Comments on: HEY, MATHOWIE, DON'T READ THIS

HEY, MATHOWIE, DON'T READ THIS

Hackworth — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:29:15 -0800

MATT IS NOT ALLOWED TO VIEW THIS THREAD TILL AFTER CHRITSMAS

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:29:26 -0800

Because I think we all owe him a christmas gift. I suggest interested parties use his own Amazon wishlist hack to buy him some waffels.

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:30:27 -0800

only, i wish i could spell waffles correctly.

By: The God Complex

The God Complex — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:32:04 -0800

Or Christmas.

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:32:32 -0800

dammit, christmas, too. I lose.

By: crunchland

crunchland — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:37:32 -0800

I'm sure he'll never guess what's going on in here. Once we establish that we should or shouldn't, and the correct spelling of waffles, I suggest we also use this thread as a way to plot his overthrow.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:43:55 -0800

Matt's getting the same thing this year as I sent him last year--a copy of my ColdChef Christmas Mix. And maybe a few nude shots of the missus. But that's it.

By: kickingtheground

kickingtheground — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:44:27 -0800

Is this "christmas" something I'd need a Dickens novel to know about?

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:47:36 -0800

Mathowie: Pretty much everything I want for xmas is on this page.

By: mr_crash_davis

mr_crash_davis — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 19:52:15 -0800

Clearly Matt is sick. We must intervene, and introduce him to other pithy movie quotes.

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 20:05:01 -0800

Oh snap, they got ponies, too.

By: quonsar

quonsar — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 22:07:34 -0800

what's that brown stuff all over Hackworth's lips?

By: quonsar

quonsar — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 22:08:32 -0800

add to above comment: one smiley --> :)

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 22:25:12 -0800

quonsar = naughty list.

By: zarah

zarah — Sun, 23 Nov 2003 22:49:37 -0800

to buy him some waffels.

You mean he doesn't want a pancake maker?? Oh, wait. Yah, he already has 17171 of those.

By: Space Coyote

Space Coyote — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 00:18:27 -0800

"And now a message from the pancake council of america:

Fuck waffles."

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 01:06:13 -0800

Hey guys, lets pitch in to get the guy a 2600 sweatshirt and any T-shirt of our choice at the most famous hacker quarterly website and magazine in the world. $42 including shipping.

I promise that if other people pitch in I will give 5 bucks. Hey, I work at a car wash! Respond here if interested, and we can figure out how to set this up.

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 01:06:37 -0800

oh shit whats Matts clothing size?

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 01:33:21 -0800

Well, Keyser Soze, I don't know whether this is an unforgivable breach of confidence, but the only time he e-mailed me, it was about Iberian shoes and, lest it remain unreported, suffice it so say it was in a size which, according to my research into the matter, is entirely unknown in our peninsula. ;)

By: stavrosthewonderchicken

stavrosthewonderchicken — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 04:31:12 -0800

Considering Andre (who shall go surnameless, to avoid any possible transgression of various rules) got a G5 for his birthday recently from his community of swell internet pals, a t-shirt might be a little bit of a disappointment to our fearless leader, what with the swarming thousands here, all jostling for a chance to redeem themselves for their usual snarkiness.

But it's the thought that counts after all, right?

By: stavrosthewonderchicken

stavrosthewonderchicken — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 05:06:30 -0800

(Sorry, I know I've mentioned that before, and I don't wanna harp on it, but the coolness of it just blows me away.)

By: Shane

Shane — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 06:15:19 -0800

Hey guys, lets pitch in to get the guy a 2600 sweatshirt and any T-shirt of our choice

How 'bout a Fark t-shirt?

By: twine42

twine42 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 06:38:50 -0800

Total fark membership?

By: Stan Chin

Stan Chin — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 06:57:35 -0800

I'll donate my Metafilter account to him. Those are pretty rare to come by.

By: crunchland

crunchland — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 07:06:20 -0800

can we start to plot his overthrow yet?

By: vito90

vito90 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 07:45:39 -0800

Candlesticks always make a nice gift.

By: goddam

goddam — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 08:04:59 -0800

Maybe a place-setting or maybe a silverware pattern.

By: Ufez Jones

Ufez Jones — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 08:13:57 -0800

vito90, with the Candlestick, in MetaTalk...

What do I win?

By: vito90

vito90 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 08:18:43 -0800

Ufez, you win a copy of Bull Durham...(which you probably already own!)

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 09:00:19 -0800

There's always a cruel part of our psyche which runs parallel to the impulse of generosity and, in Matt's case, expresses itself by thinking of the worst possible gifts: that special text ad that simply says "Merry Christmas, Matt!"; a subscription to Fortune; a black-and-white print-out of that Springfield map.

But, worst of all, if properly moved by the spirit, has to be a special mega-MeTa post, to be titled "Our Xmas Prezzies" consisting entirely of entirely sensible, but labour-intensive feature requests. ;)

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 09:13:35 -0800

All good suggestions. I think the main idea in pointing out the wishlist hack thing was so that we all could buy him whatever we wanted, but I was thinking it would be especially nifty if suddenly shit loads of breakfast foods showed up on his doorstep.

By: wendell

wendell — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 09:28:14 -0800

Or McDonald's Gift Certificates... A year's supply of McGriddles.

By: philcliff

philcliff — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 09:58:00 -0800

I'm with crunchland on this one. We've lived under mathowies cruel iron fist for far too long.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 10:36:54 -0800

If all participating members sent in five bucks, how much would it add up to? (cash always fits, you know--and revolts usually work better after the holiday season, i think)

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 11:19:39 -0800

Considering everyones opinion, maybe sending in $5 each to a fund could be a better idea. What should we do to get this idea in the air? And who decides what to get?

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 11:34:51 -0800

Shane: Why dont you buy him a fark t-shirt. Maybe somethingawful while your at it.

By: Shane

Shane — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 12:05:29 -0800

Shane: Why dont you buy him a fark t-shirt.

