A Tribute to Viral Hide, SWNN’s Founder.
A little over three years ago, on an internet that you are currently using to read this, a guy we like to call Viral Hide registered a site in honor of the timely announcement of the development of a Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. In the years since, the site has expanded from reporting news on The Force Awakens to covering Star Wars content from across the board, including updates on Rebels, Battlefront, and more. But none of this would have happened without Viral Hide, so today, we’re here to pay our dues.
We the staff – and many users from The Cantina – wanted to bestow a gift upon our site’s founder, in honor of his preferred avatar on the internet – an Imperial Royal Guard. We have pooled our funds together to buy a replica of that mask and put it upon a stand, complete with a plaque containing an authentic Aurebesh (the Galactic Basic alphabet) version of his username. All of this was done without Viral’s knowledge and the fact that we were able to pull it off in such secrecy with the collaboration of so many is nothing short of amazing.
Yesterday, the package was delivered, and the elusive Viral Hide posed for a photo with the helmet and shared a few comments of appreciation with the staff, the Cantina, and all of our readers…
I really don’t know what to say. This is by far the best SW item I’ve ever received. Super cool. I always wanted to get one of those but never managed to do it. So many members participated in this and I feel beyond words right now. I will never forget this…
– Viral Hide
Many of us also recorded personal responses directed toward Viral Hide, who is an exceptional boss, a good friend, and a great leader, and the Force is with him! He received this message on an R2-D2 flash drive that was included with the helmet…
[Quick note – we intended to get this gift to Viral Hide before The Force Awakens came out, but ran into a few snags with actually getting the helmet and shipping it (since he lives outside of the United States, where most of the contributors live). That’s why the responses filmed are hyping the release of the film, even though it’s out now.]
One last thing – I’d like to thank TIDMADT for proposing this project, Darth Lexor Kai for organizing it and getting it done, Trevor for putting the elbow-grease into building the stand, and Cole for constructing the plaque. But most of all, I’d like to thank everyone who put money into this project – great work, guys!
Grant has been a fan of Star Wars for as long as he can remember, having seen every movie on the big screen. When he’s not hard at work with his college studies, he keeps himself busy by reporting on all kinds of Star Wars news for SWNN and general movie news on the sister site, Movie News Net. He served as a frequent commentator on SWNN’s The Resistance Broadcast.
Thanks Viral!
Thanks Viral. You deserve it!
This looks a lot like Cassus Fett armor though…) http://dulfy.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/swtor-cassus-fetts-armor-set-male_thumb.jpg
But…
Yes, thanks Viral…for everything!
A big thanks, and props, to Viral from starting this site. It’s been a pleasure this far, and I’m sure it will continue to be.
Thanks, Viral Hide! It’s been a fun couple of years.
As a relative noob to the site in Sep/Oct (after lurking since earlier in the year), I had no idea this was even happening – but suffice to say I thoroughly enjoy the site and appreciate the effort of The Big VR, the mods/admin team and most of the folks who frequent and comment.
Congrats on the successes of the site you’ve built sir!
Viral ol’ pal, you’ve built something really cool here. It’s been an honor to be a part of it. Thanks for everything you’ve done, and for everything you’re going to do down the road!
Thank you Viral for all you’ve done to build and develop this community. Its only gonna get better from here!
Thank you Viral Hide. I love this site.
I still can’t believe you guys managed to do this in The Cantina without me noticing. Organizing this with the involvement of almost 60 Cantina members must be a tough logistic. 🙂
Nothing of this would have been possible without all of you guys. Special thanks to the Cantina staff members and the 1030th Resistance.
Thank you for creating this awsome place, Viral Hide!
It was no problem. You’re the best, boss!
– Pomojema
Dude, we’re not just pretty faces around here…we do SOME things! 🙂 Thanks Viral, and you’re welcome!!
well, that’s just awesome!
for a split second I thought he died too. Luckily I was wrong
Congratulations Viral.
Thank you for all of your hard work!! This site/The Cantina is my home thanks to you!!! And now…you ……and your avatar…….are onnnnneee. Enjoy Viral!!! 1030th are in the house!!!!
Much thanks and appreciation.
Lol Geeesh! Phewwww!….. After this last week or so I thought you were going to tell us he DIED or something! …. Long Live Viral Hide!
Thanks Viral Hide!!!
This place is a lot like TFN in it’s golden years during the PT which has sadly become a pale shadow of it’s former self in the interim between trilogies.
This is really sweet dudes, well done!
Congrats man, without this site millions of click bait websites would scream in terror as if they had nothing to steal their info from.
*When I saw the title, as first I thought Viral Hide was dead or something. That would be horrible
Oh, no! He showed his face! The mystery is ruined! ;P
Congrats, Viral Hide! xD
Thanks for giving us a home sir, enjoy your gift. You’ve certainly earned it.
Thank you Viral Hide.
Thanks for the site and the Cantina., Viral Hide. I don’t think that was his face. AuDiOSane I think it was CGI 🙂
SWNN my medicine every day since the early beginning. Thank you for your amazing work!
And for many more years!!
Well deserved @Viral Hide
Well done
Cheers, I enjoy your (and your team’s) work.
great work guys, i really enjoy the site. may the force be with you nerdballs