Message Etiquette June 9, 2009 4:37 PM Subscribe
Is there an etiquette about sending notes to mefites you have not met?
This seems to be too basic for an Ask Mefi (I used mine up yesterday anyway) but I was wondering about contacting members I have not met or have not interacted with on the site.
Yesterday, after a couple of good responses that led me to my answer, I sent a brief note to thank them. I am assuming this is fine based on their responses.
But what if I have a quick question and know (based on their responses on the site and their profiles) that it is possible to go to the source and ask a question.
Is this ok? Is it a bother? I am not talking about weird personal questions, but rather "Have you read x? Would you recommend it? Any other directions I should be going?"
Curious.
This seems to be too basic for an Ask Mefi (I used mine up yesterday anyway) but I was wondering about contacting members I have not met or have not interacted with on the site.
Yesterday, after a couple of good responses that led me to my answer, I sent a brief note to thank them. I am assuming this is fine based on their responses.
But what if I have a quick question and know (based on their responses on the site and their profiles) that it is possible to go to the source and ask a question.
Is this ok? Is it a bother? I am not talking about weird personal questions, but rather "Have you read x? Would you recommend it? Any other directions I should be going?"
Curious.
In the past, I've just gone ahead and sent a message. In the instances where I've gotten a reply, the responses have been generally thoughtful and pleasant, much like the usual level of discourse here.
posted by lekvar at 4:43 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by lekvar at 4:43 PM on June 9, 2009
I've memailed tons of mefites I've never met. That's what it's for!
posted by CunningLinguist at 4:46 PM on June 9, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by CunningLinguist at 4:46 PM on June 9, 2009 [4 favorites]
That's the beauty of email - whether here or elsewhere - if it is unwanted, it can simply go ignored.
posted by greekphilosophy at 4:47 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by greekphilosophy at 4:47 PM on June 9, 2009
It's fine. I do it on a semi-regular basis, and I know other folks do as well. It's one of the things that mefimail is specifically useful for, really.
If it turns out to be a bother to the specific person you're writing to, politely desist.
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:47 PM on June 9, 2009
If it turns out to be a bother to the specific person you're writing to, politely desist.
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:47 PM on June 9, 2009
My inbox is distinctly lacking of either love notes or hatergrams, and I accept either. That's what it's there for.
posted by loquacious at 4:49 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by loquacious at 4:49 PM on June 9, 2009
Personally I like getting MeMail.
I mean, I think I would like it. I'm not sure. I wouldn't know.
*cries*.
posted by eyeballkid at 4:49 PM on June 9, 2009
I mean, I think I would like it. I'm not sure. I wouldn't know.
*cries*.
posted by eyeballkid at 4:49 PM on June 9, 2009
Do it. That's, as least in part, why we have MeFiMail. If someone finds your drunken, incoherent ramblings to be, well, not cool, they will, usually let you know in a very polite way.
(Hmm, why would I know THAT?)
posted by snsranch at 4:50 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
(Hmm, why would I know THAT?)
posted by snsranch at 4:50 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Generally it makes my day when someone sends me a MeMail out of the blue (no pun intended). That goes for most other MeFites I know too.
posted by Kattullus at 4:55 PM on June 9, 2009 [5 favorites]
posted by Kattullus at 4:55 PM on June 9, 2009 [5 favorites]
I thought the rule was that if someone you don't know contacts you in email, you get to hunt them down and kill them. Because, you know, that's how MeFi rolls.
Good grief.
posted by five fresh fish at 4:55 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Good grief.
posted by five fresh fish at 4:55 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Dooo it, dooo it, dooo it, dooo it!
Chug, chug, chug, chug!
posted by pyrex at 4:55 PM on June 9, 2009
Chug, chug, chug, chug!
posted by pyrex at 4:55 PM on June 9, 2009
The only two rules you need abide by with regards to mail are 1) don't reprint them in threads without express permission from the sender beforehand and 2) if they tell you to stop writing, stop writing. Believe me that second one is important. Ali Lohan has changed her MSN on me like three times already, and I'm really getting tired of the letters and phone calls from her so-called "attorneys". Seriously, "cease and desist". What does that even mean? My heart doesn't want to understand.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:00 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:00 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Kattullus: "Generally it makes my day when someone sends me a MeMail out of the blue (no pun intended). That goes for most other MeFites I know too."
This.
Also, it's very dissapointing when the MeMail icon turns orange and it turns out to be an automated message.
posted by Memo at 5:00 PM on June 9, 2009 [11 favorites]
This.
