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David is leaving Destructoid, let him give you some swag before he does photo

Yes, it's true. After what has been in all honesty the single best year of my life by a very long way, I'm having to leave the Destructoid staff, as I've been offered a new job in journalism which is pulling me away from the site. Leaving Destructoid genuinely has been a very very hard decision to make for me, in fact at times it's felt like the prospect of cutting an arm off. This place has been my spiritual home for far longer even than I've been on staff, and it's given me more than I'd ever have dared to hope for, both professionally and personally.

I can't over-emphasise just how important my time at Destructoid has been to me. In under a year it's taken a guy from northern England who's dreamed of being a games journalist all his life and made that dream happen in the most fun and exciting way he could ever have imagined. After years adrift from my true aspirations, I'm now working in the world I've always wanted to be in, and along the way I've had the pleasure and honor of meeting some people who are now amongst my favorite in the world, both on the staff and throughout the community. In a very true sense, Destructoid has made my life, and while I'm now moving on to the next chapter of that life, Destructoid wrote it and every single one of you guys had a hand in that. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart. 

But I won't be totally severing my links with Destructoid (How the Hell could I ever?). I seem to have noticed that we've got a rather good community here, and it's a community I very much want to stay a part of, so while I can't be on staff any more, I'll still be around as much as I can. Also, I'm now in the Destructoid Steam group (Steam name: Davestructoid), so if you ever see me online, hit me up for a game. I'll get you my gamertag when I get my 360 too, and of course, MySpace me up if I haven't already got you imprisoned in my list of digital souls.

But to mark my leaving Destructoid, I want to give you guys something to say thankyou. Over the last year, I've noticed a rather large pile of games swag appearing in my bedroom, which has now grown to the point where it blots out the light from my window and threatens to stop me even getting into and out of bed at all. So I want to give that pile of swag away to the Destructoid community, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. For details of the (admittedly variable) stash and how to get your hands on it, hit the jump. 

1st prize

2x Rock Band hats
2x Rock Band t-shirts
3x Rock Band key straps
1x Dead Island t-shirt
1x Warhound t-shirt
1x Dead Island key strap
1x Warhound key strap
1x Nyko Intercooler EX for Xbox 360
1x PlayStation 3 key chain
1x copy of RF Online
1x copy of Archlord
1x strange German WiFi booster thing. At least that's what I think it is. The box is all in German.

2nd prize

1x Rock Band hat
3x Rock Band key straps
2x Rock Band t-shirts
1x England football team hat
1x Clive Barker's Jericho t-shirt
1x PlayStation 3 keychain
1x trial copy of Lord Of The Rings online
1x Codemasters Online Gaming mouse mat
1x The Witcher temprary tattoo

3rd prize

1x Rock Band t-shirt
1x Rock Band hat
3x Rock Band key strap
1x Sensible Soccer 2006 t-shirt
1x PlayStation 3 key chain
1x The Witcher temporary tattoo
1x copy of Schnappi Das Kleine Krokodil. God knows what this is, but it apparently includes 3 games and involves a crocodile, and as we all know, crocodiles and 'gators are f*cking cool

So what do you need to do to get your hands on some of this stuff? Simple. Just do something funny or cool with a picture of me. I give you free reign to do whatever you like as long as it stays pretty much SFW, and you can use any image of me you find around this site. Add captions to pre-existing pictures, photoshop new ones together, take screen grabs from the videos, do anything you want. Go crazy and make us laugh, and the top three selected by the staff will win the above prizes. You've got until the 25th of November to post your entries, which must be posted using bbcode in the comments section of this story. If you're stuck for images to use, these three stories are a good start, and I've attached a few more random ones I've found about my laptop as well. 

LAUNCH GALLERY (13 IMAGES)
Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo Photo







Contests Official Rules



No Purchase Required to Enter or Win

1. Eligibility: Destructoid.com contests are usually provided by sponsors who, due to customs and shipping costs (yay budgets), often limit participation to individuals who are legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (unless otherwise stated) and are 12 years of age. We encourage our overseas friends to be super sneaky and make a friend in the United States who can receive your prize, and then you two figure out the customs/logistics. Be cautious about who you trust, obviously. Employees of destructoid.com, their advertising or promotion agencies, those involved in the production, development, implementation or handling of Contests, any agents acting for, or on behalf of the above entities, their respective parent companies, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, licensees, service providers, prize suppliers any other person or entity associated with the Contests (collectively “Contest Entities”) and/or the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members (whether related or not) of each such employee, are *not* eligible and will be fired and publicly beaten if are caught participating. All U.S., federal, state and local and regulations apply.

