MetaTalk is Three Years Old today

March 3, 2003 12:55 AM

MetaTalk is Three Years Old today! (Finally out of its terrible twos)
So, how do you think we're doing? (inserts can of whoop-ass into electric can opener, flees kitchen)
posted by wendell to MetaFilter-related at 12:55 AM (178 comments total)

Nothing could possibly illustrate the need for a meta meta talk more than this post right here.

I've been lobbying for months... c'mon people... we need it.
posted by cadastral at 1:35 AM on March 3, 2003

Oh man, I share a birthday with Metatalk. Probably explains a lot.
posted by skallas at 1:36 AM on March 3, 2003

YAY! We're doomed. Whoopee! Perhaps only users who've actually been here for the three years deserve to reply. But, if a (relative) newbie's cheer is allowed, I'd definitely chip in with a big thank-you to Matt, the much-overlooked Skippy, and to the motley mix of users (cops, whiners, snarks and sticks-in-the-muds included) that make this place so constantly interesting, intelligent, funny and passionate. Though, sadly, never the same four qualities at the same time... There really is no alternative to reading the whole thing daily. It may be the greatest time-waster and work-avoider of all time, but it's worth it, in it's own despicable, delicious little way. :)=
posted by MiguelCardoso at 1:38 AM on March 3, 2003

Yay also for great posters, like clavdivs and Opus Dark who have favoured MeTa with (at least one of their) threads, but never the dastardly MetaFilter, on which they continue to be resolute virgins. Not to mention a twisted salute to Postroad, who is Number 4 in the Top Five of MeFi posters but has never posted even a single comment to MeTa.

It is time for the MeFi and MeTa virgins to be affectionately exposed and dutifully kissed, I say. ;)
posted by MiguelCardoso at 1:58 AM on March 3, 2003

Happy Birthday, skallas! Here's a little song I wrote just for you. Hope you enjoy it.
posted by iconomy at 4:58 AM on March 3, 2003

could someone kindly direct me to the nearest iraq/israel-palestine/bush stole the election/conservatives suck/no liberals suck thread? and happy birthday skallas! i hope your telegram goes through!
posted by quonsar at 5:17 AM on March 3, 2003

What Miguel said.
posted by Vidiot at 5:32 AM on March 3, 2003

Time to add something new! I suggest "MetaStalk" in which we track down and expose all those wacky web pretenders, fake experts and spoof artistes for the good of all mankind.
posted by taz at 5:33 AM on March 3, 2003

I want a pony.
posted by konolia at 5:47 AM on March 3, 2003

How about MetaFalk where we can all put on ratty trenchcoats and smoke cigars while discussing the wonder that is Columbo...

and to skallas, my occasional mefi sparring partner, Happy Birthday...
posted by jonmc at 5:50 AM on March 3, 2003

one burka-wearing pony for bunnyfire konolia, coming up!
posted by quonsar at 6:01 AM on March 3, 2003

One three-volume set of LOTR for Quonsar, shipping charges not included.
posted by konolia at 6:18 AM on March 3, 2003

Let's see. Pointless self-referential post, the usual wordy postings by MC congratulating everyone and everything, and a bunch of not very funny stand-ins for "I like pancakes." Three looks a lot like two.
posted by anapestic at 6:25 AM on March 3, 2003

You're right, anapestic, there's some amusing banter going on in a bithday post. This must be stopped at all costs.

Take a laxative, for pete's sake.
posted by jonmc at 6:36 AM on March 3, 2003

Take a laxative, for pete's sake.

Yeah, I'll do that, so I can have stuff running out of my ass like you.
posted by anapestic at 6:38 AM on March 3, 2003

Oooh, I lay mortally slain by your rapier wit.
posted by jonmc at 6:41 AM on March 3, 2003

Well, we can check snark off the list. Anything else we forgot?
posted by konolia at 6:42 AM on March 3, 2003

This MetaTalk, it vibrates?

*ducks*
posted by tomcosgrave at 6:43 AM on March 3, 2003

Oooh, I lay mortally slain by your rapier wit.

At least we don't have to worry about you falling on your own sword.
posted by anapestic at 6:44 AM on March 3, 2003

Bleeargfh!
posted by Shane at 7:17 AM on March 3, 2003

...so I can have stuff running out of my ass like you.

I'm enjoying that statement for it's pure simplicity.
posted by Witty at 7:21 AM on March 3, 2003

Why do I feel like I'm in the middle of Comic Book Guy vs. Milhouse.
posted by PrinceValium at 7:22 AM on March 3, 2003

That's it. I predict the iminent demise of MetaTalk.

(I'll be over on 9622 or #mefi, where things are civilized. *sniff*)
posted by Vidiot at 7:26 AM on March 3, 2003

mefi!
posted by Shane at 7:28 AM on March 3, 2003

MeFi, MeFi, MeFi.
posted by Vidiot at 7:37 AM on March 3, 2003

alternately: mefi! Seems to be a Polish blog-aggregate referencing Metafilter (??) Interesting. More so if it loaded more quickly and if I spoke Polish.
posted by Shane at 7:39 AM on March 3, 2003

Well, hey, at least we steered the conversation away from sword-dueling and runny asses.
posted by Shane at 7:42 AM on March 3, 2003

i vote anapestic off the island.
posted by quonsar at 7:57 AM on March 3, 2003

if I spoke Polish

Pączki!
posted by iceberg273 at 8:01 AM on March 3, 2003

Funniest thing is that earlier today on the way back home, I didn't know MeTa turns three today, and I came up with this. I know it's a few months early, but here goes:

It was four years ago today.
Matt Haughey asked his friends to play.
They've been going on for quite a while
But they've guaranteed to link with style.
So may I introduce to you.
The act you've known for all these years.
Matt Haughey's MetaFiltering Friends.
posted by riffola at 8:50 AM on March 3, 2003

With a little rewording, those lyrics could be made to fit the theme from Gilligan's Island.


hmmmm
posted by lampshade at 9:02 AM on March 3, 2003

That is absolutely horrible. Please stop. No, really.
posted by Mid at 9:04 AM on March 3, 2003

Sorry :)
posted by riffola at 9:22 AM on March 3, 2003

Take it to MetaTalk.

um... MetaFark?
posted by VulcanMike at 9:31 AM on March 3, 2003

No def leppard, riffola?

My birthday and MetaFilter's birthday are on the same day. I plan on sending MetaFilter something really, really special. No need to reciprocate, MetaFilter. Really. Unless you want to.
posted by iconomy at 9:33 AM on March 3, 2003

Ha ha, very funny. You want me to punch you?


The motto of MeTa showed up the very first day...
posted by languagehat at 9:43 AM on March 3, 2003

I get 'Fi with a little help from my friends.
posted by quonsar at 9:44 AM on March 3, 2003

MeTa's horoscope: IF MARCH 3RD IS YOUR BIRTHDAY ... people call on you when they want to have fun. You have an adventurous spirit, often go "where angels tread." Your sense of humor is an outstanding trait; you also like to dress in "latest style." You may, however, have a recurring weight problem. Too much of a good thing exacts a toll. Gemini, Virgo and Sagittarius natives play important roles in your life. This year you can feel pulled in two directions; stick close to familiar grounds. August will be memorable.

