All that is now, and all that is gone, and all that's to come, and everything under the sun...

Lest we forget, 2008 was not all bad.

2008 was a tumultuous year for users of SL, and the members of the many communities therein. It saw a curious change in leadership at Linden Lab, some remarkable PR gaffes, and some of the most amazingly shameless spin-doctoring I have seen from a non-government entity.

Between LL's shenanigans, growing stability issues, and a world economic crunch, the stressors of the past year have done a lot to strain the many and varied communities of SL.

I am not so concerned about that.

When I look back at 2008, I saw the endeavors of many wonderful and willful people doing amazing things.

I saw people in the midst of their personal evolutions, some seeking acceptence, some identity, and others, a space for their mind to explode and overcome the world with their visions (I'm looking at you Spiral, Madcow, AM, ...)

I saw people give freely of their expertise and knowledge both In-World and in the various world-related forums.

I saw users go out of their way to test and report on a product they pay for, without compensation for their time and effort.

I saw as communities gathered to grieve the loss and celebrate the lives of persons who passed away too young.

I saw the wonderful series of events that lead from my darling Miss Gray and I being friends in some online game, to being partners, to meeting in person, and now, looking into 2009, planning our wedding and three receptions (Out of state at the wedding, locally, and amongst our friends and neighbors In-World.)

Whatever else passes, I feel confident that I will see many more such wonders in the year to come.