Happy Anniversary, newbies. November 17, 2005 8:40 PM Subscribe
Happy Anniversary, newbies. [more inside]
Unless you're posting from an oil tanker, you cheated.
posted by gramschmidt at 8:42 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by gramschmidt at 8:42 PM on November 17, 2005
Y'all got suckered. Mathowie paid the first 2,000 signups $5 to come contribute. I spent mine on pancakes. True.
posted by Jimbob at 8:43 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by Jimbob at 8:43 PM on November 17, 2005
soyjoy writes "And for those of you who came in on that wave, has your perception of Mefi changed over the course of the year, now that you're part of it? Has it changed?"
Oh, fuck yeah.
posted by orthogonality at 8:50 PM on November 17, 2005
Oh, fuck yeah.
posted by orthogonality at 8:50 PM on November 17, 2005
Yeah, soyjoy. I think there are more assholes here than I did before.
posted by Captaintripps at 8:54 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by Captaintripps at 8:54 PM on November 17, 2005
Has it really been that long? A whole year already? It seems like it was just yesterday.
Feh. $5? When I signed up I got keyboard carved out of raw, natural diamond and exotic precious stones and this really sweet recumbent bike made entirely out of hookers and coke.
posted by loquacious at 8:55 PM on November 17, 2005
Feh. $5? When I signed up I got keyboard carved out of raw, natural diamond and exotic precious stones and this really sweet recumbent bike made entirely out of hookers and coke.
posted by loquacious at 8:55 PM on November 17, 2005
+a A++++++++++!!!!! FATS FINGERS!! WOULD TYPO AGAIN!!!!!
posted by loquacious at 8:58 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by loquacious at 8:58 PM on November 17, 2005
Things sure have changed since I joined. Sometimes for the better, occasionally not, it's been one hell of a ride regardless.
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:01 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:01 PM on November 17, 2005
Has it been a year already? I don't feel like a $5 n00b anymore.
I had been a daily lurker for a few years already, even having kind of a parallel-to-MeFi discussion with friends on another blog, before the signups were re-opened. It made for an odd learning curve to be very familiar with the site, but not privy to the nuances of being part of the community.
For a while it seemed like there was a "generation gap" of sorts, but I'm wondering if that's been worn away by now for most of you, or if you experienced it.
At first, I mistook posting on MeFi to be a lot like posting on BBS-style boards - fairly anonymous, fairly pointless, fairly light'n'fruity. It only slowly dawned on me that I would be conversing with many of the same people on the same subjects over time, and that I would develop a knowable identity, and ought probably to be mindful of that. And it took longer to dawn on me that at some point I'd be meeting many MeFites in the flesh, or corresponding with them about careers or music or projects. And what is now dawning on me is what an incredible resource this is for ongoing learning, for comparing notes across fields and areas of expertise, and for bandying about important ideas with some extremely smart and interesting folk, and for creating actual friendships. Now that those things have happened to me, MeFi has gone from being an abstract idea of a community to a concrete, visible community in the most wonderful way.
I still screw up all the time, and I go off half-cocked too often. Gradually, I've learned to be more careful about comments and posts, with a few missteps along the way. But it's been a great year, and now that I sit here and reflect, I realize what a valuable dimension MeFi has added to my life. Yeah, it was worth $5.
posted by Miko at 9:01 PM on November 17, 2005
I had been a daily lurker for a few years already, even having kind of a parallel-to-MeFi discussion with friends on another blog, before the signups were re-opened. It made for an odd learning curve to be very familiar with the site, but not privy to the nuances of being part of the community.
For a while it seemed like there was a "generation gap" of sorts, but I'm wondering if that's been worn away by now for most of you, or if you experienced it.
At first, I mistook posting on MeFi to be a lot like posting on BBS-style boards - fairly anonymous, fairly pointless, fairly light'n'fruity. It only slowly dawned on me that I would be conversing with many of the same people on the same subjects over time, and that I would develop a knowable identity, and ought probably to be mindful of that. And it took longer to dawn on me that at some point I'd be meeting many MeFites in the flesh, or corresponding with them about careers or music or projects. And what is now dawning on me is what an incredible resource this is for ongoing learning, for comparing notes across fields and areas of expertise, and for bandying about important ideas with some extremely smart and interesting folk, and for creating actual friendships. Now that those things have happened to me, MeFi has gone from being an abstract idea of a community to a concrete, visible community in the most wonderful way.
I still screw up all the time, and I go off half-cocked too often. Gradually, I've learned to be more careful about comments and posts, with a few missteps along the way. But it's been a great year, and now that I sit here and reflect, I realize what a valuable dimension MeFi has added to my life. Yeah, it was worth $5.
posted by Miko at 9:01 PM on November 17, 2005
I joined MetaFilter way back before this whole internet thing.
We used to take turns writing in a notebook and mailing it all over the world to make comments. When a member would "post" a "link", that just meant that they would go out to North Dakota and tape a clipping out of their local newspaper to this chainllink fencepost. It took YEARS to get any feedback.
You kids with your fucking whiz bang speed of light instant karma bullshit.
posted by ColdChef at 9:01 PM on November 17, 2005
We used to take turns writing in a notebook and mailing it all over the world to make comments. When a member would "post" a "link", that just meant that they would go out to North Dakota and tape a clipping out of their local newspaper to this chainllink fencepost. It took YEARS to get any feedback.
You kids with your fucking whiz bang speed of light instant karma bullshit.
posted by ColdChef at 9:01 PM on November 17, 2005
So, did you spend my $5 wisely or did you spend it all on Pop Rocks and catheters?
posted by Jon-o at 9:05 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by Jon-o at 9:05 PM on November 17, 2005
I'm going to join Metafilter one of these days. But $5 seems so pricy.
posted by TwelveTwo at 9:08 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by TwelveTwo at 9:08 PM on November 17, 2005
katesippey managed to sneak in right before matt123test(?)
Though OhPuhLeez makes me wonder why 11/18 is the date. Somebody elighten a n00b.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 9:09 PM on November 17, 2005
Though OhPuhLeez makes me wonder why 11/18 is the date. Somebody elighten a n00b.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 9:09 PM on November 17, 2005
Oh, and by the way:
How have I been posting here for the better part of a year and only three users link to me (two of whom are Alex Reynolds incarnations)?
posted by Jon-o at 9:12 PM on November 17, 2005
How have I been posting here for the better part of a year and only three users link to me (two of whom are Alex Reynolds incarnations)?
posted by Jon-o at 9:12 PM on November 17, 2005
Yeah, how have I been posting too? I mostly just comment, but, other people also only comment and have far more users linking to them than I do. (In fact, why are some of you linked to me in the first place?)
posted by TwelveTwo at 9:14 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by TwelveTwo at 9:14 PM on November 17, 2005
Well said, Miko.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 9:17 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by If I Had An Anus at 9:17 PM on November 17, 2005
I too am pretty vague about how people choose who to link to. I'm fairly shy about linking to other people. Interestingly, for most of the first year I accumulated 6 or 7 people who linked to me. That took 9 months. Then, in the week surrounding Katrina, an additional 10 linkers appeared. It was a time I was very vocal and full of comment, and of course a lot of us were caught up in it and glued to the computer.
I've considered doing a MeTa post on this -- what motivates you to link to someone? There are a lot of users whose comments I really dig, and yet I don't link to that many. Maybe it's time to start linking more liberally.
posted by Miko at 9:18 PM on November 17, 2005
I've considered doing a MeTa post on this -- what motivates you to link to someone? There are a lot of users whose comments I really dig, and yet I don't link to that many. Maybe it's time to start linking more liberally.
posted by Miko at 9:18 PM on November 17, 2005
i dont care what anyone says, the newbs are friggin annoying.
posted by keswick at 9:19 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by keswick at 9:19 PM on November 17, 2005
I have a confession:
No not any puppet poop I promise.
