Sometimes I am told I am this messiah of items or such and as nice as a compliment as that is, I don't deserve it. It's not that I don't like the boost in self confidence, I just do not feel the term fits my persona. I have been trading for some time now, and I have realized I have very little control over what happens out in the trading world. Each year it gets harder to acquire items, items are harder to sell, people quit, Team Fortress is an after thought by the development team. The only thing I can surely take pride in is that I will always be humble and know that I am fortunate to make small impacts on peoples lives with my collection.

I don't trade and get items for attention. I hope my collection can help bring many together on common grounds. I hope to aspire those who still thirst to collect items and cease the useless bickering and toxic traits many in the community have. Many assume that with the items I do collect I would act high and mighty, but these are digital pixels and I am better than that. I have never been that and never will.

I believe that element fire is one of the strongest wills man could use right next to water. Though it is a lot flashier, I have convinced myself that wearing these hats with pride will show that dreams can come to light with dedication. I'm only human with a goal to change the market for the better one day. I'm one man and I am no Bobsplosion, KaimTime, Darth, VO, or Strife, but they have always been the note-able people that shook our market in the days of old. Each one had a niche that was able to turn the masses of traders to be inspired by them. For me, it's not that they were rich, it's that they were influential. All I wish is to be another name among the top few so that I can keep the will of this game alive. It's like a flame, and I feel if things stay the way they are, it will cease. So why not me?

In conclusion, I do want to say it's been a lot rougher for me. Some days I feel like I don't deserve to be here with any of you and I should quit. I've made big mistakes and I regret quite a bit still. However, the few of you that speak with me or like a photo, I cherish it. I know what many will think "This is a hat game over fourteen years old, this is ridiculous". You're right it is, I just want someone to see that being a trader who isn't here for snazzy "oos and aahhs" has struggles too. I want someone to still have hope, someone to not settle, to not give up. This game can impact lives, but who said hat collecting within it can't be life changing? It's time someone stands up for us, the little guy, the people with hopes and dreams. It's what I FIGHT for. I am no one, and I'm okay with that, but if that changes, I won't forget where I started. I won't forget you.




IP MAN - WING CHUN