What, no one wants to chip in with me?
/cheapskate

By: dness2

dness2 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 12:08:13 -0800

Maybe we can get him a hummer! That's what the guv'nor drives.

By: Shane

Shane — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 12:25:14 -0800

Passing on an e-mail from an anonymous Mefite:

matt wants a Canon Digital SLR camera dammit! (the one on his wishlist)

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 12:32:58 -0800

whata keyser said...we should just give him the cash and let him buy what he wants...we just need a really trustworthy mefite to collect it all...i nominate quonsar ; > (i seriously would trust juju with it, for one)

By: ginz

ginz — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:04:40 -0800

I vote for the everlasting blort cashiers.

By: thomcatspike

thomcatspike — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:06:23 -0800

an anonymous Mefite
That would make for a great stocking stuffer.

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:18:08 -0800

The Camera on Matt's Amazon Wishlist

Its currently around $950.00. That seems doable in such a large community as this. I mean, my kingdom for a digital SLR - how clear can the man be? Or, if we can't sort that out, Amazon Gift Certificates, and let him order his own SLR.

Not to be crass, but if you guys are serious, lets do this right. Otherwise, there's no point and this thread should be deleted.

By: ook

ook — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:22:04 -0800

If it's just a question of giving Matt some cash, I'm pretty sure this would still work.

Not a very festive way to handle it, I'll grant you. But perhaps easier (and therefore less procrastination-prone) than trying to pull together one of those giant novelty-size checks.

I'd happily pitch in towards the camera, though, if the consensus goes that way (and if we can agree on someone to do the actual purchasing and collecting of funds; I'd third the nomination of madamjuju if she's willing.)

By: adrianhon

adrianhon — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:31:15 -0800

I'll add my name to those who'd be happy to pitch in cash towards the camera. If we can afford it, it'd be nice to buy him a few extras like a spare battery, CF card and suchlike. I should think that $950 is more than doable in Mefi; even if only the Mefites who've been to meetups contribute, that must be over a hundred people. I'm sure that $10 each wouldn't break the bank.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:37:35 -0800

"Its currently around $950.00. That seems doable in such a large community as this."

That is a bitching camera. I have a D60, which is similar, and it's one of the best things I've ever bought.

I say we get it.

Anyone have any suggestions for how we get the cash pooled? I'll be happy to handle the cash and get the camera if we can come up with a system we can trust. Everyone could just send to my PayPal account, but that's not as good as something verifiable.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:38:50 -0800

"We have cameras."

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:49:23 -0800

Heheheh.

Count me in.

Please, some geek do the set up...

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:58:17 -0800

omg, Hackworth, that would be *so* funny. Well, probably funnier imagining it than being the one stuck with 100 pounds of various breakfast goodies...

But seriously, I'm in for the camera too...I'll drop an email to the crew at Amazon and tell them what we want to do, and see if they have a way to manage it. I've always been really impressed by their customer service...and we can't be the first group that's wanted to do something like this.

By: Ljubljana

Ljubljana — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:58:47 -0800

A great idea, especially since we know he'd be loving the thing long time.

However, is there a way to make sure someone else (say, a significant other or Matt's parents or one of his many stalkers) won't mistakenly be getting him the same camera?

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:00:11 -0800

We could use the Amazon Honor system widget, like the donation page uses. But they charge 15%, so we'd need to come up with an extra $150. Not good. I looked around on PayPal for something that would display a running total, but no luck.

By: Kafkaesque

Kafkaesque — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:02:14 -0800

I'm down with a donation to the Owie Camera Fund.

But he can't take any pictures of his ass.

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:13:13 -0800

IF we're trusting, my vote would be to avoid all the middlemen (Amazon 15%, Paypal fees, etc.) and do the following:

1) Pick a responsible party (MadameJJJ also has my vote)

2) Anyone who wants to contribute order an Amazon Gift Certificate to be sent to the Responsible Party (only an email address needed, they won't need a physical address).

3) Responsible Party uses GCs to order present for Matt -- Camera if that works, something else (the entire rest of his wishlist??) if not.

4) .... ???

5) Big Presents!!

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:14:38 -0800

I'll also pledge the first $25 towards this effort.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:17:05 -0800

" order an Amazon Gift Certificate...."

Sounds good to me. Will this work for non-US MeFis as well?

By: widdershins

widdershins — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:27:49 -0800

Least we can do. Count me in.

By: Ljubljana

Ljubljana — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:29:52 -0800

Will this work for non-US MeFis as well?

Yes. The only problem would be if MJJJ, or the Responsible Party, got second thoughts and decided to use the money to scuba in Aruba instead.

Also, there would be no way to track how much cash was flowing into the Responsible Party's inbox.

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:36:21 -0800

Reading the Terms and conditions, it seems that non-US folks would have to order via Amazon.com (and not, say Amazon.co.uk), but so long as you can pay with a credit card that the US site recognizes, it should be all good.

The only catch I can see is that Gift Certificates are not transferable and you cannot purchase Gift Certificates with Gift Certificates, so if we were 'under' there might some issues in figuring out what else to buy, and if went 'over' there might be some issues with getting the balance to him.

The only problem would be if MJJJ, or the Responsible Party, got second thoughts and decided to use the money to scuba in Aruba instead.

Also, there would be no way to track how much cash was flowing into the Responsible Party's inbox.

Unless we all just decide to send Matt our own GCs, there is this same element of risk in whatever path we choose.

It might be kind of fun for everyone to send him a GC with a note that said "buy yourself a Camera" ... but I'm a fan of physical gifts over virtual ones. On the other hand, the whole "multi GC thing" does mean that he could by whatever he really wanted ... a camera, a pony, some pancakes, a kick-ass DVD collection, new furniture for his new pad ... whatever.

By: me3dia

me3dia — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:42:12 -0800

I'm in. You guys take green stamps, right?

By: zorrine

zorrine — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:46:54 -0800

Perhaps whoever is collecting the gift certificates could post here with a running total and then we'd just be able to check back here to see how much more is needed. Or if they had their own webspace, they could make a page and link it here to show the running total.

