Okay, so tell me I'm not the only noder here who is unsettled by all the users who, oh we'll say started E2 5.5 years ago, and were "last seen" 5.4 years ago! It's uncanny! The only explanation would be that they simply didn't have the gusto to stick it out here.
So let me make it painfully obvious for any new E2ians that might be reading this: Your very first writeup is going to get deleted. Eat it! Deal with it! Make another one! Listen when the guys (and gals) tell you something. Use your scratch-pad and Daylog. Don't just give up because your first couple of tries got eaten by Klaproth. Hey - use the Everything2 Help link. Do something. Just don't give up.