If I hadn't been so busy lately -- darn day-job! -- I was going to write a final Home Game entry with my take on the Final Topic, why each of the finalists should win.

pixie117 should have won because she is so awesome as a person and writer and has grown so much both as a person and a writer. Third place was well-earned.

notodette should win because she is the Most Excellent Stay at Home Mom -- even to mermaids -- and has written some of the most entertaining entries.

whipchick I noticed early on would be a MAJOR contender. She has two major factors (aside from being a "she") that ensure success here. First, she came in with a solid following and cult, I mean friendslist. Second, she is flat-out an awesome writer, with feeling and life-experience and great "voice." That third factor, the social game, she had as well, coming around the Green Room as much as anyone. So... yeah... as for why she should win...

Though I did give one paragraph more weight than others, I saw these three as equally worthy of the Grand Prize. Best wishes to all. I could cop out (again) and vote-for-all in the final poll, but if I don't, I know it's gonna be tough.

This has run long, so I'll save "Why Beldar Should Win Season 9" for later. (It includes a 5,000-word essay on his incredible humility) =)