Eight years ago I created ClubKenshin to share my love of Watsuki's timeless character Himura Kenshin with others and to bring together a group of those who felt the same. I did not expect that it would grow into one of the largest Rurouni Kenshin Groups on deviantART in terms of membership, but it has. It's been an incredible and wonderful experience.
Even way back in its beginning, I knew I couldn't devote massive amounts of time to ClubKenshin, not if I wanted to pursue my real-life goals, so I chose to host only one annual art contest. I also rejected the idea of turning ClubKenshin into an all-character Group, preferring to focus on the hero of the story. That's what sets us apart and keeps us connected: Kenshin himself. Thus the rule to only accept deviations where he is present.
With these distinctions, and the help of my wonderful staff, I've kept ClubKenshin alive despite personal tragedies and peculiar circumstances. But at long last the time has come for CK and I to part ways. I've hesitated and drawn out this decision as long as I could, but real life gets more demanding and, while my fondness for Kenshin will never die, I don't have the same drive to commit time to contests and movie updates and to keep this Group thriving.
But I refuse to shut it down. That's not fair to you, it's not fair to our love of Kenshin, it's not fair after my years ooverseeing the Group. I won't shut ClubKenshin down, I refuse to make that call, so instead I'm offering the Group to someone else. Not just anyone, mind. I do have a few requirements which I'll list below, and if you feel you can meet those requirements, please send a note including why I should hand ClubKenshin over to you and what you will strive to do to keep it alive and thriving.
Requirements and Responsibilities:
You must have an undying love of Himura Kenshin and a desire to keep the Group's focus on him. We are distinctive in our policy that Kenshin himself must be the focus of all activity, including and especially deviations submitted. No Kenshin? No entry. You will hold at least one annual contest each year. Mini-contests, etc., are per the prerogative of the new Founder and contest themes can vary. You won't let the Group die. If you find that you can't maintain the Group any longer at any time, you agree to place the responsibility on someone else rather than close the Group. You must have some past Group admin experience and know how to add or change permissions, block or unblock members, and handle any circumstances and situations with diplomacy and tact. Be friendly. If you don't have good online social skills, you shouldn't run a Group. Period. You will actively seek out news pertaining to Rurouni Kenshin (e.g. live-action movies) and be willing to answer the occasional note inquiring after said news. In short, be willing to engage with fellow fans regarding your common interest in RuroKen. Maintain a friendly relationship with members and affiliates alike. Address member questions pertaining to deviation submissions, contests, etc. Be willing to feature affiliate contests, etc. Be your own kind of Founder. I don't want anyone feeling like they can't be themselves. Take risks, try new things, and always listen to member feedback. Collect ideas and implement them. Aside from the above-mentioned policy of keeping this Group Kenshin-centric, you're welcome to use your own approach. Change things up. Keep ClubKenshin thriving.The above requirements should be fairly straight-forward, and it's not as though we're one of the more popular and hectic Groups on dA. Taking over responsibility won't suck away your soul, promise. It just might require a little extra work, which I can't find time to personally accomplish any more.
So send me a note and let me pass the mantle down to the next Group Founder. Let's keep our love for Kenshin burning bright!
Thanks so much!
WoodscourtBooks
