Why are you here

Day 3,042, 23:46 • Published in USA USA • by Melissa Rose
King of Anything
Keep drinking coffee, stare me down across the table
While I look outside
So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet and count the cars that pass by
Since I wrote my last article, I’ve seen a number of articles discussing the death of the game.

We all understand that the game is dying and that eRep Labs is most likely spending its money elsewhere, but that doesn’t change my point. My point is that it does not necessarily make it worthless to play. If someone finds value in playing then they should be able to do so without being inundated with constant negativity about their choice.

When I see the articles about the death of the game I question why those people still play. It makes me wonder what their story is. So after talking to a few people I decided to tell mine, and try to get you to tell yours. If you don’t want to read my story, then skip past the dividers and go straight to the challenge at the end.


I’m not going to go all the way through my history with this game because I don’t think that really relates to why I left and why I came back. I’ll start with two years ago and work from there.

Two years ago, Tyler Bubblar pushed me out of the safety of my party and into national politics, asking me to help Custer with the Pony Express. With that little push, Custer became somewhat of a mentor, and I found myself as CoSecMed along with Custer under Oblige. After Oblige, I worked as SoHS under Josh Frost. That month was the most fun that I have had in this game. You couldn’t imagine how exciting it was helping Frost end the PTO once and for all.

Out of all of the people that encouraged me, no one did so more than Israel Stevens. He cheered me on behind the scenes. At this point in my gaming life I was just starting to find my voice. I was working my way up the national ladder, but I was unsure of myself and a bit timid. Because of him I learned to speak my mind; no matter what the cost to myself and my aspirations. It felt good to find my voice and not be ridiculed for my thoughts.

Unfortunately, after Frost’s presidency, I had some things happen out in the real world that caused me quite a bit of stress, as well as some spiteful drama in game that hurt me and made me bitter. Because of this, I decided to leave. I had no plans to ever come back.

I two clicked on and off for almost 2 years.

Then, I received a text from Orikfricai with something about the fed boards; so, I logged in to look and decided to stay for a bit. I played a little and got involved on the boards. I discovered that I wasn’t bitter anymore. I found quite a few new people in the feds and a new infectious positivity. It was fun to see and to be around.

Outside of the Feds, I saw a game that had become quite a bit smaller. It was dying. I could see it as well as anyone. I once again found new inspiration. I found that I enjoyed this semi new environment even with a dying game.

So, I stayed.

Watching newish players like MrCarey, Jaden A, Orikfricai, and Eddie A work their way up in national politics is inspiring. I’ve watched them get tossed around but never quit. That, to me, takes quite a bit of courage and is inspirational to watch. These players don’t know the game we played. Their thoughts and opinions are not bittered by old experiences.

It's refreshing.

So, I have finally come to my point. I’ve mentioned a number of people in my story because my story is, and always has been, about the people I’ve met and had the pleasure of getting to know. It’s the people that make this game fun for me. That is why I’m here. Some people will say that that is not this game; that’s the meta. For me, the meta is the game, and there is nothing wrong with that.

I’m enjoying myself or I wouldn’t be here. So, my question to you is: why are you here?


I challenge everyone to write an article about why you play. You can go through your history if you like but in the end you should evaluate why you are still here. One of the people I spoke with before I wrote this bet me that no one would do it, and they could very well be right, but I’m going to issue the challenge anyway.

I hope that they are wrong and that you will write your story because I would like to get to know the people that are still here and their reasonings for being here.