'Trying' implies stakes, a failure state, and a level of engagement on the part of the try-er. You want to 'win'. You do it by either achieving some objective set of criteria, or (more commonly) by avoiding the failure state for the duration of the activity. You want to 'win', but it's still possible to 'lose'. You can even set up the rules in such a way that you can never win, even if everyone around you thinks you did 'okay'. You still lost.

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Every now and then, I get a glimpse into my mind as it existed eighteen years ago. We're going down the highway. It's summer-time, and the windows are rolled down. Sixty-five miles per hour. I'm sitting in the backseat of the car, playing my gameboy, when I randomly decide to look out the window. Back down to my hands. Back out the window.

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It's crazy how everyone knows everyone else.

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I think, in a metaphorical sense, that ghosts do exist.

But first, what is a ghost? Ghosts tend to be lingering phantoms, tied to an object or a place, unable to find peace because they left the world with unfinished business.

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Trying to kick YouTube to the curb, because it's as addictive and brain-rotting as TV in the 90's. I reckon I'll be spending a lot of time here now.

Which reminds me; I haven't watched MLP regularly since half-way through season 3. I hate playing catch-up, but I figure it's good to be on top of the lore, even if most stories deviate from it.

Don't lose sight of who you are for what you want to accomplish.

Speaking out only lets you be heard. It doesn't ensure others will listen.

Patience before power. It is easier to learn power than it is to learn patience.

Millennials are always stereotyped as being spineless little worms who can barely manage to wipe their own ass for how timid they are. Be bold. Break the mold.

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...or does the community absorb individuals into it, and make them its own?

People who know a lot about the people they're frequently in contact with are sometimes called 'busybodies'. The people who know little about people they've never met are frequently called 'social justice warriors'.

Just because you think doesn't mean there's anything to say.

I've come across one or two pictures listing synonyms for the word "said", put in pride of place, as if to draw attention to lackluster writing and repetitive usage of said word. Dialogue tags are praised in some circles, admonished in others; words aren't merely said, but the way in which they are conveyed is as important as the information contained therein. On the other hand, embellishing on the number of saidisms you use will turn swift, witty banter into an unnavigable mire.

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I'm trying to make a nondescript dating sim with no outstanding qualities whatsoever, starting with the engine. I tried starting with the dialogue, but that shit's hard to fill in without a framework. On the other hoof, you can build up a sturdy frame to support lots of dialogue, and only be able to think of a few lines.

That, and I forgot to write dialogue for one whole relationship tier. For all five of the characters whose dialogue I'd thought I'd finished.

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