I don't know if it's getting less interesting, rather just that people are less responsive. I think that perhaps the old people are used to the nature of the coffeehouse, and things that normally would have been responded to a year ago get ignored. I know that I've asked questions in the house that I put a lot of thought into, only they were casually ignored. I remember once I asked something, and the next page and a half were Alacar and Sakura flerting. I had to post again to get some response, and others have felt their posts have been completly ignored. And I've seen people bring up the fact that they were ignored only to be *****ed out for doing so.
I think that if it was a year ago, and the coffeehouse was still new and fresh, these questions or requests for help would have gotten more response and sparked conversation that grew beyond the original topic.
It does take two to tango afterall.
I have many posts that were ignored(Occasionally they are) but I dont care. Im still happy I post and If someone recognizes me, then hurray! Im sooo Happy! Im very friendly and talkative especially in person..^_^
And if ether didnt see or notice, Advanced happy Birthday again.
Best sound? hmmm. That would be me singin! lalalalalal
*Currently listenin to: Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover*
I'm gonna have to agree with Ethersphere. Recent newer members and the influx of things keeping the older regulars busy this time of the year has decreased the quality of the posts. Sometimes we're deep in discussion over a topic. Sometimes it's humorous flirting. I suppose we'll take it in stride though.
And yeah, I know what you mean about posts being skipped. I have yet to get 1 iota of feedback regarding the 180MB of music I'm hosting on post #1.
And yes, Hunter.. there's a list for every thread. Click the circled link whenever you're viewing your subscribed threads, or a forum.
I enjoy both from time to time. Often it depends on the subject. More casual and light topics tend to call for shorter repsonses. More serious or complicated topics tend to bring out longer, more in-depth conversations.
I have a feeling seasonal busyness has a lot to do with it. I get the impression that a lot of the regulars generally only have time right now to pop in and make quick posts. There's nothing wrong with that, it just doesn't really foster conversations with depth.
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The Golden Rule of forums: If you're going to be rude, be right. If you might be wrong, be polite.
That is true, yeah. What I've observed, though, is a little different. Post size and, dare I say, quality have both gone down in tandem over the past month or so. It does seem like the responses in the 'house are more like chat room discussion than actual discourse anymore, and that's really off-putting for me. Generally when I reply to something, I intend to do so with at least one large paragraph's worth of content unless it's not necessary. Thing is, I hardly find it necessary to clip my answers. This, I think, contributes to my posts in general being ignored or skimmed over - we all know that large posts with content are generally frowned upon by the majority of the site's member base ¬_¬;;
The environment of the 'house changes very easily, as Mamelon just pointed out to me. Some of us prefer long posts, deeper discussion, and a sense of intimacy between regulars. Some people, though, prefer shorter posts with one-line answers and a more casual, breezier atmosphere. I guess the 'house is currently going through a phase of the latter, but I'm really missing the former. That's just me, though.
Hmm yeah, I see what you mean. I tend to prefer an actual discussion then the quick replies, but occasionally they can be so very perfect. Especially when humor is the goal. But I personally don't want to see it become a chat room, and I do see what you mean. Sometimes the posts can be so very "Oops, I just ran by the computer, so I'm going to type something!" hehe, no offense to anyone, but sometimes posts can take this form, and this is something that I think should be generally avoided.
So very often, the long, deeper and more involved conversations are born from personal troubles, and this is where a lot of intimacy comes from. That's not to say that a positive deep conversation is imposible, but just that they generally are more rare.
I could try to talk about some of my stuff, but I don't want to pour energy into a post and no one be interested in reading it, or responding to it. Just as an example: I remember talking about my anti-prom, which was something really important to my growing up, and a point of pride, and I fully expected it to spark a conversation about crazy antics of youth, but it really didn't. I don't mean this to sound critical, like, I'm not calling you all out for not getting interested in it, but I was really hoping that people would, and it was a little of a letdown when it didn't happen. It kindof made me feel little point into going into some of the problems I face, because I tend to be a private person and it takes a lot of energy for me to dig into some topics.
And, just because this is the internet, I want to say that I hope my previous post doesn't sound harsh, it's just there are days when I feel a little ignored. I love the people here, and I don't want my occasional mild irritation to be preceved as negativity, you know? I'm really glad my response didn't offend you Ether, that's a good sign.
@Alacar - My interpretation and understanding of your last post is:
Older regulars are superior to new regulars.
Just as an example: I remember talking about my anti-prom, which was something really important to my growing up, and a point of pride, and I fully expected it to spark a conversation about crazy antics of youth, but it really didn't.
I don't really have many crazy antics of youth to talk about. I was really, really boring. Seriously. To be cliche, if you looked up "goody two-shoes" in the dictionary, you'd see my picture. And it would have been that really awful one from 3rd grade where I'm wearing a plaid dress shirt with snaps instead of buttons, have about three front teeth, thick-rimmed glasses, a hair that sticks up, but somehow manage to look adorable.
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The Golden Rule of forums: If you're going to be rude, be right. If you might be wrong, be polite.
Thank you, thank you, thank you gentleman. (This means you Ether, Kraj, Shah, and Alacar). I tried to say that earlier but in a less obvious way I suppose.
I haven't been around very long, but I do remember when posts were more in depth, longer, intimate, etc. I absolutely fell in love with this place because of that. Now it seems I just stop by and read but go, 'nothing great again today'. I know I've personally been posting less frequently for that reason. There's not much to post on. By the time I do see a few things my post ends up being 8 miles along and most likely loses half its meaning to start with.
I also realize it's a busy time of year and many people don't stop in as often, but something seems to be lacking a bit in the last month, maybe two.
On another note all together...coffeehouse chat anyone? Open for suggestions again.
EDITS:I think I managed to sneak in a few anti-prom comments as well. Most of what I did as a youth was boring or illegal(not to be mentioned in the forum) with nothing in the middle.
Awwww that's such a cute and funny visual Kraj! Thanks for sharing.
I don't really have many crazy antics of youth to talk about. I was really, really boring. Seriously. To be cliche, if you looked up "goody two-shoes" in the dictionary, you'd see my picture. And it would have been that really awful one from 3rd grade where I'm wearing a plaid dress shirt with snaps instead of buttons, have about three front teeth, thick-rimmed glasses, a hair that sticks up, but somehow manage to look adorable.
Aww, I bet you have some crazy story setting back there Kraj, waiting to be unleashed.
The funny thing about my crazy highschool years, is that I was more or less a goody two-shoes as well. It was just that I somehow was folded into this rather creative and wild group of people. Often times, I felt deep down like I served as the moral compass of the group. (And if any of you reformed delinquents of yesteryear are out there reading this, and laughing at what I just said about my role in our group of friends, all I have to say is, "nice witty remark you just imagined! Jerk!")
I seriously think that I kept several people out of jail time. Hehe
@Dreia - Thanks sweety. I hope I managed to help some with my rambling. I do think things will revolve around and better suit your tastes in the future. Though, I must admit, I'm not a big chat room person. I'ts just generally not my cup of tea. On that note, I wonder if chats take away from some of the conversation potential in the coffeehouse? Like, if people manage to do the bulk of their conversations in a chat, what is left to post about? I'm honestly asking this, because I don't know how often coffeehouse chats take place.
I had a crazier time in 8th grade than in high school. Until my senior year.
Boy I loved Senior year. You were the top of the totem pole, and automatically cool. Also, due to my reputation as a champ Magic player, and founder of the Collectible Card Club at my school (all we did was stay after class and play Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh), I was the coolest geek in my class. It was a good year that year...
Hmm yeah, I see what you mean. I tend to prefer an actual discussion then the quick replies, but occasionally they can be so very perfect. Especially when humor is the goal. But I personally don't want to see it become a chat room, and I do see what you mean. Sometimes the posts can be so very "Oops, I just ran by the computer, so I'm going to type something!" hehe, no offense to anyone, but sometimes posts can take this form, and this is something that I think should be generally avoided.