That sounds a little too accurate. Imminenet demise of MeTa predicted in approx. 6 months. Prepare thyselves.
posted by Ufez Jones at 9:54 AM on March 3, 2003

It's amusing that anapestic feels his drearily familiar bile is somehow fresh and surprising when, in fact, it would be much less fun without the old buzzard.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 10:00 AM on March 3, 2003

Too much of a good thing exacts a toll.

If it said "extracts a troll," I'd believe it.
posted by Shane at 10:01 AM on March 3, 2003

macgonagal is rolling in his grave.
posted by sgt.serenity at 10:06 AM on March 3, 2003

It's amusing that anapestic feels his drearily familiar bile is somehow fresh and surprising when, in fact, it would be much less fun without the old buzzard.

Fuck you twice Miguel.

Once for raping this place with your obnoxious presence and driving us old buzzards away, and once because it's just fun to say "Fuck you, Miguel".

Ah hell, I just can't hold it in. Fuck you Miguel, fuck you Miguel, Fuck you Miguel.
posted by cCranium at 10:14 AM on March 3, 2003

If it said "extracts a troll," I'd believe it.

I read it that way too, but didn't post it, thinking no-way would anyone else get it. Proof why Meta-Talk works...make a wish Meta-Talk.
posted by thomcatspike at 10:22 AM on March 3, 2003

a happy b-day to skallas. anapestic....some advise. Don't mess with jonmc. Migs, meself, kaf, fes (alright Q too) and many more break alotta chops round here and get huffy and pissy and angry but figure this out, your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too. But you won't get the last word, your replies will be slammed down and there are more witty people here then you.

cC alittle tolerance....perhaps just a little.
posted by clavdivs at 10:35 AM on March 3, 2003

Clav, please don't lump me in.

Dogpiling is silly. There's enough room on MeTa for everyone.
posted by Kafkaesque at 10:39 AM on March 3, 2003

Don't mess with jonmc. Migs, meself, kaf, fes (alright Q too) and many more break alotta chops round here and get huffy and pissy and angry but figure this out, your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too. But you won't get the last word, your replies will be slammed down and there are more witty people here then you.

Oh, dear. Please don't take my milk money.
posted by Skot at 10:42 AM on March 3, 2003

Happy Bday skallas
...which reminds me--when it's jonmc's Bday, someone please remind me to go over to the 96__ place and post a "Happy Bday" (then beat it fast before I get sucked into an addictive all-day discussion of the '80s or Lynda Carter or somesuch).
posted by Shane at 10:44 AM on March 3, 2003

This whole thread is pathetic. Except for the part about me getting presents.
posted by iconomy at 10:51 AM on March 3, 2003

unlumping now.

Please don't take my milk money.
you got milk money?
posted by clavdivs at 10:56 AM on March 3, 2003

*sigh*
posted by daveadams at 10:56 AM on March 3, 2003

This whole thread is pathetic.
Yeah, at this point there's not much chance of pointing to this thread a year from now as last year's "Happy MeTa anniversary."
posted by Shane at 10:56 AM on March 3, 2003

you got milk money?
Got Milk (money)?
[this is very bad]
posted by Shane at 10:58 AM on March 3, 2003

cC alittle tolerance....perhaps just a little.

Can't you see, the time for tolerance is over:

Don't mess with jonmc. Migs, meself, kaf, fes (alright Q too) and many more break alotta chops round here and get huffy and pissy and angry but figure this out, your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too.

*Gone*. None left, you hypocrite. You monster. You, and all these other people, who came here and took it all away.
posted by j.edwards at 11:08 AM on March 3, 2003

not underestimate the metatalk lemonade factor shane. I believe in a peaceful resolution and wish to move this to the security council.
posted by clavdivs at 11:12 AM on March 3, 2003

You, and all these other people

*cries*
posted by Kafkaesque at 11:24 AM on March 3, 2003

Unload cCranium, you'll feel better, believe me. ;)
posted by MiguelCardoso at 11:25 AM on March 3, 2003

So Miguel's blog is three years old, eh?

Congratulations Miguel!
posted by Steve_at_Linnwood at 11:34 AM on March 3, 2003

I have to say I find it quite sad that one lone Portuguese poster, regularly abused for nothing except being polite and enthusiastic, could have driven away all you diehards. It says a lot for your commitment to MetaFilter.

There's enough room on MeTa for everyone

Is that so difficult to accept?
posted by MiguelCardoso at 11:37 AM on March 3, 2003

your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too.


AAAAAHAAHAHAAAHAAAHAAAAHAAAHAAHAHA

(breaths)

HAAAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHA

Holy fuck. That's a good larf for a cold afternoon. Thanks muchly, Clav.
posted by cCranium at 11:38 AM on March 3, 2003

I, too, am befuddled by the grief Miguel regularly receives. He thinks the glass is half full. So shoot him.
posted by gsteff at 11:46 AM on March 3, 2003

Wow, I haven't seen this amount of vile bile in a thread in a long time. It's very sad, actually.
posted by ashbury at 11:49 AM on March 3, 2003

Oh dear lord. Tell someone to lighten up and I appear to have started a gang war.

Oh well, when In Rome...


Tyme 2 reprazent...

**throws up sign**
**throwz gunz in air**
**waves 'em like he just don't care**
**pours 40 for dead homies**
**realizes he's wasting precious alcohol and begins drinking 40**

Reminder folks: this is supposed to be at least somewhat fun.
posted by jonmc at 11:51 AM on March 3, 2003

/me binds wrist to jonmc's, dances in circle while brandishing knife.
posted by cCranium at 11:52 AM on March 3, 2003

You all hate Miguel because you wish you were him. I mean, who wouldn't want to be a suave Portuguese cult author?
posted by konolia at 12:00 PM on March 3, 2003

I rather like Miguel.

So there.
posted by eilatan at 12:10 PM on March 3, 2003

Just to be clear, I hate Miguel because he popped up one day and started dominating every thread and every conversation, completely ignoring any advice given to him -- snarky and helpful -- and completely changing the tone of the site from a community exploring the internet and the world wide web and neat stuff in general together to a syncophantic clique-driven suck hole that can't carry on a civil conversation to save its life.

You know, just to be clear.
posted by cCranium at 12:14 PM on March 3, 2003

Here come another 2-3 taglines...
posted by gsteff at 12:17 PM on March 3, 2003

clavdivs: I believe in a peaceful resolution and wish to move this to the security council.

Very well. I have modified the appropriate Security Council Resolution Generator.
posted by iceberg273 at 12:21 PM on March 3, 2003

Fuck you twice Miguel.

Once for raping this place with your obnoxious presence and driving us old buzzards away, and once because it's just fun to say "Fuck you, Miguel".

Ah hell, I just can't hold it in. Fuck you Miguel, fuck you Miguel, Fuck you Miguel.

Well, I'm certainly sorry if I ruined civil conversation around here, cC. Lighten up, will you?
posted by MiguelCardoso at 12:21 PM on March 3, 2003

I don't think I have any right to dictate what does and doesn't make MeFi a good site. I realize that there is a significantly large numberof participants who like Miguel and appreciate what he's done for the site. That's all good, it's a big site and there really is room for everyone who wants to participate however they like.

Miguel, you already know how I feel about you, I've never hidden it. Are you actually suprised?
posted by cCranium at 12:25 PM on March 3, 2003

this whole thing is really reminding me of hitler and nazis.

there, it's over

"syncophantic"?
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 12:26 PM on March 3, 2003

Are you actually suprised?

