Post by: NewsBot on April 17, 2003, 08:07:27 PM
Attention Planet GameCube Community,
I’m officially announcing that today, April 18th, 2003, will be my last day with Planet GameCube.com.
While I’ve been running Planet GameCube for 4 years, it’s been rather difficult to make a decent living. I was recently offered a job to work for Game Informer Magazine, and I have decided it’s a good time to pass the torch on to someone else at Planet GameCube and take my career to the next stage. I went to college thinking I would go into psychology. I ended up graduating with a degree in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in English. At that time I was hardcore (note: music nerd) into alternative music and really interested in radio, so I thought that would be fun. I ended up living a full career in radio. I started this site in between radio jobs, but I never would have imagined it would have led me into my new career. It’s funny how life turns out sometimes.An ex-girlfriend of mine told me that this site would amount to nothing. My parents told me it was a waste of time. Most of my friends don’t get it at all (they really aren’t gamers). Personally, I never thought anything would happen here either. But the more people told me it was a waste, coupled with all the challenges and struggles we faced, really made this a personal obsession. Sure, I still don’t know HTML that well (God bless FrontPage), and we’ve made some mistakes here and there, but I think the current result isn’t too shabby. Making this decision to leave was probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Doing this job everyday for over 4 years has been one of the most fun and rewarding experiences that I’ve ever had in my lifetime. I’m not quite sure what it’s going to be like not rolling out of bed every morning, firing up the PC, and hitting the morning news. I think all work environments should allow you to wear boxers and t-shirts and not have to take a shower until about 6pm. I really am going to miss it. I’m going to miss being at E3 with the staff this year; I’m going to miss the readers, trivia on Friday nights, bullshitting with the staffers and readers at all times of the day…all of it. It’s been fun sharing my experiences and getting to be a total fanboy, cultivating a community, and seeing how far you can actually take a hobby. But I think it’s time to move on. While it is difficult for me to leave Planet GameCube, I am really excited to take the next step. The past couple months I’ve been getting everything in place for my departure, and I did everything in my power to make sure Planet GameCube has a secure future. I’d like to thank the staff for their hard work in making this transition as painless as possible. Jonathan Metts will be taking over as Director of Planet GameCube, and other people on staff will be taking over the rest of my duties. Planet GameCube will live on. For Christ’s sake, we survived the Internet drought, corporate screw-overs, server problems, money problems, hackers, you name it. I have faith in the staff that we hired. I still think I was blessed with the best and hardest working people on the planet. And remember folks, they all work for free. So buy a shirt and DVD! Support these guys!
Most of you out there probably think we live in some happy land that gets everything it wants from Nintendo and all the companies that we deal with. That couldn’t be further from the truth. We have made great strides in the past year or two (and we’re extremely thrilled and thankful), but in comparison to the major corporate sites, no matter how big your numbers, it really doesn’t matter. We’ve had to fight for everything we’ve gotten. I hope our support from all these companies, and from you readers, continues to grow and expand in the years to come.
I’d like to thank my friends here in Minneapolis for constantly dealing with my rantings about Nintendo or the industry, when I know damn well you could care less when Mario Sunshine is releasing, or how awesome it is that the Q will have a Game Boy Player. Special thanks to my friend Ben, who takes care of Louie on business trips and is primarily player two when I’m reviewing games. On that note, I’d like to thank Liquor Lyles for being the best goddamn bar in Minneapolis with wonderful 2-for-1 drink specials, under whose influence I often do said ranting with said friends.
Thanks to all the Team Nintendo Reps who’ve helped us with all our needs at E3 and events. Super mad props to my boy Thom Leonard, who I’ve known since the N64HQ days. To all of our secret spies…well, on behalf of Louie the Cat, word up to ya’ll. Louie still needs you. J Thanks for the love! Oh yeah, by the way, I’m not firing Louie. You may not see Louie in pictures standing on every freaking piece of Nintendo hardware anymore, but he’s gotta do something while I’m at work instead of crapping on my keyboard. And his second-favorite hobby is digging up rumors.
I’d like to thank all of our advertising partners who have kept us alive, especially Video Game Advantage/Games For Rent, Video Game Depot, X-Arcade, UGO, Play-Asia, and Lan Kwei. Thank you for your support.
I’d like to thank all the staff of Golin Harris, especially Tom Stratton, who has taken more **** from me than probably anyone in the industry. Thanks for all of your support and help man, you’ve really taught me a lot, and you’ve been a great friend.
I’d like to thank Shigeru Miyamoto, everyone at Nintendo, and third-parties, for sending us amazing hardware and games to write about.
