaping this board and always welcoming everyone, making everyone want to post here.

Good luck in all your adventures and I hope you can still pop in from time to time!