Celebrating 11 Years on HubPages

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   bravewarriorposted 2 years ago

   I received notification today that this is my 11th Hubbiversary. Seems hard to believe.
   
   I remember when I first joined HP. I posted mostly poetry at the time. I was always thrilled each time I was notified of new followers. Oooh - I have five followers! Twenty! Thirty! I was so green. With the help and encouragement of the wonderful friends I've made by way of this platform, my writing has expanded to include fiction, product reviews, tips on freelancing and what you need to know as a business owner, recipes, nature, and so much more. I even won a Hubbie Award a few years back!
   
   Although I haven't posted anything new in the past couple of years, I still enjoy the forums and reading your articles (difficult as that may have become lately). I want to thank everyone who has encouraged me over the years. Without you, I wouldn't have become the little engine who could! :-)
   
   Peace,
   Shauna aka Sha aka Bravewarrior

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      ChitrangadaSharanposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Many Congratulations Shauna!
      It really feels wonderful to achieve such milestones and accolades.
      Although, things have changed so much lately, but the fact remains that HubPages has given us a lot. It has been a pleasure to know you as a writer, and I cherish your friendship.
      Thank you and my best wishes to you, always.

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Chitrangada, thank you for your kind words. You're a very positive, uplifting soul and I'm proud to know you.
         
         I agree that HP has given us a lot. It may be cluttered and obtrusive now, but what I learned and the friends I've made along the way will be with me always.

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      jansharesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Happy 11th Anniversary, Shauna! I used to refer to you in forums and comments as "bravewarrior." Using our first names now shows just what a special community we've built over the years. Many blessings to you.

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Yep. I remember when HP encouraged us to use pennames rather than our real names. When those of us who became friends outside of HP started calling each other by our given names in the comment sections, I was taken aback at first. I thought, "wait a minute, no one's supposed to know our real names!". I think Bill was the first to refer to me as Shauna. Then through email conversations he learned that my family calls me Sha, so he started doing that as did many others.
         
         Funny how things evolve, huh?

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            jansharesposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            Wow, didn’t know the details of the evolution of first names. I do recall when HP wanted us to use our real names. It did create a vulnerability. I like the personal feel of our real names.

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               bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

               I do too, Jan. Especially if the writer has creative endeavors outside HP. When an editor or a prospective client is interested in an author/creator, they Google their real names to see what kind of online presence they have.

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      chef-de-jourposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Well done for all you've contributed over the years, a fabulous effort. And can I remind you that it's never too late to post new material!

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         I appreciate that. As I told Linda, I really don't have the desire to post here, anymore, but you never know when I might get a hair up my you-know-what and pop in with something from time to time!

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      Kenna McHughposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Congrats!!! It's so incredible!

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, Kenna. You've been here for 15 years. Kudos to you!

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      tsmogposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Hooray!!! Significantly this joyful event offers to both new and old what dedication means and a testament to growth. Enjoy!!!

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         So eloquently said, Tim. Thank you!

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      TheShadowSpecterposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Time goes by so quickly.  In any event, I wish you all the best in your literary endeavors as a veteran Hubber.

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         That it does, Jason. Thanks for the well wishes and back atcha!

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      Thelma Albertsposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Congratulations! Good luck for the many good years to come.

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         bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, Thelma!

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   billybucposted 2 years ago

   Happy Anniversary, my friend.  You have been an important part of my writing journey, and I appreciate you greatly.

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Backatcha, my friend. You were one of my first followers and are now a dear friend. Your picture prompts are what led me to writing fiction, my preferred genre. Love ya, Bill!

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   PaulGoodman67posted 2 years ago

   Congratulations!
   
   It must've been weird joining in the aftermath of Panda. I joined just a few months before and it felt like a baptism of fire!

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Paul, I didn't even know what that was at the time and knew nothing about SEO. I was writing Green Tips for my company's newsletter. They encouraged me to branch out. That's how I found HP. And that led to freelancing, learning the ropes and even built my own (now defunct) website. I've learned so much in the past eleven years. Can't wait 'til I can retire next year and return to freelancing full-time.