Also, it's very dissapointing when the MeMail icon turns orange and it turns out to be an automated message.
posted by Memo at 5:00 PM on June 9, 2009 [11 favorites]
"Generally it makes my day when someone sends me a MeMail out of the blue (no pun intended). That goes for most other MeFites I know too."
Yeah, it's swell. Send away.
posted by Bookhouse at 5:03 PM on June 9, 2009
Yeah, it's swell. Send away.
posted by Bookhouse at 5:03 PM on June 9, 2009
loquacious, "My inbox is distinctly lacking of either love notes or hatergrams, and I accept either."
That because people have a love/hate relationship with you and can't figure out what kind to send.
I won't say I MeMail a lot, but I drop people notes when I really like a comment, or when I have a question, or when I want to say, "No offense meant or taken."
I think I have gotten a reply every time. It never occurred to me that someone would ask me to stop. Great, now I have that to worry about.
posted by cjorgensen at 5:20 PM on June 9, 2009
That because people have a love/hate relationship with you and can't figure out what kind to send.
I won't say I MeMail a lot, but I drop people notes when I really like a comment, or when I have a question, or when I want to say, "No offense meant or taken."
I think I have gotten a reply every time. It never occurred to me that someone would ask me to stop. Great, now I have that to worry about.
posted by cjorgensen at 5:20 PM on June 9, 2009
It's when you add them to FaceBook that you're starting to get creepy.
Oh, wait... *I* do that...
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:25 PM on June 9, 2009
Oh, wait... *I* do that...
posted by grapefruitmoon at 5:25 PM on June 9, 2009
I like getting MefiMails form just about anyone. I do get a little disappointed when I get the auto mails from Matt. It's like, "ooh! someone want to COMMUNICATE!" and then you realize, "oh, it's just the MattBot :/. I'm not convinced he's human anyway. More like Metafilter Autorobomatronic Transmission Tycoon, AMIRITE?
posted by zerokey at 5:26 PM on June 9, 2009 [4 favorites]
posted by zerokey at 5:26 PM on June 9, 2009 [4 favorites]
The only MeMails that give me pause are the ones I get from anonymous.
posted by Kattullus at 5:26 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 5:26 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Thanks for the input.
It may be silly to some of you, I know.
I thought it was fine, but wanted to get some clarification.
I have learned that just because I can do something does not mean that I should do it.
Especially being new, I thought it better to be told yes/no/maybe, get a general feel from the community, and go from there. It at least gives me a sense of what to expect if I send someone a private message.
posted by Tchad at 5:27 PM on June 9, 2009
It may be silly to some of you, I know.
I thought it was fine, but wanted to get some clarification.
I have learned that just because I can do something does not mean that I should do it.
Especially being new, I thought it better to be told yes/no/maybe, get a general feel from the community, and go from there. It at least gives me a sense of what to expect if I send someone a private message.
posted by Tchad at 5:27 PM on June 9, 2009
Getting MeMail is like getting Valentines in elementary school: Some of them make you feel great, some are "meh," and even if someone sends a cranky one, you can pretend they secretly have a crush on you. I like to envision my MeMail inbox as a cheery little shoebox covered with crepe paper, doily hearts and glitter.
posted by amyms at 5:28 PM on June 9, 2009 [8 favorites]
posted by amyms at 5:28 PM on June 9, 2009 [8 favorites]
I love getting MeMails too. You never know what sort of opportunities are going to drop into your lap. Like just the other day, this brand new user MeMailed me and told me this incredible story. His dad was some high-ranking general but was deposed during a coup, and now he has 5 million dollars he needs to move out of the country now. He said if I let him transfer the money to my account, he'll let me keep 10% of it! Can you believe that?
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:34 PM on June 9, 2009 [5 favorites]
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:34 PM on June 9, 2009 [5 favorites]
metafilter: It may be silly to some of you, I know.
posted by cjorgensen at 5:40 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by cjorgensen at 5:40 PM on June 9, 2009
I think there should be a policy that everyone send one MeMail to a new person each week. Love note or hatergram, doesn't matter. Notes to me should definitely be love notes though, or at least like-you-as-a-friend notes. I'll start.
(loquacious check your inbox)
posted by headnsouth at 5:41 PM on June 9, 2009
(loquacious check your inbox)
posted by headnsouth at 5:41 PM on June 9, 2009
Note: Everyone likes getting mail.
posted by box at 5:44 PM on June 9, 2009 [3 favorites]
posted by box at 5:44 PM on June 9, 2009 [3 favorites]
What does that even mean? My heart doesn't want to understand.
