Its hard to believe that I've been on this site for almost 4 years now.

Ive seen many fads, phenomenoms, and memes through those years and would like to share a bit of my journey on this site.

When I joined in the winter of 2005, when it was just a measly 17 days old, times were simple. It was pre-redesign, only 3 auras to choose, took forever to get to level 10, and a profile was nothing more than location and a few favorites. My 16 year old mind was oblivious to what Newgrounds, and indeed the entire internet would do to me.

My first BBS post consisted of saying New England would smash Philly in the Super Bowl (To which New England won 27-24 :/ ). I was a huge noob back then. I was unaware that the internet was not personal, but that it was always serious business. I defended myself at the first sign of attack and spammed pictures, much like noobs do today. I posted infrequently but remained there, going unnoticed for the most part.

I continued to deposit until I realized I was never going to level up. My last post before I left was about Weird Al on April 8th, 2006, and then I left. What happened in that time? I grew up. I learned new things. I graduated high school and went on to college. But living in the city was boring. I needed a way to kill time. So what did I do? I returned to Newgrounds, the same site I ran from one year earlier. But it was strange to me. New icons, new layouts, and an updated user page.

On August 4th, 2007, I posted for the first time in over a year. It was the beginning of the end of my innocence. The internet was my playground and I, like a small child, explored my surroundings. I became smarter and wittier. I learned how the BBS was and blended in, still feeling unnoticed. I was finally assimilated.

To date, after many bannings, I feel strangely attatched to this website, as if I hold it to be the standard over all other forums and flash sites. Sure it's hindered my social life, but maybe a new home in a new city could fix that. Until then, I will be on Newgrounds until I die.

... or at least until my friends start hating me for it.