I'm from Metafilter, and I'm here to help. November 9, 2011 4:45 AM   Subscribe

A member at Occupy Portland fell and suffered a severe concussion. He posted an AskMe question that made it pretty apparent that he was still suffering and was probably not able to care for himself. The signal was sent out and ottereroticist swooped in and, with an assist from Troll, brought him to the hospital, gave him cab fare to get back the next day and orders to check in.
posted by nevercalm to MetaFilter-Related at 4:45 AM (172 comments total) 76 users marked this as a favorite

Mefites can be otterly fabulous!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:52 AM on November 9, 2011 [6 favorites]


Lovely! What an inspiring way to start the day!
posted by tr33hggr at 4:54 AM on November 9, 2011


I think the internet should pitch in and get otteroticist a Mefite of the Year present.
posted by Roman Graves at 4:59 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


It's good to hear one of these "go to the doctor now!" stories turned out well.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 5:04 AM on November 9, 2011 [29 favorites]


Good people doing good things makes a good story, but I hope the real ending is that mediocre doesn't have to hear imaginary fucking all the time. Best wishes for a full recovery.
posted by carsonb at 5:07 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


That's wonderful news! Thanks for letting us know!

Otteroticist and troll are awesome.
posted by zarq at 5:08 AM on November 9, 2011


Ottereroticist, I mean.
posted by zarq at 5:09 AM on November 9, 2011


and only on metafilter would the rescuer be completely eponysterical.
posted by empath at 5:11 AM on November 9, 2011 [21 favorites]


It's good to hear one of these "go to the doctor now!" stories turned out well. -- I guess the key is that we can't just give this advice anymore. We apparently need to intervene in person.
posted by crunchland at 5:12 AM on November 9, 2011


I guess the key is that we can't just give this advice anymore. We apparently need to intervene in person.

Well in this case, it was clear he was in severe distress, that he had psychological problems that might prevent him from getting adequate care, he's a long time member of the site, and we basically knew where he was.
posted by empath at 5:15 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Thanks for the update--and I'm glad there's folks like this in the world.
posted by crush-onastick at 5:23 AM on November 9, 2011


I saw this last night, and as I said to some friends, I imagined ottereroticist walking around the Occupy site, approaching people who fit the description of the mefite in distress, and going "Hi, I'm ottereroticist - are you mediocre? The internet sent me and I'm here to help."

crunchland - sometimes, sure, people need actual physical intervention and not just words on a screen, and if someone can provide it, then great. Don't worry, you won't personally have to go if you don't want to.
posted by rtha at 5:28 AM on November 9, 2011 [49 favorites]


Oh thank God. I was worried about that.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:29 AM on November 9, 2011


Portland people: please disregard my frantic post in your next meetup thread. I'm really, really glad ottereroticist was available to step in. Hope mediocre's gonna be OK.
posted by phunniemee at 5:30 AM on November 9, 2011


Yay mefites
posted by spitbull at 5:30 AM on November 9, 2011


Thank you ottereroticist and Troll, and thanks to Elysum as well.
posted by runningwithscissors at 5:30 AM on November 9, 2011


I have to say, that thread made me really concerned about WTF is going on with Occupy Portland. It sounds like it's Thunderdome over there. Is it really that bad?
posted by empath at 5:47 AM on November 9, 2011 [8 favorites]


It boggles my brain that the Russian spy incident was resolved by fake and Internet Detective Squad Station #9 and now this: A guy hears persistent and imaginary fucking and ottereroticist dives in to save the day. If there's more eponysterical rescues that this, somebody otter make a list.
posted by iamkimiam at 5:49 AM on November 9, 2011 [39 favorites]


Christ, Troll. Another MetaTalk?
.
.
.
Just kidding.
Good on you and Elysum!
posted by charred husk at 5:50 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


I brought you a picture of an otter in thanks.
posted by inigo2 at 5:50 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Oh, er, and ottereroticist!
posted by charred husk at 5:51 AM on November 9, 2011


Glad to hear this part of the story ended well. Thanks ottereroticist! Feel better, mediocre!
posted by rmd1023 at 5:55 AM on November 9, 2011


Awesome. "I'm here to help you. I'm from the internet."
posted by monju_bosatsu at 5:56 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


inigo2, I think this is an even more appropriate otter picture.

This made my day.
posted by tommasz at 5:58 AM on November 9, 2011 [10 favorites]


Good work!
posted by OmieWise at 6:00 AM on November 9, 2011


I just wanted to say that I didn't link to Troll bc although I was fairly sure it was "that" Troll, I didn't want to troll Troll if Troll wasn't the Troll ottereroticist was talking about.