Before I became wheelie, on November 17, I signed up as crusiera and posted 1 thread then this crap went down due to me being stupid with bugmenot so I want to apoligise again to Matt and Jess, and thanks to everyone who puts up with my ADD around here. Not a single MeTa callout yet, I'm as shocked as you are.
Happy Anniversary!
posted by wheelieman at 9:19 PM on November 17, 2005
No not any puppet poop I promise.
Before I became wheelie, on November 17, I signed up as crusiera and posted 1 thread then this crap went down due to me being stupid with bugmenot so I want to apoligise again to Matt and Jess, and thanks to everyone who puts up with my ADD around here. Not a single MeTa callout yet, I'm as shocked as you are.
Happy Anniversary!
posted by wheelieman at 9:19 PM on November 17, 2005
Best entertainment money I ever spent.
I mean, c'mon.... Aren't you glad I joined to brighten up your days, and spice up your nights?
I thought so.
posted by Balisong at 9:24 PM on November 17, 2005
I mean, c'mon.... Aren't you glad I joined to brighten up your days, and spice up your nights?
I thought so.
posted by Balisong at 9:24 PM on November 17, 2005
I just link to people who ask about the links (hi jon-o).
posted by jmgorman at 9:25 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by jmgorman at 9:25 PM on November 17, 2005
Hi, Long time reader, first time poster!
*winces* Argh, don't do that.
Let the booking of Joke Login Names commence!!!
posted by mathovvie at 2:27 AM PST on November 18 [!]
Heh. Hindsight, meet irony and her slutty, easy sister named sarcasm. ;)
Newbies, please report to conference room C with your officially issued weasels and EZ Cheez for the initiation ceremonies.
posted by loquacious at 3:22 AM PST on November 18 [!]
What the fuck? Where in the hell did that eloquent bon mot come from? Deep. I'm telling you. That I can just reach deep down and pull out shiny, polished gems like that... it really makes me have faith in God.
Well, this is a nice surprise. Hello MeKiddies - I kiss you!
posted by taz at 3:47 AM PST on November 18 [!]
Awwww. No, really. :) That one made me choke up a little. Taz is a sweetie. No, your sarcasm detectors don't need recalibrating, there's just no useful signal on this one.
(Flirted with WolfDaddy? You mean I let him sodomize me for nothing?)
posted by ColdChef at 6:27 AM PST on November 18 [!]
*chokes, spews coffee out nose*
After over two years of waiting and somehow missing every signup opportunity, I'm in. I'll be good, promise.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 7:01 AM PST on November 18 [!]
*accidentally swallows lit cigarette*
Welcome all. May the EXXXTREME INITIATIONS COMMENCE!
posted by Pretty_Generic at 9:31 AM PST on November 18 [!]
OK, now I don't feel like such a dorkwad.
Willkommen neuvolks.
posted by dhoyt at 9:59 AM PST on November 18 [!]
*triple spit take*
Please God don't make MetaFilter chirpy and vivacious.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 10:07 AM PST on November 18 [!]
You're welcome.
Now, if you could put a word in with the good Doctor about that whole world peace and free booze thing I've been trying to get on his desk, I'd be much obliged. Miguel? Miguel? Hello? Does anyone read the posts down here?
posted by loquacious at 9:40 PM on November 17, 2005
*winces* Argh, don't do that.
Let the booking of Joke Login Names commence!!!
posted by mathovvie at 2:27 AM PST on November 18 [!]
Heh. Hindsight, meet irony and her slutty, easy sister named sarcasm. ;)
Newbies, please report to conference room C with your officially issued weasels and EZ Cheez for the initiation ceremonies.
posted by loquacious at 3:22 AM PST on November 18 [!]
What the fuck? Where in the hell did that eloquent bon mot come from? Deep. I'm telling you. That I can just reach deep down and pull out shiny, polished gems like that... it really makes me have faith in God.
Well, this is a nice surprise. Hello MeKiddies - I kiss you!
posted by taz at 3:47 AM PST on November 18 [!]
Awwww. No, really. :) That one made me choke up a little. Taz is a sweetie. No, your sarcasm detectors don't need recalibrating, there's just no useful signal on this one.
(Flirted with WolfDaddy? You mean I let him sodomize me for nothing?)
posted by ColdChef at 6:27 AM PST on November 18 [!]
*chokes, spews coffee out nose*
After over two years of waiting and somehow missing every signup opportunity, I'm in. I'll be good, promise.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 7:01 AM PST on November 18 [!]
*accidentally swallows lit cigarette*
Welcome all. May the EXXXTREME INITIATIONS COMMENCE!
posted by Pretty_Generic at 9:31 AM PST on November 18 [!]
OK, now I don't feel like such a dorkwad.
Willkommen neuvolks.
posted by dhoyt at 9:59 AM PST on November 18 [!]
*triple spit take*
Please God don't make MetaFilter chirpy and vivacious.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 10:07 AM PST on November 18 [!]
You're welcome.
Now, if you could put a word in with the good Doctor about that whole world peace and free booze thing I've been trying to get on his desk, I'd be much obliged. Miguel? Miguel? Hello? Does anyone read the posts down here?
posted by loquacious at 9:40 PM on November 17, 2005
Heehee. The fact that I was at a loss for words was so unusual, it was one of the first things I said on Mefi.
As far as MeFi changing, it's always been changing, in one way or another, as long as I had been lurking, so I don't remember what changes predated me signing up and which postdated it. I do know that night shifts became a lot less boring since I signed up, though.
posted by Bugbread at 9:51 PM on November 17, 2005
As far as MeFi changing, it's always been changing, in one way or another, as long as I had been lurking, so I don't remember what changes predated me signing up and which postdated it. I do know that night shifts became a lot less boring since I signed up, though.
posted by Bugbread at 9:51 PM on November 17, 2005
Welcome, Miko. You belong to my community.
posted by five fresh fish at 10:08 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by five fresh fish at 10:08 PM on November 17, 2005
We used to take turns writing in a notebook and mailing it all over the world to make comments.
Holy. Shit. You're that ColdChef? Greets writ large and shroomy to ya, man!
i miss the doodles
posted by five fresh fish at 10:11 PM on November 17, 2005
Holy. Shit. You're that ColdChef? Greets writ large and shroomy to ya, man!
i miss the doodles
posted by five fresh fish at 10:11 PM on November 17, 2005
i like em--is the trial period over? can we keep them? huh? huh? please???? : >
posted by amberglow at 10:18 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by amberglow at 10:18 PM on November 17, 2005
Just because I signed up a year ago (and don't post links) doesn't make me a newbie. Also, I'm glad I finally got in. So I, uh, could refrain from posting links which I did not have.
GOOD TO BE HERE
posted by jenovus at 10:20 PM on November 17, 2005
GOOD TO BE HERE
posted by jenovus at 10:20 PM on November 17, 2005
I swear my pulse rate increased like crazy just after posting my first link. Now it's a mere flutter. So I guess things have changed since then.
posted by dhruva at 10:29 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by dhruva at 10:29 PM on November 17, 2005
And for those of you who came in on that wave, has your perception of Mefi changed over the course of the year, now that you're part of it? Has it changed?
Metafilter, surprisingly, not so much. But AskMe? Yes, and for the worse I think.
There was a time when I used to read every question and nearly every answer on AskMe. And I had the sense that others did too. And that questioners and responders posted with that in mind. I learned something valuable in nearly every thread.
