New Communication Officer.

[Mandalore the Uniter]

Taglar Dreskk (Jon Nichols) has stepped down as the Mandalorian Mercs Communications Officer after 5 awesome years of service.

Tag and I have known eachother since before I started Mercs, as fellow posters on the old HV&M boards back in 2006.  He and I have always shared a special respect for eachother, and I think a big reason for that is because I had to convince him that Mercs needed to exist...and that I needed his help for that to happen.  He poured a lot of his time and energy into creating a smoother, better looking, and more inviting internet presence for Mercs that put us on the road-map for success.

In the early years, Tag was always one of the more outspoken people when custom mandos were relatively looked down on by the Star Wars costuming community.  I remember many a phone call where we both had to talk eachother down from potential heart-attacks from the early BS.  Tag was also my "slow and steady" voice in the early years, letting me know when my ideas were getting beyond our resources and ability.  I'd say Tag is probably a big reason why Mercs has succeeded the way it has, because he didn't let me get the cart before the horse.  There haven't been many weeks in 5 years where we haven't been on the phone with eachother at least once.  He is for all intents and purposes, part of my family.   

Tag has also done an awesome job moderating the forum over the years.  I know some people have ran afoul with him over the years, but to be able to deal with the THOUSANDS of people posting on the site as well as being pretty much the only Administrator on the site outside of me (but he actually knew the software, I only know how to mess it up!) I'd say he's done a damn good job.

I hate to see him step down, but he's not leaving Mercs nor is he stepping down because of any disagreements/drama.  After 5 years of working day in and day out, he wants to take a break from helping manage things and focus a little more on his family and work.  He'll still be a regular around here, and is going to continue trooping with Rancor Clan.  Tag has never known what it's like to NOT be on the Council, so this is going to be a big change for him.

Which brings me to the second part of this post...the new Communications Officer.

One thing about the Mercs website/forum is that we use a LOT of custom written software and modules to make things work right around here.  Tag did most of that customization, with Biohazard doing the remainder as Tag's XO.  The CommO position is a position that requires someone who is very familiar with the customization we have, and how to work with the modules we use on the forums.  It's not a Council position we can just pull someone out of the pool of Official Members for, and hope they understand everything before we have a major problem.  Myself, Taglar, and the rest of the Council feel that there's only one person who can take the reins of the CommO position fairly seamlessly...and that person is Biohazard.

Bio (Ian Lusk) has been the CommsXO officially for over 2 years now, and for the last 7 months has been the 3rd Administrator of the website/forum/Facebook.  He's responsible for the new look of Mercs both publicly and on the web.  He's also responsible for producing the KTR podcast over the last 3 years,  not to mention he has been running a successful Clan for 2 years.  He also spent a year managing the Art Team.  Not only is he trained for the job, but he's also earned his stripes.   

Effective immediately, Bio will be taking over the CommO job.  What this also means is that Mercs is going to be looking for a new CommsXO who will be trained to one day assume the CommO job should Bio decide to step down.  We will begin taking applications for this job within the next week or 2, once turn-over from old to new has been completed. 

[Cando Pax]

Thank you for your service, Tag. Even though I've always harassed you about it...I still believe you did a wonderful job. And I appreciate all you've done for us.

Bio...you're my bestest friend ever and I have a feeling you are going to make some great changes and do a great job and I wish you the best of luck.


PS: Let me know if you need someone taken out... >.>

[Nate Jangotat]

Sorry to hear you are stepping down Tag. There are a number I regard very highly of within the Mercs and you are certainly among them. A massive thanks for all your hard work in helping the Mercs to be what it is today and helping me to ease into the news role. You will be missed.

That being said, the Comms Officer position couldn't be left in better hands than with Bio, congrats mate.

[Thaxos]

Known you for quite some time now Taglar, and you're one of the hardest working Mercs I know.
You've always been an inspiration to me for striving to give back to the community and help out.

Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to the group.

[K'raam Xrati]

I'll make sure Tag stays alive out on the battlefield.

Maybe we can get that helmet finished...

[Zephram J Garros]

Taglar who?      @ ya Tag.   

Bio is taking over?      To Quote C3P0  "We're doomed."     

I'M KIDDING.   Don't shoot me.   

 I have been around almost since the beginning of MMCC and can honestly say Tag has done an outstanding job over the years.   Can't think of a better replacement For Taglar than Biohazard.  He will do a fine job.   

[Rek Polus]

Grats, Bio, well deserved man I agree with Tom's assessment 100%.

[Ohl'd Vart]

Tag...what can I say? You've saved my Aloradic a$$ quite a few times, and I'm gonna miss clogging your PM box with requests....but, I know you'll enjoy you new-found time for leisure with the family, and I don't blame you one iota. Thanks for everything you've done, bro....you've done it well.

Bio...hell, what can I say to you? You're one helluva capable guy, and I've struck a chord of friendship with you ever since C5 (and even before)....yer a prince, pal, and I know you'll ace the position (plus, keep me in my customary...uh..."thongish kickbacks".... )

I know you just can't wait for me to clog your PM box with requests, just like I did Tag's....

Rob

[Taglar Dreskk]

Thanks for the kind words guys!  Yeah, it's going to be a big change learning how to be just a regular joe on the board.   Bio is going to do great and he always has such good ideas for mercs and the website.  Can't wait to see what he comes up with.

[Viciousvestments]

we might have bumped heads, But i am sorry to see you step down man.

[Mereel A'denla]

Step three in Wampa's Takeover of the Mando Mercs is complete!    MUAHAHA.

[Muscle]

OK Tag, you will have plenty of free time now. Race you to see who gets their Legacy kit done first lol. Bio congrats and I look forward to seeing the new things you may come up with.

[Kalaval Zil]

Hello guys, as a personal comment, Tag was the very first custom mandalorian I`ve ever see on the www, By that times i have my rudimentary mando kit but i have no idea what to do o follow, searching and found a pic of him I was like "man! that guy looks awesome... " then i found mercs and became OM, but what always see in a Tag pic was simple... ATTITUDE. And that always marked me as a Mandalorian Merc, I see Jhon`s pics an see the same bad a** only improoved by himself, when i know new guys wanting to be Mercs, I always show them Tag, He had something I call "Old School Mando"  and that is what I learn and follow while form new guys into this universe and that are my scholl I follow `till now.
Tag for me means... Attitude, work hard, Integrity and bad a**ness.

I sad to read that Tag was no longer in his charge but I think Bio`s the best guy to follow that lead.


Tagglar Dreskk.   
Me and the guys in BigFang clan Salutes You...!
now keep on good road as always!

[Simo Vandorak]

Congrats to both Tag and Bio. Each is moving in a positive direction.

[ConDar Ward]

Well Big Jon , I know you answered a LOT of my Questions and Fixed problems for me when I first Joined .
 Your still one of my MERC Idols from the Beginning days .

Your not just any Merc ya know , your a Legend ...   

Best of luck in the Future .



Congrats Bio ...... Your an Inspiration to to me and Several others that I know of .
 I believe that the council has Chosen Wisely ..... Your a real Credit to your Armor & to the Club .
As always , you have my full Support .

I remember ........