Also, I didn't name or link to mediocre for obvious reasons.
posted by nevercalm at 6:07 AM on November 9, 2011


I kept checking back on that thread, but it got so late and I couldn't do anything from the other coast, so I'm very glad that mediocre got some medical attention. Good work!
posted by xingcat at 6:10 AM on November 9, 2011


I was following it too. I hope you're feeling better, mediocre. Really well done, ottereroticist. I'd be happy to send some funds towards medical bills if that's necessary.
posted by h00py at 6:19 AM on November 9, 2011


A guy hears persistent and imaginary fucking and ottereroticist dives in to save the day.

ottereroticist = Eponysterical, right?

But what a good thing to read today! Thanks, everyone involved.
posted by peagood at 6:22 AM on November 9, 2011


Nothing like a brain injury and altruism to get the waterworks going (on public transportation, no less).
posted by Mrs.Spiffy at 6:40 AM on November 9, 2011


God, I love this place. Seriously.
posted by jbickers at 6:51 AM on November 9, 2011 [6 favorites]


Hope he's getting the care he needs and feels better in no time!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:52 AM on November 9, 2011


"There's a Mefite injured at Occupy Portland!!"

TO THE OTTERMOBILE!!!
posted by panboi at 7:00 AM on November 9, 2011 [41 favorites]


Is it a bad thing, crunchland?
posted by h00py at 7:04 AM on November 9, 2011


Nothing like a brain injury and altruism to get the waterworks going (on public transportation, no less).

If you're on my holy-crap-packed Brown Line right now, raise your hand. I HAVE TISSUES!
posted by phunniemee at 7:04 AM on November 9, 2011 [7 favorites]


Oh geez, must reconsider future phrasing of "crap-packed brown lines."
posted by phunniemee at 7:07 AM on November 9, 2011 [43 favorites]


It made me laugh, phunniemee.
posted by rtha at 7:09 AM on November 9, 2011


phunniemee: "I HAVE TISSUES!"

Don't squeeze the Charmin.
posted by zarq at 7:12 AM on November 9, 2011


Well done ottereroticist and all others who helped in big and small ways. I woke up this morning wondering what had happened with mediocre. I'm glad he's getting medical attention. That was a very discomfiting AskMe.
posted by oneirodynia at 7:13 AM on November 9, 2011


Thumbs up.
posted by josher71 at 7:14 AM on November 9, 2011


If you're on my holy-crap-packed Brown Line right now, raise your hand. I HAVE TISSUES!

I TOTALLY WAS! For the record, it was packed with people and, judging by the smells, probably some crap too.
posted by Mrs.Spiffy at 7:19 AM on November 9, 2011


Super.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 7:24 AM on November 9, 2011


What it the report from the hospital? Is he ok?
posted by JohnnyGunn at 7:27 AM on November 9, 2011


Excellent. It was a fantastic thing that otteroticist and troll did. It's always inspirational to see people helping people by simple virtue of sharing this place and caring about one another.

Here's to hoping mediocre is ok.
posted by quin at 7:33 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Super kudos to Ottereroticist and all other Mefites that helped. And I nominate the injured Mefite for the award of "Best $5 Investment Ever."
posted by DB Cooper at 7:36 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


I imagine she'll clarify when she gets a chance, but I'm pretty sure ottereroticist wouldn't be talking about mefite "troll" (wrong state as far as I can tell) but rather somebody she knows or met in Portland who goes by Troll.

In any case, ottereroticist once let me store a box full of MefiComp CDs in the truck of her car for like a month and so was already on my superhero list. This is only formal confirmation of that.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:37 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Yay, all! Score one for awesomeness. Whatever happens, it is nice to know that people will help when you might need help but don't want to be a bother.


Feel better mediocre!
posted by anitanita at 7:47 AM on November 9, 2011


ottereroticist and Elysum are my heroes. I watched most of that unfold last night and it was lovely to see the level of concern people have for near-strangers. It's absolutely not in the same category at all, but watching everyone dive into help mediocre inspired me to get off my butt and take out a friend who was feeling really down on his 21st birthday. It was a completely irresponsible move since I didn't get any of my work finished like I was supposed to, but I'd spent all night watching the askme thread and the need to help somebody feel better was too much. So thanks to everyone not only for helping out a person in need, but doing so in a public forum so as to inspire others.
posted by lilac girl at 7:53 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Oh my gosh, I hadn't even seen that other thread, and now I'm literally in tears. And that never happens.

I really hope mediocre is okay. Just reading about the fall, and the unequal pupils, and falling in and out of consciousness in that atypically rambling post was scary, and once it got to the hearing voices part it was absolutely chilling.

