Hello Giant Bomb, my name is Ryan, and thank you

And I have been here for a few days over a year now. My lust for Giant Bomb(And since then, Whiskey Media), however, began long before that. I will que, December 3rd, 2009. The Joystiq Meta Review changed my life forever. It was here that I peered my hungry little eyes into the comment section. What did I find? What you can find for yourself here
 
I went, I saw, I was conquered. I had never seen a website in all my life that was both funny and informative. Just saying those words together, the swift sensation of TBS flushed over my entire being. Okay not really but the shit was hilarious and I've never seen something like that before. I was like, okay cool, this website might be special. I didn't know Jeff Gerstmann was behind it(Or even how to spell his name!) until someone mentioned it. I only knew Jeff like I'd imagine most of you do today: The guy who was fired for reviewing Kane and Charles Manson or whatever it was.
 
It was internet love at first site. No, not for Jeff Gerstmann. I only love him in the most professional way possible without becoming homoerotic or creepy, but we'll save that for one anti-depressant fueled blog post later. I lurked this website and I lurked it haaaaard(Just look at all them fuckin' a's). Of course, during this time, my father was dying of cancer. Safe to say, my life at that point was complete shit. Seeing someone you have spent your entire life with just, degrade, was not a fun process. Thankfully, Giant Bomb was a nice salvation. It was easy to go back two or three pages and catch up on some QL's, maybe even watch the Rogue Warrior QL again.
 
In fact, to be specific, I was watching the Celebrity Poker quick-look when I received word that my father was living his final moments. It was pretty terrible.
 
It wasn't until around my birthday that I signed up. I can't remember if I signed up on my birthday or not, but I do remember I subscribed on my birthday. This site was the shit. The community was the best and the worst all at the same time and the moderators didn't suck. It was weird how this site could have existed in any such capacity that I was unaware of it for so long. But I found it. And I found it haaaa-okay enough of that.
 
I remember I was so surprised when I got my shirt because it had taken so long getting here I completely forgot about it. Then I put it on. Oh my god. It was magical. How funny is it that the best shirt I've ever owned was one I got from this website? It was so soft, so comfortable, so perfect. It's my colors. I wear that shirt when shit is about to go south.  People can see the authority that shirt commands just rippling through my soul. It's perfect.
 
This shirt has seen a lot of hard times though. It's got a few tiny holes and the logo on both the front and the back are cracked beyond all hell, though still easily recognizable. When I die, I'm taking this thing with me. It's my soulmate. My soulmate is made by American Apparel.
 
The most peculiar thing I've ever experienced on the internet, however, is the fact that we can fucking swear the shit out of these forums at any given goddamn moment. You don't understand how amazing this is. I went to the forums I used to go to a long time ago and called one of my buddies, JOKINGLY, a stupid idiot-face. And I got a warning. I've called people worse things on this website and, a few days over a year so far, not a single warning. NOTHING. Like, the fuck dude. This place is a haven. Any other website, I would have been banned at least once by now. Or multiple times. Maybe even a dozen. Nope. Not a one.
 
So far, I haven't found anything bad about this website, except maybe the horrendous hatred people seem to have for Bioware. It's almost comparable to Reddit's supreme hatred for any religion. It's scary. But then again, this isn't a review for this website, so who gives a shit.
 
It was funny really, how shortly after I signed up, they announced Alex was leaving for New York. It bummed me out a bunch, because that guy is as cool as chrome wheels going 125 miles per hour down route 66. That shit is cool. It was like I was the cause or something. But time goes on, Alex is still here in some regard, and the site is still inspiring. I think if any other website had as dedicated a fanbase as you guys, well, never mind, because no other website DOES have a community so dedicated. So suck on that, commies.
 
