Many people have forgotten their roots. The EarthBound community, as it stands now, is in need of a little help. However, all hope isn't lost! I, and many others, have found the solution to the problem plaguing our beloved community. It is a small gray Super Nintendo cartridge, a cart so familiar to many of us. You guessed it, I'm talking about EarthBound.

Now, what's an EarthBound community without the game on which it is based? Nothing, that's what. This is why so many of us need to get back in touch with that magnificent game, the game for which we are gathered here to recognize and appreciate. EarthBound is one of the most unique and influential games I have ever known. Look what this simple piece of gray plastic has done! This fan community has been in existence for years. It has evolved, withstood hardships, and just like the four heroes of EarthBound, it has overcome all obstacles. Don't forget what things this simple game has created! Project: NP Siege, the Earthbound64 Petition, the Mother on GBC petition, Ruffini the Dog, and countless others. This single game has influenced the lives of thousands of gamers, so never forget what it has done for you.

Over the past weeks, while working on this articles section, I've been witness to an overwhelming amount of memories. If any one of you would take a few minutes to simply browse the entire articles directory, you would see amazing things. There are articles here that have spawned heated debates regarding EarthBound. There are articles here that tell the history of the EarthBound gaming community. There are articles here which reveal valuable life lessons, and there are articles which would greatly touch any number of you if you would just look.

There are some who have forgotten the roots of this community, the one game which we all know and love. I say, realize the game once more, and welcome home."Get back in the game" -- has it lost meaning? Only if you refuse to make the attempt to plug that cart into that SNES console and play for a bit. Is the EarthBound community lost? Only if everyone forgets the reason we are here, EarthBound. Is EarthBound dead? Only if you want it to be. As for me, EarthBound will always live on. It will continue to surmount countless obstacles and be a means of inspiration to myself and no doubt many others. I believe I will take a page from PSI322's book, when I say--

"I, Derek Schatel, am an EarthBounder for life."