Ottereroticist, thank you for making me cry. you are my hero! What a wonderful human being you are. I'm so glad there are people like you making the world a better place. If we had a Humanitarian award at Metafilter (and after all I've seen on this site, I'm starting to think we need a big trophy like the Stanley Cup to pass around!), you'd win it hands down for this.
posted by misha at 7:57 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


And I'm a total dunce for not putting this in my initial comment, but: I hope you're feeling better, mediocre, and that it turns out not to be anything serious. You can't be gone too long from mefi, after all.
posted by lilac girl at 7:57 AM on November 9, 2011


I carry a card that says in the event of an emergency, please contact crunchland.
posted by sgt.serenity at 7:57 AM on November 9, 2011 [8 favorites]


I just wanted to say that even though I don't live in Portland and didn't see this till this morning the whole situation was a tough read. I desperately wanted to help, and couldn't, and then someone did.

How wonderful. Thanks, metafilter, for the renewed faith in humanity. And I truly hope mediocre has a full recovery.
posted by AmandaA at 7:59 AM on November 9, 2011


Woah, jesus. I didn't mean anything at all by my comment. Worse still, I can't even fathom why I'm getting static for saying it. It's great that someone came to that guy's rescue and all, but for all the thousands of times people have implored others on askme to seek medical attention, there's only so much that a glowing pixels on the screen can do. I'm glad someone actually left their keyboard and did something about it.
posted by crunchland at 8:03 AM on November 9, 2011 [6 favorites]


You people are absolutely fucking magnificent. I love this website.

(Someone needs to get ottereroticist a whole bunch of those adopt-a-zoo-otter certificates for xmas.)
posted by cmyk at 8:05 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


I misread her username and initially thought it was "otterassist" - so I hereby nominate any future acts of incredible MeFite helpfulness to others to be called "Otter Assists!" - because otters are awesome, and so are Mefites.
posted by HopperFan at 8:06 AM on November 9, 2011 [6 favorites]


The way everyone jumped in to help out really made me smile.

If ever a MeFite should become lost or hurt on the Superior Hiking Trail; and if they should decide to post to AskMeFi instead of, say, calling the authorities for help; I will borrow my neighbors 4-wheeler/snowmobile and go help them. Fear not, Internet, the northwoods are protected. By Metafilter.
posted by Elly Vortex at 8:09 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


Hugs to everybody!
posted by inturnaround at 8:10 AM on November 9, 2011


Wow am I glad to hear that. I caught the link in the other MeTa thread and was really concerned for mediocre (yep, that's a weird sentence to write). So, so glad Mefites were able to help out!
posted by librarylis at 8:12 AM on November 9, 2011


So glad I saw this MetaTalk thread before the actual AskMe post, because mediocre's situation-as-presented was really scary. Once again, Metafilter proves to be one of the most amazing places on the 'net.
posted by owtytrof at 8:12 AM on November 9, 2011


Let me know offline if there's anything I can do from Texas. This kept me up last night, worrying. Thanks.
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:16 AM on November 9, 2011


If ever a MeFite should become lost or hurt on the Superior Hiking Trail...

I got the path around Shelley Lake in Raleigh covered.

And kudos to all who helped, and best wishes to mediocre for a speedy recovery.
posted by marxchivist at 8:16 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Worse still, I can't even fathom why I'm getting static for saying it.

You original comment read as pretty snide to me; I'm glad you didn't mean it that way.
posted by rtha at 8:20 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


Ottereroticist, thank you for doing something.

Mediocre, get better soon, and completely.

Both of you, prepare for the weird blowback that comes winding after all good deeds. May it be slight and short.
posted by fake at 8:20 AM on November 9, 2011


And they say the internet is making us meaner.
posted by tzikeh at 8:21 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


I got Cape Lookout National Seashore covered.
posted by Edogy at 8:23 AM on November 9, 2011


FWIW, crunchland, I took your original comment as light-hearted and funny.

I'm really glad this played out the way it did. I didn't get to the thread until today and as I was reading the post, I was hoping someone was going to take action.

Well played, MeFi; especially Otteroticist.
posted by cooker girl at 8:23 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


What the hell is going on at occupy portland. Reading some of the links in that thread I'm a bit worried about everyone there.
posted by Ad hominem at 8:31 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


Once again metafilter makes me proud to be a part of it.

I wish I could just.. make my friends understand how awesome of a community it is. Not only is it an island in a stormy sea of trolls, racism, and sexism.. but we have search and rescue boats as well!

Cheers to Ottereroticist!

(even if trying to pronounce your name boggles my brain and trips my tongue)
posted by royalsong at 8:32 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Well done, ottereroticist. Well done, mediocre, for being an Occupier. What an interesting new world it's turning out to be.
posted by theora55 at 8:38 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Can oterreroticist get a star?
posted by theora55 at 8:40 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


The fact that I woke up this morning to my partner asking me to check on "that guy from Portland" and had an answer to give him makes me love all parties involved so very much.