By: adrianhon

adrianhon — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:50:20 -0800

If we can, I think we should just go and buy him the camera rather than giving him the GCs (providing we have the cash), given that we *know* he really wants the camera.

There's no problem buying GCs and other items from Amazon.com outside of the US; I've bought a number of items without hitch from them, and I'm in the UK.

I'm not particularly bothered about who the Responsible Party is, as long as it is a Member of MetaFilter in Good Standing & Repute. That way, if they run off with the money, we can find them and hunt 'em down...

By: xmutex

xmutex — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 14:59:53 -0800

$10 says Matt peeked in this thread. Or picked it up and shook it.

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:04:59 -0800

PayPal? We don't need no steenkin' PayPal!!

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:20:04 -0800

Right. So.

Who's going to email MadameJJJ and tell her she's been - erm - drafted?? :-)

By: brownpau

brownpau — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:26:50 -0800

I too would like to be in on getting Matt a Chritsmas Waffel.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:26:53 -0800

Yes. The only problem would be if MJJJ, or the Responsible Party, got second thoughts and decided to use the money to scuba in Aruba instead.
Shhhhh....she promised she take me with her!

Someone email her and see if she's willing to be in charge. I know most of us trust her : >

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:28:08 -0800

oh, is there a limit on how many gift certificates you can use toward a single purchase? this will run into hundreds of them.

By: 4easypayments

4easypayments — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:28:48 -0800

Another possibility would be a pledge system. Members could post the amount they pledge to donate here. Then on a prearranged day, we would all puchase our gift certificates, sending a deluge of gift certificate notices to mathowie's inbox.

By: keswick

keswick — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:36:24 -0800

Wait, wait, wait... How do we know Matt celebrates Christmas? He might celebrate Haunakah or Kwanzaa or Cthulu Day. Cultural bias! You should all be ashamed of yourselves!

By: gleuschk

gleuschk — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:43:23 -0800

I'm in. Not witty, but in.

By: Mick

Mick — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:45:00 -0800

So we're going to pack the camera with explosives...

But how will we decide who takes offer after he snaps his last picture? Largest contributor to the Topple Matt fund?

By: Mick

Mick — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 15:45:35 -0800

over! not offer.

*sigh*

By: dg

dg — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:17:31 -0800

Count me in for 20 of our dollars (or 14.3738 of your boring green money at today's exchange rate). Just tell me where to send it via PayPal or credit card. The gift certificate idea would end up

The camera would be quite appropriate and a tangible item would be far better than cash in my opinion. Do they come in blue? It is possible that enough donations could be collected to do something more impressive, but that would be a good minimum to aim for.

By: waxpancake

waxpancake — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:25:15 -0800

It looks like someone already bought the camera for him. Someone from this thread, I'm guessing.

By: adrianhon

adrianhon — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:30:36 -0800

Goddamn. That's some serious buying power. I wonder what we should buy for him now.

By: furiousthought

furiousthought — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:30:53 -0800

Holy shit! Okay, someone fess up. Meanwhile I guess we get to pitch in for item #2. Think we can scrape together $6.95?

By: furiousthought

furiousthought — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:35:27 -0800

Whoops, I wasn't reading. The entire wish list is sold out.

By: zarah

zarah — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:35:33 -0800

NO wait a minute! That doesn't look right, the way his amazon wish list has it listed as purchased as it has all his items listed as purchased. Could something be wrong with the list, hacked or buggy from some foul up at amazon?? I mean my wish list and t r a c y's wishlist don't look like that when an item has been purchased, they just move the item off the page and put it on the purchased page...... aack.

By: zarah

zarah — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:36:38 -0800

DOH. oh ok that is the purchased page, hee!

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:42:39 -0800

the camera's out---cash is always in : >

By: furiousthought

furiousthought — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:43:07 -0800

I'm dumb. Yes, there are many other things on his wish list yet to be purchased. The most expensive thing is a fisheye lens, but that doesn't seem quite right.

By: contessa

contessa — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:48:38 -0800

Perhaps Matt's too bashful to put this on his wishlist?

By: Kafkaesque

Kafkaesque — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 16:52:28 -0800

The Segway would be super cool. I wonder if we really could raise that kind of dough.

By: philcliff

philcliff — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:01:36 -0800

Well, since his whole wishlist seems to be purchased, I guess all we can do now is to proceed with the takeover. And to answer Mick's question. I nominate myself. Or crunchland, possibly quonsar

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:08:59 -0800

:: imagines Matt cruisng around the site with his Segway, looking down on the MeFites::

Then again...

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:10:00 -0800

"cruising"

Damn you Hackworth!

By: bshort

bshort — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:19:30 -0800

We should get him the Segway.

Or a G5, and show those Pilers that we can give gifts with the best of them.

By: keswick

keswick — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:21:15 -0800

I hear Matt's running low on monocle polish.

*secretly plotting to start a popular community blog so someone will buy him a digital SLR*

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:25:18 -0800

well, if matt polishes his monocle, the top hat will look really old and shabby--maybe that's what we should get him?

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:43:28 -0800

hmm. well, i'm still sticking with the waffles/pancakes and ponies.

By: Stan Chin

Stan Chin — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:46:01 -0800

Matt's a goddamn camwhore.

By: Hildago

Hildago — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 17:46:54 -0800

Matt dresses like Mr. Peanut? Awesome.

For the $950 we would have spent on a camera, we could get him a Dirt Bike or a Motor Home!!!

I VOTE DIRT BIKE!!!

By: anastasiav

anastasiav — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 18:50:39 -0800

It looks like someone already bought the camera for him. Someone from this thread, I'm guessing.

Wow.

I swear to you, it was not like that earlier -- I know, in fact, because the camera and the 60 Hikes Book were listed right together on the same page.

Just. I mean. Wow.

Enjoy your camera, Matt!

