This Year Everyone Gets A Hug

December 24, 2009 10:22 AM

Seasonal Schmoopy: What's the best thing a fellow Mefite ever did for you?
posted by The Whelk to MetaFilter-Related at 10:22 AM (165 comments total)

Found me cheap digs in NYC
posted by Meatbomb at 10:26 AM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

One of them gave me almost half of my genetic material.
posted by grouse at 10:28 AM on December 24, 2009 [14 favorites]

This is more of a MetaChat story, but a few years ago I wanted a specific pair of slippers from a U.S. company that doesn't ship to Canada. I posted to Metachat asking if anyone was willing to receive and reship the package to me. JanetLand volunteered within minutes and very trustingly paid for the postage to redirect the package before she'd even gotten my cheque for whatever the amount was.
posted by orange swan at 10:28 AM on December 24, 2009

I've got too many to count but Hermitosis has shown me some good times on the town, ThePinkSuperhero showed me the joys of White Castle (I had NEVER BEEN) after I snuck her and Stynxno into the Conde' nast Building, I've enjoyed a wonderful postcard/book exchange with Blazecock Pileon, Dirtynumbangelboy and kkokkodalk and more. Jonmc directed me to a great bar downtown (and came to my book release party). hippybear burned me a copy of Home Of The Brave for Christmas and, of course, the secret Quosnar gifts and the MetaChat card exchange, Mightygodking wrote a story for my currently delayed anthology and, of course, everyone who helped me finish the 26 Scarlett Letters and got my ass moving on my website and getting back into drawing.

I know I'm missing some people out but hey, you guys rock.

*masculine arm punch*
posted by The Whelk at 10:35 AM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

*eagerly awaits to hear from Mefite couples*
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:44 AM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

ocherdraco suggested some publishing people for me to contact in my search for a job. I haven't found one yet, but I'm a lot closer than I would have been. I hope.
posted by Caduceus at 10:45 AM on December 24, 2009

Gave me a tour of Baltimore when I was thinking of moving there. Became one of my closest friends in Princeton when I ended up moving there, instead. (This is two different Mefites, in case that isn't obvious.)
posted by amro at 10:49 AM on December 24, 2009

This.
posted by gman at 10:49 AM on December 24, 2009

Offered to buy me a book to help with what I'm going through college-wise. :)
posted by biochemist at 10:52 AM on December 24, 2009

Wrote me a Windows application to automatically upload my "recently playing in iTunes" data to an FTP server.

I have since moved over to a Mac, though.
posted by Asparagirl at 10:52 AM on December 24, 2009

Introduced me to this awesome website called 'MetaFilter'.
posted by iamkimiam at 10:58 AM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

One of them gave me almost half of my genetic material.

Almost.
posted by Rumple at 10:59 AM on December 24, 2009

Built, rebuilt, re-rebuilt me several computers AND gave me a copy of Team Fortress 2.
posted by vrakatar at 11:06 AM on December 24, 2009

Today kittens for breakfast ate candy with me, for breakfast. Ok, maybe not an all-time great, but pretty fun, as things go.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 11:07 AM on December 24, 2009

She married me.
posted by quin at 11:15 AM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

In all fairness, we were together before Metafilter. But sharing this place means that we always have something to talk about.
posted by quin at 11:17 AM on December 24, 2009

Married me
posted by Mick at 11:19 AM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

*eagerly awaits to hear from Mefite couples*

Well, if you insist, honey. My spouse explained this comment to me in MeMail after I asked him just what that retouching involved. I was so relieved.
posted by maudlin at 11:21 AM on December 24, 2009

Hired me.
posted by cortex (staff) at 11:22 AM on December 24, 2009 [17 favorites]

One became my arch-enemy at my request. It was very sweet.


Bittersweet.
posted by jabberjaw at 11:30 AM on December 24, 2009

In all fairness, we were together before Metafilter.

Yeah... Doesn't count.
posted by amro at 11:33 AM on December 24, 2009

Mothershock sent a signed copy of a book to an aspiring young female writer after I talked to her. Fantastic. Coldchef sent me some fantastic advice related to his field that really really helped me and my loved ones. Jessamyn has answered many of my questions formally and informally, and Cortex has done the same. And really, thank you to all of you who answer MeFiMail and help out those who ask small or large questions.
posted by cashman at 11:43 AM on December 24, 2009

Together before, married after. She still gets credit in my book, because she is the one who introduced me to the internet, and I probably wouldn't be here if it weren't for her convincing me that BBSs were way-cool.
posted by quin at 11:48 AM on December 24, 2009

mathowie made Metafilter.
posted by bearwife at 11:49 AM on December 24, 2009 [8 favorites]

Sluglicker was the first person to to respond to a post of mine directly. Yeah, it was to tell me that they didn't feel that my post was best of the web (and as it was my first post, I realize now that it probably wasn't). But the acknowledgement made me feel like I was in!

Uxo was the first person to memail me, to thank me for responding to her question. I didn't realize how supernice I would think that was.

