It has been nearly three years since I was introduced to the domain of message boards. The world of electronic culture that pulses through internet forums inspired a surge of creative expression that transformed my life. My journey of healing after cancer was available for the entire world to see and read. The photoart that chronicled my life in the Grand Canyon touched every continent. I shared stories, critiqued photography, made friends and got swept away in the timeless expanse of the e-world.

Then, like everything I pursue with reckless abandon, I tired of it. Chatting was a bore. Posting became meaningless. The portal of discovery that opened a new world to me closed. While deleting many of my old haunts from my list of favorites, I decided to visit one of them just one last time before I erased it. PHPBB would be exorcised from my life. I was readying myself for a new journey of discovery.

Enticed by the seductive power of a creative blend that teased my imagination, I clicked the link…

A new revolution was now underway.

Like my childhood friends who lured me into my first B-B gun war, I followed LB to Hitherston Forums.

Sorry, I was going to bait you with ice cream but I've done that to so many people now they don't believe me. Oh wait NO, yes free cameras....

*Rigs up more traps if this one doesn't work*

I was hooked.

The witty enticement offered by LB in a flurry of IM’s had me hooked. The red herring of liberation yielded to a renewed creativity that was being seeded and nurtured by Hitherston.com. As a co-creator of Hitherston, LB’s endearing wit and charm is an invitation to a space that nurtures artisans and encourages friendly competition. If you happen to venture into the domain of Hitherston.com, and find something in your message box, consider yourself lucky, LB is probably working her magic!

After posting on Hitherston Forums for a few days, I crossed into another realm I vowed to never enter…AIM. Having purged myself of instant messaging several years earlier, I benefited from more consistent sleep patterns and face-to-face relationships. Like a chronic gambler able to face his addiction, I was living a life in the real world, free of the seductive powers of instant messaging. Until I met Molly, I never realized what I was missing.

Not only did Molly shatter my illusions about the value of instant messaging, she guided me through the world of Hitherston and introduced me to a community of people that are enthusiastic about self-expression. Molly’s passion for people and art creates a warm environment where the most seasoned writers and casual photographers can share their work and receive encouraging feedback. As a seasoned artist and co-leader of Hitherston, Molly makes everyone feel at home. Be sure to strike up a conversation with Molly the next time you visit Hitherston, you’ll be glad you did.

I’ve had thousands of unremarkable chats and met hundreds of people who have quickly passed from memory. ChasingLife87 was one of the people who transcended anonymity and made a lasting impression that I carry with me today. As a writer, she is passionate and witty. As a graphic artist, her never-ending love of learning is intoxicating. As a programmer, her dedication is unmatched. Meeting such a multi-dimensional artisan was one of the highlights of the message boards I used to frequent. Unfortunately, as my interest in online forums waned, I lost contact with ChasingLife87.

After spending several weeks on Hitherston Forums, there was one co-creator I had yet to meet. After reading her work and seeing her influence on Hitherston, I wanted to find out who the enigmatic Meli was. Thanks to Molly, I was finally able to meet her on AIM. Meli introduced herself as the person who "kept bugging me to show her stuff" on another message board. Unable to recall sharing any of my skills with anyone that bugged me, I was amazed to find out Meli's identity. She is ChasingLife87!

If you were fortunate enough to stumble upon this article, and have yet to explore the world of Hitherston, take the time to explore a place where art and community create lasting friendships. Start a journal, post a poem, share your photography and maybe a favorite tutorial with the Hitherston community and immerse yourself in a world united by the motto Unitas Contentione.