And seriously, phunniemee, wtf was up with the brown line around 9 this morning... though any weirdness that still doesn't excuse the dickhead at Belmont who looked at me and harrumphed as if a crowded train was somehow my fault
posted by MCMikeNamara at 8:42 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


I smell a greasemonkey script coming up!
posted by wheelieman at 8:43 AM on November 9, 2011


Metafilter: I smell a greasemonkey script.

sorry
posted by tr33hggr at 8:46 AM on November 9, 2011


fake: Both of you, prepare for the weird blowback that comes winding after all good deeds. May it be slight and short.

A) Not appropriate for this thread
B) Totally different situation with completely different circumstances, but I won't get into that here.


Anyway, after reading that AskMe last night, I was really happy to wake up to the fact that he got to an ER.
posted by gman at 8:51 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


It's shit like this, mefi... that help restore my faith in humanity. Thanks for the warm fuzzies, thanks for being such awesome people Otteroticist and everyone involved, and get better soon Mediocre!
posted by cgg at 8:53 AM on November 9, 2011


YAY.
posted by The otter lady at 8:53 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


If ever a MeFite should become lost or hurt on the Superior Hiking Trail...

I got the path around Shelley Lake in Raleigh covered.

I got Cape Lookout National Seashore covered.


I got the general area between my computer and my PS3 covered. If anyone needs assistance turning the lights on in my den, or figuring out where the extra Dualshock 3s are (the right hand drawer), I am ON IT.

Great fucking job, ottereroticist and others.
posted by Rock Steady at 8:55 AM on November 9, 2011 [10 favorites]


I was terrified when I read Mediocre's Ask, since it was clear he was badly injured. Thank you for helping him, that's beautiful.

Sometimes I love the internet.
posted by louche mustachio at 8:55 AM on November 9, 2011


And seriously, phunniemee, wtf was up with the brown line around 9 this morning... though any weirdness that still doesn't excuse the dickhead at Belmont who looked at me and harrumphed as if a crowded train was somehow my fault

I live allllll the way at the end of the Brown Line now, and the train I was on sat for at least ten minutes before taking off this morning. Usually they leave at least every five minutes that early in the morning. It backed up the whole line.

Also there was a woman sitting across from me applying a full face of makeup. I've seen people do touch-ups before, but I've never seen anyone successfully complete the whole shebang on transit, especially with at least four different asses and elbows all up in her business. Impressive.
posted by phunniemee at 8:56 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


you are truly a super otter, ottereroticist.
posted by changeling at 8:58 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


This was just amazing. Times infinity plus infinity. I'm so very glad to hear that MeFites once again prove their fabulousness.

I do wish I had done a link-hover before clicking on the original AskMe thread. At work. LOL OOPS SORRY WORK FILTER. Heh.
posted by shiu mai baby at 9:00 AM on November 9, 2011


Of course, the fate of the mefite injured at the occupy grimsby protest gets not a mention.
posted by sgt.serenity at 9:12 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Anyone who ever speaks to me about the dehumanizing nature of online interaction is going to get a big face-full of this story.

What a great reminder that people, on a whole, really do want good things for their fellow human beings. And some will even get out of bed and take a mostly-stranger to the hospital. *sniff*
posted by phearlez at 9:12 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


Yeah, if anyone ever passes out at the Corner Bistro I will, uh. I will prolly steal your chzbrgr, tbh.
posted by elizardbits at 9:14 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


Russian Spy Incident?
posted by drezdn at 9:15 AM on November 9, 2011


They weren't actually occupying Grimsby, they were just stopping for a smoke on the way down to Saltfleet and didn't feel like standing up again right away. And getting ash in your own eye is a folly, not an injury.
posted by cortex (staff) at 9:17 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


I love this website so much. Amazing work, ottereroticist and everybody else.

Also: anything goes down in Sulphur Springs or Seminole Heights in Tampa FL, I'm your guy. Got it on lock. But excuse the mess, I'm kinda living out of my car.
posted by penduluum at 9:20 AM on November 9, 2011


Unlike some people I know, ottereroticist is entirely full of awesome. Well done!
posted by One-quarter Full of Awesome at 9:20 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


PDX resident volunteering to help if necessary.
posted by TheDonF at 9:25 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm sorry I missed this, if there is anything I can do please holler.
posted by iamabot at 9:28 AM on November 9, 2011


If penduluum has north-ish Tampa, I'll cover the peninsula. If you guys run into any trouble south of Hillsborough Ave, gimme a shout.
posted by cmyk at 9:30 AM on November 9, 2011


The first thing my husband (TheDonF) said to me this morning was "Time to get up, love. Apparently MetaFilter has saved someone again."

