As many of you know, I was approached with an offer to buy the NAME of 'Ironworks Gaming'. (Just the Name, not the content and stuff), and When I told all my friends here, they said 'ask for at least a Million for it.

At the time, I was blinded by all these larger figures, and looking back at that, I don't know why I listened to them, a MILLION for a name? (Maybe if I was named CNN or something) :)

So I told these people that wanted to buy the name to make me an offer--They did: $4.000. I said "no thanks" and told them I was not interested at that figure.

So, as time went by, I got them up to $45,000K (BIG leap from 4,000K huh? [img]smile.gif[/img]

Anyway, as these past 6 weeks have gone by, I have been a busy bee. Here is what I decided:

I have (After a VERY long time) thought it out, and have decided to sell the NAME 'Ironworks Gaming'. (As I said, JUST the name, not the website content in ANY way).

I came to this decision by the current finances I am currently in, and to tell you the truth, I am losing money on the site, and NEED this to continue the Forum and Websites. So here is what I have done:

I have copyrighted and trademarked 2 names and logos (Soon to be opened), they are:

www.escapeforums.com and www.escapegaming.com
The 'Escape' part is a play on words off of my 'Original' website, "The Great Escape" at www.tgeweb.com.

What will become of the web domains www.ironworksgaming.com and www.ironworksforum.com? They will both be turned over to the purchaser when the contract is completed soon, and here is what will happen:

www.ironworksforum.com will become www.escapeforums.com ... and:
www.ironworksgaming.com will become www.escapegaming.com (Or/Also)
www.tgeweb.com/escapegaming/index.shtml

I will KEEP the www.tgeweb.com domain name.

To make this transition go more smoothly, I have BOTH domain names already set up and ready to go. Same IP address as well.

When the change-over happens, I will send out an email a few days before it happens, and give you the info. The info (new URL) are listed above, so if you want, go ahead and bookmark www.escapeforums.com now.

(www.escapegaming.com will simply forward you to www.tgeweb.com/escapegaming/index.shtml)

It should switch over easily. The only thing other than bookmarking the new URL is that if WE host your Sig image, you will need to change the URL from www.ironworksforum.com/xxx/xxx.gif to www.escapeforums.com/xxx/xxx.gif
The directory structure will remain the same.

With this large payment, I will be able to buy another server, and open up a dedicated NWN server, and even buy another faster PC for the Forum! I am also thinking of getting my home wired up, and host the servers HERE at HOME, instead of at my friends ISP.

Also, I plan to fix up the house a bit, pay off some of my Medical bills (catch up on them) and leave the rest in the bank and invest some.

I'll tell you who is buying the name, and what plans they will use the name for after the changeover.

But just remember, it's only the NAME that is changing. Same 'look' and feel of the Websites will stay the same!! :D With the exception of a new name and graphic logo.

The change-over won't take place for a few weeks, I'm sure. but BOOKMARK THIS URL ASP!

www.escapeforums.com

Even if you forget, all 10,000+ members will get an email giving you the scoop on what happened, and the new URL.

I hope you guys don't think I am a 'sell-out'. We REALLY need this money.
We can soon go from 'Ironworker's' to 'Escapees!!!' or an 'Escaper' :D

It's come full circle! Back to The Great Escape! Just remember, with this payout, we will be able to stay up for at LEAST another 5-10 years!

I just dread remaking ALL those logos... heheh.. I'm working on those now!

More soon folks! Hope you understand, and stick with us!!

[ 09-25-2002, 11:04 AM: Message edited by: Ziroc ]

Our logo for GD can now be:

<h1>Escape...to the Great Escape</h1> :D

Sounds good! Names change, but the forum will always be the forum. We call call ourselves the Escape Artists Supremes. :D

Excellent, Ziroc. Well done on getting them up to $45,000 - you did a fantastic job, and I don't blame you in the slightest for doing what you did. You want to keep running the site and be able to live comfortably for a while, and now you can do both. Names don't mean anything, they're just a jumble of letters. The whole Ironworks 'feeling' can't be bought - for any money [img]smile.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/lightning.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/homer.gif[/img]

[img]graemlins/cheer.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/cheers.gif[/img]

Congratulations, Dan, that is some AWESOME good news, I'm very glad that things have worked out for you so well, you definitely deserve it.

