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[Devin Olson]

It was almost 14 years ago that I saw a void in the fascinating new realm people were calling the "world wide web," and decided to start COASTER-net.

I wanted to create a resource that would eventually bring colorful writing and multimedia of all kinds together in a day and age that coaster sites were sparse and would only focus on one element of coverage for the world's best rides and parks. More importantly than the content, however, were the relationships I formed along the way, and the opportunity to live out my faith in Jesus Christ first and foremost, and I hope that I always demonstrated the love that He's called me to even in the midst of some more turbulent times on the site.

Some of the relationships that I was blessed with over the years were people who helped change the face and systems of the site while its heart remained the same -- people like Matt Rydzik and Daniel Westfall. Matt was instrumental in transforming everything that went into the site behind the scenes and starting the community of the forums, whereas Daniel was key in reworking the staff system and expanding the site outside of the web.

However, as college turned into a full-time career as a business owner outside of COASTER-net, my time on the site became less and less over the past few years as people like Daniel and Matt have picked up my slack and pretty much taken over daily operations, while my role has been reduced to owner and audiovisual producer of major productions, such as COASTER-net's yearly documentaries on new rides.

I've felt more and more guilty the past few years that my title's remained "President" while other people have really carried out that executive role. I feel like it's only fair that I acknowledge this transformation that's already taken place and step down as President.

The past 14 years have been a true blast, but my title needs to shift to more of "Founder" / "President Emeritus" to more accurately reflect what it's become. I first told Daniel that I intended to do this a little over a month back after a trip we took to Kings Dominion, and informed Matt a little after so they'd have a month to start thinking about all loose ends that will need to be tied up during this official transition.

Another reason I wanted to announce this change now was so that I could assure everyone that they'll still be seeing me around at least in the capacity of the joint Devin Olson Media / COASTER-net productions that will be coming out in the future starting with our "From Dreams to Screams" documentary of Verbolten at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. I'm releasing the trailer for that project below!:


I'm looking forward to meeting more of you out at the parks, and please feel free to keep track of everything that I'm up to at DevinOlson.com, https://www.facebook...DevinOlsonMedia, or on one of my other social-network pages!

Never stop riding!

God bless,

Devin

[Daniel Westfall]

Just an update that the "full" version of our Verbolten: From Dreams to Screams documentary is now available on YouTube.

A DVD version will be available for purchase in our store soon, but for now you can take a look a look at it and start sharing it with your friends, family members, and other enthusiasts: