Where did all the Mefians go? March 1, 2005 12:45 AM Subscribe
Census Time! Which valued (or participative/non-lurking) members have disappeared lately?
Why?
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:54 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:54 AM on March 1, 2005
Definitely Dobbs...although, he did make that AskMe post a while ago, so perhaps all is not lost.
posted by amandaudoff at 1:13 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by amandaudoff at 1:13 AM on March 1, 2005
Whatever happened to Ignatius J. Reilly?
Whatever happened to Randolph Scott?
posted by quonsar II electric boogaloo at 1:21 AM on March 1, 2005
Whatever happened to Randolph Scott?
posted by quonsar II electric boogaloo at 1:21 AM on March 1, 2005
That's really too bad about konolia. She was always an honest and interesting poster.
I only wish that she'd created a "i'm leaving" thread. Those are all the rage.
posted by graventy at 1:30 AM on March 1, 2005
I only wish that she'd created a "i'm leaving" thread. Those are all the rage.
posted by graventy at 1:30 AM on March 1, 2005
troutfishing isn't dead yet, thankfully. Although he's been a bit quiet since that nasty episode in November.
posted by NinjaPirate at 1:34 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by NinjaPirate at 1:34 AM on March 1, 2005
I've noticed that, too, NinjaPirate. I miss him. I get the sense that he hibernates through the less sunny months.
And of course fffish and I both miss the dark one.
posted by squirrel at 1:41 AM on March 1, 2005
And of course fffish and I both miss the dark one.
posted by squirrel at 1:41 AM on March 1, 2005
I wish dobbs and trout and clavdivs and -- gasp -- miguel were back. and I wish Faze commented more.
I was very happy to see holgate post a link a few months ago.
posted by matteo at 5:04 AM on March 1, 2005
I was very happy to see holgate post a link a few months ago.
posted by matteo at 5:04 AM on March 1, 2005
It's entirely possible that some of these posters might just be taking a break and will be returning one of these days.
I can think of one, but since I can easily imagine the person lurking about waiting for the absence to be noticed and discussed, I'm not going to name names:-)
posted by orange swan at 5:05 AM on March 1, 2005
I can think of one, but since I can easily imagine the person lurking about waiting for the absence to be noticed and discussed, I'm not going to name names:-)
posted by orange swan at 5:05 AM on March 1, 2005
I hate to sound like the Minister for Disappearances, but cardoso lives.
rushmc, on the other hand, seems to have picked up his bundle and shuffled into the sunset, nonplussed at the reaction to his redesign efforts.
posted by NinjaPirate at 5:08 AM on March 1, 2005
rushmc, on the other hand, seems to have picked up his bundle and shuffled into the sunset, nonplussed at the reaction to his redesign efforts.
posted by NinjaPirate at 5:08 AM on March 1, 2005
quonsar's been surprisingly quiet these days. Either that or I just haven't been hanging around in the right threads.
(I like quonsar. Just when you think he's totally off his rocker and just doing it to antagonize people, BAM! Insightful sarcastic comment that cuts to the core of the issue.)
posted by caution live frogs at 5:29 AM on March 1, 2005
(I like quonsar. Just when you think he's totally off his rocker and just doing it to antagonize people, BAM! Insightful sarcastic comment that cuts to the core of the issue.)
posted by caution live frogs at 5:29 AM on March 1, 2005
Its bad enough when these guys split. Why glorify it even more?
posted by crunchland at 5:29 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by crunchland at 5:29 AM on March 1, 2005
Don't worry I'm still here.
posted by darkmatter at 6:09 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by darkmatter at 6:09 AM on March 1, 2005
I tried and I tried, but just when I think I'm out, you guys pull me back in. I think it was thirteen's genius thread that made me want to come back for more.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 6:30 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by monju_bosatsu at 6:30 AM on March 1, 2005
just when I think I'm out, you guys pull me back in.
Hooray! See, crack's not so bad.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:59 AM on March 1, 2005
Hooray! See, crack's not so bad.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 6:59 AM on March 1, 2005
That's really too bad about konolia. ... I only wish that she'd created a "i'm leaving" thread. Those are all the rage.
FFF posted a link to konolia's blog. If anyone had read it they would see that it appears her missing from the site has more to do with her marriage having issues.
Konolia and I would probably never agree on anything, but I wish her the best as she tries to work through what is probably a very difficult time right now.
I still don't think this is a very good thread.
posted by terrapin at 7:00 AM on March 1, 2005
FFF posted a link to konolia's blog. If anyone had read it they would see that it appears her missing from the site has more to do with her marriage having issues.
Konolia and I would probably never agree on anything, but I wish her the best as she tries to work through what is probably a very difficult time right now.
I still don't think this is a very good thread.
posted by terrapin at 7:00 AM on March 1, 2005
I really miss dobb's input. He was our resident film/music guy, whom no one has stepped in to replace.
Miguel and Troutfishing former presence are missed.
posted by Quartermass at 7:17 AM on March 1, 2005
Miguel and Troutfishing former presence are missed.
posted by Quartermass at 7:17 AM on March 1, 2005
I miss five fresh fish. It's been hours and I'm getting worried.
posted by found missing at 7:18 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by found missing at 7:18 AM on March 1, 2005
I have no idea where I am.
posted by orange swan at 7:42 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by orange swan at 7:42 AM on March 1, 2005
What about Sidhedevil? I don't remember seeing a post of hers since the AlexReynolds thread.
posted by Penks at 7:46 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by Penks at 7:46 AM on March 1, 2005
Son_Of_Minya. Harry Hopkin's Hat. Neu.
