[Salone]

In my younger years, internet access was extremely limited. I'm talking about a dozen times a year. As I finally got internet access in my own home, I was limited by dial up, as it was the only thing that could service our remote location.

First avatar site I crawled on to was Gaia. The concept of dressing up and avatar was neat, but I found myself intrigued by the writing sections and roleplaying. Most roleplaying that I had seen consisted of tidbits over MSN Messenger, and this was a bit more of an unrestricted freedom. You had multiple people participating. You could write even when others were not on to instantly respond. It was wonderful.

But, I was also incredibly forum shy. It took me a very long time to muster the guts to post anywhere. I forged a few friendships, took up a romantic interest (that backfired horribly), all that sort of stuff. I was on there on and off for about 5 years, posting here and there but not actively participating in the community. It grew more hostile and toxic, and you were overlooked if you weren't one of the celebrity members.

Gave up after a while, and was lured back in on another site for the sake of roleplaying. Was more fun, as I was older and more mature. I could write posts that were more than just "*Runs away screaming attempting to hold his guts inside his body*". It was similar to actual writing. Then, that one dried up.

2011 found me pulled on to Trisphee for pretty much the same thing. For about two years, I posted in only one roleplaying thread and the OOC for it. But Tris has been nice. I started branching out. Posting places. Seeing what other people had to say. Crap like that.

The draw is always there for avatar sites. The more fashionable of us enjoy the dress up bits. I'll admit, I'm growing more and more fond of it. There are people here who you can talk to, or at least approach cautiously with bubble wrap. I'd like to think I've made a few friends during my stay here and quite honestly, I don't think I could give it up. There are stories here that need finishing.

I think the main draw is the writing. The roleplaying has really helped my develop. That's something for me to cherish.