Hey there! I'm back after...uh...4 years? It's been a long time! If you don't know me, I was pretty active in this community in 2013 and 2014. Even though it's been only 4 years, a lot has happened in my life. (Warning: Life story ahead.)
The truth is, when I began this account, I was very young. Now before you go saying how neglectful my parents are/were, they are honestly quite old and aren't good with technology. So when they got me a Macbook Air for my birthday, I obviously went on the Internet. Being interested in Nintendo games and such, my first expierience with the internet was on a Wikia community called Fantendo. Honestly, I acted a little weird and mean, but I was just awkward.
I was introduced to Dragonvale by my cousins. I downloaded it and was hooked. I loooove collecting things like pins, buttons, and toys, and this played right into it. Honestly, I spent all my birthday and Christmas money on this game. It was probably not the best way to spend money, yes, but I thought it was fun.
I found the Dragonvale wiki while looking for a guide. I decided to make an account. Everyone was friendly to me and encouraging, and honestly, it was an incredible community.
I want to thank everyone who commented on my blog posts, everyone who posted on my wall, everyone who put their signature on my profile, and anyone reading this right now! Thank you for being the kindest, most welcoming, most incredible community I've ever been in on the Internet. Thank you for helping me develop my drawing skills, and not pushing me down even though my drawings were "bad." Now, although honestly I haven't entered any contests or anything, I currently have 7 filled sketchbooks, and I'm working on my 8th. This community was so postive and loving towards everyone. Once again, you guys were the best!
I began to drift away from the game when it was bought out by Hasbro. It changed from an indie game made with love to a coporate cash cow. I recently installed the game again, and I was shocked at the 10000+ different currencies (that you could all convientely pay for with real money), the rare dragons that were availible for 2 seconds, the million different elements, and the event happening every other day. It was really sad to me. I loved this game, and seeing it transform into this really got me.
I feel like this definitely affected the community. The wiki was once super fast on updating information, but now it seems like the main page hasn't been updated in months. What was really sad, even sadder than the game itself, was seeing all these people, people who were my friends, disappear. That's why I quit as well. I could see Dragonvale as a whole was declining.
Now, 4 years later, life is a bit different for me. I'm still in school, but I quit piano, stopped sports, started playing guitar, and lost 15 pounds. I'm happier with my life than ever before. However, recently I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called Lupus. It's mild, and hasn't affected my organs yet, but I'll have to take medication for the rest of my life. It kinda sucks, compared to "normal" people, but it doesn't really affect my life too bad.
Now I'm about to enter high school, with a STEM program that I'm doing. I'm planning to join the Esports club, robotics club, and debate club, although that might be too much. I have lots of friends, and as far as I know, everyone tends to like me. I'm excited, and I can't wait for this next stage of my life.
I'm not going to return to Dragonvale, but I'd like to leave a message. Thank you, everyone who helped me along the way, with building my confidence, and helping out each other as well. I hope, wherever or whenever you're reading this, you have a great day/night, and that you help others do that too!
Thank you, Dragonvale community!
Sincerely,
Caitlin
P.S: I'll respond to comments on this post for a while! It'll be nice to talk to all of you again!