2. Agreement to Official Rules: Participation in the Contest constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to and acceptance of these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.

3. Entry Period: The start and end dates/times of each Contest (the “Entry Period”) will be posted on the applicable Contest site.

4. Entry: To enter a Contest, follow the instructions on the Contest site. Submission will result in one (1) entry. The number of times you can enter the Contest will be posted on the applicable Contest site. The use of any agencies or automated software to submit entries will void all entries submitted by that person.

5. Drawing: At the conclusion of the Entry Period, we will select the names of the potential winners in a random drawing of all eligible entries received during each Entry Period. The number of winners to be selected in a specific Contest will be posted on the applicable Contest site. The odds of being selected as a potential winner depend on the number of eligible entries received during the Entry Period. Potential winners will be contacted via email and will be asked to provide their full name, age and mailing address within a specified time period. If a potential winner does not respond within the timeframe stated in the notification email, we may select an alternate potential winner in his/her place at random from all entries received during the Entry Period. Limit one (1) prize per household per Contest.

6. Requirements of the Potential Winners: Winners will be notified by the e-mail address associated with their account on destructoid.com.com and/or receive a Private Message on destructoid.com.com or through a Twitter Direct Message/Facebook message. Winners have five (5) days from the original message alerting them of their winnings to respond and claim their prize. If no winner comes forward within five business days, the prize will be forfeited and raffled again where Destructoid's hardcore fans are most active (forums/community blogs/facebook group).

7. Prize(s): The prize(s) (including each prize’s approximate retail value) available to be won in a specific Contest will be posted on the Contest site. No cash or other substitution may be made, except by the Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute a prize with another prize of equal or greater value if the prize is not available for any reason as determined by the Sponsor in its sole discretion. The winners are responsible for any taxes and fees associated with receipt or use of a prize. Prizes will be mailed between 1 to 45 business days after winners have replied with their required info.

8. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Contest is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but not limited to fraud, virus, or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Contest to address the impairment and then resume the Contest in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) award the prizes at random from among the eligible entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Contest or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Contest may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In case of a dispute as to the owner of an entry, entry will be deemed to have been submitted by the authorized account holder of the screen name from which the entry is made. The authorized account holder is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address.

9.Release and Limitations of Liability: By participating in the Contest, entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Contest Entities from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Contest or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Contest; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) lost, late, postage-due, misdirected, or undeliverable mail; (e) errors in the administration of the Contest or the processing of entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant’s participation in the Contest or receipt of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Contest Entities’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Contest, and in no event shall the Contest Entities be liable for attorney’s fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages.

10. Disputes: Except where prohibited, entrant agrees that any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of, or connected with, the Contest or any prize awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, entrant’s rights and obligations, or the rights and obligations of the Sponsors in connection with the Contest, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the Commonwealth of Virginia or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the Commonwealth of Virginia.

11. Contest Results: To enter the contest without needing to buy/sell anything or request a written copy of the name of the winners, send a self-addressed stamped envelope (stating the specific Contest you are requesting the winners for) to destructoid.com Contest Winners 260 King Street Suite 883, San Francisco California 94107. We run many contests, so please be specific in what you are requesting. Winner requests must be received within thirty (30) days from the end date of the applicable contest (they're always posted on our site though). Winners are usually posted the day following the contest on our contest section.

Lastly, Destructoid has the right to kick your ass and take away your prize if you are a total dickhead, so be cool and don't kick any puppies on your way to victory. Have fun with our contests and be a good sport when you win or lose. Remember: First you get the power, then you get the money, then get the baby.