The way I figure it, that means that all the blood, sweat, and RAM you put into the great escape and IW has come out to be about an income that has managed to pay you roughly 70% of prevailing minimum wage thru these years! :D

Let's hear it for capitalism and the American Way!!!!!!!! Ow, think I just bit the tongue placed firmly in my cheek.

Was just leasing the name copywright ever a factor in the discussions, or feasible to do? Enquiring minds want to know, doncha know....
Good onya, mate, and don't forget to think about FIXED securities like a Super-7 or SPDA (single premium deferred annuity) for that escape nest egg. Remember, no variable annuity instruments, those moving parts tend to intersect on the most delicate part of your.....balance. lololol have fun, and hi to everybody going to the first (and last!) IW forum mini-con. Wouldn't you know I would miss out on the collector's edition first and last issue of that one [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img]

and my mummy says he is not available at the /ubb/noncqi/mummy.gif addy, and yes, i retained the img tags, any ideas?

[ 09-25-2002, 04:19 AM: Message edited by: J.J. ]

*Sniff* *sniff* Its great that you are getting all this money and we will be able to have a full time NWN server but this place (or should I say the new one) just wont be the same without the name Ironworks, I will have to get used to the idea of saying EG instead of IW. :D

Only 5-10 years? I don’t know if I will still be coming here in 5 years but if I am I wouldn’t know what to do with myself without Iron… er, Escape Gaming around.

Sounds good to me!!

I am also planning to totally revamp the webarea that is currently at:
www.tgeweb.com/ironworks/index.shtml ..

I am going to condense the area a bit--it's gotten out of control for just 1 person (me) to handle, so what I am planning is making 'Escape Gaming' focus on these things:

* Latest CRPG Gaming News.
* CRPG Modding and Sources (3D Modeling, Art, Textures and more).
* Quick Help -- Cleaned up 1 page support for each CRPG I have support for.
* Other stuff -- Release Dates, Reviews (I REALLY need to get back to that).

It'll allow me to maintain the site, and have time to add news and reviews and focus on Modding and stuff as well.

... And the Forum? Well, it'll remain the same old friend we all like, with more stuff to be added as usual! [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font color=skyblue>I'm cool.
And glad to hear you getting a fist full of cash!</font>

I think you did the right thing.It's not the name but the people I love.

Congrats Ziroc!

I certaintly dont think your a sell out, its just a name after all..If you sold the actual content, maybe.. :D But we all know youd never do that ;)

Well soon there will not only be ancient blue boaders, there will be the old IWers too! ;)

45K for the name ONLY...WOW!!!!!!!

I am all okay with that move, after all you do need the extra funds to run this site. ;)

Just one question: Will the members and their respective ranks retainmed in new forum/board? (Sorry, I don't know much about UBB rules and regulations)

[ 09-25-2002, 03:51 AM: Message edited by: Paladin2000 ]

Ziroc wrote ( among other things [img]smile.gif[/img] ) : I hope you guys don't think I am a 'sell-out'.
Unexpected cash is the best. Still waiting to be shocked by gov. with a tax return check, though [img]smile.gif[/img]
I know (being a former webmaster) how time/money/nerves/sleeplack/coffee/(add your other poisons here [img]smile.gif[/img] ) consuming all that is. Anyway... I would do the same & good luck.

Neuro

Darn right! That is what this Forum is about, the PEOPLE! I did, seriously think about giving up the name.. Ironworks is like my child, just saying it.. it'll get some getting used to saying Escape Gaming.. (although, I AM used to saying TGE==The Great Escape [img]smile.gif[/img]

What I wanted to do was 'mesh' all my sites into one 'theme' (Escape). And when you're playing a PC game, you ARE infact 'Escaping' reality.. That's how I kinda put it all together..

Below are the "Top 10 names that didn't make it"
1.Chocogames [img]graemlins/choc.gif[/img] WHAT!?!?
2.Gamingcrackheads
3.WHERE THE HELL IS DRIZZT IN BG2?
4.Chocmasters Realm of Gaming [img]smile.gif[/img]
5.Platinumworks
6.Diamondworks
7.Titaniumworks (Light, yet strong?) :D
8.Trollkiller gaming
9.Rikards Dream (huh?!) :D
and 10........ Ironed working games (Nice and flat--no wrinkles!)

lol!

