STORY TIME

Boy have things around here changed as of late.

The whole look of the BEA, the way things are run. Heck by the time you read this I probably can't even fathom half of the changes that have been made in a few short months.

More than we got over a period of years.

And so far reaction has been good, so I can't even yell at you folks for that. As I have said many times before in the past, change is good. And this is better than good.

Imaginos has tried very hard to please everyone he possibly can, mending the broken bonds between site and members for some time now. Have you thanked your webmaster today? If not I suggest you do.

One of the biggest overally changes that I'm enjoying at the BEA is the fact that the site has stepped into a new millenium, even if it is a bit late. The dreary dark blue and orange design that made me feel like I was going to an underground porn site has now been wiped way. Now when I go to the BEA, I see vibrant colors, I see a new logo, I see things organized and labeled.

Kind of makes you fear what Imaginos could do if you gave him a tupperware set for Christmas, doesn't it?

In all serious-ness, I typically verbally abuse somebody in this section of the webzine. It has kind of become expected. Unfortunately this issue I am too damn happy to do so.

So gather around children, let me tell you a story.

Most folks are aware that I began in this community much like many others. I lurked. I lurked for about 2 years before I donated a morph or said a word. I thought of people like Imaginos, Dr. Bust, Morphermor, Franz and Chili as gods. As famous people. Their donations to the community impressed me greatly, and when I finally came out from lurking, when I posted morphs, I wasn't posting them just because I wanted feedback. I wanted feedback from THOSE guys. The ones who blew me away with their own work.

So I then figured out how to work mirc, and joined the BE Loft. When I arrived the first time, I was openly welcomed by all. The funny thing was, these celebrities (as I thought of them) were all in this chat room. I was talking with them.

I could send them work, and get real feedback right away. I was so thrilled, and as cool as I should have acted, I essentially marked out for the legends in the room.

Example, I should have said things like "Hi there, it's nice to meet you. I greatly admire your work and hope to have you pass on your wisdom to me."

Instead the Loft was treated to "HOLY SHIT! IT'S FRANZ! YOU IS GOD! #1!! WOW! I can't BELIEVE THIS!"

Despite my obvious verbal issues, they listened to me. I sent morphs as I made them to all who asked. Pretty soon they started talking with me about software, and got me into learning how to actually use the tools I had available.

And my work improved. Because I had Morphermor over one shoulder, and Imaginos over the other guiding me. Having patience, and telling me when I did work that was hardly impressive, and praising me when I improved. And I slowly grew into what I am now. A remotely decent morph artist.

Thanks to them, I can now take a picture and turn it into pure fantasy, and do it with the style I have always wanted to use. It took help. I couldn't have done it on my own.

There are others who helped, don't get me wrong. You are all appreciated. But the countless hours donated to making me a decent artist given to me by those two is mind blowing. I didn't know why they cared for a long time.

Now I do.

To stimulate growth in the community. To make this place better for you guys. To ensure that folks of the future still have people of our craft.

So I say now, to you other artists, and to myself, "have you found your Pacman?"

Apprenticeship works.

-Pacman