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 7:48 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 7:48 AM on March 1, 2005
*sniff* nobody missed me? I was gone for weeks and nobody even noticed? So much for my legions of adoring fans.
I'm a sad, sad panda.
;)
posted by dejah420 at 8:08 AM on March 1, 2005
I'm a sad, sad panda.
;)
posted by dejah420 at 8:08 AM on March 1, 2005
I ask, because I hope Matt reads this thread and recognizes that he's losing valued established members.
What he does with that knowledge, I don't much care. I'd prefer a return to the environment that had those folks happy and active in the community. If Matt's happy with the changes in community, so be it. Things change.
Personally, I really miss most of those people. To make a crude analogy, it's as if the cast of "Cheers" had all up and quit one day, and been replaced with a bunch of aspiring actors. Same place, wholly different feel.
("Cheers" was a television sitcom centred on a pub and it's half-dozen or so regular alcoholics, who exchanged supposedly witty banter and got themselves into awkward social situations and schemes. I'm not sure it was a very good sitcom, though it did run for eons.)
posted by five fresh fish at 8:50 AM on March 1, 2005
What he does with that knowledge, I don't much care. I'd prefer a return to the environment that had those folks happy and active in the community. If Matt's happy with the changes in community, so be it. Things change.
Personally, I really miss most of those people. To make a crude analogy, it's as if the cast of "Cheers" had all up and quit one day, and been replaced with a bunch of aspiring actors. Same place, wholly different feel.
("Cheers" was a television sitcom centred on a pub and it's half-dozen or so regular alcoholics, who exchanged supposedly witty banter and got themselves into awkward social situations and schemes. I'm not sure it was a very good sitcom, though it did run for eons.)
posted by five fresh fish at 8:50 AM on March 1, 2005
jkottke
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 8:51 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by stupidsexyFlanders at 8:51 AM on March 1, 2005
fff - you mean like Battlestar Galactica?
posted by NinjaPirate at 8:57 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by NinjaPirate at 8:57 AM on March 1, 2005
I miss ColdChef. (Has chicobangs really gone, honest? That would suck. I was heartened when I saw dobbs in AskMe, but haven't seen him since.)
posted by onlyconnect at 9:01 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by onlyconnect at 9:01 AM on March 1, 2005
megnut came back for one post, but I think she's probably gone for good now.
Didn't we already have pretty much the exact same discussion on February 19th. I think Matt is pretty well aware that more people have left the site recently. What in the last 12 days about how Metafilter has been run has prompted you to make this thread, besides reading about Konolia's unfortunate situation?
Although, when you think about it. We have 3000 active members (commenters and lurkers) out of 22000. That makes 19000 that do nothing. Spread out over 5 1/2 years, that ends up being 10 people/day that leave the site.
I think the analogy you're looking for is Newsradio after Phil Hartman died or the different cast changes that ER has gone through.
posted by Arch Stanton at 9:01 AM on March 1, 2005
Didn't we already have pretty much the exact same discussion on February 19th. I think Matt is pretty well aware that more people have left the site recently. What in the last 12 days about how Metafilter has been run has prompted you to make this thread, besides reading about Konolia's unfortunate situation?
Although, when you think about it. We have 3000 active members (commenters and lurkers) out of 22000. That makes 19000 that do nothing. Spread out over 5 1/2 years, that ends up being 10 people/day that leave the site.
I think the analogy you're looking for is Newsradio after Phil Hartman died or the different cast changes that ER has gone through.
posted by Arch Stanton at 9:01 AM on March 1, 2005
I ask, because I hope Matt reads this thread and recognizes that he's losing valued established members.
Oh man.
posted by thirteen at 9:20 AM on March 1, 2005
Never watched Newsradio/ER. Could be a better analogy.
It strikes me that a lot of the Vancouver BC contingent have markedly reduced their participation. Timeistight, filmgoerjuan, etc.
I don't recall a Feb 19th discussion along this lines, but I could have easily missed it.
It wasn't the last couple weeks of site management that had me concerned this time, but the sheer viciousness in the u.n. owen thread. If that's the kind of community MeFi has become, I want no part of it. I am simply astonished that a call for charity would result in such shocking personal abuse.
In my eyes, it's completely different than the usual abuse that happens when, say, someone posts a pumpkin pie recipe to MeFi.
In email with Konolia, she said MeFi doesn't feel like "home" any more. I agree. Part of it is the loss of the folks mentioned in this thread; part of it is a change in attitude.
Maybe I'll blame Bush Jr. The election really fucked this place over bigtime.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:21 AM on March 1, 2005
It strikes me that a lot of the Vancouver BC contingent have markedly reduced their participation. Timeistight, filmgoerjuan, etc.
I don't recall a Feb 19th discussion along this lines, but I could have easily missed it.
It wasn't the last couple weeks of site management that had me concerned this time, but the sheer viciousness in the u.n. owen thread. If that's the kind of community MeFi has become, I want no part of it. I am simply astonished that a call for charity would result in such shocking personal abuse.
In my eyes, it's completely different than the usual abuse that happens when, say, someone posts a pumpkin pie recipe to MeFi.