Damn... I guess Mitrilworks and Adamatiumworks are out too. [img]graemlins/laugh2.gif[/img]

"Hgou drife a haard barrgun, myster Ziiroc, hbut my country need hgour name..."

Hey, that's wonderful news [img]smile.gif[/img]
It'll take a while or me to get used to the name, but if they pay you $45.000 and we get a new chapter in the history of the site that's easily worth the effort [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

why do they want the "Ironworks Gaming" name? they made up a name like that and like it, and thus decided to stick with it ...?

Congrats, Ziroc! Very good news. [img]smile.gif[/img]

BTW, I am going to FINALLY buy a good Digital Camera--Check it out here:

http://www.canoneos.com/d60/index.html

It's the Canon D60 (A Digital Camera that is SLR--means you can change lenses)
and It's a 6.3 Mega Pixel sucker, with tons of options!!

I will finally get some good pic's of Choc and even the Wedding Present many of you put together for us! (The Framed Plaque) As soon as I get it, I'll snap a few pics of it!! (Check the features out on this D60). The Camera 'pack' includes the Camera housing, case and stuff for $2100--this does NOT include a lens. (I was kinda shocked), but a simple 25-85mm is cheap.. It works with non digital cameras as well (lenses wise).

So look for some amazing pics--6.3 megapixels is as NEAR to 35mm quality you can get. I saw a nice Nikon, but it was only 4.3 MP.

This is a Camera the pro's use, so I'll also be using it to take pic's for a 'textures' cd--say I shot a pic of brick--bring it into Photoshop, clean it up, fix it to where it can be 'tiled' and seamless, and then, in a 3D Modeling program, apply the brick texture, and bam, instant house wall!

It should pay for itself once I sell some texture cd's!! www.marlinstudios.com is a friend of mine, check out HIS texture cd's--a few 100 textures for $300! (That is actually a good price)--Movie studios like Pixal have bought cd's from him to use in Monsters Inc!

Anyway, check it out, it's a sweet camera!

Nice one [img]smile.gif[/img]

Hey, is that Choc's Last Act of Defiance here in the top-left corner?

<font color="lightblue">I think I speak for everyone who shares my views in saying: Ok, the names gonna change- who gives a ?? :D
It isn`t the name that gives the atmosphere, but the fact that there are great members, and an excellent webmaster who chooses excellent moderators [img]smile.gif[/img] </font>

hehe, I liked the "troll killer gaming" ;) *snigger* erm, serioulsy, I think you did the right thing. A name is just a name right ;) altho, I'm sure it'll take some getting used to the "new" name ;) heh, I wonder, will Cloudy's Cafe still be around? *grins at the excuse to party an spa-post [img]smile.gif[/img] ;) :D *

His LAST? hah! he just told me to say "Meooww mawwmooee meoooooeewwss hiss"
(In human words that means "You'll never get rid of meeeeeoww--er I mean 'me'")

[img]smile.gif[/img] I better go to bed, I am getting silly. :D

You'll see his 'prints' on lots more stuff in the future!!

I plan to make an 'Ironworks Hall or Records' and in it, will have a screenshot of every logo ever used here and on the website. kinda like a shrine to Ironworks.. and to remember our roots! :D

We'll drink a beer to our new home: <h2>Escape Forums</h2>!! Yay! I guess I'll miss this Ironworks, but hey... 45000 is a lot of money :D

[ 09-25-2002, 05:11 AM: Message edited by: Link ]

Good for you, Z. [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]
And thanks for all the hard work you put into this.
To (mis)quote Shakespeare: "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."

[ 09-25-2002, 05:20 AM: Message edited by: Hayashi ]

On'ya Z man [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Congrats Z [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Quote:

WHERE THE HELL IS DRIZZT IN BG2?

I've been wondering this myself [img]tongue.gif[/img]

45 grand!! Congrats Ziroc!! [img]graemlins/viking.gif[/img]

I'm really happy for you!! [img]graemlins/cheers.gif[/img]

Oh Dan! That's great news for you!!! And Choc! LOL Betcha he's gonna get a lot of Fancy feast and nipmice out of this..hehe!

