Originally Posted by
Calliope
32. Most Missed Member
Someone recently told me a little about a species of ant called a fire ant, which lives in the lower third of the United States. What little I'd heard was more terrifying than interesting to me - they were described as awful, invasive creatures that swarm and gnash and destroy; with an aggressive bite that can kill small creatures and wipe out crops. Where I come from, ants are small and useless - a pest only if you don't wash your dishes or take your rubbish out. They're easily deterred, a threat almost to no-one. They could not be said to burn with any sort of fire.
The thing that makes fire ants particularly interesting, I was told, was how they react in a crisis. Fire ants live in colonies, many of which are near waters prone to flooding. When they sense rising waters, the fire ants cluster together, forming a ball that floats on the water's surface. They cling to each other. Somehow, their mouths, feelers, and legs tangle together, enough to withstand the force of rushing, violent waters. They form a life raft.
The life raft is amazing in that it is a fluid, living structure formed by all who live in the colony. The Queen is typically in the centre, surrounded by Drones. The Drones ensure that the Queen survives; but even as they work together to keep her safe, they look out for each other as well. Travelling along amid debris and panic, the life raft shifts as it travels downstream. There are fire ants submerged underwater. They go without air in order to protect those above them from drowning. The fire ants have their time in the sun, and then they climb below the surface of the water, assuming responsibility for the others who are granted a reprieve from their duties. The cycle continues, and the fire ants work together, taking turns in safety and in peril, until the freedom of the group can be assured and dry land has been reached.
A single fire ant caught in a sudden current is wiped out.
It could be said that Eyes on Final Fantasy is our own little colony adrift in a flood of spam, trolling, new releases, waves of newbies, social networking and console changes. The lifespan of a member is varied - it could entail hours idling in #eoff, in-depth discussion in the lower forums, joining staff, participating in events, or simply posting in General Chat. For many of us, it is not easy in life to form connections, or to feel as if one has a purpose - but everyone here has a function, and everyone is of value.
It is enchanting to think that there are those of us out there whose friendships endure despite the distance of geography, of timezones, of differing stages of study, work, family and love. Despite having not met us all face-to-face, these people touch our lives, form connections, allow us to become vulnerable. We argue, plot coups and staff pranks, leave each other coded messages. For many of us, Eyes on Final Fantasy is a refuge which helps us navigate our lives. Like the fire ants, we support each other.
Part of engaging in an online community is figuring out how to balance your online persona with your offline interests and responsibilities. Whether taking on the role of a Drone or a Queen, your role here is not diminished; you probably leave a legacy larger than you know. We appreciate the work you are doing, what you have done to bear us aloft, what you are doing to survive. We miss you, Most Missed Member, and hope you will soon surface to sunlight, and air.
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