In email with Konolia, she said MeFi doesn't feel like "home" any more. I agree. Part of it is the loss of the folks mentioned in this thread; part of it is a change in attitude.
Maybe I'll blame Bush Jr. The election really fucked this place over bigtime.
posted by five fresh fish at 9:21 AM on March 1, 2005
Well. I don't want to go EB on it, but most of the people that had the most vocal reaction to UN Owen were the #mefi members. That same group are the most vocal ones against the changes that Matt has made, from new user signups to the post-AlexReynolds crackdown. So, you're lamenting the people that have quit Mefi because of the current general viciousness of the site as opposed to the loss of MeTa as a community and the deletion of comments.
In the UN Owen thread, it was an old user asking for money and the series of old users going after her. Perhaps the older users have changed as well.
posted by Arch Stanton at 9:28 AM on March 1, 2005
In the UN Owen thread, it was an old user asking for money and the series of old users going after her. Perhaps the older users have changed as well.
posted by Arch Stanton at 9:28 AM on March 1, 2005
Look, some people leave because they grow up and decide that the people they are here, and the people they interact with here, aren't who they want them to be. So they leave. Or they just grow out of the place. Or they find something else they prefer. Or there computer fries. Or they get a girlfriend. Or they get a life. Or a million other reasons.
To start an idiotic thread like this to show Matt anything puts too much blame on him and is a waste of our time. If they're gone, fine. Wish them well. Deal with the people who are left.
posted by crunchland at 9:29 AM on March 1, 2005
To start an idiotic thread like this to show Matt anything puts too much blame on him and is a waste of our time. If they're gone, fine. Wish them well. Deal with the people who are left.
posted by crunchland at 9:29 AM on March 1, 2005
None of these old members are really "gone", in the sense that they've left the site for good. The contributions they've made to the site are still there, as are the ways in which their participation shaped the nature of the community. Also, I've got many of them locked in an old bomb shelter on my property. I make them talk to each other, and answer my questions, and I bring them steak and water in the morning. Is there anything you'd like me to ask them?
Would you like to come visit them sometime?
posted by Hildago at 9:34 AM on March 1, 2005
Would you like to come visit them sometime?
posted by Hildago at 9:34 AM on March 1, 2005
I ask, because I hope Matt reads this thread and recognizes that he's losing valued established members.
That's hilarious. Matt's been losing valued established members since sometime before June 2000. I miss zeldman, and halcyon and rcb and camworld and countless others that shaped the site and left before I got here and left while I was a regular or left during one of my hiatuses or periods of lurking.
MetaFilter changes, slowly and surely, steadily and intracktibly. It's a grand social experiment, people come and go and come back and leave in a huff and lurk and forget about it entirely and wonder how they ever managed to dedicate so many freaking hours of their lives to a community that ultimately forgets about them and their contribution.
Matt's proactive changes now might be causing some members to leave. Matt's lack of changes before might have caused some members to leave. Some people are going to like MetaFilter forever, some for a few weeks or a few months.
Assuming the site suffers for lack of one or a dozen or a hundred particular members it also heals itself and grows and changes with the one or a dozen or a hundred new members that come in to replace them.
It's fine to miss people, I miss lots of people too, and raising tribute to MetaFilter's past is great, I heartily encourage it. But is the site fundamentally damaged for their lack? Hell no, what Matt's built is far stronger than any particular user.
posted by cCranium at 9:40 AM on March 1, 2005
That's hilarious. Matt's been losing valued established members since sometime before June 2000. I miss zeldman, and halcyon and rcb and camworld and countless others that shaped the site and left before I got here and left while I was a regular or left during one of my hiatuses or periods of lurking.
MetaFilter changes, slowly and surely, steadily and intracktibly. It's a grand social experiment, people come and go and come back and leave in a huff and lurk and forget about it entirely and wonder how they ever managed to dedicate so many freaking hours of their lives to a community that ultimately forgets about them and their contribution.
Matt's proactive changes now might be causing some members to leave. Matt's lack of changes before might have caused some members to leave. Some people are going to like MetaFilter forever, some for a few weeks or a few months.
Assuming the site suffers for lack of one or a dozen or a hundred particular members it also heals itself and grows and changes with the one or a dozen or a hundred new members that come in to replace them.
It's fine to miss people, I miss lots of people too, and raising tribute to MetaFilter's past is great, I heartily encourage it. But is the site fundamentally damaged for their lack? Hell no, what Matt's built is far stronger than any particular user.
posted by cCranium at 9:40 AM on March 1, 2005
I miss u.n. owen and her crazy antics.
posted by found missing at 9:44 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by found missing at 9:44 AM on March 1, 2005
But on the bright side, you've still got me...
Seriously, though, sites change. I posted at BeliefNet for over 10,000 posts, but have curtailed there signifcantly simply for the reason someone else cited- with the turnover, it doesn't feel like home anymore. This place is what we make it. I've noticed that I've been enjoying the site more since I've cut back on the number of comments I make. I suppose if I left altogether this place would improve dramatically, but you guys aren't that lucky.
;- P
posted by Doohickie at 9:47 AM on March 1, 2005
Seriously, though, sites change. I posted at BeliefNet for over 10,000 posts, but have curtailed there signifcantly simply for the reason someone else cited- with the turnover, it doesn't feel like home anymore. This place is what we make it. I've noticed that I've been enjoying the site more since I've cut back on the number of comments I make. I suppose if I left altogether this place would improve dramatically, but you guys aren't that lucky.