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   Brenda Arledgeposted 2 years ago

   Shauna...
   Congratulations on 11 years!!!
   
   That's got to take a bit of patience.
   
   I've always appreciated your friendship along my journey here at Hubpages.
   
   Have a wonderful day & be proud of each accomplishment.

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Brenda. I wonder what eleven years from now will look like!

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         Brenda Arledgeposted 2 years agoin reply to this

         Shauna...
         Well...since you will be retiring soon..
         The sky is the limit!
         
         No doubt you will Excel.

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            bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

            I'll be working on freelance work with real customers, Brenda. Currently, I'm editing part-time. Once I retire I can do it full time. The author whose novel I've been editing is just as exciting for my retirement as I am. He's got plenty of work to keep me busy.

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   Misbah786posted 2 years ago

   Congratulations, Shauna. This is an incredible achievement. I've learned a lot from you since I joined HP. And for that, my dear friend, I am eternally grateful. I don't recall you publishing anything in the last 17-18 months. I guess I never got a chance to read a fresh piece of yours. But, yes, I have been a silent reader, or maybe I have left one or two comments on your previous works that I discovered on the HubPages domain, and then Hats off to HP for removing the comments section...
   
   You deserve everything beautiful!
   
   Make the best of every time you have. Laugh, Love, and Live. Seize every wonderful moment of life as though it would be stolen from you if you don't. I wish you all the best! You are an inspiration and a wonderful friend; thank you so much for all your love and support. One important thing I've learned from you is that it is up to us to decide whether we want to be warriors or ordinary. Thank you for all you do. God bless you always!
   
   Much Love and Blessings!

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Misbah, your words put a huge smile in my heart. Thank you for that.
      
      You're right - I haven't written in a couple of years. In looking back, I was pretty busy in 2020 writing about gardens, niche writing vs. variety, and several short stories in response to prompts thrown out by Bill. Then there was my HubPages 3.0, originally written in September 2020 when the shit started hitting the fan here at HP. It looks like the last thing I posted was a piece called The Chameleon - a Short Story, Ch 2. It, too, was a challenge posed by Bill.

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   Carb Divaposted 2 years ago

   Happy Anniversary, Sis. Too bad that HubPages/Maven/The Arena Group ruined the writing experience here. I always enjoyed your articles. At least you still write on the forum, and I appreciate the experience and knowledge that you share. Thank you for all of the help you have given me.

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Sis. I miss writing and posting here, but I really don't see the point anymore. Maybe one day the Powers That Be will see the light and make this an enjoyable experience as it once was. And give us a raise to boot!

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   Pamela99posted 2 years ago

   Happy Anniversary Shauna! It has been quite a while for many of us.

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Yes, it has, Pamela!

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   Jodahposted 2 years ago

   Hey Shauna. Congrats on 11 years here at HubPages. You have been a cherished supporter and encourager to me here (and outside here) over the years, and have helped me improve my writing.
   Your friendship is greatly appreciated and I still browse through your book of poetry from time to time. Good luck in your upcoming retirement, freelancing career,  and as you continue to edit your friend’s book.

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, John. I won't actually be eligible for full retirement until September 2023, but who's counting?!
      
      Your comment here means the world to me. We've been friends for a long time and we have HP to thank for that!

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   surovi99posted 2 years ago

   Hubbiversary, Shauna. Maybe there's no new article from you in the last few months. Nevertheless you are still a valued member of the community here at HP. Wish you the milestone of another 11 years. God bless!!

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      bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Rosina. It's hard to imagine myself eleven years from now, but I know I'll still be kicking!

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    wpcooperposted 2 years ago

    Yes.  and a few years ago we were permitted to make comments on work (and have comments made on our own).  congratulations

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       You're oh-so-right, Finn. As the song goes, "Those were the days, my friends, we thought they'd never end...."
       
       Bonus points for anyone who can tell me who sang that song.

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    Abby Slutskyposted 2 years ago

    Yes, I miss the comments. It helped create a better sense of a writing community.

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       That it did, Abby. Comments led to some great discussions and even inspired new posts. It's also how and why so many of us became friends outside of this format.