I recently sent in the payment for my second yearly subscription at Whiskey Media, and I would like to extend my hand to not just the community, but the staff as well, for making something smoother and hotter than greased lightning itself, something sweeter than sugar , and more accessible than... a website?(Yeah, I got nothing)
 
So, no. This isn't as heartwarming as finding the absolute love of my life(Unless comedy counts, I like comedy a lot. I don't want to brag but I think we have something special), so, thanks. Thanks for making this husk of a man find comfort in the confines of virtual space. And thanks for being so tootin awesome :)
 

And I have been here for a few days over a year now. My lust for Giant Bomb(And since then, Whiskey Media), however, began long before that. I will que, December 3rd, 2009. The Joystiq Meta Review changed my life forever. It was here that I peered my hungry little eyes into the comment section. What did I find? What you can find for yourself here
 
I went, I saw, I was conquered. I had never seen a website in all my life that was both funny and informative. Just saying those words together, the swift sensation of TBS flushed over my entire being. Okay not really but the shit was hilarious and I've never seen something like that before. I was like, okay cool, this website might be special. I didn't know Jeff Gerstmann was behind it(Or even how to spell his name!) until someone mentioned it. I only knew Jeff like I'd imagine most of you do today: The guy who was fired for reviewing Kane and Charles Manson or whatever it was.
 
It was internet love at first site. No, not for Jeff Gerstmann. I only love him in the most professional way possible without becoming homoerotic or creepy, but we'll save that for one anti-depressant fueled blog post later. I lurked this website and I lurked it haaaaard(Just look at all them fuckin' a's). Of course, during this time, my father was dying of cancer. Safe to say, my life at that point was complete shit. Seeing someone you have spent your entire life with just, degrade, was not a fun process. Thankfully, Giant Bomb was a nice salvation. It was easy to go back two or three pages and catch up on some QL's, maybe even watch the Rogue Warrior QL again.
 
In fact, to be specific, I was watching the Celebrity Poker quick-look when I received word that my father was living his final moments. It was pretty terrible.
 
It wasn't until around my birthday that I signed up. I can't remember if I signed up on my birthday or not, but I do remember I subscribed on my birthday. This site was the shit. The community was the best and the worst all at the same time and the moderators didn't suck. It was weird how this site could have existed in any such capacity that I was unaware of it for so long. But I found it. And I found it haaaa-okay enough of that.
 
I remember I was so surprised when I got my shirt because it had taken so long getting here I completely forgot about it. Then I put it on. Oh my god. It was magical. How funny is it that the best shirt I've ever owned was one I got from this website? It was so soft, so comfortable, so perfect. It's my colors. I wear that shirt when shit is about to go south.  People can see the authority that shirt commands just rippling through my soul. It's perfect.
 
This shirt has seen a lot of hard times though. It's got a few tiny holes and the logo on both the front and the back are cracked beyond all hell, though still easily recognizable. When I die, I'm taking this thing with me. It's my soulmate. My soulmate is made by American Apparel.
 
The most peculiar thing I've ever experienced on the internet, however, is the fact that we can fucking swear the shit out of these forums at any given goddamn moment. You don't understand how amazing this is. I went to the forums I used to go to a long time ago and called one of my buddies, JOKINGLY, a stupid idiot-face. And I got a warning. I've called people worse things on this website and, a few days over a year so far, not a single warning. NOTHING. Like, the fuck dude. This place is a haven. Any other website, I would have been banned at least once by now. Or multiple times. Maybe even a dozen. Nope. Not a one.
 
So far, I haven't found anything bad about this website, except maybe the horrendous hatred people seem to have for Bioware. It's almost comparable to Reddit's supreme hatred for any religion. It's scary. But then again, this isn't a review for this website, so who gives a shit.
 
It was funny really, how shortly after I signed up, they announced Alex was leaving for New York. It bummed me out a bunch, because that guy is as cool as chrome wheels going 125 miles per hour down route 66. That shit is cool. It was like I was the cause or something. But time goes on, Alex is still here in some regard, and the site is still inspiring. I think if any other website had as dedicated a fanbase as you guys, well, never mind, because no other website DOES have a community so dedicated. So suck on that, commies.
 
