Old Friends Long Gone

[Ottakar]

A couple of people have been trying to get things to pick up again but... not much luck so far.

[Marc]

Wow, I just logged on here for the first time in almost two years! Just a complete whim when I suddenly remembered Terrouge. It's crazy to think of how much time has passed. I am another member who probably wasn't here for quite long enough and heavily involved enough to leave a really memorable legacy here but I certainly do remember a number of you, and even more than that I remember a lot of the brilliant discussions we had. Looking back through my profile I realise I joined in 2002 and was pretty active until around 2007/2008, that was such an important and interesting time of my life.

I seem to remember that although Redwall attracted me to the forums in the first place as a young teenager, I quickly spent more time here in the Lounge discussing films, books, politics, philosophy and everything else under the sun with all of you and had a great time. I'm shocked to read Brian Jacques died, and that I hadn't heard anything about it until now. It's definitely sad and I will always love the Redwall books (well most of them) and intend to pass them onto my own children someday. Again just checking and I've realised that I stopped reading the books after Triss, so I've only read 15 out of 22 of them. Highlights just how for many of us this forum became so much more than just a book series.

I think this generation in particular will have had such unusual and new experiences as the internet has grown up with them (I started using it when about 11 or 12, I'm now 22) while it didn't exist for my parents. And I think the community here probably had nothing but a positive impact on my life, if even in a small way. Learning to write, debate, discuss, analyse, and even just communicate with people from all over the world. This wasn't the first forum I was a long-term member of, but it's certainly been the seminal one and I haven't been as involved in any other forum since. To be honest I just don't really have the time any more but it's great to see that we can check in on each other every so often.

Around the time I would have stopped posting regularly here, I had just went to university and have now completed my Psychology degree. I took a year out aftewards due to family commitments and am now looking to start my career. At the moment I still don't really know what exactly I want to do or how to go about it, and of course the current economic climate isn't the most promising for jobs, but you know what? I'm happy and healthy which is the main thing and I do have a job at the moment to pay the bills even though it isn't a "career" type job yet.

It's such a bizarre but lovely experience to see that the forum is still active to some extent, and that people still remember their time here fondly. I never really got to the stage where I really took any of the friendships I made here much further than the discussions here, and sadly I think at this stage that's probably all it will ever be. And at the same time that's one of the fascinating things about the nature of the online world. And I think everyone should be proud of the community that was created here and the good times we had. I'll definitely remember to pop in every so often, and I will always remember my time here fondly. Would love to see more of the old members pop up here too!

[Frost]

I'm still optimistic that a few of the old crew still comes to peruse the forums and remember days gone by...am I right?

[Cairn]

That's the old hedgehog. I have visited the forums as a guest for almost a year just to see how bad it would get. Sad seeing the spambots have conquered the site.

Think this is the first post since the new year began. Whoever is operating the place has abdicated. Perhaps its time somebody turn out the lights.

It isn't unique to Terrouge. The Redwall fan fiction site seems to have died as well. Last post there described the online chat session held on the death anniversery of Brian Jaques. I'm thinking the loss of our creator has taken a lot of the enthusiasm out of its members.

[Frost]

I knew you were still around Cairn...I figured it! And I'm glad you are, too. I'm sure something will happen that will rekindle a love for Redwall and Jacques' world; at least, I hope so! Who knows, right? Sorry to hear the Redwall fan fiction site is vacated, too. Have you written anything new? Any development on the YoD rework?

[Liam Flashstep]

...Hi.

Randomly thought to visit today, I guess. I know I was only really involved for a contest and then a short period after that, but I kinda felt like popping in. Not to be gloomy but I've gotta be honest; I haven't really felt like joining at someplace like Mossflower Herald or whatever is is still open because, well, I kinda feel like I don't belong anymore. I'm out of touch, I don't know people and, well, the less said about other reasons, the better.

So, I guess this is just sort of a post to say that I'm still here, kinda and, well...not really sure what I want anymore.

[Frost]

Hey Liam! Glad to see you about.

Well, I guess we need more sites then, eh? Something that can generate interest and draw more contributors/writers/artists to the hub? I've thought of starting an anthro/Redwall site, but I'm not sure if there's enough of us around anymore to make it worthwhile! Ha. How've you been?

[Liam Flashstep]

Eh, I've been doing pretty well otherwise. I was actually in a much better mood previously. Been a lot more productive in school and recreational work lately and rather proud of myself for more or less turning my daily routine around. Getting to where I'm regressing a little, but that's kind of to be expected near the end of the quarter and when I don't have as many harsh deadlines as I did before. I've been fluctuating, though. I'll be in a good mood during the day but, lately, in the evening and late night, I've been feeling a bit depressed, particularly for the reasons previously mentioned. I guess I just miss having contact with my writer friends and part of the problem is I don't know where all of them are active.

Some kind of new site would be a welcome addition. The best thing for something like that, though, would be if we could get some new people as well as old. I know there's kind of a few smaller satellite sights around more interested in roleplaying than in story contests, but they're still out there for what it's worth.

[Cairn]

I must admit my writing has diminished. Think it's a lack of motivation. On the other writing site, I've gone inactive as well. Been working on the edits to my last fan fiction and have a Redwall meets Dracula story in the early stages. Might migrate to the "official Redwall site" as this one is like a graveyard.

Don't know about a new site as I cannot think of something to make it stand out as special. Haven't tried checking for the furries, but it may come to that.

As to real life, I'm retired. Can now enjoy watching others run the rat race. Life is good.

[Lady Tara Starblade]

I'm still around, but certain recent events I won't get into really took the wind out of my sails. Might have squashed survivor contests too, but that remains to be seen. But RedVenture (soon to be RedwallSurvivor.com) is still around, and I will be opening up a new anthro site as soon as I can find time to finish some of the necessary worldbuilding. I've had the idea for over a year now, and I'm just putting the finishing touches on it now. I'll likely advertise for it in a few places soon.

EDIT: And it's open! I don't feel entirely comfortable advertising it here for several reasons I will not get into, but PM me if you'd like a link.

[Tagg]

I haven't done anything special at all... o.o Still traveling to Europe this summer, but other than that, nada, you all make me feel so slow moving!

[Slick]

Aww, *cries in the corner because Zian didn't mention me a year ago.* Haha

[Randag]

I used to come here every day to remove the spambots... only since January my laptop wasn't working so I haven't been keeping up with this and some other sites.
Anywho, I'm back now. Cleaning up.

[-Moonflicker-]

I come back and creep every once in a while, just to see if there's anything new going on...

Meanwhile, I'm planning a trip to go visit Northwind this winter! And her and I are writing with Frost again! It's awesome. But man, I miss this place.

I also got in a short chat with Ublaz last night, after logging onto my AIM account for the first time in ever. He's getting married next year! I remember when I was once his wife, and Vilu our strange child. haha Crazy times...

[Cairn]

The spam-bots have invaded the site. They have won thanks to inattention. A sad state. Back to lurking and reading all the advertisements.