To Josh

[Azzandra]

I'm late at yet another thing... Story of my life.

Well, Josh, I kept thinking of something to say, but... Until now, I couldn't think of the Neopian Times without thinking of the dung-obsessed editor of it. When my self-esteem was as low as the weeds under the snow, I kept thinking that if I'm in the Neopian Times, I must have some value. When I heard you were leaving, it hit me like a ton of bricks (that, or the radio was too loud). My whole vision of Neopets crumbled, as I realised it shall never be the same without you...

As my sister would say, "Time comes, time goes, as do people."

I am usually emotionally deattached, but this time I'm crying like a frelling baby...

Josh, I have no fancy poem of picture, not to mention I'm bad at these kind of things, but goodbye, and may our paths cross another day. Hopefully, we won't have stepped in anything.

[erikaidle]

Okay, I don't know you as well as many others, but I'd like to say that I'm sorry that you're leaving. The Neopian Times will never be quite the same... you always picked out the best stories to print in them. I enjoyed reading every issue.

And you published my very first and only article, so I am eternally grateful for that. Thanks again for that, and good luck out there. Lots of people are rooting for you. We'll miss you.

[epk]

I come back and everybody leaves. Do I smell or something?

But whatever the reason, bye Josh, bye!

Personally, although I like Josh, I think a new editor is going to be a good thing in the long run. In fact, I can't wait for Issue 76 and see how this turns out! ;D

[scriptfox]

Dear Josh,

Thanks for making my writing for the Times a special experience. Thanks for taking an interest in my doings at the index. My main regret (on a personal level) is that the Next Big Thing there (which I deliberately kept secret from you to give you a pleasant surprise) now has about 90% of the fun and excitement removed from it. Just knowing that you were around, keeping an eye on things, and knowing that I'd have an appreciative audience, was really worth more than I'd ever stopped to think about.

Truth is, I've never had a LOT of fan mail (except for my recent articles), but then I never really needed it. I liked my stories, and after me, I always had an audience of at least one... you.

Now? I don't know. I don't plan on leaving, or quitting, but this is going to take some time to adjust to. I feel at loose ends, and it'll be a while before they ravel back into a new pattern.

I do truly wish you the best, and if you ever need an appreciative ear (or would that be eye?) to listen to your ramblings, someone to help with the sympathy department, to simply help reassure you that at least somewhere someone cares about what happens to you.... just call.... I promise, I'm a good listener as well as a "talker".

Now I realize why the neat little item in my inventory. I'm rather glad now I didn't sell it... sure, it's an unbuyable, and worth a lot of points, but knowing it was a last goodbye from a friend just made it unsellable as well as unbuyable.

I guess I'll close with a quote that I felt applied to me several times in the past, and certainly now is one of those times:

Real tears are not those that fall from
the eyes and cover the face, but those
that fall from the heart and cover the
soul.

---Vaja Con Dios, mi amigo.

[sara]

Our Stage Combat teacher also left us about two weeks ago. I would like to pass on some of his goodbye words which he gave to us to Josh, with modifications -

Pursue that makes you happeist, whether it's art, it's a career, money, or someone you love

[the_darkjedi]

Thanks for giving a squadron of shoyrus a place and a reason to fly.

The best of luck to you, from myself and the rest of the Shoyru Squadron.

[LDF]

I know I'm a bit late to the party, but...

Josh, you know we'll all miss you. Why'd you leave? Even though we don't know, it was probably for a good reason. I just wished you would have stayed, before it brings tears to my eyes that for more (or exactly) then 75 issues of the Neopian Times, you've brought joy to the world of Neopia.

Even though sometimes the NT did come out on Monday... that was okay, because we at least got the Neopian Times. I hope you'll be okay wherever your new job is. Good luck, and I hope you'll check up on us from time to time.

Best wishes,

LDF

[aachewwthree]

Josh-

It really is a hard thing, saying Goodbye. I write all the time, it feels like second nature. Though tonight, my fingers feel frozen, mind blank.
My thoughts return to July, when I had first submitted. I had never talked to you personally, but when I got that Form Mail, I felt like I was lifted up. From that day, everything I've written went through you.

I sit here, racking for words, those words that are so hard to find. My vision is cloudy as I write this, I can't explain the sadness. The feeling is so bittersweet. I am happy for you new expedteniures in life, but sad because you are leaving.

My good-byes were always subpar, I know why now, it's because of the feeling, deep in your heart. The one that cries in anguish, it tells you that is not real.

I don't have much more to say, but thank you for your help and good-bye. You have done much for me without showing it openly...I hope our roads meet again.

Thank you for so much,
RJ Roan.

[felabba]

Josh,

I only found out you had left neopets today. I feel like a complete and proper idiot. But, late or no, i will add my thanks to what has already been said, in the hopes that you will still meander through to check up on us and read this.

I appreciate all you've done for me. When i said i wanted to be a regular comic artist and you replied "I hope you become a "regular" too", that meant a lot to me. I don't think it would have been as enjoyable to continue my comic if i hadn't had support from you. I'm sorry for all the weird file conversions, the confusing descriptions, and everything else i plagued you with.

When you unfroze my account, that was a big thing. My pets meant a lot to me as well, after 2 and a bit years with the two of them. I can't express how grateful I am for that. And to you, for your hard work as an editor.

Love ya Josh.
Fel.

(Here I include my favouritist and longest email from the Shanklyator. And apologise for my long post.)

Hi...

Did you mean to attach your story to your
e-mail? Well, nothing was attached. I look
forward to reading your story. Never mind,
I see your e-mail now w/ an attachment.
Please don't listen to anything I've said
in this e-mail, except for the I look
forward to reading your story part. Yeah,
okay.

Josh

[Ducky]

Hey Josh-
Just wanted to say thank you for publishing all my cheesy little comics. And more than that, thanks for giving me a little more confidence in my artistic abilities and allowing to share my little jokes with such a large audience.
I wrote my college application essay on graphic design... those silly comics that you allowed me to publish are helping to get me into fancy colleges.
And so... thanks.
You're awesome! Don't forget that!!!! ;D

[Lappi]

Mister Filan, could I write a story based on your Neopet? ^_^ Pwease? PWEASE? *pleads*

[relationshipper]

Josh if you ever read this you made - the NT is a big part of Neopets, and thank YOU lots for making it so great. A great writer does not have to have a major in English or be out of high school, the past, nearly 2 years of me reading the Times were a definite pleasure Good luck to whatever you choose to venture in, you will shine even brighter than you did with your contributions to Neo for sure. Thanks for letting me know my writing for alright, even though you didn't tell me, but getting into NT is definitely one of the proudest things and coolest I've ever accomplished (lame) -_- Drop everyone a line soon because you're missed so much rock on JF

[4aishaears]

Hi,
So I've never gotten published in the times or even knew you were leaving till a day or two ago, but still, I hope that where ever you go it turns out alright.
-4aishaears