@ graylox...I may be a novice in many computer things, but you distort my words in a way I do not appreciate. the 96 % compression was a completely different subject and I was merely trying to suggest to whiterabbit that he could try to write less long reviews with a little less info, so he would not have to spend as much time doing that. and mostly it was meant as a suggestion.
How much info he then puts in was up to him. Better than nothing at all thank you very much.

and besides, bubby was talking about a happy middle.... I guess you're not too good at reading yourself?

I read your stuff sometimes White Rabbit. It's ironic how at the same time I'm reading your reviews... I'm thinking "this guy has too much time on his hands", while at the same time your thinking you don't have enough time to write... funny stuff there.. hello is this mic on?

If time and health reasons keep you from giving a complete review... "trim the fat" as was said. Even today's review of "Space Interceptor".. that's an explosion of text and links right there.. Holy crap! I think there's no doubt you write a complete review. NO DOUBT! I didn't read all of it but I started to.. Perhaps maybe a "White Rabbit Seal of Approval" for those of us who respect your opinion but think you're terribly long winded.

I'm not saying not to write the whole review like you normally do (within health guidelines of course). But maybe just putting in the first line of your review.. "White Rabbit stayed out of his hole today to play this game" or if it's something you didn't like (as if) you could make the first line of your review "White Rabbit scurried into his hole to wait for the next giveaway tomorrow because this one sucked today".. just suggestions of course, but you get the point.

You could just make it a simple "White Rabbit's Thumbs up" or "Down" too. In this way.. if I respect your opinion, I don't have to go through the entire novel. I can just read the first line and download or don't download the giveaway based on that. Simple.

Anywhos... take it for what it's worth. You obviously do your research and have a well respected opinion.. but if health is giving you a problem... seems like a "no brainer" to me.

If it isn't fun and is no longer a labor of love, then I say quit doing it. I deal with some major medical issues myself and I know that stress (even stress put on by one's own self) brings on more pain. I rely on your judgment but will still be happy if you just say Yes or No.

freebird31 you mean you need a review minimized and compressed at a 96 % rate ? But you will nevertheless have all the informations in the same quality ? Look at your own post :
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/2782?replies=4#post-19539
and read BuBBy's answer.
It's not possible to have both.
If the "thumbs up and down" rating is still too much to read for you, what's about :) or :( ?
Is that short enough?
Not for me, and as you can read in this thread there are some others who will not miss the brilliance and complexity of WhiteRabitts reviews.
graylox

I have a question...

Since time is of the essence here... Could you not try to write a telegram style review?

I did enjoy your wonderful long reviews, but I would rather have a sensible short, telegram style pro-con list I could trust, than nothing at all... ;-))))

I always knew if I wanted the game by reading your review, so I thought,... yr opinion is 98 % of the time correct or at least very helpful... so... take less time to do it!

Use those wonderful English Talents, in a way that decreases the deadline feeling.... (??)

all in all,... please do stick around... and just decrease yr burden of a LONG review, and please do write a short one ;-)

Greetz From Holland,

fb31w©

Whiterabbit..."qb7894" - has expressed my feelings as well. You have been / are a well respected, reliable resource of information. Thanks again for finding/sharing obscure games many have forgotten. Just add me to your group of "fans".
P.S. I may not comment often but; "Bubby", I still appreciate all you do as well.
Thanks !

WhiteRabbit..Stephen...
Most of what I wanted to say to you has already been posted. I, like most newbie's have learned much from you. Without you, FWF, RM, Greyfox, LeKanaw, Copmom and all the other regulers...You too Bubby..I would have never started playing games and having so much fun online.
If you feel up to doing your reviews then I shall download, install, & activate, offered games, even if your reveiw doesn't appear for several DAYS....I can always delete...especially since you taught me to install to seperate partition!!!
Please do not go quietly into the night as It would feel as though I was being deprived of a dear friend whom I trust and respect.
Post to the forums when your time and health allow....and always know that there are a bunch of us out here who pray for your health, well being, happiness,....and the guidence you so unselfishly give to us.
I once asked you about your doing a thread like Bladedthoth....And just remember...as soon as I hit the lottery....I gonna Get you one...LOL....best of everything...and all my prayers.

Hallo, WhiteRabbit, glad to hear, that you got a message from the GGAOTD team. That was the intention of my mail to them.
Take care of you
graylox

Hello again WRabbit
Just want to pick up on something Funky said.
Not being tech savvy, we are not adventurous enough to dwld in the early hours. So we always end up dwlding only late in the evening. Here the change is made at 3am, so most frequently, I do it around midnight, after all the craziness & arguments have been settled and possible solutions have been found, if there was a problem.
So even if u only post ur reviews later, it will still benefit the big majority of us, since ur reviews & tech info are geared more toward us, the non-techies / non-adventurous members.
All the gamers, the "I'm first" and the "hurry up" crowds usually dwld within the first hour or so, and they don't care much about anybody's reviews anyway... right?
For the rest of us, «any info» you are willing to give us at «any time», will always be more than welcomed!!
It's perfectly alright to do it later in the day, since that's when the ones that most need guidance normally dwld!!