;- P
posted by Doohickie at 9:47 AM on March 1, 2005
So, you're lamenting the people that have quit Mefi because of the current general viciousness of the site as opposed to the loss of MeTa as a community and the deletion of comments.
Well, yes and no (by which I mean no and yes, respectively). I mean, the deletion thing was extremely short on the MeFi timescale before Matt said he'd back off on it, and speaking as one of the people spearheading that issue - he's really been great about it so far. As far as I know crash is the only person of the many listed here who left over that issue.
That said, I don't think the site has been increasingly vicious so much as in the way that it chooses to be vicious in response to stupidity or oversensitivity has changed. This was bound to happen with the huge influx of new people to the site, and I don't really think it's necessarily a bad thing. It's just . . . different. I suspect that most of the people who left simply did so because they moved on to something different, or something changed in their life that they stopped posting as crunchland said. Perhaps in a few cases the influx of new users changed the site in a way that they didn't like. I just don't see that the site's been any more or less vicious than anytime in its history, at least in MeTa.
posted by Ryvar at 10:08 AM on March 1, 2005
Well, yes and no (by which I mean no and yes, respectively). I mean, the deletion thing was extremely short on the MeFi timescale before Matt said he'd back off on it, and speaking as one of the people spearheading that issue - he's really been great about it so far. As far as I know crash is the only person of the many listed here who left over that issue.
That said, I don't think the site has been increasingly vicious so much as in the way that it chooses to be vicious in response to stupidity or oversensitivity has changed. This was bound to happen with the huge influx of new people to the site, and I don't really think it's necessarily a bad thing. It's just . . . different. I suspect that most of the people who left simply did so because they moved on to something different, or something changed in their life that they stopped posting as crunchland said. Perhaps in a few cases the influx of new users changed the site in a way that they didn't like. I just don't see that the site's been any more or less vicious than anytime in its history, at least in MeTa.
posted by Ryvar at 10:08 AM on March 1, 2005
You know what they say; "happiness in not having what you want but wanting what you have"/Hallmark.
Every day I thank the Baby Jeebus that Stavros, Jonmc, Dong Resin and YHBC still come around here. Wouldn't be the same without them. I still miss Evanizer, Clavdivs and Miguel though.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:18 AM on March 1, 2005
Every day I thank the Baby Jeebus that Stavros, Jonmc, Dong Resin and YHBC still come around here. Wouldn't be the same without them. I still miss Evanizer, Clavdivs and Miguel though.
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:18 AM on March 1, 2005
what cCranium said.
And i wish there'd be more threads about all the wonderful new voices here--it's such a pleasure to go into a thread (any thread) and see new usernames with new viewpoints, instead of the same old (me too) people.
the nastyness is still a problem, and was evident when my cohorts got in...that's a constant, unfortunately, but hopefully the flagging is helping.
posted by amberglow at 10:19 AM on March 1, 2005
And i wish there'd be more threads about all the wonderful new voices here--it's such a pleasure to go into a thread (any thread) and see new usernames with new viewpoints, instead of the same old (me too) people.
the nastyness is still a problem, and was evident when my cohorts got in...that's a constant, unfortunately, but hopefully the flagging is helping.
posted by amberglow at 10:19 AM on March 1, 2005
what cCranium said.
And i wish there'd be more threads about all the wonderful new voices here--it's such a pleasure to go into a thread (any thread) and see new usernames with new viewpoints, instead of the same old people (including me).
the nastyness is still a problem, and was evident when me and my cohort got in...that's a constant, unfortunately, but hopefully the flagging is helping.
posted by amberglow at 10:20 AM on March 1, 2005
And i wish there'd be more threads about all the wonderful new voices here--it's such a pleasure to go into a thread (any thread) and see new usernames with new viewpoints, instead of the same old people (including me).
the nastyness is still a problem, and was evident when me and my cohort got in...that's a constant, unfortunately, but hopefully the flagging is helping.
posted by amberglow at 10:20 AM on March 1, 2005
i sure miss dios.
posted by quonsar II electric boogaloo at 10:30 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by quonsar II electric boogaloo at 10:30 AM on March 1, 2005
miss dios?
She was my 1st grade teacher.
sorry for the double
posted by amberglow at 10:35 AM on March 1, 2005
She was my 1st grade teacher.
sorry for the double
posted by amberglow at 10:35 AM on March 1, 2005
I miss Orange Clock. His insightful commentary on Matt was a gem to read.
posted by Arch Stanton at 10:37 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by Arch Stanton at 10:37 AM on March 1, 2005
I miss sidhedevil and t r a c y.
And fff, mathowie has mentioned that he's aware that oldbies are leaving.
posted by deborah at 10:59 AM on March 1, 2005
And fff, mathowie has mentioned that he's aware that oldbies are leaving.
posted by deborah at 10:59 AM on March 1, 2005
Has y6y6y6 been around lately?
posted by ZippityBuddha at 11:11 AM on March 1, 2005
posted by ZippityBuddha at 11:11 AM on March 1, 2005
doesn't feel like "home" any more.