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       TheShadowSpecterposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Yeah, I think it's been over a year since the comments sections were disabled on all of the hubs.  They keep telling us that they're going to bring them back, but they never do.

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          bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          Yeah, that dead horse has gone to pasture.

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    ravirajan01posted 2 years ago

    Congrats, Shauna.11 years is quite an achievement on one platform. Thanks for all your contributions and being the inspiration for writers who came after you.

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Aw, that's sweet. Thanks, Ravi.

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    AliciaCposted 2 years ago

    Congratulations on your anniversary, Shauna. 11 years is a great achievement!

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Linda. It looks like we joined at about the same time. Hard to believe eleven years have gone by!

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    vocalcoachposted 2 years ago

    Well, look at you!  Congratulations, my friend.  Sure is nice to be able to reply and help you celebrate. I miss the "old days."  I can hardly believe I'm going on year 13.  My hub page buddies are and always have been - the very best!

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       I so agree with you, Audrey. Thanks for popping in. I miss the old crowd!

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    Deborah Osadjereposted 2 years ago

    A big congratulations to you!! You have really come a long way and your words are encouraging. 11 years, to me, means, 'don't give up'
    
    Thank you for all your wonderful articles and best wishes

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you for your encouraging comment, Deborah. Much appreciated!

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    Nell Roseposted 2 years ago

    Congrats! I didn't realise that I was also on here that long. Time does fly these days, lol!

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       That it does, Nell!

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    Isivwe Muoboposted 2 years ago

    Happy Anniversary. It's good to see fellow hubbers that have been here for long. I have been here just as long, although I don't think I have achieved much.

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you and happy anniversary to you as well!

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          Kenna McHughposted 2 years agoin reply to this

          Congratulations!

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             bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

             Thanks, Kenna!

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    PaulGoodman67posted 2 years ago

    Congratulations!

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Paul.

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          PaulGoodman67posted 2 years agoin reply to this

          You've been here a similar amount of time to me. Though I think you said one time that you arrived just after Panda. I arrived just before. It was a baptism of fire in some ways, the forums (and site) were very turbulent during that period.

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             bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

             As was my newbie-ism!

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    Pamela99posted 2 years ago

    Congrats, Shauna! I knew you had been around about as long as I, and I am glad to see you commenting on the Feed.

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       The forums are about the only place you'll see me on this platform, Pamela. I do read my friends' posts, but the only way you know I'm there is by the added page view.

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    MsDoraposted 2 years ago

    CONGRATULATIONS Shauna. Late but sincere. You were part of the good old days when we could exchange comments --and friendship. I remember fondly. Happy Hubiversary!

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks, Dora. I miss those days tremendously!

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    Brenda Arledgeposted 2 years ago

    Great achievement Shauna...
    I realize your not currently writing here...but you are an inspiration.
    
    I'll always remember you setting me straight.  Lol!

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Awww, shucks, Brenda. I'm still here but I'm wearing my (nearly) invisible cloak.

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    bhattucposted 2 years ago

    Great. Keep going.

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       Thanks for the encouragement!

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    Abby Slutskyposted 2 years ago

    Congrats. Time flies.

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       bravewarriorposted 2 years agoin reply to this

       That it does! Thanks, Abby.

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    LongTimeMotherposted 22 months ago

    I’m late to the party. I haven’t visited hp for a long time and just spotted this post. So nice to see so many familiar names and faces.
    
    I miss you all. Those days were good.

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       bravewarriorposted 22 months agoin reply to this

       I agree, LongTimeMother. HP isn't what it used to be. Not by a long shot.

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          PaulGoodman67posted 22 months agoin reply to this

          There was such an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement in those early years - sadly, I don't think we'll see a return!
          
          Part of it's HubPages but a lot's due to how the internet generally has changed!

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             bravewarriorposted 22 months agoin reply to this

             True, Paul. Frankly, I have no interest in posting on this platform anymore. As long as I continue to earn residual income, I'm good.

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             Kenna McHughposted 22 months agoin reply to this

             True! Accentuate the positive!

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