By: dg

dg — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 18:56:47 -0800

*wonders if we can get away with claiming to have bought the camera if we act fast enough*

By: kindall

kindall — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 19:38:51 -0800

Get him a 28-135 image stabilzed lens to go with the camera. I didn't check to see if it's on his wishlist, but it's a loverly lens, and only about $400. I'd be in for $20 of it, and we'd only need 19 more people to toss in the same amount.

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 19:43:41 -0800

Still waiting to hear from Amazon if they can set up a common pool without charging us that 15% that they charge for the "donate" sites. The first response I got back was mostly just a boilerplate on how to use a wish list. I'm trying to explain it better this time.

I was going to suggest that instead of gift certificates, we all just donated money to MeFi...but I think we're going for something a little more warm and fuzzy than that...also, I'd be willing to bet that donations to MeFi are a taxable event, whereas gifts are not.

if he wants a segway...that would be an awsome gift...but we should make sure he wants one, somehow.

By: dg

dg — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 20:08:27 -0800

*tries to understand how anyone could not want a Segway*

By: Lynsey

Lynsey — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 20:32:36 -0800

From the Vancouver meetup thread, quoth Mathowie: "heh. I got to Caterina's show on time, but used a car. I spotted the Segway rental place on Grannville Island on the way out from the show. Why didn't anyone mention that?! I tried to hit it the next day but had so many other things to do that I never got over there before dark. I would have loved to try my first segway." That sounds like a nifty idea. Surely 4,495 of us could come up with a dollar each, or....?

By: amberglow

amberglow — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 20:39:39 -0800

do segways work in the rain?

By: Quartermass

Quartermass — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 21:17:48 -0800

Come one people! We can come up with enough to get a segway. Its the least we can do.

By: dg

dg — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 21:23:51 -0800

What the hell, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Someone will have to play mother, though.

By: t r a c y

t r a c y — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 22:27:46 -0800

hey, weren't all the segways recalled 'cause they're too tippy...? we don't want matt to hurt himself...!

By: Hildago

Hildago — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 22:49:50 -0800

I bet Matt is keeping close tabs on this thread, and when the Segway proposal came up, he made roof-raising motions and started reloading the page once every five seconds.

By: The God Complex

The God Complex — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 23:12:18 -0800

Hildago is by far one of the forty or fifty funniest people this side of the mojave desert. Your description had me rolling on the floor, and left my monitor coated in a viscous fluid that smells vaguely of limonade. Kudos. I owe you a underpriviledged-school-children-tax-free latte.

hey, weren't all the segways recalled 'cause they're too tippy...? we don't want matt to hurt himself...!

If it means I ascend another rung up the metaladder of power relations, by God I'll let nothing stand--or "float" lamely--in my way.

By: adrianhon

adrianhon — Mon, 24 Nov 2003 23:39:17 -0800

I bet we're going to see the Segway magically appear on his Wishlist as a purchased item within the next few hours. Then some 'anonymous' poster here will say, "Well, there's nothing left but to buy him a house now..." Mathowie's playing us like puppets, I say, puppets!

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 00:01:39 -0800

Forget about the segway. Let's get together and invest in one expensive gift. If everyone put in $5 he could get a new car!

Hell, if ten percent contributed we could get him something worth remembering. I recommend a respected and influential member to collect the money, and that they should obviously be contacted beforehand. This is a meritocracy, isn't it?

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 00:04:10 -0800

It will also create an air of surprise for everyone not in on it. Not to mention the webmaster, Matt.

By: twine42

twine42 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 00:57:25 -0800

If everyone one is still up for chucking in a tenner ($ not £) then how about...?

By: seanyboy

seanyboy — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 01:18:49 -0800

I think we should get him one of these.
At the very least.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 04:58:14 -0800

well, someone volunteer--juju hasn't chimed in yet...dejah, will you do the honors of being the trusted member? How do you feel about getting mail? : >

By: bshort

bshort — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 05:21:50 -0800

How about a Prius or a Smart car?

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 05:28:18 -0800

Smart cars are adorable, but are they safe in the land of giant SUVs? And how tall is he? I get the feeling that they're built for short people.

I still think we should send him cash, and let him do what he wants with it (It would be fun to see him rolling around on a bed of bills, like in the movies, and it fits with the monocle)

By: Cyrano

Cyrano — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 05:40:23 -0800

Matt should have to pose naked with whatever we get him just like Asia Carrera always does.

By: vito90

vito90 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 06:38:48 -0800

This is a great, fun thread. Whatever gets decided I will for sure chip in...

By: bshort

bshort — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 07:22:20 -0800

So what's the consensus?

Here are the options that have been mentioned so far:
1. Segway
2. Breakfast foods
3. t-shirts
4. Canon digital SLR (already purchased)
5. Dirt bike
6. Motor home
7. Lens for his shiny new camera
8. New car

If someone were really motivated they could set up a poll somewhere so that members (and non-members?) could vote.

We could also just set up a PayPal account / Amazon Honor System / etc. and start collecting money, and then purchase something based on what we've collected.

By: Quartermass

Quartermass — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 07:25:50 -0800

Man this is too funny. Everyone wants to pitch in, no one wants to do the leg work! At least I have an excuse - I am Canadian!

By: Ufez Jones

Ufez Jones — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 07:30:41 -0800

I'm up for the Segway as well. He just got a new car not too long ago, IIRC. A diesel Jetta wagon, I think.

By: seanyboy

seanyboy — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 08:05:11 -0800

Everyone wants to pitch in, no one wants to do the leg work!
Personally, I'd be happy to look after the money, but as I don't even trust myself, and with exception, you alls don't know me, I'd be much suprised if I offered and you accepted.

And I really do think we should Adopt a pony for him.

By: seanyboy

seanyboy — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 08:07:25 -0800

BTW - I think that people shouldn't decide what to get until the money is collected, and the people who should decide what to get should only be the people who donate cash. (That way at least, the donators can talk amongst themselves; thus keeping the gift a suprise)

By: eyeballkid

eyeballkid — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 08:32:13 -0800

seanyboy has a great point. No use aiming for the Segway if we end up only being able to afford a Razor Scooter.

