Ok, the FPL's finally back up after what I feel was a much-needed hiatus. This break has given us all some time to kick back and not worry about the maddness that the FPL can be at times.

I for one really needed the break. This time off has given me time to think about whether I should stick around and still manage those sections of the FPL that I've had under my wing for most of the FPL's duration. I've come to the conclusion that, since I'm still going to be in the country for the next year or so after my little job hunt fell through, that I'll continue my responsibilities with the FPL and not retire from active admin duties.

In addition to this decision, I've done some other thinking about the FPL. Way too much thinking if you ask me. I've come to a revelation that I think I'll share with the rest of the FPL.

We all know that a lot of negative vibes vibrate through the FPL. Way too many people are constantly on each other's cases, mocking, backstabbing, gossiping, and generally being jerks to one another. I've done my fair share of bitching and crap like that, and all of it, including my own, has just gotten me sick.

"And your point is?" you're likely asking. "That isn't much of a revelation." Yeah, it isn't. But my revelation is that maybe, just maybe, if some of us just try and steer things away from this cynical, bitter, and rude tendancies and focus on some more positive things, then maybe things will return to how they were back in the early days of the FPL when there was less of this junk going around.

Yeah, the old days of the FPL were far from perfect, but the players back then got along far better than we do now. Less comeptition and more mutual fun.

So... I'd like to point out a few people that I feel represent this old-school FPL spirit.

First off is who I consider to be one of the least-appreciated regulars around here: Lawman. Of all of the FPLers to come around in the past year or so, he's done more to keep the boards from becoming a warzone of griping and posturing than anyone. He's one of the few people that I've seen take the time to go around and respond to Character Analysis posts on the board, and in general he's one of the most friendly players around. Rock on, Lawman.

As far as "newbies" go, I'd like to point out the two "Lords" that have joined the FPL recently: Lord Thayer and Lord of Nothings. While neither one has really "wowed" me with their creations yet, they're both definately on the fast track to creating something really great in the FPL. Also, I have to give Thayer major credit for helping out both on the boards and in chat, particularly with helping with Elimination match writing duties every now and then.

Finally, I just want to point out two creators whose creations have really caught my eye, but whom have never had any real success in the FPL despite many great attempts. I'm not sure if Crook is still around, I haven't seen a new character from him in a couple of months, but he's one of the few players in the FPL whose characters regularly get a laugh out of me. Its a shame that none of his characters outside of Simon.5 have gotten into the Elimination rounds. The same can be said for Red. While his creations haven't been as striking to me as Crook's, he definately has a unique style that we don't see in the FPL much, and while his characters may not always be great, they're always interesting in some way. Next time you see one of these players create a character, sit down and read it all the way through. You might be surprised.