So very often, the long, deeper and more involved conversations are born from personal troubles, and this is where a lot of intimacy comes from. That's not to say that a positive deep conversation is imposible, but just that they generally are more rare.
I could try to talk about some of my stuff, but I don't want to pour energy into a post and no one be interested in reading it, or responding to it. Just as an example: I remember talking about my anti-prom, which was something really important to my growing up, and a point of pride, and I fully expected it to spark a conversation about crazy antics of youth, but it really didn't. I don't mean this to sound critical, like, I'm not calling you all out for not getting interested in it, but I was really hoping that people would, and it was a little of a letdown when it didn't happen. It kindof made me, personally, see little point into going into some of the problems I face, because I tend to be a private person and it takes a lot of energy for me to dig into some topics.
And, just because this is the internet, I want to say that I hope my previous post doesn't sound harsh, it's just there are days when I feel a little ignored. I love the people here, and I don't want my occasional mild irritation to be preceved as negativity, you know? I'm really glad my response didn't offend you Ether, that's a good sign.
In the entire run of this clan, I feel like this is a common feeling that everyone experiences from time to time. I can say that I personally have felt passed over and disappointed on more than one occasion, and I know Josh and Mamelon have as well at different points. Sometimes it just happens- as old members lose interest and new members arrive, the paradigm shifts, and while some regulars stick around and provide something of a framework for the clan, the meat of the group can be very different from one section of time to another. Availability, activity levels, and even current events can influence what we talk about, how we talk about it, and how much or little we do it.
In response to your anti-prom, I think the topic didn't take off because frankly, I don't think it was direct enough. People were discussing prom, and you came in with a topic that was, right down to the name, directly opposed to it. Meanwhile, you were hoping to discuss the antics of youth, as you said, it may have been hard to glean that from your post. Furthermore, many members may not be able to wax reminiscent of their juvenile exploits just yet, as some of them are barely into their adolescence as it is.
I've found that sometimes, you just can't expect people to pick up on a subject. If it is just a casual subject, it is a little easier to let it go and not take it personally, but if it is a truly personal topic, I understand it can be frustrating. However, you really really have to try not to take it personally. Many people come into this clan and expect it to be like talking to someone face to face, when in reality it is like walking into a large area where several smaller groups of people have separated off and are having their own conversations- fittingly enough, a bit like the environment you would see in a coffeehouse, with various people off to their own tables, doing their own things. However, sometimes you really do want to interact with the entire group, and sometimes the group doesn't listen.
I've found from my experiences that the best way to do it is merely to respectfully bring it back up later. Don't feel bad about telling people how you felt about being brushed off, but don't rush in accusingly and try and guilt them about missing your message, because it is very easy to do. I know that I have felt brushed off, but I have also done a good deal of unintentional brushing off of my own, and I can tell you I am a good deal more receptive and even apologetic when it is brought to my attention in a civil manner. When people feel passed over and make the big, dramatic posts about how no one likes them and they want to leave it merely inflames others and comes across as, if you'll excuse the crude expression- attention whoring.
There are a lot of balls in the air as far as conversation goes in this particular clan. Sometimes they get dropped, but it is important to remember that is does happen to everyone. Also, the pace does change and evolve as the clan does. I personally have been part of this from the very beginning, and I have seen at least 6 very distinct "versions" of the Coffeehouse come and go as time as gone on- some more thoughtful and intimate (I have to admit, my personal favorite), like a group of friends meeting up for a cup of something after work, some more breezy and casual, like one big nerdy cocktail party, and one particular era in which it was a bad case of trying to eat while the Spam Lady from Monty Python screams in your face (sidenote: Should that era ever return, the blood shall never cease to flow and the waffle iron shall ever sizzle with the reek of seared, teenage flesh).
Right now, let's be frank. The paradigm has shifted again. There are new members with new schedules and new expectations of where the conversation will go. There are new groups of friends forming within the clan, but that doesn't mean that the older members don't have their place. You just need to speak up and go about your business as you always would, and try not to be too discouraged.
But by the same token, I really do wish people would not dominate conversations. I don't mean bring up a conversation and talk about it a good deal- I mean, Mortal Wombat sort of domination. You know what I mean- steering all conversation back to one particular topic, which is nine times out of ten completely self-oriented, or else ignoring all other conversation completely.
I also want to say that I really don't appreciate when people use the clan as a place to "boost" their post count. This is not the purpose of clans, and this sort of behavior is not only damaging to the reputations of the posters that do it, but to this clan and all others. I understand custom tags are exciting and alluring, but patience is also a virtue to take into consideration here. Unless you drop off the face of the Earth or break rules with reckless abandon, it is generally pretty hard NOT to keep up with MTGS, and regardless of how active you are, you will eventually get that ever-coveted tag- a tag that, despite what you might think, is no more a sign of status than any other part of your profile. Think of it less like an unlockable feature, and more like a birthday present for being around the site for a while.
On a final note, I have to be honest, I feel like many of the lighter posts that have been taking place could really be better suited on an instant messenger program. It is one thing when we are all talking back and forth in a brief, casual manner, but I feel like a lot of the time anymore it is really just several handfuls of different people basically having a private conversation in public. I feel like this bothers people, in the same way someone talking loudly on a cellphone in a public place would bother people. Despite the fact that it is taking place in public, it really is just a private conversation, and it contributes nothing to the thread but saturated space, which in turn makes the less active members feel as if their words are being drowned out by the clamor.
/mamelon
@Alacar - My interpretation and understanding of your last post is:
Older regulars are superior to new regulars.
I gathered this from your post as well, although would like to think that is not truly your attitude. We were all new members at some point, be it here or on MTGS in general, and I think many of us have come out of nowhere as relative unknowns to this group and become vital parts of the community. Joyd, for example, was a relatively unknown and new member several months ago, and now I could not imagine this clan without him. The same goes for Dreia (who, if I recall, used to think I was this terrible ass of a person after our initial interactions), Kraj, Kevinliu, and Shaharazad.
On childhood antics: I walked the line between being a very boring child and being a real character. Sexual exploits aside, I remember some crazy things in my childhood, but they were mostly atypical. I didn't do a lot of driving around doing stupid things with friends, and I don't have many drunken exploits, but I have all sorts of bizarre stories pieced together from growing up at a summer camp, working as a camp counselor, and being friends with some of the most eccentric and unusual people from around the world growing up, such as Mamelon's childhood friend Joe- or, as I prefer to call him, the Whore of Babylon.
For example, I remember one evening when Joe and I went to the mall, during which time he nearly caused a small riot in a Waldenbooks, tried to lure a mallcop into a public bathroom to fulfill some sort of poorly formed "corrupt cop" fantasy, and made out with a plastic Tifa doll in the Food Court. That was probably the tamest evening I ever spent with that lunatic.
I knew my girlfriend wasn't the only one! Everytime I start playing a new Pokemon game, she's all "why aren't you playing with Jigglypuff?"
I find I tend to gather cute Pokémon. Pikachu is an iconic, I think, but I fell apart for Shinx. Such a cute little bubby. I used to have a great Clefairy. I like all the baby Pokémon, like Pichu, Cleffa, Budew, Mr. Mime Jr, etc.
@ Vitamins being so goddamned expensive: I know what you mean. I went through the E4 5 times and only just had enough money to get the 20 I needed to max 2 sets of stats.
I probably won't be able to get any more for a while.
@ Gallade: Meh, he's not so special... But I suppose, neither is Gardevoir IMo either.
Sorry Mams
Perhaps not compared to like, Mewtwo or something, but they're still very good Pokémon.
Beware, everyone. The Pokemon have joined the Cult of Mamelon. Will anything be powerful to stand in the way of this mysteriously-named goddess and her army of cute yet deadly imaginary beasts?
Tune in next time.
Cute yet deadly. Nice.
I think I could be fine with that.