Seriously, I'm happy you got them to work out a deal. I'm gonna miss the Ironworks name, but I fully expect the Escapee escapades will be as fun/zany/friendly as they always have been. :D *snicker* Dunno, though.. being called escapees...HAHAHAHAHA! I like 'escaper', doesn't make you think we all snuck out of the mental institution yesterday! [img]graemlins/laugh2.gif[/img]

You called?

You called?</font>[/QUOTE]Please shorten that text sig to 3 or 4 lines Snicker. What you have is waaayy to much. thanks!!

Great news Ziroc! I see (read) how excited you are and everyone else also. Yours, the Moderators, and all the excellent members are A-1 and I see the hard work everyone has done over the past year and a half. Once again I very happy for you and all!!!

Not me. Nine out of ten voices in my head tell me I'm sane ;)

Quote:

Parum centum sex nummate

I wonder what this means :rolleyes:

By the way, the new name is pretty cool! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 09-25-2002, 07:13 AM: Message edited by: GokuZool ]

hehe..Hi Snicker! :D

Legolas, did the voices say to dance the great HAPPY FOR ESCAPEFORUM dance? Or just run nekkid through the thread? ;) :D

Too bad we won't have any things to remind us of the old forum, you know, like a coffeemug or a bumpersticker like we discussed before. Anyway, great going Z, i'm sure this forum will remain in all it's greatness.

I wonder what this means :rolleyes:

</font>[/QUOTE]<font color="lightblue">Translation of the entire poem: </font>

The mistress drinks, the master drinks,
the soldier drinks, the priest drinks,
the man drinks, the woman drinks,
the servant drinks with the maid,
the swift man drinks, the lazy man drinks,
the white man drinks, the black man drinks,
the settled man drinks, the wanderer drinks,
the stupid man drinks, the wise man drinks,

The poor man drinks, the sick man drinks,
the exile drinks, and the stranger,
the boy drinks, the old man drinks,
the bishop drinks, and the deacon,
the sister drinks, the brother drinks,
the old lady drinks, the mother drinks,
this man drinks, that man drinks,
a hundred drink, a thousand drink.

Six hundred pennies would hardly suffice, if everyone
drinks immoderately and immeasurably.
However much they cheerfully drink
we are the ones whom everyone scolds,
and thus we are destitute.
May those who slander us be cursed and may their names not be written in the book of the righteous

:( Oh dear, that's right! Z? Any way we could still do that but not use the name...just the old logo? or is the logo sold too?

Well, maybe we can do it with the new logo/name. That would help us get used to it faster, I bet! *contemplates having tea each evening out of an Escape forums mug* Yah...that would be fun!

*snort*!! Just realized, we could have tee shirts that say 'I'm an Escapee!' :D LOLOLOLOLOLOL

[ 09-25-2002, 07:37 AM: Message edited by: Cloudbringer ]

hmm... was the name "Ironworks gaming" sold... but NOT the word "Ironworkers" [img]tongue.gif[/img] hehe. we could still call ourselves that, as a memo ;) *snicker* or not... lol, "escapees" has a distrubing ring to it ;) I dont wanna go back to spellhold :( [img]tongue.gif[/img] lol, once was enough *grin*

wow you fianlly did it [img]smile.gif[/img]
Irownorks became something profitible
i still think you should put in a small banner atop this page
won't harm us and it's good for ya wallot

Congrats on all that lovellllly money! :D
And the NWN server sounds excellent!! im gettign it soon so see you all there! [img]smile.gif[/img]

WWWOOOOAAAAHHHH Dan, that is fantastic news!! I'm really very glad you did it! Sell-out my ass, I can only see merits in this and I don't think you've sold out at all, just made the best decision yo ucould have made. It gladdens me that you won't have to stress about money so much anymore, and as has been said before, it's not the name that makes this forum so great, it's the people in it. [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img]

<font size=5, color="hotpink">CONGRATULATIONS!</font>

<font size=0>Oh and... *whispers* It's affect, not effect ;) *cough*</font>

[ 09-25-2002, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: Melusine ]