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2020 HP State of the Union Address

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Master Administrator Samantha - see page to know who to contact directly!
March 27th, 2020 6:07:37pm
4,333 Posts

Hello, HP!

Our SOTU Address is coming to you later than usual this year. We knew some big changes were coming, but we weren't quite ready to announce them yet, so we decided to wait until we were.

Game Updates


I want to start by mentioning a few recent updates. Remember, you can see all of the player-facing changes we make in our Change Log (which you can find under the 'News' tab).

  • We added an event to club pages for when someone donates to the club. It'll show up in the club events section at the bottom of club pages.

  • We updated HP's favicon (the little icon you see in your tabs or web address bar). If you don't see the new one (a black horse silhouette, or blue in some browsers), you might need to clear your cache. In Chrome, you'll probably need to clear your all-time cache, not just the last few hours.

  • Saturnia re-wrote our Getting Started Guide for us! It looks a-m-a-z-i-n-g.

  • Fixed the issue with 's in news post titles. If you notice these anywhere else around the site, please let us know. If you have them in your animal names or notes, remove them and re-save and they should disappear.

    We will have additional updates coming to you on Monday and Tuesday, which you can track as they get done in the Change Log. We likely won't post them in their own news post until Tuesday night so that we don't flood out this post.

    Staff Changes


    This is the big part of the announcement. It's good news, and it's bittersweet news, and it's going to be great!

    I've struggled with how to word this news post, and I'm still not sure, honestly. So I'm just going to dive right in and say it: I am stepping back from HP. After managing the game for 11 years as my full-time job, this is absolutely not a decision that I've come to lightly. However, it's the correct decision for me. I'm very excited for my next chapter, even though it's a little bittersweet.

    We've built an amazing thing here. When I decided to open HP, I was trying to make the game that I wanted to play. And although I quickly found out that designing a game makes it very difficult to exist as a player, it's been a labor of love. But it hasn't just been mine, it's been all of ours. HP has grown and shifted over time to meet the wants and needs of all of you, and I think that's where the magic is. I've now known some of you for over a decade, and it's been a fun, and rewarding, and, let's be honest, sometimes stressful adventure that I'm so glad we got to go on together. And now, without me at the helm, it'll be yours to continue to do amazing things with.

    My last day as HP's director/supreme leader/HBIC/boss lady/whatever you want to call me is Tuesday. But, fear not, the wonderful HP admins will be stepping into paid roles on the game, and will be working to divide and conquer HP's never-ending development and to-do list.

    On that note, the Credits page and Contact page have been updated to reflect these changes.

    Here's what that's going to look like:

    Blitz will be your new director. She will be in charge of making sure everything runs smoothly, answering emails sent to admin@horsephenomena.com, and overseeing new development and day-to-day operations. Any questions or issues that you normally would have come to me with, you should contact her with. You can contact her on her main account, or by emailing jess@horsephenomena.com.

    Binny will be our Marketing Manager. She will be the voice behind our social media and newsletters, and the brain behind our marketing campaigns. You can contact her on her main account, or by emailing amber@horsephenomena.com.

    Broken Vow will be your new Community Manager. She's going to make sure that HP remains a welcoming place for all players and that you're still getting all of the contests and events that you know and love. You can contact her on her main account, or by emailing slshbr@horsephenomena.com.

    Koni will be our Head Administrator. She's going to handle things like breed addition requests, breed spotlights, and overseeing the safety and moderation of the site. Anything questions or issues that you normally would have gone to any admin for (with the exception of the above-mentioned areas), you should direct toward her. You can contact her on her main account, or by emailing rini@horsephenomena.com.

    All of the admins will be working together to make sure that any messages on account #1 get answered. If you need to contact me specifically, you can do that by emailing sam@horsephenomena.com.

    At this time, we can't tell you exactly what the future is going to hold, and there might have to be some adjustments along the way. I hope that this is a seamless transition, because I know that HP is going to be in good hands. We want you to feel great about this change, too, but if you're feeling a little uneasy right now please know that we're all here to answer any questions you might have.

    So, with that, I'm going to let our new staff tell you all about thier plans for HP!