Madamina is was my secret quonsar buddy this year - and introduced me to cranberry mustard and apple butter. Lordy be if Mr. Anitanita and I aren't still licking the jars. Who knew that spreadible food choices could be oh. so. awesome!

(Speaking of which, confession to my secret quonsar buddy - I am so sorry you probably haven't gotten your gift yet. I sent it on the 18th, and the postal person actually laughed when I asked it I could get it to Melbourne before xmas for under $15. Laughed. Out loud.)
posted by anitanita at 11:50 AM on December 24, 2009

A few have given me ridiculous amounts of hospitality on a couple of visits to NYC.
posted by Cyrano at 12:27 PM on December 24, 2009

1. Hired me.
2. A delightful 40th birthday card and 41st birthday song.
3. bought me many beers, offered me places to stay on many couches.
4. sent me fun stuff in the mail
5. gave me a lot of good advice and support when I was going through a bad breakup several years ago.

I have a hard time narrowing it down to just a thing or two. This year actually, The Whelk, your holiday card is one of the favorite things I have received. Got a scan of it somewhere?
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 12:34 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

A member who wishes to remain anonymous helped cover the cost of extending my health care benefits during an especially rough spot at the end of last summer. I'll always be humbled and grateful by that.
posted by joe lisboa at 12:39 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

* humbled BY / grateful FOR. argh.
posted by joe lisboa at 12:39 PM on December 24, 2009

Can I include sock puppets?
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:41 PM on December 24, 2009

Gave me a hard drive!
posted by The Devil Tesla at 12:43 PM on December 24, 2009

DarlingBri (and handelaar),

Gave me a job I love doing.

Helped me realize that even if I'm currently studying something I don't like it doesn't mean that my future has to revolve around it. It doesn't sound like much but it was major breakthrough for me and in general I'm happier because of that.

Made my dream of going abroad come true by inviting me over to their country and hosting me for three months in their home without asking anything in return, even if we had only talked by gchat and twitter up to that point.

Generously included me in their holiday activities and life in general when I got over there. (And I have to say, living with people who can understand what you're talking about when you mention MeFi, WordPress, or other geeky stuff and hearing that kind of thing come up in random conversations was pretty awesome.)

Put up with me even when my people skills kinda suck.

And, well, a lot more stuff I'm very thankful for.


tl;dr, what's the best thing a fellow Mefite ever did for me? Gave me my life back by being incredibly generous and kind, helping me realize that being alive doesn't have to suck.
posted by Memo at 12:45 PM on December 24, 2009 [5 favorites]

Specklet and TheDonF had me over for wonderful home-cooked Indian on the USAian Thanksgiving last year .
posted by brujita at 12:52 PM on December 24, 2009

Answered all of my AskMe questions without complaint, even the dumb ones.
posted by ishotjr at 12:53 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

melissa may hooked me up with some work when I was just getting started as a freelance editor and basically made that career feasible for me. We loves her, we does!
posted by languagehat at 12:56 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

amberglow sent me a video on baby sign language when my oldest was a newborn; we'd talked about it a little in IRC, where I was hanging out a lot at the time because said newborn did nothing but eat and sleep on me.
posted by padraigin at 12:57 PM on December 24, 2009

Oh! and also, peachfuzz sent me an awesome [paper!] card this Christmas, which was fantabulous.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 1:01 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

This morning rtha brought me coffee in bed, followed by cold meds for my miserable Christmas cold, and then hot oatmeal.
posted by gingerbeer at 1:02 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

quonsar taught me how to do the ♥ thing before Matt/pb made it easier to do in preview. dhartung also gave me good info about mefi- related stuff. Matildaben, MelissaMay and sleepypete are still IRL friends. Jessamyn - how fun it is to be a colleague of the rockin'-est librarian in the known world! Cortex got an evil former user off my back. Mathowie made this place, pb keeps it humming and vacapinta is a complete gent and wonderful human being. And the rest of you are so full of interest that Metafilter is still a daily read! Thank you and happy happy, one and all!
posted by Lynsey at 1:04 PM on December 24, 2009

msconduct offered to give me cab fare cause I thought I'd wouldn't be able to make change. I thought that was nice.

I've also been served virtual beer by a few folks over the years.
posted by nola at 1:06 PM on December 24, 2009

Fed-exed me some pickles from the Carnegie Deli so I could give them to my wife as a Christmas gift.

Forgave me

Each and every day Mefites give me new things to learn and open my mind in new ways.
posted by bondcliff at 1:08 PM on December 24, 2009

advice
a comfy place to crash
new friends
beer
cookies
posted by special-k at 1:18 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Got a scan of it somewhere?

Sure do! I tried to personalize all the cards I sent out, some of them are here.

And Oh! Also my first ever meetup where I didn't just bail after 20 min down in San Antonio with Muddgirl mudddude and bigmusic AND Jessamyn got me in touch with this awesome art-for-charity thing which has really forced me to draw more and whine less.
posted by The Whelk at 1:20 PM on December 24, 2009 [7 favorites]

There's so damn much stuff....