I recently sent in the payment for my second yearly subscription at Whiskey Media, and I would like to extend my hand to not just the community, but the staff as well, for making something smoother and hotter than greased lightning itself, something sweeter than sugar , and more accessible than... a website?(Yeah, I got nothing)
 
So, no. This isn't as heartwarming as finding the absolute love of my life(Unless comedy counts, I like comedy a lot. I don't want to brag but I think we have something special), so, thanks. Thanks for making this husk of a man find comfort in the confines of virtual space. And thanks for being so tootin awesome :)
 

I found and joined this site roughly two years ago, shortly after my father passed. I was busy for the rest of that year (senior year of high school), but by the end of 2010 I was posting like mad, Santa-Hatting up my avatar, and listening intently to Minerva's Den vs. Lair of the Shadow Broker. I've never turned back since.

Glad we've all helped to make this a home, for all of us.

It works both ways around here, the community at times (seems to) hate each other but never to a level that it grows childish or plain silly like other sites.
We all got our own thoughts and opinions here and most of us are very accepting and open to listen to other people and their views.
 
That, plus the superb content by the staff, makes for one heck of a good website.
 
@Little_Socrates said:

Glad we've all helped to make this a home, for all of us.

The most peculiar thing I've ever experienced on the internet, however, is the fact that we can fucking swear the shit out of these forums at any given goddamn moment. You don't understand how amazing this is. I went to the forums I used to go to a long time ago and called one of my buddies, JOKINGLY, a stupid idiot-face. And I got a warning. I've called people worse things on this website and, a few days over a year so far, not a single warning. NOTHING. Like, the fuck dude. This place is a haven. Any other website, I would have been banned at least once by now. Or multiple times. Maybe even a dozen. Nope. Not a one.

@N7 *fist bump* GLHB!

I agree. This is a wonderful site and its fun to hang out here when I'm at work- reading the forums, responding to stuff, watching videos when I can, listening to the podcast, etc

Hey, you've been a great part of the community. Keep up the good work? I dunno what to say, really.

@N7: I like you.

I fucking love the shit out of this place. (I also love the lax view on swearing/cussing/badwording)

I came here because I had been a huge fan of Jeff and crew on Gamespot before the whole Kane and Lynch thing. This site just feels like an extension and evolution of Gamespot during those halcyon days.

Around the same time Jeff got fired from Gamespot, my wife's health was getting worse and I had to quit my job to become her caregiver. I also wanted to help keep her career going as a Mental Health Therapist. She works part-time at her very small private practice.
 
It was wild following Jeff's blog, watching his fellow Gamespot dudes drop like flies and then the creation of the Giant Bomb blog. 
 
I'm happy to be here. I'm glad to have met you Ryan. Now only if my sometimes bad behavior doesn't get me in too much trouble. 

Been on this website pretty much since it existed, and I can't think of any other website with content/stuff/community that comes even close to it.

@N7: Your a righteous duder.

As sarcastic and negative as I can sometimes be, at the end of the day, I goddamn love this site and its forums (even when I'm trying to disprove Vinny's existence).

Dawww

I feel all gooey and warm. Now I'm hungry.

Cunt Shit Cock Motherfucker Dick Ass Bitch Bastard Tits

Gotta' say I love this site too, and every member I've met (bar one or two) has been lovely.

Cunt Shit Cock Motherfucker Dick Ass Bitch Bastard Tits

No problem. Good to see that Jack Black uses the site...oh wait.

Joking aside, my father passed away late last year. I know what you're going/went through in terms of general emotions. Still, it's devastating. I hope to keep seeing you on the site, though!

I love the Whiskey Media family but it could use more leopards, I think.

Based on the people who have posted here already I fell like my post count is to low to comment here. Also, FUCK!

I've signed up about a year ago too... how on earth did you post so much in that time?

Hey Ryan. I loved reading the whole part about getting your shirt.

I was always part of this smaller community centered around these four guys that just played video games all night. Every night of the week they'd be at it and I'd slowly fall in love with watching long video of people playing games, but they'd always bring up this site called "Giant Bomb" which I always thought was just some lesser site, not worth my attention at all. One day on the livestream everyone was talking about this Rogue Warrior video and Giant Bomb and I thought I would just check out this video, basically just humoring other members of the community. Now I'm kinda just stuck here and I haven't really left this since.