It's like you've never even HAD a creepy stalker, that's so cute!
But yeah, MeMail away and if someone says stop, stop.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:45 PM on June 9, 2009 [2 favorites]
It's like you've never even HAD a creepy stalker, that's so cute!
But yeah, MeMail away and if someone says stop, stop.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 5:45 PM on June 9, 2009 [2 favorites]
The only time I dread getting MeMail is when I'm having it out with someone in a contentious thread, and I see that little "1" appear next to the mail icon. Then I just think, "Oh boy. Heeere we go ..."
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:47 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:47 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Yeah, you're right, I've never had a creepy stalker. That was a pretty insensitive joke, and I apologize.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:48 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 5:48 PM on June 9, 2009
As a creepy stalker, I am offended by this thread.
Also, you really should pull down your shades.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 5:54 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Also, you really should pull down your shades.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 5:54 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Feel free to MeMail me and ask me questions. Aside from "Why are you such a jerk?" Because the answer to that should be obvious.
posted by adipocere at 5:59 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by adipocere at 5:59 PM on June 9, 2009
*checks inbox*
headnsouth, I have no idea how you crammed that micturating elephant in my inbox but it makes me feel all warm... and a bit too moist.
posted by loquacious at 6:08 PM on June 9, 2009
headnsouth, I have no idea how you crammed that micturating elephant in my inbox but it makes me feel all warm... and a bit too moist.
posted by loquacious at 6:08 PM on June 9, 2009
Oh shit, I forgot to reply to a couple that folks sent me. Jeez, just remembered—I'd been putting them off because I didn't have a good answer for one, and the other was kinda an overwhelming thesis on privilege that I just didn't have the psychic energy to deal with.
Also, Go Wings!
posted by klangklangston at 6:22 PM on June 9, 2009
Also, Go Wings!
posted by klangklangston at 6:22 PM on June 9, 2009
The only bad/weird MeMail I ever got was from a confused guy who wanted me to help him setup port forwarding on his router. He had no history on MetaFilter at all and I surmised that he had gotten the idea to ask me about it from an ironic comment I had made offering to help record companies setup port forwarding for BitTorrent to catch music pirates. I told him about portforward.com and suggested that he use Ask MetaFilter for those kinds of questions, but by that time he had already asked a completely different networking question in MetaTalk.
I never heard from him again and to this day that's the only activity he's ever had on the site. Sometimes I lay awake at night thinking about it. What ever happened to confused router guy? Did he ever get his home network setup? Did he end up giving Linux a try like he said he might? Will he ever find true love? In the end I don't think anyone but confused router guy himself will ever know.
posted by burnmp3s at 6:30 PM on June 9, 2009 [3 favorites]
I never heard from him again and to this day that's the only activity he's ever had on the site. Sometimes I lay awake at night thinking about it. What ever happened to confused router guy? Did he ever get his home network setup? Did he end up giving Linux a try like he said he might? Will he ever find true love? In the end I don't think anyone but confused router guy himself will ever know.
posted by burnmp3s at 6:30 PM on June 9, 2009 [3 favorites]
I love me some MeMail!
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:47 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:47 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Almost all the Mefi mail I've ever received is from strangers asking for help.
posted by The Straightener at 7:12 PM on June 9, 2009
posted by The Straightener at 7:12 PM on June 9, 2009
What ever happened to confused router guy?
He ended up getting a great deal on a used car.
posted by LionIndex at 7:16 PM on June 9, 2009
He ended up getting a great deal on a used car.
posted by LionIndex at 7:16 PM on June 9, 2009
I asked someone a few days ago what they thought of a backpack I saw them recommend in AskMe [and I had some follow up questions] and it went great. The other night a MeFite asked me how he'd track down a book he remembered and we were able to do it real quicklike which was really gratifying. I'm sure everyone doesn't feel this way, but sometimes giving someone an opportunity to help and be useful is a godo thing, other times it's a nuisance.
Some people here are well known for very specific things that are also popular things and I imagine it would get old being like "hey languagehat tell me how to pronounce meme!" but maybe it wouldn't.
I have 3047 messages in my MeMail inbox and I've read them all. Then again, I work here.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:20 PM on June 9, 2009
Some people here are well known for very specific things that are also popular things and I imagine it would get old being like "hey languagehat tell me how to pronounce meme!" but maybe it wouldn't.
I have 3047 messages in my MeMail inbox and I've read them all. Then again, I work here.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 7:20 PM on June 9, 2009
As a creepy stalker, I am offended by this thread.