I’d like to thank Steven Kent, Raymond Padilla, Scott McCall, Mike Hrusecky, Yutaka Ochiboji, Justin Nation, Jonathan Metts, Rick Powers, Ravi Hiranand, Denis Dyack, Max Lake, and Daniel Bloodworth for inspiring me and pushing me to push the envelope.
I’d also like to thank everyone at Game Informer for being so accommodating, friendly, and welcoming. You guys are awesome, and I’m looking forward to working with you.
Last but definitely not least, I’d like to thank the wonderful Planet GameCube Staff. Thank you for your tireless effort towards making Planet GameCube what it is today. From the people I’ve known for years, to the new guys I just met this week, I love you all. Keep on kickin’ ass. Keep the dream alive!
And with that, I must say farewell. It’s truly been an honor and a privilege.
Word.
B
Post by: MaddenNFL64 on April 17, 2003, 08:29:35 PM
Glad you found a real job though
. Please tell us when you make your debut at Game Informer magazine! I'll be sure to pick up that copy.
Post by: Omni on April 17, 2003, 08:29:41 PM
Travis
Post by: Berto2K on April 17, 2003, 08:34:55 PM
I would like to thank you Billy for your efforts. I have donated money, bought a t-shirt, a japan experience double cd, a dvd from last e3, and will buy a dvd for this year as well. From the weekly scheduled trivias (where I have a total of one career point), to all the latest news, and free content, this has site been the best. Guess you will be able to participate in trivia's now and smash all of us then. Oh well, no worse for me.
Best of luck to you in your new endevours, but don't be shy to your home of the last 4 years. The boards will still be here as well as the trivias. Hope to see you around.
Robert Miller
Post by: BlkPaladin on April 17, 2003, 08:38:56 PM
Post by: Berto2K on April 17, 2003, 08:39:34 PM
I think this topic deserves a sticky.
Post by: GaimeGuy on April 17, 2003, 08:39:35 PM
Stewart R. Seltz
Post by: Nik Jam on April 17, 2003, 08:43:14 PM
Farewell.
Post by: nolimit19 on April 17, 2003, 08:45:40 PM
Post by: Grey Ninja on April 17, 2003, 09:40:52 PM
Billy, I know that I probably got on your nerves a few times since I have started posting around here, but I will truly miss you. I have been reading this site for years, and I just can't imagine it without your excessive spending, and unique mannerisms. It's truly a sad day for Nintendo fans.
I hope that maybe you might come back for a cameo now and then, or at least stick around on the forums, as "one of us". You remain very welcome amongst us of course.
Post by: olanmills on April 17, 2003, 10:28:55 PM
Well, I just gotta say that PGC has struck this strange balance between professionalism and goofiness, and I'm sure that Billy was the reason that something like that could be pulled off, and be recgonized as one of the most distinguished game journalism sites in the video game world. To be honest, I'm sad to hear that you're going to Game Informer because magazines have never been able to give me enough bang for my buck, imo anyways. However, I know that you going to GI will make it a more entertaining and informative magazine.
So, good luck, and congradulations on getting an actual job doing something that you love and are really good at!
On perhaps what may be a realted note, planetgamecube.com doesn't seem to be functioning as well since this news story got posted. The servers are crying! They're sad too!
Post by: Rize on April 17, 2003, 10:34:38 PM
Well, Billy, I just want to wish you the best and also say (to others here) that Game Informer is actually a pretty cool mag. Babbages and other stores in the chain always try to con you into getting one because if you do, you get a discount card to spend on used games as well. My subscription paid for itself easily.
Even after years of using the internet, there's still something nice about having a magazine on your hands (especially since I really don't follow the other consoles very closely, even though I own a PS2).
Damn again.
Best of luck to you.
Post by: Segnit BGS on April 17, 2003, 10:36:42 PM
It's cold... a smiling breeze and heaps of rain. The charge winds from the side diligently revitalize the waker.
I never knew you but strangely, I feel oddly affected by your rather abrupt departure.
A fresh cold... a smiley rain and a gust of shadow in the firm flesh.
It sort of feels like a bullet wound to the leg. You have inspired so many of us.
Never did one stop boiling.
Heck, i had no idea you inspired me until today the of 18th of April 2003.
You're like one of those people... you are Billy Berghammer.
Your humbelness and modesty will always stick with me.
The ray and the gleam clamouring... a cell.
Your enthusiasm is simply unmatched.
The air... oops I'm late for collage. Rith Essa.
