I know, I know, what's this? Not much, to be completely honest. Just a little something I thought might be worth saying, in case someone hasn't said it in a while. I've been bumming around this site, and more specifically, this forum (sub-forum?) for about eight years now. In that time, people have come and gone. I've talked to many different people, from many different backgrounds, who've all happened to find their way here no different from myself or any of you. I've seen all sorts of subjects being discussed, from ridiculously inane and pointless to very philosophical and thought-provoking, and a little bit of everything in between. I've seen many different topics, from many different angles that I may not have otherwise been exposed to in my hum-drum, ordinary life. Granted, not every argument ended in peaceful resolution. In fact, I think the larger portion usually wouldn't, but that didn't stop me from noticing something.
No matter what we all disagree on, I noticed one common theme over the years. When a user came here dealing with a serious situation, or going through a genuinely tough time, even if there were a few naysayers here and there, the majority of the community was capable of coming together and showing support for those who needed it. I even came here with one such situation myself...those who were around at the time, or shortly after may recall, but it was no different. I was met with overwhelming support, from people giving me a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and even offering money in case I was in need of it due to the situation at hand. Though I did my best to retain my composure as events unfolded, and declined the monetary offers since I wasn't in need of funds, I was truly grateful for the support that was shown for both myself and my family back then, by essentially a community of strangers.
I guess what i'm trying to get across, is that even though we can be a bunch of arrogant, vindictive dickheads to each other on a fairly regular basis, there's always been some semblance of a heart at the center of this place, forged by the collective compassion of the people who have come here over the years. Old or new, we may not know each others names, or even each others faces, but when times get rough we can acknowledge the humanity hidden behind the veil of anonymity. For those of you who've been here for as long as myself or even longer, thank you for sticking around this long, and for playing your part around this place. And for those who're a little newer to this place, welcome to the dysfunctional little family we have here. Enjoy your stay, and hopefully you can find the decency hidden under all of the jackassery that goes on here like I did.
Thank you for reading, if you made it this far. It might be a bit rough, but hey...it was just a little thought.
[spoiler]Why're you still here? The sappy post is over, move along now.[/spoiler]