CB Age "Acce

Chatterbox: Chirp at Cricket

CB Age "Acce

CB Age "Acceptance"?

So this is something I have pondered for a while. I am sixteen, and I have been on the CB since I was twelve (wow, that's a long time!). Then I realize that the oldest here is 19 to my knowledge. BHR, Butterfly, and Oregano are the eldest, correct? Well, anyways, I've been wondering, when is it no longer socially "acceptable" to be here? I mean, the CB welcomes all, but I have only a few years until I am the age of the eldest here. And they are still loved and accepted just as much as anyone else!

I'd just hate for things to get awkward, being too old. I mean, personally, I don't know if I'd stick around forever as I get older. Life moves on, and I have places to be and things to do. But a few more years wouldn't do anyone harm. So what do you guys think age wise?

Also... sad thought. Imagine this: You have been connected to the CB for years. Take me, for instance, back on since I was 12. It's been 4 years off and on. You know how many people I've met? I've been on the CBer longer than most of them because they left. Just think about it, you guys will be like eighteen, nineteen, about to leave the CB and you look back. All your closest friends have already left the CB. You are a stranger in a new land - not to mention the oldest. That feeling must be so weird. I am not looking forward to the day when I know it is time to leave, looking back at all the memories, just to find no familiar faces left.

Weird... 

submitted by Ashlee G., age 16, The Future
(May 13, 2017 - 1:28 am)

Oh, I think I remember A Curious Dragon! I had no idea that was you. I as well have taken a couple month breaks at a time, and at one point I flat out quit for a year. Or two. Partly because I was busy, partly because I was on the younger side of the CB and the "younger generation" had yet to move in. I've always said I am very young at heart, so I can be sixteen like you and still love the CB. I don't really have much time for roleplaying anymore, but I do find the community here important to me. I don't really have many friends, nor family (besides parents/siblings) that I can turn to.

I know, I feel the same way, it is really weird to think about is that I have practically grown up on the CB. I joined when I was 8 or 9, and now I'm 16. Even on my large times off of the CB, it's still all I ever thought about. I had a family here, and I was foolish to leave it in the first place, because I missed my first generation when they left. Then I made the mistake in leaving with the newer generation, just because it moved so fast.

Although now? I still find it really weird.

submitted by Ashlee G., age 16, The Future
(May 16, 2017 - 11:20 am)

I'm still here.  I'm in the 19/20 year old range.  I've been here since I was 13 or 14.  I personally haven't moved on really just because I still find joy and amusement here in the cb.  I don't post a whole lot but I'm definitely still posting here.  I just haven't much because it moves faster than I can keep up, and due to the fact many people are much younger than I, I find it harder to connect with the current generation.  Most of the people I was close with are gone.  The vibe and the personality of the cb have changed.  Not necessarily in a bad way just different than when I was younger and it's too much for me to try to fully adapt to it, so I'm simply here less. 

But as long as someone has the interest and desire to be here I really don't think there's much reason to tell someone they have to leave.  We all naturally outgrow it and our lives move on eventually so I don't see much point in defining an age. 

submitted by Blonde Heroines Rule
(May 15, 2017 - 8:22 pm)

Thank you, BHR, I am glad to hear from you. My generation - my first one of the CB - is the same you had too. I have to agree, it is so much different. I think the reason I spend time here is because I joined when I was 9? I think I was 9, and so I've grown up with the CB almost my entire life. Now I am a little bit on the older side, and yet I still find a lot of these things relevant because I am naturally a bit younger at heart.

I think you are right about life naturally taking you away from the CB as you age. I mean, everyone's futures are different, but they all go outward from their childhood. So thank you for your help! 

submitted by Ashlee G., age 16, The Future
(May 16, 2017 - 11:12 am)

I've been thinking about this myself. I'm in an interesting situation, because 16 years old as well, but I'm quite new to the Chatterbox. I have read Cricket for ages, but I never delved into the Chatterbox until now. I think that can makes me more mature in some ways and less so in others.

When I came on, I quickly realized that I was one of the older people, but truly I don't think it has made much of a difference. I say the same things I would with the people in my grade at school, because I believe everyone here is a unique person who has something useful and interesting to say, regardless of age.

But as for when it is socially acceptable to stay or leave, I agree with BHR. As Applejaguar said, "you're only too old for the CB when you don't feel like going on anymore." There's no use in growing up too fast. Besides, just think of the Admins. They're adults and they read everything that comes through the Chatterbox!

submitted by Brown Bear
(May 17, 2017 - 8:53 pm)