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Whyville is truly a great place. I remember when I first joined as Hapiehed
in July, 2002 (or was it 2001? I really can't remember), I didn't understand. My
friends had recommended me to Whyville, and I just couldn't figure it out. What
were clams? Why couldn't I chat? What was this mysterious 'Times' I heard about?
Why were there people with duct tape on their faces? Why was everyone talking
about some online disease? And when, with the help of Y-mail Helpers, those
questions were answered, the most puzzling one of all surfaced; why were so many
children and teens -- the same ones that claim to hate school and live for the
weekends -- why were they addicted to learning?
To find out, I simply became involved. I wrote my first article for the Times. I
must have revised it a million times. I was overjoyed to see my name on the long
list of articles (this was back before the Times became beautiful). I tried
again, and again. Some were published, some weren't, but every time I was proud
of myself.
Unfortunately, one day I made the mistake of giving my friend my
password. I tried to log on, and found that Hapiehed had been banished. I nearly
cried. Okay, so I did. Sue me. I was addicted, and everything I had worked hard
on had been deleted because my friend had decided to do something inappropriate
on my account.
I soon rejoined as kirbie393. I attempted writing for the Times
again, but for some unfathomable reason I felt I could only write poetry for a
while. I became addicted once again, and once I signed up to be a Y-mail Helper
I discovered what was right under my nose; Whyville made learning fun. And in
doing so, the City Workers not only teach the citizens about science and
geology, but about how to be themselves.
But I realize now how dangerous addiction can be. Even 'good' addictions, like
Whyville, can change your life. Grades start to slip. Your free time becomes
based around one thing. And, of course, in my case, you can become extremely
conceited. I hope I can take this opportunity to apologize and
express how ashamed I am of my little... rant in my article Dear Whyville. Two
good things did come of that, however -- I learned the hard way to get over an
addiction and, more important, to get over myself.
To everyone on Whyville, I warn you; do not become addicted.
Whyville has taught me how to be myself. I still have my insecurities, but
because of the Whyvillians who do not judge me by my personal appearance and
treat me as an equal, I've learned to laugh things off. I don't think I'll log
on to Whyville as much as I used to anymore. I need to concentrate on my homework, and my
friends, and everything else that I've been neglecting.
I would like to thank a few people for making Whyville what it is, sometimes
without knowing it:
First of all, thank you to the Times Writers, all of you. With every article and
poem you make a difference. Thank you to the citizens, of the past, present and
future. Thank you to my friends, who've helped me to understand things. And most
of all, thank you to the City Workers -- Akbar, Mimi, Bigfoot, City Hall,
neutral, ScyllaCat, MediaWiz, Calliope, the Times Editor (thank you for putting
up with me!), and anyone else I've missed.
We all know that Whyville wouldn't
exist without you.
Thank you.
--kirbie393
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