as defeat seemed inevitable I became very emotional and began preparing a concession speech, if you will. lobbying TRE to exercise his power in my favor within the 50-67% range was not on my radar. those around me suggested my emotions were feigned, but with no regard I pressed on. I even tried to see the positive in it: I could now devote myself to other tasks, life is like a series of seasons and the sun has set on Board 8 for me, and so on.
at last the vote counting was to come. everyone crowded around, and somehow I was given the ignominious task of having to tally the results on the blackboard, as if digging my own grave.
two tallies were produced. the first, I won 19-8. but I had the support of six users who had since been suspended or banned. so not counting those, I was at 13-8, which of course would put the decision in TRE's hands. there was much hubbub about which tally should count and so on. but this question was never answered. TRE announced, without expressly declaring which tally he considered to be valid, that as per the results of the balloting, I would not be banned and would only serve a short suspension.
I restrained my jubliance and felt a pang of gratefulness, especially to those moderators and enemies who turned out to my side against all odds (Leonhart and nintendogirl and Weakupedia voted against the ban). I did announce my intention to reduce my presence on Board 8 in the coming months before heading off to get a salad for lunch.
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Ballin'