It ranges from terms like "vets," "regs," and here it's "old sk00l."
What's with the obsession of laying claim to long term status of a forum? It's not like it really gives you special status or right, except maybe in one's own ego. It ranges from people who have been here, people who want the title so much they claim lurker status as if to bolster some legitimate claim, and others who just bold face lie about it.
I dunno. Maybe it's just me, but it seems to me if you've been here 4 years or 4 minutes you deserve the same basic respect as everyone else. We're all bound by the rules Drysart has put forth, and all are expected to abide by those standards.
Quite frankly, first time I've used this language here, you've been at a forum for several years. Who gives a fuck. Period. In four years I hope not to still be around any forum. If I am, I hope someone kills me for wasting that much time of my life online. [ 12-28-2001: Message edited by: Old Hickory ]
One man with courage makes a majority.
quote:
Check out the big brain on Old Hickory!
Quite frankly, first time I've used this language here, you've been at a forum for several years. Who gives a fuck. Period. In four years I hope not to still be around any forum. If I am, I hope someone kills me for wasting that much time of my life online.
Yep. Its obviously a waste of time for us to be here.
I sure hope someone shoots me too!
*sigh*
As for the rest of your post, I agree with it, though most of the time its used jokingly more than anything else.
My post was at anyone at any site that places such importance and militancy on their length of time on a forum. My last paragraph should have been more specific as in reference to those who spend not only years on an online forum, but within that year vast amounts of their daily time to the point it substitutes real life, and to view their longevity as a great achievement and/or lord it over others.
One man with courage makes a majority.
quote:
Old Hickory had this to say about Optimus Prime:
but within that year vast amounts of their daily time to the point it substitutes real life
That's rather condescending, don't you think? (And rather insulting to just about everyone here when you get down to brass tacks.) Your judgement of what's worthy for inclusion under the umbrella of "real life" may be very different than someone else's.
If my mother spent every Friday night with her Bridge Club, playing Bridge, is that an unhealthy substitution for "real life", or is that exactly what "real life" is supposed to be? Why is talking with friends on a message board or in an IRC channel so much worse than playing Bridge?
Who gave you the authority to even make that decision?
People who have been around these forums for a long time understandably build up an amount of vested interest in them. They know the ropes, they know the limits, they know the people. While I would loathe someone throwing their "old sk00l" status into an argument or disagreement as a debate token in their favor, I see little to none of that around here. I just see some good-natured reference to it, and I'm fine with that; it comes with any sort of healthy community -- people take pride in having helped build it up and having watched it grow.
quote:
Drysart had this to say about Pirotess:
<snip>
pwned!
D0n't fuxx0r with the 0ld sk00lz biatch 
From the "been here awhile" side:
There will always be an adjustment period when someone new joins the community. It's only natural. If you were at work shooting the breeze with a small group of friends around the proverbial watercooler, how would you react to a complete stranger who simply walked up and dove into the conversation, no matter how witty or appropriate the comments were?
Same here. There will be a bit of coolness toward newcomers, until and unless they prove themselves valuable members of the community.
You simply have to accept a certain amount of being looked at askance. Moreso if, like me, you're not the shy, retiring type.
From the "n00b" point of view:
Occasionally, those who've been around can be jerks. One does see the "old sk00l" card played occasionally.
And it's rather annoying.
Generally, it's someone pitching a fit about the changes as the community has gotten larger and less close. I'll break my own rule and not name names, but several old-heads have (not recently) gotten atop their self-righteous high horses and tried to lay down the law, based solely upon their feeling of superiority through low member number. I, for one, have no problem slapping that shit down, and am usually joined by others.
So the problem's not really endemic.
But it's a natural--and beneficial--thing if you have the patience to become part of the community rather than demanding instant access or, worse, demanding the community change to meet your needs immediately.
~~~~
More than many online communities, EC is willing to accept new people, as long as a certain decorum is observed--like one would in real life making friends.
Drysart is essentially correct, in that there's no real difference between someone playing Bridge with a group of friends, or spending that time online. Where I might differ is when the pasttime becomes an obsession, or a retreat from reality . . .
EC has grown large enough that the easy familiarity between everyone is no longer possible. Some miss it, and a few occasionally try, through sheer force of will and a low member number as talisman, to roll back the clock and return to the "good ol' days." Don't get angry with them; pity them. It can't work, and if you stand up for yourself within certain parameters, the rest of the community will take your side.
EC has evolved from the tiny village where everyone knew everyone else's business into a small town where most citizens are familiar with each other, but only the most active few have real notoriety, and there's always an opportunity to meet someone new.
I like it.
--Satan, quoted by John Milton
NAH NA NAH NA NAH!!!
I've known Drysart since SIXTH EFFIN GRADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I'll do the 
quote:
Leaasa impressed everyone with:NAH NA NAH NA NAH!!!
I've known Drysart since SIXTH EFFIN GRADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think I'll do the
My sincearest condolences on your affliction of Drys....
quote:
Bloodsage wrote this stupid crap:
<snip>
Excellent points Sage...once again, I totally agree...
Not that I can really say anything on the old sk00l part though...I've only been here since August.
But I totally agree
quote:
RPC had this to say about Captain Planet:
My sincearest condolences on your affliction of Drys....
lol
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! y0u suxxz0r newb!!!
I AM OLD SK00L!
quote:
Mr. Parcelan wrote this stupid crap:
Did you beat up Drysart for his lunch money, Leaasa?
You say that as if there was a chance that she dident
I, personally, don't flaunt the fact that I've been here a long time, nor do I joke about doing something like that. I feel that Old sk00ldom isn't the right to say "B QUIET N00B BCUZ U SUX ROFLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL", but more one of those... "Personal achievement" things. You know, those things you do just to accomplish something? Where there's no tangible reward, but it makes you feel good inside? That's what old sk00ldom is to me. And, personally, I've never expected new members to look up to me just because I've been here... Two, three years? Heck, in quite a few cases, I find myself looking up to the new member.
[End ramble.]