For the days u don't receive advance notice from the big bosses, this will give u more time and take out the deadline stress u've been putting on your shoulders.
I think the whole community that so greatly needs & appreciates ur reviews concurs w this:
Better later than nothing at all!!

Of course I still do think the bosses should give you advance notice for the games they are going to give us. Even if they don't know which game will be put up on which day, as soon as they have confirmation for a game, they should pass u the info, so u can prepare => To me, this just makes good business sense, since otherwise the newcomers will not have the help I had from you in the beginning and the newbies leave for lack of support... And I suppose the bosses do need all the newcomers to stay in order for the project to grow, right?!

Peace, my friend - and most importantly, take care of your health first!

Like everyone above, I wish to echo the sentiments of thank you. Without your brilliant reviews and excellent links to other freebie sites, it just wont be the same. However in saying that if you are not enjoying compiling the reviews and finding it too stressful with your health, well life is too short. Health, family and friends should always take precedence. I think that you are a lovely man and hope that you continue to stay in the forums or perhaps find a happy medium with your reviews which benefit the community so greatly. I think that you are appreciated is pretty clear just from the responses here. You were able to review Robbox today so hopefully GGOTD have given you more time. Anyway thanks very much for all that you do.

Hi White Rabbit,

I understand, but will miss your reviews too. I agree with Graylox and LeKanaw's remarks. Sometimes you just made everything make sense when nothing else seemed to.

Sorry to see you go and take care of yourself. I will look forward to your remarks when you are able to make them.

Stephen,

I, too, have enjoyed all your reviews and have benefitted from your technical expertise. Thank you for being so kind as to help those struggling with technology! Your efforts have been greatly appreciated by all of us. Cheers to you, my friend.

Kat

I just want to echo what everyone else has said. This site just wouldn't be the same without you. You are exactly what this project is about, posting feedback about the software offered in an intelligent, well worded manner. I have learned a lot from you and want to say 'Thank You' for that.

I also agree with previous posts that a trimmed down review from you is better than none at all. Your opinion is well respected and I think you can get the same message across with less effort on your part. I am sure all the research and time you put into it takes it's toll so if you cut back a little maybe we can still get the excellent reviews and you can get more rest.

Hmmm.. ya think maybe you try to put too much in your reviews Rabbit. Since day one I've been reading your stuff. You started with a few lengthy comments on the comments page and now you've moved up to "walls of text" in the forums as well as what you put into the front page comments. I don't even read them any more because by the time I'm done, I would know myself how the game is just by downloading and installing it and playing a few rounds. I'm just thinking that if you trim it down a bit, it wouldn't be so time consuming for ya.

References to other games should be cut. Nobody cares that some giveaway is slightly like CubeGameX except for the ice and smooth graphics displayed by the original, and your references to those other games are something that only someone as game savvy as yourself could appreciate because unless you've played the games you don't understand the references OR gameplay you're describing. Then you get into a slight novel about similar games. Then links to those other games, which is only more that a person has to read. Then a whole photo montage of different areas of the giveaway game via some photo bucket links. Let's not forget the slight technical support you stick in, just in case a person has problems installing or playing the game.

I'm sure if you had a couple days notice of the game coming up for giveaway, you'd use up that whole two days writing a complete review. I just get the impression when reading your stuff that you feel you haven't stuck enough in there to make it a complete review, while I'm thinking, there's no way I'm reading all this.

I'm not taking you down here Rabbit. I appreciate what you do and how much effort you put into it. You really care about what you're doing. It's evident that others respect your opinion and your efforts. I personally think you're exactly what this site is about. Software reviews and a community that discusses software whether free, share, or buy ware. But I also think that if it's getting too much for ya because of personal issues, maybe you could trim the fat off the meat.

2-SHEDS '08

Whiterabbit aka Stephen, dropped by to say Bon Voyage. We'll miss you on the front page. Having a few issues these days with spell check and editing the written word myself(chemo brain), I get it now. I'm glad my few suggestions gave you some ideas if you decide to continue later for fun with a fresh approach.

But take the break. Put it away. I'd rather think of you playing the games with your family than exhausting your brain over a review. Especially if it's not fun anymore.

Life is short, Dude. Step awaaaaay from the website. Have some fun.

