Now that some time has passed, I'd like to jump in this thread myself to do an "after the shock and awe" period.
First and foremost, I can't say enough how incredibly blown away by you, the players, I am still. As a player, the unending depth that countless of you have and continue to put into your PCs was just impossible to see until I came on staff and to say you all totally rocked my world after would be an understatement. Seriously, keep it up, all of you.
Secondly, the "work side": To use some actual numbers/stats, since I came on staff (Over Tuluk, for those of you who haven't read the staff responsibilities page

about 7 weeks ago) I've had 236 emails to read over/respond to/check info on (or ditch onto Nyr/Mekeda heh) I've approved/rejected 109 character applications, resolved 117 bugs/typos and resolved 59 request tool items. Then, of course, there's the animation hours, documentation reading, object building, room creation, sponsored role calls, noble/templar set-ups, plotline/storyline development, group input on various staff side endeavours, and reports to the HLs on issues/problems/questions/concerns etc...(and I'm underworked compared to everyone else)
And you know what? I can't even bring myself to call it work. I love it. I love reading the reports you guys email, I love seeing the amount of effort placed in special apps in the queue, your care for the game through questions/typo's/bugs/submissions etc..and, of course, I love getting the chance to animate for you all in whatever way I can, because I firmly believe we have the best group of RP'ers to be found on the net, period.
And lastly, in regards to other staff members: Asses, every single last one of them. They only exist to plot out various ways to torture, torment, maim and kill your PCs and they've already begun to brain wash me.
....
Yeah, obviously I'm joking. Everyone has been awesome in welcoming me onboard, helping me out with problems/questions and generally just being amusing as all hell to work with. I admire these guys and gals I'm working with all the more now that I have a taste of what they've been doing for so long for my (and all of our) enjoyment.
Feel free to fire away with questions or comments and keep up the amazing work, all of you.