What was in my mind when, on the 3rd of April 2005, I become a member of this forum. I was trying to learn the ins and outs of this game we all love to play or, in some cases, need to play.
Since then I have improved my game, but oh so slowly, from a losing player I can claim to be a winning player, the money flows in like cold treacle, sometimes as much as a $10 a week. Ah well at least I haven't deposited in a while. So has it all been a waste of so many months of logged on time? The answer has to be a resounding "No". In those 3 years, has it really been 3?, I have gained more than a just a basic education in poker but also benefited in so many other ways. I have made friends on-line and live, some who I have met I would have never met them or their type other than through this forum. I have laughed and been annoyed, though not in equal measure. There was a few months when I went missing but returned to the fold when health allowed.
I can't think of all the milestones I have seen as I type but I can quickly come up with these:
The birth of, and continuation, of the blonde bash. Nottingham took it to new levels. The interesting by-product of these is the atmosphere on the forum, the tedium and back biting on blonde was sadly palpable pre-bash but post-bash happiness and joy reigned again. Why? I suggest that we remember that our posts are being read by real people who have feelings like our own and we remember to respect each other. That doesn't mean we should have a joke at an others expense once in a while but in sensible moderation.
Membership has flown through the roof, lots of members and so many of them active and valued contributors. Where would be without Red-Dog and Tikay's Diaries.
Achievements abound, tank's insane amount of Star's SnGs ranks high but up there are individual one off successes.
The development of the front of the site has been astounding and snoopy ought to be proud of that and his baby, blondepedia.
The Updates have grown in popularity and must annoy competitors who push out the bland statistics of a hand but lack the bite and pure comedy of our elite gang of updaters.
Looking back at the bash and my first visit to DTD I feel we at blonde may have a modicum of pride in showing support for Rob's fantastic idea and following the development from drawing board to fruition. Well done Mr Yong.
We have even managed to adopt our special kid, Reese, I still never know what to post when I hear news from The Nun. I have never met you but having met your grandmother, granddad and mum I know you have the best possible support.
Along has come blonde's own card room, it's still a toddler but destined to grow with our support. Good going Kev keep it up and don't be so generous with those T Shirts or Tighty will be down on you.
If Carling made poker forums........... it would be this one. Cherish it.
10,000th post
I thank you.
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