One year has passed...

Picture taken from my Birthday Themed Post

... It was this very time, exactly one year ago, on December 7th 2010, at precisely 1900 Hours GMT, that I arrived in Leicester Square, London. Faced with the blistering cold, temperatures only dropping and hints of more snow. I, accompanied by a friend, made way to the line...

If you haven't guessed already, this was the night that World of Warcraft: Cataclysm was being launched all over the world.

More than that, it happened to mark the very start of Shattered Beginnings. After tackling the night winds, and during the games installation, I sat to write my first blog post. My journey had begun.


It is here I give my first thanks. To Döra, known to many as the the Level 1 Explorer, who was the first to make a comment on my first post and share such kindness and support. All a first.

Ever since those first few nights and days chained together, literally non-stop, when I made my return to Warcraft, my own world has changed.

I never envisioned where I was heading and what was to be, when I first clicked publish


I couldn't imagine that my new levelling experience would turn out to be a whole series. The Cataclysm Journals. From the 4th instalment as my Worgen Hunter, Feignheart, ventured through Ashenvale, to the 15th issue where we took on the twisted Netherstorm.

Along to the depths of Vashj'ir in number 20, which had me take a shot at making my own exploration video. All the way up to the raging Firelands in one of the last editions, 28.

So already the ball was rolling further than I could ever have expected.

Then, I took new challenges on board. FanFiction.

This was inspired by a competition being hosted by The Dark Order. In which, to my delight, won 1st place.

The Adventures of Feignheart: A Story Untold. Following a unique perspective of the Worgen Curse. A story that I soon hope to pick up again and continue.


Now, since then, I've expanded and produced a vast number of different posts. Whether it has been my initial write up on the Mists on Pandaria (way before the official announcement), or a day with the WoW Blues, the boundaries have extended way beyond my initial ideas.

Below are selection of some of posts I am somewhat proud of:

• The Hunt: A Machinima Review
• They Come in.. With..Transmogrification?! (First WoW Insider feature)
• Big Brother: Titan Edition

Then come along my predictions for the Darkmoon Faire Island Horror, which you can now put under scrutiny...

None of this would be possible without the second half of this post.

22000 site visitors later and near on 200 followers on the Twitter-verse, here I am. Here WE are... 

...See, those numbers mean diddly squat when I think to compare them..

When I think of all the people I have met along the way. The amazing people. The friendships I have built. The experiences I have had and shared. The community I have been privileged to be apart of and contribute to. The memories.

The numbers could never really justify how much of an impact the adventure, because that's what it's been, has had on my life. It's all this that drives me to continue. Continue I will. Whether it be new projects or searching for the many ways in which I can help those around me.

For example, being apart of such a great community (which here is a big word) like Blog Azeroth. Not just the name, but all those who are involved with it's running or any who take something positive from it. The moderators such as Windsoar of Jaded Alt and Amerence, especially, who have gone all out to provide fantastic events and opportunities for everyone, such as the thanksgiving event (of which this was supposed to be an entry). Pat yourself on the back, well done!

Talking about communities. I would also like to do a big 'shout' to MMO Melting pot and WoW Insider (Specifically Anne or 'Shades of Grey') who have given me recognition several times over the past year. I am truly honoured and beyond grateful for the chance to display my pride and joy.

I now wish to express my ultimate appreciation to all the following. Reason? They make myself, and Shattered Beginnings, who we are today. Without them I could never imagine where we'd have ended up. They make it all worthwhile. To those I thank fully:

• Draccus, of a Druids Doodling - Passion for all he does.
• Rioriel, of Postcards From Azeroth - Because your worth it..
• Psynister, of Psynisters Notebook - A foothold for the twinking and levelling community as a whole.
• Fannon, of Dwarven Battle Medic - For such heart-felt and inspirational posts.
• Edenvale, of Gamers Fridge - Feeding our everyday gaming diets.
• ScaryBooster, of Scary Worlds - Bringing all that the internet humour, however dark, has to offer.
• Gamer Gaz, of Mana Obscura - Bringing a professional side to MMO blogging. 
• Stubborn, of Sheep the Diamond - Sheer brilliance.

Not stopping there, I would also like to extend thanks to:

• Elfi, of World of Elfi
• Navimie, of The Daily Frostwolf
• Akabeko, of Red Cow Rise
• MissPewPew, of.. MissPewPew
• Ophelie, of The Bossy Pally
• Grumpy, of The Grumpy Elf
• Syl, of Raging Monkeys
• Ceraphus, of Variant Avatar
• Syrco, of Syrcorax Owl
• Dan, of DanSlayers
• Corath of, Corath's Blog
• Aralosseien, of Achievements Ahoy

You have all been an inspiration to me.

The list goes on, and on, especially with many more new blogs hitting the scene. (That reminds me, my blogroll could take some more!)

This year I was also able to be involved in something truly unforgettable. 

As many of you may know, I was given the amazing opportunity to join the Blizzcon 2011 Live Coverage team. The brilliant folk from the Twisting Nether were running the show, Fimilys and HydRAWR, while top celebrities from the community such as Discopriest, Rades, Rilandune and Vidyala.

It was an honor. An experience. Thank you.

Lastly, but not least, we have the fantastic bunch on Twitter who make the community so much more. You all make the days/nights so much better!

Thank you all!

Literally any and all, of whom I couldn't possibly list exhaustively, that have spent time, commented and left feedback on my blog. Yes.. That includes those "Mr/Mrs Anonymous'"!

Before I head out, I would just like to emphasise again that I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful community. We've even seen examples of the community sticking together and fighting for justice. I'm sure many can name a recent occurrence. Keep doing what we do!

Here's to many more years to come,

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- Jamin