To be honest, cCranium, I am - I like and respect you and, in the past, you were kind enough to help me with trifling things that were important to me.

I've tried hard not to over-post and think I've made some progress - so I was surprised to find all this animosity from you in a MeTa birthday thread started by wendell, one of our first users.

But it's OK. I'll lighten up if you will - no biggie, as you say.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 12:32 PM on March 3, 2003

I find it quite sad that one lone Portuguese poster

When I see a comment posted to Mig, good/bad, I have the impression from his writings, he smiles, then smiles again while hitting the post button. Then smiles siome more while reading the reply back. So the above, I find it too wordy, the word sad just doesn't fit in that sentence with you Mig.

Ok, whose job was it to spike the punch bowl at this birthday bash. Oh, the party just starting...well let me get my glass a raise a toast.
posted by thomcatspike at 12:35 PM on March 3, 2003

cCranium, I've always respected you, so I'll put it to you this way: Lay offa migs. That kinda bile is way outta line.

Yeah miguel talks a lot, but his posts are usually better than most. As far as civilty goes, there's no way you can hang that on him. You don't see miguel flinging invective around much.

Now as far as "cliquishness" goes, yes you can see some of that here, but if your referring to the people clav mentioned, you're barking up the wrong tree.

Yes, there's a lotta folks on mefi who I consider freinds and whom I socialize online with in other locales. But that never stopped me from telling any of them (civilly) that I disagreed with them. Plus all of those people, myself included, try to go out of our way to make people feel welcome.

I don't deny that you have some legit gripes, but your pinnin' the tail on the wrong donkeys here.
posted by jonmc at 12:36 PM on March 3, 2003

Perhaps we can all agree this was all worth it for iceberg273's hilarious Resolution alone?

*still chuckling*
posted by MiguelCardoso at 12:44 PM on March 3, 2003

That kinda bile is way outta line.

Miguel ruined MeFi for me. Imagine if someone made it so you didn't want to participate in conversations here any more. How much bile would you reserve for that person?

However you're all right, I stormed out of the lurker corner with my asshole boots on and pissed in the punch at the party. I'll leave y'all be now.
posted by cCranium at 12:46 PM on March 3, 2003

cC...
funny?...how funny, how am i so F#%$ing funny, what do i, amuse you?, i am her to amuse you?

iceberg273 has done it again. (best read in a while)

ah the lemonade.
posted by clavdivs at 12:47 PM on March 3, 2003

Just to be clear, I hate Miguel because he popped up one day and started dominating every thread and every conversation, completely ignoring any advice given to him -- snarky and helpful -- and completely changing the tone of the site from a community exploring the internet and the world wide web and neat stuff in general together to a syncophantic clique-driven suck hole that can't carry on a civil conversation to save its life.

Now that is just a big pile of horse manure. His links are some of the most interesting, well-thought-out offerings one can find here. And unless he has some super powers the rest of us are unaware of, I don't see how he alone could affect the tone of a website that at present has 17139 members (at last count.)

cCranium, if you want to hate Miguel that is your business. But you are certainly being rather illogical about it all.
posted by konolia at 12:54 PM on March 3, 2003

If one person can "ruin Mefi" for you, chances are your skin is a little thin, especially if that one person is as genial and well intentioned as Migs. Please, feel free to take the asshole boots off, and head back into the lurker corner, cC.
posted by jonson at 12:57 PM on March 3, 2003

after re-reading my last comment, ok I confess, it was me who drank the alcohol for spiking the punch, you can tell from my typos... :P

siome/ some
and raise a toast
posted by thomcatspike at 1:02 PM on March 3, 2003

MetaTalk is Three Years Old today! [...] So, how do you think we're doing?

Re-railment time, anyone?
posted by MiguelCardoso at 1:13 PM on March 3, 2003

Please, feel free to take the asshole boots off, and head back into the lurker corner, cC.

Being an asshole while asking me not to be one is a tremendously effective way to get me to post more.
posted by cCranium at 1:15 PM on March 3, 2003

Being an asshole while asking me not to be one is a tremendously effective way to get me to post more.

Don't mind Jonson, he's a bit of a dick.
posted by SweetJesus at 1:24 PM on March 3, 2003

not underestimate the metatalk lemonade factor shane. I believe in a peaceful resolution and wish to move this to the security council.
There have been very bad fumes in my workplace today. Sorry, clav, I am a little goofy, and it's probably me--but what does this mean?
Your sincere but dull knife,
-S
posted by Shane at 1:27 PM on March 3, 2003

And unless he has some super powers the rest of us are unaware of, I don't see how he alone could affect the tone of a website that at present has 17139 members (at last count.)

How about by posting over 4000 times?

Re-railment time, anyone?

Eh, not so good, apparently. It seems to me that the old guard has been completely alienated by this new crowd. The real problem is people who think because the way the site goes agrees with them, that they have become the new old guard. Because there are more of you does not mean you're right; because the Old Ones are bitter and cynical from attempting to keep the site interesting in the face of a giant tidal wave of people like clavdivs, like jonmc, ~like kafka~, saying things like "we don't care for yur efforts; this site is ours now -- please leave" doesn't mean that they are being assholes for the sake of seeing you react, whether or not that's what you are constantly doing to them, seemingly for your own personal amusement.

You are not going anywhere -- I think everyone knows this. But I'd like to ask one more time, and I'd like an answer: Must you guys piss all over everything to mark your territory?
posted by j.edwards at 1:28 PM on March 3, 2003

like clavdivs, like jonmc, ~like kafka~, saying things like "we don't care for yur efforts; this site is ours now -- please leave"

j.edwards, I defy you to show me anyplace, where me, kaf or clav have said anything like that.
posted by jonmc at 1:39 PM on March 3, 2003

Don't mind Jonson, he's a bit of a dick.

SweetJesus is totally right (and for the record, I'm one of the people that he's referring to here. That said, I'm not sure how I was being an asshole, cC, I was just saying that if what you have to contribute is relentless hatred of another user, please, keep it to yourself.... Wait, now that I see that in print, you're right. It does seem wildly out of line. My apologies.
posted by jonson at 1:42 PM on March 3, 2003

I have been involved in a few different web forums, and every single one of them has this in common: The old folks drop out, and new ones show up to replace them. Rarely after a period of time do you see the original posters. It's just sociology. Why should this site be any different?

Do I miss some of the older posters here? Sure. Do I miss the older posters at my other sites? Incredibly. But it is the nature of things.
posted by konolia at 1:44 PM on March 3, 2003

the Old Ones are bitter and cynical from attempting to keep the site interesting

As if they knock themselves out looking for links and striving to make good, exemplary posts, instead of just raining on the parades of those who still make an effort to make a positive and pertinent contribution.

C'mon, j.edwards, I'd expected more from you than just chiming in with the stereotyped, crawled-out-of-the-woodwork laments about how life was much better back when there was no one else to interfere in your particular amusements. MetaFilter is populat - that means all sorts. Either you deal with it and rejoice in the diversity... or you can continue as you are. Either way is fine. Even lambasting those bold enough to actually want to be part of it.

