| Also by onda_bianca and beau_lis
DEEP CATACOMBS - It’s been 100 issues of The Neopian Times, now what? With
so many different things that have happened in the past, we can probably expect
to find many new things in store for Neopia's only newspaper in the near future.
The point we are at right now may not seem very impressive to some people, but
compared to the structure of The Neopian Times in the past, this newspaper has
come a very long way.
On January 25, 2000, the very first issue of The Neopian Times was released.
However, the older issues 1-21 can not be found at this point. On the other
hand, Issue 22 of the first version of The Neopian Times is still partially
intact. From looking at the newspaper located in Neopets' database, a lot of
different traits are visible. For example, the population of users in Neopia
was only around 2.5 million compared to the whopping 55 million we're at today.
The Neopian Times has dramatically changed in content as well. In the older
version of The Neopian Times, a published piece of work rarely received a customized
picture for their piece. Also, the 'comics' section of the newspaper was not
developed yet. It is also safe to say that The Neopian Times has grown in the
amount of prominence it has today. With all of the publications done in each
issue, as well as the population’s rapid growth, many more people know about
The Neopian Times now than they did before.
“I remember reading some excellent stories, articles, and comics. I've
always loved to read the Times.” -Ilusion_de_las_Risas, starry Peophin
After a few issues, The Neopian Times went under some serious renovation, which
lead to the new design of the newspaper that a majority of us a familiar with
today. This newly improved section was released on the weekend of August 4th,
2001. A lot of changes were presented. For example, players of the site could
now publicize their guilds more with the help of the front page of the Neopian
Times. Also, the comics section was introduced to The Neopian Times as well.
The comics section is very popular to this day, however the guild spotlight
has been demolished.
“The earliest comics I remember enjoying was ‘Lupe Comics’, ‘Neopets
Pest Problem’, and ‘Legend’.” –Patjade
The Neopian Times, and everyone associated with it had gone through some emotional
changes over time as well. Issue 75 was what The Neopian Times' editor, Mr.
Shankly, declared his last. Many different writers / artists were quite sad
to see him go, and have held onto his memory over time. However, issue 76 of
the new Neopian Times brought forth a new editor, Ms. Snowflake, who was welcomed
with open arms. She is still the editor to this day.
This brief layout proves that after 100 issues in the new section of the Neopian
Times alone, a great deal of evolution has been presented.
Along with the many changes come issues filled with unforgettable memories.
Throughout the issues, readers have been sent on an emotional roller coaster
filled with moments of laughter, joy, pain, and great fun. Much inspiration
and great memories comes from the earlier articles and series of the Times:
“The first stories I can remember reading were Al the Chia's first article
about ‘Chias and Lupes’…and ‘Chocolate Box’, the story that originally
made me want to try my hand at writing for the Times.” -Starhamster42
“After reading bits and pieces of ‘As Told’, I wanted to write my
own series.” -Oily106
“I love the comics! The articles are hilarious, most of them, and the stories
are pretty good too.” -Lappiny, speckled Pteri
(What she remembers most about the NT) “…comics, the quote of the week and
who sponsored the NT every week.” -chili187
Then, there are other pieces that are very special. These are the stories that
tend to stand out and live in our memories forever.
“I have to say that the story that touched me the most was ‘Eyes of Twilight
Blue’ by lupeartist14…That's the only story that's made me cry.” -Teghan62
“…but the most memorable was most certainly ‘The Strangest Lupe’,
a truly groundbreaking and epic story that continues to amaze even 91 weeks
after its publication.” -Battlesunn
“An article that stuck in my mind is ‘Pity the Pickles’! I had no
idea why but maybe it was because it gave Darrell some credit he deserved at
last for doing the ‘Neopian Brief’ each week.” -Plushieowner
(Favorite memory of the NT) “…that was the spoof of LOTR... I couldn't stop
laughing” -eturkvan
“…so I really flipped over anything like ‘Poor Dr_Death'…’The Shoyru
Squadron’ also sticks out in my mind as one of the most impacting, the plots
are so juicy I want to eat them.” -Al_the_chia
There are other pieces that will always be remembered for being incredibly
funny and silly, bringing us great joy through the laughter and fun.
