About one year ago today some whacko named Shadow managed to make his way to this little community. Goth.net was the first online forum I have ever been a part of. And so one year ago I made my first post here... Today I regretfully make my last post at Goth.net.

My reasons for leaving are simple, but have been brewing for a good while. I looked around the board just now and realized what I've been sort of denying for a while. That there comes a time when "home" just doesn't feel like "home" anymore. Things change, people come and go... The fun and enjoyment just isn't there like it used to be.

This was not something that was cleverly planned, but more like one of those strange coincedences. But as I entered on an upbeat and happy note, I wanted to take this time to leave on that same note. And I am sort of stealing some of Nachtzehrer's thunder by doing this, but I want to hand out some thanks.

To Daneen, Nachtzehrer, and Lunamoth especially. Each of you in your own way, intentional or not, made me feel special and welcome here when I arrived. Which was the reason I kept coming back here at every opportunity.

To Prez and Lilith. For without you and your work there never would have been a Shadow in the first place.

Really... I could go on forever dropping name after name, but I know I would forget someone. The bottom line is that my stay here has been so much more than flitting about a message board. Because I've met some amazing people. Not just acquaintances, but people I number among my best friends. And that is something that means more to me than anything in the world. In that I am blessed. Even more blessed that to try and name all those folks individually would make this post out to be a hell of a lot longer than it already is.

I still have plans to get into the chatroom. I sure as hell can't kick that addiction. And I can be reached in all the other conventional ways as well, for those of you here that are close to me. And I suspect the curiosity bug will bite at some point and I'll stop by the boards just to see what everyone is doing.

But for now, I'll say goodbye, and thank you. This experience has been more meaningful to me than I could ever hope to articulate. My last thought, and I'll part with this... Everything changed for me here when I realized something. Being here has nothing to do with "post counts" or "flaming" or getting someone to respond to something you said in a thread. It's about the people. The friends you make and how they impact you. How they make you a better person. And how you in turn brighten up their lives as well. All other things cannot hope to compare to that.

I'll leave a little basket of ShadowLove here for emergency purposes. Oh yeah, and watch out for that futon.

All my love,
---Aaron

Bummer man. :/

Well maybe someday, when real life stops getting in the way, you'll come back for a visit?

Bye bye Shadow.

No! You are one of my favorite people here, such a shame to lose you... It's true what you said, about the people here being the most important thing. But maybe the board only changed because they are busy? Maybe in summer everyone will come back... *looks at Shadow with sad puppy eyes*

BTW, does that mean I won't be getting a lap dance on my birthday?

Who's going to guard the futon? You know you were always the favoured acolyte... *sigh*

I had noticed your posts had become fewer and more far-between of late. And although my heart always does a little hop when I see your name in the tray, I can understand your reasoning for not coming around anymore. Your humour and viewpoints will be missed in the forums. Much love and peace to you, dear friend. Guess I really will have to go to the chatroom more often now, if only to get a fresh dose of ShadowLove.

.........................................
???

I'm gonna miss you dude..... I know we didn't really talk much but......... the board isn't gonna be the same without you.


*Much hugs and all that other stuff*

NOOOOOO

though, I could almost say the same thing...I barely post anymore, but i'm NOT leaving...its the only home I have left...

Shadow, I know I have you on AIM and Yahoo, so i'll try to keep in touch if I can, or if I don't see ya in chat...

Sad to see you leave it is, yes, mhmmm... But in another time, meet we will perhaps... yes...

???

Shadow:

I had been around for a couple of months, but I still felt like quite the newbie when you arrived on this little board. As much as you felt welcomed by me, I felt even more welcomed by you. You have ever been a bastion of friendliness, wit and good cheer around these parts; indeed, just two days ago, blood_rose and I sat singing your praises over a plate of sushi. Your gentle charm and disarming style have made this forum a better place to be and have been a major contributing factor to my and many others' enjoyment of this place over the past year.

I know and respect that times and people change, that situations arise and feelings swell and ebb. Though I am saddened by your departure, I shall wish you godspeed with all my heart. Be well, be safe and always keep that indefinable quality that makes you such a fine man.

Before you flit out like your namesake before the light of dawn, I want you to know that you are a true original and that your place here can never be filled. You will be profoundly missed, and you will be remembered. As long as there are good folks on this board, the legacy of Shadow will live on . . . I shall keep a candle burning, should you ever choose to slip back through the door.

Thank you for the good times, my friend. You are one of the Good People.

~Nachtzehrer~

You're a good man Shadow, a damn good man. I don't have the eloquence of many of the others here, but you show yourself to be one of the friendliest and wittiest people on this board. Best of luck to your alma-mater in the rest of their season (those Huskies are one hell of team), but most of all best of luck to yourself. May fortune smile on your life. As others have said, you have helped to make this forum great and you will be sorely missed.

Check back when you can if the curiosity grabs you.

Fare thee well friend shadow. Hit the chats when you can I should be in that realm at some point. I will miss you my friend - even if you do not think of me as a friend or acquiantance, there's going to be a little hole where the shadow loving used to be for everyon who talked to you.

Like so many, I've felt welcomed by the great enigma that is Shadow, good luck on your journies friend.

TTFN, Shadow...pop in on us from time to time. You will be missed.

Damn ??? ...I enjoyed reading your posts and it sucks ass that you won't be around anymore. If I could, I'd shake your hand, good bye Shadow.

*sniffle*

Well, I guess all good things must come and go. It's just the way things are. I hope I'll still see you on IRC now and again.

*blows a kiss and hands Shadow a coupon for a free lap dance should he be back out this way again*

~spider

........

Damn.

I must admit, I am quite surprised by this turn of events. Indeed, when I saw this thread, I had expected a link to an amusing news article about shoes or something of the like. News of this sort however, was among what I least expected.

I have to say that I'm sorry to see you go, my good man. I have greatly enjoyed both your presence and your posts. Your insights and musings and general good humour will be greatly missed around here. While I wish you weren't leaving, I can accept your decision to do so. Hopefully, I'll still see you around IRC and AIM.

You're a good man, Shadow. I wish you good times, good health, and the best of luck in any and all of your future endeavors.


AoP ~