Chatterbox: In This Month's Issue

Floof Finale: why Floof Industries is deciding to leave the Chatterbox.

Alright, I realize that this title obviously sucks. It's hard when any Chatterboxer leaves the CB, but especially so for Floof. We've made our presence here so well known and in some cases unavoidable. How could we leave? That's why I'm making this post as Ella Starburst; so that I can explain this on a personal level.

This was an incredibly hard decision to make - I know, everyone says that, but this honestly was. I love the Chatterbox so much. It's such a friendly, wholesome community with tons of ways to express yourself. There is nothing I hold against here. This community has really helped me develop as a writer and a person. I know, a lot of cliches, but another reason I hold the CB so close to my heart is because this is one of the only times I've been able to use those cliches truthfully.

The younger Ella Starburst was a kid in a candy store here; again, roleplays and writing and ski lodges, oh my. I wanted to become intertwined within this place and make new friends. But I wanted MORE. I wanted to become a big name on here, like Rogue Wilding, Soren Infinity, and Spiffycat (now known as Porcelain Dragon, Luna Starr, and cerinthe). So I created the MCU, and it was a hit! I poured my heart into making Floof Industries, and it definetely paid off: we became a household name.

But I could never have predicted what came next.

In the later years of the MCU, I still tried my hardest. I even added some lore. But eventually, I visited the CB less and less. Others things grabbed my attention: middle school, friendships, video editing, growing up. My presence sapped away from the CB, and I didn't put much thought into it.

At this time, the MCUs were becoming somewhat burdensome to create. I was getting frustrated with the lack of responses, since that meant more work for me. I became worried about how little attention I gave my AEs, so I added them into it - more on that later. I tried ways to lessen my workload, and it's pretty evident when you look at the MCUs development: The additon of employees, the 'auto-assignment' of all of those workers, cutting the joke section. But everytime I even thought about quitting, I was reminded of all of you guys, awaiting every new issue of the MCU like kids on Christmas. I was filled with guilt, so I shyed away.

On a certain MCU, I got a comment. I don't remember which one or the year it was; I'm not even sure who wrote it, though I'm pretty sure it was Jwyn. But I'll never forget what the comment said. Something along the lines of

"Hey guys, nice MCU as always. But why don't you go on the Chatterbox anymore? We miss you guys."

Now old me saw this as a flaw, a way in which I failed to be a good person. 

But looking back now, I think I know what Maybe-Jwyn meant.

Lately, the thoughts of MCUs and HHGs have filled me up with a yucky feeling in my tummy. A sense of dread, another thing I have to do. Followed by laziness, reluctance, followed by an obligation to do it because I don't want to let anyone down.

But I think what not-Jwyn was trying to say was "Hey! Remember to enjoy your time on here!" And I honestly haven't been doing that. I've been spending so much time on these MCUs and not seeing the fruits of my labor. This is supposed to be a fun community newsletter, but it's no longer that for me.

So, I'm stepping back. I might still do the Chatterbox for roleplays and stuff, but it doesn't seem likely. I'm freeing myself up to do other stuff, pursue my other aspirations. I want to have fun, and I want this to be fun, for everyone. So sorry, no MCU or HHG this month. 

Which brings me to my next point.

I don't want the HHG and MCU to go away: They're entertaining to read, and they're big parts of the MCU. The HHG is easier to do: just make a hunger games simulator and add some holiday related events.

The MCU is what I'm more worried about - and interested in. How will you guys approach it? Will you stop doing it? Will another person adopt it? (NOT reccomended) Will it become a community project, with a masterpost for everyone to contribute? I'm excited to see what will happen.

As for me, I wish everyone here the best of blessings. You're all so loved, so important, and so, so, SO valuable. Never forget that, babes. I've gotta go have dessert now - can't do it past 7:00. Take care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Ella Starburst

Zeke

Andrea

(*)Kazmara

Floof Industries