As for knocking kafkaesque, who is by far the fairest and least cliquey user after Matt, well...
posted by MiguelCardoso at 1:48 PM on March 3, 2003

Actually, I was making a bit of a juvenile pun (Jonson... dick... synonym... hehehe), but I'll take the credit for being right anyway.
posted by SweetJesus at 1:54 PM on March 3, 2003

j.edwards, I defy you to show me anyplace, where me, kaf or clav have said anything like that.

jonmc: You're right, anapestic, there's some amusing banter going on in a bithday post. This must be stopped at all costs.
Correct me if this does not mean: "This is acceptable now. I am making fun of you and will be supported in this thread because that is how things have become."
Clavdivs (jonmc, I *know* you are smart, why did you ask me to show this if not accidentaly?): Migs, meself, kaf, fes (alright Q too) and many more break alotta chops round here and get huffy and pissy and angry but figure this out, your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too. But you won't get the last word, your replies will be slammed down and there are more witty people here then you.
That needs no translation.
And you got me on kaf. He's a good guy. C'mere, you! *noogies Kafka, but friendly-like*

The point is that you won't even acknowledge what you are doing. Suggestions (worded nicely, even) that this place has taken a turn for the worse are greeted with a rousing cheer of "Die already, old man." And my previously posed question remains unanswered.

(on preview): C'mon, j.edwards, I'd expected more from you than just chiming in with the stereotyped, crawled-out-of-the-woodwork laments about how life was much better back when there was no one else to interfere in your particular amusements.
Now it's my turn -- I seek an example of my amusements. I would argue that I had none -- I wanted sweet, linky goodness. Now I get discussion, and not about the links!
And Kafka knows I'm kiddin'! *noogies kafka*
posted by j.edwards at 1:54 PM on March 3, 2003

Whew, I'm glad everybody still likes me.

*discreetly deletes his weekly 2-3 mefi hate e-mails*
posted by Stan Chin at 1:55 PM on March 3, 2003

clavdivs, jonmc, kafkaesque: I like you guys. And of course I'm the self-appointed president of the MiguelCardoso fan club.

I'm not very familiar with cCranium's or j.edward's contributions.
posted by timeistight at 1:58 PM on March 3, 2003

*dies of noogies*

Look, can I be unlumped already?
posted by Kafkaesque at 1:59 PM on March 3, 2003

The sweet linky goodness is on the blue page.

This one is where the crap hits the fan.
posted by konolia at 2:00 PM on March 3, 2003

Look, can I be unlumped already?

Okay: Miguel, jonmc and cladivs I like; kafkaesque, I'm not so sure about.

Happy?
posted by timeistight at 2:03 PM on March 3, 2003

Jonson is a dick synonym???!?! Man, why didn't someone tell me? This explains a number of jokes I've seen over the last few months. You can imagine my shame.
posted by jonson at 2:03 PM on March 3, 2003

wow, this is just like high school! is it Senior Monday? i missed the principal's announcement this morning. so when are we voting for Class President, Class Clown, Best Smile, and Most Likely to Succeed?

*slinks outside to smoke a cigarette*
posted by _sirmissalot_ at 2:05 PM on March 3, 2003

/me hands sirmissalot the Wisdom Hat
posted by MiguelCardoso at 2:07 PM on March 3, 2003

*sigh*

Note to everyone: Jedwards forgot that you do not all use the ~ to indicate a lie, or sarcasm. Kafka is well loved by many. Don't tell his wife.
posted by frykitty at 2:09 PM on March 3, 2003

I don't see how he alone could affect the tone of a website that at present has 17139 members (at last count.)

Funny, it's happened a bunch. I seem to remember a big month-long (at least!) hullaballoo over an old user who really wreaked havoc on the site, thread by thread... what was her username... rabbitheat? no... hareflame? no...




By the way, who brought the punch? It's delicious!
posted by daveadams at 2:09 PM on March 3, 2003

For good or bad (I think bad), Metafilter is not what it once was. Boing Boing has replaced Metafilter as the place where I find cool links with a bit of commentary, Metafilter is where you go to discuss the New York Times. There is no filter here anymore (well, some of you are filtering Google in a desperate attempt to post anything) . I cannot place a value on either Metafilter, tho I can say Matt never talked about packing it in when I thought it was working right. In the end, maybe Matt can talk the NYT into buying the place and turning it into their own discussion forum. I do not think most of you will mind.

How often are people putting up random stuff they found while surfing some backwater page? My understanding was that this was not supposed to be work, that we did not have to struggle to provide entertainment. We have a tragedy of commons thing going on here, and that is fine with me, but you should be aware of what and who is hastening the demise of this place.
posted by thirteen at 2:30 PM on March 3, 2003

thirteen: I agree with much of what you say, but I can't see how MetaFilter's decline into NewsFilter has anything to do with the people who are being trashed in this thread.
posted by timeistight at 2:41 PM on March 3, 2003

Metatalk patrons speak for and against Metatalk! Who would have thunk it? 15475 calls newbies assholes. 14576 is sure all those under 1k are old, brain dead farts. 764 wants to fuck 1200 for talking too much. 8765 pleads not to use Meta for personal reasons. 6543 *signs*. 234 makes comment derailing thread...again. 432 begs everyone to return to subject...again. 238 comments only if the thread was started by someone under 1k. 5439 is a dick, but cops to it 19087 doesn't understand what all the anger is about. ...he likes Newsfilter15477 knows it was better the last Metabirthday. 1 decides to move up closing date to March 4th. 562 is sure 764 and 1200 are the same person. 111 complains the search function is STILL broken. 298 makes pancake reference. 299 adds to pancake reference with a gif. 11206 calls for overlords. 15754 composes not-so-witty response, but loses it and instead rewrites earlier comment. 13526 changes his user page to remove information. 11438 remembers reading this before. Decides it was also stupid the first time. 121 wonders why he is forced, forced damnit! to read these unnecessary posts! 15927 reminisces about the old days when he became a member in 2002. 1132 conducts survey that proves all members under 1k are Mathowie 16788 realizes this comment is plagiarism while 15754 types same BS in every post.

Chorus And in the end the %$*&^ you get is equal to the ^*%^&# you give.

All numbers are random.
posted by ?! at 2:44 PM on March 3, 2003

timeistight, you have no reason to know me.

Miguel, I really am sorry my opinion of you came as a shock. I don't deny at all that you should reap the rewards of your hard effort. You've poured your blood and soul into the site. It's just that I really, really don't appreciate your effort.

One man's lifeblood is another man's poison.

And just so people can stop posting such things: I've been talking about this site for a long fucking time, and I'm not going to stop just because it's changed. The one thing we can all agree on is that MetaFilter has significant value to all of us. You love this place enough to argue that it's great the way you like it. I love this place enough to argue that it's great the way I like it.
posted by cCranium at 3:00 PM on March 3, 2003

as jonmc said, i unlumped. i only unlump once per thread. Jonmc and kaf are right, i should not name drop but i can say i was refering to these fine folks whom have busted some chops with miguel in the past In MeTa. Thats all, no outside clique mentioning by me just in meta.

so, who's gonna light the candle?
posted by clavdivs at 3:00 PM on March 3, 2003

thirteen: I agree with much of what you say, but I can't see how MetaFilter's decline into NewsFilter has anything to do with the people who are being trashed in this thread.

