What I Discovered in Central Plaza’s Lost and Found
by Olivia_Allin, HSM team writer
When I first started on my Home journey almost three years ago, I kind of skipped the whole Central Plaza experience.
Oh I tried it, but it didn’t take long to see that I was a vulnerable target there. So I explored a bit and found the E.A. poker rooms and there I dwelt until they closed.
When they closed, I was lost. It was like I was locked out of my own house. I had grown so much in my time playing poker. I was always surrounded by many friends, so when I was attacked by trolls I had my back up. Soon I was strong enough to take care of whatever the virtual world could throw at me.
I set out exploring again, visiting many spaces. I decided to give the plaza another shot. It had not changed, but I had.
I saw myself in the wide eyes of the noobies. I saw how the attention-hungry trolls descended on them like vultures on road kill. I would pull the Home freshmen aside and bestow some tips on how to survive until they got their Home wings and could fly on their own and find their own nests.
But it wasn’t just the fledglings I found needed help. I set up shop in what my friends call my “Lucy office” on the smaller horseshoe shaped bench. I would sit there and ride wave after wave of randomness and trolls. Without fail, someone adrift would wash in. A lot of times it was someone just looking for a calm port in the storm, as they were just starting their journey. But more often than not, it was someone that could mange the day to day swells and breakers that the plaza was known for. After some small talk and often without telling them I was there to help, people would open up about problems they were having. It could be something in the virtual world, but many times it was real world stress and pain that weighted them down.
Often they just need to talk it out and be on their way. Some welcomed advice given from a person who cared, but wasn’t so involved that they would be biased. Some knew how to deal with it but need a laugh to lift them back up and give them the push to lean back into it. I became good at reading what people needed and then offering it to them.
This was not a selfless act, not at all. Although many may have seen it as one, but it’s only because they could have no way of knowing what it did for me. I had fallen in love with Home and found a way to give back. After a five hour conversation and “counseling,” I could move on or log off feeling that I made a difference not just in Home, but in these peoples lives. I could go to sleep that night knowing that someone else might be able to sleep better from meeting me and that gave me what I was needing – worth.
As I got more involved, I met so many people. Some saw what I was doing and sat there and helped as well. Some were people that didn’t need anything and had their strong wings, so we just did what is the first rule of Home – have fun.
As I grew in Home I became more involved with activities and friends. I started climbing the social ladder. This had side effects to my “Lucy” counseling. I had less time. I at one time was putting in over forty hours a week there. And it wasn’t just the time I could spend there; as my friends list grew, so did the chance that someone on that list wanted to spend time with me and find me sitting in “my office.” I am in no way faulting them, but it became more difficult to give the attention to someone in need when I was busy visiting with friends. It became harder for someone that might be hurting to interrupt a playful banter between fun-loving friends.
My office, now in the shadows
As my social position changed, I gained a lot from my new friends and activities yet lost a lot of what I needed. I went weeks without opening “my office” and who knows how many people I could have helped – myself included. When I realized that even after having a wonderful day on Home, I would log off feeling unfinished, unfulfilled, I went back and hung out my shingle and got back to what I did best. I don’t spend the time there like I used to, but I do make the time as often as I can.
With Central Plaza being phased out and the HUB on its way, I can’t say for sure what will happen. I know that will look back at my time in Central Plaza with great fondness. I understand why some may say good riddance and not look back, but for me it holds a very special place in my heart and always will. Countless broken hearts were bandaged and set on the way to healing. Losses where not filled, but perspectives on understanding them were gained. Stress was given a vent and – hopefully – a game plan to overcome it.
And I was given a purpose.
I seldom get to see the random people I tried to help. Some I have made friends with, but so many were like birds nursed back to health and wings mended and tossed in the air to fly away.
Central Plaza’s makeup and reputation is what made it possible for me to find my path and hopefully others find theirs. With it leaving I am closing my office and taking down the shingle. But I am pleased to say, a new and improved office site has been found and will be opened and ready for whatever the new world can throw at it.
Goodbye Central Plaza, but not goodbye to your memories or your people – or my purpose!
October 18th, 2011 by Olivia_Allin | 16 comments
Olivia_Allin is a team writer, photographer, model, curator, graphic artist, researcher and comic relief for HomeStation Magazine; she lives in Texas with her boyfriend, and Home is more than just a game to her. Years ago she discovered the meaning of life but forgot to write it down. On weekends, to let off steam, she participate in full-contact origami. She saw a Bigfoot once, made a sound you never want to hear twice, and was so proud of her Special Olympics gold medal that she had it bronzed. She is, in her own words, adorkable.
Glad to hear you’ve already found a new office, Olivia.
Thank you! Come see me there sometime.
Always good to know the doctor is IN.
I don’t charge for my services but will take poker chip donations
Great story Olivia. I too have helped some people just by being there for them when needed so I understand how you felt afterwards, it does feel good when you think you have helped someone else get through a difficult time. I hope that you continue to do this as it seems dear to your heart. I am sure that the Hub will have a nook where you can reside and continue what seems like a calling on your life.
I am also glad they gave everyone back the poker rooms they so dearly loved. I am sure there are many happy enthusiasts out there waiting for the beta to stop so they can join as well.
Wonderful personal perspective on the plaza Olivia, good job.
Thank you Miss Burbz. I can think of no one more involved with making Home a better place than you!
Great article Olivia. The PS Home Community that you have fell in love with is lucky to have you and I’m sure all the people that you have helped in CP would agree. I’m glad you have found a new office to continue your work after CP closes. I know you like many others are happy about the poker room in the new Hub. Hope to see you soon cuz I miss seeing you too. Thanks for sharing this and good job again.
Miss you little miss! I don’t know about Home being lucky to have me but it is stuck with me…he he
We’ve talked about this at length before, and I’ll say it again -- there’s a reason why you are still here. Otherwise, all of these people -- myself included -- would not have had the privilege and gift of knowing you.
You honor us with that privilege. Thank you.
yes agreed terra. its been a great honor
Why to go… yall made me cry… there are you happy
And truth be told, the honor and privilege is all mine! I would rather have yall as my friends than the best people in the world…hehehe. All joking aside, I have had so many blessings in my short life but none I value more than the love and friendship I get from my friends on Home. I receive way more than I give! LOVE YALL!!!
Well I’m not in the self-esteem building business but central plaza has had some memorable times for me as well.From the hauntingly beautiful Christmas time snow storms and dancing with pretty girls to the 57th play of Chain Swing at 4am in the morning and dancing with guys that looked like pretty girls I’ve had some great times with great ppl there.It’s sad to see it go but it is only a place after all,the ppl I had these times with are still around and now we get a chance to make these new places just as memorable in new ways,hope the Hub has better music than CP has/had.
Indeed it was the people… both good and bad that made CP what it was and still is for now. It is easy to have fond memories of the good people and times. I also have fond memories of the bad people and bad times… I got through those so they are wins. I learned from them so they were lessons. And I sharpened my wit’s edge on some so it was a tool. Love it or hate it, it wasn’t CP it’s self, but the experience!
Oli, I have so much appreciation for you and your articles. great job girl.
You are a dear and sweet man! I only hope to grow our friendship!
Very interestng and giving of you to listen and talk with at length with some of the very, umm, diverse people who experience Home. Though it would surely drive me bonkers, cheers to you Olivia!
Suppose one could say those memories will never be erased. ha ha