Anyways man, spending half an hour writing this stuff is the least I could do for a person that has acomplished so much. I'm just glad that you're moving up the ranks. Take care and have fun, it's not all work ya know. If this were an RPG, just today, you would have leveled up enough. Read understand and live
There is just so much ahead of you.
Post by: Nintendo on April 17, 2003, 11:27:41 PM
Post by: Hybrid Hunter on April 18, 2003, 01:22:16 AM
Post by: oohhboy on April 18, 2003, 02:39:58 AM
Mad Billy has finally left the house. From the first time I came upon your site(I believe it was from Gamespot), I was bewilldered to find that it was a fansite, yet it delivers time and time again. It surpasses every other site I know for accurate, timely, Nintendo and industry wide news, all on a shoe strig buget. I would like to thank you for Spaceworld 2001 as I never really got a chance to thank you for the great experience you gave me. I propose a 21 gun text salute!
____________
/ + __________ *** BANG!
/ /-/
/__ /
Go nuts on them Billy!
Post by: Alkettory on April 18, 2003, 03:24:49 AM
Quote
You can't leave; all the plants are gonna die! -- John Winger, Stripes
Seriously, Billy, the news of your departure comes as a complete shock. You've been the heart & soul of PGC ever since I started visiting the site, three years ago. Although I know that Jonny, Rick, Daniel, and the rest of the staff will do a fine job, it just won't be the same around here without you. I hope you stop by for an occasional visit.
Good luck with you new job, man!
Post by: Kulock on April 18, 2003, 03:40:58 AM
"Perhaps this is just the PGC April Fools joke, finally showing up after being delayed for so long?" That's what many of us probably thought when we first saw the strapline. It does seem a little unbelieveable. Not that PGC can't exist without Billy, but Billy has been a major heart (and the most-seen face) of it for quite a long time. I know I'm glad you got what you considered such a good job offer, and of course it makes sense to go for it, but still it'll leave a small void with us all. (Those that don't subscribe to Game Informer, anyway. It's sites like PGC that made it HARDER to wait for dead tree publications. ^_^
But you've left PGC at a strong time, with your duties properly assigned and filled by others, so I'd like to thank you for the time and dedication you've put into your site, driving it to grand levels from very humble beginnings, and I wish you the best of luck with Game Informer.
Post by: Kulock on April 18, 2003, 03:44:28 AM
Post by: joshnickerson on April 18, 2003, 03:52:29 AM
Ever since I found it, PGC has quickly become my favorite gaming site, even surpassing IGN.
I never bothered to read Game Informer before, but now I guess I'll be picking up a few issues.
Post by: Tman on April 18, 2003, 05:15:19 AM
Post by: JoeSmashBro on April 18, 2003, 05:15:58 AM
Post by: manunited4eva22 on April 18, 2003, 05:28:14 AM
Good luck Billy, now I have to buy a magazine again though....damn
Post by: NWR_Lindy on April 18, 2003, 06:03:49 AM
silks
Post by: rpglover on April 18, 2003, 06:24:25 AM
this site became my only nintendo site thanks to you
i guess i will have to fork over the money to get game informer- hopefully you bring some good things to the magazine
i expect good things from it
well good luck there- hope it all goes smoothly
best wishes
Post by: Tusken_Raiders on April 18, 2003, 06:26:18 AM
Anyways, good luck and have fun at your new job!
*subscribes to Game Informer*
Post by: Nigel on April 18, 2003, 06:43:05 AM
Post by: Toolvana on April 18, 2003, 06:45:47 AM
Toolvana
Post by: cubedcinder128 on April 18, 2003, 06:47:58 AM
Good luck on your new career, Billy. I know your fellow employees will keep the torch burning just as much as you did for the past 4 years.
Post by: blablamax on April 18, 2003, 07:21:33 AM
Post by: DaDoc on April 18, 2003, 07:24:21 AM
And godd luck with your new job at Game Informer. I guarnatee you I'll be subscribing first chance I get.
Hapyy Days.
Post by: fiveironalex on April 18, 2003, 07:45:44 AM
Post by: Darc Requiem on April 18, 2003, 07:49:01 AM
Darc Requiem
Post by: Tsunekazu on April 18, 2003, 07:50:23 AM
I didn't start coming to PlanetN2000 until it had the sexy blue layout and I read your E3 2000 (I believe) coverage. It was by far the best look into E3 that I had seen. After that, I was hooked, and kept coming back. It's good to know that you will still be involved in gaming journalism in some form. Don't want to see those skills go to waste in say... radio broadcasting
Hope you enjoy the new job!
Post by: The Human Cow on April 18, 2003, 08:03:21 AM
And drop by the chat sometimes.
