This is such a surprise! I am truly touched; thank you all!
I didn’t know if anyone really cared about what all I do around here, or actually realized that it is indeed quite a bit of work. Not that I wanted them to, I don’t do it for any recognition, I do it because I want to. I don’t personally see it as work, it’s a labor of love that I genuinely enjoy, but recently I have come to realize how consuming a task it really is as it has become necessary to back burner various ToO projects in deference to more pressing life matters, so it is very gratifying to see this expression of appreciation.
It may seem odd to some for a website to have a historian, but this isn’t just any website. This is a very special and truly unique community that does have a distinct and storied history. There is indeed a story to preserve if one cares to devote attention to it. I fell into the position naturally; from my very first experiences here I knew I not only wanted to participate in this place, but to celebrate it.
I will use this opportunity to make a clear offer of my services to anyone who didn’t realize what my title meant. If you have a question about pretty much anything about the ToO, please feel free to approach me. A question about events or members of our past, whether it’s a specific bit of information you want or just a general curiosity you want to learn more about, I am more than willing to share what I know, and if I don’t know it I will research it. I don’t study all this ToO information so I can sit back and just know it for myself; it’s so I can share it with others. My purpose isn’t to simply have this knowledge, it’s to impart it.
I am honored to be offered this new title, though slightly hesitant to accept it merely because when I expressed desire to be recognized as the Unofficial Historian on December 13th of 2009 the adjective was approved by Catspaw with the remark that “this way nobody will expect you to know/remember everything about the past 4+ years (hopefully.)
” so now I’m having a bit of a darcie’s blue name moment.
But all I can do in assisting people with their inquiries is my best, which I did while in the office unofficially, so nothing has changed on my end. As long as people don’t start putting unreasonable expectations on now we’ll be fine.
Thank you again for taking the time to give this recognition. As I said it’s not why I do what I do, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t truly appreciated. I love this community and I want others to as well. That’s why I took up this mantle; so other people can see why the ToO is so special to me.