by Prof. Miette Bynny
When I started on this community almost 11 years ago, I couldn’t have imagined it would have lasted as long as it did. I found this place on a love for the books. At this time I have only read the first 2 books and have become so enthralled with the storyline and the themes of the book. I found out that the books were being made into a movie so my quest to find out everything about it brought me to a movie website. On the forum someone posted a link to a website called Hogwarts Online. I took a look at this website and immediately became intrigued. So intrigued I posted it again on the movie website for more people to join.
At this time, the website was still on the very basic look. It was hosted on Rapidforum. Throughout the years as the website evolved into what it is today, I will look back to that time and just laugh at how young the original site was. It was a baby that grew out of the love and meaning of the books. We made friends on the website. More and more people would join every year, every term. It made me smile because something that grew out of one man’s idea became a huge community for over 11 years. This community has seen its fair share of drama, but what kept it going was the people’s love and desire for the books and movies. We have also met wonderful people on here and created friendships that have lasted longer than people’s marriages.
My intent of this article is to basically tell everyone on HOL that I have come in contact with and haven’t, how much you all mean to me. You have made the past 11 years so awesome and so enriching that I have
At this time, the website was still on the very basic look. It was hosted on Rapidforum. Throughout the years as the website evolved into what it is today, I will look back to that time and just laugh at how young the original site was. It was a baby that grew out of the love and meaning of the books. We made friends on the website. More and more people would join every year, every term. It made me smile because something that grew out of one man’s idea became a huge community for over 11 years. This community has seen its fair share of drama, but what kept it going was the people’s love and desire for the books and movies. We have also met wonderful people on here and created friendships that have lasted longer than people’s marriages.
My intent of this article is to basically tell everyone on HOL that I have come in contact with and haven’t, how much you all mean to me. You have made the past 11 years so awesome and so enriching that I have
grown so much individually. I feel so proud that I have been able to see people go on to college, graduate college, get careers they’ve dreamed of, get married and have families.
Sometimes we forget there is a real life because we sit behind the computer screens. We all, myself included, have gotten involved on the drama. We have lost friendships because of that drama. When I look back at it today, I regret ever getting involved in something so petty. I miss those that I no longer talk to. I wish them all the best. I now know that this is just another step in the growing process of us all. We may not like certain things that go on, but we need to forgive just for ourselves for this is our only way we can truly grow and accept love.
With saying this, I must bid Hogwarts Online, a place I have called home for over 11 years, a farewell. As I sit here writing this, tears are streaming down my face. Not because I won’t ever talk to you again, but because I am closing this chapter of my life. For me to grow as a person, I must turn the page. I will never forget all the people on this community. They have seen me go through so many personal struggles. They have seen me through my surgery. They have seen me through two house foreclosures and an eviction, my brother’s illness, my brother’s transplant. There are a few that have helped me through my personal emotional struggles of depression, wanting to end my life for my brother, and just building my self-esteem up. When my own family wasn’t there for the emotional turmoil’s, my online HOL family was there. They gave me the words of encouragement and reason to keep fighting even when I wanted to give up. Because of this website, I have continued on and learn to love everyone, their fault and idiosyncrasies. All of that makes you unique and I love you all, even I do not say it enough.
As my time ends here, I wanted to leave with just a few words. You may not get along with everyone and you may not even like what goes on. However, one must remember this site, this community was created for those that love Harry Potter and what the books stood for. Remember there will be changes, but to accept those changes and grow. If you have a problem, reach out to the source of the problem and talk it out rather than gossip. You would be amazed at how much can be resolved in a calm discussion with the parties involved. Have fun while you are here and remember it is not about winning or the most points, although it makes it fun, but it is to enjoy everything and everyone. Whether you know it or not, each encounter you have with someone, that person makes an impression on you, but it is up to you to what degree, negative or positive. Hopefully, you will let go of that negative and apply it to be something positive in your life and grow. That is what I am trying to do every day. I’ve encounter amazing people here and met a few. One day I hope to meet a few more. However, for those that I won’t remember I love you all and believe in you. I believe you can do anything you want, regardless of the nay-sayers. You are what defines your life and can make your life move forward. Will there be hard times? Absolutely. Will there be times when you are emotionally broken down? Um, duh! But what is important is that you can pick yourself up and move forward. What has made it possible for me are the people I have met here and other places. Friends have made it possible for me to grow and pick myself up. If you ever need me, you can message me on IRC or on facebook, or even text me. For those that do not know me and if you just need someone to talk you can friend me on facebook (Dee Lynds) or find me on IRC under DeeDee or even email me at [email protected].
