Hello Zorpians: Some of my readers may be critical on this overly used picture I selected as the notional gateway to this new meeting place. The picture is of a rising Sun in a uniquely inspiring setting, and my reason is obvious: Sun brings life, energy, aspirations, hope, warmth, and much more with it every morning ... and this is what every human being always needs for survival ....even the one who looks forward to the night to come by for something he or she can’t possibly do in daylight. ; )

I feel like discussing what exactly people might be searching for when they used an internet forum like Zorpia? To me they might possibly be looking for substitutes to a relationship, the warmth of which was awfully missing from the people around them. Some might be looking for new relationships they would have always regretted not having dared to build up so far, or those who had never gotten a chance for. Of course, there might also be those daredevils who would deliberately risk themselves maintaining a fun-sake relationship that might eventually reach a dangerous turn in life.

I may not withstand my last statement (for obvious reasons) if somebody raises an objection to it. I will, however, focus on those people who are looking for substituting a relationship or exploring newer possibilities. I liked the advertising strategy of ibibo.com wherein the agency used balti (term used in Hindi for bucket) as a prop -the utility of which is unchallengeable. You may have a balti as good enough for a companion –if you feel like- but you cannot expect it to react to your comments or share feelings with you? (The webmaster is definitely not going to appreciate this indirect publicity for an ungrateful rival portal (ungrateful because they are not going to pay me a single dime for this unasked for admiration, I’m sure.))

When I am discussing this, another stray thought has started wondering in my mind. I think people enjoy living in Zorpia because they create a parallel, virtual world around them, of which they are the kings. They remain in this world as long as they want and then quit at will. They are secure as they are free not to disclose their identities or camouflage it. They make friends from unimaginable corners of the world; are free to make or break relationships; they are appreciated, rewarded, gifted, cajoled, remarked, rejected, or even insulted within this virtual community of their own. But, bouquets or brickbats –who bothers? Nothing affects their real world. They may share experiences, feelings, laughter, sorrow, sympathy, and all sorts of human emotions, and still have no obligations. Some make lifetime friends, and others are glad with their fleeting relationships.

My entry to Zorpia had one more dimension. Frankly speaking, I have always dreamed to become a widely acclaimed writer in the later course of my life. I thought of experimenting with myself to discover if I really had a writer in me who was capable of being appreciated at least by one single person under the sky. Being a Piscean I was born creative. Whether or not I am equally creative with language is yet to be seen.

I also wish to remain in touch with my old as well as some newly made friends here. So, write back and stay connected...!