 




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102 comments | showing # 1 to 50
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next 50 comments

Spartacus's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:42
Spartacus
Good luck with your new gig!
dougtgraham's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:46
dougtgraham
How meta, using third person in the title to a story written about yourself
BFeld13's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:46
BFeld13


Farewell, Dave
wardrox's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:47
wardrox
We will always have London

thedude93's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:47
thedude93
congratz on the j.o.b.
Holyetheline's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:50
Holyetheline
Man this is some sad news. But I'm very happy for you. Good job.
ZServ's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:50
ZServ
I just want a rockband hat. :(
3r0t1c n3rd's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:55
3r0t1c n3rd
Cool mate, hope you have a good time in your new job. Now, time to fire up photoshop. (insert demonic laughter here)
ZServ's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:57
ZServ



All i want is a rockband hat. :(
Bob Muir's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:58
Bob Muir
Good luck man, and I'm certain you'll be missed more than Summa.
Def JM's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 18:58
Def JM
Godspeed kind sir, Godspeed.
David Houghton 's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:00
David Houghton
*hugs you all, and pre-emptively hugs the rest*
Joe Burling's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:01
Joe Burling
Dave, I said this in your farewell email, but I'll say it again. You will be severely missed. You are family. However, I expect to see you hanging around the community a lot so I won't miss you that much. Please keep contributing in the cblogs cuz I love your writing. <3
ZServ's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:03
ZServ
F1tches, that was touching. I think that could make /b/ cry with tears of sorrow
Jim Sterling's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:06
Jim Sterling
You will be missed. I've lost a professional partner. Thankfully, I've still kept a drinking buddy.
David Houghton 's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:09
David Houghton
That you have. That you most certainly have. I'll be in touch very soon about our next mission.
MisterDanger's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:13
MisterDanger

Dont know if the grammar is ok, but...

GL in your new job man!
Eschatos's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:16
Eschatos
Nice 'stache.
brosef's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:16
brosef
Good luck boy-o, don't forget to randomly invade the c-blogs.
All I want is the "Where the f*** is Jim Sterling" shirt.

Why do I feel like this thread is going to get a Van Der Beek crying pic?
Cheeburga's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:18
Cheeburga
:] congrats man.
Goodluck.
Scape's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:20
Scape
Good luck in the future man.
MasterMS's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:23
MasterMS
Congratulations and good luck
RskimB's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:26
RskimB
Good luck with everything
Stumblebee's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:27
Stumblebee


Lesee if this works...
Jordan Devore's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:33
Jordan Devore
Sad panda
Stumblebee's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:34
Stumblebee


Yeah...
Wedge's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:52
Wedge
Where are we going to fine more replacement accents? D=

Also,

UNDERSTAR's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:57
UNDERSTAR
Good luck David!!!!
travolta's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 19:58
travolta
Good luck to you man :)
BluDesign's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:01
BluDesign
Awesome wedge...

Beautiful.


David, so long as you don't backstab us like Summa-body else did, you will be missed.

Sorry, just touchy-feely regarding people leaving dtoid, so no hard feelings, unless you backstab us, then fuck off and die.

BYE AND GOOD LUCK!
kawitchate's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:04
kawitchate
goodest of luck
wario67's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:15
wario67
good luck
BlindsideDork's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:22
BlindsideDork
Dude, I did this already, can I still enter it? Cause I am sure the Britobots will be missing you!


happyorangeman's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:23
happyorangeman


I hope that Worked. Good Luck Dave on you new life...[crying].
aborto thefetus's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:26
aborto thefetus
David who?
happyorangeman's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:32
happyorangeman
I forgot to resize the image. If someone can delete my Andre The Giant pic and leave this one it would be great.
Zampy99's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:35
Zampy99


ATOMIC DAVE!
Samit Sarkar's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:35
Samit Sarkar
BLOODY HELL!
(sorry, I just wanted to feel British for a second there)

Aw, man...like everyone else, I’m really gonna miss your writing. You did some great stuff this year, and it’s good to know that you’ll still be around in spirit — and in reality, I hope, on the c-blogs. Best of luck with your new yob!
Sharpless's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:52
Sharpless
The sexual tension between Jim and David here is palpable. It'll be all soft-focus and carefully-angled romps on satin sheets to adult contemporary music, before the night is out. There's no lovin' like goodbye lovin'. Or so I hear. I'm a terribly lonely man.

I'll miss you.
nademagnet's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 20:54
nademagnet
[startfox] Good Luck [/starfox]

We'll see you on the C-Blogs and Forums right?
Das Inchworm's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 21:01
Das Inchworm
damn...

well good luck in your future ventures. You will be missed.
BFeld13's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 21:04
BFeld13
BT dubs:

Can I have your job?
Fading Star's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 21:10
Fading Star
Good luck David. We'll miss you. Please come back and visit us from time to time.
Maurice Tan's Avatar - Comment posted on 11/11/2007 21:13
Maurice Tan
You'll be missed :(
Good luck with everything on the road ahead!
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