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Floof Finale: why
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Floof Finale: why
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
submitted by Floof Industries
(March 18, 2021 - 6:45 pm)
(March 18, 2021 - 6:45 pm)
I'm so sorry the MCU became a burden for you. Even though I didn't really comment I always enjoyed reading them and hearing from you. I am really going to miss you, but I respect your decision. It sounds like a hard one, but remember you will always, always be welcome if you ever decide to come back or drop in.
I would be willing to oversee the MCU (I can't do the HHG) but I would need a lot of help from other CBers, I can't do it alone. I was thinking something along the lines of Feline Fantasy's (?) idea, where each person would take a section of the MCU to write. I would make one section and all the others who volunteered to make a section would post their finished sections on a certain thread. From there I would copy and paste it all together and submit it to be posted.
I am in no way trying to take over, I just really want to keep the MCU going. Please let me know what you think, Ella and everyone else. I would love to hear other ideas and I will not be offended at all if the idea above is not used.
Come back on Valentines Day for the CBer reunion if you feel like it!
(March 19, 2021 - 10:13 am)
I drafted something... do you want me to share it? (it was kind of quick but whateverrr) And I like your idea. OHHHHHHHHHHH what if all are AEs come into it tooooooo?!?!!?!?!?!?!?!
(March 19, 2021 - 12:35 pm)
You're REALLY mature for doing this. Part of the evolution of the MCU was from something fun to a bit of an obligation; it happened when I was doing the awards too. You made something really wonderful and I'm glad you're prioritizing your own health over this. I'll miss you! You're a very creative, honest and imaginative person and I hope you continue to be fun and inventive. <3
(I'll also tell you a secret. Even while you thought I was a "big name" CBer, I was desperate to be people I thought were better than I. Nobody feels like they're on top, but we've all got someone who believes us to be something great.)
(March 19, 2021 - 11:34 am)
This really means a lot, Luna-Starr. Thank you so, so much, not only for this comment, but for helping so, so much in the MCUs.
(March 20, 2021 - 2:43 pm)
I understand. I gave up my ski lodge after the first chapter because I only got one comment. And that was guessing who I was.
We'll miss you.
I think the MCU should be a group thing, for example, one person posts "Hey, It's April!" and a few days they know, maybe a few remarks from their AE's, then another person says "Well here's a few jokes, a day or two, etc." remarks from THEIR Ae's, and so on.
(March 19, 2021 - 12:15 pm)
You will be missed,Floof! We completely understand; you should focus on what makes you happy! <333
(March 19, 2021 - 12:29 pm)
Good on you for making this decision. Good luck with your video editing! And we'll miss you, of course, so come back whenever you feel like it. :)
(March 19, 2021 - 12:56 pm)
As much as I would love to get to know y'all better...
goodbye, Ella, and your crew. You will be dearly missed.
I might try and make another version of the mcu! But it will never reach your standards of amazing ness..
(March 19, 2021 - 4:06 pm)
It looks like people are for the most part alright with one CBer a section . . . should we do that? If so, what are the sections of the MCU? I like the ideas of our AEs interjecting into our parts and Peregrine you could totally put them together!
(March 20, 2021 - 7:10 am)
Aww, we'll miss you! The HHG and MCU were always something I looked forward to, but I totally understand your decision, and I'm glad you know what's right for you! It's never fun for something to feel like an obligation. Don't forget to visit on Valentine's Day!! :)
(March 20, 2021 - 10:14 am)
First of all, I owe you an apology:
I haven't commented on the MCU nearly as much as I should. I've read it every month, and laughed every month, and it's brightened my day on the first, every month since I've been here.
But how often have I shown my appreciation? once. twice. Maybe three times.
I'm so sorry.
Secondly: you are legendary. Putting together an awesome MCU- thank you for that, so much. I appreciate it, even if I haven't been showing it. *hugs* You're funny, (You would not believe your eyes... if ten million fireflies TOOK OVER McDONALD'S AT 2AM), and your AEs are amazing. I will never forget Andrea, Zeke, Sammy (*tears*), or Kazmara. Ever.
Thirdly: *hugs* I'll miss you, not just because of the MCUs and HHGs (Not HGGs, Lumi--), but because I'll miss you. I know you haven't been on the rest of the CB recently and I haven't interacted with you much, but from reading the MCUs every month, I can get an idea of who you are as a person, and I'll miss that person.
Fourthly: Good luck on the rest of life! If you can, check in on Valentines, and if you can't, don't worry about it. Have fun, keep being awesome, and remember you're legendary. <33
~Lumi
(March 20, 2021 - 1:54 pm)
Noooooo! We’ll miss you! But I totally understand why you’re leaving. It’s a very smart and mature decision, and it’s one that I respect. Just remember to visit the CB every once in awhile.
(March 20, 2021 - 4:10 pm)
Ella/Floof Industries,
I am so sad to see you go, but I really respect your decision. It is very mature of you to think about your own feelings first. The MCU and HHG were always huge bright spots in my month, and I appreciate you/your work so much. And you are so legendary! I feel like we all took the MCU in particular for granted, and I am so incredibly sorry. Please don't forget to visit, we'll miss you!! <3
I hope someone/some people can continue the MCU/HHG, I'd be willing to contribute as much as I can.
(March 20, 2021 - 5:59 pm)
First of all, I'm sorry I never was really involved in either HHG or MCU- I don't check This Month often and never had the motivation to comment, which I regret. But when I did see them, they always made me smile <3
And I'm glad you were able to make this decision and be so mature about it. I respect that. Thank you for being honest. :) We'll miss you so much! You were such an important part of the CB.
As for the MCU, I don't think I'll have the dedication to do them. I think Feli's idea about splitting it up would work well, though :) If you need something, I can definitely help, but otherwise I probably won't get involved.
(March 20, 2021 - 6:46 pm)
I am not sure if you ever did this, but I think I’ll start an almost-weekly Check-Up with my AEs for the entire chatterbox!! Anyways, you will be sadly missed, and I hope somebody else can take over the hhg, at least before Easter <3
(March 20, 2021 - 9:28 pm)