From everything that people did here, to all the Chicago Mefites who passed the hat after my wallet was lifted on the El, to BitterOldPunk and Elizarde offering me a place to crash when in their city, to all my fb Mefite Scrabblers.

There's a lot of people to love here.

Thanks guys- especially Matt, cortex, pb, Jessamyn, and vacapinta for riding herd on this place.
posted by pjern at 1:23 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Also, because of MetaFilter, I know that I have friends in whatever town I visit! Hello Portland, hello DC MeFites! It has made travel fun and less intimidating. Basically, MetaFilter has made the whole entire world a welcoming place.

Are there any MeFites in Cardiff and/or York? I might be moving to one of those towns, and it'd be great to know if there's some friendly faces there already!
posted by iamkimiam at 1:52 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Shothotbot set up the cookie exchange, which I'm still enjoying the goodies from.

Also, thanks to the Philly MeFites for introducing me to a good dim sum place in a city I'm not too familiar with. I'm a bit too far north to go back, but next time I have a reason to go to Philly (I'm looking for one) I'll know a good place for lunch.
posted by mccarty.tim at 1:59 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Also, thanks to all the MeFites who gave me answers when I posted questions while I was depressed. It's good to know I have friends like you in my most irrationally miserable times.
posted by mccarty.tim at 2:00 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

Loose shoes,
tight pussy
and a warm place to shit.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:03 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

I've mentioned this before, but the entire MeFi community helped me form a new philosophical perspective.

Back in the 2000 election, I voted for George Bush. I had voted Republican since 1976. Yeh, I know. I even complained here on MeFi occasionally about the lack of respect for conservative beliefs.

Over the course of the next four years, by paying attention to important threads on MeFi and watching the Bush administration destroy the USA as we knew it, I began to alter my beliefs bit by bit to the point that I did not again vote for Bush in 2004.

But, as we all know, it got even worse. Through determination and belief in your opinions, members of MeFi convinced me that even more significant change was not only preferable, but required. So, last year I voted for Obama, and this morning saw the fruits of some of his campaign. Is it the best health insurance reform? Surely no, but it is bound to get better in the coming years. You have to start somewhere.

And I look forward to 2010 and the next promises on his agenda. Thanks again MeFi for helping to change my belief system and make me more compassionate.
posted by netbros at 2:07 PM on December 24, 2009 [25 favorites]

PeterMcDermott. Eww.
posted by amro at 2:08 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Someone MeMailed me to say that my answer to a question really helped them a lot.
posted by jgirl at 2:12 PM on December 24, 2009

When my camera died the day of the London meet-up this year, while I was vacationing in London, ahughey came to meet me the next day, tried to fix my camera, and ended up loaning me his for the day when that didn't work. Seriously, who loans their very expensive camera to a complete stranger the day after meeting them?

It ended up snowing that day, so I couldn't complete the work I needed the camera in order to do, but I was able to get some amazing London-snow photos! And of course, he's made a friend for life. I love this place. ♥
posted by booknerd at 2:18 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

PeterMcDermott, pix or it didn't happen.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 2:25 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

Two Mefites danced at my wedding, mingled cheerfully with the crowd even though the only person there they'd ever met was busy getting married, and I even spied them after the party, all dolled up in their wedding finery, helping to fold the grange hall's chairs and hoist the tables back into storage. And they wrote us a wedding poem!

I have made some good friends in this place.
posted by Elsa at 2:31 PM on December 24, 2009 [11 favorites]

Two MeFites were gracious enough to allow this journalism student to interview and write about them.

One of them also made an awesome gaming website where I spend most of my time when not at MetaFilter.

Now that I think about it, I've gotten baked goods, drinks at bars, company on a drive, a free meal, Tim Tams (from Australia!), a postcard (from Australia!), video games, free rides to and a place to stay in New York City, an extension on my Flickr Pro account, tons of music (both original and, er, not), great advice, people to vent to, help with my computer, and scores of other things that have slipped my mind for the moment.

All of this is from people I've met because of this website. This place has given me more than just "contacts" and acquaintances, it's also given me friends.

So I guess the nicest thing a fellow MeFite ever did for me was Matt, by making MetaFilter in the first place.

Thank you, Matt.
posted by CitrusFreak12 at 3:07 PM on December 24, 2009 [4 favorites]

Took me on a tour of the British Library stacks. *remembers drooling over many books*
posted by thomas j wise at 3:13 PM on December 24, 2009

They're doing it right now. This very day. Mefites have funded two libraries in rural China! But they've done it since April, when I thought my daughter's life was over.

Really, every piece of thoughtful advice over the past few years has mattered, whether in response to my questions or someone else's, mundane or profound. I've learned a lot. I've learned to look at things differently, and I've learned to look at people differently.
posted by clarkstonian at 3:14 PM on December 24, 2009 [6 favorites]

Mefites do more than just nice things for each other- they care about others outside the Metafilter community, too. Our "Metafilter Cares" drive resulted in presents for a dozen children through the NYCares Winter Wishes drive, plus over a dozen boxes of diapers and other assorted toys for the smaller children at the shelter. The nun who runs the shelter went out of her way to find me on Facebook to say thank you to the community for what a blessing we have been to them this holiday season.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 3:27 PM on December 24, 2009 [7 favorites]

I've said this in another thread before, but for me it was when the fantastic micayetoca had his friend hand-deliver me a Cuatro all the way from Venezuela after I helped him on his song, I Shine.
Later, I played the Cuatro on my own song.
Years later it still makes me happy.
posted by chococat at 3:58 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

I met my boyfriend here and he's pretty freaking amazing. We both get goofy looks on our faces when I wear my Metafilter shirt.
posted by Unicorn on the cob at 4:07 PM on December 24, 2009

There have been many small kindnesses from Mefites, but Bunnycup sent me a get well note just this week that cheered me immensely. It's been a rough December.
posted by kimdog at 4:07 PM on December 24, 2009

One married me, two had sex with me, I've seen a couple naked, and several have furnished me with booze, drugs, and potato chips.
posted by jonmc at 4:22 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

and one gave me pancake art.
posted by jonmc at 4:24 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

iamkimiam gave me a real nice hug.

Whether she knew it or not, that was just what I needed at that moment.
posted by Relay at 4:53 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Got a phonecall from Nickyskye last year during an agoraphobic streak, who coaxed me to at least step out the front door of my apartment. It meant so much to me that anyone would care.
posted by soft and hardcore taters at 4:53 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

One married me, two had sex with me, I've seen a couple naked...
posted by jonmc

I hope jessamyn doesn't repeat her previous comment.
posted by gman at 4:54 PM on December 24, 2009

Well, last year...

On the first day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
a plate of beans
On the second day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
Two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the third day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
Three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the fourth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a fifth mod if you count pb*
On the fifth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the sixth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the seventh day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
seven self-linkers linking
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the eighth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
eight sites in total
seven self-linkers linking
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the ninth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
nine best answers
eight sites in total
seven self-linkers linking
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the tenth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
ten MeTa callouts
nine best answers
eight sites in total
seven self-linkers linking
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the eleventh day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
eleven Projects projecting
ten MeTa callouts
nine best answers
eight sites in total
seven self-linkers linking
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans
On the twelfth day of Christmas Metafilter sent to me
Twelve cortex clones drumming
eleven Projects projecting
ten MeTa callouts
nine best answers
eight sites in total
seven self-linkers linking
six sockpuppets
five gold stars
four moderators
three favorites
two mix tapes
and a plate of beans.

...

All of which was nice but a bit of overkill, if you ask me.

*Oh, and yet another frickin' plate of beans.
posted by Effigy2000 at 4:59 PM on December 24, 2009 [6 favorites]

Oral sex.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 5:16 PM on December 24, 2009

Note: I was joking, but I don't think jonmc was.
posted by mr_crash_davis mark II: Jazz Odyssey at 5:17 PM on December 24, 2009

crash, you are among those who furnished me with booze, and in return I introduced you to Katz's deli meats.
posted by jonmc at 5:20 PM on December 24, 2009

I'm so glad you asked! lholladay and his girlfriend broke into an abandoned school for me.
posted by ottereroticist at 5:24 PM on December 24, 2009

Oh, and:

Metafilter: quonsar taught me how to do the ♥ thing
posted by ottereroticist at 5:24 PM on December 24, 2009 [3 favorites]

I'd like to thank the mefites who didnt sleep with me when i was going through an incredibly desperate stage.
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:24 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

essexjan wrote me a very nice email once.
posted by matthewr at 5:32 PM on December 24, 2009

one of them printed ten coupons and got ten boxes of minute maid practically free ... (lol) . Why can't us men think of these things ?
posted by UbuRoivas at 5:46 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

I have never met another mefite in person (that I know of, and despite wearing my Everyone needs a hug t-shirt gratuitously). But every time I come here I get the reasurance that there are other thoughtful, geeky, inspiring people in the world. And that gives me tremendous comfort. Even if I never meet them.

Thanks, Metafilter.
posted by jeoc at 5:48 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Well, I got my wife to join Metafilter, but I can't tell you the nicest thing she did for me.
posted by msalt at 5:56 PM on December 24, 2009

Peter McDermott: Loose shoes, tight pussy and a warm place to shit.

All from the same Mefite? (Butz lol)
posted by msalt at 6:02 PM on December 24, 2009

ha, I knew what Peter McDermott said had to be a quote.
posted by pinky at 6:18 PM on December 24, 2009

LOL BUTZ
posted by jonmc at 6:20 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Reading this thread is giving me an amazing warm and fuzzy feeling. Happy seasonal greeting to all. It is a joy to visit this place.
posted by bearwife at 6:25 PM on December 24, 2009

Quietgal showed me some of SF and went to the Exploratorium with me when I was in town for a conference (and meetup).
posted by parudox at 6:37 PM on December 24, 2009

and in return I introduced you to Katz's deli meats

I have decided to believe this is a euphemism for something especially perverse, which in no way involves enormous and delicious pastrami sammiches.
posted by elizardbits at 6:40 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Thank you for everything, you know who.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:45 PM on December 24, 2009

A fellow member did me a HUGE favor once IRL and it wasn't until months later we connected on the MeFi member thing.
posted by JohnnyGunn at 6:46 PM on December 24, 2009

I got some really wonderful encouragement and a fantastic reading list from a fellow metafi when it became apparent I was switching to history from philosophy. One of the books on that list is now one of my favorite books ever.

