Cybertown Residents From All Over Earth Get-Together In Real Life

Kansas, August 6-9th, 1998

The second annual Cybertown chatroom regulars meeting was held in August in Kansas City. Here are some comments from a few of those who attended.

"The Cybertown cyber party '98 that was held in Kansas City August 6th-9th has come and gone. Along with it more memories and fun then should be possible. Over 50 people traveled to Kansas City from as far away as Australia and Canada and from every corner of the United States. Activities during the 4 days included a wonderful picnic in a gazebo overhanging a small lake, trips to Worlds and Oceans of fun, water fights and lots of pictures and conversations. The high point of the 4 days was a large party held Saturday night, with dancing, food and many presentations. This gathering of folks from all over was more of a success than was expected. The tears shed during the saying of goodbyes on Sunday morning proved that people from all over and all walks of life can come together with only one thing in common 'Clean, fun chat on the Internet'". - Lars

"I am not really sure how to begin this, but I will do my best to take all my feelings and pour them into something neat, brief and less of a babbling mess. After months of going crazy wondering if I could get time off from work to go to the Kansas City party, I was finally granted the time off like a week before August 6th. I was incredibly happy knowing that I wouldn't miss out on meeting special people and having the time of my life. As days grew closer, people were becoming SO anxious and excited for the party to come. Being a part of something like this is amazing to me still to this day. I never in a million years would have thought I could meet people through something like the Internet, and have a certain bond with them, much like a friendship bond in "real life". I realize that there are differences in cyberspace and reality, but with the people I have grown to know and care for, it is so down to earth and real to me. Relationships develop much like a family, and at times when you need a shoulder, there is always someone there.

So it was August 6th, Thursday morning as I boarded my plane to Kansas City. I still couldn't believe the time was finally here to meet nearly 50 people I chatted with almost daily. I was anything but nervous, I wanted to trade in my cyberhugs for the real thing! These people I spent 4 days with, and 3 of the best nights with were some of the greatest people I have ever met. I know that the friendships developed from this party will last a very long time. There is no doubt in my mind that we have all grown even closer since then. Everyone appeared as they did online, not just by appearances, but by personalities and from being themselves. I have never felt so close to people, and having to live miles away at the same time. It is no doubt a unique relationship, and I would never want to lose it for anything.

The first night home, away from everyone was the hardest. Trying to hold on to the weekend, by reliving memories, and crying over photographs taken from the party. Missing these people, missing the moments shared...I still can't believe how time flew and went by so fast. I know that everyone will have pictures to share, and memories to live on. This experience was so awesome to me, and I can't wait for the next ones to come...So I will end this heart to heart, although most of you out there know exactly how I feel right now without having to say a word!" - JENNYŽ

"After all of the stories I'd heard about Cyber-parties, I felt a bit apprehensive about attending the KC cyber-party. It turned out to be one of the best times I've ever had. Not only did I get to put a face and a voice to all of the handles, but I made some new friends and solidified other friendships in a way that only meeting face to face can accomplish. I think it was a huge success..." - Brian Hester