I've been drawing out the time between my 999th and 1000th post, and I figured that ending the torture I put myself through by using "zeroemus" as a secondary name was as good a cause as any to finally write this sucker.
Off and on during the last few months, I've mulled over whether I should write some kind of tribute, an original piece of fiction, or something that holds any kind of worth for those who open this thread. But, to tell you the truth, I'm still unsure about what to write, or rather, unsure about whether or not it'll be important. I don't exaggerate my own "Hatrack status"; I'm no Ralphie, or Tom, or Bob, or Pat, or <insert noteworthy/charismatic Hatracker>, but I know that people I've met here have cemented themselves in me whether or not I've impacted them.
It's a bit frightening, really. A few years ago you could have pegged me as internet-paranoid, scared that anyone who ever posted on internet forums was a hacker/pedophile (well, not quite to that extent, but I was even afraid of registering for Hotmail.)
But now I've made connections with people, and I've become unexpectedly attached to this place, godsarnit. I nearly teared at Ralphie's news today (I'm so sorry, Toni), which would have confused me a few years ago. Why am I getting so worked up over text written by someone I've never met, or hugged, or shook hands with, even?
I don't know. Even if I intrinsically knew, I'm not sure if I would be able to explain it. What it shows me is that I've made a few friendships here, precious ones too, without ever hearing the friend's voice.
And it doesn't bother me a bit.
I first came to the forum under my aforementioned name "zeroemus." I huddled in the "Other Side", and if I remember correctly, my first post in the BFFAC was in a homosexuality thread.
o_O
Suffice to say, my pride took a subsequent hit, since I probably presented some upstart, petulant post that was uninformed and lacked conviction. Not to say that I share the same ignorant views that I did then (having been at Hatrack for nearly two years and enlightened by reading my own share of heated discussions), but that Hatrack has had its own level of influence on me, and not only through debates, but through friendships as well.
Yes, I'm about to do a list of people and friends, and if I don't mention you, then you can IM me, chew me out and demand a list of overwhelming and gracious compliments to be packaged and sent wrapped in a ridiculous amount of duct tape. That seems to be the trend these days.
T_Smith: I’m glad you were able to open up so readily to someone you hardly knew at a forum you had hardly been at. You are my little brother, whether or not you’re a mere two months younger than I am, and I love you like one too, dude.
Myrddin Fyre: I do believe that you may be the only person who has ever taped a picture of me as a baby to their chest at a Hatracker picnic. For that, you are to be commended. :-D Well, that, and all the fun chatting and smaller (but not any less important) amount of friendly conversation.
Kws: For Riders of Rohan.
Mack: For all of that huge, heaping help and that digital, semi-therapy for those few months. That, and putting up with my random, goofy IMs.
Celia: For being my partner in evil, and more importantly, for being a friend.
Pixie: Thanks for letting me know when I’m wrong, and for being a much better friend than I ever could have thought possible for being online. Sorry that us being so busy keeps us from talking.
And, all of you other random chatters and posters (Jaids, Feyd, the Last Posters, Jebus, others) you’ve also made a sizeable impact one me.
posted
Yeah but this way people might think that you're some sort of Sentinel-defeating shockwave. Actually, that might be kind of cool.
I'd be horribly offended that you didn't include me in your list of Hatrackers that influenced you, except that you have no reason to do so. I just like being in lists, that's all.
Congrats on 1000. Took you long enough... Posts: 4534 | Registered: Jan 2003
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posted
Congrats, Cruz! Here's to many more posts, neh? *clinks glass*
Now, go post something on Xanga or I'll bribe Megan into giving you laxative-laced twinkies on an unspecified day in the future.
Posts: 1595 | Registered: Feb 2003
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posted
for anyone who doesn't know, cruz is actually hatrack's guardian angel. no one ever sees him, but he always knows what's going on and is always willing to help you sort it out. or help me sort it out, at least. Posts: 3956 | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
Crap, am I younger than you. Oh ya, thats right. Well, curses to that! I'm already everyones younger brother around here, about. Hehe. Rock on, Emp, and stick around alright?
Posts: 9754 | Registered: Jul 2002
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posted
Emp, good luck with the new nick. Trust me, it's hard to pick up when you change something like that. I still can't match my Perelandra days for overall contribution to threads and interest in hatrack.
Posts: 4753 | Registered: May 2002
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I still think that your screenname is the coolest one on my buddylist, even though I never really told you that before and that baby picture is worthy of being put on a shirt too ya know.
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