So I was back in HS when the site debuted.
I remember the old design and the fact that the content was interesting - not just the photos, but the community, discussions, essentially the whole mindset.
It reinforced the mentality within me that beauty comes in all shapes sizes, but even beyond that, it comes from the soul (and some of the best souls are accented with color, steel).
I liked that that the site was actively here to rewrite the societal norms and conventions about what and how our culture defined healthy, acceptable (and once again beautiful).
And while the pictures were alluring, I also liked that the community was active, the models were members instead of bodies placed before us. That word, sonder, stands out talking on this point.
It didn't really change me. I was (and am) still a punk, a skater.
I've been here for a long time, but will say that we both evolved as time went on.
In this evolution if I have found myself with a dissatisfaction I would work to resolve it, addressing the things I didn't want.
I hardly shy away from speaking my mind on matters unsettling (having even calling out things about this site, early on), but I feel that the owners have taken our concerns to mind and in a mature manner-they handled critiques constructively and worked to make the community a place for those us who don't quite fit into that "normal" niche.
I could have been zotted for insolence, but they provided a base of operations to fall back unto, instead of allowing us to be pigeonholed us into a place that may have been stifling and stagnating. I am thankful for that.
I learned to seek out what matters and that yes, dreams are within reach, if the effort put forth is adequete. So I moved forward, I'll always move forward.
I now find myself working in a field that matters to me with the type equipment I used to dream of working alongside.
I evolved a thick skin, a lot of patience and a laid back attitude that I embrace and am grateful to possess, even to this point and time.
I'm not here to change who I am for anyone... and am happy with that. I don't think I would have it another way.
I know and love myself, who I've grown into and the things I have accomplished to this point.
I look around me and find a quantity of distrust, discrimination, and a lot of superficial immaturity. Not worth my time.
I press for tolerance and understanding, and don't get caught up in that trash.
For work, I'm an instructor (a tattooed teacher!) and I bring my mentality with me to wherever my task has assigned.
It has worked, continues to work and all-in-all, I am satisfied with life.
Years ago, I probably would have been rejected from such opportunities as ink/piercings are taboo, but through your embrace, the world has become more tolerant, understanding and considerate that some people just love to wear their art and stories. Kudos to you for that.
Maybe things would have been somewhat different, if SG wasn't there. I wasn't redirected, but the site has run parallel to my life path.
Nowadays, I find myself blogging on this site, once again. I need to type out my thoughts every once in a while, and although I used to LJ it's turning into a ghost town.
Facebook is filled with the stupid, easily offended and vapid.
So I am back and writing on the things I couldn't specifically put out there, and it feels decent. Not gonna lie.
So SG, I ask you to keep shining, press onward.
Smash the opposition and let the world know that .alt is here to stay!
tl;dr - tolerance, love and community-- and chase your dreams.