As a direct cause, I am not so sure. The general chattiness, has given way to an anything goes situation. Some of the people in this thread post so frequently that it all has to be noise. A little math reveals that we are getting what are touted as being among the finest threads of our age and the rate of nearly one every other day from the same person. A strong suspicion has it that this same person has a pseudonym that allows them to post even more frequently.
What exactly is not being posted in that scenario. I am reminded of the old SNL sketch, where Jon Lovitz signs everything and declares it a masterpiece. I am not really all that interested in what caused this little fight, it only became this big because there was a fault beneath the surface. I would not bet any money that MetaTalk gets a 4th birthday thread. If it does not, I will not be placing the blame on cCranium.
posted by thirteen at 3:06 PM on March 3, 2003

This MetaTalk birthday thread reminds me so much of the actual birthday parties of my youth that I'm beginning to think some of you guys might be my uncles.

As far as how Metatalk has changed over the last three years, it seems to now be more of a community bulletin board than a place to report bugs, feature requests and so forth. This matches with the overall trend towards familiarity that has grown up in here in the Grover's Corners of the internet. I don't think that it's what Matt originally intended, but I for one like the transition and the sense of community that grows out of it. And that it's not going on in MetaFilter proper so much anymore.

Miguel seems like a very nice guy, though I don't know him. It may be that old classic con game where you destroy a community by adding loads of intelligent content while keeping consistent standards of politeness and correct grammar. I believe they call that con ... The Portugese Shuffle... oldest trick in the book... I lost a cow that way once.

Although I do agree with cCranium and j.edwards that something about metafilter has changed, and I don't particularly like all aspects of it. I'd blame it on growing pains, and the 180-degree turn in cultural climate in the last couple of years though, and I don't think you have to take it any farther than that for an explanation. Certainly there's no need for name-calling.

In any event, happy birthday.
posted by Hildago at 3:21 PM on March 3, 2003

The one thing we can all agree on is that MetaFilter has significant value to all of us. You love this place enough to argue that it's great the way you like it. I love this place enough to argue that it's great the way I like it.

Thanks, cC - that's something deeper and, I think, richer than I thought this discussion was about. How can I not recognize your worries and your ideas? The MetaFilter I loved and then joined was made by people like you - so who am I to disagree that its fine to disagree as long as we agree on that bedrock of significant value? I'm paying attention; I don't know half of what you guys know. That's something too, right?
posted by MiguelCardoso at 3:24 PM on March 3, 2003

wow. what a lot of emotional closure going on. while i agree that cC's initial description of why he didn't like MC pretty much described how i (and, iirc, many others, don't be shy now) felt when he arrived, he has been a lot better for a long time now. of course, he's also part of the clique (he seems, no offense, to be the kind of person who just adores cliques), and i can understand anyone that doesn't like cliques, but then if you don't cliques you must be pretty used to just ignoring them by now because they happen all over the place. can't say they upset me too much. and yes, boing boing is much more like mefi used to be than mefi is now. but that's life.

all i'm saying, i guess, is that i agree with the grouchy old bad guys here, but i don't really see the need to be so unpleasant about it.

(i'm very much tempted to exclude clavidvs from my general anaemic inclusiveness, but i guess no-one chooses to be stupid)
posted by andrew cooke at 4:10 PM on March 3, 2003

I am confused.

Are we doing OK or not? Given the spreading web of MeFi spawn (9622 and #mefi being the current headliners, but more are emerging), it would be foolish to say that we are doing anything but OK. There are a surprising number of members here who run their own forums of various sizes and varying areas of interest, but MeFi continues to be the glue that binds. The vigorous debate above, rather than dissolving that glue, shows just how tightly bound we all are by our common love (or loathsome inability to leave) of the place.

As someone who is even more of a newcomer than Miguel, I thank all those who came before me, whether they are still here or not, for creating MeFi. Those that came after me, well, I guess we can tolerate them :-)

Thanks, mathowie.
posted by dg at 4:18 PM on March 3, 2003

of course, he's also part of the clique

Who else is in this clique, and whatever happened to the A-list?
posted by timeistight at 4:21 PM on March 3, 2003

Following on 13's comment: what's the deal with sock puppet accounts, anyway? Talk about cliquish. So-and-so is actually so-and-so, but only some of us know it -- tee hee!

So far a certain rabbit has pretty much been outed over the past few MeTa threads. Who else is out there with multiple personalities?
posted by Mid at 4:54 PM on March 3, 2003

Wow, the stuff that happens when I'm asleep....

One slightly melancholy irony of all of this (can't we all just get along? No? Well, okay then) is that, at least in my humble, many of the people named or implied as Transgressors of The Unwritten Law in this thread are people who may have contributed to the unwanted-by-many 90% turn this place took more than a year ago, but are quite conscientious contributors and communitarians by contrast now.

There's a whole new generation of Wacky Funsters dragging MeFi into the gutter for the Old Ones to revile! I guess it's too late for it to matter much, though. The damage (arguably) has been done.

Some days I really hate what's happened to Metafilter too. Some days I enjoy what it has become. Mostly, I wish all the smart and personable people I've met here (with a massive range of user numbers, I hasten to note!) could just get along (but ~into the fires of hell with the dumb and aggressive ones~, of course). Too much to ask, I know.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 4:56 PM on March 3, 2003

Folk, for the luv-a-pete, lay off bunnyfire. Its not a mystery that she has a reincarnation here, and all the *wink*wink* about it is just ego. There aren't "multiple personalities" or any such folderol. The whole problem apparent here is the personalization of users, instead of their participation here. Cool down, step away, take a look into the big blue white room.
posted by Wulfgar! at 5:03 PM on March 3, 2003

my general anaemic inclusiveness,
why is your lack of blood inclusive?

just wanted to lite a candle, thats all.
posted by clavdivs at 5:04 PM on March 3, 2003

Sheesh! I go to work and log on at the end of my workday to find 96 new comments and a major brouhaha on what I thought was a nice (and not a little silly) thread commemorating MeTa's third anniversary.

Reading this made me incredibly sad at the vitriol and poo-flinging that has erupted. You should express yourself how you want, but the sheer lack of respect shown by some in this thread was very disheartening.

I love this site. There, I've said it. I love how it's a true community (rifts and all) where I can always go for links to thought-provoking, interesting, or downright wacky things. I love the passionate commentary that results. I love that I get to hear peoples' viewpoints that would never have occurred to me. I love that there are so many genuinely interesting people here with whom I'd love to share a cup of coffee or a beer. And possibly, I love most of all what Matt has done to foster such a special place, and I sincerely appreciate all his efforts.

I haven't been a member too long (2 1/2 years), but I've seen changes happen in that brief time. (but what exactly do you mean by the 90-degree turn, stav? Inquiring minds want to know.) Such changes are the very nature of community. I took an acting class once, and the professor told us that one of the essential things to decide about any scene is: what keeps these people talking to each other? Why shouldn't they walk away from each other and go walk in the park or make a sandwich? We're all here at MetaFilter (and MetaTalk) because we believe in this place and get something out of it. If the place is so intolerable that you leave, then that's fine. Start your own blog, join another vibrant community, do whatever. If you don't like what it's become, but don't want to leave, that's fine too. Work to change it and build upon its past.