Late on the train again I finally decided to start Pokemon Diamond. Already at Oreburg ready to get past the first gym leader and got four Pokemon to work with Monferno (I dunno why I always choose the fire-type starter), Geodude, Starly, and a Shinx... also got a Bidoof (heretofore known as Pimple Gopher) that I plan to never use. Working on getting a Machop to make short work of the first gym as well... Can't wait till I get my Wi-Fi now tho...
You can pick up some really nice Pokémon with a little searching. Soon you can get Meditite, Misdreavus, or something such as that.
And for some reason I'm swimming in estrogen enabled Pokemon... I think it has an obvious gender bias.
I guess they just naturally like us. Oh, how they clamor.
@Kev: The one which I think the catgirls are from is UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie. It's a loli henshin mahou neko-mimi palooza comedy, with a story centered on an alien public bath filled with half-naked alien women.
It's loli? Whoa.
New sig for me to reflect what I'm currently watching. I'm also very busy, well, watching stuff, and looking for a job. I'll probably not be on here at all tomorrow, and do most of my catching up on Saturday. Hunter, your avatar will probably be done then as well.
-Stuff
Hope it goes well, Mr. Stuffy. I'm pulling for you.
I enjoy both from time to time. Often it depends on the subject. More casual and light topics tend to call for shorter repsonses. More serious or complicated topics tend to bring out longer, more in-depth conversations.
I have a feeling seasonal busyness has a lot to do with it. I get the impression that a lot of the regulars generally only have time right now to pop in and make quick posts. There's nothing wrong with that, it just doesn't really foster conversations with depth.
I used to always respond to as much as possible, in as much detail as I could muster. But more and more I began to realize I just don't have the enegry for that all the time, especially as I started to miss a lot of pages. One kind of has to pick what one wishes to talk about at any one time.
Seasonal activity surely influences it. I feel like I've been quite busy lately, but that's probably because for about two weeks, when I've been at the computer, it's been to do other kinds of writing.
Some of us seem to naturally slow the pace of the 'House down, while others seem to speed it up. Then there are people who just seem to adjust with the current pace more often than not. New members, previous regulars being preoccupied, it all contributes to changes in the atmosphere here.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the light that you see. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
But the rainbow is an image of hope for many reasons, as it is a brilliant sight coming out of oftimes dismal weather.
I just generally follow the house. If the conversation turns to something I can relate to, I jump in and give my two cents.
If I'm passed over (which has happened), unless it was something important to me I generally just shrug my shoulders and continue to read.
When the new year came around, I left. Back during the winter, I felt less of a reason to visit. I was getting a bit buried under a lot of random chatter, and I didn't feel welcome.
When I returned, things had settled down quite a bit, and I saw a community again. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is the coolest and most eclectic group of people on the internet. I'm proud to be part of it. I will not, however, stick around if I don't feel like I'm part of it.
Lately I've not been that concerned, spring is a busy time for many, and I think things'll settle down soon enough
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DAMNIT: I should never have to shred my own character sheet in frustration.
I gathered this from your post as well, although would like to think that is not truly your attitude. We were all new members at some point, be it here or on MTGS in general, and I think many of us have come out of nowhere as relative unknowns to this group and become vital parts of the community. Joyd, for example, was a relatively unknown and new member several months ago, and now I could not imagine this clan without him. The same goes for Dreia (who, if I recall, used to think I was this terrible ass of a person after our initial interactions), Kraj, Kevinliu, and Shaharazad.
<more stuff>
I suppose what I'm trying to say is that some of the folks who have been here a while kinda know how the Coffeehouse flows and shifts, and are used to change. The more new people come in, the more it shifts, and the more they don't notice it.
Also, I would like to state my agreement with your sentiment on conversation that is best left for instant messenger programs. It's not wholly bad for this thread, not in the least, but it is best suited elsewhere.
As for the Coffeehouse changing, I can definitely attribute to that. People are in and out.
As for me, I'm here to stay. I've been driving for about a month, jobless and schoolless for about a week, and I've got bills to pay. The stress is a steady flow around here, but I'm trying to take it in stride.
I remember once I asked something, and the next page and a half were Alacar and Sakura flerting. I had to post again to get some response, and others have felt their posts have been completly ignored. And I've seen people bring up the fact that they were ignored only to be *****ed out for doing so.
Usually it's just that people don't have something to say, or don't notice, but occasionally what you mentioned does happen, when people dominate pages with small or distracting posts. Generally, that's when it's a problem.
I don't really have many crazy antics of youth to talk about. I was really, really boring. Seriously. To be cliche, if you looked up "goody two-shoes" in the dictionary, you'd see my picture. And it would have been that really awful one from 3rd grade where I'm wearing a plaid dress shirt with snaps instead of buttons, have about three front teeth, thick-rimmed glasses, a hair that sticks up, but somehow manage to look adorable.
Awww. At least you still looked adorable! Now, suspenders. Those are cute.
I was a boring kid, too. Except for all the things I did with that one friend of mine I mentioned. I never went to any dances, nor did anything special around those times, for reasons which are probably obvious. A girl invited me once, but of course I wasn't exactly thrilled.
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All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the light that you see. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
But the rainbow is an image of hope for many reasons, as it is a brilliant sight coming out of oftimes dismal weather.
In the entire run of this clan, I feel like this is a common feeling that everyone experiences from time to time. I can say that I personally have felt passed over and disappointed on more than one occasion, and I know Josh and Mamelon have as well at different points. Sometimes it just happens- as old members lose interest and new members arrive, the paradigm shifts, and while some regulars stick around and provide something of a framework for the clan, the meat of the group can be very different from one section of time to another. Availability, activity levels, and even current events can influence what we talk about, how we talk about it, and how much or little we do it.
Ironically, I think that it's good and healthy that we all are discussing the nature of the coffeehouse itself for a little bit. It stands as a perfect conversation point because we all share a common interest in it. Who knows, perhaps it could spark other conversation points and bring the momentum into a different dirrection.
It's very interesting to me, as a relitive newcomer, to hear from you how the coffeehouse has changed over time. I lurked here from time to time long before posting (and even made a few little sneaky posts, like when I was excited about getting my own espresso machine), so I have a little bit of understanding of how things were, and I do see what you mean.
Quote from Photon Eater »
In response to your anti-prom, I think the topic didn't take off because frankly, I don't think it was direct enough. People were discussing prom, and you came in with a topic that was, right down to the name, directly opposed to it. Meanwhile, you were hoping to discuss the antics of youth, as you said, it may have been hard to glean that from your post. Furthermore, many members may not be able to wax reminiscent of their juvenile exploits just yet, as some of them are barely into their adolescence as it is.
I've found that sometimes, you just can't expect people to pick up on a subject. If it is just a casual subject, it is a little easier to let it go and not take it personally, but if it is a truly personal topic, I understand it can be frustrating. However, you really really have to try not to take it personally. Many people come into this clan and expect it to be like talking to someone face to face, when in reality it is like walking into a large area where several smaller groups of people have separated off and are having their own conversations- fittingly enough, a bit like the environment you would see in a coffeehouse, with various people off to their own tables, doing their own things. However, sometimes you really do want to interact with the entire group, and sometimes the group doesn't listen.
I've found from my experiences that the best way to do it is merely to respectfully bring it back up later. Don't feel bad about telling people how you felt about being brushed off, but don't rush in accusingly and try and guilt them about missing your message, because it is very easy to do. I know that I have felt brushed off, but I have also done a good deal of unintentional brushing off of my own, and I can tell you I am a good deal more receptive and even apologetic when it is brought to my attention in a civil manner. When people feel passed over and make the big, dramatic posts about how no one likes them and they want to leave it merely inflames others and comes across as, if you'll excuse the crude expression- attention whoring.
Thanks for putting this into perspective for me. I do see exactly what you mean. My timing for making a post about it was a little off, and as a result, it was lumped together with all the talk of normal proms. I'll try to bring it up later on and get a little more into it. And yes, hehe, it's hard to imagine 17 year olds waxing poetic about their hishschool antics. I feel so old!
