After more than two decades of tapping away at keyboards, swapping greetings, banter, and late-night confessions, I’m finally hanging up my virtual hat. I’ve roamed the digital streets of AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Buzzen, and a string of other chat networks whose logos are now as vintage as dial-up tones. There was a time when chat wasn’t just a pastime—it was a lifeline. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
Over the years, I worked hard to make sure chatters had a home—especially on Buzzen and other IRCwx networks. I poured time, energy, and heart into building spaces where people could connect, laugh, vent, and feel like they belonged. Along the way, I met an incredible array of characters, made dear friends, and collected memories that I’ll carry forever. Some friends have drifted away, and others remain close. And one very special connection… became my wife.
But the truth is, I no longer feel the same pull toward chat. The faces are fewer, the conversations shorter, and my own spark to meet new chatters has faded. It doesn’t feel like “home” anymore—and homes should be places you look forward to coming back to.
That’s not to say I’m disappearing entirely. I’ll still be around behind the scenes if needed, quietly keeping the gears turning, but the days of hanging in the lobby and knowing everyone’s nick are behind me. I have other projects that excite me now—including continuing to build and refine my own e-CMS—and I’m ready to give them the focus they deserve.
To those I’ll no longer see on my friends list: thank you. For the laughs, for the trust, for letting me be part of your stories. I hope, in some way, my years of work helped repay the kindness and connection that chat gave me when I needed it most.
And to the friends I still hold close—you’re not getting rid of me that easily.
Here’s to the past 20+ years of good people, good times, and the weird, wonderful world of chat. Farewell… and thank you for everything. Please enjoy your chat experience.