Now ... questions scroll off the front page so fast it's an effort to keep up at all. And more of the questions (and even answers) seem to be of the "quick hit" variety. There are still occasional gems but they are fewer and farther between.
I think there's an optimal size for something like AskMe and we're just slightly over that now. Not that I have a suggestion on how to fix it. And, damn, I don't want to seem ungrateful. I love Metafilter and AskMe. Just nostalgiac, that's all. And yes, I'm part of the $5 crowd.
posted by zanni at 10:58 PM on November 17, 2005
Metafilter, surprisingly, not so much. But AskMe? Yes, and for the worse I think.
There was a time when I used to read every question and nearly every answer on AskMe. And I had the sense that others did too. And that questioners and responders posted with that in mind. I learned something valuable in nearly every thread.
Now ... questions scroll off the front page so fast it's an effort to keep up at all. And more of the questions (and even answers) seem to be of the "quick hit" variety. There are still occasional gems but they are fewer and farther between.
I think there's an optimal size for something like AskMe and we're just slightly over that now. Not that I have a suggestion on how to fix it. And, damn, I don't want to seem ungrateful. I love Metafilter and AskMe. Just nostalgiac, that's all. And yes, I'm part of the $5 crowd.
posted by zanni at 10:58 PM on November 17, 2005
Things started improving the second my first AskMe question got deleted.
posted by bunglin jones at 11:58 PM on November 17, 2005
posted by bunglin jones at 11:58 PM on November 17, 2005
i dont care what anyone says, the newbs are friggin annoying.
Ha. All you 14kers are old skool now, dawg!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:28 AM on November 18, 2005
Ha. All you 14kers are old skool now, dawg!
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:28 AM on November 18, 2005
My perception? Yeah, MeFi has changed. Everything does. It's staved off decay for this long, although there's always been rot here and there. Discussion is rarely subdued, there's intense laughter, debate, argument, intelligent discussion, and some of the most dedicated flinging of poo this side of Capitol Hill.
Being geographically in a horrible spot for MeFi, I haven't gone to meetups or the like. Sometimes, I wonder whether it's a blessing or a curse to be relatively isolated in this community.
I still feel a resentment towards the $5 crowd. Ever so new, and we had to pay to get in, we're just not as good. It's not as intense as before, but it subtly remains. Perhaps that's just part of it being a community, tenure has its voice. At least now it's mostly good-intentioned teasing.
Metafilter is surprisingly constant in the world of the Internet. Comments from five years ago remain untouched. The idea of a front-page redesign is a huge deal. New faces come, old faces go, but it's still the same deep inside.
Metafilter is what you make of it.
posted by Saydur at 1:06 AM on November 18, 2005
Being geographically in a horrible spot for MeFi, I haven't gone to meetups or the like. Sometimes, I wonder whether it's a blessing or a curse to be relatively isolated in this community.
I still feel a resentment towards the $5 crowd. Ever so new, and we had to pay to get in, we're just not as good. It's not as intense as before, but it subtly remains. Perhaps that's just part of it being a community, tenure has its voice. At least now it's mostly good-intentioned teasing.
Metafilter is surprisingly constant in the world of the Internet. Comments from five years ago remain untouched. The idea of a front-page redesign is a huge deal. New faces come, old faces go, but it's still the same deep inside.
Metafilter is what you make of it.
posted by Saydur at 1:06 AM on November 18, 2005
I read the site on and off for ages, but I somehow missed just how much drama there was before I had my own userid and could make my own asinine comments. I'm not sorry I did it; it got me into some sweet meetups. But that 20k stigma keeps me from becoming well-known, loved and celebrated around here. And that makes me sad.
Wait, who am I again? And why does my opinion matter? I'm way down in the basement numbers! No one cares what I have to say!
posted by Eideteker at 1:17 AM on November 18, 2005
Wait, who am I again? And why does my opinion matter? I'm way down in the basement numbers! No one cares what I have to say!
posted by Eideteker at 1:17 AM on November 18, 2005
Ha. All you 14kers are old skool now, dawg!
Even 16k is starting to feel... seasoned.
posted by weston at 1:26 AM on November 18, 2005
Even 16k is starting to feel... seasoned.
posted by weston at 1:26 AM on November 18, 2005
I really don't post many comments, and have had a total of two really good ideas for front-page posts (both of which mysteriously turned up about ten minutes after I thought of them, and were better-written to boot. Proof, were any required, that a crack team of editors is stealing my thoughts), but I love being a paid-up member of Mefi. I've been reading the damn thing for years, and it's nice to feel like a very small part of it rather than a creepy observer.
So thanks for turning signups back on, Matt, and I hope you did something fun with my £2.70.
posted by terpsichoria at 1:35 AM on November 18, 2005
So thanks for turning signups back on, Matt, and I hope you did something fun with my £2.70.
posted by terpsichoria at 1:35 AM on November 18, 2005
Yeah, my perception of MeFi has changed. I suspect, though, that's because of the reactions to we $5 n00bs. Since joining, even though we n00bs make the stupid fuckups most often, I've come to feel that the grouchiest, most vitriolic members are the older ones. Not UNIVERSALLY, of course, but in too large a part. I suspect it has a lot to do with their feelings about the open membership, because i never noticed it in them when I lurked.
The other thing i've noticed is that AskMe is absolutely what this site network is about. It has the most posts, the most comments, the most care taken by the moderators, the most income generated and generaly seems to get the most attention (in terms of sheer number of people checking it, though i don't have stats on that). It looks pretty clearly like the bread and butter of the site to me, where MeFi and MeTa are mostly here to draw pageviews from other blogs for [X] interesting link.
That's me being cynical, though. I don't believe that was the original design, but that it's kind of unintentionally become the case. Obviously, I could be wrong. It is a littl distressing, though.
Oh, and now MeFi is wholly and seemingly irrevocably about the newsfilter, for better or worse. (worse.)
Still glad to be here, though!
posted by shmegegge at 1:40 AM on November 18, 2005
The other thing i've noticed is that AskMe is absolutely what this site network is about. It has the most posts, the most comments, the most care taken by the moderators, the most income generated and generaly seems to get the most attention (in terms of sheer number of people checking it, though i don't have stats on that). It looks pretty clearly like the bread and butter of the site to me, where MeFi and MeTa are mostly here to draw pageviews from other blogs for [X] interesting link.
That's me being cynical, though. I don't believe that was the original design, but that it's kind of unintentionally become the case. Obviously, I could be wrong. It is a littl distressing, though.
Oh, and now MeFi is wholly and seemingly irrevocably about the newsfilter, for better or worse. (worse.)
Still glad to be here, though!
posted by shmegegge at 1:40 AM on November 18, 2005
Proof, were any required, that a crack team of editors is stealing my thoughts
It's because your tinfoil hat is actually amplifying the government mind control rays, terpsichoria. You need to switch to chicken wire.
Some days I love MetaFilter. Some days I hate it. I rarely find the cool kid talk of low user numbers and $5 noobs anything but tedious. I find the drama mostly annoying, like a bunch of high school cheerleaders or jocks bitching about who called whom what.
But I'm being a grump. I do actually tend to like the place more often than not.
posted by teece at 1:42 AM on November 18, 2005
It's because your tinfoil hat is actually amplifying the government mind control rays, terpsichoria. You need to switch to chicken wire.
Some days I love MetaFilter. Some days I hate it. I rarely find the cool kid talk of low user numbers and $5 noobs anything but tedious. I find the drama mostly annoying, like a bunch of high school cheerleaders or jocks bitching about who called whom what.