I'll also wait until just the right time to bring up my old sketch comedy group. We were quite sucessfull and had a very long run at doing our work.
Quote from Photon Eater »
I also want to say that I really don't appreciate when people use the clan as a place to "boost" their post count. Think of it less like an unlockable feature, and more like a birthday present for being around the site for a while.
Regarding chat like posts:
"I feel like this bothers people, in the same way someone talking loudly on a cellphone in a public place would bother people. Despite the fact that it is taking place in public, it really is just a private conversation, and it contributes nothing to the thread but saturated space, which in turn makes the less active members feel as if their words are being drowned out by the clamor."
I concur. Sorry for quote hacking, but I'm trying to keep the length shorter.
Quote from Photon Eater »
/mamelon
This confused the hell out of me. I'm still confused.
Quote from Photon Eater »
On childhood antics: I walked the line between being a very boring child and being a real character. Sexual exploits aside, I remember some crazy things in my childhood, but they were mostly atypical. I didn't do a lot of driving around doing stupid things with friends, and I don't have many drunken exploits, but I have all sorts of bizarre stories pieced together from growing up at a summer camp, working as a camp counselor, and being friends with some of the most eccentric and unusual people from around the world growing up, such as Mamelon's childhood friend Joe- or, as I prefer to call him, the Whore of Babylon.
Yeah, most of our antics had nothing to do with substance abuse. I didn't experiment with drugs or drinking very much until later on. Most of our stories usually involve bizzare plots and schemes. So wildly quixotic.
The Whore of Babylon sounds facinating. Remindes me of our own "house of debauchery"
well, on the subject of crazy teenage antics, I do have one story to relate;
I didn't graduate on time. I had to go back for a fifth year. It, however, proved to be the greatest year I ever had in school.
I was the Nerd King, basically. I was the oldest guy in the school, and I was the resident anime/game/magic expert.
I remember Anime Fest. I was sitting beside my friend Jordan (who is extremely hot, by the way), and we were watching Spirited Away. Everyone in the room had either seen it, or wasn't too interested in it. Everyone was talking over the movie, and almost no one was actually watching it.
So, I started rolling off one liners about what I saw on the screen. Now, I was being a rude idiot, but, the whole room found what I was saying very funny. I normally don't have that talent, but that night was special.
I basically pulled a Mystery Science Theater 3000, and I had an audience of kids laughing out loud. I swear that night was one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me.
As the evening drew to a close, people started thanking me for making a dull movie more entertaining. Nobody complained, and it was only one movie. It wasn't anything against the movie, but nobody seemed interested.
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DAMNIT: I should never have to shred my own character sheet in frustration.
As for me, I'm here to stay. I've been driving for about a month, jobless and schoolless for about a week, and I've got bills to pay. The stress is a steady flow around here, but I'm trying to take it in stride.
*waves to Mamelon and the others*
Yeah, it's been pretty similar with me. Lately, work has been taking up alot of my time, so I've been posting less than normal and it prevents me from doing things I want to. Or at least making me put them off. Sure, I get overlooked a lot of the time, but I don't really mind much.
I've been working, playing my DS and that's pretty much it. It's pretty boring around here.
For example, I remember one evening when Joe and I went to the mall, during which time he nearly caused a small riot in a Waldenbooks, tried to lure a mallcop into a public bathroom to fulfill some sort of poorly formed "corrupt cop" fantasy, and made out with a plastic Tifa doll in the Food Court. That was probably the tamest evening I ever spent with that lunatic.
Do you remember the time the three of us went to that Chinese restaurant and made a scene? What a night that was. I doubt that couple ever went back there.
@Psychoburner: You are the king.
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All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the light that you see. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel. All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
But the rainbow is an image of hope for many reasons, as it is a brilliant sight coming out of oftimes dismal weather.
I remember my senior high school days (it was only a few months ago). I brought a blanket and pillow to school and slept the whole day. The next day there were five quizzes and a long test. I passed them all. They next day they made me sleep and after that I failed a quiz. Right after that they told me not to sleep in class anymore. But I still did and consistently passed.
@Sakura: Yeah, it is getting a little spammy. Somehow when I first joined Coffeehouse it was loads of fun, but after my therapy it just went downhill. Is it because many students taking part in the Coffeehouse are still doing their last-minute projects or something?
Speaking of which... I wanna go to Ateneo na... Wah hunter I want to go to school!!!
well, on the subject of crazy teenage antics, I do have one story to relate;
I didn't graduate on time. I had to go back for a fifth year. It, however, proved to be the greatest year I ever had in school.
I was the Nerd King, basically. I was the oldest guy in the school, and I was the resident anime/game/magic expert.
I remember Anime Fest. I was sitting beside my friend Jordan (who is extremely hot, by the way), and we were watching Spirited Away. Everyone in the room had either seen it, or wasn't too interested in it. Everyone was talking over the movie, and almost no one was actually watching it.
So, I started rolling off one liners about what I saw on the screen. Now, I was being a rude idiot, but, the whole room found what I was saying very funny. I normally don't have that talent, but that night was special.
I basically pulled a Mystery Science Theater 3000, and I had an audience of kids laughing out loud. I swear that night was one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me.
As the evening drew to a close, people started thanking me for making a dull movie more entertaining. Nobody complained, and it was only one movie. It wasn't anything against the movie, but nobody seemed interested.
Hehe, thats great Psycho. I love spirited away, but it's perfectly fine to go MST3k when the mood of the room calls for it. It's it interesting how much potential we all have to tap into generally unused aspects of our personalities?
I too had to go back one year due to my bizzare nature. I was infamous at our school for being completly uninvolved for this one year. I wish my good friend Emily was here, as she always manages to talk about it better then I do. See, I was notorious this one year for skipping school way too much, and although I was one of the more bizzare kids, I was still well known and well recieved by most people. It got to the point that it was an event when I came to school. It was that bad. There would be rumors, "he is at school today!" I kid you not.
It was fun being the "older" person, so I can totally relate.
Also, Psychoburner - Congrats on being the ROTW! I was happy you got it. I just wish you would have added to the geek mp3's. That's really one of my favorite aspects of the ROTW. I love getting to hear the music you all are into.
Speaking of which, I wonder if anyone would be interested in doing a Coffeehouse mixed CD exchange by mail?
@Mamelon; thanks, but don't let that fact get out. Assassins are cheap these days, and I'd like to not have to check my closet every night for them...lol.
@Myta; lol, interesting. My hat's off to you...that's if I owned one...
EDIT: Shah, I can't quite relate to that one. I was at school fairly often, but that's hilarious. When coming to school becomes an 'event' something's odd...lol
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Official Character Sheet Shredder of DAMNIT
DAMNIT: I should never have to shred my own character sheet in frustration.
Ironically, I think that it's good and healthy that we all are discussing the nature of the coffeehouse itself for a little bit. It stands as a perfect conversation point because we all share a common interest in it. Who knows, perhaps it could spark other conversation points and bring the momentum into a different dirrection.
It's very interesting to me, as a relitive newcomer, to hear from you how the coffeehouse has changed over time. I lurked here from time to time long before posting (and even made a few little sneaky posts, like when I was excited about getting my own espresso machine), so I have a little bit of understanding of how things were, and I do see what you mean.
We've actually had this conversation before nearly a year ago. Hopefully this time it can go on without the slew of smilie posts, melodramatic "I'm quitting the clan" posts, and soft weeping.
Thanks for putting this into perspective for me. I do see exactly what you mean. My timing for making a post about it was a little off, and as a result, it was lumped together with all the talk of normal proms. I'll try to bring it up later on and get a little more into it. And yes, hehe, it's hard to imagine 17 year olds waxing poetic about their hishschool antics. I feel so old!
I'll also wait until just the right time to bring up my old sketch comedy group. We were quite sucessfull and had a very long run at doing our work.
