***Hey Guys -- Please Read

[RunInRed 19,650]

As David has informed you all, I will be purchasing the site effective 3/01/09. This is a not a decision either of us came to lightly and I feel truly honored and blessed for the opportunity to carry-on this unparalleled Auburn community. As we embark on this journey and write the next great chapter in AUN's history, I have but one mission: to work tirelessly to maintain and enhance the existing site and to continue to provide the same family-oriented medium the AUN community desires, expects and has come to cherish.

While I have had a chance to get to know many of you over the past few years (and before on other Auburn boards), there are still some who are unfamiliar with me. Thus, I feel it is appropriate now to share with you my story and explain why I have decided to take on this venture:

I was born and raised on the red clay of Alabama in the magic city of Birmingham. Here I was brought up by two working class parents who poured every thing they had into me and my brother and sister. They adamantly believed in and insisted upon education, sound minds, obedience to law, the human touch and our Country. Our household's allegiances were split from day one with my Dad being a bandwagon Paul Bryant alabama fan and my Mom being indifferent. My brother and I saw the light early on in life, growing immense affection for Auburn during the Dye era. To me, CPD and the Tiger greats of the 80s were such role models and inspiration to pursue my dreams. It was during this time I developed an early passion for sports and sowed my own oats playing little league, junior high and later high school baseball, basketball, and football. However, like most of us, my limited size and talent finally caught up to my dreams of one day playing ball for Auburn. Even still, I followed my heart down to the Plains where I learned what it truly meant to be an Auburn man. My four years there seared into me the principles of hard work, self-responsibility, honesty, truthfulness, empathy, and an unyielding love for our University. It is from these roots and with these values that I guide my life today.

So why am I doing this? It is important for every one to know that I am not doing this for me. I am doing this because I love Auburn, because I have become attached and feel a part of this community, and because I feel I bear a debt to the Admins, Moderators, and to all those who came before and who have worked so hard to create a place we all can so freely enjoy. But most of all, I am doing this because of all of you. Through the best of times, the darkest of days and all points in-between, we have been here for each other as sounding boards, steady hands, and voices of inspiration that keep us all pressing towards higher ground. I find this worth fighting for, worth preserving, and this is what I am determined to carry-on.

I am sure you are wondering, what this all means for AUN. It means that while ownership will soon change hands, the same guiding principles will remain in tact. I have no intentions to drastically change the site or tear it down in any way. To the contrary, in the coming weeks and months, we will be working with David and the Admin team to ensure a seamless transition and will be going to extraordinary means to ensure the site keeps the same look and feel as we begin to develop plans for how to improve the infrastructure and the operational platform that already exists. And because we all have a stake in this, throughout this effort I will be reaching out to all of you for guidance, ideas, and input.

In recent days, I have been very pleased to learn that most of the Moderators have chosen to continue in their current roles. I hope you all will also choose to continue to be a part of this vibrant and growing community. I truly believe AUN's best days are ahead of us and I look forward to being able to share more details with you all soon. In the mean time, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any concerns, comments, questions ... or even if you just want to get some thing off your chest. I am not a perfect person and I know I will not be perfect in this new role but I pledge my best and to always value your opinion.

Warmest Regards and War Eagle!

Rob

[SouthLink02 8]

So, David used to send me checks every Thursday to keep posting here....will those be continuing?

[StatTiger 3,188]

So, David used to send me checks every Thursday to keep posting here....will those be continuing?

[Justin5 20]

exciting to hear. Let me know if my help is needed for any reason

[AU Cav 0]

To help defray the costs of your purchase, I'll give you $20 each to ban certain individuals.

[rocketman37 13]

War Eagle. Rob.

I'll be glad to help.

Please connnect with me on my address:

infil37@bellsouth.net

I live in Acworth, GA

Bob (Auburn '61)

[DKW 86 8,217]

I have gotten to talk with Rob and get to know him better. I think this is a great thing for AUN. Sometimes change is a very good thing. While my fire has lagged due to my workload over the years wearing me down a bit, Rob brings a new set of legs, a very good vision for the future, and a real heart and love for the AU Family. I am in no way worried about the future of AUNation.

I leave here knowing that I left nothing of myself held back. The work was hard and I hope it helped the AU Family. I have few regrets, some, but not many. I have had a very sweet time here. I count my time here as some of the best times of my life. Nothing is ever perfect and there were a few problems here and there. But I am moving on with my life with huge grin on my face and doing the snoppy dance about my own future plans. I will be around a little on ITAT and you can contact me by email or pm. Do not expect me to be an albatross around Rob's neck tho. Rob has my support. He will soon have the keys.

BTW, I am writing a non-compete clause into the deal as well. I am not leaving to develop another AU site.

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

Good post Bob. I wish you huge success in this venture. I too grew up in B'ham and went to Ensley High. Where did you go?

[TitanTiger 22,251]

Bob, Rob...same difference.

[Proud Tiger 4,261]

Bob, Rob...same difference.

My typo (jk)

[autigeremt 7,545]

We may not agree on the vision of America, but we damn sure agree on the vision of Auburn University, it's image, it's creed, and our family.

We are here to support and protect the Auburn Family. Welcome to the lead. May your charge be AUsome.

War Eagle!

['76 Tiger 108]

I totally agree with your goals. Keep a firm hand, a sense of humor, and a free pass for the NIP GIRL

Bob in Winter Haven, FL

[AUloggerhead 3,161]

I totally agree with your goals. Keep a firm hand, a sense of humor, and a free pass for the NIP GIRL

Bob in Winter Haven, FL

Thanks, David for everything, and best wishes in the future to you, Rob-Bob.

I second Bob in WH, FL's motion to Unban the NIP GIRL from this site.

[ChrisH 135]

Good post Rob. I have only been here a little while compared with most and usually lurk but I believe you have the right values and plan for the site by reading your post. War Eagle! Chris

[TitanTiger 22,251]

The mostly family friendly orientation of the board isn't changing just because ownership does.

Go find that pic and save it to your hard drive when you need a little nip.

['76 Tiger 108]

The mostly family friendly orientation of the board isn't changing just because ownership does.

Go find that pic and save it to your hard drive when you need a little nip.

But she's really part of our Auburn Family!!!!

Bob in Winter Haven, FL

[AUloggerhead 3,161]

The mostly family friendly orientation of the board isn't changing just because ownership does.

Go find that pic and save it to your hard drive when you need a little nip.

But she's really part of our Auburn Family!!!!

Bob in Winter Haven, FL

Dang right. And we are proud of every single one of our AU family ... "warts" & all!