And, all of you, over the years I lurked before buying an account. Really. Just being here.
posted by strixus at 6:47 PM on December 24, 2009

I got favourited on a comment and it was more fulfilling than it should have been. I love you guys.
posted by bayliss at 6:54 PM on December 24, 2009 [4 favorites]

-listened to my songs and distributed one of them via MeFiComp
-sent me holiday cards, kind letters, postcards
-took me up on my Something Store offer ($9)
-gave me and colleagues a museum tour
-introduced me to sweet corn tamales at a DC Ecuadorean restaurant
-sent me PDFs and presentations of really useful professional material
-helped me by translating Studs Terkel recordings between formats for a gift presentation
-became my friend
-in one notable case, became my sweetheart
-in general, put up with my foibles
...and really too many other wonderful real-life contributions to count up. I'm sure I'm forgetting some biggies.
posted by Miko at 7:04 PM on December 24, 2009

Tim Tams.
posted by rhapsodie at 7:05 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

That's awesome, Item.
posted by FishBike at 7:18 PM on December 24, 2009

Someone contact NASA, this thread should go out with extrasolar probes so the rest of the galaxy knows we're not all zoopants.
posted by vrakatar at 7:30 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Hadjiboy met me in Hyderabad, gave me a tour of the city, and bought me one of the best books I'd ever read. I posted about here in MetaTalk.

More generally, I have received many pieces of excellent life-changing advice that have led me to the place I am now in the world, which I'm actually feeling pretty good about, so muchas gracias all my internet amigos.
posted by Slarty Bartfast at 7:31 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

I haven't met a mefite I didn't immediately like, which makes me look forward to meeting more. Thank you all for asking questions that I didn't know I needed the answers for (yet) and turning me on to so many interesting things. The day I signed up and stopped just lurking I was going through some really difficult times and you have been the big, wise, cool friend that had what I needed to get through that year.

I love you all (schmoopppiieee!)
posted by readery at 7:48 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

Hadjiboy met me in Hyderabad, gave me a tour of the city, and bought me one of the best books I'd ever read.

...which a number of us had recommended in this thread!
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:03 PM on December 24, 2009

(oh, yeah, you linked to that. heh)
posted by UbuRoivas at 8:04 PM on December 24, 2009

A mollusc keeps sending me awesome postcards that I, in my procrastinatory douchitude, never respond to.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 8:23 PM on December 24, 2009 [2 favorites]

Somebody (username?) told me where the bus station is in Northampton. So I could get in and out of a meet-up and get back home.

Then I watched two people eat an Amazing Cheesus burger in Portland. That was pretty rad, because Cortex was in between the two of them. It was like a dueling amazing cheesus shatner meetup sandwich.

Not that it was done for me, per se, but it was still a gift, nonetheless.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 8:32 PM on December 24, 2009

Two wonderful mefites introduced me to In and Out Burger.
posted by gaspode at 8:37 PM on December 24, 2009

Introduced me to new music. Introduced me to new ideas. Gotten drunk with me. I dunno - more good things than you can shake a plate of beans at.
posted by rtha at 8:56 PM on December 24, 2009

OH NO DONT SHAKE THE BEANS!!!
posted by iamkimiam at 9:03 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

jamaro remembered a question I asked about eminent domain and sent me some updates on my specific situation. Later on I got to meet her IRL and she bought me lunch because she is a really nice person.
posted by dogmom at 9:08 PM on December 24, 2009

Helped me get through what I hope were the roughest few years of my life without doing anything truly stupid.

Not to mention introducing me to this site.
posted by Kimothy at 9:28 PM on December 24, 2009

I've never met another mefite in my life, but I've thank you all for making me smile as I've read this whole thread.
posted by Midnight Rambler at 10:09 PM on December 24, 2009

fatlama and verstegan both went deep into the bowels of their respective library systems to fetch me songs about pigs from antiquity.

Thanks to them, and all of the other Mefites that collectively keep this place such a wonder to behold.
posted by benzenedream at 10:51 PM on December 24, 2009

I've been reading the site since my freshman year of high school. I'm in college now, and you've been kind of a third parent to me— you've helped me get through depression, college, social anxiety, my first relationship, and my first breakup. Don't ever stop.
posted by anonymuk at 10:54 PM on December 24, 2009 [4 favorites]

I've hated paypal for a long long time. In 2004 when registrations opened again, I sent librarina a check for $5 & she opened my account for me so I didn't have to use paypal. Prior to that I was a long time lurker.
posted by susanbeeswax at 11:31 PM on December 24, 2009

Gave me the favoritesssssesssss
posted by tehloki at 11:36 PM on December 24, 2009 [1 favorite]

hey cortex can i give out unlimited favorites for christmas
posted by tehloki at 11:36 PM on December 24, 2009 [9 favorites]

Cortex interviewed me for the Music podcast with way more enthusiasm than I deserved, and the whole thing made me feel über special.