Also, you really should pull down your shades.
posted by BitterOldPunk
Protip: You're doing it wrong.
posted by educatedslacker at 8:00 PM on June 9, 2009
Also, you really should pull down your shades.
posted by BitterOldPunk
Protip: You're doing it wrong.
posted by educatedslacker at 8:00 PM on June 9, 2009
Personally I like getting MeMail.
I mean, I think I would like it. I'm not sure. I wouldn't know.
*cries*.
posted by eyeballkid
You might get more if you didn't make it clear you hate everyone!
posted by deborah at 8:09 PM on June 9, 2009
I mean, I think I would like it. I'm not sure. I wouldn't know.
*cries*.
posted by eyeballkid
You might get more if you didn't make it clear you hate everyone!
posted by deborah at 8:09 PM on June 9, 2009
Generally I like getting MeFi mail. If someone wants to discuss a book I've recommended or something I wrote, I'm glad to do so. And anytime I've written to other MeFites unsolicited with requests for advice or discussion based on something they posted - even the occasional "weird personal question" - the response has always been respectful and polite. On the few occasions when there was no response to a personal note I sent, I just dropped it and avoided contacting the person again.
Not once have I received anything rude or otherwise bothersome. I attribute that to the awesomeness of the folks here and the quality of the site in general.
So I'd say yeah, message away!
posted by velvet winter at 8:12 PM on June 9, 2009
Not once have I received anything rude or otherwise bothersome. I attribute that to the awesomeness of the folks here and the quality of the site in general.
So I'd say yeah, message away!
posted by velvet winter at 8:12 PM on June 9, 2009
Who doesn't love a package?
All I know is that I sure love my package. Mmmm. It makes me all happy.
posted by five fresh fish at 8:50 PM on June 9, 2009
All I know is that I sure love my package. Mmmm. It makes me all happy.
posted by five fresh fish at 8:50 PM on June 9, 2009
I require all unsolicited mefi mail to come with a donut attachment. An actual donut. I prefer the kind with the pink glaze frosting and colorful sprinkles, but I will accept a jelly donut if pressed upon.
If you require a return mefi mail, that's gonna cost you munchkins.
I eagerly await with a glass of milk for your mail.
posted by FunkyHelix at 8:58 PM on June 9, 2009
If you require a return mefi mail, that's gonna cost you munchkins.
I eagerly await with a glass of milk for your mail.
posted by FunkyHelix at 8:58 PM on June 9, 2009
Blazecock Pileon: I would say go for it. If someone doesn't want to get MeFi messages, it's easy to turn them off.
Indeed, I have found that it is often quite easy to turn people off whether they want to get MeFi messages or not.
posted by koeselitz at 11:39 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Indeed, I have found that it is often quite easy to turn people off whether they want to get MeFi messages or not.
posted by koeselitz at 11:39 PM on June 9, 2009 [1 favorite]
Almost all the Mefi mail I've ever received is from strangers asking for help.
I shudder to think of the kind of requests for help these might be, given your expertise.
Also: the best thing about Mathowiebot is that he gives you the option of turning him off. I mean, I *know* I've just posted a new FPP. I just posted it, ferchristsake!
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:09 AM on June 10, 2009
I shudder to think of the kind of requests for help these might be, given your expertise.
Also: the best thing about Mathowiebot is that he gives you the option of turning him off. I mean, I *know* I've just posted a new FPP. I just posted it, ferchristsake!
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:09 AM on June 10, 2009
Who doesn't love a package?
Victims of the Unabomber?
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:15 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
Victims of the Unabomber?
posted by PeterMcDermott at 1:15 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
Is there an etiquette about sending notes to mefites you have not met?
It's generally considered bad form to actual send physical notes to people, especially if those notes are written in crayon and end with PS: Look behind you!
In seriousness, most MeMails I've received have been fine, particularly if they start with something like "I have a question about your post/comment XYZ". The few that have weirded me out a bit were ones along the lines of "OMG LOL you are so funny!" without any real context.
posted by Deathalicious at 1:44 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
It's generally considered bad form to actual send physical notes to people, especially if those notes are written in crayon and end with PS: Look behind you!
In seriousness, most MeMails I've received have been fine, particularly if they start with something like "I have a question about your post/comment XYZ". The few that have weirded me out a bit were ones along the lines of "OMG LOL you are so funny!" without any real context.
posted by Deathalicious at 1:44 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
Even more awkward? MeMails sent to you that were clearly intended for someone else and sent to you by mistake.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 3:05 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 3:05 AM on June 10, 2009
Marisa Stole the Precious Thing: "Even more awkward? MeMails sent to you that were clearly intended for someone else and sent to you by mistake."