But I'm being a grump. I do actually tend to like the place more often than not.
posted by teece at 1:42 AM on November 18, 2005
Holy crap, it really HAS been a year. Has it changed? I'm not sure. It feels like it has. Or maybe I've changed. Who knows. What I DO know is that no matter what happens to the site from now on it was all worth it, if only because it irritated the shit out of keswick.
posted by LeeJay at 1:47 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by LeeJay at 1:47 AM on November 18, 2005
Some days I love MetaFilter. Some days I hate it.
Och, aye. (*stops channeling the sgt serenity*)
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 2:01 AM on November 18, 2005
Och, aye. (*stops channeling the sgt serenity*)
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 2:01 AM on November 18, 2005
the one and only.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 2:02 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 2:02 AM on November 18, 2005
Wow, going over the usernames to look at the numbers, it seems I must have paid the five bucks, but I sure don't remember doing that. It's not like me! I must have lurked longer than I thought... or else...
*freaks out*
posted by trip and a half at 2:10 AM on November 18, 2005
*freaks out*
posted by trip and a half at 2:10 AM on November 18, 2005
Without naming any names, some of the $5 folk posting in this thread swiftly slipped into the 'been around for yonks' portion of my head.
I don't know whether that says more about my powers of memory or the fine qualities of said newer members, but happy anniversary anyway!
How many waves of membership have there been, anyway? Ancient mariners, 14k, 17k, $5 tsunami surfers?
posted by jack_mo at 2:34 AM on November 18, 2005
I don't know whether that says more about my powers of memory or the fine qualities of said newer members, but happy anniversary anyway!
How many waves of membership have there been, anyway? Ancient mariners, 14k, 17k, $5 tsunami surfers?
posted by jack_mo at 2:34 AM on November 18, 2005
The other thing i've noticed is that AskMe is absolutely what this site network is about. It has the most posts, the most comments, the most care taken by the moderators, the most income generated and generaly seems to get the most attention (in terms of sheer number of people checking it, though i don't have stats on that).
Wow. I never would've thought that. If all that is the case, I wonder if there are there AskMe-exclusive members.
Er, sorry to derail.
posted by jack_mo at 2:46 AM on November 18, 2005
Wow. I never would've thought that. If all that is the case, I wonder if there are there AskMe-exclusive members.
Er, sorry to derail.
posted by jack_mo at 2:46 AM on November 18, 2005
Without naming any names, some of the $5 folk posting in this thread swiftly slipped into the 'been around for yonks' portion of my head.
That's been the startling thing about this thread. I've been reading MeFi for over three years now so you would think I would be able to remember which of you haven't been around that long. But some people have done a remarkable job of finding their places in the MeFi landscape that I can't remember a time that they didn't exist. Kudos.
Then there's the rest of us five-buckers...
posted by wallaby at 3:09 AM on November 18, 2005
That's been the startling thing about this thread. I've been reading MeFi for over three years now so you would think I would be able to remember which of you haven't been around that long. But some people have done a remarkable job of finding their places in the MeFi landscape that I can't remember a time that they didn't exist. Kudos.
Then there's the rest of us five-buckers...
posted by wallaby at 3:09 AM on November 18, 2005
Do you roll over user names to check user numbers while reading posts from names that don't sound familiar? I keep trying to convince myself user numbers don't matter, but I do it all the time.
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 3:21 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Slack-a-gogo at 3:21 AM on November 18, 2005
With my $5, I bought two big blue "SUPPORT OUR NEWBIES" magnetic ribbons and slapped them on the back of my 1986 Olds Cutlass Cierra.
posted by tpl1212 at 3:25 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by tpl1212 at 3:25 AM on November 18, 2005
I've been here over four years, yet a lot of the 20kers fit in a lot better than I do. Story of my life.
posted by johnny novak at 3:38 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by johnny novak at 3:38 AM on November 18, 2005
I'm happy to be here.
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:39 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Faint of Butt at 3:39 AM on November 18, 2005
I agree with my fellow Nutmegger Miko's thoughts, especially since xe said basically exactly what I was going to say.
posted by Plutor at 3:51 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Plutor at 3:51 AM on November 18, 2005
$5 wouldn't buy you as many train wrecks anywhere else.
posted by NinjaPirate at 4:04 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by NinjaPirate at 4:04 AM on November 18, 2005
I thought the $5 crowd gave the site a much needed lift. All those boring old farts were making the place like the fossil room in a museum.
What brings me particular joy is whenever one of the old farts whines "I don't like it in here any more" and flounces out.
Hooray for the noobs!
posted by Joeforking at 4:39 AM on November 18, 2005
What brings me particular joy is whenever one of the old farts whines "I don't like it in here any more" and flounces out.
Hooray for the noobs!
posted by Joeforking at 4:39 AM on November 18, 2005
I missed Nov 18th. After a couple of years of reading and checking the new user tab, I missed the day and almost plotzed when I checked back later in the week and saw that sign-ups were open.
I'll agree with Eideketer, what's changed for me is really recognizing the particular and personal animosities that I just missed before I was a member and could post. Some have been, of course, fomented by the new users, but not all of them.
posted by OmieWise at 4:43 AM on November 18, 2005
I'll agree with Eideketer, what's changed for me is really recognizing the particular and personal animosities that I just missed before I was a member and could post. Some have been, of course, fomented by the new users, but not all of them.
posted by OmieWise at 4:43 AM on November 18, 2005
So now the 5$ freshmen are sophomores. That means the pre-frosh, those that joined after the big bubble, are now all up in the big school. The 14kers are the new senior class, with the juniors being everyone after them yet before the 5$ boom.
As for the truly ancient, well... there's life after high school, y'know.
Remember to Vote Robocop for Student Council! Help make the MeFi Winter Dance, "Romance on Ice" the best ever!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:43 AM on November 18, 2005
As for the truly ancient, well... there's life after high school, y'know.
Remember to Vote Robocop for Student Council! Help make the MeFi Winter Dance, "Romance on Ice" the best ever!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:43 AM on November 18, 2005
You know, in real life I worked long and hard to get a reputation of at least ten dollars, yet on Metafilter I'm constantly devalued. Sigh, story of my life.
posted by arcticwoman at 4:56 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by arcticwoman at 4:56 AM on November 18, 2005
Wow, it's only been a year since I joined? Feels like forever ago. Guess because I was reading for two years before that. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MATT I LOOOOOOVE YOOOOOOU!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:01 AM on November 18, 2005 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 5:01 AM on November 18, 2005 [1 favorite]
Has your perception of Mefi changed over the course of the year, now that you're part of it?
As some others have said, I didn't know about the sheer level of drama that occured, a lot of it here in Metatalk. I recognized a lot of the names from lurking, but did not really know the personalities until I became a member. It has been at times great fun and at times, well, infuriating.
Overall, the experience has been great. I've learned a lot and even met some real, live people.
Someone claimed I was the first of the "$5 noobs" to make a front page post. I don't know if that is true or not.
I still think that post was pretty good, ignore my inane comments though, please.
posted by marxchivist at 5:04 AM on November 18, 2005
As some others have said, I didn't know about the sheer level of drama that occured, a lot of it here in Metatalk. I recognized a lot of the names from lurking, but did not really know the personalities until I became a member. It has been at times great fun and at times, well, infuriating.
Overall, the experience has been great. I've learned a lot and even met some real, live people.
Someone claimed I was the first of the "$5 noobs" to make a front page post. I don't know if that is true or not.
I still think that post was pretty good, ignore my inane comments though, please.
posted by marxchivist at 5:04 AM on November 18, 2005
Rapehaiku? You all were getting a bit, er... funny, before the influx. No, no, I don't blame you, I have heard that closed groups have high rates of incest and we all know what low genetic variability can do to the brain.
bugbread:
It's not about lust,
And not for power this time:
just breaking you in.
posted by Ryvar at 4:12 AM PST on November 18 [!]
posted by arcticwoman at 5:07 AM on November 18, 2005
bugbread:
It's not about lust,
And not for power this time:
just breaking you in.
posted by Ryvar at 4:12 AM PST on November 18 [!]
posted by arcticwoman at 5:07 AM on November 18, 2005
That original thread is adorable. Thanks for reminding me about it, soyjoy.
