Hall of Fame

Aaron Shurtleff | February 15, 2010
So, I see from the calendar that in about a week or so, we have have the latest addition to the GOO game Hall of Fame. It's a wonderful time of the year, I tell ya! The birds are singing, the sun is shining!

Well, it is in Florida! ;)

Anyhow, although the choice is, as always (and as it should be) Scott's and Scott's alone, anyone care to make wild conjecture or talk up their favorite person who deserves to get into the HOF? We sure do have a lot of great folks that are very deserving of the honor. Who is your fav??

Aaron Shurtleff | February 15, 2010
Personally, I support honoring those who dominate the live GOO game, but that's just me.

(And, no, I am not serious, obviously!!)

Seriously, I am thinking either Russ Wilhelm or Amy Austin will be inducted this year... Amy has the edge on Imeldas, but Russ's streak is second to none. GOO championships are about equal (5 to Russ, 3 to Amy), but also slightly favoring Russ. I don't envy Scott the decision!

That is not to downplay other folks contributions to the game, by any means! But I think those are the top 2 on my personal list.

Steve West | February 15, 2010
I think those two are probably favorites for the next two inductions. I personally believe they both deserve entry but Amy gets my vote for first entry based on how she altered the play of the game. Her dominance shortly after beginning play was exemplified by her rapid climb in the ranks of Golden Imeldas and earning the nickname of 'Darth Goo'. She was/is downright feared as an opponent. Any votes for Russ are well deserved and would get no argument from me either. But Amy, yeesh! What a player.

Lori Lancaster | February 16, 2010
[hidden by request]

Ryan Dunn | February 16, 2010
I think it should be me...based on my future domination. Kinda in the same spirit as Obama's Nobel Peace Prize.

Aaron Shurtleff | February 16, 2010
2 out of 2 current members of the HOF support Amy. That bodes well.

Obviously, I need something better to do with my time... :D

Steve West | February 16, 2010
Don't be too hasty. I'm considering changing my vote to Ryan. That's a pretty compelling argument.

Amy Austin | February 16, 2010
Aww... I'm... touched. (That's what she said.)

But Amy, yeesh! What a player. (That's what *he* said.)

Don't be too hasty... (And that's what she said... to Ryan.)

Chris Lemler | February 16, 2010
I feel left out of this conversation...... :)

Scott Hardie | February 16, 2010
The decision has usually been very easy for me, because there's only been one eligible player each year according to the qualifications, which are undisclosed but nonetheless official. This year is no different. The only time I've had to make a choice was when Denise and Dave were both eligible and very deserving in the third year. When that happened, I made an intentionally arbitrary distinction that resulted in Denise getting inducted first, which probably has nothing to do with why Denise is still playing the game today and Dave is not, but compels me to wonder.

Anyway, in the past, I have mostly resisted temptation to reveal this information about annually "choosing" the only eligible candidate because I didn't want to create the impression that some inductees were undeserving or less deserving than others, so let me be clear: Everyone enshrined in the Hall of Fame is more than worthy of having their name on that list and being duly praised, and I have no intention of ever inducting someone just because they're technically eligible and another year has come to pass.

I find myself hesitant to call being inducted an "honor" in the interest of keeping perspective about the importance of this little game we play, but there is no higher one around these parts. Kudos to the seven who are about to become eight.

Incidentally: Nobody has asked whether Rock Block will ever have a Hall of Fame, but if they do, the answer will be no, because that's what the tournaments are for.

Aaron Shurtleff | February 16, 2010
Aw! We know Scott! We are just engaging in a little fun and anticipation!!

I think everyone has probably contributed something to the GOO game, in some small way. I mean everyone contributes to helping tweek rules and make this "little game we play" that much more enjoyable for all! I think we are all honored that you continue to make this great game for us to play!!

You are the most deserving of the honor, Scott, though I know you won't enshrine yourself!!

...or will you? ;)

Lori Lancaster | February 16, 2010
[hidden by request]

Scott Horowitz | February 16, 2010
Anyone up for a game of Fantasy Goo Hall of Fame?

Scott Hardie | February 18, 2010
Thanks! I'm fine just running the goo game, although I hope to earn enshrinement among RB's greatest soon.

Have fun, and anticipate away!

Steve Dunn | February 19, 2010
I'll go with Amy. The way I see it, the "luck factor" is the main reason the rest of us have a chance each round. Based on pure goo-guessing ability, I think Amy would win most rounds.

Chris Lemler | February 23, 2010
I would have to say whoever Scott chooses for the HOF deserves it.

Scott Hardie | February 23, 2010
I agree with Chris. The 2010 inductee is announced.

Chris Lemler | February 23, 2010
Congrats for making the HOF Russ

LaVonne Lemler | February 23, 2010
Congratulations, Russ! --- another outstanding player to the Hall of Fame! :)

Steve Dunn | February 23, 2010
Congrats Russ. Very well deserved.

Scott Hardie | February 23, 2010
Multiple names have been floated in this discussion, all of them talented players who will make it into the hall in time. Public opinion sways my judgments about many aspects of the site, but not about the hall. Thanks nonetheless for the spirited speculation, and feel free to continue it about future events. (I, for one, would like to see some odds placed on this summer's RB tournament, or the current Oscars contest.)

I arrived at this project very late due to my own error, so Russ didn't have the luxury of reviewing his induction statement in advance and preparing any comments like his predecessors had. If he provides some, I'll add them.

Also, it's time for another annual tradition: Wow, I can't believe it's been  twelve  years today! When I started this game back in college, I never guessed that we'd still be playing in  2010 ! Many thanks to the  300  talented and enthusiastic players who have stuck with the game through  forty-two  rounds.

(Seriously, what I can't just fill into a blank is my sincere gratitude for all of you who make this site my passion every single day. Thank you, and here's to the next twelve years together.)

Aaron Shurtleff | February 23, 2010
Congratulations, Russ!! You totally deserve it!! :)

Steve West | February 23, 2010
Well-deserved. Congrats.

Richard Slominsky | February 23, 2010
Russ..... You Da Man. Very well deserved.. Congrats!!

Amy Austin | February 23, 2010
Congratulations, Russ.

Matthew Preston | February 23, 2010
Nice job Mr. Wilhelm! Your dedication to this game is beyond impressive and you've achieved things I'll never get too (and I've been playing since goo #1)!

Russ Wilhelm | February 24, 2010
I feel like a late-comer myself to this discussion, I've been hunting goo, which sums up my luck thus far in finding it.

I would like to say that I feel very honored by your words Scott, and I would also like to thank all the others who have played the game since I began. Without you providing the level of competition you have, I'm not sure I would have challenged myself so hard.

I will provide more comments later, but,,,you know,,,,,,the goo,,,,it's calling me.

Thanks again, Everyone.

Lori Lancaster | February 24, 2010
[hidden by request]

Erik Bates | February 25, 2010
[hidden by request]