On that note, everyone in the Music community.
posted by Corduroy at 11:49 PM on December 24, 2009

Introduced me to this awesome website called 'MetaFilter'.

Ooh me too!
posted by radioamy at 12:40 AM on December 25, 2009

coldchef introduced me to his awesome daughters, and continually catapults me out of bad moods with pics and videos of them.
posted by radioamy at 12:48 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

I got a bunch of extra-credit mixtapes in response to my first AskMe, which nearly made my heart explode. The whole thread led to a big change in my enjoyment of music.

In general, MetaFilter has made me smarter, and also provided many great examples of how it's ok to be a bit overthinky, very curious, and wide-ranging in interests. I need to meet more Mefites so I can at least start paying back in hugs.
posted by carbide at 1:41 AM on December 25, 2009 [2 favorites]

MrVisible was instrumental via memail encouragement in getting me to start on the hack diet. I've lot almost 65 pounds so far--so many thanks, dude.
posted by maxwelton at 2:37 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Perfect place for this I suppose. And seasonal too. My day was much improved by PinkStainlessTail's Jingle Rock Bell. Here is the backstory.
posted by vapidave at 4:18 AM on December 25, 2009

Kattullus basically reminds me that I'm not crazy every day.
posted by lunit at 5:56 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Nickyskye called me several times when I was going thru a particular online rough patch, and ColdChef sent me a hysterically funny mixtape CD of Christmas songs a couple of years ago....and all of you have kept me entertained for years.
posted by St. Alia of the Bunnies at 6:27 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Afroblanco didn't get mad when I puked on his roof.
posted by shmegegge at 6:33 AM on December 25, 2009

shmegegge, I pissed on his roof once. That must be one filthy roof.
posted by jonmc at 6:35 AM on December 25, 2009

Afroblanco didn't get mad when I puked on his roof.

I thought you puked off his roof.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:10 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

i'm hoping 'roof' isn't slang for 'mom'.
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:13 AM on December 25, 2009 [3 favorites]

(as in, Fiddler on the Roof, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, etc)
posted by UbuRoivas at 7:15 AM on December 25, 2009

I love you all, you fucking maniacs.
posted by Divine_Wino at 7:33 AM on December 25, 2009 [2 favorites]

Last year, several generous Mefites donated loads of books and school supplies to students in my classroom. Made me cry.

My Mefite roommate gave me a fob for the front door of our building for Christmas this morning. It was most likely acquired through illicit means.

During an NYC meetup, I snagged a jar of gourmet mustard from a wedding party being held at the same bar and stuffed it in kkokkodalk's purse. I'm that generous.

Hermitosis gave me tips on meditation, which I now practice everyday during my lunch break.
posted by HotPatatta at 9:04 AM on December 25, 2009

Out of nowhere several Mefites sent me private messages of good wishes based on an offhand remark I wrote about my chemotherapy treatment (this was way before the "I lied about having cancer" thread). These messages moved me more than I could possibly express here. Thank you again.
posted by meerkatty at 9:07 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Last night a mefite saved my life *discos*

Seriously, it's a community I'm happy & proud to be a part of.
posted by boo_radley at 9:07 AM on December 25, 2009

One mefite shared a womb with me once, and I had never even met the guy before. Crazy. We've been budz ever since.
posted by The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew at 9:51 AM on December 25, 2009

A whole buncha MeFites showed up at the 10th anniversary party that coldchef and I threw, and we had lotsa fun!
posted by radioamy at 11:38 AM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Honestly, the list is endless. Mefites have presented me with so many opportunities, both personal and professional, that I can't separate my MetaFilter experience from my New York City experience -- though I have had many wonderful meetup experiences in other cities as well.

There are many people here who I consider my friends, even though we see each other seldom, if ever. And some of these friends are as vital to the fabric of my offline identity (to the extent that such a thing exists anymore) as people I have known since high school. I feel entitled to actual friendships with people who live in far-flung cities, people I actually have no business knowing at all when you really think about it.

I always repeat the aphorism, "there are as many ways to live as there are people in the world," and if everyone has something different to contribute, then there are also as many ways to know and need someone as there are people in the world. Having MetaFilter ensures that I am more likely to have access to the right person at the right time -- even if I have to elbow the wrong people out of the way sometimes in order to make the connection. So, sorry about the bruises if that has happened to be you. Perhaps we too will have our day.
posted by hermitosis at 12:52 PM on December 25, 2009

AskMeTa taught me the mantra 'i cannot change others, only my reactions to them', which has enormously improved how I cope with things.
posted by ellieBOA at 1:07 PM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Well, let's see.