It's also MetaChat's 6 month anniversary today! Stop by for light refreshments and good music. We've pushed all the chairs to the side for anyone who wants to dance.
posted by iconomy at 5:26 AM on November 18, 2005
It's also MetaChat's 6 month anniversary today! Stop by for light refreshments and good music. We've pushed all the chairs to the side for anyone who wants to dance.
posted by iconomy at 5:26 AM on November 18, 2005
"How many waves of membership have there been, anyway? Ancient mariners, 14k, 17k, $5 tsunami surfers?"
Don't forget we, the elite April Fool's 156!1
1. Jikido (17,361) to reklaw (17,517)
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 5:28 AM on November 18, 2005
Don't forget we, the elite April Fool's 156!1
1. Jikido (17,361) to reklaw (17,517)
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 5:28 AM on November 18, 2005
I got in on that action too, EB. Oh wait, no, it was the day after.
posted by sciurus at 5:39 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by sciurus at 5:39 AM on November 18, 2005
Matt never sent me my $5, and I'm still waiting for my bio glow water.
posted by plinth at 5:42 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by plinth at 5:42 AM on November 18, 2005
Yeah, I mean April Fool's loosely since it was the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 6:06 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Ethereal Bligh at 6:06 AM on November 18, 2005
Don't forget we, the elite April Fool's 156!
Huzzah!
*is smothered with pancakes*
posted by armage at 6:06 AM on November 18, 2005
Huzzah!
*is smothered with pancakes*
posted by armage at 6:06 AM on November 18, 2005
Me too, Bligh and sciurus. We're like the Korean War of MeFi signups.
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:09 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:09 AM on November 18, 2005
Where's our parade!!?
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:29 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by robocop is bleeding at 6:29 AM on November 18, 2005
At this time of reflection, we can but humbly aspire to the glories of the revered lower-numbered circles.
posted by Wolfdog at 6:38 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Wolfdog at 6:38 AM on November 18, 2005
Matt never sent me my $5, and I'm still waiting for my bio glow water.
For just half a second there, I thought that was going to end "...I'm still waiting for my blow job."
Long will you wait.
posted by orange swan at 6:59 AM on November 18, 2005
For just half a second there, I thought that was going to end "...I'm still waiting for my blow job."
Long will you wait.
posted by orange swan at 6:59 AM on November 18, 2005
Miguel, get in here and say something suave, witty, and mysteriously profound, damn your reclusive Portagee hide! A MeFiWank isn't complete without you!
Oh, and glad you kids could make it. Except you. Yeah, you, way in the back, trying to hide behind the tall guy. I saw what you did. You should be ashamed of yourself.
posted by languagehat at 7:02 AM on November 18, 2005
Oh, and glad you kids could make it. Except you. Yeah, you, way in the back, trying to hide behind the tall guy. I saw what you did. You should be ashamed of yourself.
posted by languagehat at 7:02 AM on November 18, 2005
Do you roll over user names to check user numbers while reading posts from names that don't sound familiar?
I browse with a GreaseMonkey script that extracts the user number for each comment and displays it in big bold letters before each paragraph.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 7:10 AM on November 18, 2005
I browse with a GreaseMonkey script that extracts the user number for each comment and displays it in big bold letters before each paragraph.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 7:10 AM on November 18, 2005
Wow, it's been a year. I'm still too scared to post to MeFi, or I guess more because I don't feel I have anything worthy. Otherwise, growing with MeFi and thrilled to be able to comment when the urge strikes!
posted by cavalier at 7:11 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by cavalier at 7:11 AM on November 18, 2005
Where is Quonsar to tell us again how us noobs ruined Metafilter? I love it when he does that.
posted by LarryC at 7:17 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by LarryC at 7:17 AM on November 18, 2005
For those of you noobs who I haven't offended yet: Don't worry, I'll get around to it.
posted by jonmc at 7:22 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by jonmc at 7:22 AM on November 18, 2005
Where is Quonsar to tell us again how us noobs ruined Metafilter? I love it when he does that.
posted by LarryC at 7:17 AM PST on November 18
*posts wacky inline image hahahahaha holy shit i'm pushin the boundaries here*
posted by Optimus Chyme at 7:27 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by LarryC at 7:17 AM PST on November 18
*posts wacky inline image hahahahaha holy shit i'm pushin the boundaries here*
posted by Optimus Chyme at 7:27 AM on November 18, 2005
Seriously, the mousing-over thing is interesting to me because I know it's prejudicial, and often I'm convinced someone's clueless because they're a newbie but then it turns out they're just an infrequent poster. Yet sometimes it actually does give me a sense of whether someone is really clueless about a given inside joke or piece of history or whether they're pretending. Anybody else?
posted by soyjoy at 7:28 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by soyjoy at 7:28 AM on November 18, 2005
Newb here. Just want to say, the only real difference I've seen between lurking days, and full member status is the increase in AskMe - lots more questions now! And, yes, they sometimes do drop off the front page quickly. Nature of the beast.
Also, I try to do my best to work against my newbish stereotype, and post good stuff. But like terpsichoria, I've been beaten to the punch a few times. Finding good stuff for MeFi can be tough - you guys are good!
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 7:31 AM on November 18, 2005
Also, I try to do my best to work against my newbish stereotype, and post good stuff. But like terpsichoria, I've been beaten to the punch a few times. Finding good stuff for MeFi can be tough - you guys are good!
posted by ObscureReferenceMan at 7:31 AM on November 18, 2005
Can someone link an inline of the German Shepherd barking at the puppy with the caption STFU NOOB! ?
I'm serious, I love that thing but I always forget to bookmark it. It makes me laugh everytime I see it, though.
posted by OmieWise at 7:34 AM on November 18, 2005
I'm serious, I love that thing but I always forget to bookmark it. It makes me laugh everytime I see it, though.
posted by OmieWise at 7:34 AM on November 18, 2005
I took a picture of some of the newbies after they first arrived and had exhausted themselves running hither and yon making comments about pancakes and such:
Hey, does this mean you guys are toddlers now? Happy anniversary kiddlings!
posted by taz at 7:36 AM on November 18, 2005
Hey, does this mean you guys are toddlers now? Happy anniversary kiddlings!
posted by taz at 7:36 AM on November 18, 2005
On the topic of newbie prejudice, this is an excellent opportunity for me to plug my MeFi User Age ThreadLet, which will tell you the average MeFi age of posters in any given MetaFilter thread.
posted by DrJohnEvans at 7:36 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by DrJohnEvans at 7:36 AM on November 18, 2005
The average user number is 16401. That's very cool, DrJ.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 7:40 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by If I Had An Anus at 7:40 AM on November 18, 2005
I can't believe it's been a year already! Happy Anniversary fellow noobs, and thanks again to Matt for opening up registration.
posted by Space Kitty at 8:01 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Space Kitty at 8:01 AM on November 18, 2005
There's a user number no-mans lands between (approximately) 13250 and 14148, consisting of folks who came in "through the back door" while registration was closed -- or rather, didn't realize that they were coming in at all, and have never posted or participated here. There are nearly 1000 Metafilter members out there who don't even know they're members -- suckers.
posted by junkbox at 8:02 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by junkbox at 8:02 AM on November 18, 2005
And what a year it's been.
posted by mygothlaundry at 8:32 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by mygothlaundry at 8:32 AM on November 18, 2005
I sneaked in between the April 1st and the $5 explosion in November. I miss all the really old members who left more than anything and would rather see them coming back than a hundred more people.
