Hello everyone. I have been on and off Whyville under numerous guises for about 3 years now. Upon returning from my last hiatus, I noticed something that I should have noticed long ago.
I was reading the Whyville Times, trying to catch-up (very hard to do since the last time I was on was about a year ago, so much has changed!), when I noticed a common theme in most of the articles' amity toward Whyville and faith in its creators and maintenance crew.
Whether an article about science or entertainment, the underlying theme (intentional or not) tends to be a common love for Whyville. This theme is especially noticeable when something perceivably goes wrong (i.e. "The Well Is No More," the Wishing Well mishap written about on Aug 29, 2007). Instead of flying off the handle or immediately leaving Whyville, citizens discuss what went wrong and why. In the course of this discussion/article the citizens also offer comfort to their fellow Whyvillians. In this comfort, the love for Whyville and faith for its creators is most noted.
Referring back to "The Well Is No More" article, after discussing the sudden malfunctioning of the Wishing Well, the author (B4byboo), goes on calm fellow Whyvillians by saying:
"I'm quite disappointed but I truly believe that Whyville knows what they're doing and will start something else up again just as fun, if not more. So, those of you who I heard saying "I'm going to quit now," or "Now Whyville isn't any fun," don't quit. Whyville will do their absolute best to make it fun for us again. And remember, there are many other places to go and activities to do on Whyville."
In this statement, one sees how much Whyvillians love and trust Whyville and the people who run it. Although this is just one example, there are several more emphasizing the same notion. I encourage you all, as you read or write for the Whyville Times to notice this theme because it is there. Also, in noticing, think about why you feel this way about Whyville and its creators. Maybe because, know it or not, Whyville is a part of your life (whether you visit frequently or seldom) and you have come to depend on it and the people behind it to some extent -- maybe.
Well wishes
carom