I'm sorry if she's having personal problems, but is MeFi supposed to "feel like home"? I mean, shouldn't this be a place where you go to find interesting stuff, period? where's the "home" part? this is neither a social club nor a support group -- it's wrong to treat it as such
posted by matteo at 11:41 AM on March 1, 2005
I'm sorry if she's having personal problems, but is MeFi supposed to "feel like home"? I mean, shouldn't this be a place where you go to find interesting stuff, period? where's the "home" part? this is neither a social club nor a support group -- it's wrong to treat it as such
posted by matteo at 11:41 AM on March 1, 2005
In my eyes, it's completely different than the usual abuse that happens when, say, someone posts a pumpkin pie recipe to MeFi.
2 cups cooked pumpkin (fresh, not canned!)
1 can Eagle sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to taste
Mix, pour into pastry shell, bake for 50 minutes at 375 F
Top with cool whip and eat while still warm, as you mourn the loss of your favorite MeFite.
I know, I'm asking for it...
posted by caution live frogs at 11:52 AM on March 1, 2005
2 cups cooked pumpkin (fresh, not canned!)
1 can Eagle sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg to taste
Mix, pour into pastry shell, bake for 50 minutes at 375 F
Top with cool whip and eat while still warm, as you mourn the loss of your favorite MeFite.
I know, I'm asking for it...
posted by caution live frogs at 11:52 AM on March 1, 2005
Nah, I feel more like frog legs today. [Takes experimental nibble.]
What happened to that misogynist guy - was his name Space Cadet?
posted by orange swan at 11:58 AM on March 1, 2005
What happened to that misogynist guy - was his name Space Cadet?
posted by orange swan at 11:58 AM on March 1, 2005
People have been leaving metafilter since it began. Not that I was around for most of them, but every few months there is a thread in which everyone remenisces about users they miss. While I think it's okay to constructively criticize changes to the site, this particular stunt feels less productive and more about mourning some fictitious bygone golden era.
If we want metafilter to be good, we have to make it good. So let's all wipe away our tears and go find some good links.
posted by mai at 11:59 AM on March 1, 2005
If we want metafilter to be good, we have to make it good. So let's all wipe away our tears and go find some good links.
posted by mai at 11:59 AM on March 1, 2005
Seriously though, I'd imagine that in any community change happens. How long have the same people lived in your neighborhood? When the nice older lady next door moved out, my wife and I didn't start sitting around talking about how much better it was when Ruth was next door. We started watching for new neighbors instead. We might not have the same friendly relationship with them (Ruth enjoyed watching us walk our cats through her yard, the new neighbors may not want us to do so) but nobody's talking about how the neighborhood is falling apart at the seams. It's just changing. If you don't like it, well, make it better by participating the way the folks you are asking about did.
On preview: Hell yeah, mai.
posted by caution live frogs at 12:07 PM on March 1, 2005
On preview: Hell yeah, mai.
posted by caution live frogs at 12:07 PM on March 1, 2005
As someone who discovered the site in 2002, but only joined recently, there are a few things I've noticed. In the years when signups were closed, there was a core of active users and very few surprises. As someone who didn't even get to post or comment, I felt a sense of community, felt familliarity with the usernames and personalities that I would see over and over.
When the gates were opened, all of us came rushing in feeling like we knew the place and knew all these people. Of course, none of these people knew us. Now there's the old faces mixed in with the new. When a comment is posted, we still usually know how all of the old timers will respond, but there are so many new users who can have any kind of reaction.
There are many types of new users and the fire has been fueled on all sides by their influx. Everything is more tense here, everything is more dramatic. To me the most troubling thing about seeing the old timers go is that these people provide stability here. The people who have been through the storms can provide a great deal in the current one. We will come back to the sense of community again, we will help to shape the community in ways that are positive. Really, this is just another hurdle, as those above have said.
posted by spaghetti at 12:27 PM on March 1, 2005
When the gates were opened, all of us came rushing in feeling like we knew the place and knew all these people. Of course, none of these people knew us. Now there's the old faces mixed in with the new. When a comment is posted, we still usually know how all of the old timers will respond, but there are so many new users who can have any kind of reaction.
There are many types of new users and the fire has been fueled on all sides by their influx. Everything is more tense here, everything is more dramatic. To me the most troubling thing about seeing the old timers go is that these people provide stability here. The people who have been through the storms can provide a great deal in the current one. We will come back to the sense of community again, we will help to shape the community in ways that are positive. Really, this is just another hurdle, as those above have said.
posted by spaghetti at 12:27 PM on March 1, 2005
I miss Dame. I know that she's still around, but she doesn't post much anymore.
posted by Juicylicious at 12:32 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by Juicylicious at 12:32 PM on March 1, 2005
I miss: SonOfMinya, Mickey Suttle, Settle, Double Post Guy, RightWinger, neu.
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 2:18 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by weretable and the undead chairs at 2:18 PM on March 1, 2005
Really, this is just another hurdle, as those above have said.
Assuming that membership DOES settle down, you're right. I personally liked the trickle system at the time, and even when I advocated opening the doors fully, I was skeptical about the results. People open up and become interesting when they're comfortable, which is why MeFi, as a community, is a great place to be, or was up until recently.
I hope that some new faces do decide to make this place home for a while. But I also hope that the anonymous "noobs" don't dramatically change te landscape in the process. I would hate for this place to remain overly dramatic, overly belligerent, and overly anonymous. Hell, that's why I goto fark. For random links and complete anonymity.