But what the fuck do I know - I snuck in through an open window near the fire escape.
posted by longbaugh at 8:45 AM on November 18, 2005
But what the fuck do I know - I snuck in through an open window near the fire escape.
posted by longbaugh at 8:45 AM on November 18, 2005
Nobodoy's mentioned the five-a-day window yet, or did I just imagine that?
posted by Ogre Lawless at 8:51 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Ogre Lawless at 8:51 AM on November 18, 2005
Yeah, like other newbies I keep seeing my good ideas being posted before I can get around to writing them up... and the easy ones? Well, let's just say I want something cool to be my first MeFi post. The quality on the frontpage is usually quite high.
But it's been a great year, although the level of information here is sometimes quite intimidating. How do you guys have time to hang out here so much? :-P
OmieWise: That's easy, it's in the fantastic thread on International Caps Lock Day
posted by bering at 8:58 AM on November 18, 2005
But it's been a great year, although the level of information here is sometimes quite intimidating. How do you guys have time to hang out here so much? :-P
OmieWise: That's easy, it's in the fantastic thread on International Caps Lock Day
posted by bering at 8:58 AM on November 18, 2005
Nobodoy's mentioned the five-a-day window yet, or did I just imagine that?
posted by Ogre Lawless at 8:51 AM PST on November 18 [!]
That's the hole I crawled through. And by the way, if my math is right, I think we've moved into an era where I've been a member for over 50% of MeFi's history. HA! I'm officially old-school.
posted by COBRA! at 9:10 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by Ogre Lawless at 8:51 AM PST on November 18 [!]
That's the hole I crawled through. And by the way, if my math is right, I think we've moved into an era where I've been a member for over 50% of MeFi's history. HA! I'm officially old-school.
posted by COBRA! at 9:10 AM on November 18, 2005
Hi, my name is gnfti and I am also a child of the Eternal November. In fact, I intended to make this post myself, were my plan not thwarted by soyjoy's utter disrespect for timeliness. Pesky 15-kers, always barging in whenever they feel like it...
Seriously now, what strikes me most about this thread so far is that many of the November Noobs weighing in here ring no bell whatsoever with me! I suppose that just underlines the fact that there are a lot of us. :)
Also, I personally haven't experienced any generation gap effect worth mentioning, although other people's mileages may vary. I was a lurker for years before the floodgates opened (hell, I even e-mailed Matt to beg for an account once), so I didn't get the feeling that I had to work to fit in, or whatever. You just get a feel for and a place in the community by paying close attention, rolling with the punches and trying to make worthwile contributions. Oh, and by not taking yourself and others too seriously, of course.
Another thing is that your entire view of the site changes once you start actively contributing. First of all, you lose any objectivity you might have had: you just read in a different way if you know that user X who made post Y replied in a manner Z to one of your own posts, or that user A has some sort of beef with user B and you just can't get the grey out of your head while reading the blue. Or whatever combination, you get the idea. At the end of the day though, that's community for you, and you can't beat that.
Second, as has been mentioned above, comments start to matter more. MeFi is still all about the links, but since I've joined I've started to understand a bit better why what other people think about one's contributions matter - simply put: you realize people do read "the post down there" and that they often provide valuable discussion and additions.
And AskMe is pretty damn amazing. The wealth of knowledge, expertise and opinion is impressive, and because the topics are so well-defined you also get a kick out of answering, just because everyone likes to help someone with something they know 1 or 2 things about, it's flattering. Plus, you get to help someone! It cuts both ways. Contrast this with the blue, where discussions can go pretty much everywhere.
Which brings us to another interesting masturbatory statistic: I have had 1 AskMe thread deleted, and (to my knowledge) 1 comment on MeFi. The AskMe was (in retrospect) something absurdly hypothetical about picking three songs to explain pop music to extraterrestrials and the comment had something to do with "blowing smoke in the President's stupid monkey face", a Simpsons reference that, whether Matt or Jessamyn got it or not, was probably noise anyway. Oh, and while I'm putting myself in the centre of fun-poking, does anyone remember this episode? Ah, the folly of youth :)
And yes, I hover over usernames too, and yes, I know it doesn't really tell you anything useful. However, I do this quite often when I someone say something particularly weird or clumsy or apparently stupid; if the user # indicates that they're an ultrafresh newbiebaby, I welcome them and leave them alone, if they're 14-17k I openly question their intelligence, and if they're Mefisaurs I wish them a fiery death. And, of course, if they're a fellow Watershed ex-Noob I praise them for their insight. It's the MeFi way! :)
All in all I'm just glad to be here, and I hope my contributions mean anything to anyone, and that I can gently stir things up once in a while. Lastly, I want to thank Matt for opening the floodgates, and Matt, Jessamyn and all of you oldbies for putting up with our quirks and for helping us getting our sea legs. And a special shout-out to the longboat crew, who keep me sane.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:25 AM on November 18, 2005
Seriously now, what strikes me most about this thread so far is that many of the November Noobs weighing in here ring no bell whatsoever with me! I suppose that just underlines the fact that there are a lot of us. :)
Also, I personally haven't experienced any generation gap effect worth mentioning, although other people's mileages may vary. I was a lurker for years before the floodgates opened (hell, I even e-mailed Matt to beg for an account once), so I didn't get the feeling that I had to work to fit in, or whatever. You just get a feel for and a place in the community by paying close attention, rolling with the punches and trying to make worthwile contributions. Oh, and by not taking yourself and others too seriously, of course.
Another thing is that your entire view of the site changes once you start actively contributing. First of all, you lose any objectivity you might have had: you just read in a different way if you know that user X who made post Y replied in a manner Z to one of your own posts, or that user A has some sort of beef with user B and you just can't get the grey out of your head while reading the blue. Or whatever combination, you get the idea. At the end of the day though, that's community for you, and you can't beat that.
Second, as has been mentioned above, comments start to matter more. MeFi is still all about the links, but since I've joined I've started to understand a bit better why what other people think about one's contributions matter - simply put: you realize people do read "the post down there" and that they often provide valuable discussion and additions.
And AskMe is pretty damn amazing. The wealth of knowledge, expertise and opinion is impressive, and because the topics are so well-defined you also get a kick out of answering, just because everyone likes to help someone with something they know 1 or 2 things about, it's flattering. Plus, you get to help someone! It cuts both ways. Contrast this with the blue, where discussions can go pretty much everywhere.