We're in Portland, so mediocre, if you need anything, let us know.
posted by Specklet at 9:41 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Metafilter as proto-distributed-republic.
posted by stebulus at 9:42 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


I got everything from the Broadway Bridge out west toward The Legends. Also, I brought pie.
posted by S'Tella Fabula at 9:45 AM on November 9, 2011


I've got London! Well, North London. Anywhere I can cycle to. Ok, my postal district. The non-hilly bits of it. My front yard.
posted by greenish at 9:47 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


Zangarmarsh, Terokkar Forest, Nagrand, or Hellfire Peninsula, I've got you covered.
posted by crunchland at 9:47 AM on November 9, 2011 [8 favorites]


I've got Minneapolis-St. Paul and surrounding areas!

Feel better soon mediocre!
posted by triggerfinger at 9:53 AM on November 9, 2011


Dear Metafilter,

Thanks for restoring my faith in humanity.

Love,
Amy
posted by radioamy at 9:55 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


Russian Spy Incident?

Part 1
Part 2
posted by endless_forms at 10:01 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Representin' Tahoe! The North Shore. Can do the South Shore with a bit of notice.
posted by HeyAllie at 10:02 AM on November 9, 2011


There's a summary on the wiki. Needs updating.
posted by zarq at 10:03 AM on November 9, 2011


Next up: Testing the claims of those covering specific areas, secret shopper style.
posted by waraw at 10:04 AM on November 9, 2011 [5 favorites]


Yeah, finding out this morning that mediocre had been brough to the hospital ensured a bright start to my day. I hope that everything will be okay. I can only hope I'll do the same if I'm in a similar situation to ottereroticist's.

The internet makes for weird sentences.

The bright start to the day was somewhat marred when I locked myself out of my apartment, without a cellphone, on a rainy day, wearing the wrong pants.

posted by Kattullus at 10:07 AM on November 9, 2011


At least you had pants.
posted by waraw at 10:11 AM on November 9, 2011 [9 favorites]


Glad this has, so far, worked out.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 10:15 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


And since I didn't say it before, Hooray for the Heros! I just hope that everything will be okay for mediocre.


At least you had pants.

I have been locked out without pants. (I was doing laundry in the shared basement of my duplex, unaware that a real estate agent had set the lock on the door from my condo to the basement to "lock behind you". I was basically wearing a nightgown, and not a "sitcom" nightgown, and frankly I was lucky I was wearing that much. Oh, it was awkward.)

posted by endless_forms at 10:16 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Russian Spy Incident? Part 1, Part 2 --- Maybe the confusion arises from the word "spy," which doesn't appear anywhere on either of those two pages.
posted by crunchland at 10:36 AM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


crunchland: "Russian Spy Incident? Part 1, Part 2 --- Maybe the confusion arises from the word "spy," which doesn't appear anywhere on either of those two pages."

Heh. I missed that. :)
posted by zarq at 10:43 AM on November 9, 2011


I am happy this turned out/is turning out well, and I look forward to the MeFite Assistance Coverage Map.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:53 AM on November 9, 2011


Can we get someone in NC to bring waraw some pants?
posted by mannequito at 10:55 AM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Glad a fellow Mefite could help.

Hope we can get an update on mediocre's condition today.
posted by Julnyes at 10:57 AM on November 9, 2011


Glad this has, so far, worked out.

Ditto.
posted by Divine_Wino at 11:10 AM on November 9, 2011


A) Not appropriate for this thread

Hey now, my well-wishes are sincere. And I have to disagree with you. If you ever end up on the other side of one of these situations, you'll see what I mean, and hopefully it won't be a surprise. Said another way:

“It is the makings of novels and poetry from Dickens to Gibran that the best and the worst occupy the same time, that wisdom and foolishness appear in the same age, light and darkness in the same season. These are the timeless words of our existence. We know it is true of everything… [the internet] is both vulgar and sublime…”

-Regina Dugan


This is a great example of sublime, and I'm so glad for what happened. Just don't forget the other part, and how it manifests.
posted by fake at 11:34 AM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


OMG, I said spy. What a dork. Sorry.
posted by iamkimiam at 11:37 AM on November 9, 2011


And also, as alluded above, don't forget that this is just the beginning of a long road for those involved. A great beginning. I'm hoping to hear, a long time from now, that it was basically uneventful from this point on.
posted by fake at 11:37 AM on November 9, 2011 [2 favorites]


but for all the thousands of times people have implored others on askme to seek medical attention, there's only so much that a glowing pixels on the screen can do. I'm glad someone actually left their keyboard and did something about it.

I think the neat thing about this is, while if it had been in anyway possible for me to leave my keyboard, I couldn't, and I was able to help anyway.

The bystander effect is all about leaving other people to step in first, and assuming before checking, that there is nothing you can do to help.

