I made the pilgrimage to imgur

That's right people. Imgur's resident crazy guy made the trip out to california. I was in the Santa Cruz area for a few weeks but I only had a chance to get into the city on the Wednesday of my arrival and departure. When I first arrived they had closed the office to move furniture around. That left me with one more chance..

My lyft ride initially dropped me in front of this terrifying but beautiful building. Everything I've ever heard about the Church of Scientology says you are pretty much fucked the moment you walk in the door.

That made this little hand drawn sign extra creepy. The man outside tried to get me to go in but I informed him I was looking for a church of a different variety. I was here to worship a giraffe. That plus my horns earned me a very interesting expression from the brainwashed fellow. I then took my leave. Thankfully it didn't take long to find my destination.

The moment I saw the sign I started giggling like a little school girl. In retrospect, that must have been extra creepy for all the suits walking around.
With barely contained excitement, I walked up to the door and pushed the call button for Imgur HQ. I very quickly heard a woman's apprehensive voice over the speaker system "Hello, may I help you?".
"Uhh.. yes. I was told that I could stop by for a tour if I could make it into the city today."
Her voice immediately perked up. It was almost like a verbal representation of Willy Wonka's first appearance in the original film.
"Of course you can! Let me buzz you in. Just take the elevator up.

*BUZZ.. click*

The door is open.. I'm in.
On the outside, I'm calm, cool and collected.
On the inside.. I'm freaking out.
Let's do this..

The doors open and I have made it to the promised land. The very nice lady was waiting for me. After chatting a few moments, she brought me over to a desk to get me checked in, take a photo (which failed miserably due to a distraction from the lovely lady) and have me sign a nondisclosure agreement.

What happens in Imgur STAYS in Imgur (unless told otherwise)

So Mum's the word...

You saw nothing.

Welcome to Imgur my friends

While waiting for Isaac (a.k.a officialimguraffe) I had to snap a shameless selfie. It wasn't long before I was being led around the office. Even though it was "work at home Wednesday there was a surprising amount to see and the few people present were a joy to talk to.

This is where they hide all the swag. And they have no problem dishing it out when the time comes.

I got a shit ton of stickers, 3 shirts, a post card and a fantastic dickbutt mug (that sadly broke on the way back to the east coast).

But it still doesn't equate to their wall of meme's

They even have random cool shit tucked away into the corners on the third floor they don't use much yet. But then again.. I was informed that Max has claimed ownership of the third floor.

Tapatio spotted

I got to see the server room. They told me under no circumstances was I allowed to take a picture in there.

But @officialimguraffe hooked me up. He distracted everybody while I got the shot. That's some high tech shit right???

Isaac is filled with all sorts of little bits of info that nobody really NEEDS to know and is the king of guided tours (not to mention, the creator of Imgur's beloved giraffe). He even took me up on the roof. That penis shaped building in the background is apparently not actually a giant cement penis but in reality, it's a tribute to fire fighters and is the highest point in the city.

Minus sky scrapers like this one of course.

Eventually, I found my way to the queens desk herself.

At first I thought that @Sarah was just messy. But when I lowered myself into her seat (yes, I sat at Sarah's desk) I realised it was actually covered in notes and letters from fellow imgurians who also made the pilgrimage. I had to add one myself. Those of you who have followed my posts know how much Imgur has helped me. I finally had my chance to let Sarah know herself.

I wrote my bit and left a gift (a prototype of an upvote/downvote pendant I've been working on).

There are those who would think going to a place like imgur HQ was pointless. But I enjoyed every moment of my experience. It was magical and pleasantly quiet.

Thank you again to all the imgur staff who took the time to make me feel welcome.

I will never forget @officialimguraffe trying to lick my face after I accidentally touch his Gluteus Maximus. I may have to add him to my book. What do you guys think. I went out to California originally to write after all and imgur will be a big part of it (might even be able to call it Imgur after speaking with staff).

But anyways.. That's all for now. Stay safe imgur.

And don't worry.. I paid the only tax you CAN pay when visiting Imgur HQ

The potato tax

(I guess somebody tried sending in an eggplant but it got all squishy, gross and oozed everywhere so they had to throw it out)