I'd still allow you to do #4, #7, #11-14, and #23 on that list. But NOT #8. That's reserved for the intended recipient only.
posted by not_on_display at 4:49 AM on June 10, 2009
I'd still allow you to do #4, #7, #11-14, and #23 on that list. But NOT #8. That's reserved for the intended recipient only.
posted by not_on_display at 4:49 AM on June 10, 2009
I really had my heart set on #8, too. Especially now that oysters are in season.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 4:53 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 4:53 AM on June 10, 2009
I'm not a rampant MeMailer (I kinda hate that enshortening) but when I've used it, or been reached out to by another member, it's always been a very pleasant exchange. Seems to be the point of the thing.
No one's ever used it to yell at me and I've never used it to yell at any one, and it's a great way to go beyond a thread to keep the noise level down without intruding too much on someone's space by going full-on-email without knowing whether they'd welcome that. I figure those who don't want MeMails will have turned them off. I dig "meeting" people on the internet and now have a whole host of IRL friends hat grew from such meetings. Anything that helps change the pixels into the human on the other end of them is a good thing.
Without being Creepy Stalker Guy, that is. *shudder*
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:17 AM on June 10, 2009
No one's ever used it to yell at me and I've never used it to yell at any one, and it's a great way to go beyond a thread to keep the noise level down without intruding too much on someone's space by going full-on-email without knowing whether they'd welcome that. I figure those who don't want MeMails will have turned them off. I dig "meeting" people on the internet and now have a whole host of IRL friends hat grew from such meetings. Anything that helps change the pixels into the human on the other end of them is a good thing.
Without being Creepy Stalker Guy, that is. *shudder*
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:17 AM on June 10, 2009
I think it's fine. I have had a few people send me interesting info about questions I had asked, and I have sent some asking questions of others. And I never met anyone from here, and most likely never will. On purpose that is.
Although one user met my son when she interviewed him for a summer job (thanks again Mozhet!).
posted by genefinder at 5:31 AM on June 10, 2009
Although one user met my son when she interviewed him for a summer job (thanks again Mozhet!).
posted by genefinder at 5:31 AM on June 10, 2009
Half of the MeMail I've gotten was to specifically tell me that I and my friends and my family are all assholes, which was neat. But I want more.
posted by shakespeherian at 6:41 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by shakespeherian at 6:41 AM on June 10, 2009
the vast majority of the MeMails I've received or sent were very nice - just little bits of chitchattery that didn't make sense in threads. But. I've also had a couple of nastygrams from people who thought being assholish in a thread just wasn't high-octane enough.
So, uh, basically:
friendly nattering = great!
Ad hominems, zingers and yo mama's = less great.
posted by dirtdirt at 6:42 AM on June 10, 2009
So, uh, basically:
friendly nattering = great!
Ad hominems, zingers and yo mama's = less great.
posted by dirtdirt at 6:42 AM on June 10, 2009
Getting MeMail is like getting Valentines in elementary school:
It's actually exactly like that.
/checks mail box excitedly: You have no new messages.
Sigh.
posted by inigo2 at 7:39 AM on June 10, 2009 [2 favorites]
It's actually exactly like that.
/checks mail box excitedly: You have no new messages.
Sigh.
posted by inigo2 at 7:39 AM on June 10, 2009 [2 favorites]
Umm, you got a different list.
posted by not_on_display at 8:23 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by not_on_display at 8:23 AM on June 10, 2009
Who doesn't love a package?
Opens mouth, stops, closes mouth, slinks away quietly.
posted by The Whelk at 8:35 AM on June 10, 2009
Opens mouth, stops, closes mouth, slinks away quietly.
posted by The Whelk at 8:35 AM on June 10, 2009
Ad hominems, zingers and yo mama's = less great.
Really! Save that stuff for the main page so we can all share!
posted by Pollomacho at 8:56 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
Really! Save that stuff for the main page so we can all share!
posted by Pollomacho at 8:56 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
I assume all you guys have been forwarded that list by now, right? It's pretty good.
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:14 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 9:14 AM on June 10, 2009
Oh, hey...at the risk of saying "the T word" what about following people on Twitter based on them making funny/smart comments on MeFi? Is that creepy?
