Friends

Day 1,470, 12:18 • Published in USA Canada • by Thedillpickl



Hi Kids!

There is a contest, sponsored by Fionia. I'm supposed to write an article about my proudest moment in eRep. I'd appreciate it if you would go clutter up the comments in Another Writer's Challenge.


A little clutter never hurt anyone.




A Foreword

You knew, if it was coming from me, that a simple topic like "My Proudest Moment" would end up being complicated. Well, there are two times that stick out, but they are related (sort of) to each other. My proudest moments involve two groups of individuals. While my accomplishments at the UIP, in Congress, my run for POTUS, sundry other political doings were fun, they didn't really muster pride. Also, the many friends I've made while playing this game are a real hoot. I think I've got friends from just about every country in eRep. After Midnight I quit looking at my shout box, it's usually showing messages in languages I can't read. xD I enjoy my friends here, but again, that is not something to cause pride.

The following two "moments" actually cause a lump in my throat and a mist in my eye. I'm not usually very sentimental, and I don't like to get sappy like this, but for eRep being just a browser game, I consider these experiences unique.




Proudest Moment #1

I can still remember my first boss, Shaun Carter. We hit it off and he showed me how the econ worked. He also helped me with loans and gifts to help me get started faster. I have never forgot that lesson. To this day, I am committed to helping noobs that are willing to lean. Friends helping friends makes this flimsy excuse for a game, fun to play.


What was I thinking! lol

Soon the Gherkin Company became several companies. I had grain/food, iron/weapon, wood/house, but my focus was on the food production. Food was my money maker. I was a mean boss, always bitchin' about health and productivity. Anyone that had a business back then knows what I'm talking about. I was fair too, if someone worked everyday above 95%, they got a nice bonus on Sunday. Sunday was my fun day/evil day. Fun for my good workers, I would send bonuses and try to PM them all. (I had about 85 workers at my peak.) Evil day for da bums that got nasty PM's or da boot.

I began working with several employees the way that Shaun had with me. We had a ball figuring out new ways to eek out a little more profit. We became very close and watched each others backs. I think some of them even gave others their password when leaving on vacation.

OK, "That's wonderful" you say, "but what's the proudest moment?". Well, when the admins 'fixed' the economy and the markets went crazy. No one could afford employees, so there was ton's of overproduction. The price of food crashed, etc., etc. The core of my employees stuck it out with me. When I couldn't make payroll, some sent their pay back to me. Some worked just for half their pay. Some worked just for food. This went on for two or three weeks. Finally, I could see that I could not afford employees and would have to work the companies as a manager only. (This was the new cure thought up by the admins.) I PM'ed everyone and thanked them, sent a final bonus, wished them luck and asked them to stay in touch. I couldn't bear to fire them, so I told them to please quit. One by one, over the next few days, they all left.



Proudest Moment #2

After recovering from the econ disaster, I started to gain momentum with a new plan to run my corporations. I began to make money, f-i-n-a-l-l-y. I started to work for this guy who actually PM'ed me. 0.o We started talking about (of course) the econ. One day I casually mentioned that I'd like to have a MU. That is how I found my latest, greatest game friend, jver1207.



Although I don't have the history with Pickle's Patriots as I do with my old employees, I am pleasantly surprised to find that they are excited about what we are doing. Several members have expressed their appreciation and commitment to the group. The newest guys have been in the game a little over a month, they have progressed very well and look to form the backbone of the MU. I am very proud of each and everyone of them.

There is one special member of Pickle's Patriots that I'd like to thank. He embarrasses easily and doesn't want attention, I can't help but mention him. TumArda22ed is one of my original employees from almost a year ago. After leaving me, he went to play in his native eTurkey. He got bored there and looked me up, w00t!




Wrap It Up Dude!

I guess what I'm trying to say is, accomplishments and awards are nice, but the trust, loyalty and respect of your friends is supreme. This game is fake. Everything in eRep is pretend, except for the people that play it. The fact that I have gained just one friend here would be something to celebrate. Having several people who actually care about me and are willing to do whatever I ask of them is remarkable.