By: Ljubljana

Ljubljana — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 09:20:30 -0800

Here's an old mathowie quote on Segways, in which he mentions witnessing some "spectacular crashes." He doesn't seem overly enthusiastic about them.

By: asok

asok — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 09:41:04 -0800

What about a nice print, he seems to have an eye for photography. Maybe some art?
Not a stock image poster from Ikea, something you know, arty. Something that'll last. Maybe a signed print by his favourite comic artist?
If this is a good idea, it might be advisable to check his weblog for references to art/photographers he likes. We could contact someone who may know, Jason or Meg or whoever.
I would rather contribute towards something that has the potential to accrue value, both sentimentally and financially, than something that will be binned in 24 months time. Unless it is something that Matt *cannot* live without.

Like a pony ; )

By: clever sheep

clever sheep — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 10:01:16 -0800

This is great! Count me in for a tenner.

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 10:57:15 -0800

well, someone volunteer--juju hasn't chimed in yet...dejah, will you do the honors of being the trusted member? How do you feel about getting mail? : > posted by amberglow

I don't mind, it shouldn't take a lot of time. Let me look into the costs of the various options...currently appears that the Honor list and PayPal are the main contenders. I don't have a PayPal merchant account, so I've no idea what their fee structure is...or how long it takes to get money from them. It may be that even with the 15%, the Amazon route is the easiest...but I'll look into both, and any other solutions that y'all want to recommend.

What I can do, once a solution provider is selected, is create a web page where when someone makes a contribution, I can list their name, and a running total. When we reach cutoff date "X", we can then decide which goodies should be purchased, and we'll know all the names to put on the card.

So, Let me look into solutions today, and I'll try to get some options together and present them this evening or tomorrow.

By: Lynsey

Lynsey — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 11:03:04 -0800

Thanks, dejah! Oh, and this is my candidate for best MeTa thread ever. ;)

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 11:32:38 -0800

you rock dejah! (i was thinking we should have a cash option too for people who can't do credit/debit card) : >

By: sugarfish

sugarfish — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 12:20:43 -0800

moz and i are in. :)

it is the least we can do.

By: matteo

matteo — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 12:43:08 -0800

thanks dejah

By: bshort

bshort — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 12:52:48 -0800

dejah's just gunning for her own gold star :-)

By: wendell

wendell — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 12:55:36 -0800

I'm in for 2% to 5% of what I get paid for he "Opus" article, just for Matt not banning my ass during my orgy of publicity whoring last week. (now to figure out how to repay quonsar without cutting off a piece of anatomy)

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 13:05:14 -0800

Ok, I've read all the user agreements and fee schedules at both sites...and at Amazon, one page says 15%, but the FAQ says 5%.

If the fee is 5%, then I think Amazon is our best bet, because of the options available, such as running totals on an Amazon pay-page and a faster turn-around time on fund availability. I'll keep my current dialogue with customer service going and see if I can get an answer to 2 questions: What is the fee...and can we have the donations pooled as a ever growing gift certificate, rather than putting the money into my personal bank account...the thought of which makes me very uncomfortable...for a number of reasons, the primary of them tax related. I don't want to end up owing income tax on Matt's present.

So, let me see if I can iron out those details.

By: Hackworth

Hackworth — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 13:19:11 -0800

we should set our purchase list to "degrade gracefully", setting the most expensive gifts at the top and letting the amount of donations decide the level of the gift.

So:
1) hybrid automobile
2) segway
3) super-duper camera lense
4) t-shirt
5) My Little Ponies
6) pancakes
7) ???
8) profit!

feel free to copy/paste & edit the list.

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:18:13 -0800

Also checking with giftcertificates.com to see if they have a common pool method that we can use...as Amazon doesn't seem to understand what I'm asking...still working on it.

Does anyone else have any solution provider ideas?

By: vraxoin

vraxoin — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:20:48 -0800

I've met Dejah420 and I know people she knows, so if she tries to abscond with the money, I can easily track her down and kill her. But I doubt it would ever come to that.

All I can say is: let the Haughey boy have a damn Segway! Is that too much to ask?

I'm in for $10 US.

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:26:14 -0800

Im pitching in my $5. Im not rich :).

Look, I may not be an old member of the metafilter society, but if someone that is better known doesnt want to do it I can hold the tally. my E-mail is Peter_brown@comcast.net if anyone has any questions.

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 14:29:30 -0800

Speaking of tracking the money counted, why dont we use paypal and then convert the sum into a bank account, thereby having a digital "middle-man" to make sure everythings counted and correct?

By: crunchland

crunchland — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 15:12:38 -0800

Jeez. it hardly seems fair to overthrow the guy if we're talking about buying him a car, for crissakes.

And while I applaud the sentiment, I'll believe that when I see it.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 15:20:20 -0800

"Does anyone else have any solution provider ideas?"

I think the PayPal option is best. Less overhead. An audit trail is generated. And it works out of the box.

Also. I'm having second thoughts about the Segway. I don't mind donating a large sum of money for something I know Matt will love (the camera), but I'm not sure about spending 4.5 times as much on something that may end up being a shortlived amusement. Didn't San Fransisco ban these from the streets?

There are tons of pricey accessories for that Canon. If we're going to splurge on a lens, I suggest the 100-400 IS L. Now that's a fucking lens. You could kill a small pony with it.

By: languagehat

languagehat — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 15:40:13 -0800

I'm in if we're getting a camera accessory or something. If it's a Segway, I'd rather do the coup thing. Not only are we not sure he wants one, but I personally think the damn things are... well, let's just say overpriced. I don't want to hurt the feelings of all those MeFites who think they're incredibly cool.

By: Stan Chin

Stan Chin — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 15:43:40 -0800

I think the most obvious progression of this whole thing is getting Matt his own giclee. Then he could be like that friend who has a truck on moving day, and we could all send over files for him for free high quality expensive prints.

