Heya! 1/2 of the districts staff here.

Specifically, the site artist. You probably have a decent idea of who I am, but if not.. well. It won't be that relevant after this post. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

You see, I myself am giving up on the districts project. It isn't rewarding to me, being more of a nuisance or a chore, and truthfully.. I think that's always shown from the beginning. And that's not what I want for the site. I also think it's kinda irresponsible for me to stay in that position if that's how I feel.

In truth, I originally only intended to do the site redesign, rebuild and the art - maybe passively search for a couple sites, but most of the listing work and subsequent work was intended to be handed off to our other staff member - I just had to stand in for them while they were bogged down with a bunch of stuff IRL. I didn't mind this at all, but it's just not how things were ever intended to be. Since all that's in the clear now, I'm not really necessary anymore, so I'm dropping out of it.

All this was decided probably a couple of weeks ago now. I didn't really intend to say anything, but I figured it can't hurt. Maybe some sign of life for once would be nice. Maybe I should be more transparent? I feel that I've handled districts in a really deceptive way so far. Saying 'updates are coming!' and harshly pushing the idea of 'we're ready when we're ready' while I just sit there on my high horse doing.. nothing.

If I did truly care about what I was working towards, maybe I'd have done better. districts updates take a piddly amount of time, I just plain didn't work on the site most of the time. Sure, I had priorities like part time jobs and freelancing to take care of (..alongside a dire need for some amphetamines), but even so. I don't think it's a good enough excuse and having seen this coming since the beginning, I think it was irresponsible for me to even take on the project in the first place. Not that I ever had the room to do that, either.

I do apologize for my poor handling of this site. For the lack of updates, for the flaky and harsh communication, for the sketchy acquisition in the first place. My answer to 'if districts deserved better' might change depending on what my thoughts are at that moment, but objectively, this whole run just wasn't good enough. All I can say is that I'm sorry. And that might do nothing, but for once I feel like it'll never stop biting at me if I don't say it.

Though I do have to be thankful despite everything, for all the support we received, the compliments we got, the help we were occasionally offered, all of it. I hope that even with all its issues, districts was still of use and was still a well loved part of the community.

Where it goes from here, I can't tell you - it's not like it's my job anymore! Though rest assured an update is being worked on. Can't say how many sites off the top of my head but I've seen it with my own eyes. I can't really be sure quite how frequently the site will be updated since admittedly... Neocities feels a bit more dead than it used to (maybe it's just me? I don't know. I do barely check here) and we already have a sizeable chunk of the more 'interesting' sites. But since it's been a while.. who knows what will come.

I'm logging out after this post and don't intend to log in again, nor check Neocities itself again either, so, again, I'm sorry for anything, thank you for your continued support and byebye. And if you actually got through this whole post.. go wash your hands. It'll take less time than you spent reading it lol

(was gonna put this on txties like.. i think it's just nicer to read but it's not working so hi pastebin. sorry everyone lol)