I was just looking at my
LiveJournal layout (I changed it yesterday), and I was just reflecting on how the times have *really* gone by. Do you remember Diana's Divine Designs? I think that's where the background of my LiveJournal came from. Unfortunately, I can't really be sure because it was - counts - 4 years ago, and the wallpaper was actually sent to me by email by Lynne. I remember because I had a folder especially for the files that Lynne had sent me, and as I was cleaning it out a year ago, I rediscovered the wallpaper background.
Anyway, I'm pretty certain that Diana's Divine Designs' owner was Kimi, who is now one of the administrators of
The Quilting Bee. Which also brings me to think that that especial community has been around for quite a while, too. Two years, maybe? What other memories do I have of those bygone years? Certainly of
DMB. I've been with the board almost since its birth. I'll admit I almost completely disappeared during its Ikonboard days, but that was because of the enormous influx of obnoxious 'newbies.' I'm not saying that all newbies are rude and disrespectful, but those were definitely some very chaotic times for DMB. Even if the rules for DMB registration are very tight, as I reflect on those days, I see how necessary it is.
Oh, and remember 'Scented Angels?' I think that's still around, somewhere. And just thinking of that recalls all the dozens of beautiful anime and manga domains that have since disappeared. It's so sad to see content and design being replaced by trends and design instead. Occasionally, I'll see an anime and manga domain stubbornly clinging on to traditions (notably
The Eternity Network), but times always bring change and even I have witnessed it happening to the 'oldies.'
It's kind of funny recalling the 'early' days, though. I was just starting out in webdesign, like so many other people today. I would paw through gorgeous sites chock full of sweets and surprises and content, and lament that I would never become that 'great' and skilled and talented and creative. As I look around now, though, I think I can say that, if I *really* wanted to, I could probably reproduce those designs to a very detailed degree. (Not that I would try, though - that *is* called copying. As we all - or should - know, imitation is not always the best form of flattery.) But see, there's my dilemna. I could be 'great' and talented, but I never had and never will have the creativity.
I'm not trying to be vain, but yes, I do believe that I have the ability to make things beautiful. But how do I create an original? Something that's never been seen before? I feel like I'm stuck in this 'above average' stage, and only because I don't have creativity. I could be so much better, I know I could, but my ideas are only the reflections of inspiration taken from others. I'm in a stalemate, and probably always will be, because I can't take my skills and make something new out of it. I can emulate, but never create.
Woah, that was one long lament.