I felt, personally, in this particular case it would be like if everyone was talking about liking bananas, and I came in and was like "You know what else is great? NOT liking bananas!"
I feel old, too, and I'm not even that old, relatively. It's funny how much of a different world being in high school and being an independent adult can be.
This confused the hell out of me. I'm still confused.
It's a BB tag. Like /quote or /b... only, in this case /mamelon, as if to imply that my post is so long and involved because I was running my thoughts through the Mamelon filter.
Yeah, most of our antics had nothing to do with substance abuse. I didn't experiment with drugs or drinking very much until later on. Most of our stories usually involve bizzare plots and schemes. So wildly quixotic.
The Whore of Babylon sounds facinating. Remindes me of our own "house of debauchery"
We had a lot of wild schemes, too, including a failed attempt to make a man impotent through use of nonsense magical rituals, plotting the downfall of a variety of individuals, from your run of the mill high school "*****" girls to a particularly racist paraplegic, and more than one wild adventure in which several packs of bikini underwear were smuggled out of a department store in Joe's pants- he merely put a good dozen or so pairs of them on at once and if anyone questioned why he was so bulky in the drawers, he told them he was just wearing a diaper.
Do you remember the time the three of us went to that Chinese restaurant and made a scene? What a night that was. I doubt that couple ever went back there.
Hahaha, oh my God. "Miss, tell the man at table three that his wife looks like a whore." I'm surprised we're still alive. I'll never sit in the middle of a restaurant again.
That was the same night we lost the gas cap and drove all over town looking for it, and we ended up tearing across town in the middle of the night blaring the English version of the Sailor Moon theme song on the stereo.
Speaking of crazy time in his car, remember the time he was speeding and he saw a cop coming the opposite way, so he just threw it in reverse and drove backwards? At like, 70 miles an hour?
And remember that whole era of time in which I was apparently color blind and ran like, every red light across the Missouri state line? God, that was such a stupid trip. Who the hell drives through the endless nothingness of the Midwest to visit some interior design messiah?
Speaking of which, I wonder if anyone would be interested in doing a Coffeehouse mixed CD exchange by mail?
Good morning everyone, looks like the CoffeeHouse has been a-buzz with its own busyness, as per usual, but regrettably folks have brought up some interesting stuff, and I actually agree to many of these facts.... Myself, as the CoffeeHouse hostess, the co-founder of the CoffeeHouse over the past year, have seen, much like Photon and Alacar have, how many shifts of this place have occurred... Granted, there are some people who contribute far more than others, some people who put more content in their posts, people who have been around since the beginning, people who have just recently shown up and made their presence known... some who have only recently shown up again after quite a long time being gone (*nods affectionately to Arguas*) But honestly, you know, everyone here has their place, no matter how much time they have or haven't spent here... I like to think we're like a real coffeehouse in that respect...
Myself personally, I know I will be able to be online a lot more often in around a month... I'll be incommunicado for around a week or two after the 25th, but I will be back, and back in full force... Being able to post everyday and stuff... I will also be juggling my Senior Thesis.. yes, my senior thesis is not yet done... Tomorrow was supposed to be the day we turned it in, but due to the fact that I was just TOO far behind, I needed to take an Incomplete which means I have two academic quarters to complete the paper. This is a paper of upwards of 50 pages, now due October 8th.. Its only been around 2 weeks since I realized how far back I was... Before then, I was slaving away like crazy on it, which was why there was a rather serious lack of participation on my part. Also, Arguas and I will be separated physically for the summer, and while we will still remain together at least for now, we're aware of how little time we have left, and are trying to savor the time we can, because summer will make it so we are 3,000 miles apart, and then in the fall, he will continue working in Massachusetts while I return to Rochester, New York for my last three months of college. So understandably, we're trying to savor as much time together as we possibly can.. I'm also trying to catch up with those people who are also graduating but actually leaving, unlike myself.. On top of trying to handle storage concerns, flight tickets, paperwork for the summer, shipping issues, such on and so forth... This is just a taste of the many things I have had on my plate recently, which is my formal apology as for why I have been pitifully lacking in my presence here. But! That's not the real issue at hand... I just wnated to explain myself a bit, I suppose
Many of you remember the good ol' early days of the CoffeeHouse where we were one helluva tight bunch.... We still are, we just, as Photon so eloquently stated, go through evolving phases and stages in our relationships to one another... I can remember a few times over the past year that I considered shutting the doors, or leaving the 'House myself... I also remember many a time when I have been insulted by Photon, and most definitely remember being chastised for asking for feedback when I didn't really want it/wouldn't be susceptible to it....I learned my lesson in many ways about many social things around here... its not just a place to chat... Its a place to learn, about one another, about how to react, how to take criticism, how to compliment, how to pay attention, how not to take things personally.. how to understand others. So many things have happened over the past year that it is simply impossible to isolate them all...... There were times where we've had ... shall we say, 'unsavory characters' here... Some who weren't fans of everyone, but some who were especially close to others.. Mortal Wombat being one. The times Sneaky came to visit were good ones... The first threads, the crazy time of Spammish dancing...
Anyway, I ramble. My point is that we all have a place here.. and while everyone feels disjointed at a time or another, or feels sheerly overwhelmed by the amassing of posts in a short period of time... There's a place for you here.. we try to embrace everyone.. despite the fact that, well, sometimes it doesn't seem that way... But hey, we try, and the fact that we're stilll standing here for over a year, with many of the core regulars still actually BEING regulars, really says something. The traditions we have still stand, the owners have not changed since the beginning...
I honestly think that Photon and many of the others said exactly what I planned to say here, and said it far more clearly than i ever could at this hour, but I wanted you all to know that I agree.. there is a bit of a chatty atmosphere, and I would just encourage some meaningful contributions and conversation, and really listen to each other... I think the RotW has helped a lot, but I think burnout happens... like 'oh another RotW...' but you know, we care, and that's what should show......
A true community of friends reaching out to one another....
This is what the CoffeeHouse is, should be, and what it always will be.
I have said my piece.. I will return again tomorrow to read up on your responses and wonderful conversation that I love to witness!
EDIT: Shah, I can't quite relate to that one. I was at school fairly often, but that's hilarious. When coming to school becomes an 'event' something's odd...lol
Hehe yeah. At that point in my life, I had my priorities set in this order:
Hang out with my friends (and did I ever)
Score with that amazing redhead downtown (and did I ever)
Play guitar (yup)
Get into college (yup)
So I was pretty pleased with myself at the time.
Edit: Hehe, I'm sorry for this short post after Omna's excelent one. My little one seems so ungainly and out of place, but it made me smile typing it out, and it felt very appropriate to spread a little lightness around.
I do agree with Omna, and I'm so very happy to hear that you will have more time to post. It does suck so bad to hear that you and Argus will have to spend so much time apart though.
It does feel nice talking about the nature of things though, and I think things will improve as a result of it!
*Shaharazad casts enlarge and hugs the coffeehouse, then cops a feel Miroku style* "Sup baby?"
Danica, your eloquence amazes me :). You said exactly how I feel. This is a unique place, a little island in the big, bad internet. Over time it has evolved, changed, but the core of what it is has always remained
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Thanks Alacar. The process started again. Im #1 In replies? is there such a list? Where?^_^
I have many posts that were ignored(Occasionally they are) but I dont care. Im still happy I post and If someone recognizes me, then hurray! Im sooo Happy! Im very friendly and talkative especially in person..^_^
And if ether didnt see or notice, Advanced happy Birthday again.
Best sound? hmmm. That would be me singin! lalalalalal
*Currently listenin to: Eric Johnson - Cliffs of Dover*
Monogreen 2007 | Jund Aggro MTGO 2013
And yeah, I know what you mean about posts being skipped. I have yet to get 1 iota of feedback regarding the 180MB of music I'm hosting on post #1.
And yes, Hunter.. there's a list for every thread. Click the circled link whenever you're viewing your subscribed threads, or a forum.
