Yesterday marked my sixth year here on Bungie.net, so I guess I'm a little late to my own party, but I'm actually excited about that.
Six years ago I found this place, this "Bnet." I had just gotten Xbox LIVE, and somewhere waiting around in one of my first match making lobbies for Halo 3 I saw a little paragraph directing me towards this place, and I thought, why the heck not? Looking back today, "why the heck not," turned into one of my more brilliant decisions. You see, six years ago I was twelve years old, and the reason I missed my own anniversary yesterday was because I was busy being bored to death at my university's new student orientation. I have spent a third of my life here on Bungie.net, posting, making friends, and growing up, and I don't think I'd have it any other way.
These forum not only served as my gateway to the rest of the internet (still not sure how I feel about being introduced to /b/ at 12 by the Flood), but to the wealth of experiences that followed such discoveries. The grammar [url=http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godwin%27s_law]-godwinslaw!-[/url]'s that pollute this forum forced me into becoming conscious about how I type, and the critics taught me how to become critical of my own ideas. I learned of things many people don't even realize exist, and I was exposed to a variety of cultures. These forums really did shape a large portion of who I am today, and while I'm sure there's some underlying trauma, it really has been for the better. I have made some of my closest friends through Bungie.net, and I've had some of the greatest times just kicking back and playing Halo or meeting people at PAX.
I say these things not only because I'm a sentimental kind of person, but because I want to share the impact this community has. To the veterans, those of you that I've spent years with, either as friends, acquaintances, or just familiar faces in passing, I want to say thank you. We've had our up and downs, certainly, but there's always been a whole lot of fun and plain awesome thrown in. To the new members, those flocking in wait of Destiny, I want to say welcome, and while you may find this place foreign, confusing, or even unpleasant, I bid you to stay around a while. Tough things out, make some friends, learn some names, and you'll be amazed at how great of a place this really is. This community raised me in many ways, guiding me through the awkwardest years of my life, and if I can make it out ok, certainly you can as well.
Pour yourself a drink, grab a slice of cake, and give yourselves a pat on the back. These six years have been amazing because of all of you, so this toast is for all of you, and to another six years.
English
#Community
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Congrats on 6 years man! It was really cool to meet you at PAX. Hope to see you again!
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I've not been here for but a year as of yet, but for some reason reading this still warms my heart. I've seen many a rude person whom lacked common decency, but it's incredibly nice to see somebody like you with a post like this. You seem like a nice guy and I hope to see more of you in these forums in the months, and maybe even years to come. Good day to you.
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[quote]These forums really did shape a large portion of who I am today, and while I'm sure there's some underlying trauma, it really has been for the better.[/quote] If this sentence was any more awesome, hilarious, true, etc., it would be literal gold. And happy birthday! I wish good luck to the next six years (and more).
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Welcome to the Six Year Club (It's a thing, right?). Happy B.net birthday!
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Here comes the seven!
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[quote]underlying trauma[/quote] That puts hairs on your chest. Happy B.net birthday!
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You are a worthy Dragon Master, my friend. Congrats on your sixth year!
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Rollin pls eat more cake.
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This is almost exactly what I was planning to say in about a months time.
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Edited by Old_Papa_Rich: 8/17/2014 2:56:28 PMI remember when there were two Rollins.
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Congrats Rollin!
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Cheers! *raises chocolate milk carton
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Congrats Rollin, I'm glad you've stuck around.
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Cheers! I'm only halfway there.
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Congrats on your b day and as a new comer to this bnet i thank u for your words of encouragement. Im going to try to keep it all in good faith and see where this leads me 😄
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Good write; my turn next week.
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Sooo....6 Jagerbombs for you.
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Hey! I'm 6 too here in about 2 weeks. Congrats!
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I joined the site in 2005
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Had a blast during the beta, you're a damn fun guy. I think we'll have lots more face to shoot around the corners. Kick that college's ars! Happy B.day man
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Yeah, happy BNet Birthday. (:
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Happy bnet birthday Rollin! Great post; I agree with your thoughts. Now it's time to find some cake...