September 2005 Archives (all archives)
September 30
spellcheck should check for more inside
When posting a question on AskMe, the spellcheck checks the initial question textarea, but not the "extended description" ("more inside") text.
vancouver meetups
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. October 2 through October 7.
Spoiler policy
Denver Meetup
Hellooooooooooooo Denver want to meet up?
Yes or No?
Comments RSS for each thread
May I have per-thread RSS feeds with comments for Christmas?
Too many relationship questions on AskMe
September 29
San Francisco meetup?
Hey, San Francisco, come have a drink with me - oh, say, Thursday, October 13th, from 7 PM on, at a venue to be determined. Do you have a suggestion? Please step inside and share it.
Deletion requested by poster
Matt, please kill the Creeley post on the front page--it was a mistake (I'd been sent some false info, and posted before looking into it further...)
September 28
CSS tweak to display filetypes
On noticing this comment, I thought about this comment (cute implementation example here): an easy CSS tweak that would eliminate guesswork about most link filetypes.
One word post aren't informative.
One. Word. FPPs. (ok, so the last is more than one word) I don't know about you, but sometimes I'm stuck on a slow connection. Dial-up slow. I have to carefully select which links I click, and I don't want to waste my time on links that don't interest me. I screen my choices based on the info provided by the FPP itself, and link location is only mildly helpful (except for newsfilter). Can't we please get a consensus for making the FPPs informative enough to judge interest? (other uninformative posts today alone...)
Duplicate Posts: Keep the First One, or Keep the More Thorough One?
The other one should be axed, not this one. I couldn't agree more. I know this has happened before- someone writing a well-crafted post is beaten (by about ten minutes) to the punch by a hastily-made, one-link post. I realize that technically, the "first" post wins, but shouldn't exceptions be made for cases like this? It's rewarding speed over substance.
Marking Favorite Threads
Obviously there are hundreds of really interesting threads on MetaFilter / AskMetaFilter that I'd like to personally bookmark/tag to read for a later date.
Since we all have individual log-ins, is there any way (aside from adding a bookmark to my already huge bookmark file) of marking a thread as one we like/love/want to read later, so when we log in we can get a list of them? :)
Since we all have individual log-ins, is there any way (aside from adding a bookmark to my already huge bookmark file) of marking a thread as one we like/love/want to read later, so when we log in we can get a list of them? :)
MeFi Street
Sunny day! Sweepin' the clouds away! On my way to where the links are sweet! Can you tell me how to get, how to get to...
Outting Users
Hey, MeFite Detectives! A request: Please think before you "out" someone. In our personal lives, most of us have learned that just because we can do something, it doesn't necessarily mean we should, and the same is true here. If a user (or perhaps the subject of a post, etc.) has caught your attention for some reason, and they have revealed (or you have figured out) their real life identity, and you go poking around to see what you can find, please think twice before publishing your big scoop. [more]
September 27
Will someone explain the joke in this thread?
I don't get it. At the risk of exposing my terminal lameness, will someone explain the joke in this thread? Seems like a bunch of anagrams & words spelled backwards...
Is "best of the web" policy written? Where?
Best of the Web?
I am writing a paper for my Sociology of Cyberspace class and in it, I am referring to Metafilter. Don't worry, nothing sinister, it's just a paper on "How I use the Internet." Anyway, I want to refer to metafilter holding itself to the standard of "Best of the Web" but I can't find that explicitly stated anywhere. Am I missing something? Am I just google-challenged? Or is it just not explicitly stated?
I am writing a paper for my Sociology of Cyberspace class and in it, I am referring to Metafilter. Don't worry, nothing sinister, it's just a paper on "How I use the Internet." Anyway, I want to refer to metafilter holding itself to the standard of "Best of the Web" but I can't find that explicitly stated anywhere. Am I missing something? Am I just google-challenged? Or is it just not explicitly stated?
When is unhelpful okay in AskMe?
So when is unhelpful okay and when is it not? This thread is a lot of fun, but it's also a lot of noise. I assume nobody cares because it's kind of a goofy question, but I think it raises the issue of when is unhelpful okay in AskMe and when isn't it? [more inside]
New Titles for RSS?
Metafilter RSS feed - instead of taking the HTML page title and therefore producing rather weird RSS feed titles (see here), how about a new field when people add an FPP that allows the poster to clearly state in a few words concisely what the post is about and use that as an RSS title - then I can see the latest MeFi posts from Google and know exactly what they're about instead of having to guess.
A Times article that distorts the findings of a weak study
Bad post.
A Times article that distorts the findings of a weak study should not a FPP make.
Would you like to say something about the topic of secular versus religious society? How about with links to actual studies, or news articles, to suppliment your crap post?
This is just so much more thin soup on the front page. I am not calling for deletion, but rather social censure (and some has occured within the thread).
(I also don't like this or this. I do like this, this, and this. Newsfilter can be done well. It should be done well.)
A Times article that distorts the findings of a weak study should not a FPP make.
Would you like to say something about the topic of secular versus religious society? How about with links to actual studies, or news articles, to suppliment your crap post?
This is just so much more thin soup on the front page. I am not calling for deletion, but rather social censure (and some has occured within the thread).
(I also don't like this or this. I do like this, this, and this. Newsfilter can be done well. It should be done well.)
Shoutout to the Mods
In amongst all the sniping and callouts I just wanted to interject that I find MetaFilter and AskMe on balance a very worthwhile place. Things can be frustrating sometimes in some of the more contentious posts, but this place has been a wellspring of information and thought.
Thank You Mathowie, Jessamyn, and thank you Metafilter community.
Thank You Mathowie, Jessamyn, and thank you Metafilter community.
Seattle Meetup soon
Seattle Meetup soon - Oct 1, 5pm, Queen Sheba (On the corner of Broadway and E John.)
