Shit. Welcome back Martin.
Sorry to hear about your bad times man. You should have logged into a cafe for an hour to let us know. we are text on a screen to some, but to others including myself, we are human beings and a few of us could have threw a few quid together if it was absolutely necessary. It's been done before in the past to mixed success, but it's taken on an individual value, and when it's clear someone is on the balls of their arse then help is more than necessary.
This place hasnt changed too much. It's still very free spirited, but every side has its coin, and people who have their own and sometimes strong opinions, and are allowed to voice them, usually get met with someone who has an equally strong opposing opinion. Once that happens, it doesn't take long before the old skool immaturity comes out and personal insults get flung, and that's where we step in. It's not so much a forum for a family friendly audience these days, but it's more so based around that we know first hand thay certain people do view these boards, such as Shenmue 3 executives and developers. For that reason, we have to be a little strict, but there's no grammar police, or speaking down to people authority style. Throw some swear words around. Especially if you are someone who fist pumps for a bunch of bin dipping scumbag scouce cunts who score against United. Sound like Mitt3nz for Christ sakes.
It's a shame you missed all of the Shenmue hype. These boards changed forever last summer. Not in a huge way asthetically. A few new members here and there and a lot of waiting, but i does increase the positivity around here and gives us a sense of genuine purpose and existence. We are no longer a forum which just sits around waiting. The future couldn't be any brighter.
Hope you stick around!