I don't remember the exact date, but it was sometime in 2004 that I joined the DailyKos community. It wasn't long until I was hooked and found myself checking in at least a dozen times a day. I became a full-blown kossack. And life was good. Over time, I learned about tip jars, mojo, and trolls. But most importantly, I learned of a thing called "Trusted User Status." A reward bestowed upon only the most worthy of kossacks. My mission was now clear. I must obtain TU status.
Like most kossacks, I commented, I rated, and I racked up mojo like it was firewood and I was preparing for a hard winter. But nothing. So I wrote diaries... still nothing. I had almost given up but then in early 2005, it happened.
As I was checking in one day from work, I noticed there was something different. At first I couldn't identify it. But before long I had located it. There along the righthand side of the screen were the words I had so longed to read - "Hidden Comments." I had arrived at last.
It was as though I had acquired a sixth sense. I could see trolls. Finally, I could read what the gatekeepers didn't want me to be able to see. It was glorious! Off in the distance, I could hear trumpets sounding.
Suddenly I had more confidence than ever. People looked at me different. Women adored me. My ability to perform sexually was greatly enhanced. There was only one drawback - my productivity at work plummeted because I was constantly reading troll-rated comments, but it was a small price to pay for I was a "Trusted User."
But alas, I was not long for the TU world. My status was revoked within a couple of months. I had become lazy, resting on my laurels. I cursed myself for devoting so much time to the writing of my memiors. I would have to redouble my efforts.
And so I did. I threw myself into the quest to regain my status, because once you've been to the top of the mountain, the view just isn't the same from down below. So I commented, I rated, and I wrote more diaries. I even made the recommended list; not once, not twice, but three times. This last time, I was even mentioned on the front page by none other than Armando, himself. But almost a year passed and still the honor eluded me. It seemed as though I was doomed to remain an untrusted user forever.
What had I done? Did I not give enough troll ratings when I had the chance? Had I not abused my powers enough? I was at a complete loss.
But then, for no apparent reason, I regained my status as a "Trusted User" a little over a month ago. I was back, baby! Trolls beware! (I drank heavily that evening in celebration of my return.) My confidence surged.
But then this past Sunday it all changed again. In the morning I was a "Trusted User" but by that afternoon... bupkis! I had nothing! Suddenly the little button for troll rating was gone. The ability to see hidden comments had been taken from me. I was crushed.
The last three days have been a rollercoaster, to say the least. Monday I regained my TU status only to lose it again later that evening. On Tuesday, it had returned, but only fleetingly for it was gone again this morning. I now fear I may be the victim of a cruel and heartless prank. Could the Gods be toying with me? My confidence is at an all time low. I don't know if I have the stamina to continue this dance any longer.