Cause I've been doing that...
posted by JoanArkham at 9:16 AM on June 10, 2009
Cause I've been doing that...
posted by JoanArkham at 9:16 AM on June 10, 2009
Also: the best thing about Mathowiebot is that he gives you the option of turning him off. I mean, I *know* I've just posted a new FPP. I just posted it, ferchristsake!
But if your post were subsequently deleted, that would give you a permanent record of the URL. Of course, you could check here, but that's more work.
I hardly ever get (or send) MeMail. Actually, I barely remember it's there. But it's a nice option to have if I ever do need it. :)
posted by zarq at 10:19 AM on June 10, 2009
But if your post were subsequently deleted, that would give you a permanent record of the URL. Of course, you could check here, but that's more work.
I hardly ever get (or send) MeMail. Actually, I barely remember it's there. But it's a nice option to have if I ever do need it. :)
posted by zarq at 10:19 AM on June 10, 2009
I too love the mail. I've mostly sent messages to say thanks to posters who've illuminated something for me, or blown my mind with some amazing insight, or posted something that appeals in a particularly personal way.
But I now exert caution in MeMusic after that one-time lapse into gibbering fan-girl blather...
posted by freya_lamb at 10:37 AM on June 10, 2009
But I now exert caution in MeMusic after that one-time lapse into gibbering fan-girl blather...
posted by freya_lamb at 10:37 AM on June 10, 2009
I just got a yelling MeFiMail from The Whelk. My life is complete.
posted by Devils Rancher at 10:46 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by Devils Rancher at 10:46 AM on June 10, 2009
As did I. I could not help but take him up on his exciting once-in-a-lifetime offer. First the general's son and now this!
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 10:49 AM on June 10, 2009
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 10:49 AM on June 10, 2009
>I have 3047 messages in my MeMail inbox and I've read them all
I think about half of them are me asking Jessamyn to delete comments that have too much information about my sex life in them.
I get a lot of messages thanking me for introducing people to the concept of Grilled Cheese Parties. But no one ever invites me. I wish there was an emoticon that properly conveyed me sitting at home, eating my grilled cheese sandwiches alone, crying softly.
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:24 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
I think about half of them are me asking Jessamyn to delete comments that have too much information about my sex life in them.
I get a lot of messages thanking me for introducing people to the concept of Grilled Cheese Parties. But no one ever invites me. I wish there was an emoticon that properly conveyed me sitting at home, eating my grilled cheese sandwiches alone, crying softly.
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:24 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
I get a lot of messages thanking me for introducing people to the concept of Grilled Cheese Parties. But no one ever invites me. I wish there was an emoticon that properly conveyed me sitting at home, eating my grilled cheese sandwiches alone, crying softly.
You need to get on a submarine.
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on June 10, 2009
You need to get on a submarine.
posted by The Whelk at 11:44 AM on June 10, 2009
I wish there was an emoticon that properly conveyed me sitting at home, eating my grilled cheese sandwiches alone, crying softly.
(^Crying bunny.)
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 11:52 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
(\_/)
(T-T)
(^Crying bunny.)
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 11:52 AM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
(\_/)
(T-T)
When the bunny cries, does its eyeliner run?
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:53 AM on June 10, 2009
(T-T)
When the bunny cries, does its eyeliner run?
posted by Juliet Banana at 11:53 AM on June 10, 2009
Not since that whole stink with Revlon and animal testing put a stop to that. Those are tear streams.
Have some happy Shift-JIS art:
⌒ヽ
⊂二二二( ^ω^)二⊃
| / ブーン
( ヽノ
ノ>ノ
三 レレ
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 12:17 PM on June 10, 2009
Have some happy Shift-JIS art:
⌒ヽ
⊂二二二( ^ω^)二⊃
| / ブーン
( ヽノ
ノ>ノ
三 レレ
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 12:17 PM on June 10, 2009
Marisa, I rarely, if ever, say this but
WTF?
Is that a pig doing ballet? A Hutt stripper? A deformed helicopter mutant from the planet Unspeakable?
posted by The Whelk at 12:47 PM on June 10, 2009
WTF?
Is that a pig doing ballet? A Hutt stripper? A deformed helicopter mutant from the planet Unspeakable?
posted by The Whelk at 12:47 PM on June 10, 2009
It's a bird :'(
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 12:48 PM on June 10, 2009
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 12:48 PM on June 10, 2009
MeMail to strangers is da bomb. I sometimes thank people for advice or send a note when I think a thread is turning into a shitstorm and I suspect the person might be feeling low about it.
