The Glade 4.0

Hi guys,
We've been a community for a almost two decades now, and we've been through a lot. We've shared happy times and sad times, gained members and lost members, and we've moved a long way from Sunmoon's original forum over the years. We started as a group of people who were united by a couple of traits: an interest in a particular character class in a particular online video game, and an interest in talking about more than just the game. And now we are united by... what? Nostalgia? Lingering bonds of friendship/camaraderie? Habit? I don't really know. It's something I've been thinking about for a long time. Why is this community still here? What's the point?

I don't mind running this forum, and I don't plan to shut it down or anything. So I'm not going away, even if I don't post much anymore. I wouldn't shut down the forum for a long time even if nobody showed up anymore, if for no reason than to make sure that I keep the porch light on in case someone does stumble back eventually. What about you guys? What keeps you coming back to this little corner of the internet that serves no practical purpose in existing?

I was originally starting this post to just see how you feel about the board and the community, kind of a state of the board survey, but I guess I got a bit existential instead.

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It is kind of like the town square, or a favorite watering hole. You keep hanging out even though the reasons for going there might have gone away. I'm not really sure why I keep coming here.

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The U. S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself. B. Franklin

"A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone." -- Tyrion Lannister, A Game of Thrones

Habit, and a certain affection for many of you. I've drifted in and out of several other forums and communities over the years, but there are few where the convergence of a smallish size and diversity of topics comes up that made me really feel like I got to know and become friends/friendly with the way I did at the Glade.

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"Aaaah! Emotions are weird!" - Amdee
"... Mirrorshades prevent the forces of normalcy from realizing that one is crazed and possibly dangerous. They are the symbol of the sun-staring visionary, the biker, the rocker, the policeman, and similar outlaws." - Bruce Sterling, preface to Mirrorshades

I keep coming back to see if Sunmoon will eventually return, beg our forgiveness, and ask if he can run the board again.

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The Dude abides.

Mostly what Kaffis said. I honestly care about the folks here, and even if I am a **** weirdo, I have always been accepted.

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Raell Kromwell

Just kinda used to it, really. I take breaks, come back, take breaks.. The people here exist to me in a way that most things don't.

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Grenade 3 Sports Drink. It's fire in the hole.. Your hole!

Well, almost.

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Monks > Paladins.

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Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves, Scheherezade had a thousand tales
But master you in luck 'cause up your sleeves you got a brand of magic never fails...
...Mister Aladdin, sir, What will your pleasure be?
Let me take your order, Jot it down -You ain't never had a friend like me
█ ♣ █

It's a familiar community, and one that has discussions I don't find anywhere else.

I don't post here as much as others, but I visit here on a regular basis, and have for a very long time, and plan to continue to do so.

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Darksiege: You are not a god damned vulcan homie.

Pretty much this for me

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Darksiege
Traveller, Calé, Whisperer
Lead me not into temptation; for I know a shortcut

The timing of this thread is interesting - Just a few days ago I was scrolling through the members list wondering how some former posters were doing.

It's kind of nostalgic going through that list and thinking about some of the fun and drama.

I had actually considered starting a 'Where are they now" thread - just to see who is still in touch with formerly active posters outside of the glade.

Anyway, like a few others have said, I don't participate much in conversations, but I still stop by and catch up on what's going on a few times a week. Just for old times sake I guess.

It's kind of where we all grew up (as EQ kids).

Can't really ever walk away from long, its part of us.

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"...but there exists also in the human heart a depraved taste for equality, which impels the weak to attempt to lower the powerful to their own level and reduces men to prefer equality in slavery to inequality with freedom." - De Tocqueville

This!

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"Said I never had much use for one, never said I didn't know how to use one!"~ Matthew Quigley

"nothing like a little meow in bed at night" ~ Bruskey

"I gotta float my stick same as you" Hondo Lane

"Fill your hand you son of a *****!"

It's my closet happy place. No matter what I've become, this place is like my Narnia where I get to relive my childhood, even for a few minutes at a time.

In a way it helps me keep grounded and remind me of my roots as a nerdy, awkward 16 year old, in awe of the world, real or digital.

Love you all... more than I ever express...

Awwwwwwwww

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"...but there exists also in the human heart a depraved taste for equality, which impels the weak to attempt to lower the powerful to their own level and reduces men to prefer equality in slavery to inequality with freedom." - De Tocqueville

Because I lurves you all.

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When he's underwater does he get wet? Or does the water get him instead?

Because I do actually lurves you all ;p

/bonkshovelbonk

Sigh. Pretty much that. I care about you jackwagons.

I like to come back from time to time and poke people.

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"...the line dividing good and evil cuts through the heart of every human being. And who is willing to destroy a piece of his own heart?" -Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

Good to see you guys are still here.

/wave

I guess this is as good of a thread as any to post that I still pop in on a rare occasion to see what the longtime denizens are still here arguing about.

Elmo lured me here many years ago in my interest to see what he was always online arguing about. I've met some interesting personalities and some I call my online friends. I've used the rants forum to air out my family issues, and those there who have read it have always been helpful and supportive. I've even mentioned this forum many times with my therapist as a strong support structure where I have learned much and gotten tons of help in my darkest family times.

This has been blocked at work for years now and I don't sit at a computer much at home anymore, but the people I've met here have been a large part of my life for many, many years now.

I'll always feel like this is an Internet home away from home where I can stop by and say hello every now and then.

Hello...

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This must be Thursday. I could never get the hang of Thursdays.

We miss you!!!

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When he's underwater does he get wet? Or does the water get him instead?

I glance from time to time. Other than that... I dunno. Just provides something to read.

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“The duty of a patriot is to protect his country from its government.” - Thomas Paine