You know, it may be a hoary cliche to some of those here, but this Southern boy was brought up with the notion that you can disagree without being disagreeable. Respect and courtesy are important in any community -- especially one in which passions are inflamed and it's really easy to hit "Post" without thinking clearly. (I'm the first to admit that I've done this myself, and I'm not proud.) Nevertheless, there have been a disappointing number of truly disagreeable and downright offensive comments lately, and I'm simply tired of it. (It's certainly your right to be offensive -- only Matt can stop you -- but I'd argue that acting that way toward another member not only affects that member, but also causes cracks to appear in the larger community.)

For what it's worth, I'm generally mistrustful of cliques. I never seem to find myself in them, and I don't typically like being around them. (Plus, it's harder to cultivate my crazed-loner image when I'm hanging around a bunch of like-minded folk.) I wasn't intending to single out a user here, but since so much discussion has centered around Miguel, I feel like I should add my $0.02. I like Miguel; granted, some of that is that my tastes generally are similar to his. However, I also find him to be an intelligent, puckish, enthusiastic, sophisticated, and just decent person who (usually) has something fascinating to say, and says it well. Just my opinion here, but we need more folks like that on MetaFilter, not less.

Geez, I didn't intend to be this long-winded, or to come across as some touchy-feely can't-we-all-get-along softie. But reading this thread made me want to cry at the ugly things expressed herein, and I'm hoping against hope that this cri de coeur might possibly change some minds, and make us all remember what we like so much about this place that we've chosen to become a part of.
posted by Vidiot at 6:12 PM on March 3, 2003

whatever happened to the A-list?
Never mind the A-list, what happened to the cabal™?

On preview, what Vidiot said.
posted by dg at 6:16 PM on March 3, 2003

Current events trouble my
generation brought up
in terror
so we seek consolation in fragments
of electronic culture
please don't self-destruct right now
unity is all we have in times
such as these.
posted by lazaruslong at 6:29 PM on March 3, 2003

I still like it here too. Even when the links are not so great, the discussions are often interesting/entertaining (infotaining?). I have my list of gripes like everyone else I suppose, but there is generally plenty of good stuff to keep me occupied enough to ignore the bad. I'm actually least fond of these MeTa discussions, although they're probably a necessary part of developing community standards.

If you think that MeFi is headed in the wrong direction, and you're truly interested in making it better, by all means express your constructive criticism. If you're not interested in making it better and just want to complain about how Mefi sucks compared to the old days, you really are just pissing in the punch. We all like to think that we're grown-ups and therefore immune from peer pressure, but most of us do tend to subconsciously look to others (particularly others that we respect) to affirm our tastes and opinions. Thus, the Mefi-bashing that occasionally erupts here has the potential to be something of a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, I guess I'm really just asking that if folks don't have something nice (or at least constructive) to say about Mefi, just keep quiet and have some punch.
posted by boltman at 6:34 PM on March 3, 2003

MetaFilter: it ain't MemePool, cockKnocker.
posted by Mick at 6:36 PM on March 3, 2003

Bravo, Vidiot.

And if Miguel is exemplary of what's bad about the site, I'm all for revelling in badness.

What's truly bad is when people are mean spirited, cruel and whiney. That's what drags the site down some days. Here's a *birthday* thread when everyone should be tipping the hat to Matt and thanking him for his the hard work and efforts he puts into this site, and instead we all have to be dragged into the gutter?

To quote Stan Chin: this is why we can't have nice things.

Happy MetaTalk Birthday, Matt & thanks for a the site - I greatly appreciate your efforts, MeFi has far more good than bad.

And happy birthday Skallas!
posted by madamjujujive at 6:38 PM on March 3, 2003

This feels like Thanksgiving with the family.
posted by Witty at 7:03 PM on March 3, 2003

from q to the crue: you see what i had to endure when i got here? and there were ten times the number of stick-up-the-ass pansy whining faux-intellectual maggots like j.edwards and cCranium back then. i'm surprised that these two bitter little twirps are still hanging out smouldering. yep, i have great respect for some jackleg little napoleons whose realities are so shallow they can obsess to the point of bile over a fucking web site. bwahahahahahaha! miguel, you think YOU make them mad, you should see 'em when they get together to cuss out the guys who really DID take their lunch money. hey, i got a clue for all you wailing good-old-days-are-goners: build your own fucking website! then you can all sit around jerking each other off to the tune of your incessant pissing and moaning. w00t!
posted by quonsar at 7:23 PM on March 3, 2003

MetaTalk is Three Years Old today! [skallas shares a birthday]
a big thank-you to Matt, the much-overlooked Skippy, and to the motley mix of users make this place so constantly interesting, intelligent, funny and passionate - it's worth it, in it's own despicable, delicious little way.
Yay also for great posters affectionately exposed and dutifully kissed: Hope you enjoy it (guaranteed to link with style.)...
it would be much less fun without the old buzzard & a little tolerance... There's enough room on MeTa for everyone.
I believe in a peaceful resolution, being polite and enthusiastic, He thinks the glass is half full & somewhat fun - there really is room for everyone who wants to participate, however they like. I like and respect you:
that never stopped me from telling any of them (civilly) that I disagreed with them.
rejoice in the diversity!
He's a good guy!
I wanted sweet, linky goodness.
[Whew, I'm glad everybody still likes me.]
well loved by many, I'm not going to stop just because it's changed.
the finest threads of our age - I will not be placing the blame....
I, for one, like the transition....destroy a community by adding loads of intelligent content while keeping consistent standards of politeness and correct grammar?
MetaFilter has significant value to all of us.....
i don't really see the need to be so unpleasant!
MeFi continues to be the glue that binds.
I thank all those who came before me, & Some days I enjoy what it has become.
you can disagree without being disagreeable
remember what we like so much about this place?
unity is all we have in times such as these.
by all means express your constructive criticism -generally plenty of good stuff to keep me occupied enough

I love this site.
I sincerely appreciate all his efforts.

Thanks, mathowie.
posted by dash_slot- at 7:34 PM on March 3, 2003

Matt: I bow to you deeply, and from the waist.
posted by MidasMulligan at 7:37 PM on March 3, 2003

anapestic....some advise. Don't mess with jonmc. Migs, meself, kaf, fes (alright Q too) and many more break alotta chops round here and get huffy and pissy and angry but figure this out, your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too. But you won't get the last word, your replies will be slammed down and there are more witty people here then you.

Thanks, clavdivs. I always appreciate free advice and figure that it's worth what I paid for it. If you think I'm worried about being outgunned by the volume of replies, then I'm afraid you're mistaken. As for the wonderful wit that's going to shoot me down, I'm still waiting to see it.

This thread was never going anywhere. If someone's looking for a reasoned discussion, they don't say "inserts can of whoop-ass into electric can opener, flees kitchen." The thread quickly turned into a bunch of in-jokes and off-topic irrelevancies, and I stand by what I said when I first posted. Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything in the first place, but the last I heard, I had as much right to an opinion as anyone else, provided that I can support it logically. Things devolved fairly quickly after that, but whenever someone tells me to "take a laxative," all bets are off.

And then the wit just flew. Quonsar made a joke wherein he bolded one of the sentences of my MeFi name. Wow, I was reminded of the wit of my third grade classmates making fun of people's last names.

And then CarlosQuevedoMiguel said "It's amusing that anapestic feels his drearily familiar bile is somehow fresh and surprising when, in fact, it would be much less fun without the old buzzard." And, you know, if it were possible to parse that sentence, I'm sure that I'd be insulted.

