When I absolutely need to read a story that encourages me to feel better about life, I read "Chances Are…". It's one of my favorite and most read stories. I hope Stultus is doing well in life.
When I feel the need for a "rise from the ashes" type story, It's hard to beat Ernest Bywater's River's Region Stories. Truthfully I enjoy most of his writing. Only most, since I know I haven't read them all. Stay sane Ernest, they really are out to get you. :)
When absolute bad assery is required, it's almost impossible to beat Shaddoth. I can't even decide which world I would like to live in the most, Axeman or Smith. Though the thought of meeting Hephaestus, has me leaning to Smith. Shaddoth, can't wait for the next Smith world installment.
And last for this post, but by no means least or last period, Ka Hmnd, Back when I was only allowed 16 stories a day, I would take 2 1/2 to 3 weeks to read everything he has posted. Now that that I can read a 100+ a day I'll binge read them all in 3 - 4 days. (Got to work a little, sometimes). I really like how all the space ones interconnect across the galaxy.
So Thank You All. Keep up the awesome work.
And every other author on here, Just because I didn't mention you doesn't mean I don't appreciate the work you do. Thank You, too.