Here I'd like to think that people respect each other's opinions and want to have serious discussions.
posted by BlueTrain at 2:31 PM on March 1, 2005
Assuming that membership DOES settle down, you're right. I personally liked the trickle system at the time, and even when I advocated opening the doors fully, I was skeptical about the results. People open up and become interesting when they're comfortable, which is why MeFi, as a community, is a great place to be, or was up until recently.
I hope that some new faces do decide to make this place home for a while. But I also hope that the anonymous "noobs" don't dramatically change te landscape in the process. I would hate for this place to remain overly dramatic, overly belligerent, and overly anonymous. Hell, that's why I goto fark. For random links and complete anonymity.
Here I'd like to think that people respect each other's opinions and want to have serious discussions.
posted by BlueTrain at 2:31 PM on March 1, 2005
Don't worry I'm still here.
posted by darkmatter at 6:09 AM PST on March 1 [!]
Who cares?
Oh wait that's me. Thank GOD I'm still around.
posted by darkmatter at 2:42 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by darkmatter at 6:09 AM PST on March 1 [!]
Who cares?
Oh wait that's me. Thank GOD I'm still around.
posted by darkmatter at 2:42 PM on March 1, 2005
I really miss itchy*crutches, the_chump_that_loved_me and Vestibule Cringe.
Ah vesty, why have you forsaken us?
posted by dodgygeezer at 3:05 PM on March 1, 2005
Ah vesty, why have you forsaken us?
posted by dodgygeezer at 3:05 PM on March 1, 2005
Although I'm loathe to admit it...what spaghetti said.
posted by rooftop secrets at 3:13 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by rooftop secrets at 3:13 PM on March 1, 2005
Probably in her giant bakery, cooking small children in a pie.
posted by jonmc at 3:32 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by jonmc at 3:32 PM on March 1, 2005
I miss crazy finger, he shaped Mefi into its current form and was, literally, one of the most important members I've ever seen. So influential was he that his presence still seems to echo through these halls...
Don't worry! I'm still here and I try to contribute as much as I can.
May I plug my website?
posted by crazy finger at 3:49 PM on March 1, 2005
Don't worry! I'm still here and I try to contribute as much as I can.
May I plug my website?
posted by crazy finger at 3:49 PM on March 1, 2005
I third spaghetti's comments. I lurked for years, and even now when I post, I feel less a member of a community than I did before, and more of this being just another online forum.
The changes resulting in new memberships are at once a great boost and a great shame. It adds new dynamics to the community, but part of the nature of dynamism is that it destroys the structures of old. The awesome community MeFi was in previous years must be rebuilt. It will be different, but that doesn't mean it can't be as great.
It hurts to think of some of those who've left. I mean, chicobangs? mr_crash_davis? konolia? hama7? Ignatius J Reilly? rushmc? Fuck, each of those have made me either laugh out loud or punch my monitor at least once in the last few years.
posted by cosmonik at 4:05 PM on March 1, 2005
The changes resulting in new memberships are at once a great boost and a great shame. It adds new dynamics to the community, but part of the nature of dynamism is that it destroys the structures of old. The awesome community MeFi was in previous years must be rebuilt. It will be different, but that doesn't mean it can't be as great.
It hurts to think of some of those who've left. I mean, chicobangs? mr_crash_davis? konolia? hama7? Ignatius J Reilly? rushmc? Fuck, each of those have made me either laugh out loud or punch my monitor at least once in the last few years.
posted by cosmonik at 4:05 PM on March 1, 2005
People miss hama7? I think people remember a golden age that never was.
posted by chunking express at 4:08 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by chunking express at 4:08 PM on March 1, 2005
People miss hama7? I think people remember a golden age that never was.
Ah yes. I remember his debut. He came out swinging if I recall correctly. Good times!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 4:12 PM on March 1, 2005
Ah yes. I remember his debut. He came out swinging if I recall correctly. Good times!
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 4:12 PM on March 1, 2005
With new user sign-ups open, who's to say these people are really gone? We've seen a lot of noticeable sockpuppet accounts lately. Perhaps there are some not so noticeable with familiar faces behind them. Just a thought.
posted by FunkyHelix at 4:22 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by FunkyHelix at 4:22 PM on March 1, 2005
I miss The Salmon of Knowledge. He was so cool and erudite and playful. Vaya Con Dios, my old fishy friend.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 4:24 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 4:24 PM on March 1, 2005
People miss hama7? I think people remember a golden age that never was.
His comments and narrow ideology: no, not so much. But go take a look at his posts when he wasn't beating the drum. Some good stuff in there.
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 5:03 PM on March 1, 2005
His comments and narrow ideology: no, not so much. But go take a look at his posts when he wasn't beating the drum. Some good stuff in there.
posted by PinkStainlessTail at 5:03 PM on March 1, 2005
Well, I'm not going anywhere--still hanging around posting pointless snarkery second only to that ELIZA bot that claims to be quonsar. matt really shouldn't let it use q's user number, though.