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 16:21:46 -0800

Let me say that when I accepted this nomination...I had no idea what I was getting into. Damn me and my volunteerism...this is how I ended up cleaning up a stretch of highway, you know. ;) Seriously, I didn't realize that I would have to provide my private bank accounts to set up an account. I mean, I guess that only makes sense, really...I just hadn't thought of it. Homer moment...

What I was hoping to do was to get Amazon to hold the funds via their internal "paypages", which also gives us an audit trail and a running total. But I've spent all day trying to convince them to do that...and I'm not sure it's working.

If someone else wants to set up a paypal account for this, and is comfortable using their own bank account, that's cool.

However, because of the turnaround time, (30 days), the odds of us being able to get anything purchased before Xmas is unlikely. I was figuring that if we did it through the merchant where we intend to spend the money, it might be faster. Also, amazon has a 14 day turn, vs a 30 day turn on PP. Again, haven't heard back from GC, so I don't know what options are available there.

I will not give my banking information to PP, for various reasons, but if someone else wants to setup the PayPal account, I'll still volunteer to create and update a web page with names and a running total that can be provided by whomever sets up the PayPal...and of course, I'm still in for a donation.

Alternately, since this is starting to look a lot like herding cats...we could all just get Matt gift certificates in whatever denominations we wanted to give, then pick a "mailing day" where everyone mails them to him at once. (We'll need a mailing address...) That way, he can get whatever his little hacker heart desires.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 16:35:01 -0800

sorry it's so complicated dejah--i had been thinking all along that we do like I do with my mailman and super--I put cash in an envelope and give it to them...I thought whoever the volunteer is, serves as the holding pen for all the cash from all of us, and then gives it to matt (after maybe exchanging it for shiny new bills, or big bills, etc...)

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 16:35:42 -0800

Matt: like my mailman and super ; >

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 16:46:59 -0800

I think it would be a better idea if we all pitched in to get Matt something seriously nice. If 100 people pitched in 5 bucks thats $500 right there. (about 50 lapdances at jiggles) and Paypal, although it could take longer than hoped, can be our mediator so no one is skimming off the till. I wish I had a bank account.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 16:56:41 -0800

I wish I had a bank account.
That's kinda my point--you can't do paypal or those other things without a debit/creditcard...cash in an envelope anyone can do. And paypal takes a percentage of each payment anyway. (really what i'm thinking is like a pool in an office when someone's getting married or something like that)

By: Hildago

Hildago — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:06:38 -0800

Problem is, people are less likely to actually make good on their promises of money if they actually have to be bothered filling out a check and mailing it. Proven fact.

BTW, someone should contact someone who knows Matt and get them to surreptitiously find out what he wants.

"Say, Matt old boy, if you had a thousand dollars to spend on a tangible item, what would you spend it on?"

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:11:34 -0800

As I said way up there, we can use my PayPal account. But you bastards don't trust me. So fine.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:22:38 -0800

I trust you y6...you willing for real?

By: mr_crash_davis

mr_crash_davis — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:25:53 -0800

Fuck it, get him a hooker.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:44:46 -0800

'you willing for real?"

You betcha. My PayPal account is: jon@jonsullivan.com

My address is:
Jon Sullivan
10320 Maya Linda Rd #A212
San Diego, CA 92126

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 17:52:22 -0800

Can those of us who don't have credit cards send cash to that address, y6? I suspect there are quite a few of us.

Btw, despite dejah's heroic efforts, I think this is by far the most sensible and practical solution.

Thanks, y6. This will make for an entertaining thread one day when we overseas wags start on the "Whaaaat? You didn't get the 2k in carefully concealed banknotes?" comments. ;)

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:01:29 -0800

"Can those of us who don't have credit cards send cash to that address"

Sure. As long as it's in something more negotiable than a chicken, I'll make sure it gets put towards the cause.

Assuming we figure out what the cause is........

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:03:29 -0800

let's worry about the cause the week before xmas...
you rock y6! I'm donating now... : >

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:04:28 -0800

what's the mefi projects email again? we should post it there.

By: contessa

contessa — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:09:23 -0800

Cool, thanks y6!

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:22:01 -0800

oh, a little bird just emailed me about this little item he may want
/waves at little (non-sleeping) bird : >

By: dg

dg — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:23:36 -0800

Thanks y6³ - my donation is on its way. Someone is going to build one of those web page thingies to provide some sort of running total, yes?

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 18:59:31 -0800

maybe y6 should just post a running total in this thread? It'll be active til the holidays.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 19:03:44 -0800

I emailed kindall to put it on the mefi projects email list.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 19:10:46 -0800

"Someone is going to build one of those web page thingies to provide some sort of running total, yes?"

I'll have it up in a couple days. I'll integrate in a discussion forum so we don't have to do all the planning in this one thread. Look for it after Thanksgiving.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 19:18:35 -0800

Woohoo!!! Running total: $64.00

By: madamjujujive

madamjujujive — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:05:15 -0800

Wow, sorry I was in absentia for a few days and missed my nomination as a trusted person - how flattering but undeserved, as anyone who ever peeked in my checkbook would realize!

I really support the concept of doing a big gesture for Matt - nice idea Hackworth.

Dejah, you are just too wonderful stepping up to the plate and doing all that investigating. Thank you! And Y6x3, thanks for making your account available, that sounds like the best path. The page sounds great too. This is fun!

I also like Hildago's idea of trying to find out what would be most meaningful to Matt. Maybe it would be a first class trip, that's what I'd want! Or amberglow, your last link is neat. And gee, with 17,000 members, I would think we could come up with more than $1,000. Maybe we could set a goal and try to reach it...$2,500 or heck, $5,000 if that's what a Segway was going to cost.

But I am distressed that chickens are not regarded as appropriate tender so I suppose goats are out too. Damn.

By: zpousman

zpousman — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:11:13 -0800

y6 - Thanks! I like the idea of the teevee. it goes with the pvr and all the other gadgets mr. haughey has in his well appointed (ok, never been there) living room. I'm in for a tenner.