Post by: reyontoyeny on April 18, 2003, 08:41:53 AM
Post by: kennyb27 on April 18, 2003, 08:50:04 AM
Ah, what the hell:
Word.
Post by: Yamauchi on April 18, 2003, 09:06:28 AM
Planet GameCube will always remain one of my favourite GameCube sources, and it's thanks to you. Goodluck with your career, life, and anything else you pursue.
Post by: NinGurl69 *huggles on April 18, 2003, 09:30:10 AM
Kick their asses, Billy!
Post by: mouse_clicker on April 18, 2003, 09:37:22 AM
Post by: VideoGamerJ on April 18, 2003, 10:02:14 AM
Post by: Uglydot on April 18, 2003, 10:11:21 AM
Post by: Sjalesho on April 18, 2003, 10:15:30 AM
Post by: BoB007 on April 18, 2003, 10:18:39 AM
You'll be missed
Post by: Ian Sane on April 18, 2003, 10:20:25 AM
Post by: TTCFCL on April 18, 2003, 10:45:14 AM
Post by: uwvark on April 18, 2003, 10:45:49 AM
Post by: Matt on April 18, 2003, 10:57:58 AM
Billy has done a great job at Planet GameCube in the last few years. One key thing was the hiring of great staff members. Planet GameCube won't be the same without you Billy, but it sure will live on in full force with Jonathan Metts as director and with great staff like Rick Powers, Mike H., etc etc (can't name all of you guys, sorry).
I think I may just subscribe to Game Informer now, as well, so I can read whatever great content Billy writes.
Anyway, Planet GameCube's sure got a few good years left in it. And, well, once the GameCube is "dead" and possibly replaced, I'm sure all the great staff of the site could start up something new, or even move on like Billy has.
Something great, this shows that people who begin writing at fansites can really get into the "bigger" side of the gaming press. I myself hope to do this somewhat, and I know that other people have done this -- Billy now.
Oh yeah, if you guys want to see a pic of Billy with Ray Almeda and Sean O'Neill of GameCube Advanced you can go here.
Post by: Michael_82 on April 18, 2003, 11:15:23 AM
Post by: PIAC on April 18, 2003, 11:18:41 AM
no more weird billy noises? but they are so entertaining (talking about the noises billy makes while playing games on the SHINE GET! e3 2002 dvd)ohwell
have fun at your new job, rise to the top and rename it planetgamecube.magazine >=D or at very least mention 
some how in every issue
Post by: dbzman645 on April 18, 2003, 11:54:41 AM
Peace out
Post by: Sir Kero on April 18, 2003, 11:56:01 AM
Game Informer is the only mag I've really considered subscribing to (and that's saying alot). I'm glad to see you're headed somewhere good. For a long time it seems to me they've been the least biased of the game news mags, here's hoping you can change that for the better ^_~
Post by: Bullseye on April 18, 2003, 12:21:28 PM
I've been reading regularly since the PlanetN2000 days and I must say I have enjoyed all of it. It's strange though because even though he is technically "gone", he really isn't. Billy created PGC and therefore he'll always be here in spirit, and I think the spirit of PGC will always reflect that. Anyway, here's to you Billy, you have created the best fansite I have ever seen or had the privilege to read. In some ways I'm even more excited because now we'll have twice the Billeh - GI and PGC!
Good luck to you sir, I believe I will be subscribing to GI and, of course, still reading PGC everyday.
Post by: MH-001 on April 18, 2003, 12:23:24 PM
Post by: Byron on April 18, 2003, 12:44:04 PM
Post by: Nintega on April 18, 2003, 01:15:14 PM
Post by: JoshuaSlone on April 18, 2003, 01:24:29 PM
Post by: DustinRiley on April 18, 2003, 01:28:17 PM
Post by: Nintendo Gamecube on April 18, 2003, 02:03:55 PM
It was a great accomplishment just creating this site, and to see it grow this big is amazing. Good luck with your future work, and I hope you enjoy it as much as you have with PGC.
Hope you will drop by, time to time, just to give us the info on your new job.
(On the side note. I was very shocked to hear that the staff works for FREE. I would also like to take this time to congratulate them for their great effort and time they have put into the site.)
Post by: thepoga on April 18, 2003, 04:05:47 PM
Note: you should make a little shrine for yourself in the specials section or something. It would be totally awesome.