> Look, some people leave because they grow up
The best lack all conviction and fade away, while the worst are full of passionate intensity and keep coming back like a bad check.
posted by jfuller at 5:34 PM on March 1, 2005
> Look, some people leave because they grow up
The best lack all conviction and fade away, while the worst are full of passionate intensity and keep coming back like a bad check.
posted by jfuller at 5:34 PM on March 1, 2005
I miss Miguel and Trout most of all. They are still around a bit, but not so much anymore. Their stuff always made my day, just for different reasons. I miss quonsar's snarks. He has become like Chris Rock at the Oscars. Not a good thing for us. David Dark, Konolia, dobbs, rushmc, Crash, hama7 and t r a c y just to name a few. You all had such strong personalities and interesting contributions, even if I don't always agree with them. Most of all I miss Matt. It seems like most of Matt's contributions these days are administrative rather than creative (except for the ponies, I like ponies). As much as I am one of the big critics of the recent crackdown, I want Jessamyn back to help Matt with administration and I hope he does not take most of our comments here about the loss of some valued compatriots as any criticism of him or the way things have been run. As the place grows most of this is inevitable. q's good manners can probably be blamed squarely upon Matt, but not the loss of the others. I hope they can find their way back. Some really interesting and strong personalities are beginning to show which may take some of the sting out of our loss, but I still wish these old timers would come back with their wit and wisdom.
posted by caddis at 5:38 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by caddis at 5:38 PM on March 1, 2005
As much as I am one of the big critics of the recent crackdown, I want Jessamyn back to help Matt with administration
Ditto. The green is supposed to be policed.
posted by Ryvar at 6:04 PM on March 1, 2005
Ditto. The green is supposed to be policed.
posted by Ryvar at 6:04 PM on March 1, 2005
The name of the dark one has been spoken. God have mercy on us all.
posted by squirrel at 6:07 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by squirrel at 6:07 PM on March 1, 2005
Oh, and let me add - I think Matt's been doing a fantastic job on the gray ever since he said he'd ease off. Everything feels how it used to, the first un owen thread was closed just as it began to transition from one of the inevitable ugly pressure-releases into a fullblown shitstorm, which is exactly when and why the close threads feature should be used.
I've never been one to praise authority, but I appreciate even-handedness.
posted by Ryvar at 6:09 PM on March 1, 2005
I've never been one to praise authority, but I appreciate even-handedness.
posted by Ryvar at 6:09 PM on March 1, 2005
In the UN Owen thread, it was an old user asking for money and the series of old users going after her.
mz owen ain't no old user. pay attention arch.
posted by quonsar at 6:50 PM on March 1, 2005
mz owen ain't no old user. pay attention arch.
posted by quonsar at 6:50 PM on March 1, 2005
Oh, and I forgot Theatrical Matriarch. Please come back TM. Zombie or undead is fine.
posted by caddis at 6:55 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by caddis at 6:55 PM on March 1, 2005
Thanks, Juicy. It's nice to be missed. I've just been spending a little more time on (other) things I love: boys, writing, swimming. I'm sure I'll have more cause to massively procrasinate sometime soon.
posted by dame at 8:36 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by dame at 8:36 PM on March 1, 2005
i think that those of us who are happy that there are new people now were new people ourselves once. those that aren't have either gone or never got used to influxes of new people or forgot how it was when they joined.
again, i love seeing new voices, and don't want any of them to be intimidated or afraid of speaking.
posted by amberglow at 8:42 PM on March 1, 2005
again, i love seeing new voices, and don't want any of them to be intimidated or afraid of speaking.
posted by amberglow at 8:42 PM on March 1, 2005
aramaic has been posting less, I have noticed. I hope he doesn't disappear, he's my hero. Next to quonsar, of course.
posted by beth at 8:45 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by beth at 8:45 PM on March 1, 2005
Are these people posting less (or leaving) because they have changed, or because MeFi have changed?
posted by five fresh fish at 8:56 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by five fresh fish at 8:56 PM on March 1, 2005
I remember hama7 liked the smiths, which is cool. But, really, for the most part I remember hama7 being a jerk. A big jerk. Still, I guess not seeing them here is strange. Oh, 111 was annoying too.
posted by chunking express at 8:57 PM on March 1, 2005
posted by chunking express at 8:57 PM on March 1, 2005
Are these people posting less (or leaving) because they have changed, or because MeFi [has] changed?
I'd guess a little from each column. Some of the mentioned people definitely left because MeFi had changed or they were run out: chico, dobbs, crash, and troutfishing, for example.
I'd guess the people who appear then submerge are people whose lives have changed, but that's just a guess.
posted by dame at 9:28 PM on March 1, 2005
I'd guess a little from each column. Some of the mentioned people definitely left because MeFi had changed or they were run out: chico, dobbs, crash, and troutfishing, for example.
I'd guess the people who appear then submerge are people whose lives have changed, but that's just a guess.
posted by dame at 9:28 PM on March 1, 2005
# because they have changed, or
# because MeFi have changed?
# none of the above
You've gotta ask why they're here in the first place. I'm certain that some just wind up spending a lot of time on the internet for a spell, perhaps while nursing a broken leg or while waiting out a boring temp assignment, whatever it might be. Perhaps they break up with their SO and spend a few insomniatic months here because they're lonely or distracted. Whatever. Not all comings and goings of members have anything to do with the perceived UP OR DOWN direction of the quality of the site/community.
posted by scarabic at 9:29 PM on March 1, 2005
# because MeFi have changed?
# none of the above
You've gotta ask why they're here in the first place. I'm certain that some just wind up spending a lot of time on the internet for a spell, perhaps while nursing a broken leg or while waiting out a boring temp assignment, whatever it might be. Perhaps they break up with their SO and spend a few insomniatic months here because they're lonely or distracted. Whatever. Not all comings and goings of members have anything to do with the perceived UP OR DOWN direction of the quality of the site/community.
posted by scarabic at 9:29 PM on March 1, 2005
Not all comings and goings of members have anything to do with the perceived UP OR DOWN direction of the quality of the site/community.