[it's a little bit weird giving a gift to a guy I'll never meet. But hey, that's what the internet is for.]

By: dejah420

dejah420 — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:13:35 -0800

y6³, you rock! I missed your offer earlier in the thread...my apologies. Although, I too am disappointed by the lack of acceptance of livestock...but fine, I'll just leave money in the usual place. ;)

By: Stan Chin

Stan Chin — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:18:20 -0800

Memo to Matt :

Signups(New Members(+Money)) = Profit!

I think it would be funny if he took all the money and donated it to the Bush campaign or bought his presents at Wal-Mart

By: eriko

eriko — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:48:59 -0800

I don't do paypal, due to interesting quirks in Missouri law that render you toast if someone rips your paypal account, I'll mail a check instead. The shipping charges on goats are a little excessive anyway.

Thanks, y6y6y6, for doing the grunt work.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:54:34 -0800

You know...with all this talk about Segways, PayPal and Gift Certificates, I'm afraid we all may have forgotten the true meaning of the holidays. It's not about expensive gadgets or futuristic scooters...it's about showing people how much they mean to us in thoughtful, personal ways.

That's why I'd like to suggest we consider a different path: How cool would it be if we all sent Matt something personal. A picture, a favorite cookie, a rock shaped like Nixon.

Remember that scene in "A Miracle on 34th Street" where they brought in the mailsacks and dumped them all out? Can't you imagine the feeling you'd get to have one of those bags waiting for you? Who among us doesn't like to get mail?

Even if it's just a postcard, the time you took to say, "Hey, thanks Dude" is worth a thousand tubs of pancake batter. Picture Matt looking through all our stuff--we know how creative this community can be, right?

So can't we maybe consider something that's overwhelming in a different way? It's just a thought.

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:55:31 -0800

Of course, not wanting to look like a prick, if we decide to go the "expensive gee-gaw" way, I'll throw in there, too.

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:56:50 -0800

Ok y6y6y6 im gonna send my money through paypal. My mommie has a credit card. And coldchef: Tell me where to mail it!

By: ColdChef

ColdChef — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 20:58:43 -0800

Hmmmm...that's a detail I didn't consider. Anyone?

By: eriko

eriko — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 21:00:13 -0800

Oh, I forget, are we plotting the overthrow of mathowie here, or did we move it to one of the newsfilter threads?

And, if we wanted to pimp-up that camera he's apparently gotten, I'd suggest the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM. There's a 1.6x multiplication factor in focal length, due to the smaller size of the CCD, this works out to about 115-320, and this lens is a killer peice of glass.

The EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM is the killer match to the 70-200mm (works out to about a 55-116mm zoom.) It's also an amazingly good optic.

Finally, a good flash would help. The Speedlite 550EX looks like the winner....

By: me3dia

me3dia — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 21:03:25 -0800

Twenty bills have been electronically whisked in your direction, y6y6y6. Thanks for taking care of it.

By: notsnot

notsnot — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 21:44:55 -0800

five from me, (y6)^3. I'm underemployed, and hereby challenge the other underemployed/broke/cheap-ass MeFites to at least pitch in.

By: gen

gen — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 22:55:31 -0800

I was IMing with mathowie this morning and I subtly asked him to clean out his Amazon WishList so that we know what has been purchased and what has not been purchased. I also asked him to add new items to the WishList. He still wants the Canon Digital Rebel and has not received it yet (as of 11/26) fwiw.

y6, I will be donating soon as well.

By: bragadocchio

bragadocchio — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 22:57:20 -0800

Thanks, Y6! A few more dollars electronically sent your way.

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 25 Nov 2003 23:58:53 -0800

this is going better than expected.

By: mmoncur

mmoncur — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 04:33:27 -0800

Y6, another drop should be in the bucket momentarily.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 04:47:15 -0800

Running total: $271.

And I have a forum set up here.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 04:56:37 -0800

the url's messed up, y6

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 05:04:29 -0800

"the url's messed up, y6"

Oops. I just moved the DNS yesterday. The URL is correct, but it may not work until your ISPs router tables get updated. YMMV. I'll put a link on the broken address just in case. Sorry...... Damn it.......

By: amberglow

amberglow — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 05:28:38 -0800

now it's ok--i got the onscreen message, and was able to click on the link there : >

By: twine42

twine42 — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 05:33:27 -0800

'fraid I'm poor atm, so I've only been able to send £5. That said, I think that's about a hundred of your American 'Dollars'.
</fark>

By: kindall

kindall — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 07:13:47 -0800

It's not about expensive gadgets or futuristic scooters...it's about showing people how much they mean to us in thoughtful, personal ways

Like buying them a Segway!

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 07:45:12 -0800

Important!!!!

If you are going to mail me money through the regular post, please send me an email as well. That way I can include your $s in the running total while I'm awaiting the check.

By: clever sheep

clever sheep — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 11:36:03 -0800

my electrons are on the way via PayPal!

By: 4easypayments

4easypayments — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 11:58:45 -0800

Matt clearly wants a Flavor Flav talking alarm clock.

By: adrianhon

adrianhon — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 12:10:01 -0800

20 big boys are winging their way to you as we speak, y6^3 (and I sent $20 to your PayPal account as well...)

By: waxpancake

waxpancake — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 12:16:35 -0800

Just talked to Matt via AIM... He just got the camera in the mail and he's freaking out big time. The gift was sent anonymously. (If he's freaking out about the camera, wait until he gets his new Flavor Flav clock!)

By: Stan Chin

Stan Chin — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 12:38:10 -0800

Wait till he looks on the memory card and finds 30 high resolution pictures of his secret admirer recreating tubgirl.

By: Ljubljana

Ljubljana — Wed, 26 Nov 2003 15:17:46 -0800

Stan just broke my funny bone. (But it's a good kind of hurt)

By: swordfishtrombones

swordfishtrombones — Thu, 27 Nov 2003 00:28:52 -0800

another 15 euro crossing the ocean as we speak

By: ginz

ginz — Thu, 27 Nov 2003 09:18:33 -0800

Shall we do coldchef's idea next year? I really like it too.