So that I can call in a rough number of attendees for a reservation, RSVP here if you're definitely going to make it. (Or email me, either way. But since this isn't our traditional hangout, a reservation may be required, and I'd like to give them a somewhat accurate headcount.) For bill splitting, I suggest Jello™ wrestling.
So that I can call in a rough number of attendees for a reservation, RSVP here if you're definitely going to make it. (Or email me, either way. But since this isn't our traditional hangout, a reservation may be required, and I'd like to give them a somewhat accurate headcount.) For bill splitting, I suggest Jello™ wrestling.
MeFi policy confusion
I think I've been confused about policy. This thread seems to me like it belongs in askmefi. It seems like that to a number of people, actually, who said as much in the thread. Those comments have been deleted, but the thread hasn't been moved to AskMe. Am I misunderstanding how posts like this fit in, here? [more inside]
September 26
taxonomy for mefi posts
Is there a taxonomy for mifi posts? Specifically, posts like this and posts like this are inherently different in how they are made.
The first one describes the post with links, and the second describes links in the post. Am I stupid for even thinking about this?
The first one describes the post with links, and the second describes links in the post. Am I stupid for even thinking about this?
Steven Spielberg thread next to be led into I/P debate
Cleardawn seems dedicated to posting long discourses about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in any post that mentions Jews or a Jewish person, even in passing, and has succeeded in derailing a number of recent threads. Here and here and here., and probably elsewhere as well. The user obviously thinks that they are fighting the good fight, but this is clearly getting to be a bit much, and they don't seem to listen. Help?
London Meetup
London meetup. Let's make it happen! I arrive tomorrow, 27 Sept. (note proper continental date form), and leave on 3 Oct. I'm spoken for on the evening of the 28th and during the day of the 1st, but other than that, I'm open to suggestions. I'm staying around the East End, if that's relevant.
pedantry and mefi
There's a time and place for everything, sure, but can we stop using MeFi threads to debate usage of the English language? I'm all for "flag and move on," but this seems to be happening a lot.
weird phrasing in question
Strange superlative.
I have many delicious vegetarian recipes, but I better not tell this guy. I would hate to be responsible for him punching his mother in the mouth.
Or worse, my mother.
I have many delicious vegetarian recipes, but I better not tell this guy. I would hate to be responsible for him punching his mother in the mouth.
Or worse, my mother.
....what
WTF is going on here?
Ohio Meetup
Cleveland/NEOhio Meetup? • Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.
September 25
New York Meetup
September 24
Any mefites in Perth/Freemantle, Australia?
Any mefites in Perth/Freemantle, Australia? How about a meetup? (mi)
the wedding of NortonDC and onlyconnect, who met at a meetup
I think this is worth a MetaTalk thread--I just got back from the wedding of NortonDC and onlyconnect, two active members who met at a MetaFilter meetup.
New Orleans Meetup
So. New Orleans/gulf area evacuees, when are you going back? Want to have a meet-up?
MeFi's down. Again.
Administrators! It seems to me that this website has been having a lot of downtime recently; well, this century. Do we know any more about what is causing it, and are there plans to combat this phantom menace?
Please stop using the term "Google-fu"
Please stop telling us about your Google-fu. Obviously you couldn't find what you were looking for by other means, or you wouldn't be Asking MetaFilter. There's enough noise on AskMe as it is without every other post beginning or ending with "My Google-fu is failing me."
September 23
Rumors and speculation as fpp
Rumors and speculation. The National Enquirer quotes anonymous sources saying that Bush is drinking again. Is this credible enough to be posted to MetaFilter? (That's a real question, not a rhetorical one.)
Wisecracks don't help people find answers on askme
Ask MetaFilter is as useful as you make it. Please limit comments
to answers or help in finding an answer. Wisecracks don't help people
find answers. Thanks.
to answers or help in finding an answer. Wisecracks don't help people
find answers. Thanks.
NYC meetup photos September 2005
Pictures from Wednesday nights beer soaked NYC mini meetup. Big fun in the big city - thanks everyone for coming out!
Yet another newsfilter post
Yet another newsfilter post featuring a topic that's being covered all over the US media but that's OK, because it concerns a bad thing involving a Republican. And if it were the same topic but involved a high profile Democrat? Then it'd be shouted down with comments about how it's a bad post.
Metafilter down?
I was moved to poetry this morning.
Metafilter down;
Sad tidings of the morning.
What shall I read now?
______________________
Shall I compare thee to the New York Times?
Thou art more lovely and less temperate.
Rough winds do shake the Gulf below us,
And the Roberts confirmation needs debate.
(appologies to Mr. Shakespeare)
Metafilter down;
Sad tidings of the morning.
What shall I read now?
______________________
Shall I compare thee to the New York Times?
Thou art more lovely and less temperate.
Rough winds do shake the Gulf below us,
And the Roberts confirmation needs debate.
(appologies to Mr. Shakespeare)
September 22
metachat is sporting a hot new look for fall.
What is the single worst FPP you have seen since you began reading Metafilter?
Inspired by this recent FPP and, of course, its accompanying MeTa thread, I have this question: What is the single worst FPP you have seen since you began reading Metafilter?
Wherefore art thou metafilter music?
Is anything ever going to happen again with metafilter music? There are a lot of musicians on this site, and I'm pretty sure that a lot of people are unaware of it.
Also, when is the metafilter projects site going to launch?
Also, when is the metafilter projects site going to launch?
Meetup in Dallas, Sept. 2005
Any refugees/residents in Dallas want to have a meetup in the next couple of days?
Mathowie in the Post
Our own Mr. Haughey quoted in the Washington Post.