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Ryttare Kelasin Luna Orelinalei
I have a feeling seasonal busyness has a lot to do with it. I get the impression that a lot of the regulars generally only have time right now to pop in and make quick posts. There's nothing wrong with that, it just doesn't really foster conversations with depth.
Current New Favorite Person™: Mallory Archer
She knows why.
Hmm yeah, I see what you mean. I tend to prefer an actual discussion then the quick replies, but occasionally they can be so very perfect. Especially when humor is the goal. But I personally don't want to see it become a chat room, and I do see what you mean. Sometimes the posts can be so very "Oops, I just ran by the computer, so I'm going to type something!" hehe, no offense to anyone, but sometimes posts can take this form, and this is something that I think should be generally avoided.
So very often, the long, deeper and more involved conversations are born from personal troubles, and this is where a lot of intimacy comes from. That's not to say that a positive deep conversation is imposible, but just that they generally are more rare.
I could try to talk about some of my stuff, but I don't want to pour energy into a post and no one be interested in reading it, or responding to it. Just as an example: I remember talking about my anti-prom, which was something really important to my growing up, and a point of pride, and I fully expected it to spark a conversation about crazy antics of youth, but it really didn't. I don't mean this to sound critical, like, I'm not calling you all out for not getting interested in it, but I was really hoping that people would, and it was a little of a letdown when it didn't happen. It kindof made me feel little point into going into some of the problems I face, because I tend to be a private person and it takes a lot of energy for me to dig into some topics.
And, just because this is the internet, I want to say that I hope my previous post doesn't sound harsh, it's just there are days when I feel a little ignored. I love the people here, and I don't want my occasional mild irritation to be preceved as negativity, you know? I'm really glad my response didn't offend you Ether, that's a good sign.
@Alacar - My interpretation and understanding of your last post is:
Older regulars are superior to new regulars.
I don't really have many crazy antics of youth to talk about. I was really, really boring. Seriously. To be cliche, if you looked up "goody two-shoes" in the dictionary, you'd see my picture. And it would have been that really awful one from 3rd grade where I'm wearing a plaid dress shirt with snaps instead of buttons, have about three front teeth, thick-rimmed glasses, a hair that sticks up, but somehow manage to look adorable.
Current New Favorite Person™: Mallory Archer
She knows why.
I haven't been around very long, but I do remember when posts were more in depth, longer, intimate, etc. I absolutely fell in love with this place because of that. Now it seems I just stop by and read but go, 'nothing great again today'. I know I've personally been posting less frequently for that reason. There's not much to post on. By the time I do see a few things my post ends up being 8 miles along and most likely loses half its meaning to start with.
I also realize it's a busy time of year and many people don't stop in as often, but something seems to be lacking a bit in the last month, maybe two.
On another note all together...coffeehouse chat anyone? Open for suggestions again.
EDITS:I think I managed to sneak in a few anti-prom comments as well. Most of what I did as a youth was boring or illegal(not to be mentioned in the forum) with nothing in the middle.
Awwww that's such a cute and funny visual Kraj! Thanks for sharing.
~Dreia
Aww, I bet you have some crazy story setting back there Kraj, waiting to be unleashed.
The funny thing about my crazy highschool years, is that I was more or less a goody two-shoes as well. It was just that I somehow was folded into this rather creative and wild group of people. Often times, I felt deep down like I served as the moral compass of the group. (And if any of you reformed delinquents of yesteryear are out there reading this, and laughing at what I just said about my role in our group of friends, all I have to say is, "nice witty remark you just imagined! Jerk!")
I seriously think that I kept several people out of jail time. Hehe
@Dreia - Thanks sweety. I hope I managed to help some with my rambling. I do think things will revolve around and better suit your tastes in the future. Though, I must admit, I'm not a big chat room person. I'ts just generally not my cup of tea. On that note, I wonder if chats take away from some of the conversation potential in the coffeehouse? Like, if people manage to do the bulk of their conversations in a chat, what is left to post about? I'm honestly asking this, because I don't know how often coffeehouse chats take place.
Boy I loved Senior year. You were the top of the totem pole, and automatically cool. Also, due to my reputation as a champ Magic player, and founder of the Collectible Card Club at my school (all we did was stay after class and play Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh), I was the coolest geek in my class. It was a good year that year...
Then I graduated. And got responsibilities.
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In the entire run of this clan, I feel like this is a common feeling that everyone experiences from time to time. I can say that I personally have felt passed over and disappointed on more than one occasion, and I know Josh and Mamelon have as well at different points. Sometimes it just happens- as old members lose interest and new members arrive, the paradigm shifts, and while some regulars stick around and provide something of a framework for the clan, the meat of the group can be very different from one section of time to another. Availability, activity levels, and even current events can influence what we talk about, how we talk about it, and how much or little we do it.
In response to your anti-prom, I think the topic didn't take off because frankly, I don't think it was direct enough. People were discussing prom, and you came in with a topic that was, right down to the name, directly opposed to it. Meanwhile, you were hoping to discuss the antics of youth, as you said, it may have been hard to glean that from your post. Furthermore, many members may not be able to wax reminiscent of their juvenile exploits just yet, as some of them are barely into their adolescence as it is.
I've found that sometimes, you just can't expect people to pick up on a subject. If it is just a casual subject, it is a little easier to let it go and not take it personally, but if it is a truly personal topic, I understand it can be frustrating. However, you really really have to try not to take it personally. Many people come into this clan and expect it to be like talking to someone face to face, when in reality it is like walking into a large area where several smaller groups of people have separated off and are having their own conversations- fittingly enough, a bit like the environment you would see in a coffeehouse, with various people off to their own tables, doing their own things. However, sometimes you really do want to interact with the entire group, and sometimes the group doesn't listen.
I've found from my experiences that the best way to do it is merely to respectfully bring it back up later. Don't feel bad about telling people how you felt about being brushed off, but don't rush in accusingly and try and guilt them about missing your message, because it is very easy to do. I know that I have felt brushed off, but I have also done a good deal of unintentional brushing off of my own, and I can tell you I am a good deal more receptive and even apologetic when it is brought to my attention in a civil manner. When people feel passed over and make the big, dramatic posts about how no one likes them and they want to leave it merely inflames others and comes across as, if you'll excuse the crude expression- attention whoring.
There are a lot of balls in the air as far as conversation goes in this particular clan. Sometimes they get dropped, but it is important to remember that is does happen to everyone. Also, the pace does change and evolve as the clan does. I personally have been part of this from the very beginning, and I have seen at least 6 very distinct "versions" of the Coffeehouse come and go as time as gone on- some more thoughtful and intimate (I have to admit, my personal favorite), like a group of friends meeting up for a cup of something after work, some more breezy and casual, like one big nerdy cocktail party, and one particular era in which it was a bad case of trying to eat while the Spam Lady from Monty Python screams in your face (sidenote: Should that era ever return, the blood shall never cease to flow and the waffle iron shall ever sizzle with the reek of seared, teenage flesh).
Right now, let's be frank. The paradigm has shifted again. There are new members with new schedules and new expectations of where the conversation will go. There are new groups of friends forming within the clan, but that doesn't mean that the older members don't have their place. You just need to speak up and go about your business as you always would, and try not to be too discouraged.
But by the same token, I really do wish people would not dominate conversations. I don't mean bring up a conversation and talk about it a good deal- I mean, Mortal Wombat sort of domination. You know what I mean- steering all conversation back to one particular topic, which is nine times out of ten completely self-oriented, or else ignoring all other conversation completely.
I also want to say that I really don't appreciate when people use the clan as a place to "boost" their post count. This is not the purpose of clans, and this sort of behavior is not only damaging to the reputations of the posters that do it, but to this clan and all others. I understand custom tags are exciting and alluring, but patience is also a virtue to take into consideration here. Unless you drop off the face of the Earth or break rules with reckless abandon, it is generally pretty hard NOT to keep up with MTGS, and regardless of how active you are, you will eventually get that ever-coveted tag- a tag that, despite what you might think, is no more a sign of status than any other part of your profile. Think of it less like an unlockable feature, and more like a birthday present for being around the site for a while.
