Board Thread:News and Announcements/@comment-4614364-20160405012333/@comment-24987498-20160407142346

My reply's going to be a bit lengthy, even though I've only been a member for a year and some change. It probably seems odd that I'd have a lot to say, but this place really can affect you (in more ways than one :P).

First off, I wanna say thanks to the many people I've talked with over this past year (not including the summertime, where I was grounded and all that stupidity). Namely the people on my friends list (which needs updating to include some imporant people), but also just any regular user, and some that have left. I appreciate all of you for making my Wiki experience better.

When I first joined I had no idea what I was getting myself into, really. I was just this new user with a generic profile picture and an interest in the actual show - and furthermore I thought this Wiki would be like the Encyclopedia SpongeBobica Wiki, where all anyone did in chat was talk about SB. That was even in their rules, that the chat was to be about Wiki matters only. So I had no idea about the fun, relaxed atmosphere that this place would offer. Immediately I was drawn to everyone's sense of humor, their discussions of things like video games and all that. Here things were really chill and I could chat with people for hours. Still can, really - though I rarely get the chance anymore.

I remember when I really started making friends, and I got a Facebook specifically to chat with Wiki members, and added them on Skype too - that's when I really started to feel connected with everyone here. Skyping with people like Russ, Stick, Biz, Water, Destiny, John, and others (so sorry if I forgot your name - these were the main people in the Skype groups that I remember) was always a fun time. I loved feeling like a part of a community, where people liked me and considered me a friend. In real life things weren't always that great when it came to people and making friends (though it's definitely improved since) but I could always count on chat to give me a laugh... except for the serious times where people vented, and argued. Even then, I felt like I got to know everyone better through the difficult times.

​When I had to leave the Wiki last June, everyone was really supportive and nice to me, wishing me their heartfelt goodbyes, and even though leaving was sad I went to bed that night feeling really loved. I'm glad to be back, and while the Wiki's not the same as it was back then, that doesn't change the fact that I really care about everyone here. I'm glad to have met everyone that I did - including the person who ended up being the love of my life (you know who you are :P). I never thought I'd get so invested in an online community as I did, and that's all due to you guys, my friends. Thank you all for everything.

I'm really happy that the Wiki's five years strong, and who knows how long it'll last? Maybe there will be a ten-year anniversary, and we could all meet up again and discuss our favorite moments. I hope to make many more of those here in the upcoming years.

- Cici