Not too long ago, a thread appeared that was paraded as an analysis of the Flood. Stereotypical generalization, it was; analysis, it was [i]not[/i]. I have been visiting the Flood for a very long time, much longer than I can remember, but not until recently did I really seat myself on this page. Everyday I come into work, I prepare my desktop with the following things: a government website that I use for my job, Microsoft Outlook, the news on Yahoo!, and lastly, but, most assuredly, not least the Flood. There are a few reasons, that you all, the members of this forum, are included in my daily routine: 1. Unlike the other forum's various patrons, the majority of this forum's members exhibit a remarkable level of intelligence, and if not that, they are at least reserved, and competent in their postings. I have no desire to be blasted by comments that resemble those of a monkey injected with the "rage" virus. What I do enjoy is beginning the morning with a bit of breakfast, and some good prose that the Flood may have provided over the night. 2. The "hierarchy" that some speak of here, is less of a [i]dictatorship[/i] and more of a [b]brotherhood[/b]. Espirit de Flood I call it. I've used the term before. It's not so much that we believe we are greater than one another, because of time spent here, number of posts, or anything foolish like that. We receive new members and we treat them all fairly similarly, just as any new person to a large group already formed would be treated. It is a learning process, as much it is a growing process. I know that sounds really serious, but at the core of it, that's the truth. 3. The majority of the Flood is courteous and good-natured in most respects. There are some things that irk some more than others, but for the most part, you all seem to have a level-head most of the time. This adds great enjoyment to posts that are made, because there are less flames, and more relevant conversation. Most of us know when to stop if a thread gets out of control, and most of us also know how to bring it back onto the path it was once leading. 4. I consider many of you my good acquaintances. I will not single out any names, but those who are friends of mine, would find themselves on my Friend's List if they have XBL, and if they do not, you probably know how I regard you via PM or posting. The entirety of the latter, though, is beside the point. My point is: I have made acquaintances here. I don't consider myself lonely, and I am most assuredly not sheepish, but at times it is very enjoyable to sit down at the computer and have a conversation with folks, where almost everyone in the "room" knows what you're talking about. I can say things like: ZOMG!!!!111ONEelevenone, on here, and not have extremely strange looks cast in my direction. It's not that I find 1337speek cool, it's that I find it absolutely [i]hilarious[/i] half the time. My fiance and I are always talking, and although I probably don't have more laughs with anyone else in the world, when she is not around, I depend on ShadowGuy to say "Do a barrel roll" at the perfect time, or for Rampancy to give his superbly honest opinion on someone's less than stellar idea. You all make me laugh, a great deal, and I thank you for that, you [b]all[/b] have that talent. 5. Lastly, and of least importance, the majority of you I have played with are freakin' awesome at any sort of team game. I can't recall a game lost when partying with some of the Flood. I know this doesn't matter at all, but it's always a good thing to be able to say you are good at the game you post/posted about. I don't give two Madagascaran lemur terds if you all are any good at the game, but I just thought I'd let you know. :) The Flood rox. 'Nuff said. -Sword (P.S. I rue the use of the word just as Pezz does, but, I used it in order to grab your attention, which is, in turn, necessary for this thread to be effective.) [Edited on 10.23.2007 1:33 PM PDT]