    A Note From Blitz


    I'm super excited about my new position as your new Director! As your new Director, my goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible, so that you don't even notice there's been a change. I'm hoping to clean up the game a bit by getting rid of any existing old 0 pointed animals from accounts that haven't been logged into in years (and those in the HA!), getting new art for the store, and adding new achievements to the game. Going forward, you can contact me with any bugs, suggestions for new features, and any other concerns you have.

    A Note From Binny


    Hey guys!
    I've been assigned as our new marketing manager! Woo!
    Everything regarding social media and promoting HP is my new job! My goal is to grow our followers on all social media platforms and hopefully with that gain more players! Any social media or merchandise questions, concerns or ideas please feel free to shoot them my way!

    A Note From Broken Vow


    Hey HP! With the new changes I've taken on the role as your "Community Manager". My first goal is taking the reins to finish out our Mascot Contest. Which everyone involved with that has been doing a great job with their pixels so far! Then following to hopefully have a smooth transition into running all of our other site wide HP activities and events, along with some behind the scenes tasks too! Have contest ideas? Send them my way! I will also be in charge of handing out the prizes and achievements for our official HP events and promoting activity within our awesome little community. Any questions or concerns please send a message my way. I'm happy to help in any way I can!

    A Note From Koni


    Hey HP Community. Being your new Head Administrator is such an honor! My goals for 2020 are going to hopefully be fun for you guys too. As your new Head Admin, I have many of the same goals as our new Director. One of which is to make this transition as smooth as possible for all of you. I will also be focusing on a lot of ‘small stuff’ that most of us forget about being around such as updating the pictures in the Rule/Help guides, plus adding breeds and helping those who would like to become Breed Ambassadors get set up with their Embassy! Oh, and can’t forget our Lottos/Raffles and starting back up our Breed Spotlights. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to message me! I’m excited to help you guys as best I can!

    In Conclusion


    Thank you, as always, for reading our 2020 SOTU Address because it's a long post. Thank you also for your patience and understanding as we work through this new phase in HP's life. And finally, thank you for the past 11 years. I'm so grateful for the time I got to spend as your leader, and I'm so excited to see where you go from here!

    I hope everyone has a great, healthy, and safe weekend!

    ♥,

    Sam




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    View Comments 1


    Player Avatar
    a z a l i e - 🌵 livin the dream-blitzy still watching-
    March 27th, 2020 6:32:19pm
    1,855 Posts

    is it true or just a prank?




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    Player Avatar
    Administrator 🐈~BV~Keep Staring At The Stars⭐🎵
    March 27th, 2020 6:32:49pm
    8,041 Posts

    My email is weird because Sam and I have the same name! xD

    Super excited to be a part of the new journey for HP! < 3




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    Player Avatar
    Master Administrator Samantha - see page to know who to contact directly!
    March 27th, 2020 6:41:18pm
    4,333 Posts

    @Aza, I promise that this is not our April Fool's prank! This is real, but I will admit with not the best timing to be taken seriously, haha.

    Although may the April 1st odds be ever in your favor.




     

    Player Avatar
    Apollo 🏹
    March 27th, 2020 6:48:07pm
    161 Posts

    Thank you for this game and all of the memories, Sam. It was the perfect transition from a broken HorseLand and a huge part of growing up both online and offline. I've met lifelong friends (in real life now as well!) on here and appreciate the escape from every day that this site affords.

    Congrats new bosses! Hopefully, we won't be too difficult to deal with, haha.

    I look forward to this page turn and am excited to see what the future holds for HP.

    xoxoxo




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    Player Avatar
    Administrator blitz ☘️ hey, don't write yourself off yet 🌈
    March 27th, 2020 7:12:04pm
    6,111 Posts

    Not going to lie, I feel very fancy with my hp email address! :P




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    Default Avatar
    Kuwait: The King of the Shire! |
    March 27th, 2020 7:54:27pm
    23 Posts

    Sam...
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    Player Avatar
    Lady Rancher 1, Wild n Wicked Wolves,
    March 27th, 2020 10:09:29pm
    1,706 Posts

    Hope everything works out the way you want it too, gonna miss you for sure.


    Im sure the girls will do a great job in your absence, all the best to you and your family




     

    Player Avatar
    Kyliga |:| Whimsical Wolves
    March 28th, 2020 5:28:04am
    77 Posts

    I've been with HP on and off pretty much since the beginning. It's been a big part of my life as I transitioned into an adult. I was really startled to see the Facebook post and also considered the possibility of a prank lol. Thank you Sam for the community you've created and nurtured, I hope life gives you everything you want from it. I hate to see you go, but I'm always excited for the next chapter. I feel like you've selected some amazing people to follow in your footsteps and I'm excited to see where things go.