The only person I verbally attacked here (at least originally) was jonmc, and, frankly, his ripostes were not the stuff of legend.

And now, on preview, I see that quonsar has had a few drinks and is spouting insults at people who really don't deserve them and implying that he is among the guardians of the site and that some of us don't belong here. Well, whether we do or not is really not your call or jonmc's call or Miguel's call or quonsar's call. Unless any of us get banned, it's our own call as to whether we're going to post here.

So if you want to have a battle of wits, bring it. But please show me a lot more than you've shown me so far if you want to make an impression, and don't expect me to stop posting here because of anything you say.
posted by anapestic at 7:46 PM on March 3, 2003

Am I the only one who sometimes clicks on MetaTalk and prays, "Please, don't let there be any new comments". . ?
posted by Shane at 8:05 PM on March 3, 2003

[whappa-whappa-whappa]
posted by quonsar at 8:10 PM on March 3, 2003

pull the plug now, Matt. I beg of you.
posted by crunchland at 8:20 PM on March 3, 2003

But what about the clique? How do I join? Is Miguel the leader? Come on, Migs -- don't leave me out here!
posted by timeistight at 8:26 PM on March 3, 2003

Folk, for the luv-a-pete, lay off bunnyfire.
If we can't pick on her anymore, can we at least pick on Neu? *runs and ducks*
posted by jmd82 at 8:30 PM on March 3, 2003

crunchland, no offense since I think you often have things to add, but you do have a plug of your own, ya' know. See it? Right there, on the wall under your computer...yeah, that one. Go ahead, pull it; you know you wanna...
posted by Wulfgar! at 8:39 PM on March 3, 2003

"Hello. This is Mrs. Freep. I'd like to report some toxic ego spills. They're in the alley, right behind the blue and white MetaFilter building. Please hurry - I'm afraid some homeless children might be playing in them."
posted by Opus Dark at 1:02 AM on March 4, 2003

You know, it's kind of weird to remember that way back when, my usernumber was thought to be hopelessly huge. Seriously. #1927 used to be a badge of dishonor, a sad tick on the old chronometer that presaged imminent craposity. So I guess not much changes, at least qualitatively; as the web grows, it seems that most of the big-ass changes are relative to quantity.

My posting habits used to be different, which is a nice way of saying that they used to be better, which I must admit is probably true. It hurts, but it's true; it's easier now to leave aside most content-oriented stuff . . . most of the time, someone else has already made my point for me. It's sort of to be expected when a mini-society I joined at two thousand has more than quintupled its membership. So now I mostly just drop in to deliver some Bette Davis line and then flee.

I know who I miss: smart, funny people, like sylloge and plinth and pnevares and sure, let's say peterme and rebbeccablood and kottke, because even I wanted to dick with them, they took it with equanimity.

It's hard to quit; I've tried. I probably should. But it grates, and it makes me sad sometimes, because this used to feel something like home. And I know nothing ever gets to stay the same, and things change, and I really don't have much to say against those who have come to replace the old guard (which I don't think I'd ever include myself as), except to say: I know someone is going to tell me to stop being a sentimental fool, just go die in an orchard somewhere, go suck anonymous balls, or whatever.

Today, unsurprisingly, it was quonsar, which has kind of firmed my resolve to stick around, if only to tirelessly point out what a tragic prick he is. Go ahead and read his posting history: he almost never posts anything good, anything contributory. His main aim is to constantly aim the big red cardboard arrow back at himself, because he is SO NAUGHTY! Please never mind that he does not actually discuss anything. He takes aim (though a very cautious, unsteady aim) at a few of us because we were so daring as to create a site of our own and then had the audacity to talk about Metafilter on it, as if it were somehow perverse to discuss the very site that brought us together.

Look, I'm no hero, and I've made my own mistakes, and I have certainly at times said dumbass things on this site. Boy, oh boy have I. I'm not even sure what I'm trying to say, except perhaps that there might be a reason why tons of people I used to enjoy reading have fled and why some of us might find that remarkable. It doesn't necessarily have to be a big fuck you, or maybe it does, depending on what aspect you're focusing on. But here's one thing I'll say: we can do better than quonsar.

Or do you like that diet? I'm not saying that you can't live on rancid mustard. I'm just suggesting that you don't have to.
posted by Skot at 1:16 AM on March 4, 2003

may i just point out that my cat is older than this site ?
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:09 AM on March 4, 2003

which has kind of firmed my resolve to stick around

That's good to hear. I miss pracowity and holgate. And rodii ;)
posted by iconomy at 5:26 AM on March 4, 2003

He thinks the glass is half full. So shoot him.

I can't believe that during the course of this entire, silly thread, that no one cared to step up to the plate and remind the community that Migs' glass is always full. To think anything less is an abomination in the eyes of God and man.
posted by adampsyche at 6:04 AM on March 4, 2003

Oh, boy. What a mess.

I still maintain that all I was doing was telling anapestic to lighten up, but it seems to have caused a lotta greif here and dragged other people in needlessly. So I'm sorry that happened.

For the record, I have never accused anyone of not belonging here or made anyone feel unwelcome and I do want to make that clear. But this is way more tsuris than a freakin' birthday thread deserves, so that's all I gotta say on the subject.
posted by jonmc at 6:07 AM on March 4, 2003

migs owns the brewery, never mind whats in the glass.
posted by sgt.serenity at 6:16 AM on March 4, 2003

I think Matt should pull the plug for 5 days and we should all take a rest. Imagine it! 5 days without Mefi...
posted by Shane at 6:17 AM on March 4, 2003

i get a terrible picture of the world ceasing to orbit the sun shane.
will the world be able to cope without us ?
there may be mass demonstrations in the sf area that put the peace movement to shame.
posted by sgt.serenity at 6:23 AM on March 4, 2003

Bloody hell, what a horrible thread. I'd like to say a big thank you to Matt for all the many work hours wasted looking at this site. It really has made my life.
posted by Summer at 6:49 AM on March 4, 2003

*belch*
[whappa-whappa-whappa]
posted by quonsar at 8:06 AM on March 4, 2003

Oh, quonsar, you've won me over with your hilarious antics! You really showed that anapestic dincha? Yeah, he's never gunna dare cross you again, huh boss? Oh, boss, you my bestest friend, boss, I'd do anything for ya. Want some punch boss? I'll get it for ya, boss!
posted by daveadams at 8:14 AM on March 4, 2003

So if you want to have a battle of wits, bring it
all right, but you get the Abe Vigoda part.

it's our own call as to whether we're going to post here.
that makes the witty brigades choad of the year. Wha, your equating busting your chops...to censorship.
I had a "Battle for the Planet of the Impressive Wit" cast list ready for show and tell. But your not worth it.

o.k. a taste.
we are casting quonsar as the mutant commander wearing black skin cap and googles.

jason kottke as himself.

i have a cameo as a "makeshift barricade".
posted by clavdivs at 8:22 AM on March 4, 2003

Hi, my name is dong_resin.
I don't post here much anymore, as I stopped posting to metatalk and stuck to simply reading metafilter once I,
well... no nice way to say it really...
...got a bit of a life.

Listen, I know the misery under which the more vitriolic of you are feverishly posting back here. I recognize it very well, and I just wanted tell you, there is hope.
You will get to have regular sex one day, I promise.
Well, most of you.
Some of you.

.... The thinner of you, surely.