(About ‘Poor Dr. Death’)…“I can't tell you how many times I spewed
soda onto my desk/keyboard/monitor/sister (don't ask) after seeing the punchline.”
-Aachewwthree
“One of the weirdest (yet funny) comics I know is probably the ‘Cheesy
Neos’. What a great comic, it is...” -Lost_desert_fan
“I doubt I'll EVER forget issue 74's ‘Sheep of Doom’. That was truly
priceless…” -Megz
“For my most early memories, I started reading right around that whole Legolas
thing…Put my favorite fictional characters in awkward situations, and I call
it 'Comedy Gold'.” -Theeaterofworlds
Through all these memories of the Times, many remember their own work. They
remember how they started, their struggles, their triumphs, and their most memorable
work.
“…my fondest memories are of the controversy that my ‘Legolas’ comic
caused and the string of beauty contest articles after ‘Beauty Contest, My
Foot’.” -Oddhatter
(After the struggle to get ‘Where I Belong’ published) “I still always
try to keep in mind how helpful littlelysshu was to that NT newbie and treat
other people the same way.” -Tdyans
(About creating her comics) “I don't even care about the trophies now; I
just do it 'cause I love it.” -meowth4
“…I saw an argument about ‘Chias and Lupes’in a chat board...I got
the encouragement to keep writing.” -Gentle_lil_queen
With all these wonderful memories comes some great advice to aspiring authors/artists,
never give up. It takes a lot of effort to get into the times, however it can
happen!
(After 2 years of trying) “…so don’t give up so fast, who knows? You might
wake up one day and find an acceptance letter in your inbox.” -neo_tomi
This brings us to the question, where will The Neopian Times be in the future?
Oh, say maybe another 100 issues later? We will be celebrating our 200th issue!
We will be acknowledging the wonderful talents of the artists who have contributed
articles, stories, and comics for the enjoyment of their fellow Neopians. We
may even have a reunion of those published in the first 100 issues!
The look of the NT will most likely make another transformation. As was in
history, a new design may be created to show off the amazing talents of artists
and authors. We would also venture to guess that more sections will be added
to the NT. There may be some room for an advice column or bringing back the
Spotlights. Maybe even have a Neopian recipe section or ‘tips’ for Neopian living
added to it.
“I would like to see it be more updated with today’s news...” -light_fearie02
“I hope it develops more; more things are added like…"About the Neopets Staff"
page or something where we can learn more behind the scenes…” -texy65455
We may even have an e-mail version of The Neopian Times by then. Just imagine
the online newspaper being delivered to your door, or in this case, your e-mail.
And in this age of portable computers, you can even download your emails and
read The Neopian Times on the go! You can even read it in class as long as you
aren’t caught!
As for the NT staff, they will be as great as always with their art work and
writing talents. They will still be guiding several new and seasoned authors
into what will undoubtedly be the best of the best in online newspapers! The
staff may even be unchained from their desks once in a while for a treat!
“I think I will eventually be able to publish more things. I will probably
also think of ways that can improve the NT and make it more enjoyable.”
– Ms. Snowflake, NT Editor
For authors of the NT, in the future, there will be so much more to write about.
There will be new worlds to discover and new species of pets to share stories
with. The NT readers population will most likely double its size. Those who
are new to Neopia can enjoy the creative works of new authors, as well as travel
down memory lane with the works of seasoned authors - much like we are all doing
now.
“It's always so exciting to be part of the Times! It's so wonderful!”
-Kuraiiro the mutant Cybunny
The future of The Neopian Times will always continue to evolve into something
that meets the needs of Neopians everywhere. However, no matter what changes
may come in the future of The Neopian Times, there will always remain one constant.
The dedication to the wonderful creativity which The Neopian Times offers us!
Author’s Note: Many thanks to everyone who encouraged the writing of this
tribute to the 100th issue of The Neopian Times. Please feel free to offer comments
to Apparent, Onda_bianca and/or Beau_lis.
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