I’ve always tried to keep a professional tone in my blogs. That ends today.
Since my last update nearly two weeks ago, a total of 3 matches have been played. Repeat…3 matches total…over 14 days. We are nearly 6 weeks into this tournament (4 weeks for the European Region), and a total of 28 matches have been completed, either played or forfeited. On average, that is basically 5 matches per week being played. Considering the fighters advancing to the tournament were basically the more successful, active members, I really expected this tournament to be done by the end of December. I assume the holidays are playing a part in this delay, but it is not like everyone stopped playing their PS3 for two weeks. I know because I still see everyone online. Playing as many matches as possible before the holidays was the smart thing to do, but that didn’t happen either. In my original planning for the season, I expected we would be seeing the championship match sometime this week. Personally, I won my 1st round match back on November 28th. Over a month I’ve been waiting to play my 2nd round match. To be fair, VON advanced to the 2nd round just two weeks ago. However, that in of itself says something. VON was the first member to play all 28 of his matches this season within 3 weeks, but he is now one of the last to play his tournament matches. This is a clear indication of the level of interest in SF4 these days. Even the league can’t sustain it among “committed” members.
With all that being said (and it had to be said), I am still committed to finishing this season. I committed to this season both as a member and as the administrator of the SFCCL. I want to see what happens for all the time and effort I put into this season. Some members may not feel the same way. For that, I’m sorry. Not for you…but for the league and remaining members.
Unfortunately, more matches may have to be forfeited to bring this season to a conclusion. The fact that few people are still communicating clearly speaks to that fact. Their silence speaks volumes. For other members like me who still want to play and are still communicating, thank you. Keep it going! The league is indebted to you select few. We, the members still playing, deserve to see the ‘fruits of our labor’ this season.
So, as a result of the above, two important things are being done to ensure the conclusion of this season, specifically the Super Brawl III tournament.
First, I am installing a time limit for each round of the tournament. Each round will now be completed within 7 days. All 2nd Round matches must be completed by Friday, January 6th. 3rd Round matches must be completed by Wednesday, January 11th. 4th Round matches must be completed by Sunday, January 15th. The Final Three matches must be completed by Sunday, January 22nd. Obviously, matches can be played as soon as they are listed. These specific deadlines are only for those matches that go unplayed. The tournament should end much sooner than these dates listed. However, I personally guarantee the tournament will end no later than January 22nd
Who knows? I may win Super Brawl III by default. Literally, the last member standing.
Consider this blog the first re-commitment. I am still here. Who else?
Happy F’N New Year
*SFCCL-SALonghorn