After All These Years, Let's Try Something New

Calm down, I'm not quitting. Quite the opposite, actually.

Nov 08, 2024

∙ Paid

A humorous illustration featuring a chubby Asian man with glasses (representing Ernie) in a nostalgic 2000s blogging scene. He's seated at a vintage desktop computer, surrounded by icons of classic 2000s internet elements like old blogrolls, instant messaging, and playful fundraising jars labeled 'Ernie-Aid.' On his desk is a small pile of coins symbolizing the modest funds raised. The backdrop evokes a warm, friendly community vibe, with people connected by links in the blogroll, forming a digital network. The scene feels lighthearted and quirky, nodding to the supportive, grassroots internet era of the early 2000s. Text banners hint at the fundraiser, with playful text like ‘For Ernie’s Rent!’ or ‘1.5 million...in 2024 currency.’ The setting combines a cozy, nostalgic, and humorous atmosphere. — My friend Rolando was witness to me trying to create the correct image prompt in ChatGPT and then double-dogg-dared-me to keep this hilariously awkward first pass as the official post illustration. YOUR MOVE, ROLANDO.

Part 1: The Hook

I had just been laid off from my second internet startup, Trend Micro. "This is the worst time in my life," I said a WHOLE MONTH BEFORE 9/11—but I wouldn't have known that because I was smack dab in my quarter-life crisis.

My two internet friends, Choire1 and Philo—bless their hearts—decided to start something they called "Ernie-Aid," a virtual telethon to help, and I quote. "starving Gaysians in need."

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