Which brings us to another interesting masturbatory statistic: I have had 1 AskMe thread deleted, and (to my knowledge) 1 comment on MeFi. The AskMe was (in retrospect) something absurdly hypothetical about picking three songs to explain pop music to extraterrestrials and the comment had something to do with "blowing smoke in the President's stupid monkey face", a Simpsons reference that, whether Matt or Jessamyn got it or not, was probably noise anyway. Oh, and while I'm putting myself in the centre of fun-poking, does anyone remember this episode? Ah, the folly of youth :)
And yes, I hover over usernames too, and yes, I know it doesn't really tell you anything useful. However, I do this quite often when I someone say something particularly weird or clumsy or apparently stupid; if the user # indicates that they're an ultrafresh newbiebaby, I welcome them and leave them alone, if they're 14-17k I openly question their intelligence, and if they're Mefisaurs I wish them a fiery death. And, of course, if they're a fellow Watershed ex-Noob I praise them for their insight. It's the MeFi way! :)
All in all I'm just glad to be here, and I hope my contributions mean anything to anyone, and that I can gently stir things up once in a while. Lastly, I want to thank Matt for opening the floodgates, and Matt, Jessamyn and all of you oldbies for putting up with our quirks and for helping us getting our sea legs. And a special shout-out to the longboat crew, who keep me sane.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:25 AM on November 18, 2005
Sorry for being verbose. I do this once a year.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:26 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:26 AM on November 18, 2005
Thanks for the anniversary wishes. Hey, what does a single period, ".", in a comment mean?
posted by klarck at 9:55 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by klarck at 9:55 AM on November 18, 2005
Mooooo!
posted by cows of industry at 10:25 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by cows of industry at 10:25 AM on November 18, 2005
Me, I'm delighted that a good number of the user names that I am familiar with, turn out to be $5 members. They feel like such old friends that I kinda assumed they pre-dated me!
posted by five fresh fish at 10:31 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by five fresh fish at 10:31 AM on November 18, 2005
bering--You son of a gun, it's been 35 minutes and that thread is still loading (over wideband). I can't close it because I want to see that wonderful picture again.
posted by OmieWise at 10:35 AM on November 18, 2005
posted by OmieWise at 10:35 AM on November 18, 2005
Thanks sciurus. That's the one, I love it so. I love the puppy! And, I think it's appropriate in this thread (in jest of course).
bering--Two hours and still loading. @*%@$!
posted by OmieWise at 11:50 AM on November 18, 2005
bering--Two hours and still loading. @*%@$!
posted by OmieWise at 11:50 AM on November 18, 2005
Two hours and still loading.
Yeah, I wasn't around during the fun and I still haven't been able to even experience it vicariously.
LUCKILY I DON'T NEED A PHONY HOLIDAY.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 11:58 AM on November 18, 2005
Yeah, I wasn't around during the fun and I still haven't been able to even experience it vicariously.
LUCKILY I DON'T NEED A PHONY HOLIDAY.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 11:58 AM on November 18, 2005
I literally laughed out loud several times I read that thread. Be patient, it's worth it.
posted by bering at 12:56 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by bering at 12:56 PM on November 18, 2005
German shephards are my favorite breed of dog. Especially when they're barking "STFU NOOB". =`]
For me, what's weird is how little I've contributed since throwing my $5 Matt's way. I've been a reader of Mefi for 4 years (never had the urge to sign up until I couldn't though), to the point where I felt like I "knew" most of the members of Mefi. I mentally praised the members whose political ideology agreed with mine. I lambasted those who were cruel and callous to others for no decent reason in imaginary snarky replies. I had a billion good FPP ideas. I wanted to be a part of the community.
Now that I'm a member? The forbidden fruit just seemed so much sweeter when it was forbidden. I still read metafilter every day, and I occasionally post in the threads about music- not much else.
I love Metafilter. And I'll get around to writing an FPP one day.
posted by kryptondog at 1:11 PM on November 18, 2005
For me, what's weird is how little I've contributed since throwing my $5 Matt's way. I've been a reader of Mefi for 4 years (never had the urge to sign up until I couldn't though), to the point where I felt like I "knew" most of the members of Mefi. I mentally praised the members whose political ideology agreed with mine. I lambasted those who were cruel and callous to others for no decent reason in imaginary snarky replies. I had a billion good FPP ideas. I wanted to be a part of the community.
Now that I'm a member? The forbidden fruit just seemed so much sweeter when it was forbidden. I still read metafilter every day, and I occasionally post in the threads about music- not much else.
I love Metafilter. And I'll get around to writing an FPP one day.
posted by kryptondog at 1:11 PM on November 18, 2005
I like that the fruit became forbidden after I ate the free sample.
posted by cortex at 1:16 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by cortex at 1:16 PM on November 18, 2005
So, how did people sneak in? Just email'd mrhowie?
I always wanted to, but thought he was toooooo cool.
posted by metaculpa at 1:50 PM on November 18, 2005
I always wanted to, but thought he was toooooo cool.
posted by metaculpa at 1:50 PM on November 18, 2005
Yay another thread for the low user numbers to strut their stuff!
Not that I hold it against you all.
I would probably do the same thing.
posted by knave at 1:59 PM on November 18, 2005
Not that I hold it against you all.
I would probably do the same thing.
posted by knave at 1:59 PM on November 18, 2005
Hiya. Long time reader, first time poster. See you at the next Portland meetup.
posted by joseph_elmhurst at 2:08 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by joseph_elmhurst at 2:08 PM on November 18, 2005
I've never once hovered over a user name, and it's so funny to know that many do, and that some further invest it with the significance of a street address (crime rate, how good the schools are, etc). Perhaps it's because until now I didn't have a concept for my beyond-obscure neighborhood. (Turns out I was smoking on the fire escape with longbaugh! Hi, longbaugh!)
It's also funny to read that thread and know before I even opened it who gave out kisses, noogies, or some odd combination of both; who folded their arms, sneered, and said watch yer butt; who straightened their ties and said hey hey where the ladies at -- it's all pretty sweet, really.
(Also, where do we get our I like Miko buttons -- same stall as the We Women Want Wendells?)
posted by melissa may at 2:16 PM on November 18, 2005
It's also funny to read that thread and know before I even opened it who gave out kisses, noogies, or some odd combination of both; who folded their arms, sneered, and said watch yer butt; who straightened their ties and said hey hey where the ladies at -- it's all pretty sweet, really.
(Also, where do we get our I like Miko buttons -- same stall as the We Women Want Wendells?)
posted by melissa may at 2:16 PM on November 18, 2005
Oh and hi rocketman! Come to back to Lawrence if you can. LOVE!
posted by melissa may at 2:16 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by melissa may at 2:16 PM on November 18, 2005
So, how did people sneak in?
Two words: Metafilter Network. You could register at the5k.org, and that registration also became a functioning Metafilter user account.
(Of course, old timers bitching about the back door is what tipped a few bright chaps off in the first place.)
posted by junkbox at 2:26 PM on November 18, 2005
Two words: Metafilter Network. You could register at the5k.org, and that registration also became a functioning Metafilter user account.
(Of course, old timers bitching about the back door is what tipped a few bright chaps off in the first place.)
posted by junkbox at 2:26 PM on November 18, 2005
Hey, I think I once submitted tickets to the ticketstub site. What ever happended to that?
posted by bering at 2:44 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by bering at 2:44 PM on November 18, 2005
I'm an 11/18/04 and still afraid to post to the blue. But I love AskMe more than I should admit. xoxo!1!!1!
posted by SashaPT at 3:50 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by SashaPT at 3:50 PM on November 18, 2005
I can't believe it's only been a year since there were open sign ups.
Cripes, I'm glad I managed to get my account when I did. I even complained about not being able to get one on k5 in july of 2001. I remember reading the site, thinking *damit I want to post*
By the way, here's a scary k5 article...
posted by delmoi at 5:11 PM on November 18, 2005
Cripes, I'm glad I managed to get my account when I did. I even complained about not being able to get one on k5 in july of 2001. I remember reading the site, thinking *damit I want to post*
By the way, here's a scary k5 article...
posted by delmoi at 5:11 PM on November 18, 2005
Pot tried to get in through the back door, but forgot the iLube.
posted by Kettle at 6:37 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by Kettle at 6:37 PM on November 18, 2005
One of my earliest comments after buying a registration happened, unfortunately, after consuming ambien when i had trouble sleeping. look the stuff up. it's insane.
either way, i made a total ass out of myself in some thread about wellbutrin making ladies cum, and didn't know it till the tread was linked to again, for tangential reasons, weeks later.
EB was kind enough to accept my apology.
Now, I just make an ass out of myself without having chemical excuses.
posted by shmegegge at 7:22 PM on November 18, 2005
either way, i made a total ass out of myself in some thread about wellbutrin making ladies cum, and didn't know it till the tread was linked to again, for tangential reasons, weeks later.