I married elizard, so that's pretty fucking awesome right there.

And BoringPostcards came to my wedding! Plus he and his husband have become two of my bestest friends evar.

I have intermittent telephonic contact with jonmc and Pips, and with pjern, who's a prince of a fella.

We got Xmas cards from a whole bevy of folks, including a great hand-drawn one from The Whelk. It involved booze! Yay, booze.

Locally, I've been out eating and drinking and cheering on our local minor-league baseball team with cinemafiend and wearyaswater. Also, wearyaswater is going to help me cobble together my home network in exchange for beer, though she may not know that yet....

Like someone said before, MeFi has made the world smaller and friendlier. I feel confident that wherever I go, there'll be a MeFite there to greet me with a frosty beverage or a cup of coffee or local knowledge. That's really kind of unbelievably cool, if you stop to think about it.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 1:35 PM on December 25, 2009 [4 favorites]

besides all of the awesome advice and support and information i've gotten from the site:

- i was so happy to meet the Toronto MeFites at the 10th anniversary party, and i had a great time

- the dief and his wife came by my workplace to say hey and brighten up a very long, hectic day/weekend

- kuujjuarapik and Cheeto had me over for an afternoon visit when i was passing through their city, and i got to meet their awesome dogs

- my brother has done countless awesome things for me (the most recent of which include gifting me a planner i was drooling over but decided was too expensive, offering to set up my new laptop since i haven't a clue what i'm doing, and making the holiday season much easier to handle)

man, what a bunch! i love this place.

and since we're doing schmoopy - mods: thanks for everything you do. <3>
posted by gursky at 2:01 PM on December 25, 2009

oh, and i should add that heatherann gave me an idea for a gift, which my brother and i gave to our parents today. it was a huge hit.
posted by gursky at 2:07 PM on December 25, 2009

Invited me to Thanksgiving dinner (I couldn't go, but the invite really cheered me up).
Invited me to crash at their place on my roadtrip next month!!
Told me some important things via memail.
Drank a lot of beer with me and did a lot of good talking.
posted by little e at 8:28 PM on December 25, 2009

ColdChef was very kind and helpful when my Mom died. Matt bought me, and everybody else, a beer on the 10th anniversary.

I've gotten advice, information and encouragement, so another thanks to Matt for getting this great idea.
posted by theora55 at 8:59 PM on December 25, 2009

We couldn't get to Washington, D.C., in time to pick up our tickets to the Obama inauguration the day before the ceremony, and that was the only time they could be picked up, and they could not be mailed to us ahead of time. Our plane tickets were bought and hotel reservations secured months in advance (before the election, by my optimistic husband, as an anniversary gift for me!) but the ceremony ticket problem threatened to bring down the whole plan. Arnicae--whom I had never met--volunteered to pick them up for us, a truly epic task in the crush of humanity descending on DC. Despite the laying of extensive groundwork in order to ensure that everything would go smoothly, her boyfriend ended up getting the Capitol Police called on him when my congressman's office, absurdly, became convinced he was scamming. It all ended well, though--we got the tickets, and the tickets actually got us in (which, recall, not everyone's did), and my tiny little 5'0" self had the extraordinary luck to be in the very front of our section and thus able to see the whole event, rather than the back of some huge person's fur coat, and it was awesome, and it was all because of MetaFilter. Top that! (Thanks again, arnicae & BF!!!)
posted by HotToddy at 10:15 PM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

Three cheers for the schmoopy! We loves the schmoopy!

I've received generous support, words of encouragement, and very sweet compliments via MeFi-mail. All of it means a great deal to me, and it was especially appreciated when my spirits were flagging (as they often do) in the contentious feminism threads.

MeFites have given me rides to and from meetups, patiently and thoughtfully reassured me that I'm not as socially awkward as I usually feel, passed along music and dance event announcements they thought I'd appreciate, and even hooked me up with a writing gig.

MeFites are awesome.
posted by velvet winter at 10:20 PM on December 25, 2009 [1 favorite]

cortex: "I thought you puked off his roof."

you know, my recollection of that portion of the evening is hazy, believe it or not.
posted by shmegegge at 7:11 AM on December 26, 2009 [1 favorite]

This thread is making me all schmoopy. Stop it at once, do you hear?

Don't stop.
posted by languagehat at 8:52 AM on December 26, 2009

I don't know exactly if it counts as schmoopy, but web-goddess introduced me to a local not-for-profit fresh food cooperative, which stocks only in-season food grown sustainably within a 100-mile radius of Sydney. A kind of member owned & run farmers' market, if you like.
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:04 AM on December 26, 2009

Don't stop.