I knew Occupy Portland had a medic team. I knew Mediocre had friends there and a known injury. From what he'd posted, it didn't sound like the medic team knew he was getting worse. Therefore, get hold of the medics.
I have the internet, and I have money on my Google talk account. I can call Portland from Wellington, New Zealand, easily enough if I can find contact details.
I find the OcP site. I start looking for chatrooms, or contact details: "Can anyone get a message to the medics?" "Is anyone here on the ground at Occupy Portland?" "Does anyone have a phone number for a Medic at Occupy Portland?", and I kept repeating the problem, and adding details, until I'd gotten someone to acknowledge that someone was looking into it.
Interestingly, I has someone post something like xyzperson:"the concussion guy? look, someone is looking into it"
I asked them directly - who? Turns out they weren't there either, they just assumed I'd posted enough times, that someone else was taking care of it. Finally, several people joined in, pointing out that this was something to be dealt with quickly. I received word that he *had* been ok - but when? After the concussion, yesterday, that morning etc.
Explained he was getting worse. Got someone to check on him now. Got "he's ok".
Explained that he seemed to be getting worse, and paranoid about going to hospital and given those circumstances, you don't want to play around with a head injury. Got feedback that that was more serious, and renewed commitment to checking on him, but no one to take him to A&E / ER.

Finally, sent details to OtterEroticist of what I'd heard (not sure if they got the details in time, hope it helped!).


So, that's what glowing pixels on the screen can do.
posted by Elysum at 12:30 PM on November 9, 2011 [47 favorites]


The stress of the situation, living homeless, could be a contributing factor. While people want to know what is going on, it may take serious time and treatment, depending on what exactly is going on. So, yay for intervention, but he may need time and space to deal that doesn't jibe with timely updates.
Just thought I'd throw that out there.
So big ups all around, but it's a person, not just a feel good story. Respect, privacy, all that good stuff.
posted by provoliminal at 12:50 PM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


So, no word yet from mediocre. I tried calling the hospital, but apparently I heard or remembered his last name wrong.

My friend Troll (no, not MeFi's own) is keeping a lookout for him down at the encampment. If I don't hear anything by this evening, I'll probably go down there and look around for him.
posted by ottereroticist at 1:07 PM on November 9, 2011 [7 favorites]


I got the whole Northside of Zoo City, and really, because there are only about five mefites in my whole state, I've got the rest of it covered, too.
posted by Polyhymnia at 1:08 PM on November 9, 2011


He's not still at the hospital? It really seemed like they'd keep him for observation. I agree with others, that probably isn't the best environment, but it's not clear if he has options on where to stay.
posted by provoliminal at 1:16 PM on November 9, 2011


Could a mod just help ottereroticist get the right version of his name, since she sort of knows it already? A customer service rep helped me remember which PIN I used once without actually telling it to me, since I did know it already. Like "warmer, warmer, burning hot!"
posted by theredpen at 1:36 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


That's really awesome. Like, really awesome.
posted by glaucon at 1:53 PM on November 9, 2011


I think there are confidentiality issues here with regard to mediocre's real name. I mean Metafilter's confidentiality policies as well as the hospital's. We're all anxious to know how he's doing, but breaching his confidentiality to find out is not really the way to go. I think we just have to hope mediocre gets well enough soon enough to come back and tell us.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 2:00 PM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


Could a mod just help ottereroticist get the right version of his name, since she sort of knows it already?

We are on this. Could I please second item's "please do not send money without talking to one of us" comment? Thanks.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:07 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


Thanks mods!

OHSU says he was discharged early this morning. I will post any further info as I get it.
posted by ottereroticist at 2:09 PM on November 9, 2011 [4 favorites]


I'm just a student but it does sound like secondary psychosis due to traumatic head injury, which is like getting schizophrenia all of a sudden. He could have been given a supply of medication that works effectively to treat it, but you'd think they'd watch him longer than overnight to make sure.
posted by provoliminal at 2:30 PM on November 9, 2011


mediocre: I hope you heal soon so you can get back to Punching the 1% In The Dick.
posted by not_on_display at 2:39 PM on November 9, 2011 [5 favorites]


Aw shoot, my memory is awful. mediocre posted "Punch Em in the Dick"? That's one of my most favorite pick-me-up songs ever. mediocre, you have extra good thoughts coming from my direction so you can get better quickly. You have to, for the good of humanity.
posted by lilac girl at 2:47 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


oh crap ! I had that as my ring tone! That is pretty much my favorite song in the word. I loved having the words "Punch em in the diiiiicck, Punch em in the diiiiicck" blaring out of my pocket at work. Much cooler than when I had Ignition by R. Kelly as my ringtone.

Somebody better get this guy fixed up or I'm going to have to go to Portland myself.

There is also a video
posted by Ad hominem at 3:14 PM on November 9, 2011


Thank you so much, Elysum and ottereroticist, for being wonderful and awesome. Mediocre: hope your recovery is speedy, uneventful, and complete. Thanks, Matt and Mods, for making this all possible.
posted by angiep at 3:58 PM on November 9, 2011


I can totally help you out if you're in Western MA and need assistance during the hours of 6-8AM, 10A-2PM, and 5-8PM. Naptime is totally out.