By: asok

asok — Thu, 27 Nov 2003 11:31:47 -0800

"He just got the camera in the mail and he's freaking out big time."

Paints a picture in the mind, he's such a sweety!

At least we know who sent the camera now!

By: kindall

kindall — Thu, 27 Nov 2003 11:58:45 -0800

Wait till he looks on the memory card and finds 30 high resolution pictures of his secret admirer recreating tubgirl.

Could be worse. Could be goatse.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 05:42:19 -0800

Before this runs off the page, I just wanted to remind everyone that we have a continuing discussion about this over here. Total so far is about $500, but we haven't figured out waht to get him.

By: biffa

biffa — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 07:54:56 -0800

One of these - purely as a conversation piece naturally.

By: timeistight

timeistight — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 10:55:27 -0800

He has camera!

By: amberglow

amberglow — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 11:01:31 -0800

so who sent it? and what does that note say?

By: timeistight

timeistight — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 11:12:39 -0800

Looks like:

"Hi Matt

I've really been ejoying &quote[sic]Ten Years of My Life&quote something something something something something something something gift. Good shooting!

-An anonymous, appreciative Mefite"

Wow!

By: riffola

riffola — Fri, 28 Nov 2003 18:16:28 -0800

That's incredibly sweet of someone (or some people)!

By: 4easypayments

4easypayments — Sat, 29 Nov 2003 00:36:01 -0800

I think it's:

I've really been enjoying "Ten Years of My Life" so this is purely a selfish gift. Keep shooting! -An anonymous, appreciative Mefite.

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Sat, 29 Nov 2003 03:05:30 -0800

That camera also got a great review on Toms Hardware.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Sat, 29 Nov 2003 11:20:41 -0800

thanks time and 4easy--I wonder who it's from?

By: quonsar

quonsar — Sat, 29 Nov 2003 11:53:09 -0800

all right, i confess. i didn't buy matt the camera.

By: amberglow

amberglow — Sat, 29 Nov 2003 12:02:00 -0800

i was sure it was you too, q--spending your millions on drugs and hookers, as usual? : >

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 06:49:20 -0800

Just a ping for those not reading the other forum - I have an email in to Matt's wife who has agreed to help with the gift ideas. We have about $700 raised now, but I'm sure we could buy something cooler if we had $1000 or more. To those who haven't added to the pool yet, please consider how much time you spend on this free site. If a tiny portion of the users here donate $5-$20 we can get Matt something outstanding for Christmas.

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 22:06:48 -0800

Quite right, Jon! My twenty euros, skilfully hidden in a folded piece of writing paper, are on their way.

Why, it seems only yesterday *Euro-jab warning* that that would have been about 18 dollars, but I now see it's more like 24,1691 dollars. US dollars are rapidly becoming our private Canadian joke currency.

Seriously, I'm sorry if this means a trip to the bank but I saw that another fellow member had sent euros so I figured you had to go to the bank anyway - unless you keep them *can't resist, sorry!* - as an investment. Teehee. It's not often we lowly Portagee get to lord it over the world's great superpower, so indulge me already. :)

Matt (because we all know this is the only thread you follow): I won't die before I find and send you the appropriate Camper shoes, rest assured. Maria Joao, my wife, has seventeen pairs and loves them all!)

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 22:41:05 -0800

Hmmm, I just re-read this and, lest it may seem that Matt is secretly into stiletto heels and mink-lined mules, let me point out that Camper make shoes for both sexes and he, for some weird reason, prefers the masculine style. ;)

By: Keyser Soze

Keyser Soze — Tue, 02 Dec 2003 23:35:17 -0800

whoo... someone has a fetish.

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 07:26:17 -0800

"Seriously, I'm sorry if this means a trip to the bank"

Not a problem. I was assuming I'd end up doing that.

And the fall of the dollar is really pissing me off. It looks like my trip to Wales next year is going to cost about $500 more than anticipated. One more reason to hate George Bush. If that fucker doesn't get voted out next year I'm going to need meds to deal with the depression.

By: matteo

matteo — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 08:27:49 -0800

then get Haughey some size 15 1/2 custom-made Manolo Blahnik strappy sandals and get it over with

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 08:28:02 -0800

I'll make mine euro's then, for convenience y6³. [BTW, how do we make a euro symbol?

&euro = ampersandeuro
&8364 = ampersand8364]

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 08:29:14 -0800

Cursed by the vagaries of the preview!! Aarghh!!

By: MiguelCardoso

MiguelCardoso — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 08:34:43 -0800

Dashi (you know that's the name of the delicious, basic Japanese bonito flakes and kombu seaweed stock, don't you, mate?) - I refer you to the classic MeFi lesson.

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 09:18:36 -0800

I do now, migs. Almost a stranger to japanese food am I, but the components sound quite delicious. Which is nice.

€

L-aa-rvely!

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 09:23:35 -0800

Harumph!!

He omits the double- preview anomaly, which I was aware of but have failed to overcome. On preview 1, I had success; I then added my traditional cock-er-ney triumphal roar, replaced the € I saw - as expected - with the recommended ' € ' ...and promptly snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

Fingers crossed...

By: dash_slot-

dash_slot- — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 09:28:36 -0800

L-aa-rvely!!

By: squirrel

squirrel — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 10:01:50 -0800

As a matter of principle, I buy "wish list" items only for webcam girls in underwear. Ethics matter for some people.

By: nthdegx

nthdegx — Wed, 03 Dec 2003 17:49:07 -0800

thanks hackworth, dejah and y6... top notch

By: y6y6y6

y6y6y6 — Thu, 04 Dec 2003 09:49:31 -0800

***UPDATE*****
Our secret agent who is close to Matt has reported back with info about gifts he wants but won't buy because they are stupid expensive. read about it here.