T-I: The Story, Part II: The Community

[AfterMidnight]

T-I: The Story
Part II: The Community



It began as a dream. One man, who felt lost in the jungle of the private tracker world, decided to forge a path for all those trying to find their way. He decided that a new community should be built. Members would not be reviled for their ignorance of the torrent world; instead, they would be extended help and guidance. And thus began the great community known as Torrent-Invites. What makes T-I so special? If people come for the invites, why do they stay for the community? Just what is it about this place?

The man is Dave; the place is Torrent-Invites. Join me for a story in four parts. Join me for T-I: The Story - Part II: The Community.

[AfterMidnight]

T-I: The Story
Part II: The Community

In America, we celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday. It's a family tradition passed down through the ages. According to legend, Thanksgiving goes back to the very first feast of the very first European settlers to arrive in the New World. Regardless of its origins, Thanksgiving is a time when friends and family gather together for no other reason than to enjoy each other's company around the dinner table. Traditionally, a turkey is served as the main course; but regardless of the meal, it is the family, the friendship, the togetherness at the heart of Thanksgiving.

Richard Bachman once wrote, "The bond that links your ... family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life." To this author, that describes Torrent-Invites quite nicely. In many respects we represent a family quite well.

There is a willingness to help each other; you've seen it many times. One person will ask a question in the help forum; and almost immediately, he/she receives answers from people from all over the world. Not a one of them will say, "Dumb Question, idiot," because that's not how T-I works. We all remember what it was like in the beginning: embarrassed to ask the stupid questions, not understanding the responses. T-I almost universally reaches out to the "little guy;" helping someone as each of you was helped by someone in return.

There is a level of trust that builds between the members of T-I. As each of you answers questions, writes a tutorial, makes a suggestion, and discusses the coolness of MW2, you build trust and understanding between you and the members of T-I. When it becomes time to respond to a Give Away or make a request, it's that level of trust that you build - along with ratio proofs, speedtests, and the like - that ultimately earn you that invite.

We have our differences. There is no denying that Torrent-Invites has had its share of drama. Fights have broken out. Friendships have been tarnished. Accusations have flown back and forth. Its membership furious at times, T-I has risen up in arms to right the injustices and punish the wrong-doers!

But. T-I has withstood it all. Over time, grudges become buried, friendships are patched, and cooler heads prevail. Making the decision to protect T-I is simple; reconciling that decision with hurt and anger is never quite that easy. Some have never been able to do that; they have faded off into the distance, never to grace the forums with their presence again. Weep, O Members of T-I, for these were some of the most passionate, giving, and just plain stand-up people T-I has ever known.

In the end, T-I is what we make of it. Shall we continue to be a place where the uninitiated can find help? Shall we continue to grow our trackers by finding quality people to invite? Shall we continue to grow, ourselves, and change as does our membership? The only answer can be yes, for these qualities are the essence of the Torrent-Invites community. Our community might not be exactly like a family. But we're not unlike one, either. We have our ups and our downs; but in the end, we get through it to form a truly awesome community.

Next time, meet some of the people who helped to grow and shape T-I into what it is today. And a group of people who offer their time and risk (nearly) everything to bring the future to T-I.

Thanks to:_______________________________________________ __
Balauru, Beepin, Dave, ethicks, flutrose, Goo Ball, J0sh, Jekata, JustJenna, rawr, Sam91, Schmak, scoobydoo, Synthesis, Vegas, theXader, and any one else I may have forgotten. Your help has been invaluable.

Authors Note: In the spirit of Thanksgiving, it is customary to share what we are thankful for. One thing I am thankful for is Torrent-Invites. I have learned much, and I have been able to share what knowledge I have. Not to mention this most excellent opportunity to write these articles. What are you thankful for? (it doesn't have to be T-I)

[JustJenna]

Absolutely beautiful and moving commentary on what makes this community so special.

I am thankful for Jay, for Casey, for finding love and friendship here at T-I, and for my position on staff. I love being a part of this community and helping to shape it and watch it grow. I am also thankful for our newswriter, AfterMidnight, for his insightful articles.

Happy ThanksGiving everyone!

[Majid]

Another beautiful masterpiece AfterMidnight and a completely true one. You get a rep from me for this wonderful article.

I am thankful for this wonderful community. T-I has helped me greatly overtime with wonderful invites to sites that i always wanted to join, also with all the great help and advice that they have given me overtime whenever i needed an answer to something. People here support each other like a family, i would say we have many ups compared to the minor downs.
I am also thankful for my family and relatives who are there to support me when ever i need support and finally i am thankful for the life that god has given me. I live in a beautiful country, surrounded by lovely people and have food and technology with me.

Have an awesome thanksgiving everyone!

[Sam91]

As amazing and as interesting as the part I. Couldn't agree more with everything said here. Over the years members have lost members of their family or friends and find T-I a place to let it all out and just relax, forgetting about whats going on around them. I have spent countless more hours than i dare to think on T-I and don't regret a moment.
I myself remember starting out here and being quite, not scared, but a bit embarrassed in asking an obvious question. But the more i visit here i can see that you can ask the most obvious question and you will still get more than you ever thought. Amazing article AM!

Happy thanksgiving everyone!
Sam

[HundredFlags]

I am thankfull to be healthy.
and to be along you guys.

[DanceR]

very very good.
can wait to see next one :)

[Goo Ball]

Another great addition to the T-I Story. Can't wait for part 3.

[medschool]

I love T-I , it's the one and only forum that am active on and really like , not only for the invites it's about he community and the admins , they are super nice : Signus and Vegas are the nicest admins the internet has ever witnessed !
In T-I we share everything : invites , info on trackers , tutorials , news , fun stuff ..everything !

There are no flaws , having said that* , the only thing that is to bother actually is the huge enormous amount of the banned , that's because that they are cheaters or did wht deserved the ban ofcourse but still, it was annoying and i among others was put off somehow frustrated , but thanks to JJ our community's pink and her announcement :Why Are So Many Users Banned? Read This and Find Out
immediately made me feel much much better .

Also i wanted to add that my fiancee is here and we both love this place and enjoying it to the max *_*

*Curb Your Enthusiasm S07E10 :laugh:

[Schmak]

I Really liked this article, and the first one.
You do point out how we here at T-I are distinguished by not being Jerks, but being helpful and friendly.

You as a news writer was one of the best snatches T-I has had because so far, I have enjoyed reading your posts, and I see effort goes into them.

Well done AfterMidnight :)

Keep It Up.