This makes me one of the least useful people ever, but hey. If you have an emergency when my kid's awake - I've got a car and live practically next door to a hospital!

(If you have an emergency in Western MA during naptime, you can get in touch with me anyway because I totally Know People around here.)
posted by sonika at 4:23 PM on November 9, 2011 [5 favorites]


Although I wish that it wasn't needed, this is just wonderful to see! *GROUP HUG*

Thank you very much, ottereroticist and Elysum!

Mediocre, I hope that you have a smooth, quick, and full recovery.
posted by wiskunde at 5:36 PM on November 9, 2011


Man, that song is great.

I just played it for my housemate, who laughed his ass off, then said "I'm surprised at you."
posted by ottereroticist at 6:40 PM on November 9, 2011 [7 favorites]


Well, I guess I've got Decatur, IL, as long as I am not working. Keep in mind I will also have to take a bus and carry you home on my back.

OTOH, I have a Linux guest computer and a cool cat, so there's that.

And I just want to say again, like I have before, but not exactly in the same words...

Thanks, Matt, Jessamyn and all for being so cool to develop such a thing that is a REAL community. A place with REAL friends, not just a friends list.

Thanks, Otter (and your friend, Troll), for being the amazing people you are and being part of us here.

Thanks to all the rest of you for being us here.

Yeah, distributed republic.

I like that.
posted by Samizdata at 7:05 PM on November 9, 2011 [3 favorites]


I can back up Sonika in Western Mass! I'm a grad student so any naps interrupted would be mine.

I hope we continue to hear good news about Mediocre. Excellent work, MeFi.
posted by apricot at 7:13 PM on November 9, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'll cover northern Westchester in NY! (We should totally make this map.)
posted by firei at 7:20 PM on November 9, 2011


I can help with anything that can be done from home in Milwaukee or Southeast, WI.
posted by drezdn at 7:30 PM on November 9, 2011


I've got Philly!
posted by two lights above the sea at 8:39 PM on November 9, 2011


ottereroticist (and Troll) and Elysum, today you win the internet. I'm proud of you guys.

I'll cover Sydney, if shit gets real.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 9:11 PM on November 9, 2011


Best of luck, mediocre - may your recovery be quick and uneventful.

(Nothing ever happens in Perth, but if it ever does, or an Aussie can be of assistance, I'm always happy to help out a MeFite in need.)
posted by harriet vane at 9:25 PM on November 9, 2011


Bravo to ottereroticist, Troll, Elysum and everyone who encouraged mediocre to get medical help quickly. Wishing a speedy and complete recovery to mediocre.
posted by uniq at 9:46 PM on November 9, 2011


Great work ottereroticist, Troll and Elysum; you guys are full of win! Hope mediocre gets well soon.

Also, I have Shenzhen covered (just not this week).
posted by arcticseal at 10:34 PM on November 9, 2011


OHSU says he was discharged early this morning. I will post any further info as I get it.

Hopefully everyone will keep in mind that any and all details of mediocre's medical diagnosis and treatment are absolutely none of our business. If he wants to come back at some stage and talk about it, cool, but if he doesn't that's also cool. Posting second hand info without explicit permission, however, really isn't cool. I get that people care, and it's really great that he was able to be helped in a timely manner, but that still doesn't mean more details of his life should be posted on the internet for all to see. We've already thrown a pretty big spotlight on his situation without asking him, I don't think we should be pushing for further updates here in public.

Mediocre, I really hope you're doing well and you recover quickly. You have a huge number of people wanting the best for you here.
posted by shelleycat at 12:42 AM on November 10, 2011 [29 favorites]


I've got the entire continent of Australia covered. Tasmania, you're on your own.
posted by taff at 2:48 AM on November 10, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm prepared to make long distance calls to Tasmania. I'm here for emergencies in Brisbane West and surrounds. Well, kinda here. Here if needed!
posted by h00py at 3:49 AM on November 10, 2011


I've got Chicago! Northside, Southside, it's all good.
posted by jeanmari at 6:06 AM on November 10, 2011


You know, we are SO prepared when the Inevitable Zombie Apocalypse (tm) occurs.

The Blue Vs. The Walking Dead.
posted by Samizdata at 8:10 AM on November 10, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm keeping a very close eye on the only other Mefite I know of in Billings, Montana. And I'm enjoyig it!

But yeah, willing to help elsewhere as well.
posted by The Deej at 9:30 AM on November 10, 2011


I hope mediocre is on the mend and that we get to hear he's okay, soon.

Ottereroticist and Elysum, thank you so much for helping out. You're wonderful.
posted by cmyk at 10:54 AM on November 10, 2011


The dead are reanimating and eating the living!

deleted because: newsfilter.
posted by cupcake1337 at 11:26 AM on November 10, 2011 [3 favorites]


Fair enough, shelleycat. Thanks for the reminder.
posted by ottereroticist at 11:32 AM on November 10, 2011


Ok, I've got Wellington, New Zealand, and... the internet!

