Mibbian of the Week: steve rogers.

Not many Mibbians can boast 7 years of steady activity on this site, but Bridgette (known here as steve rogers.) can do so and much more. This long time Mibbian and winner of this month's "Hugs and Other Things" challenge is definitely worthy of the title Mibbian of the Week. Let's take a moment to learn a little more about her.

How long have you been a Mibbian?

Oh gosh, probably since 2008! I joined back when I was in middle school because two of my friends were writers here and told me how great it was. It was poppin', you guys. Even Quizilla was popular on here and we'd talk about quizzes and stuff in the blogs. Recommendations weren't around so there was always a billion swap blogs each day.

What's the first thing you do when you log-on?

Wait, people actually log out? When I open Mibba I pretty much check any notifications and messages, and also try to look at some forums that I chat in. If not forums, I go straight to the blog section and see if anyone needs help or cheering up, or just to see what people are up to.

How much time do you think you spend on-site and how do you spend your time on Mibba?

Like all day honestly. I spend a lot of time chatting with people and planning stories, but also in the blogs. What I'm up to lately is limited because of the server loading times, but I still try to stay active and read a lot here. I've been participating in a lot of challenges, and it's been really fun.

When you're reading stories, what's your policy on commenting/recommending?

I try to comment on everything! Even if I don't have that much to say because the story is just starting or I'm on chapter 3 of something with 30 chapters up, I'll at least give edits where there are mistakes. As for recommending, if I read a story that I just have nothing to say about it, or there are no mistakes that I caught, or just something I like so far and want to come back to, I'll recc it.

You mentioned you do planning for stories when you're here on Mibba, are you working on co-writes or are you planning your own stories?

I'm planning my own stories, at this moment, but there is one I've thought about planning a bit of and trying to find a co-author for. My knowledge of Marvel isn't as extensive as it should be *wink*.

What's your favorite part of the site?

The graphics. I'll admit, I'm a bit of a layout snob. But I love how we can personalize our stories, poems, and blogs with layouts because I think that these graphics can show a lot about the story and the users. Outside of that I actually really like the role-play section because there's so much going on.

When you're working on layouts (or reading stories in general), what do you think is the most important part of the layout? What do you think makes a layout a 'good' layout?

After going from 20/20 vision to wearing glasses? I think the important parts of a layout are no neon colors, for anything, ever; use of a black (or darker color) font on a white (or light color) background; and that for the "summary" and "text" box padding options that there is space along the left and right so words don't run into the edge. In general, Comic Sans is actually one of the worst fonts for anything ever.

I wouldn't want to put anyone down or make anyone feel bad, because I am a bit of a layout snob, but I think there are many factors to a good layout. The above, of course, but also not using blurry images or banners where you can't read the text because it's low quality. There are plenty of layout makers (I make layouts) and also banner makers right here on Mibba, so those who aren't as skilled with the layout makers should never feel ashamed or nervous to get some help with theirs. (Told you I was a layout snob. This is my longest answer.)

Are you writing any stories or poems right now? Are you reading anything on Mibba right now?

Hm, I'm working on a few things right now, actually. The one I'm most excited for is Starsong because it's inspired by a Mibbian, Kandi, and how we keep doing similar things or thinking the same things at the same time. There's also a poem I'm trying to perfect, because it's another culture-based poem like Ishki Taloa. As for reading, I'm waiting for updates on Zero Gravity and Deep Space - which you guys should totally check out.

Can you tell us a little about a one or two (or a few) of the stories you've posted to Mibba? Which were your favorites to write? Which are your favorites to re-read? Which story do you cringe just remembering?

This question is making me cringe, because all I can think about are the stories that make me cringe! I've written a lot of stories about people I know, and sometimes even shamelessly used their names since they'll never see the stories. Other than that, I have about a page and a half of stories that are only listed so I remember to re-write them. A lot of my writing makes me cringe... My favorite to write was actually a co-write called Hate This and I'll Love You just because I love Harry Potter and the stats were, for me, insanely high. It made me really happy to see so many people into something I had been part of. When it comes to re-reading my own work, I will admit that I'm absolutely in love with Musculature and Hands because drabbles are hard; each word counts and is equally important, and I think with both, they're perfect. It's important to admire your own work, and to me, those two are reminders that I've done something so amazing that none of my cringe-worthy work matters.

Can you tell us about your favorite Mibbian story, poem, article or blog? (Something written by another Mibbian.)

That's a hard one. I try not to have favorites because new stuff is always popping up, and like if I had a favorite at this moment it would probably be different than one I had a few months or even a year ago. Right now though, other than the ones I've mentioned, would probably be Jusi. It's a drabble, so I can't say much about it without spoiling the intricate and lovely writing of it - but it's insanely relateable and deserves attention. There are so many people that could benefit from reading this and realizing they're not alone I think. I also really love Adlewood Academy, which is a completed story. When I read this, it was so easy to fall in love with the characters and want more. I think that even for people who aren't fans of One Direction (which I wasn't at the time), this story would definitely be one that they hold onto as each word floats through their minds.

You participated and completed July's "Hugs and Other Things "challenge. What did you do to get all 50 tasks completed within the month? What was your strategy?

For this I didn't really have a strategy other than to remember to log things I do for people since I'm regularly active. At first I started with trying to follow the list, you know? Greet a Mibbian, introduce myself. I felt like that was nice but maybe repetitive and something I don't necessarily need credit for doing. I thought about "what do I like, what makes me happy" and realized that when I see a story of mine has more recommendations than the last time I looked, I get really happy. I tried to find stories that I wouldn't usually gravitate to so I could comment and recc them. There are a lot of instances where I will be in the blogs and reading, but not actually comment so I also tried to comment a lot more and help people that seemed like something was wrong or had questions. It was really enjoyable.

What was your favorite 'hug'?

As soon as I read the words: Today was one of those heartbreaking days for me, I knew what my favorite hug would be. Mibba user LastBastille posted a blog about some family struggles and what it's been like to slowly watch family members deteriorate with age and bad health. "I feel so lost and disheartened. Have any of you dealt with these sorts of things?" I'm also experiencing this, so I really wanted to reach out and let her know how I've been dealing, how I feel, and try to do something nice for her. I ended up offering and making a playlist, and though she didn't respond I hope it's helping. To me it's the kind of thing where I know that someone is struggling and I see the struggles are continuing so if even a few words to say "I can relate" or "You're not alone in this" is all I have to offer, I want them to know. Going through hard things and feeling alone is one of the hardest things, and I never want anyone else to feel like that if I can help try to prevent it or at least alleviate some of those feelings.

After all these years, what would you say has been your favorite part of the Mibba experience?

All of it. I've learned a lot about what looks aesthetically pleasing through the graphics we are allowed to do with Mibba, and a lot about writing through the people who talk to me about my work and those I talk to about theirs. I've also made a few really good friends, and I love that. I guess my favorite part is that Mibba has become like my home.

For more, follow Bridgette


Special thanks to losing control. and nearly witches. for editing.

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