I've been doing a "preview of things to come" post for the last couple of seasons/mini-seasons/events so I figured now was a good time to do that!

Obviously, before you check this post out - make sure you are commenting on the Winner thread therealljidol.dreamwidth.org/1216843.html     and the Runners Up therealljidol.dreamwidth.org/1217245.html

Give them the love they deserve!!

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I've been seeing a lot more "Your Friend has updated their Livejournal" notification emails, to the point that I was starting to think everyone was headed back there.  A friend of mine who used to be on LJ forwarded this to me (Unless you speak Russian you'll need to use a translator. Your browser probably has one.  https://ru-news.livejournal.com/80899.html   )  Just FYI for those still using the site that changes are coming. 

The fact that the official news updates, and the currency you pay for Paid Accounts, is all in Russian is definitely a pretty big downside to going back.  Although I'll admit, with the 20th anniversary coming up, that really would have been nice to go home again. 

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Speaking of.... the next season is going to be our 20th anniversary!!  I'm going to have some posts between now and then,  I've been thinking of some ideas. Planning on announcing them on the Patreon first.  So if you've been thinking of signing up, now would be a good time.  :)    www.patreon.com/c/u70027


Our winner also reminded me to put out the Tip Jar information.  If you've enjoyed yourself, and want to throw in a little something to help keep this going, here's the link:   therealljidol.dreamwidth.org/1206401.html

In the comments,inkstainedfingertips  posted an older link, which included the old Amazon Storefront we used to have. Which made me wish that was still a thing. We never made much from it, but man that was truly satisfying to continuously update that list of books written by Idol contestants!!  If anyone knows of a site that works similar to that, were you get paid for people using your links, let me know! I'd love to set up another store.  If not, maybe I'll just put together a list.  Heck, maybe I'll do that on Patreon.  That might be a good place to host something like that!  (Totally thinking out loud here. I *just* came up with that idea as I'm writing it!  :D) 

Idol's anniversary is in May. 

My current goal is to be in a new place by March.  Well, it's not a "goal" but it's a plan forward.  So I'm hoping by May I'll be settled in with an idea of what my life is going to be like.  I don't want to hurry this anniversary celebration or start it before I know I'm ready to actually be present more than I have been.  Because you deserve that. Idol deserves that. 

At very least the 20th will be taking place between now and the 21st anniversary.  ;)  The closer to May though, the better.  

I'll check in now and then, so make sure to have your notifications on (and check the site because as a couple people found out during the last poll, the notifications don't always work!!! You need to manually check now and then, especially if you're expecting an update) 

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Thank you to everyone who indulged this crazy idea of The Wheel of Chaos, and played along with it.  I hope you enjoyed yourself. And thank you to everyone who still keep LJ Idol close to their hearts. It means the world to me. 

 I'm so incredibly proud of all 3 of these finalists!

There's a lot I want to say about l0lita but I'll settle for just saying "read her work" because that says plenty!  Coming in as an unknown factor, late in the game, could have ended poorly. But she navigated it, and managed to keep herself safe despite being an obvious target! 

drippedonpaper is one of those writers who has been around quite some time, but as can be the case with these special events and mini season, the right elements lined up and she finally started getting the attention she's deserved!  Once that happens, if precedent is any indication, that attention tends to stick around.  Which is something that brings a huge smile to my face!


Congratulations to both of you and absolutely well deserved.