And once? This one time? Once I wrote a very a long & detailed response to an anonymous question and the OP MeMailed me to thank me, and we became MeMail friends and then email friends and then Facebook friends! Total win.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 12:51 PM on June 10, 2009
And once? This one time? Once I wrote a very a long & detailed response to an anonymous question and the OP MeMailed me to thank me, and we became MeMail friends and then email friends and then Facebook friends! Total win.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 12:51 PM on June 10, 2009
Oh, oh, oh! Once a Metafilter lurker saw this question and apparently understood my taste so well they emailed me to recommend me music I already own, books I was apparently required to read, and said that if we lived near each other we'd be best friends forever. It was a weird reminder that lots of people read what we write without shelling out the $5.
HI, GUYS! COME ON IN, THE WATER IS FINE!
posted by Juliet Banana at 12:58 PM on June 10, 2009
HI, GUYS! COME ON IN, THE WATER IS FINE!
posted by Juliet Banana at 12:58 PM on June 10, 2009
Also, Marisa, I was totally thinking "lop bunny with ear-boners riding a unicycle."
posted by Juliet Banana at 12:59 PM on June 10, 2009
posted by Juliet Banana at 12:59 PM on June 10, 2009
All those lurkers ...like a tiny glowing end of a cigarette in a dark room. Watching, waiting, and quiet.
posted by The Whelk at 1:00 PM on June 10, 2009
posted by The Whelk at 1:00 PM on June 10, 2009
It is a mystery.
No really, it's that ghost thing.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:07 PM on June 10, 2009
No really, it's that ghost thing.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 1:07 PM on June 10, 2009
Also, Marisa, I was totally thinking "lop bunny with ear-boners riding a unicycle."
"Ear-boners" now part of my vocabulary, thanks.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 1:08 PM on June 10, 2009
"Ear-boners" now part of my vocabulary, thanks.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 1:08 PM on June 10, 2009
⌒ヽ
⊂二二二( ^ω^)二⊃
| /
( ヽノ
ノノ
三 ◎ ☃
Lop bunny with ear-boners running over a tiny unicode snowman with its unicycle!
posted by Juliet Banana at 1:15 PM on June 10, 2009 [4 favorites]
⊂二二二( ^ω^)二⊃
| /
( ヽノ
ノノ
三 ◎ ☃
Lop bunny with ear-boners running over a tiny unicode snowman with its unicycle!
posted by Juliet Banana at 1:15 PM on June 10, 2009 [4 favorites]
*ponders image*
...I'm getting I ching divination by the Venus of Willendorf stapled to coathangar, casting hexagrams with a coin...plus unicode snowman.
This thing could run and run!
posted by freya_lamb at 1:31 PM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
...I'm getting I ching divination by the Venus of Willendorf stapled to coathangar, casting hexagrams with a coin...plus unicode snowman.
This thing could run and run!
posted by freya_lamb at 1:31 PM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
I've had occasion to enjoy the odd MeMail from someone I've never met. It brightened my day. However I have never received a MeMail with a picture of Ear-Boners or the definition of taters.
posted by ob at 1:40 PM on June 10, 2009
posted by ob at 1:40 PM on June 10, 2009
∧∧
(*゚ワ゚)
と つ
〜( ⊃ノ
し'
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 1:44 PM on June 10, 2009
(*゚ワ゚)
と つ
〜( ⊃ノ
し'
happy kitty on the run!
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 1:44 PM on June 10, 2009
juliet banana: Oh, oh, oh! Once a Metafilter lurker saw this question and apparently understood my taste so well they emailed me to recommend me music I already own, books I was apparently required to read, and said that if we lived near each other we'd be best friends forever. It was a weird reminder that lots of people read what we write without shelling out the $5.
That would creep me out.
I get the occasional MeMail from people asking to meet for coffee and that's awesome but a MeMail being all "we'll be the bestest of friendseses" would set off my danger klaxon something fierce. Admittedly I've gotten slightly more wary since I got stalked last year (nothing to do with MeFi, by the by).
posted by Kattullus at 2:11 PM on June 10, 2009
That would creep me out.
I get the occasional MeMail from people asking to meet for coffee and that's awesome but a MeMail being all "we'll be the bestest of friendseses" would set off my danger klaxon something fierce. Admittedly I've gotten slightly more wary since I got stalked last year (nothing to do with MeFi, by the by).
posted by Kattullus at 2:11 PM on June 10, 2009
Yeah, Jess loves that ghost thing. Why, you ask?
