Newgrounds.com — Everything, By Everyone.

I can pinpoint a time when sprite movies about Mario taking a gun and shooting everyone with blood everywhere was the coolest thing ever.

It was rare to see any purely original content. Now, if it isn't original, sprites are forbidden, it must be drawn very well, and if it's in an estabished series the characters must be, well, in character. The whole idea of parody is different now than it was a decade ago.

There were only 2 emoticons. Angry faic and happy faic. Now there's...what, 50? I can't look at it without seeing something mainstream, like Facebook. Don't get me wrong, popularity is good, but it also makes me feel seriously old.

This used to be a site where a few teenage kids could hang out and watch the latest Madness episode, but now Newgrounds is an established work of profession. A home of short films. Albums. Paintings.

It begs the question, is this a function of higher standards, more media acknowledgement, or just fancier tools? After all, it seems anyone can make a front page-worthy movie/game these days.

Due to the infestation of Bronies, and the sheer overwhelming amount of talent, it makes me feel worthless. All I ever did was post on the forums, but I don't even do that anymore. Unless NG becomes another social networking site, which it already seems to be, I feel like it's time to go.

Goodbye, Newgrounds. May the following years be prosperous.