Shoutout to felix
I just want to give a shout out to felix betachat -- who as the sole defender of an unpopular opinion remains levelheaded and cogent, engages with the discussion, and never gets shouty.
Felix, I disagree with just about everything you say, but you're a class act.
Felix, I disagree with just about everything you say, but you're a class act.
Minor 'typing' errors
oops, 'Piccadilly' - is it really necessary for everyone to correct extremely minor 'typing' errors with a follow up comment?
Sidebar This
Please put this on the sidebar. It is a stunningly brilliant piece of satirical writing.
September 21
Berkeley Meetup Photos
Need a place to stay?
Any Houston MeFites looking for a couch to crash on for a few days? I've got two in East Dallas. I bet some others here may as well. E-mail's in the profile. Good luck.
Answering AskMe Without Expertise?
It may be that I am not the first to notice this but --
Why do people post to AskMeFi topics when they don't know what they're talking about?
Sometimes when the question itself asks for input from some specific audience someone will post "Well, I think..."
(No, not going to link -- I don't want to be nasty.)
I just think it's weird.
Or rather -- "Well, I think it's weird."
Why do people post to AskMeFi topics when they don't know what they're talking about?
Sometimes when the question itself asks for input from some specific audience someone will post "Well, I think..."
(No, not going to link -- I don't want to be nasty.)
I just think it's weird.
Or rather -- "Well, I think it's weird."
Descriptive text error on AskMe preview page
Descriptive text error on AskMe preview page (+)
Suspicious user behavior
Something dubious about this is nagging at me, and I can't stop till I've gotten it off my chest. I submit to you user #21799. He has posted twice to the blue, both times to sites with interesting content, but of questionable quality. Both domains posted (1,2) are on the same registrar, with the same basic whois info. The sum of his comments have been tepid one-liners, one to two words in length. Additionally, there is an identical post by someone with the same handle in Broadband Reports, and a complaint about similar TV-related spam in an Avengers newsgroup. Is this subtle link spam at work, or am I being paranoid?
MeFi user opens movie theater
Mazel Tov to bjork24 who opens up his new independent movie theater, The Moxie Cinema today.
Thanks to the help of other Mefites, I now have my own little cinema just a couple of blocks from my house.
Thanks, all!
Thanks to the help of other Mefites, I now have my own little cinema just a couple of blocks from my house.
Thanks, all!
Is MetaFilter really a weblog?
Is MetaFilter really a weblog? I know that Matt calls it a community weblog and Wikipedia lists it as a collaborative weblog. However, I've always seen a weblog as a single entity's (person, organization, or corporation) views and comments on something. If anyone who registers can initiate threads, how is it different than a bulletin board or web forum (other than simpler style and somewhat different formatting)?
Sharpreader is Combining RSS Feeds
For the past week or so, Sharpreader has been combining Metafilter and AskMetafilter feeds, even though I'm subscribed to each separately. In other words, my Ask Metafilter feed (http://ask.metafilter.com/rss.xml) is picking up Metafilter threads, and my Metafilter feed (http://xml.metafilter.com/rss.xml) is picking up AskMe feeds. Things used to work properly, and I haven't changed anything at my end. Is anyone else seeing this?
September 20
East Bay Meetup
East Bay meetup tonight at 7PM, location: Jupiter, on Shattuck! Wherein MeFi colleagues from the Bay Area share a friendly beverage and deface napkins and welcome squirrel back to the US / East Bay.
New York meetup
MoreMefiMeetupMadness! Per this thread, it seems that the evening of 9/25 (Sunday) is my designated time to meet at least a few of you Noo Yawkers. So let's nail down a time and place! I'll be staying in Chelsea, if that seems relevant.
(London Mefites, don't think I've forgotten you! I'm just waiting to hear from friends about which night we'll be seeing a performance, then will post a proper thread to work out our own Jolly Olde Meetuppe Plannes.)
(London Mefites, don't think I've forgotten you! I'm just waiting to hear from friends about which night we'll be seeing a performance, then will post a proper thread to work out our own Jolly Olde Meetuppe Plannes.)
Who's "trolling" now?
Who's "trolling" now? Don't we have enough vituperative political "debates" around here without somebody singling out and baiting certain individuals by name?
DC Meetup Final Plans
DC Meetup Final Plans
11am on 9/25, brunch at Kramerbooks & Afterwords. I've made a reservation for 15, of which 3 slots have already been filled. Please RSVP to this post so I can give the restaurant a more accurate number as the date nears. Bring yourself, a partner, your digital camera and something interesting to say.
11am on 9/25, brunch at Kramerbooks & Afterwords. I've made a reservation for 15, of which 3 slots have already been filled. Please RSVP to this post so I can give the restaurant a more accurate number as the date nears. Bring yourself, a partner, your digital camera and something interesting to say.
TMI! TMI! we didn't really care
I'm pretty sure I wouldn't date scarabic (especially since he thinks that as a man he's "wired to kill" and "rape everything in sight"), but I tend to keep that not very relevant info for myself. are we seriously supposed to share on AskMe our evaluation of other user's desirability as girlfriend/boyfriend? because if we indeed are, things could get pretty ugly pretty soon on AskMe
September 19
How about another Best Post contest?
I suggest we do another contest like amberglow's, on October 1 prehaps? There wouldd be no prizes from me but if someone else steps up and offers that would be ideal. I wont be posting anything because frankly I suck at posts lately. Anyone up to this? After all the crap/shit posts lately, we need happier MeFi days here!!
unrepentant self-link shivers me timbers
Arr Mateys - all ye hearty sea-dogs know me for a solid crewmember of the good ship "Flag and Move On" but an unrepentant self-link on Talk Like A Pirate Day is just too good to pass up. Perhaps the Good Captain can even leave the thread flapping in the wind a while, strung from the yard-arms, while we have our way with the pox-dripping dog and swive him from stem to stern?