I've been a duder for about two years now and I don't want to get all sappy but I have never been apart of a community of like minded people like you guys before and it brings me great pleasure to see at the end of the we still like to think of each other like friends.

What a fag. :)

It's official... all us Giant bomb members are mentally ill and closely knit.

"It's a cool site duder" would be the point of this blog, wouldn't it? If yes, then i agree.

Well as long as we agree on this. Also, nice headset.

@ajamafalous said:

@N7 said:

The most peculiar thing I've ever experienced on the internet, however, is the fact that we can fucking swear the shit out of these forums at any given goddamn moment. You don't understand how amazing this is. I went to the forums I used to go to a long time ago and called one of my buddies, JOKINGLY, a stupid idiot-face. And I got a warning. I've called people worse things on this website and, a few days over a year so far, not a single warning. NOTHING. Like, the fuck dude. This place is a haven. Any other website, I would have been banned at least once by now. Or multiple times. Maybe even a dozen. Nope. Not a one.

One of the main reasons I spend so much time on the forums here.

It actually took awhile for me to adjust. I have been warned and banned on gamespot multiple times mainly because I would drop a fuck or two in a heated argument. Then when I saw that anything basically goes here it was a great surprise.

So yeah, giantbomb is pretty fucking awesome, you bitch.

@Enigma777 I just realized your avatar is a Hitler picachu? Thing? I don't know, but its a little Hitler, and I got a laugh.

@N7: that is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me

@N7 said:

@myketuna: Whenever I used to go to Gamespot, I would never notice anything about their staff. So it's weird that these guys were so popular back then. I guess now they are GUARANTEED the exposure they deserve. Most of the people that join, join because they rock so hard.

I got into GS about late '05 (which was about 7 years ago (!)) after looking for other podcasts to listen to besides the 1UP assortment. Once I was hooked, I started watching On the Spot every week (kinda like Happy Hour). The rest is history.

Even back then, I (along with others I'm sure) joined the site Jeff and crew were rocking because they rock so hard.

@N7 said:

@UnrealDP: I guess you can say, your penetration was so unreal, that you're stuck down the rabbit hole.

@N7: Too true and the upside to doing it double is getting another set of, uh, hands to help.

Talk dirty to me.

Ain't no shirts like Whiskey Media shirts, they truly are the best.

GIMME A FUCK YEAH

I hope I can be as cool as you N7 when I grow up.

EDIT:... hmmm, that kinda sounds like I'm trying to be condescending reading it to myself >_>... I totally am btw.

Ho-HO!!!!!! But seriously folks, N7s a pretty cool guy. eh kills Uncharted pirates and doesnt afraid of anytin.

EDIT2: Also truly sorry about your dad. Mine died of cancer too, but I barely knew him (left me mum when I was I think 4... only saw him occasionally across the years, and he died when I was 11) so I honestly can't quite say I can relate.

I had known about the Gamespot podcast for around half a year or so before the guys came and founded GB. The only reason I went to Gamespot was for the entertaining podcast, so when all the entertaining guys left and came here, so did I. Joined the minuet they allowed user accounts. Anyone remember Jeff's blog, before GB came into 'beta'? POINTS, right? hahahah... I don't post as much as others, but I love the community and the content all the same.

*group fucking hug!*... wait, they may have come out wrong...

@N7: It is a bit eerie. If we had one more, we could have a coven! A supremely depressing coven.

Are you sure you're not Jack Black?

@N7: Good to hear, well not the bits about the shit in your life, but the other stuff, fuck yeah!

I've been here about two years, its been pretty awesome the whole time =)

I enjoyed reading this post and I also adore this website.

@N7:

Nice post I am loving whiskey as well, but I just have to ask are you wearing a dark spiderman suit on that picture?

In the relatively short time I've been a member, this site has been awesome. The forums, podcast, and videos are all great, and almost everyone here is awesome.