Bonnie

Wabbit, you're a trooper. Meeting a daily deadline is an extremely tough challenge even when there's money to be made. Volunteerism's reward is not nearly enough of a motivator for us mercenary types. Just know you've helped a lot more folks than thems who've commented.

I PM'ed the administrators shortly after posting yesterday as I really do love doing the reviews; but as already said it was become something of a chore recently. Anyway as a result of that post the admins have said when they can they will inform me of the next giveaway; but this is not always possible (more than not from the way the repy PM was worded). Apparently, the Administration team themselves don't always know what's going to be posted until around an hour before the actual change over. So I will probably carry on is a semi reduced capacity. I will certainly be looking to reduce the size of the posts, doing as some of you kind people have suggested (Bonnie for example). I'll replace my own screen images with one I can find on the internet as it's much quicker to Google images than do the capturing, then uploading nd labelling myself.

I will however take a week or so off from writing every day (unless the heads up start coming now). Maybe that's all I've been needing because apart from going into Hospital, going on holiday and a period when I was really ill i've hardly missed a day.

okay- time to add my 2cents.
i agree with pretty much everything that has been said above.
i've enjoyed your reviews and they have definitely helped me make decisions on whether to download or not. i, personally, do not usually download until the nighttime so i can read comments and then make an educated choice (i just hate to uninstall- it makes me feel dirty because i know there are always undesired traces). so, anytime you posted a review would still be helpful to me.

i am not trying to change your mind.
this kind of thing is a labor (labour to you) of love and you should not be doing it if you aren't enjoying it anymore. especially given your circumstances.

whatever you decide, you must not leave this forum! i can live without your reviews, but i cannot live without your sunshiny face (ah- you know what i mean), and cute bunny tail, every day!

peace,
funkymom
:D

Whiterabbit/Stephen... I can well understand the time and preparation it must take to do the in-depth reviews you've given... so much appreciated by us; but even a little blurb from you would do. I have grown quite fond of you since the time I've been here, and do hope you'll stick around as a commenter, instead of a reviewer. People think of you as a friend, a familar "face" as it were... so I do hope you'll stay, even if you do have to fly lower than before. All the best to you, my friend... in health, family, and all issues that concern you. You've really touched my heart with your dedication and perserverence... but now it's time for more "Stephen and family" time... I well know. Thank you, kind sir, for the pleasure of your acquaintance.
Luv from moo.

WhiteRabbit/Stephen.. I too had gotten in the habit of looking for your reviews prior to downloading, and also following all the great links you've given us. Everything that I want to say has more or less already been posted above, and I for one really appreciate all the time and effort you've put into letting us know the pro's and con's of what the offerings are.

Your reviews will be missed, but, as you've also alluded to, you have had health problems and your health and family time should be first and foremost before reviewing things for us. Please do stick around, and remember that all the effort you've put into things has been very much appreciated!
{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}} ~ Lauri

Stephen,

Everyone has already said what I was going to as I read your post. And I too will miss your in-depth reviews, but as long as you can still post a comment about the game on days that you feel up to it, it will be much appreciated by all!!!! I am just SO GLAD you are not leaving all together! Now THAT would be a REAL TRAGEDY!

I hope your health improves real soon too!

Stephen ~ If you can't take the time to enjoy what you review, then a re-evaluation of the work-at-hand is a must. Now you can sit back, relax and let someone else take the reigns. I nominate SUKI! :-)

In all seriousness, I haven't been a member of this site for long but I've come to appreciate your opinion and all the work you've put into the reviews. I hope you will stick around to enjoy the fruits of your labor --- a well-loved site with a lot of Whiterabbit-wannabes. Who knows, maybe us newbies will step up to the plate and rattle off a review or two. I promise it will be more than, "THIS GAME ROCKS!" or "This sucks." I will try to make "the master" proud. ;-)

~ Gerberette

Whiterabbit, though I didn't make a lot of use of your reviews I do appreciate all the time and effort that went into producing them.
I wouldn't worry about the timing of your reviews - there would still be many people around the world who would benefit from them as I am sure that many people like myself, in the UK, wait till the evening to download the games. Other downloaders might modify their download habits to adjust to a later time. However, I can fully understand how you feel under pressure and there was another famous white rabbit that was heard to complain, "I'm late! I'm late!" - clearly not a good state for rabbits.
As you have realised, there are things more important than the reviews and your personal and family life must come first. Enjoy your new freedom!

Hello Steven. Sorry that you can no longer do this but I do understand. I too have come to rely on your reviews before downloading games. I'll usually scroll to the bottom to check you rating and if it's 7 or above I'll read the entire review.If it sounds like something that the kids or I would like, I;ll download it. Your reviews are very well written and quite in-depth. Thank you for all that you've done.

Like the others said, maybe the "big bosses" will give you the heads-up that you need to continue. We can only hope.