EB was kind enough to accept my apology.
Now, I just make an ass out of myself without having chemical excuses.
posted by shmegegge at 7:22 PM on November 18, 2005
For posterity.
What? I illustrated my noobgoofs with links :)
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:37 PM on November 18, 2005
What? I illustrated my noobgoofs with links :)
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:37 PM on November 18, 2005
Everybody's been nothing but nice and I appreciate it.
I'm usually a little more careful about what I post here--maybe that helps somewhat, I dunno.
At any rate, I enjoyed the site as a reader long before I could post, so it's fun to be able to participate too.
posted by First Post at 7:43 PM on November 18, 2005
I'm usually a little more careful about what I post here--maybe that helps somewhat, I dunno.
At any rate, I enjoyed the site as a reader long before I could post, so it's fun to be able to participate too.
posted by First Post at 7:43 PM on November 18, 2005
junkbox - you linked to my first ever MeFi comment, the day after I snuck in the same door you (apparently) snuck in (yeah, I cowered and pondered for a day, forgive me). That was not bitching, that was balls-in-the-throat nervousness, trying desperately to come across as worldly ennui and irony.
anyway, I'm no old-timer, dangit! I'm a proud member of the snuck-in 14K crew! REPRESENT!
posted by yhbc at 8:08 PM on November 18, 2005
anyway, I'm no old-timer, dangit! I'm a proud member of the snuck-in 14K crew! REPRESENT!
posted by yhbc at 8:08 PM on November 18, 2005
I am proud to be part of the $5 legion.
Thanks, Matt.
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:00 PM on November 18, 2005
Thanks, Matt.
posted by Sticherbeast at 9:00 PM on November 18, 2005
So after lurking for a year-ish, I finally joined today. I honestly have nothing to add to the discussion; I'm just placing my first comment in this thread for posterity.
<----- n00b
posted by quite unimportant at 10:17 PM on November 18, 2005
<----- n00b
posted by quite unimportant at 10:17 PM on November 18, 2005
I think there's an optimal size for something like AskMe and we're just slightly over that now.
Totally agreed.
I wonder if there are there AskMe-exclusive members.
I post way more to the Green than the Blue. Or at least it seems that way, but perhaps that's because I write more in the Green than the Blue.
Oh, and...
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:48 PM on November 18, 2005
Totally agreed.
I wonder if there are there AskMe-exclusive members.
I post way more to the Green than the Blue. Or at least it seems that way, but perhaps that's because I write more in the Green than the Blue.
Oh, and...
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 10:48 PM on November 18, 2005
MeFi's a terrible place, I waste far, far too much time here.
posted by fenriq at 11:00 PM on November 18, 2005
posted by fenriq at 11:00 PM on November 18, 2005
junkbox - you linked to my first ever MeFi comment, the day after I snuck in the same door you (apparently)
junkbox was already a member for at least a year before you were, she just stopped using her old account for some reason & opened a new one.
posted by zarah at 1:21 AM on November 19, 2005
junkbox was already a member for at least a year before you were, she just stopped using her old account for some reason & opened a new one.
posted by zarah at 1:21 AM on November 19, 2005
oh aye.....(hi stav) i remember when i had my nose squeezed up against the monitor hoping one day i could join metafilter....you had to write matt a letter in those days , a 10,000 word essay on 'why i would be a useful member of the metafilter network' and you had to submit charts and drawings of your fpps and go into what demographic you were aimin them at .......oh it was tough.
posted by sgt.serenity at 1:33 AM on November 19, 2005
posted by sgt.serenity at 1:33 AM on November 19, 2005
I know it's been a year, because the guy I borrowed the 5 bux from (HE has a credit card ) mentioned it just the other day.
posted by reflecked at 3:14 AM on November 19, 2005
posted by reflecked at 3:14 AM on November 19, 2005
So pay him back already! Jeez.
From the early-2002 thread yhbc made his first comment in:
14007? bit of a bug, then: front page says 13859 members as of this moment. and that last one joined on the 2nd. strangely invisible, you are.
posted by Dean King at 12:00 AM PST on March 17
Heh. Some questions are eternal.
posted by languagehat at 6:09 AM on November 19, 2005
From the early-2002 thread yhbc made his first comment in:
14007? bit of a bug, then: front page says 13859 members as of this moment. and that last one joined on the 2nd. strangely invisible, you are.
posted by Dean King at 12:00 AM PST on March 17
Heh. Some questions are eternal.
posted by languagehat at 6:09 AM on November 19, 2005
Has it really been a year? Well, I'd just like to thank Ma Thowy for having us here. She's a lovely old women with a warm, generous smile and large breasts. How I yearn to snuggle my way between them and play a rousing tattoo upon my bugle to honour her and awake the troops camping between her large buttocks, and then we could march upon Khartoum and give johnny Jihad a taste of my special blancmange.
posted by the quidnunc kid at 7:22 AM on November 19, 2005
posted by the quidnunc kid at 7:22 AM on November 19, 2005
the quidnunc kid wins.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:48 AM on November 19, 2005
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 7:48 AM on November 19, 2005
heh.. Of course I paid him back. He was in Europe when I used his cc/money; 7 months went by and we both forgot about it when he got back here. Golly Moses.
I do like leaping assumptions. Single bounds are admirable.
posted by reflecked at 11:44 AM on November 19, 2005
I do like leaping assumptions. Single bounds are admirable.
posted by reflecked at 11:44 AM on November 19, 2005
There are some fantastic noo members and some seriously stinking old timers. It takes all kinds. When I see someone with a high user number do something cool, I'm all the more impressed. And when I see someone with a low user number fuck up, I'm all the more disgusted. So I guess having a low user number can only work against y'all in my mind: I expect more from older members.
posted by scarabic at 12:52 PM on November 19, 2005
posted by scarabic at 12:52 PM on November 19, 2005
reflecked: I hope you realize that was yust a yolk.
posted by languagehat at 2:03 PM on November 19, 2005
posted by languagehat at 2:03 PM on November 19, 2005
Letting the proletariat in here has been the worst thing ever.
posted by Paris Hilton at 3:17 PM on November 19, 2005
posted by Paris Hilton at 3:17 PM on November 19, 2005
Paris Hilton's vocabulary doesn't contain the word "proletariat". This suck poppet is sub-par at best.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:25 PM on November 19, 2005
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 3:25 PM on November 19, 2005
It's so often hard to tell, languagehat; I'll take your word for it, naturally. Your comment did show me that i could have worded what I said better (heh.. as usual). Thanks, always.
posted by reflecked at 6:56 PM on November 19, 2005
posted by reflecked at 6:56 PM on November 19, 2005
Paris Hilton herself is a subpar celebrity. I think that heightens the realism.
posted by Eideteker at 10:00 PM on November 19, 2005
posted by Eideteker at 10:00 PM on November 19, 2005
*parties with klausness*
posted by If I Had An Anus at 1:58 PM on November 22, 2005
posted by If I Had An Anus at 1:58 PM on November 22, 2005
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
For a while it seemed like there was a "generation gap" of sorts, but I'm wondering if that's been worn away by now for most of you, or if you experienced it. (I'll admit right here I still compulsively mouse over usernames as if the user number's going to tell me something worthwhile about that person.)
And for those of you who came in on that wave, has your perception of Mefi changed over the course of the year, now that you're part of it? Has it changed?
I was gonna wait till midnight EST to post this, but I remembered it would still show up as 11/17 till 3:00 a.m. here, so I'm going ahead and posting it now.
posted by soyjoy at 8:40 PM on November 17, 2005