Thank you, and god bless.
posted by dong_resin at 8:35 AM on March 4, 2003

Just to second what Skot said.

Some people here are doing nothing but dicking around for their own petty amusement, and some others apparently care (just a little) about how they treat this place. To that second group, and to mathowie -- thank you.
posted by mattpfeff at 8:49 AM on March 4, 2003

You will get to have regular sex one day, I promise.

...and you can come back after you get married.
posted by goosestepping poxi! at 8:56 AM on March 4, 2003

*shudders*
posted by dong_resin at 9:01 AM on March 4, 2003

It is impossible to hold a straight argument with a fool. Not only my judgement but my conscience suffers at the hands of so impetuous a master. Our wranglings ought to be forbidden and punished, like other verbal crimes. What vice do they not provoke and multiply, being always ruled and governed by anger! We quarrel first with the reasons, and then with the man. We only learn to debate in order to contradict and, everyone contradicting and being contradicted, it follows that the fruit of disputation is a loss and destruction of the truth. Therefore Plato, in his Republic, forbids debates among fools and ill-bred people.

What is the good of setting out in pursuit of the truth in the company of a man whose pace and walking-power are inadequate? We do a subject no harm when we leave it in order to look for a better way of handling it; I do not mean the artificial and scholastic way; I mean the natural method of any sound intelligence. What will be the end of it all? One will go east, the other west; they lose the main theme, and wander off into a multitude of incidentals. At the end of a stormy hour, they do not know what they are after; one is below, one is above, and the other beside the mark. One catches hold of a word or a simile. Another forgets his opponent's point, so intent is he on following his own course; his mind is only on his own argument, not on yours. Another, finding himself weak in the spine, takes fright and refuses to debate. He either mixes and muddles the issues from the very outset or, at the height of the discussion, sulks and stops dead, affecting in malicious ignorance to give up the struggle on grounds of lordly disdain or foolish modesty. One man does not mind how much he exposes himself, provided he gets in his blow. Another counts his words and weighs them as if they were so many arguments. Yet another uses nothing but his superior voice and lungs. Here is one who concludes against himself, and another who deafens you with useless preambles and digressions. There is one who arms himself with sheer abuse, and seeks a Dutch quarrel, in order to rid himself of the company and conversation of a mind that presses his too hard. This last man can see nothing in reason, but hems you into the enclosure of his logical clauses and the formulas of his art.

Michel de Montaigne [1533-92], Essays, Book Three, Chapter 8, 'On the Art of Conversation', trans. J.M. Cohen (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1958), pp. 290-91.
posted by rory at 9:07 AM on March 4, 2003 [1 favorite]

Apparently, we can't have nice things here.
posted by tj at 9:11 AM on March 4, 2003

for the love of god and all that is holy, pull the plug now, Matt.
posted by crunchland at 9:12 AM on March 4, 2003

Don't you have to run that by the Ethics Committee first?
posted by konolia at 9:35 AM on March 4, 2003

MetaTalk: syncophantic clique-driven suck hole
posted by blue_beetle at 10:25 AM on March 4, 2003

Happy Birthday, MetaTalk.
posted by whatnot at 10:29 AM on March 4, 2003

9622

I've seen this mentioned a couple of times.
What exactly does this number mean?
What is the reference?

Oh, and happy birthday and all that blahblah.
posted by grum@work at 10:37 AM on March 4, 2003

9622 is a website started up by people from metafilter,
the 9622 refers to an old thread that they were all involved in.
you can make comments on it if you want.
its kinda a jokey place, just like this thread.
im really wondering why crunchland et al are here actually,
i dont understand how someone can visit a site so often only to keep asking for the plug to be pulled. The logical thing to do would be to leave the place surely ?
posted by sgt.serenity at 10:43 AM on March 4, 2003

Just google 9622 and "monkeys." No, don't ask.
posted by Mid at 11:06 AM on March 4, 2003

.... The thinner of you, surely.

oh, shit.
posted by Vidiot at 12:30 PM on March 4, 2003

I *heart* MetaFilter. It gives me something to do at work all day, and by being selective with what I read, I am able to find the kinds of links that impress my friends and coworkers and make them think I am way better at this internet thing than I am.

I *heart* MetaTalk. It makes me realize how well adjusted I am because I don't hate anybody who posts here. They may mildly annoy me, yes, but I like to save my really vicious hatred for people who actually could have a tangible negative effect on my health and well being. Like John Ashcroft.

Also, these big long threads make me happy because they amuse me and keep me busy for at least 30 minutes.

So thanks, Matt! I really appreciate what you've done, and I swear when I get a better job or a raise I'll contribute to the server fund.
posted by jennyb at 12:54 PM on March 4, 2003

It makes me realize how well adjusted I am because I don't hate anybody who posts here.

Oh, shit, is it time for a tune-up again?

The people on the other side are real people. I feel no shame in having real emotion for people I only know online.
posted by cCranium at 2:32 PM on March 4, 2003

There is no 9622. 9622 is a myth. Invented by the Devil. In association with Microsoft and Dick Cheney.

9622 is a lie. Anyone who believes it is dumb.
posted by jpoulos at 2:43 PM on March 4, 2003 [1 favorite]

a happy b-day to skallas. anapestic....some advise. Don't mess with jonmc. Migs, meself, kaf, fes (alright Q too) and many more break alotta chops round here and get huffy and pissy and angry but figure this out, your outnumbered and that is fine but your also outgunned and thats ok too. But you won't get the last word, your replies will be slammed down and there are more witty people here then you.

Skot, this is you posting under another name, right? Right? Come on, sure it is.
posted by nedlog at 2:51 PM on March 4, 2003

thats right,
i've never seen 9622,
i was just ..ow! ..making it ...ow! up !
posted by sgt.serenity at 4:25 PM on March 4, 2003

9622 does not exist; I've journeyed there, seen it, survived to tell the tale, and I can rightly attest:

There Is No Such Place.
posted by Shane at 9:45 PM on March 4, 2003

stfu nedlog, u wd nt no skot from scott towels n u wd not no clavdivs from clam dip, heh. stfu
posted by anapestic at 7:35 AM on March 5, 2003

wheres a hanky...go clean your self up.
posted by clavdivs at 8:03 AM on March 5, 2003

must be fun being better than 12,000 people.
posted by sgt.serenity at 9:11 PM on March 7, 2003

12,000? PLease explain the math.
posted by thirteen at 10:57 PM on March 7, 2003

i am all about fun
posted by clavdivs at 9:22 AM on March 8, 2003

No math coming.
posted by thirteen at 2:51 PM on March 13, 2003

zip..nada
posted by clavdivs at 8:20 AM on March 15, 2003

No mathowie?
AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!
posted by wendell at 1:04 PM on March 15, 2003

~I think you fellas misunderstood me~
posted by thirteen at 8:28 AM on March 19, 2003

really
posted by clavdivs at 8:35 AM on March 29, 2003

really
On that specific point, but in a broader sense, I am sure we both know exactly what is going on here.
posted by thirteen at 9:20 AM on April 2, 2003

Claudius, I was going to stay up til the thread closes, but I have had one hell of a day. If you get the last word here, I will be happy to see you get it. I suspect this is going to put this one to bed tho.

Everyone is a clever boy these days.
posted by thirteen at 8:37 PM on April 2, 2003