On a final note, I have to be honest, I feel like many of the lighter posts that have been taking place could really be better suited on an instant messenger program. It is one thing when we are all talking back and forth in a brief, casual manner, but I feel like a lot of the time anymore it is really just several handfuls of different people basically having a private conversation in public. I feel like this bothers people, in the same way someone talking loudly on a cellphone in a public place would bother people. Despite the fact that it is taking place in public, it really is just a private conversation, and it contributes nothing to the thread but saturated space, which in turn makes the less active members feel as if their words are being drowned out by the clamor.
/mamelon
I gathered this from your post as well, although would like to think that is not truly your attitude. We were all new members at some point, be it here or on MTGS in general, and I think many of us have come out of nowhere as relative unknowns to this group and become vital parts of the community. Joyd, for example, was a relatively unknown and new member several months ago, and now I could not imagine this clan without him. The same goes for Dreia (who, if I recall, used to think I was this terrible ass of a person after our initial interactions), Kraj, Kevinliu, and Shaharazad.
On childhood antics: I walked the line between being a very boring child and being a real character. Sexual exploits aside, I remember some crazy things in my childhood, but they were mostly atypical. I didn't do a lot of driving around doing stupid things with friends, and I don't have many drunken exploits, but I have all sorts of bizarre stories pieced together from growing up at a summer camp, working as a camp counselor, and being friends with some of the most eccentric and unusual people from around the world growing up, such as Mamelon's childhood friend Joe- or, as I prefer to call him, the Whore of Babylon.
For example, I remember one evening when Joe and I went to the mall, during which time he nearly caused a small riot in a Waldenbooks, tried to lure a mallcop into a public bathroom to fulfill some sort of poorly formed "corrupt cop" fantasy, and made out with a plastic Tifa doll in the Food Court. That was probably the tamest evening I ever spent with that lunatic.
I find I tend to gather cute Pokémon. Pikachu is an iconic, I think, but I fell apart for Shinx. Such a cute little bubby. I used to have a great Clefairy. I like all the baby Pokémon, like Pichu, Cleffa, Budew, Mr. Mime Jr, etc.
I probably won't be able to get any more for a while.
Perhaps not compared to like, Mewtwo or something, but they're still very good Pokémon.
Cute yet deadly. Nice.
I think I could be fine with that.
You can pick up some really nice Pokémon with a little searching. Soon you can get Meditite, Misdreavus, or something such as that.
I guess they just naturally like us. Oh, how they clamor.
Indeed.
Oooh, how did you know I love the sparkly teeth?
Oh, sweetie, you have no idea.
May I call you Emily? Or perhaps Cynthia?
It's loli? Whoa.
Hope it goes well, Mr. Stuffy. I'm pulling for you.
Heh heh. And this, my friends, is an example of why this place has been called the Magic Genderhouse.
But why? Because something didn't agree with you? I find it strange that you don't take responsibility for your own behavior.
I used to always respond to as much as possible, in as much detail as I could muster. But more and more I began to realize I just don't have the enegry for that all the time, especially as I started to miss a lot of pages. One kind of has to pick what one wishes to talk about at any one time.
Seasonal activity surely influences it. I feel like I've been quite busy lately, but that's probably because for about two weeks, when I've been at the computer, it's been to do other kinds of writing.
Some of us seem to naturally slow the pace of the 'House down, while others seem to speed it up. Then there are people who just seem to adjust with the current pace more often than not. New members, previous regulars being preoccupied, it all contributes to changes in the atmosphere here.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
Gaymers | Magic Coffeehouse | Little Jar of Mamelon | Natural 20
If I'm passed over (which has happened), unless it was something important to me I generally just shrug my shoulders and continue to read.
When the new year came around, I left. Back during the winter, I felt less of a reason to visit. I was getting a bit buried under a lot of random chatter, and I didn't feel welcome.
When I returned, things had settled down quite a bit, and I saw a community again. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this is the coolest and most eclectic group of people on the internet. I'm proud to be part of it. I will not, however, stick around if I don't feel like I'm part of it.
Lately I've not been that concerned, spring is a busy time for many, and I think things'll settle down soon enough
Also, I would like to state my agreement with your sentiment on conversation that is best left for instant messenger programs. It's not wholly bad for this thread, not in the least, but it is best suited elsewhere.
As for the Coffeehouse changing, I can definitely attribute to that. People are in and out.
As for me, I'm here to stay. I've been driving for about a month, jobless and schoolless for about a week, and I've got bills to pay. The stress is a steady flow around here, but I'm trying to take it in stride.
*waves to Mamelon and the others*
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Ryttare Kelasin Luna Orelinalei
Usually it's just that people don't have something to say, or don't notice, but occasionally what you mentioned does happen, when people dominate pages with small or distracting posts. Generally, that's when it's a problem.
Awww. At least you still looked adorable! Now, suspenders. Those are cute.
I was a boring kid, too. Except for all the things I did with that one friend of mine I mentioned. I never went to any dances, nor did anything special around those times, for reasons which are probably obvious. A girl invited me once, but of course I wasn't exactly thrilled.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
Gaymers | Magic Coffeehouse | Little Jar of Mamelon | Natural 20
....wow i think this is the only context i could say that sentence without getting stared at. And i didn't even mean it this time.
Ironically, I think that it's good and healthy that we all are discussing the nature of the coffeehouse itself for a little bit. It stands as a perfect conversation point because we all share a common interest in it. Who knows, perhaps it could spark other conversation points and bring the momentum into a different dirrection.
It's very interesting to me, as a relitive newcomer, to hear from you how the coffeehouse has changed over time. I lurked here from time to time long before posting (and even made a few little sneaky posts, like when I was excited about getting my own espresso machine), so I have a little bit of understanding of how things were, and I do see what you mean.
Thanks for putting this into perspective for me. I do see exactly what you mean. My timing for making a post about it was a little off, and as a result, it was lumped together with all the talk of normal proms. I'll try to bring it up later on and get a little more into it. And yes, hehe, it's hard to imagine 17 year olds waxing poetic about their hishschool antics. I feel so old!
I'll also wait until just the right time to bring up my old sketch comedy group. We were quite sucessfull and had a very long run at doing our work.
I concur. Sorry for quote hacking, but I'm trying to keep the length shorter.
This confused the hell out of me. I'm still confused.
Yeah, most of our antics had nothing to do with substance abuse. I didn't experiment with drugs or drinking very much until later on. Most of our stories usually involve bizzare plots and schemes. So wildly quixotic.
The Whore of Babylon sounds facinating. Remindes me of our own "house of debauchery"
I didn't graduate on time. I had to go back for a fifth year. It, however, proved to be the greatest year I ever had in school.
I was the Nerd King, basically. I was the oldest guy in the school, and I was the resident anime/game/magic expert.
I remember Anime Fest. I was sitting beside my friend Jordan (who is extremely hot, by the way), and we were watching Spirited Away. Everyone in the room had either seen it, or wasn't too interested in it. Everyone was talking over the movie, and almost no one was actually watching it.
So, I started rolling off one liners about what I saw on the screen. Now, I was being a rude idiot, but, the whole room found what I was saying very funny. I normally don't have that talent, but that night was special.
I basically pulled a Mystery Science Theater 3000, and I had an audience of kids laughing out loud. I swear that night was one of the coolest things that's ever happened to me.
As the evening drew to a close, people started thanking me for making a dull movie more entertaining. Nobody complained, and it was only one movie. It wasn't anything against the movie, but nobody seemed interested.
Yeah, it's been pretty similar with me. Lately, work has been taking up alot of my time, so I've been posting less than normal and it prevents me from doing things I want to. Or at least making me put them off. Sure, I get overlooked a lot of the time, but I don't really mind much.
