Recently, in fact, only about a week ago, I was granted a free 2 weeks' worth of diamond status, by me linking my profile here to facebook. I much appreciated the free offer, and began exploring some of the new features, although I dare say I didn't really concentrate neither were I dedicated to learning much. However, I saw a remarkable increase in my ratings, with blitz I increased to around 1500 when I was 1400 before and even more dazzling, my bullet rating shot to at peak around 1950s from 1600s. This was great, I became addicted to winning and I often did against members with yet higher ratings than me.

Yet when the diamond membership was finally removed, there arose a feeling of exasperation as I continued on my quest to increase my rating (I know, somewhat contemptible). The moves became hazy, the sharpness dampened and I had some people attack my skills due to a gap between my rating on the screen and my behaviour on the board. No longer were I able to finish 1 min games with the flare of checkmate, but rather with the foolhardy (and almost pathetic) method of time attrition. My opening became stuck in a bog. 

Now I really wonder, what had happened, it seems to me that a diamond membership not only gives you extra features to learn but it is a weapon for its own sake, I felt impeccable, while perhaps it reduced the practical hopes of the opponent to win. 

Still, I have not deteriorated too much in terms of rating (yes that thing which most people here treasure yet despise at the same time), and maybe time will tell if this blog has been worthwhile.