So, I tried to do this retirement thing back in 2011. Somehow GSP sucked me back in for another five years. If I keep doing this, nobody is going to believe me when I say I'm quitting.
This time it's for real.
Probably.
In all seriousness, I do firmly believe that I've hit the end of the road when it comes to my time with GSP. My health has deteriorated of late, and I can no longer consistently enjoy my shows. As many of you know, I've been cutting back on both my DJ time and my managerial role with the station in the hopes of preventing this outcome. Unfortunately, I've reached the point where I simply have nothing left to give to GSP.
It's been one
helluva ride though.
I have so many memories that I will carry with me from this experience. GSP has been a huge part of my life for the last 12 years or so. I've gained friendships that will last a lifetime. I've experienced music that I would have never have found without my fellow DJ's and the listeners. Mostly though, I've gained a sense of pride for carrying on a tradition that was started by DJ Tarryk. Through the highs and lows (and a lot of blood, sweat and tears), GSP continues to entertain the masses with a focus on the communities in both AO and TSW. It has truly been an honor to be entrusted with both the directorship and ownership of GSP. It was a responsibility that I never took lightly. Maybe too seriously sometimes, but never lightly!
I'm stepping away from the station at a time when GSP is poised for continued greatness. New blood is stepping in to bring fresh talent to the stream. The station continues to have a strong presence in both the AO and TSW communities. Internet radio stations may have some serious hurdles to overcome on the licensing front in 2016, but I'm confident that GSP will find a way to endure...just as it always has. I'm handing over ownership of the station to a man who has been a friend I could always count on during my time with GSP. He shares my love for this station, and he has the respect of the staff. Shigy will be the new owner of GridStream Productions starting in 2016. He will be strongly supported by our current leadership group of Station Managers - Kriegshammer, Gemmikins, Vallikat and Daydreaming. The station is in good hands. I apologize in advance, however, if he ends up changing the station logo to a kangaroo or koala. Aussies are weird.
My final show as DJ Trevalin will be on December 23rd. My final show with GSP will be as DJ Ashval on December 30th during the usual Eye of the Storm show slot.
Please don't think that you're all getting rid of me though! As my health and time allows, I definitely plan to drop in on the shows. Trevalin will remain active in the TSW roleplay community after I take a bit of a break to recharge. I have way too many amazing friendships in GSP to not find a way to keep in touch and experience the shows. I will be around.
I want to send a heartfelt thank you out to all of the GSP staff (past and present), the GSP Dancers, ARK & Funcom and most importantly...you the listeners. If any of you feel like you owe me gratitude for the times we've shared over the years, then all I ask is that you show our current DJ's the same level of support that you've shown me. The DJ's are nothing without all of you. Believe me, there have been times that the support you've shown me has helped me through some very rough times in my life. From the early days of a packed Rumble Room in Reet's Retreat to the warmth I've felt from the TSW roleplay community at the Crusades on Wednesday nights, this has been an incredible experience.
I will always look back on my time with GSP and smile. It has been my deepest honor to be a part of it.
Thank you.
<3
DJ Ashval/DJ Trevalin (and DJ Veldron once upon a long time ago)
I may be retired, but I'm GridStream for life.