    Congratulations to the new staff, I'm certain that hp will continue to run smoothly under you all! 




    "There is a wide, yawning black infinity. In every direction, the extension is endless; the sensation of depth is overwhelming. And the darkness is immortal. Where light exists, it is pure, blazing, fierce; but light exists almost nowhere, and the blackness itself is also pure and blazing and fierce."
    -Carl Sagan

     

    Player Avatar
    Gothika - SEA's 。・゚*.。 * Happy Holidays! ゚・。 * 。 ・ ゚
    March 28th, 2020 6:17:59am
    1,129 Posts

    Oh no Sam we are so going to miss you!
    We are in good hands I'm sure though.

    stay safe and healthy,




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    Dizzy (Main) Lusitano
    March 28th, 2020 7:46:08am
    407 Posts

    Definitely going to miss you Sam. But excited to see the path that HP takes.




     

    Player Avatar
    𝒥ax ♡ wants your htix! support project NEON! ♡
    March 28th, 2020 10:30:41am
    1,321 Posts

    Thank you Sam for creating such a welcoming and safe space for us! 
    Congrats to the new staff, I'm excited for this next chapter for HP!




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    Default Avatar
    Lune » 🌙
    March 28th, 2020 1:55:01pm
    32 Posts

    Thank you for everything you have done for the game and its community. I've played for 10 years on and of and it has been a stress relief, a healthy internet environment,  a great place to just tuck away and forget about everything going on in the world. I suffer from a ton of depression and anxiety and it helps give me some relief. I always end up coming back.  You have done a wonderful thing here and built a beautiful community free of judgement or ugliness. Thank you so much for this game! I'm sure we are all bummed to see you go,  but it looks like you chose some wonderful people to keep it going. Lots of love and best wishes on your journey 💜




     

    Player Avatar
    Absinthe .:.Main.:.
    March 31st, 2020 11:59:11am
    552 Posts

    I can't believe we're at this moment. I honestly didn't think I'd ever see a post with you saying you were done. I'm defninitely going to need to messages you on FB to discuss this next chapter for you as I am very curious lol. You have created an amazing place here and it's one that I plan on being a member of for a good long time, even if I disappear again *which I don't plan on doing...but you know how life gets*. Thank you so much for every aspect of this community and I wish you nothing but the best moving forward.


    New team...you've totally got this. I stand behind you 100%.




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    Breeding Quality Horses & Dogs Since March 2011

    You can find me on accounts #1313, #19779, #19736, #20416, #20408, #20309, #15766, #19133, #20415, #22043, #44154, & #23006

     

    Player Avatar
    Master Administrator Samantha - see page to know who to contact directly!
    March 31st, 2020 6:03:02pm
    4,333 Posts

    You're all so sweet! Thank you for all of the kind words.





     

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    lunarie ∴ was mako
    March 31st, 2020 6:22:56pm
    1,437 Posts

    Thank you so much, Sam, for giving us this amazing game and this amazing community! It's been a while since I've been here, and I'm so sorry I'm coming back as you're leaving. I wish you the best of luck and happiness in your next pursuits! We'll all miss you! x




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    Player Avatar
    уαмαѕαωкι
    March 31st, 2020 7:17:33pm
    3,512 Posts

    Thank you Sam! I have been here more or less since 2009, and I have loved every second I have ever played. I, much like the others, have found great friends thanks to this game, and it has been an integral part of my life as I transitioned from high school to my adulthood. You will be missed as supreme leader :p


    To the new staff, I am excited to see where things go, and how HP continues to be a safe place and fun place to be online :D




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    apothecary 𖤓 cuirass of the falling star
    April 1st, 2020 9:31:53am
    976 Posts

    I haven't been around for long or been as sociable and up to date on things around the game as I tend to stick to myself, but THANK YOU SAM for bringing this game and community together (and helping me with some problems). And THANK YOU to the ones stepping up to take over, to add to and to continue what makes the game great.




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    cal ♡↠seeking a great perhaps
    April 3rd, 2020 7:47:40pm
    22 Posts

    I was hoping this was an april fools but thank you sam for everything :(




     

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