Post by: electrify12 on April 18, 2003, 04:17:46 PM
Post by: chaos on April 18, 2003, 04:19:12 PM
Post by: Mario on April 18, 2003, 04:26:04 PM
Post by: NickNiteQ93 on April 18, 2003, 04:26:59 PM
Post by: Patch on April 18, 2003, 04:43:27 PM
You've done more for Nintendo fans all around the globe than Nintendo themselves, in some cases. This site is testament to your abilities as a writer and director, and I really hope the site can live on without you.
You were the glue in the cracks of the PGC. Billy, Thank you for everything, and God bless.
*salutes*
...
...
...
*cries*
Post by: Robageejammin on April 18, 2003, 05:14:38 PM
Forever fan,
Michael Pugliese
Post by: Sean-GCA on April 18, 2003, 05:53:26 PM
Post by: Ace on April 18, 2003, 07:07:12 PM
Post by: Okiva77 on April 18, 2003, 08:36:05 PM
I've been a very devoted fan of PGC for a few years now. It's my FIRST stop for up to the minute and honest Nintendo news. I don't know you, but I very much have appreciated your efforts. It's guys like you that make dorks like me secure in our passions.....
...too bad I don't much care for Game Informer. Hey Billy, now that you're on that team, can you make sure the reviews are more coherent and the that there are less grammatical errors? And fix up the lay out please. If only you could work for EGM. Ah, piss. Good luck from California!
Post by: Uncle Rich AiAi on April 18, 2003, 08:54:47 PM
BTW, is Louie still the rumors editor?
Post by: ScaredAndAfraid on April 19, 2003, 06:36:44 AM
SAA
Post by: GameCuber on April 19, 2003, 08:46:00 AM
You got my word Billy, I will always visit this site for top-quality Nintendo news no matter what. Even though it sure will be different without you, this site has always given news faster than any site i know. 24/7/365 sure lives up to its word. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, whatever path you may choose, let fortune be down it.
Good-bye and Good Luck.
-Jason
Post by: yrrab436 on April 19, 2003, 02:33:23 PM
Post by: rodtod on April 19, 2003, 04:31:46 PM
*subscribes to Game Informer*
Post by: Marcus Arillius on April 20, 2003, 07:20:52 AM
I imagine Billy must feel the same way I did when I beat "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" for the first time. Ya know, glad that you had accomplished the task of completing the game, but incredibly sad that it was over and even more sad that you'll never experience the same feeling again. However, its great that he has a "real" job where he gets paid. He'll be bling blinging so to speak. Maybe he could donate to the site then
P.S. definitely getting a subscribtion to Game Informer magazine now. Just sucks that I'll be paying for news that I found out weeks before hand. Oh well, there are always reviews to look forward to.
Post by: mouse_clicker on April 20, 2003, 07:45:25 AM
Ah well, maybe you can knock some sense back into them.
Post by: Joshums on April 20, 2003, 11:11:32 AM
Post by: Mr_Denim on April 20, 2003, 01:38:19 PM
Post by: MarioLinkSamus on April 20, 2003, 08:34:46 PM
I don't post messages often, but this news has struck me to do so.
As silly as it seems I am actually upset you're leaving. I'll miss the immature arguments we've had debating whether or not the Vikings are actually better than the Packers or if you were worthy enough to jump on the Gophers' bandwagon. Nevertheless, I owe it to you for giving myself and my fellow crew members access to all Nintendo news for the cost of nothing. Looks like no more brief Cube Club conversations at the Mall of America... hmm the Dave Ryan look-alike has really gone on to bigger and better things now.
I wish you the best of luck in your new adventure. I know you'll represent Nintendo the way it should be. Unlike most other journalists, you have seen quality gaming at its highest level thanks to Nintendo's products. You're already a step ahead of the crowd.
Although you may not be a true fan of the Twins, Timberwolves or Wild, you are most definitely a true Nintendo fan. Represent us well.
MarioLinkSamus
Post by: Cactusjack1999 on April 22, 2003, 04:03:28 AM
Billy leaving Planet Gamecube. It's like Miyamoto working for Microsoft
Well maybe not that severe but you get the point.
You'll be missed dude.
Post by: Locke Cole on April 25, 2003, 05:05:20 PM
Post by: PGC-Agent Cooper on May 02, 2003, 08:27:39 AM
I just wanted to say thanks for a the support that everyone has given me for the move. You all rock. I got a lot of e-mail of people asking me about when I'll be appearing in Game Informer Magazine. Well I can't say exactly what I've written, but my first 2 works will be appearing in the next issue of Game Informer which should be getting to subscribers and the newsstands in two weeks.
Also, for you heading to E3, it'll be in the issue you can pick up there.
Word.
B
Post by: GaimeGuy on May 02, 2003, 07:54:04 PM
