I have written this speech several times over my years here at Eyes on Final Fantasy. I've never really been sure why I always gun for this speech before others - but I think it's because I must love newbies or something.
I often start off with a quip about how I was once a Best Newbie winner and how that makes me such a figure of authority on the matter - I can't do that anymore (even though I kind of have), because I'm now up for Best Veteran. I've hit the rank of Veteran at Eyes on Final Fantasy. As a member, I've never felt more detached from our newer members, and I find that sad.
I say that I'm an older member with a pinch of salt, as some of the really old grandpas of this site probably still think of me as a puppy (or mischeivous, evil kitten?) But my point still stands. I'm older now, and as an older member I do regret to say that instead of interacting with our new members, I often just watch and observe and assume that they will leave after a couple of weeks - and let's be honest, many do!
But then we do seem to be able to hold on to a few who stick around to be the newbies of today and the oldbies of tomorrow. Tomorrow they will look over at the new crowd and let them have their moment too.
I think as members we can all do better to accommodate our newbies into our cliques and circles. To drag them into this dysfunctional family we have here, so they have no choice but to stay and then one day become the harassers of the next generation of newbies just in time for the next Ciddies. Ahhhhhh the circle of life.
So, to the winner - I say this - congratulations! Wear your sparkling crown with pride and be happy that you are 'The Chosen One'! You're the Gnarliest Newbie around, and you've won us over with your charm, hilarity, and enthusiasm. However, be prepared to hand that crown over and climb up to join us Veterans on the shelf. But don't worry, we have cookies, gin, and sarcasm. You'll be fine. This is just the start for you!
For those of you who didn't win, don't be disheartened. It's a cheesy cliche but you are
all winners. You've made it this far - you didn't quit, you didn't stop coming here! Let me be the one to give you a hand up onto our shelf. So you're not the Gnarliest Newbie today, that sucks. But tomorrow, you could be the Most Tubular Member. Keep your chin up pupster, tomorrow is a new day so keep shining, keep up that spirit, keep up that charm. We see you.