September 18
St. Louis Meetup?
St. Louis Meetup? Any interest?
If someone doesn't want to share their real name here, why can't we respect that?
Can we subscribe to Ask.Meta threads?
More ponies.
Can we subscribe to Ask.Meta threads? Please?
Can we subscribe to Ask.Meta threads? Please?
Problem with links in posting history.
Problem with links in posting history. [MI]
What was your favorite mefi thread ever?
What was your favorite mefi thread ever? (including MeTa and Ask.me)
September 17
MetaTalk "Open Mike" night
Inspired by this blog's "Open Mike Friday" I thought I'd try a MetaTalk "Open Mike" night.
So, what's up/new with you? (Self-linking OK).
So, what's up/new with you? (Self-linking OK).
NYC Meetup
NYC mini meetup for a last minute traveler, anyone? I'm going to be in NY for a couple days next week & would love to meet any & all mefites for beers on Wednesday, September 21, 6ish at Max Fish. Bar suggestion thanks to Amberglow !
code display feature for askme
"Code" feature for ask.mefa? Not particular important or anything, but I've seen this a few times -- any attempt to post code into ask.mefi means that it'll lose its formatting.
September 16
Ask MeFi made Business Week's Best of the Web list for "Research"
I just realized today that Ask MeFi made Business Week's Best of the Web list for "Research" but I didn't notice in time to have everyone stuff the ballot box on public voting so we got last place. heh.
Cat people of Ask Me, you gave me some advice
Cat people of Ask Me, you gave me some advice. Here's how it turned out. [more inside]
We don't "sign" our posts here at Metafilter
September 15
'Preview' only works once?
'Preview' only works once?
Berkeley meetup September 2005
Meetup in Berkeley! Tuesday! 9/20! 7PM! Jupiter!
Now that scarabic has cut through our dithering and proposed a definitive date and time, I thought I'd repost that definitiveness, as the dithering is about to fall off the front page.
Now that scarabic has cut through our dithering and proposed a definitive date and time, I thought I'd repost that definitiveness, as the dithering is about to fall off the front page.
Awesome was the post -- skilled was the poster
We're not worthy! Superlative post, y2karl.
Last Post!
mystyk = teh winnar!
Ginormous letters from broken comment
Uh, this comment has broken the thread. Ginormous letters are partially obscuring other comments.
Windows box, XP home ed, Firefox: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.7.10) Gecko/20050716 Firefox/1.0.6
Semi-broken in latest version of IE; the text in quesiton is much smaller, but partially obscures the username/post time.
Windows box, XP home ed, Firefox: Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 5.1; en-US; rv:1.7.10) Gecko/20050716 Firefox/1.0.6
Semi-broken in latest version of IE; the text in quesiton is much smaller, but partially obscures the username/post time.
September 14
Form wording
On the AskMe preview page, the following text appears: "If everything seems right, hit the post button below. If not, hit your browser's back button and tweak the form again." How about: "...If not, edit below and hit the preview button again to confirm your changes before posting." or some such wording referencing the ability to edit ON the preview page?
This isn't really a bug, but it seemed the closest category
This isn't really a bug, but it seemed the closest category
Any mefi-brarians attending Internet Librarian in October?
Any mefi-brarians attending Internet Librarian in October?
I would have bumped them off and then blamed it on the blacks.
What would you have done?
I would have bumped them off and then blamed it on the blacks.
I don't think that sgt.serenity is living up to his handle.
I would have bumped them off and then blamed it on the blacks.
I don't think that sgt.serenity is living up to his handle.
AASLH Meetup Pittsburgh 2005
Any MeFites going to AASLH in Pittsburgh next week?
September 13
San Francisco Meetup
Hey bay area, let's have a meetup!
Double Submitting Comments
This isn't about double posts but double posts inside a post. Or something like that, MI.
Interesting profiles
3. Suppose a press gang forces you onto the production crew of a 3-hour pornographic epic starring Whoopi Goldberg and Randy Quaid. What are your favorite MeFi user profile pages?
I've seen some cool ones but can't remember them. Right now COBRA!'s gets my nod because there 13 questions relating to the above mentioned 3-hour epic.
I've seen some cool ones but can't remember them. Right now COBRA!'s gets my nod because there 13 questions relating to the above mentioned 3-hour epic.
Is there a way to encourage doctors and lawyers to chime in?
Inspired by this thread as well as numerous medical and legal questions on AskMe I was wondering if there couldn't be some way of encouraging our lawyers/doctors/etc. to participate in discussions in their field. I know there's a hesitancy to provide specific details due to liability issues but some threads get bogged down in arguments over misunderstandings. Any thoughts on how this could be done or whether it's even a good idea?
September 12
Seattle Meetup
Hey Seattle!
Another meetup? This time, let's do Ethiopian. Queen Sheba has been suggested as the restaurant of choice.
So, when do we want to do this? Ideas?
Another meetup? This time, let's do Ethiopian. Queen Sheba has been suggested as the restaurant of choice.
So, when do we want to do this? Ideas?
HTML Markup in AskMe
When creating an ordered list (and possibly a bulleted list) for an AxeMe question, it shows up in the preview in Times New Roman. It appears fine when posted.
Formatting buttons don't work in Opera.
Them purdy buttons. Bold, Italic, Link, Spellcheck. I use Opera. I can see them (and they work great, too) if I connect using an ssh tunnel & web proxy (I use the SSH Express service from cotse.net). I do not see them if I turn my proxy off. Whassup? The fancymatic preview works whether I use the proxy or not, so apparently it's just the button bar that's discriminating against my naked Opera.
Flag a Fantastic Post/Comment(s)...Bugger
Flag a Fantastic Post/Comment(s)...Bugger [error inside]
The top-100 tags page doesn't list Katrina.
