[Lawtan]

Ack! *Sees skin turn to ash and bones age greatly*

[Espy]

So, I stayed away from this thread for a bit because I wasn't entirely sure how I feel about certain things, but. While I do love videogames and such, they're often too complex and not what I'm looking for. I had several hours yesterday to do whatever (well, my brain decided to not do homework), and I tried to game for a bit. I did that for all of five minutes. And then I logged off, because even though I had been eager to run around in a virtual world, the annoyance of having to deal with the Saturday-night college-campus-lag would have negated any "fun" I got out of it. So then I decided to float/lurk around Tris for a bit and attempt to read up on my homework, and ultimately went to sleep because nothing was working.

For me, avi sites are a way to connect to other people without interrupting them halfway through their work, when they have other plans, etc. Most people on here are probably just as bored as you are, or to some extent share the same interests, and that's why I'm still on Tris even though it's quieted down considerably. (Hopefully that will change soon-ish, though.)

To be honest, it's a place where (almost) no one knows me. And that's the kind of freedom I wish I had in real life. I get to not only live my own life in the real world, but also experience life as someone else, someone who can do the things I want to do and not be ridiculed or looked at strangely because it isn't "me". It's a bit like reading a book, or drawing.

Why do I like this more than, say, a videogame? Most of the friends I have in MMORPGs are people who I actually know IRL. And I don't make friends too easily otherwise. Mabinogi is a great game -- I often go to it for a bit of relief from everyday life, and like...hunt monsters or run dungeons, or more likely as of late, pick herbs, make potions, help out newbies, cook, collect rare items, etc. Its slogan is "Fantasy Life" and it does that aspect very, very well. But I have very few friends there.

I suppose I might seem capable of dealing with many things by myself. Last semester completely overturned that assumption. It was the week before finals, I was well on my way down the slippery slope of probation and imminent suspension, and almost at midnight, I called my mom in a fit of tears. I explained to her that I had (honestly) been trying to study for the past three days, and it just wasn't working. The phrases that popped up the most during that conversation were "worthless", "just isn't working", "what's the point", and "I'm not stupid". After that phone call, my parents did their best to comfort me, and it was because of that contact, knowing there are people who care about me -- that's what kept me going.

So...yeah. Long story short, I'm the kind of person who needs to talk to people -- not obsessively, but just to have that kind of warmth of knowing others are there for you. I guess that's why I'm still here, still on avatar sites after ten years.

EDIT: Holy balls I just typed an essay.

[Fauxreal]

*Gives Espy a HUGE hug* I missed you. <3

[Lawtan]

*Lifts Espy on shoulders*

[Areadbhar]

Espy, I am glad you made it through, and no matter the situation, know that as long as you follow your own goals and desires, things will never be pointless.

[Fauxreal]

See Espy! The love.

[Espy]

...Thanks >__< Aaaand that's why I need to be here.

[Fauxreal]

<3 *sings* Espy... Espy.... you seee we have an Espyyyyy....

[Kenai]

Aww Kodak moment! -snaps a picture-
I seriously was looking for a like button as if I"m still on tumblr.

I am 22 now. Lots of people on these sites seem to be more mature. I guess it's a thing that was new and spread among the age group then and some of us still stayed. Sadly as we get older other priorities come first. Family kids, jobs...and all the problems of being an adult xD

ps I don't have kids yet and hopefully won't have any unplanned ones- knock on wood. o-o

[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.

[Aenith]

I've been doing this since I was about 11, and I'd like to think I've changed a bit. I'm a bit less...obnoxious? I hope? I used to be the brattiest little thing. I was so mean. xD
I totally understand why people hated me back then.

[clealuira]

Originally Posted by Poggio

If twenty is old I hate to know what I am. I am not a dinosaur but I grew up with the evolution of the internet. I was there for word processors, color back macs, organ trail. From giant house phone cell phones to the introduction of flip phones, to picture phones etc. I started out with neopets. This to me was the first real avatar site despite it being a pet site. I jumped to gaia, then to other avatar sites, and well while I do not mind forums that do not have avatars, the do not appeal to me and there are really two reasons.

The first being it gives me an excuse to be an older person with a doll. Something my parents said I should stop playing with when I was 12. Virtual communities have given me another way to play dress up and look pretty in a more adult way. The second being is that these communities are generally full of people, like minded people that gathering over the internet. I like talking to these people since there was no way in hell I would meet a lot of them in real life.

I think it has made me a better writer in some ways since I like to rp. I have a vivid imagination for the cliché and wild so until I stop wanting to Rp, dress up, and speaking to people then I won’t have a need for avatar sites. I have left behind two sites fully quit. One was a pet site in which I was an early member. I kept feeling bad for my virtual pets and me not having net to care for them, so I gave my stuff away and left. The second is gaia. My account still exist but hotdamn I cannot stand those teenie-boppers or elitist. Without a middle ground I won’t be going back any time soon.

Wow, can totally relate. I grew up with all those things you mentioned and I used to love neopets. Had an account there five years before I was incorrectly banned for apparent hacking. I protested but they wouldnt listen. Broke my heart, I had a massive plushie collection and spent loads of time cataloging and updating my collection. Anyhoo, have had a Gaia account for like maybe eight years, but now I am trying several other avi sites because Gaias economy is just getting on my nerves. I sometimes feel too old to be on these sites, but I guess they are a bit of an addiction for me. I used to play other online games like Silk Road and Maple story, found them addictive too. Luckily I have enough interests outside of the internet that it wouldnt make any difference to me if it was all gone tomorrow.

[OongaChaka]

I once logged in to the first account I used on avatar sites and checked my first posts. Wow... I couldn't even stand myself. A lot of lols and bumps. Very, very annoying.

[jaguarlyra]

I get you Chak, I feel like I've changed a huge amount in the past 6 or so years.