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That infamous phrase . . . I have had to say it at least dozens of times throughout my stay here. However, I can never bring myself to actually follow through with it? But why? I have yet to figure that part out no matter how long I ponder. Is it because of the familiarity, feeling like I am understood, or perhaps that I belong here? That may have been true at some point in time, but I think that has all changed recently. The people I once talked to on a day-to-day basis seem nonexistent in my virtual life. They are still there, but not in the same sense as they once were. I have a select few people who I still consider my dearest friends, and I am truly thankful for those people. Yet, I can't help but think the inevitable has officially made its appearance and there is no stopping it.
I joined Whyville 11 years ago when I was a shy 10-year-old girl. I didn't have many friends in real life and I kept to myself most of the time. I was the kid who had curly, frizzy hair that was untamable, a big nose and a gap in between my top front teeth; not many people wanted to admit they talked to me. I would have rather stayed at home and played Yahoo! Billiards online than go through the agony of school each day, but my string of bad luck eventually changed. It was when I was introduced to Whyville. I immediately joined in hopes of making some friends who weren't able to judge me through a computer screen and I was thrilled to see how welcoming all of the members were. Of course, I ran into a few unwillingly participants along the way, but I found my so-called home away from home at the Greek Theatre.
The amount of friends I had was so overwhelming at the time, yet I began to feel as if I finally belonged somewhere for the first time. I stayed for 4 years creating bonds with people and sharing our life stories with one another. Out of the blue, I said those infamous words of "this is it" and left. I didn't give anyone a reason, I didn't talk to anyone about it prior to my decision...I just up and left. The people who I considered to be the only friends I had were gone. All because of me. I look back and wonder why I made that choice 7 years ago. Those friends could still be in my life right now if I did not make such a quick decision. In an attempt to reconnect with them, I rejoined Whyville a few years after the fact in 2010. I had absolutely nothing left on my account as all of my face parts expired during my absence. I had to start fresh; practically a new member all over again. I was undoubtedly disappointed when I went back to my old stomping grounds.
I remember it like it was yesterday. "Not a soul I recognize," I said. All of my old friends, gone. I sat there for hours waiting for one of them to appear. Nothing. I looked at all of their City Records to see that none of them had logged on recently. I knew right then that I had lost them forever. I lingered through some of the other chat rooms, but I immediately felt uncomfortable. People weren't as welcoming in 2010 as some were in 2004. Everyone had their group of friends; their clique. I was virtually a nobody. After a while, I become known as the oldbie who would give you clams if you asked. I wanted people to feel welcomed because my experience wasn't the best. I made some great friends along the way, but the population started to dwindle one by one. South Beach, which was always packed, became empty. Not long after, Sun Roof had a noticeably decline of people frequenting the chat room also. The BBS' most popular people started disappearing out of thin air. Why? What was happening to the Whyville I used to know and love?
Fast forward to now. Whyville celebrated its 16th birthday recently. That is older than some of the active citizens we still have. But look around. What do you see? South Beach and Sun Roof are completely empty. As I look at BBS this very second as I am typing this, I see 7 members online excluding myself and the guest account. Threads are rarely posted on anymore unless it has to deal with buying/selling face parts or making fun of another member. The Woods is the only chat room with some sort of virtual life in it with maybe 10 people there at its peak. I see the same rotation of members online each day. Most of the time, I can't go into The Woods without a select few people making wisecracks about my personal struggles.
It is truly sad to see how far downhill Whyville has gone. Results of contests and Senate Races are rarely ever announced on time or at all, City Workers are finding new jobs and leaving Whyville, The Times rarely reaches 10 articles whenever it is published . . . so what is the point of coming on anymore? Is this website really that fun and addicting? To some people, it may be. I used to feel the same way. I don't anymore. Most of the friends I had are long gone and the ones I still do have I will always have contact with somehow. I won't make that mistake again. As I am typing this, I can feel a sense of relief taking over. However, sadness and fear is more prevalent. How do I say those infamous words again after 11 years of Whyville being a part of my life? I will admit, Whyville has had an impact on me and has helped make me into the person I am today. For that, I will be eternally grateful for the experience, for the memories, for the people I have met along this journey . . . but this is it.
Author's Note: I want to personally thank all of my friends I have on here of being a part of my life. You are truly amazing people and I don't know what I would do without you -- especially DahCutie (who will be keeping my account active for me) and Vancyon.
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