The top-100 tags page doesn't list Katrina. With 93 posts to date, it belongs right between fun and weird. It's also missing from this page.
MeFi formatting on TabletPC
Ok, I was just viewing MeFi on my TabletPC. When in tablet mode, longer usernames in the "posted by" span mess up the formatting if they're near the top of the page. (It's pushed down by the sidebar.) I have an example here. (warning, ~130k. Please be gentle on my server.) Is there anything that can be done about this?
Have you seen CSS3 columns in Firefox 1.5 beta 1 yet?
Have you seen CSS3 columns in Firefox 1.5 beta 1 yet? Do you think they make ask mefi easier to read on huge monitors? Here's a avi demo movie of them in action.
Mysterious Tagger
Who tagged my post? I'm sure I didn't
Please fix photo album link for New Orleans photo essay post linked in sidebar
The links in the New Orleans Photo Essay post, linked in the sidebar, don't work anymore. Can the post be edited with a new URL for the photo album? If not, should the link be removed from the sidebar?
Time Zones
Time-zone custom settings don't work properly for AskMe or MeTa, you California-centric bastard.
Pepsi Blue in a new bottle?
Is this sort of thing just Pepsi Blue in a new bottle? Recently there was an AskMe post about men's shaving products that I know was a case of lazyweb market research (because the poster admitted as much on a certain orange-and-blue-themed site before he posted it), and I didn't say anything then, but I wonder if a) this is more of the same and b) whether the community at large cares if AskMe gets used this way.
I like the donation link, but it's breaking functionality.
Not trying to negate the Red Cross donation link, but the image transparency covers the "username / logout" links -- at least in Firefox -- making them unusable.
northern new england meetup
Reminder!! Northern New England Metafilter Gathering: Saturday, September 17th, 5pm, Portland Flatbread Company. 72 Commercial Street, Portland Maine.
You don't have to be from Maine to come and drink with us. Mefites (Mofites, and MeChas) from New Hampshire, Vermont, and even Massachussets are welcome and encouraged to join us!
You don't have to be from Maine to come and drink with us. Mefites (Mofites, and MeChas) from New Hampshire, Vermont, and even Massachussets are welcome and encouraged to join us!
DC Meetup
I'm coming to Washington, DC this week! Any Mefites wanna meet up?
I'll be in town the 14th-15th. I'll be available early afternoon on the 14th and morning and evening (but not afternoon) on the 15th.
We could have coffee, food, beer.. go to the Smithsonian...
I'll be in town the 14th-15th. I'll be available early afternoon on the 14th and morning and evening (but not afternoon) on the 15th.
We could have coffee, food, beer.. go to the Smithsonian...
How about less conspiracy posts?
American concentration camps! Rex 84 and the trifecta of evil! How about less conspiracy posts? I'm pretty sure there are more that have already fallen off the front page, but, sheesh.
September 11
Private tags instead of bookmarks?
On bookmarking of threads, especially in Ask Metafilter. [more inside]
What is turnbothknobs.com?
so what's this?
http://www.turnbothknobs.com/
I found it when trying to find out where those Mwah! graphics came from.
serched the site as extensively as I know how, but couldn't find anything.
http://www.turnbothknobs.com/
I found it when trying to find out where those Mwah! graphics came from.
serched the site as extensively as I know how, but couldn't find anything.
is there a policy against linking to disgusting goatse-type webpages in one's profile
is there a policy against linking to disgusting goatse-type webpages in one's profile homepage link?
exhibit a: http://www.metafilter.com/user/17545
and if there isn't - can at least a nsfw warning be placed next to knuckleheads who think this sort of behavior is funny?
im no prude, but damn
exhibit a: http://www.metafilter.com/user/17545
and if there isn't - can at least a nsfw warning be placed next to knuckleheads who think this sort of behavior is funny?
im no prude, but damn
There was a thread with an 'instant HTML editor' the other day.
There was a thread with an 'instant HTML editor' the other day. I can't seem to find it. Any help?
Hey refugee/racist people, get your own thread
Hey refugee/racist people, get your own thread. Eight comments into it, the troll succeeds and we're no longer talking about the camps. Good work.
Donate banner howto
Is there a resource Web page for creating the type of banner that appears in the upper right hand corner of Mefi (to donate to the Red Cross)? I can grab the javascript from the code, but was just wondering if there is another page devoted to "how to."
We're still collecting and distributing resources to help Mefites in the hurricane disaster area.
Not to be a nag, but I'd like to keep this on the front page...
We're still collecting and distributing resources to help Mefites in the hurricane disaster area.
Check this out. Also, you can email me (email in profile).
We're still collecting and distributing resources to help Mefites in the hurricane disaster area.
Check this out. Also, you can email me (email in profile).
September 10
Anonymous Question Abuse?
DC Meetup
Proposed: DC Meetup 9/23-9/26
I'll be in DC from the evening of the 23rd to the early afternoon of the 26th. I've already heard about a DC MeFite wedding going on that weekend, does anyone else know more so we can plan a date that doesn't conflict?
Activity votes: brunch, afternoon beer, potluck picnic, latenight rant session
I'll be in DC from the evening of the 23rd to the early afternoon of the 26th. I've already heard about a DC MeFite wedding going on that weekend, does anyone else know more so we can plan a date that doesn't conflict?
Activity votes: brunch, afternoon beer, potluck picnic, latenight rant session
Madison Meetup Photos
Why do Christians feel the way they do?
September 9
Recycling Usernames?
Are usernames becoming recycled? I noticed a new user that I could have sworn had a taken username- it's a username I use often and almost always check for first when signing up places. Or am I imagining all of this?
Looking for a (deleted?) AskMeFi thread.
