When the topic of Bungie.net comes up, I often proudly, and loudly exclaim how I've been devoting hours of my day to these forums for the last six years. For some that doesn't seem like much time at all, and for others, it's an incomprehensible amount of dedication. Regardless of how others see the quantity of time I've spent here, the fact remains that I have grown up on this website. Just as I have changed, so has this site. The attitudes, the popular topics, and the faces, but there's one thing that has never changed. The pride. The sense of community. The heritage. This community has a rich heritage that stretches back farther then my own existence, and it's always been unique. How many other game developers can boast a rich community that's not only invested in the games, but in each other? How many communities invest the time and effort into something like the "Community Carnage?" Care enough about each other to execute "Average Joe" interviews? Make a "Bungie Bathroom Reader," filled with news not about The company or their games, but about community events? Or spearhead their own massively complex and comprehensive "FAQ" section? This community cares about its members, and loves each other's company, the past has proven that. But what of the present? Where have these projects gone? The Darkness weakened us, there is no doubt. Many members left unable to cope with the void that had formed, but from it emerged a stronger, and more devoted crowd. A crowd that despite the odds still worked on and executed large scale community projects. The community survived, and we approached the coming light with enthusiasm, but looking back, maybe we shouldn't have. Everything changes, trying to fight that is futile, but this community has changed, and truthfully, Bungie has changed. I still think Bungie is an amazing company, but I feel like they've lost touch with their community. With us. We've had our tools stripped, private groups reduced to barely a sliver of their former selves. The forums, are no longer forums. "Comment," does not encourage discussion the same way like "Reply." We were promised changes and improvements, and we got a lot of great things, but at what cost? It seems that this website has been made for the Destiny community. An effective tool for someone looking to check their stats, find a group to raid with, or stay in touch with their game when they're away from their console. What happened to the Bungie community? Where has the focus on retaining member gone? No old guard deserves to remain if it can't adapt to the new, but many of us have been eager to face this time of change and the new members it brings. To better this community, and to broaden its horizons, but it doesn't feel like that's what's wanted anymore. Why not encourage both? Why not make a home where the old member can bring the new member under his wing. Share the strong culture of this community. This community is unique, but it's slipping. Everyday I see more and more of the old guard leave, seeing no future here. Heritage is important. All I ask is that we are given the tools to continue the strong legacy this community has before it dies out. Engage in dialogue. Ask us what we need, and don't promise us anything. Just involve us; let us have a say in what is ultimately ours. We're here because we love you and each other. We ultimately want the best, and is it such a detriment to open up a little dialogue, make us feel like something more then fodder? This post is far too wordy, and far too reminiscent, I know, but it's important to remember. Don't be afraid of the new, our future awaits us, but don't ever forget where you came from.