IT IS AN OBVIOUS
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:33 PM on June 10, 2009
IT IS AN OBVIOUS
posted by goodnewsfortheinsane at 8:33 PM on June 10, 2009
someone posted it here once [before I did] and for some reason it made me laugh. I know it's got something to do with... other jerks on the Internet but it always makes me smile.
and I could use a smile today thank you
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:37 PM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
and I could use a smile today thank you
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:37 PM on June 10, 2009 [1 favorite]
Everyone needs a hug.
posted by not_on_display at 9:09 PM on June 10, 2009
posted by not_on_display at 9:09 PM on June 10, 2009
((hug*))
* If that's not too retro stupid chatty internet for you
posted by The Whelk at 9:30 PM on June 10, 2009
* If that's not too retro stupid chatty internet for you
posted by The Whelk at 9:30 PM on June 10, 2009
All the MeMails I send are with the intent of eventually requesting sexual favors or a hug. It's going well. Thus far.
I enjoy answering weird personal questions and I am awake at strange hours, so messages from insomniacs/people on other continents/late night drunk mailers are especially welcome.
posted by little e at 1:44 AM on June 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
I enjoy answering weird personal questions and I am awake at strange hours, so messages from insomniacs/people on other continents/late night drunk mailers are especially welcome.
posted by little e at 1:44 AM on June 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
Marisa, are you sneaking boners into every shift-jis artwork just to fuck with me, or do I have a dirty mind? Because that cat looks pretty happy.
posted by Juliet Banana at 6:33 AM on June 11, 2009
posted by Juliet Banana at 6:33 AM on June 11, 2009
';:::::::::::::::::::::::::'、 /:::::::::::::::::::',
':;::::::::::::::::::::::::', /::::l:::::::::::::::::::::l
ヽ;::_;_/⌒l:::::'、 !::::::|:::::::::::::::::::::|
( rっ^ヽ::┴:::‐'::-:::ヘ::::::::::::::::::l
f´ ~ 、_.ノ:::::::::::::::::::::::::ヽ:;:_::_::ノ
/`:ー:':::::::;:: ‐ ´  ̄ ` ヽ:;ヽ、
/::::::::::::::/-―-、__, ヾ:':,
!::::::::::::/ '叨¨ヽ `ー-、 l::l
l::::::::::::l ` ー /叨¨) l::!
!::::::::::l ヽ, リ
ヽ::::::::',、 `ヽ.___´, /
` -:::_ヽ、 `ニ´ _ .ィ´
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 6:50 AM on June 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
':;::::::::::::::::::::::::', /::::l:::::::::::::::::::::l
ヽ;::_;_/⌒l:::::'、 !::::::|:::::::::::::::::::::|
( rっ^ヽ::┴:::‐'::-:::ヘ::::::::::::::::::l
f´ ~ 、_.ノ:::::::::::::::::::::::::ヽ:;:_::_::ノ
/`:ー:':::::::;:: ‐ ´  ̄ ` ヽ:;ヽ、
/::::::::::::::/-―-、__, ヾ:':,
!::::::::::::/ '叨¨ヽ `ー-、 l::l
l::::::::::::l ` ー /叨¨) l::!
!::::::::::l ヽ, リ
ヽ::::::::',、 `ヽ.___´, /
` -:::_ヽ、 `ニ´ _ .ィ´
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 6:50 AM on June 11, 2009 [1 favorite]
Scary, creepy, internet-stalker furry bunny guy, with a little Teletubbies thrown into the mix. I'm slightly disturbed, though impressed with your perseverance. I never got past \m/ with ascii art.
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:27 AM on June 11, 2009
posted by Devils Rancher at 7:27 AM on June 11, 2009
๏[-ิิ_•ิ]๏ Where is the boner?
(it is, possibly, a mystery)
posted by Juliet Banana at 7:28 AM on June 11, 2009
(it is, possibly, a mystery)
posted by Juliet Banana at 7:28 AM on June 11, 2009
Scary, creepy, internet-stalker furry bunny guy, with a little Teletubbies thrown into the mix.
He's none of those things. He's just smirking. Why is he smirking? IT IS A MYSTERY.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 8:21 AM on June 11, 2009
He's none of those things. He's just smirking. Why is he smirking? IT IS A MYSTERY.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 8:21 AM on June 11, 2009
๏[-ิิ_•ิ]๏ Where is the boner?
See above.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 8:34 AM on June 11, 2009
See above.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 8:34 AM on June 11, 2009
You are not logged in, either login or create an account to post comments
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:41 PM on June 9, 2009