Very true. But as this whole thread (and others like it) shows, the comings and goings of members is perceived to have an up or down effect by the people who are still here, which is (more?) important.
posted by Quartermass at 9:37 PM on March 1, 2005
Very true. But as this whole thread (and others like it) shows, the comings and goings of members is perceived to have an up or down effect by the people who are still here, which is (more?) important.
posted by Quartermass at 9:37 PM on March 1, 2005
Sure it's important whether people stay or go.
I just hate to see people ascribing reasons why other people left. Frequently, they do this to push some agenda. That may be a harsh word for it, agenda, but I just mean people opportunistically apply reasons to why someone left and then use that departure as supporting evidence for why things need to be the way they say. It happens. Not too much. But some.
posted by scarabic at 10:30 PM on March 1, 2005
I just hate to see people ascribing reasons why other people left. Frequently, they do this to push some agenda. That may be a harsh word for it, agenda, but I just mean people opportunistically apply reasons to why someone left and then use that departure as supporting evidence for why things need to be the way they say. It happens. Not too much. But some.
posted by scarabic at 10:30 PM on March 1, 2005
I miss me.
posted by WolfDaddy at 5:26 AM on March 2, 2005 [1 favorite]
posted by WolfDaddy at 5:26 AM on March 2, 2005 [1 favorite]
Can we start a MeTa about the users we wish would leave, too?
(oh look, more lint...)
posted by GhostintheMachine at 6:13 AM on March 2, 2005
(oh look, more lint...)
posted by GhostintheMachine at 6:13 AM on March 2, 2005
clavdivs and thomcatspike. ColdChef and UncleFes.
posted by pardonyou? at 7:16 AM on March 2, 2005
posted by pardonyou? at 7:16 AM on March 2, 2005
troutfishing and t r a c y, and oddly, another user beginning with 't', though I forget the name - the chap who used to do beautifully exhaustive ultra-linky research dives into the MeFi/Meta archives when someone asked a relatively simple question about another member/in-joke/etc.. Slightly terrifying, but I always looked forward to those comments. Think s/he left ages ago, in fact.
Even as someone who's always tended to click links more than reading the comments, I do think it's a wee shame to have lost some of the people who (for me) were part and parcel of the site. Ever thus, though.
posted by jack_mo at 8:50 AM on March 2, 2005
Even as someone who's always tended to click links more than reading the comments, I do think it's a wee shame to have lost some of the people who (for me) were part and parcel of the site. Ever thus, though.
posted by jack_mo at 8:50 AM on March 2, 2005
Hey, guys, it isn't like someone died. This community is still vital and interesting, and there are plenty of oldtimers still hanging around to provide stability, including two of my faves- scarabic and amberglow, both of whom helped me over the rough spots of my early days here. Kudos to both of you.
</GroupHug>
posted by Doohickie at 10:21 AM on March 2, 2005
</GroupHug>
posted by Doohickie at 10:21 AM on March 2, 2005
ColdChef and thomcatspike are still here. yhbc is back and I've seen other names lately that I hadn't seen in a while. rushmc and konolia have left before and come back and hopefully will do so again when they are ready.
posted by Tarrama at 2:31 PM on March 2, 2005
posted by Tarrama at 2:31 PM on March 2, 2005
I miss jonson. I liked the way he would type... things.
Hear, hear!!
posted by jonson at 10:51 AM on March 3, 2005
Hear, hear!!
posted by jonson at 10:51 AM on March 3, 2005
jack_mo, that T-man you're looking for is tamim. And t r a c y's gone?? Nooooooo ...
posted by grrarrgh00 at 2:01 PM on March 7, 2005
posted by grrarrgh00 at 2:01 PM on March 7, 2005
Still here. Once a week just so I can say I am.
World of Warcraft came out several months ago. I no longer have time for anything else. I eat rarely, and only sleep when I can't avoid passing out. Bathing takes me away from the game for too long. I have no doubt I'll be fired soon. I'm already trying to figure out how I'll be able to keep the Net connection after that so I'll be able to keep playing (even more woohoo).
Given that, you shouldn't expect me to post much here. I have a video game to play.
posted by y6y6y6 at 12:32 PM on March 17, 2005
World of Warcraft came out several months ago. I no longer have time for anything else. I eat rarely, and only sleep when I can't avoid passing out. Bathing takes me away from the game for too long. I have no doubt I'll be fired soon. I'm already trying to figure out how I'll be able to keep the Net connection after that so I'll be able to keep playing (even more woohoo).
Given that, you shouldn't expect me to post much here. I have a video game to play.
posted by y6y6y6 at 12:32 PM on March 17, 2005
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MidasMulligan seems to have taken a runner, too.
And there was ... ooh, tip of the tongue ... lots of FPPs about how the religious right is covertly taking over the USA. He's gone.
Which other valuable members have we recently lost?
posted by five fresh fish at 12:50 AM on March 1, 2005