(hopefully not when I'm supposed to be working again. No emergencies 8.30am to 5pm NZST, plzkthxbye).
posted by Elysum at 12:39 PM on November 10, 2011


Wow, guys. Metafilter really is awesome. Thanks to everyone involved.
posted by guster4lovers at 2:05 PM on November 10, 2011


Well done all - movie cannot be far away.

Darn, I seem to have someting in my eye.
posted by fatmouse at 2:49 PM on November 10, 2011


ottereroticist, were you able to get a hold of mediocre again?
posted by pleasebekind at 8:46 AM on November 11, 2011


Nope, no word.
posted by ottereroticist at 9:53 AM on November 11, 2011


I hope he's still okay.
posted by sunnichka at 10:10 AM on November 11, 2011


I'm glad to hear this.
posted by nomad005 at 4:05 PM on November 11, 2011


Ok, I've got Houston and the surrounding suburbs. And if need be, Galveston, etc. Hell, since it's such an enormous state, I can probably cover several hundred miles in any direction, if someone's in trouble out in the boonies somewhere. I love road trips anyway.
posted by MexicanYenta at 6:25 AM on November 12, 2011


Thank you, Ottereroticist and Elysum! Get better soon, mediocre.

If anything goes awry in the Sarasota-Venice-Bradenton area of Florida, I am here to help. If I can't personally help, I have a dozen or so trustworthy friends and family who will step in.
posted by Jezebella at 9:51 AM on November 13, 2011


Err.. umm.. hi.

I kind of have this weird tendancy to jump on mefi, pour my heart out about something intensley personal then log off, immediately regret it, and never look at thread again..

As I am sure people who poured through my posting history have learned..

So.. err.. thanks for all the fuss.. its really touching..

I am improving, but have to keep in mind that severe head trauma takes a long time..

I just left Occupy Portland, probably for the last time.. the last 24 hours have been a rollercoaster there to say the least.. been alternating between happy tears, screaming mad, and soul crushing tears..
posted by mediocre at 2:18 PM on November 13, 2011 [27 favorites]


I am sorry.. how rude of me.. possibly late owing thanks to ottereroticist and troll for helping me when honestly, I was in no condition to help myself..

And thank you otter for being with us last night, you weren't there for our moment of triumph and victory.. or the following moment of crushing defeat.. but you were there.
posted by mediocre at 2:22 PM on November 13, 2011 [15 favorites]


chin up mediocre! welcome back!
posted by mannequito at 2:23 PM on November 13, 2011


Glad you're upright and typing, mediocre! Thanks for checking in. Take care of yourself.
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 4:02 PM on November 13, 2011


Hey again..

I just wanted to get across a couple things since it's probably more appropriate for me to explain what happened then otter..

When she came to me, and explained she had seen online that I had been injured. I had no idea what she was talking about. When she said she was aware of my audio hallucinations, I had no clue how she knew that. I had forgotten being on MetaFilter right then. I, in my state where I just wanted to come off as normal, just smiled and nodded. I thought perhaps I had used a computer while back at camp, and just forgotten about it. I honestly had no clue MetaFilter had anything to do with it until the next day, when I logged in and saw the.. ruckus.. I had caused. That was how out of it I was, so in some ways, how necessary the action of the.. I don't know the word.. cloud? Swarm? What do you call an anonymous group of complete strangers (I mean complete, I've never even seen a single username in these threads let alone spoke with any of you.. not saying I wouldn't.. just that.. I hadn't) who use an absolute bare minimum of information to find you and get you to safety when they think that you are in danger? It's kinda mind blowing..

So yeah.. thanks.

And come up with a word for that.
posted by mediocre at 4:54 PM on November 13, 2011 [80 favorites]


Glad to hear you're doing OK, mediocre.
posted by His thoughts were red thoughts at 5:13 PM on November 13, 2011


cloud? Swarm?

I think it's commonly known as "the hive mind." And I'm very glad they were able to help you!
posted by sonika at 6:53 PM on November 13, 2011 [1 favorite]


The word you are looking for is "community". Good luck mediocre. Get some rest.
posted by Potomac Avenue at 10:05 PM on November 13, 2011 [29 favorites]


Glad to hear from you, mediocre. Take care.
posted by pleasebekind at 4:05 AM on November 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Happy and relieved to hear from you, mediocre. Good luck.
posted by thesmallmachine at 7:26 PM on November 14, 2011


So glad you're on the mend, mediocre!
posted by Space Kitty at 9:03 PM on November 14, 2011


Glad to hear you're OK, mediocre. Rest up and get well.
posted by arcticseal at 10:40 PM on November 14, 2011


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