Looking for a (deleted?) AskMeFi thread. One of the first responses sarcastically mentioned being annoyed at smudges on his gold bars...
It totally doesn't work
So, uh, when you check through your old Ask.Me threads that you've posted in, and use the numbers at the bottom to skip pages (or the "Next" link)? It totally doesn't work (perhaps the offset variable is broken?). Firefox and IE. Just FYI.
September 8
Can't logout?
I can't logout from the blue, I suspect because of the Red Cross link. I'm using an outdated version of Firefox, has anyone else noticed this?
Derail moved to MeTa: reading blogs in class
I would like to discuss the ethics of reading blogs during class.
what IS metafilter?
"This website exists to break down the barriers between people, to extend a weblog beyond just one person, and to foster discussion among its members."
-or-
"MetaFilter is about posting links to interesting sites."
Which is correct?
Finding interesting sites is a solved problem. I was always under the impression that the former was the more important feature of MeFi.
-or-
"MetaFilter is about posting links to interesting sites."
Which is correct?
Finding interesting sites is a solved problem. I was always under the impression that the former was the more important feature of MeFi.
Preview Bugs in Opera
As noted here, Opera has a bunch of bugs wtih the live preview (vs. safari or firefox.)
Of course MI
Of course MI
Scody World Tour
The Scody World Tour begins Sept. 23. New York, you're first! [+]
A-list bloggers deserve same respect as King of Thailand
In the future, please refrain from linking to pages criticizing A-List bloggers. It's just bad form and not teh funny.
My lively Burning Man post was deleted?!
My burning man post was deleted because it was "an excuse to talk"? Admittedly, it wasn't the most stellar post, but a lively discussion ensued, and gee, I thought that's why we came here. Besides, any post that allows mefites to express their everlast hatred for "hippies" has got to be doing the community some good, no?
Link to the tags page on the posting page, please.
Minor request. Could we have a link to the tags list URL on the Post a Link page? Thanks.
Did not, did too, did not, did too (selective quoting)
Steve_at_Linnwood selectively quotes a Washington Post story, is called on it, then denies it. This is a lie.
Can we get the login screen to automatically set focus?
[PonyRequest] Can we get the login screen to automatically set focus to the User Name textbox, using some fancy javascript?
Is there an acceptable time lag for double posts?
So is there any kind of time factor dispensation for double posts?
I was emailed a link today that made me piss myself laughing, which I really feel the need for these days. I came here to post it but found it was already on the front page four years ago.
I was emailed a link today that made me piss myself laughing, which I really feel the need for these days. I came here to post it but found it was already on the front page four years ago.
The username/logout bit aren't working for me on the blue.
The username/logout bit aren't working for me on the blue. Running the cursor over them looks like it can't detect they should hyperlink. Something to do with the Red Cross donation thing perhaps?
posting box does not appear in Mozilla
the posting box does not apear, however live preview, and all the rest of the chrome do. I'm using an older version of Moz here.
Is there any way to indicate that a thread has been closed when using comment preview?
Feature Request: Is there any way to indicate that a thread has been closed when using comment preview?
September 7
it's obviously a post in the Blue
I just used AskMe's Google search box to search for "Bush speeches" in an effort to find this post. The third result was this one, with ask.metafilter in the URL but it's obviously a post in the Blue.
in glorious Madison, WI, we're planning a Mefi meetup
Remember: this Friday night, in glorious Madison, WI, we're planning a Mefi meetup. The general feeling is that the Up North Bar, which is right near the Essen Haus. Apparently, they have a patio, darts, and various dead animals hanging on the wall.
Complaint on single link FPP on Katrina
Katrina (hurricane) filter?
Obviously we all agree that the administration's response to Katrina has been teh suck. Can we maybe consolidate the discussion in a single thread to catalog the myriad ways in which it sucks?
Sweating it
Deletion of crackpot theory fpp called into question
This post was deleted for the following reason: crazy speculation with a source, but no support for crackpot theory.
Okay, we have many crackpot theories to grace the front page, and a good number in recent history have made it without oodles of support. The discussion was good and mostly civil, and honestly, this criteria seems a tish subjective.
Not much of a MeFi gadfly here, but just sayin'.
Okay, we have many crackpot theories to grace the front page, and a good number in recent history have made it without oodles of support. The discussion was good and mostly civil, and honestly, this criteria seems a tish subjective.
Not much of a MeFi gadfly here, but just sayin'.
September 6
tracking down katrina-displaced mefites
So, by now, many of you probably know about this.
and this other MetaTalk thread. Some of you might have already received emails from me, but in the interest of covering all of our bases, I'm asking for your help. [More Inside]
and this other MetaTalk thread. Some of you might have already received emails from me, but in the interest of covering all of our bases, I'm asking for your help. [More Inside]
There are too many things in this thread to flag individually.
Apologist!: There are too many things in this thread to flag individually.
We start out with unsupported speculation from a wonk with a blog, whose source article doesn't back up his suppositions; we move into a screeching match where those who are critical of Bush but aren't willing to drink the Kool-Aid get called "apologists" for the administration; we have a melting pot of conspiracy theories and ignorant frothings; we have yammering and emotional appeals... The list goes on and on.
Have we just had too many decent Katrina threads, so we're now stuck stirring the hurricane's flotsam? The discussion wobbles between shitty assertations of opinions and shitty snarks, and S@L, PP and Dios aren't even there (without them, Delmoi seems to be the whipping boy de jour).
I understand that people are still angry about Katrina and the Federal response. And I'm not above getting into a scrap just for scrapping, but jesus. I hate it when Metafilter looks like how ParisParamus imagines that we do all the time. And something to note is that we seem to have that problem more when it's liberals vs. left-wingers, treating each other with all the consideration of rodents eating their young.