Don't you Dare do the Whabbit in the Hat disappearing Act!

I would always scroll the game page, look for the longest comment, find your name, then scoll up and read it!
I was once offered a job writing reviews for and up and coming game site, 20 bucks a review to start. Needless to say, I would have had to gone back to school and re-take grammer and spelling 101, lol. I didn't take the job.
I am very sorry that this site does not recognize the contribution you have made!!!

But all that hard work and dedication will remain in the hearts and minds of everyone you have touched!

Maybe you could start "The Whabbit Patch"

That way all the people that love your sharp wit an humor could stay in touch!
Like you said "We could have a Party"!

Thank You Whabbit for all you have done for All of us!

Suki

Whiterabbit/Stephen/whatever you want to be called, maybe you could review them later in the day, like I do? It wouldn't be perfect, but it would work. There won't be any more reviews from me for a week or more, because I'll be on vacation. Sorry.

However, past experience tells me that when Whiterabbit and I don't review the games, other people do. I guess that it's just a matter of time until somebody fills the space.

Hello Stephen
Even though I absolutely understand your decision, and of course your health absolutely must come first, I'm very very sorry that u decided to stop!!
EVERYTHING I know about games (from their names & categories, to how to play them, to where to dwld, to how to organize the game's folders), I've learned from YOU. When I first came to the project ~6 months ago, the games project was still closed for the Summer. When it re-opened I went to see why everybody was so excited. I knew ABSOLUTELY NOTHING about games, so wasn't that interested at all.
I had only played with a Game Boy from time to time.

Without your help, I don't think I would have stuck around much, as it was too overwhelming. You were the very first one *ever* to answer my newbie questions, always did so kindly and without put downs. Little by little I got interested in games. As Babs(Graylox) said a few months ago, I would have never thought of myself as a gamer(not that I'm any good at it... LOL), but am becoming one because of your enthusiasm.
Even if now I know a tiny bit more (what a difference from then to now!!), I always wait for your daily review and read it *ALL* before I dwld any game.

You have helped SO MANY amongst us, not only w the games, but w tech info too. Because of your advice, we made many many changes to our computers - and when we bought a new one, we had the HD partitioned the way you recommended.

You are indeed very generous and have contributed greatly to the success of G/GOTD.
It is regrettable that after so many months (almost 1 year, I think) and all the effort you have put into helping the community, the big bosses have not judged appropriate to grant you a delay so you could research & write the reviews prior to, without the added stress of having to get out of bed to do so.

I don't know if they could not or did not want to give you advance notice, but they could have at least acknowledge all the great work you were doing and write you a personal note.

I really wonder if WITHOUT all the Volunteers that help so much around here, this site, this project, could have been a success! I really do hope the big bosses are reading this thread!! It's just a shame to lose such a valued contribution as your reviews are, for lack of awareness.

But please WRabbit, stay w us in the forums, even if u don't post your usual reviews in the comment's section. We do need you!!
THANK YOU very much, I'm truly grateful - you have been a great teacher!!
Greetings, Manu

Hi, Stephen,I just sent this message :

Dear GGAOTD-team,
I just read this post in the forums and am really disappointed :
http://www.giveawayoftheday.com/forums/topic/2743?replies=3#post-18997

WhiteRabbit's reviews are a fundamental element of the Games Giveaway site. They have widely contributed to a greater understanding not only of the daily game, but also for basic computer related know-how.
The personal style of the reviews and instructions has
indeed initialized enthusiasm for gaming and has made random visitors of the site to constant guests and customers.
As a friend of Games Giveaway Of The Day, I ask you to accept Stephen's proposal.

Have a nice day or night !
graylox aka Barbara

Hi. Whiterabbit-uk. Just a note to echo what has already been said here. For a newbie to the website, (about 2 months) I looked forward to your reviews and any links that you posted. As I am on dial-up as the only available means of connection, and needing the line for regular use, your insights were GREATLY appreciated. DL times are a BIG problem, and I depended on your insights to determine if the games were worth that time. I am very grateful to you for all of the time and effort it must have taken you to do them, and I have no idea how you kept everything going. I will be looking forward to your future postings. A great big "THANK YOU" for all you have done!! And, "Best of Luck". Old&Slo

Hello,
Whiterabbit-uk, I just got yo say "THANK YOU" for all the reviews and the links for other games you have posted, I think I have read every review you wrote, on the games that interested me, before I downloaded them. I am going to miss the how toos, very helpful. The game descriptions were supurb, and the links you presented led to some very good games.
I will look forward to your future postings, I can really understand the time it would take to do your in depth reviews, and to set yourself a deadline would probably take some of the fun out of it. There just is not enough hours in a day!
Thanks again,
Barry