I've been working, playing my DS and that's pretty much it. It's pretty boring around here.
Windmills do not work that way!
@Psychoburner: You are the king.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to be the peace that you feel.
All that I yearn for, for richer or poorer, is to fill your heart on my own.
Gaymers | Magic Coffeehouse | Little Jar of Mamelon | Natural 20
@Sakura: Yeah, it is getting a little spammy. Somehow when I first joined Coffeehouse it was loads of fun, but after my therapy it just went downhill. Is it because many students taking part in the Coffeehouse are still doing their last-minute projects or something?
Speaking of which... I wanna go to Ateneo na... Wah hunter I want to go to school!!!
http://catskullcollector.deviantart.com
Hehe, thats great Psycho. I love spirited away, but it's perfectly fine to go MST3k when the mood of the room calls for it. It's it interesting how much potential we all have to tap into generally unused aspects of our personalities?
I too had to go back one year due to my bizzare nature. I was infamous at our school for being completly uninvolved for this one year. I wish my good friend Emily was here, as she always manages to talk about it better then I do. See, I was notorious this one year for skipping school way too much, and although I was one of the more bizzare kids, I was still well known and well recieved by most people. It got to the point that it was an event when I came to school. It was that bad. There would be rumors, "he is at school today!" I kid you not.
It was fun being the "older" person, so I can totally relate.
Also, Psychoburner - Congrats on being the ROTW! I was happy you got it. I just wish you would have added to the geek mp3's. That's really one of my favorite aspects of the ROTW. I love getting to hear the music you all are into.
Speaking of which, I wonder if anyone would be interested in doing a Coffeehouse mixed CD exchange by mail?
@Myta; lol, interesting. My hat's off to you...that's if I owned one...
EDIT: Shah, I can't quite relate to that one. I was at school fairly often, but that's hilarious. When coming to school becomes an 'event' something's odd...lol
We've actually had this conversation before nearly a year ago. Hopefully this time it can go on without the slew of smilie posts, melodramatic "I'm quitting the clan" posts, and soft weeping.
I felt, personally, in this particular case it would be like if everyone was talking about liking bananas, and I came in and was like "You know what else is great? NOT liking bananas!"
I feel old, too, and I'm not even that old, relatively. It's funny how much of a different world being in high school and being an independent adult can be.
It's a BB tag. Like /quote or /b... only, in this case /mamelon, as if to imply that my post is so long and involved because I was running my thoughts through the Mamelon filter.
We had a lot of wild schemes, too, including a failed attempt to make a man impotent through use of nonsense magical rituals, plotting the downfall of a variety of individuals, from your run of the mill high school "*****" girls to a particularly racist paraplegic, and more than one wild adventure in which several packs of bikini underwear were smuggled out of a department store in Joe's pants- he merely put a good dozen or so pairs of them on at once and if anyone questioned why he was so bulky in the drawers, he told them he was just wearing a diaper.
Hahaha, oh my God. "Miss, tell the man at table three that his wife looks like a whore." I'm surprised we're still alive. I'll never sit in the middle of a restaurant again.
That was the same night we lost the gas cap and drove all over town looking for it, and we ended up tearing across town in the middle of the night blaring the English version of the Sailor Moon theme song on the stereo.
Speaking of crazy time in his car, remember the time he was speeding and he saw a cop coming the opposite way, so he just threw it in reverse and drove backwards? At like, 70 miles an hour?
And remember that whole era of time in which I was apparently color blind and ran like, every red light across the Missouri state line? God, that was such a stupid trip. Who the hell drives through the endless nothingness of the Midwest to visit some interior design messiah?
I would, but I hate most of your tastes in music.
Myself personally, I know I will be able to be online a lot more often in around a month... I'll be incommunicado for around a week or two after the 25th, but I will be back, and back in full force... Being able to post everyday and stuff... I will also be juggling my Senior Thesis.. yes, my senior thesis is not yet done... Tomorrow was supposed to be the day we turned it in, but due to the fact that I was just TOO far behind, I needed to take an Incomplete which means I have two academic quarters to complete the paper. This is a paper of upwards of 50 pages, now due October 8th.. Its only been around 2 weeks since I realized how far back I was... Before then, I was slaving away like crazy on it, which was why there was a rather serious lack of participation on my part. Also, Arguas and I will be separated physically for the summer, and while we will still remain together at least for now, we're aware of how little time we have left, and are trying to savor the time we can, because summer will make it so we are 3,000 miles apart, and then in the fall, he will continue working in Massachusetts while I return to Rochester, New York for my last three months of college. So understandably, we're trying to savor as much time together as we possibly can.. I'm also trying to catch up with those people who are also graduating but actually leaving, unlike myself.. On top of trying to handle storage concerns, flight tickets, paperwork for the summer, shipping issues, such on and so forth... This is just a taste of the many things I have had on my plate recently, which is my formal apology as for why I have been pitifully lacking in my presence here. But! That's not the real issue at hand... I just wnated to explain myself a bit, I suppose
Many of you remember the good ol' early days of the CoffeeHouse where we were one helluva tight bunch.... We still are, we just, as Photon so eloquently stated, go through evolving phases and stages in our relationships to one another... I can remember a few times over the past year that I considered shutting the doors, or leaving the 'House myself... I also remember many a time when I have been insulted by Photon, and most definitely remember being chastised for asking for feedback when I didn't really want it/wouldn't be susceptible to it....I learned my lesson in many ways about many social things around here... its not just a place to chat... Its a place to learn, about one another, about how to react, how to take criticism, how to compliment, how to pay attention, how not to take things personally.. how to understand others. So many things have happened over the past year that it is simply impossible to isolate them all...... There were times where we've had ... shall we say, 'unsavory characters' here... Some who weren't fans of everyone, but some who were especially close to others.. Mortal Wombat being one. The times Sneaky came to visit were good ones... The first threads, the crazy time of Spammish dancing...
Anyway, I ramble. My point is that we all have a place here.. and while everyone feels disjointed at a time or another, or feels sheerly overwhelmed by the amassing of posts in a short period of time... There's a place for you here.. we try to embrace everyone.. despite the fact that, well, sometimes it doesn't seem that way... But hey, we try, and the fact that we're stilll standing here for over a year, with many of the core regulars still actually BEING regulars, really says something. The traditions we have still stand, the owners have not changed since the beginning...
I honestly think that Photon and many of the others said exactly what I planned to say here, and said it far more clearly than i ever could at this hour, but I wanted you all to know that I agree.. there is a bit of a chatty atmosphere, and I would just encourage some meaningful contributions and conversation, and really listen to each other... I think the RotW has helped a lot, but I think burnout happens... like 'oh another RotW...' but you know, we care, and that's what should show......
A true community of friends reaching out to one another....
This is what the CoffeeHouse is, should be, and what it always will be.
I have said my piece.. I will return again tomorrow to read up on your responses and wonderful conversation that I love to witness!
Much love and hugs to you from Omna
Magic Coffeehouse!
Come in, sit down, relax, get to know somebody!
Open Three and a Half Years as of October 19, 2009!
Banner by PurpleD and avatar/custom by Tanthalas
Hehe yeah. At that point in my life, I had my priorities set in this order:
Hang out with my friends (and did I ever)
Score with that amazing redhead downtown (and did I ever)
Play guitar (yup)
Get into college (yup)
So I was pretty pleased with myself at the time.
Edit: Hehe, I'm sorry for this short post after Omna's excelent one. My little one seems so ungainly and out of place, but it made me smile typing it out, and it felt very appropriate to spread a little lightness around.
I do agree with Omna, and I'm so very happy to hear that you will have more time to post. It does suck so bad to hear that you and Argus will have to spend so much time apart though.
It does feel nice talking about the nature of things though, and I think things will improve as a result of it!
*Shaharazad casts enlarge and hugs the coffeehouse, then cops a feel Miroku style* "Sup baby?"