This post is ugly; the comments are shitty. Can we have an end to Katrina now unless there's something that really needs posting? Or is Metafilter going to by Prometheus's liver for the next week or so?
[I'd make a "more inside" thing, but I don't know how]
We start out with unsupported speculation from a wonk with a blog, whose source article doesn't back up his suppositions; we move into a screeching match where those who are critical of Bush but aren't willing to drink the Kool-Aid get called "apologists" for the administration; we have a melting pot of conspiracy theories and ignorant frothings; we have yammering and emotional appeals... The list goes on and on.
Have we just had too many decent Katrina threads, so we're now stuck stirring the hurricane's flotsam? The discussion wobbles between shitty assertations of opinions and shitty snarks, and S@L, PP and Dios aren't even there (without them, Delmoi seems to be the whipping boy de jour).
I understand that people are still angry about Katrina and the Federal response. And I'm not above getting into a scrap just for scrapping, but jesus. I hate it when Metafilter looks like how ParisParamus imagines that we do all the time. And something to note is that we seem to have that problem more when it's liberals vs. left-wingers, treating each other with all the consideration of rodents eating their young.
This post is ugly; the comments are shitty. Can we have an end to Katrina now unless there's something that really needs posting? Or is Metafilter going to by Prometheus's liver for the next week or so?
[I'd make a "more inside" thing, but I don't know how]
AskMe gets Gore-y
Is it necessary to politicize Ask Metafilter? [More inside.]
You deleted my post
Well Matt, you seem to have it in for me...
Mind if I yoink the Katrina Relief Image?
Matt, do you mind if any of us borrow the "Katrina Relief" corner-link-thingy (and accompanying Red Cross link)?
Katrina Threads
I thought it'd be useful to have a big descriptive list of all the Metafilter threads related to Katrina. So here it is. If it's not best placed here, or you're not interested, very sorry!
(More inside)
(More inside)
What do people think of threads like this?
What do people think of threads like this?
MEFI stands for Democratic Underground
Can someone explain to me why this is on the front page? nlindstrom links to this as his source, who in turn links to this guy as their source. And Mr. Madsen? He doesn't list a source. Has this place become a Democratic Underground clone when I wasn't looking?
September 5
TextAds ends?
Matt, either I missed the official announcement that you're ending the Text Ads program or there wasn't one ... What up? Not a lot of interest or...?
Selflinking in comments: quitcher bitchin
I'm sorry to bring it up, but the thread regarding self-linking was closed, and no one made mention of it....
Self-Linker
Detroit Wonk got a shiny new MeFi login yesterday (member since: September 4, 2005) and has spent the time spamming the joint with self-links. This uninsightful worm has managed to shoehorn his SEO campaign into six out of his seven MeFi posts, thus far.
Is someone using Mefi as his own private soapbox?
Is someone using Mefi as his own private soapbox?
He has his opinions and that's great (even though I strongly disagree with a lot of them), but I don't think providing a platform for the Gospel According To Cleardawn was what matt had in mind.
He has his opinions and that's great (even though I strongly disagree with a lot of them), but I don't think providing a platform for the Gospel According To Cleardawn was what matt had in mind.
Thanks for the Katrina coverage!
I don't know if this is really an appropriate thread to post, but I feel like it has to be said: a big thank you to the Metafilter community for some really fantastic coverage and discussion on Katrina and its wake. Even though at times it may be biased, uncivil, inane and (of course) newsfilter (KatrinaFilter?), the articles and fantastic range of opinions expressed are truly awesome. My life is richer for having discovered this place. So again, thank you all.
And though a lot of MeFites cringe whenever I say it, this isNPR truly the best of the web.
And though a lot of MeFites cringe whenever I say it, this is
Katrina conspiracy theory
Is this evidence that Katrina was steered toward New Orleans using scalar technology? This is not too far-fetched considering....
Au contraire, this (imho) has got to be one of the dumbest threads I've seen in a long time - the "conspiracy theory" of Katrina, if you can call it that, is the lack of preparation for such an event, not that weapon systems might have had a role to play in it. Deletion requested.
Au contraire, this (imho) has got to be one of the dumbest threads I've seen in a long time - the "conspiracy theory" of Katrina, if you can call it that, is the lack of preparation for such an event, not that weapon systems might have had a role to play in it. Deletion requested.
September 4
I commented in the wrong thread
My bad: Iran comment in wrong MeFi thread here. Can somebody please delete this?
Runaway italics.
is there any way to force a refresh of the (# new) posts on the main page?
OK, probably dumb question, but is there any way to force a refresh of the (# new) posts on the main page? I know it's time delimited somehow, but beyond that I'm clueless. And is there a place around here I can find that kind of information? Thanks in advance, oh, expert-types.
Oh, and on preview, the links for 'About', 'Etc.' and 'Customize' don't work on the MeTa preview page.
Oh, and on preview, the links for 'About', 'Etc.' and 'Customize' don't work on the MeTa preview page.
I'd like to make amends
Feature request: apologies for intemperate things said in the heat of the moment or drunkenness... or both. I wrote some shit to b_thinky last night that I regret. No email address was listed in his (or her) profile, otherwise I would have reached out that way. But I made a vow to robocop is bleeding a while back about just this kind of thing, and broke my promise, and I'd like to make amends.
How open are meetups to new members?
How open are meetups to new members? I'm curious about showing up, but am not an established mefite by any means and don't want to walk into a group of strangers and break up their vibe.
What's the story with Little Green Footballs and Metafilter?
If you go to LittleGreenFootballs.com, you'll see at times, at the top of your browser "LGF, Banned From Metafilter." Does anyone know what that's about?
Hurricane Relief
Fionab had the excellent idea of setting up a MetaFilter Hurricane Relief Fund. It's gone live now. (More inside.)
