All good things must come to an end, as the saying goes, so it’s time for Charles Dumbwin to hang up his gloves and say farewell to the News24 community.
It felt like only yesterday when I created Charles Dumbwin (mostly to annoy the atheists, I confess), and I can’t believe how fast time has flown. That was back in 2011 but it feels like only a few months ago.
We really have developed quite a community here and all the regulars are pretty much known by everyone else.
I’ve enjoyed the banter, had some good laughs, and watched some cry as they were rightly and truly trolled to pieces.
Charles has been called many things: troll, poe, dumbtwat, dumbf..k, dumbc..t, domd..s, and every other derivative starting or ending with ‘dumb’. All gave me the chuckles.
To date, Charles had every article he ever submitted to News24 published, and for what it’s worth, that does reflect on News24’s promotion of free speech and artistic expression. Even some of the more risky and risqué pieces (which no doubt had Catherine Reece chewing off her fingernails as she contemplated publishing or not), were all eventually published, although some did need an editing rework to finally make it through.
I’ve even had a piece banned after it was published and permanently deleted from the MyNews24 archives. Who can ever forget the masterful essay ‘Homosexuality and atheism’, which saw Morgoth (amongst others), pulling his hair out. Oh my, that was funny!
Of course, that piece also brought fake ‘Andy’ out of the proverbial closet, who then as quickly, disappeared once he was caught out. Say, whatever happened to that Brett/Biker/Crotch Infection character? I suspsect that he’s still around, incognito, trolling for attention as always.
We’ve shared so many stories together and exchanged many comments, I feel like I almost know so many of you personally.
We also won’t forget Zion’s infamous poo fights underground, when he took his mining articles to new lows. It made for a good few laughs though.
To the atheists I say, ‘peace and blessings’. And good luck, you’re going to need it.
To believers in God I say, stay strong and remember you’re free to choose your own faith just as the atheists have chosen theirs. You’re not compelled by God or anyone else to ‘prove’ God to anyone. That’s why it’s called faith. Don’t waste too much of your time arguing with people who aren’t open to learn. It’s quite pointless really.
I do feel that I’ve been part of something special, and these forums when compared to others, just seem richer and more meaningful.
He’s had a good run, but it’s time for Charles to retire. He’ll no doubt be missed by atheists, ANC Youth Leaguers and Lions supporters – big time!
Wishing everyone a very Happy Christmas and a blessed New Year!!!
As a parting shot, remember: Don’t take yourself too seriously, no one else does.
And oh yes, there should be a permanent warning sign posted here for all newcomers, which should read: Enjoy your stay - Beware the troll!
Disclaimer: All articles and letters published on MyNews24 have been independently written by members of News24's community. The views of users published on News24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of News24. News24 editors also reserve the right to edit or delete any and all comments received.