HOLD ON TO THAAAAAAT FEEEEEEEEEEEEELIN'
posted by The Whelk at 9:22 AM on December 26, 2009

DON'T STOP BELIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVIN
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 9:25 AM on December 26, 2009

keep up with the schmoop, don't stop
don't stop 'til you schmoop enough.
posted by UbuRoivas at 9:35 AM on December 26, 2009

Mefi has helped me pick out awesome gifts for loved ones.
posted by radioamy at 9:58 AM on December 26, 2009

get on the schmoop John B....
posted by The Whelk at 11:27 AM on December 26, 2009 [2 favorites]

Hang on Shmoopy...
posted by serazin at 6:19 PM on December 26, 2009 [1 favorite]

When I got kicked out of school several of you sent thoughtful personal messages of encouragement - and a couple people gave me very specific coaching on how to deal with the mess I was in. It made a big difference.
posted by serazin at 6:20 PM on December 26, 2009 [1 favorite]

*wanders into thread, lights single LED candle, begins snoopy-schmoopy dance*
posted by The Whelk at 9:06 AM on December 27, 2009

Let my 11 yo son read the phrase: "bottomless pit of LEGO WANT" written by someone other than his parent!
posted by kch at 3:15 PM on December 27, 2009 [1 favorite]

Cold Chef and radioamy were part of the best damn birthday I had this decade, by meeting me at one of the Mardi Gras parades. And radioamy wins the "Most Prepared Hostess Ever" award by saying "hey, I just remembered, I have some stuff leftover from a party we had in our house last night..." at some point and going in and getting it for us all -- and one of the things she had leftover from the party was even a BIRTHDAY CAKE.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 5:52 PM on December 27, 2009

Given the 1-365 chances of today being a Birthday, I think we should all keep Emergency Cake on hand.
posted by The Whelk at 6:19 PM on December 27, 2009 [1 favorite]

I've gotten tremendous help from ColdChef - what I needed when I needed it.
Exchanged homebrew supplies (and Tim Tam!) with ninazer0 at the drop of a hat and halfway across the world.
posted by plinth at 6:46 PM on December 27, 2009

Got me the key to quitting smoking after 20 years of a pack-a-day habit. Four months quit and counting!
posted by ErikaB at 8:15 PM on December 27, 2009

I want to buy it by the pallet. Happy almost-one-year anniversary! High five!
posted by ErikaB at 8:46 PM on December 27, 2009

One of the coolest and most interesting MeFites waved to me out of a happy crowd when I was all alone in his home city, and brought me into a circle of fascinating people to watch a great movie on the nation's front lawn. (Hi, MrMoonPie and lovely wife and cool friends! Thanks!)
posted by MrVisible at 8:49 PM on December 27, 2009

Yeay I got a schmoopy! EmpressCallypigos, it was great spending your birthday with you!
posted by radioamy at 10:35 PM on December 27, 2009

Through various AskMe answers, convinced me I was not alone, not crazy, and not in a terrible part of town. Offered to meet up with me when they had never met a stranger from the internet before.

In person, given me rides to and from meetups. Made me a tie scarf. Gave hundreds of hours of career and personal advice. Asked me out. Asked me to move in.

I cannot even imagine how different my life would be without this website.
posted by piratebowling at 6:16 AM on December 28, 2009

Did all the legwork to set up a meetup for my wife and I to meet other MeFites in her little burg. This was very sweet.
posted by Danf at 2:59 PM on December 28, 2009

Lots and lots of great answers to AskMefi questions.

Tons of mail!! Unfortunately I never got around to actually replying any of them, but thank you, they made my (otherwise crap) year.

Mothershock sent me a copy of her book after my AskMefi question on a girls/gender-neutral activity book.

jacalata offered a room for rent in her place - I didn't take it up but thanks!

And some great PMs too, you all have interesting lives.
posted by divabat at 2:17 AM on December 29, 2009

Restores my faith in humanity
posted by filmgeek at 5:42 PM on December 29, 2009

One of you astounded me by anonymously sending me a lightbox after I AskMe'd about light therapy for SAD. You people have gotten me well-fed even in lame downtown convention center districts, and then outdid yourselves by throwing me a Meetup. (Hello, Houston!) Much Meetuppery goodness all around, Philadelphia, and thanks for the snuggling.

Mefites have upgraded my computer, brought me beer and cheese and delectable snacks and rye whiskey and new friends and a shoulder to cry on and therapy let me scratch my advice-giving itch sooo goood and given me a more than the standard allotted amount of squee.
posted by desuetude at 7:44 AM on December 30, 2009

Oh yeah! Christmas dinner was centered around a delicious prime rib, cooked with the recipe in that recent FPP, and it was amazing.
posted by msalt at 10:11 AM on December 30, 2009

You guys really don't want to know what else has been done on that roof...

Dude, it's an old building on the Lower East Side. Children have probably been both concieved and delivered there. Plus people have died there. Possibly all the same person.
posted by jonmc at 4:40 PM on December 30, 2009 [1 favorite]

MetaFilter bought me dinner tonight.
posted by ColdChef at 11:37 PM on December 30, 2009

punched me in the dick.
posted by slappy_pinchbottom at 7:35 AM on January 3, 2010

I thanked loosemouth for recommending a great-looking book and when he was done he sent it to me for free! Awesomely nice thing to do.
posted by mediareport at 7:57 AM on January 3, 2010