Let's Be Real...
 

So, I recently stumbled back to the TFP after yet another hiatus. This time it was do to GH and his hundred acre woods art. I'm glad I'm back, and I thought I'd share this. TFPers who've been around forever already know, but I think it needs to be put out into the digitherea anyhow.

I love TFP because TFPers are real. While I use xepherys as a handle nearly everywhere, I know many people seek refuge here from the rest of the internet under different names than they normally use. But despite the anonymity, TFP strongly tends towards real people talking to real people - talking, debating, sharing, helping. It's really a unique place, this IP of ours.

As I get older, I slowly despise people more and more. The net becomes ever more laden with crap and douchebaggery. I occasionally find refuge (like some really awesome employees at a leather bag company I recently became a customer of), but mostly I feel disgust. But no matter the year, the social goings-on in the world, or the general feeling of malaise I may have towards people, I can always come home to the TFP and find familiar faces to socialize with.

I've never been a huge contributor around here. Lots of TB threads back in the day. Some various commentary here and there. I'm not on chat really ever. I've never tried the video chat. I very well may never try it. But despite that, I feel a sense of community here that is intangible and intriguing. Anytime a first-poster asks a question, people jump on board to answer and help (and occasionally harrass), and it's an amazing thing to see.

So, to all of those TFPers who have been around for a while, thank you for being here. We may not be "friends", but we definitely have a connection. To those new TFPers who stumble across this, be prepared for quite a ride. Even if it doesn't suit your needs right away, stick around and see the community unfold around you. I think it will be worth your while.

Agreed. With time, though, even that can evolve. There are some folks here I'm happy--nay, delighted--to call friends, because this is a space on the Internet where that can happen. Admittedly, the people I feel closest to are the ones I've spent time talking to outside of TFP--be it via video chat, Facebook comments, instant messenger, or even face to face! :)

TFP is certainly a special place.

And xeph, I'm happy to see you back around here!

I don't know about that friends thing, but I do know that arguing with strangers keeps my braincells perky. Thanks, TFP.

when i first joined TFP, i had only joined because i couldnt read any more threads and never intended on coming back. i did...time and time again.

It's 7 years later, and TFP's become an important part of my life. I've changed, moulded, morphed into a different being than i was when i first joined, as has TFP. We've grown together and changed together, all for the better.

People come and go, and TFP may not be around in 100 years time, but the memories and the friendships ive made here cant be traded for anything. Thank you TFP

That's me being real.

I'm glad to see you back, xepherys.

Wouldn't really call strangers on the internet friends, but this forum has a higher than most consistency of people who I don't think are morons.

Group hug?

Welcome Back xeph.

One day, just ONE day, I will increase the average.

Oh i'll be real. Not to be a party pooper but there are some people here just like there are people anywhere that set off my "gtfo" alarm. Being a member of TFP isn't like an instant membership card in to being on my good side :p

You seem like ok people though.

*puts on sunglasses*

for now.

no thanks manic..but i'd give you one personally though

This seems like a good opportunity to remind everyone that I hate you all with the passion of a thousand suns.

What the hell? Stars don't have passion, Jazz. They have heat and light.

Or not... if you reference my current signature (ripped off from the Alien screenplay):

"Silent and endless... the stars shine like the love of god... cold and remote."

...

Say... if I leave for a year do I get to come back and drop a bomb like this one?

Plan9, it brings to mind the saying...

We can't miss you if you won't go away.

Plan9, you really should learnt to respect your father. regardless of how much of an asshole he really is

Nice to see you Xeph... I was happy to see you post yesterday.

I like this space. I recently stumbled upon an old BBS that I used frequent and the friends that were made back in the late 80's and early 90's. I'd put these people into just about this same class since it was the same kind of camaraderie and less of the douche-baggery.

thank you to the community.

I think I get it
 

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/5...etargument.png
xkcd #438

- - - - -


to wit:
I'm not sure if anything is real; (e.g. sarcasm is not real to me, because I don't understand/acknowledge your brand of it - that's my one internet/life rule; abolish sarcasm.) my one-time experiences are no longer real because I can no longer enjoy/recall/find them. my memory fades me.

what may be real is that caring is subjective and contextual, and at this very moment, I cared enough to share a view with you, hoping it will be realized by another. that's the real: intentions--this destination seems to have forthright, bounteous ones.

Like Cynthetiq said...

With the exception of some boards dedicated to certain specific interests and hobbies, TFP and Something Awful are pretty much the last two tolerable places on the Internet. TFP has a real sense of community and is a place I can lay back and goof off or talk about serious stuff, and people will still recognize me and know who I am, and there's nowhere else I can do that. It's a pretty awesome place.