by Jeff Putz
posted 5/10/2001

Every once in awhile something happens that causes you to have an epiphany. I just recently changed jobs and moved into a new house. At the same time, I’m wrapping up what has been an incredibly successful junior Olympic volleyball season as my girls compete in regionals. That’s a lot of stuff to take in at once.

Meanwhile, back at CoasterBuzz, posts start to appear on the forums and other sites about everything from why Six Flags is so terrible for missing ride construction schedules to the moderation policies of our moderators. People really get worked up about this stuff.

When I finally had a moment to visit the site, I was a little awestruck. How could all of these things bother people that much in light of the fact that there are so many other things going on in the world around them? Suddenly my world of cardboard boxes, new business cards and happy teen athletes made me realize something about the Internet enthusiast community: It should only be a part of life, not an all consuming majority of it.

That’s a pretty bold statement, I think, coming from someone who is very much into his hobby of running a popular, time consuming (and have I mentioned expensive?) coaster site. Still, the reality of life is that there is a big world out there, and living in it is tough when you’re sitting in front of a computer screen.

My intention isn’t to dog anyone here, because our most active members are the ones that make the site what it is. I just want to remind you that there is more to life than this. You might have a spouse, child or pet that needs you, and there might be unpaid bills sitting in your mailbox.

Just as nothing in life is black and white, balance gets you to the gray area. Won’t you meet me there? I’m sure it’ll lead to more peace, love and happiness in our community.

Oh, and roller coasters, too.