I love you all and I hope to stop by and see this community grow into something bigger. You are the family I needed when I felt alone. You all are in my heart and I wish nothing but the best for you. Remember, change may be scary, but in order to grow you must accept it and adapt to it. However, having great friends make change a whole lot easier. Love you all.
Thank you to all on Hogwarts Online. Thank you Rames for creating. Thank you Nando for continuing, and thank you to all that make this place awesome. Love and well wishes.
xoxo Prof. Bynny aka. DeeDee
Sometimes we forget there is a real life because we sit behind the computer screens. We all, myself included, have gotten involved on the drama. We have lost friendships because of that drama. When I look back at it today, I regret ever getting involved in something so petty. I miss those that I no longer talk to. I wish them all the best. I now know that this is just another step in the growing process of us all. We may not like certain things that go on, but we need to forgive just for ourselves for this is our only way we can truly grow and accept love.
With saying this, I must bid Hogwarts Online, a place I have called home for over 11 years, a farewell. As I sit here writing this, tears are streaming down my face. Not because I won’t ever talk to you again, but because I am closing this chapter of my life. For me to grow as a person, I must turn the page. I will never forget all the people on this community. They have seen me go through so many personal struggles. They have seen me through my surgery. They have seen me through two house foreclosures and an eviction, my brother’s illness, my brother’s transplant. There are a few that have helped me through my personal emotional struggles of depression, wanting to end my life for my brother, and just building my self-esteem up. When my own family wasn’t there for the emotional turmoil’s, my online HOL family was there. They gave me the words of encouragement and reason to keep fighting even when I wanted to give up. Because of this website, I have continued on and learn to love everyone, their fault and idiosyncrasies. All of that makes you unique and I love you all, even I do not say it enough.
As my time ends here, I wanted to leave with just a few words. You may not get along with everyone and you may not even like what goes on. However, one must remember this site, this community was created for those that love Harry Potter and what the books stood for. Remember there will be changes, but to accept those changes and grow. If you have a problem, reach out to the source of the problem and talk it out rather than gossip. You would be amazed at how much can be resolved in a calm discussion with the parties involved. Have fun while you are here and remember it is not about winning or the most points, although it makes it fun, but it is to enjoy everything and everyone. Whether you know it or not, each encounter you have with someone, that person makes an impression on you, but it is up to you to what degree, negative or positive. Hopefully, you will let go of that negative and apply it to be something positive in your life and grow. That is what I am trying to do every day. I’ve encounter amazing people here and met a few. One day I hope to meet a few more. However, for those that I won’t remember I love you all and believe in you. I believe you can do anything you want, regardless of the nay-sayers. You are what defines your life and can make your life move forward. Will there be hard times? Absolutely. Will there be times when you are emotionally broken down? Um, duh! But what is important is that you can pick yourself up and move forward. What has made it possible for me are the people I have met here and other places. Friends have made it possible for me to grow and pick myself up. If you ever need me, you can message me on IRC or on facebook, or even text me. For those that do not know me and if you just need someone to talk you can friend me on facebook (Dee Lynds) or find me on IRC under DeeDee or even email me at [email protected].
I love you all and I hope to stop by and see this community grow into something bigger. You are the family I needed when I felt alone. You all are in my heart and I wish nothing but the best for you. Remember, change may be scary, but in order to grow you must accept it and adapt to it. However, having great friends make change a whole lot easier. Love you all.
Thank you to all on Hogwarts Online. Thank you Rames for creating. Thank you Nando for continuing, and thank you to all that make this place awesome. Love and well wishes.
xoxo Prof. Bynny aka. DeeDee