Shorten AskMe Wait
Why is it that I can criticize Metafilter policy or features on a daily basis but I have to wait a week for help with things that are actually important? I say shorten the wait for Ask Metafilter to one or two days, because advice is a much-needed thing.
Is hosting someone else's content basis for a self-link?
Should this really have been deleted for self-linking? If you could link directly to video segments on CNN, then I'm sure the poster would have done that. Instead, he or she put the segments on his or her site, and linked to them that way. Maybe the post should have been deleted because it wasn't interesting enough, but that's another reason.
September 3
paleocon is being seriously disruptive.
MeFi Help for Katrina Students?
We used to sponsor a Mefi scholarship. There will be so many displaced students from Katrina - maybe we could reinstitute some Mefi scholarships for kids who need to relocate or change colleges? Just a potential idea for a way we could hep as a community.
NYC Meetup/Benefit?
Why isn't there a donation link on the front page?
Why isn't there a donation link on the front page? Something Awful has been raising $3 grand for the Red Cross every hour.
Welcome to my killfile.
Guidelines for Katrina Posts
It's definitely the most horrible tragedy (and biggest news event, too) to hit the US since 9/11, no question about that. I'm just curious: will the Katrina posts ever end, in the near future? what's Matt's policy in this case? In short: what's the difference between a Katrina post that stays up and one that gets deleted? I don't mind Katrina being a large part of the front page, these days, of course. I'm just wondering. Frankly, most of the Katrina front page posts I see could have been just posted as comments in other threads, no disrespect intended.
September 2
How can my father promote his New Orleans towboat pilot relief effort?
My father is attempting to start a New Orleans relief effort among towboat pilots (he is one himself). He's posted a "call to action" on his site, and I'd like to get the word out. I haven't posted it on the front page because it seems dangerously close to a self-link (and is just one editorial, really). Any suggestions?
Someone recommended a $29 RSS reader on askme. Could they be a shill?
Does shilling for a $29 RSS-reader that "brings the news directly to you" sound a bit...well...suspicious to anyone else?
How does Mathowie spend his time?
Mathowie question: how do you split up your time?
Killfile script available
Ok, as mentioned here, there's always interest in a killfile script. Well, I just finished the one I've been working on (with help from Plutor) and it's available here. What makes mine worth it when there's already a script out there? Well, [MI]
Nested Commenting?
How 'bout nested commenting?
Greasemonkey Killfile Script
you finally got me pissed off enough to install GreaseMonkey and the kill file so I'll never have to read another one of your trollish comments.
I have greasemonkey---where might I find this cherished killfile script?
I have greasemonkey---where might I find this cherished killfile script?
Delaware meetup 9/3
Delaware meetup 9/3: I hope it still goes on, but I won't be able to make the trip north due to gas shortage. Iron Hill Brewery, Main St., Newark... I'll be there in metaspirit.
Please keep your politics out of Ask Metafilter questions
"Criminal incompetence is probably not an impeachable offense, but something has to be done about Bush." Please keep your politics out of Ask Metafilter questions. (And another.) It tends to attract the wrong kind of answers.
Pittsburgh Yard-Sale Meetup
Pittsburgh meetup (of sorts)...
Some friends and I are hosting a yard sale on Labor Day to benefit Katrina victims... (more inside)
Some friends and I are hosting a yard sale on Labor Day to benefit Katrina victims... (more inside)
Baltimore Meetup
Baltimore Meetup Reminder: Tomorrow, Saturday Sept 3rd, Baltimore MeFites (and intrepid DC MeFites) will be meeting at Max's (which is in Fell's Point on Broadway) at 7pm. amandaudoff says to look for the stuffed shark. See you there.
September 1
IRC has been moved
Sweet Buddha on a bicycle, it's another IRC-related post. (Don't worry; I'll make it quick and painless.) Most of you noticed in this thread that most of the old regulars of #mefi moved to slashnet. We've since vacated that channel, as we've set up our own dedicated server at irc.ieattapes.com, and you're all welcome to visit. Yes, even you.
(No, it's not an 'affiliated' or 'official' channel. No, there is not a dress code. Yes, you may bring food and drink, but ensure you have enough to share with everyone. No liver casserole, though.)
(No, it's not an 'affiliated' or 'official' channel. No, there is not a dress code. Yes, you may bring food and drink, but ensure you have enough to share with everyone. No liver casserole, though.)
Hurricane Katrina Support Fund
What do we think about creating some kind of fund to help support MeFi members involved in the rebuilding and humanitarian efforts after Katrina? How can we do this?
black rock city meetup photos
I NEED HELP.
I NEED HELP.
Okay, I know this isn't the point of MetaFilter, but I'm desperate and I don't have time to find out this information on my own.
I have a friends mother who is trapped in New Orleans and I need to find out who I need to contact to let them know where she is. Red Cross is no help. If anyone out there knows who I can contact, please let me know.
Okay, I know this isn't the point of MetaFilter, but I'm desperate and I don't have time to find out this information on my own.
I have a friends mother who is trapped in New Orleans and I need to find out who I need to contact to let them know where she is. Red Cross is no help. If anyone out there knows who I can contact, please let me know.
Freedom Walk DC meetup?
DC Meetup at the Freedom Walk? Anyone want to join me in crashing the Freedom Walk in DC on Sunday, September 11? We'll need to decide on a suitable t-shirt or other identifying markers to make our point -- I assume that they'll be banning picket signs etc. Those interested must register in advance.
Another complaint about Arab-Israeli difficulties posted
"I feel that the banal nature of this article offers some insight into this mindset."
...as a defense of this post. An appropriate choice of wording. [MI]
...as a defense of this post. An appropriate choice of wording. [MI]