To Josh

[calvinseviltwin]

Wait. *digs up Savage Garden lyrics and edits out the parts that don't apply*

here i go again i promised myself i wouldn't think of you today
it's been seven months and counting
you've moved on
i still feel exactly the same
it's just that everywhere i go all the buildings know your name
like photographs and memories of love
steel and granite reminders
the city calls your name and i can't move on

here i go again
i promised myself i wouldn't think of you today
but i'm standing at your doorway
i'm calling out your name because i can't move on

[starhamster]

Josh,

I don't really know what to say here... I heard rumors last night that you were quitting your job at Neopets, but I thought it was just a joke - that nothing could ever happen to my safe, beloved little world. I have a tendency to do that, I know: to fix things in my mind and try to make them stay there, hoping they will remain forever, eternally peaceful, unchanging; it's a way for me to feel secure, I guess, in a world that changes too fast for me to keep up with. But it wasn't a joke - the news was real, because the reality of the situation is that the world is always changing; people change, places change, and lives have to move on. Down every path is a new crossroad.

Although I never knew you personally, your simple act of publishing a young author's horrible first series has changed my life in more ways than I can count. It's started me writing for fun again, something I haven't done since I was much younger; it's also given me confidence in my abilities. In the darkest of times, I can always look back on the memory of seeing my username there in print and think, "Someone out there appreciates me, likes my talents." I've met some great people through writing, too - so for everything, thank you.

So in the moving on, I can only wish you the best of luck... you leave behind more than just a job, but I hope you'll stay in touch with your friends here.

~Jan

[Deleted]

Josh-

I don't really know what to say. You have NO IDEA how overjoyed I was when you responded to the first PetPet Herd that I sent in: "Cool, look for it in Issue 48." There were times when I thought you hated me, and other times when you were my best friend. We talk to each other a few times a week, and I'd always badger you with questions, but you never hesitated to answer with a resounding "heh". I still have our last, LONG conversation saved, when we talked about arm wrestling Voila, Fuzzlumps, and Cindy Crawford. Anyways, I'll miss you A LOT...Shankly Holmes will never be the same again.

[bludragn3]

To Josh,

I'll miss your tenure as editor of the Neopian Times. Without you, it won't feel like the Times. However, the hand of time writes and cannot erase, and so, I must bid you adieu.

I was overjoyed when I submitted "Shock Tactics" and you replyed with a "fabulous story ". I was ecstatic when you published "Lost in the Blizzard". I was crushed when I found out you would never see the Teal Trio series. Because of this, I'm afraid I might have the erase the Teal Trio Datalinks, because it was really intended for you to see.

There's really nothing I can say that hasn't been said already. I'm sorry to see you go, but I wish you lots of luck and wisdom on your journey. Please, do visit the Writer's Forum when you have the time. We'll be glad to see you.

And so, I'll be listening to the Credits Theme and the Mission Complete Tune from Perfect Dark, the First Surface Theme from Goldeneye, and "The Real Folk Blues" from Cowboy Bebop, because, dang it, it all applies to this occasion.

See ya,
Bluey

[Leb]

From me:

You might now be wondering what this poem is about,
But read a few more lines and that should erase your doubt,
To Josh! Who took the time to sort out all our crazy stuff,
Even when we submitted far more than enough
And picked out cool descriptions from our sentences and phrases,
Plus awesome pictures that proudly display on Times pages,
Or listening to us when no one else would
And doing all that you possibly could
For making us happy, for making us smile,
We were glad to be in your company for awhile
And your programming time week after week
Organizing our work into the Times was no small feat,
But you'll never know how much joy you gave to us,
And even if we sometimes bothered you, you never gave a fuss.
Time goes on and as we grow older,
We grow and change, but old memories smolder.
There are so many things I want to now say,
Like thanks, I'm sorry, goodbye and please stay,
But we'll be happy for you whatever you do,
We wouldn't be where we are without you.
Behind radishes flung at your alter-ego
Is an immense gratitude you may never know.
I'm sorry I had to tell you in a rhymed list,
But Josh, what I want to say is that you'll be missed.

[peachifruit]

To Josh, the spiffiest editor there is,

Thanks for everything. The past few months have meant a lot.

I knew this would have to happen someday, but I was very surprised when I heard the news. I didn't think that when you told us Week 75 would be so special, it would be this special.

Thanks for the past 30 submissions, and for tolerating my Magnolia stories that long! Remember the very first one I sent you? I was surprised you read through that one. And thanks for waiting for me when my last submission was running late. Just shows how patient you are.

So, you've heard this before, but thanks for making the NT what it is today! Honestly, that's all I can say, because you are the spiffiest editor there is.

Goodbye, and make sure you post here now and then!

~Peachifruit

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[nyri]

Everyone else seems to have said everything needed to be said. So I guess I'd just like to add that this is the end of a great era, heh. I always thought you were a funky editor.

- Nyri

[beanspasm]

You are all too kind... too kind. Thanks for everything. Don't stop writing and/or creating your gems. You guys made my job fun.

Stay golden,

Josh

[Nekookane]

Hey Josh,

I never really talked to you, or anything, but I did appreciate you publishing my stories.

I hope you leave your poo gallery up for posteriority (hehe). I shall go and stare at it when I'm feeling like I'm taking sh*t too seriously.

Deirdre (aka nekookane)

[calvinseviltwin]

Josh we love you.

In a nonsexual way of course.

[poy222]

calvinseviltwin said:

Josh we love you.

Yes we do. Good luck!

[oddhatter]

calvinseviltwin said:

Josh we love you.

In a nonsexual way of course.

Of course. What other way is there?

[calvinseviltwin]

oddhatter said:

Of course. What other way is there?

Well, I don't think the other way would appply. OK everyone, group hug on Josh! *hands out gas masks first*

[L]

*wavewave*

Miss you.

[Patjade]

I guess I showed up a bit late for this. It happens when one lives halfway around the world.

Most of the good stuff has been said, so all I can add it:

Thanks for everything you've done for everyone, Josh.

Take care and be well.

Pat