DVDizzy Forum

God, here comes a long one. *takes deep breath*

Goliath wrote:Well, 'fascinating' can be meant two ways. Either: "I think this guy is interesting" or: "I can't figure out what the fuck this guy is babbling about".

No, no ... I can figure out what you're babbling about. To be a little clearer, in my imagination you're this young (25-ish) no nonsense Dutch guy, who wouldn't think twice to utter the truth about something, be it ugly or not. I think I find you a little intimidating, to be honest, hehe . But that's you, or perhaps more accurately, your online persona (to me) which may or may not fully represent your real self.

To cut a long story short, I don't mind that I find you intimidating. To me that's you, that's Goliath. Also, this may sound random but if I were to meet you in real life I'd opt to discuss Michael Barrier and his view of cartoons with you.

EDIT: Grr. I complicated things up there. I think what I meant to say is you're blunt. If something stinks, you're not afraid to point it out. That's why I'm a little afraid of you.

Scaps wrote:Actually, I personally prefer a topic all about "Philosophical Thoughts" over one about dying kittens.

Changed. I think Brendan will like it. Hey, maybe this will turn into one big macho-fest with Brendan and Super Aurora heading proceedings.

No wait ... Brendan doesn't like his men with too many muscles. Hmm.

Scaps wrote:I think everyone online is a persona rather than an actual person. It plays into the fantasy that you can be anyone you want, because to most people, you're just words on a page.

Now that's something I consciously avoid. I try to make my online persona mostly faithful to my real self. That's why I don't use an alias, and why I don't feel comfortable using one. Hopefully, if you guys like me here, then you should like me too were you to meet me. If I exhibit any annoying traits on these boards then I guess I would exhibit them too in direct conversation.

Flangy wrote:I formed/am in a clique? Which one? Brenders, you know anything about this?

I think the clique is in my mind, then. Somebody here (edit: Disney's Divinity) suggested xxphlinkxx may be part of that clique. They would be right. I didn't mention him simply because he's been absent for quite some time.

And while I'm at it I have a confession to make. Back when xxphilinkxx used to post regularly you guys may have noticed he and I were on bad terms. That was entirely my fault.

You see, I found xxphlinkxx very attractive and decided to tell him that I liked him (in that way) via pm. Of course, I creeped him out. But at the time I thought that if I felt that way, then I should tell him (never taking into account that nothing between him and I could ever happen seeing as we're divided not by one, but by two seas (the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea). I made things worse by telling him that I think of him at night before I go to sleep, which was not untrue and which was (I swear) totally innocent only he must have thought of other things. Anyway, we kind of fought and haven't really spoken to each other since. If he's reading this, I'd like to say sorry for being such a bonehead.

Unfortunately I made the same mistake twice (yes!). There's a UDer (whose username I've forgotten) who used to hang out with Nick Bryant on the forum. I did something very similar with him. Again, I meant no harm, but could have only alienated him and ruined a possible online friendship.

Divinity wrote:Yeah, there was always a clique-y feeling. Especially when xxplinkxx used to post.

Yes, exactly!

SuperAurora wrote:LOL at your take on me, Julian. I just love making outlandish jokes.

Hehe that's about the only thing I know about you, though. I do recall you had a really cool photograph with a sword. You looked dangerous in that one.

Brenders wrote:Now I guess I have to kill everyone who has read this post except us.

You and Flangy always crack me up!

BrollieFishy wrote:So glad to see you return, Julian Carter! Your posts have been missed. I've always envisioned you as a rather zany person, sort of Roald Dahl-esque. Please, stay!

UmbrellaFish! How could I forget you!? I'd say I am a zany person, but not all the time. I kind of need to be in the right company for the usual silliness to come out of me. My own family never fully sees me in true zany mode (though my six-year old nephews do - I'm sillier than they are )

BrollieFishy wrote:(I believe I'm probably the youngest regular...)

Then how old are you? In my mind your age currently stands at, like ... 18, 19 or 20.

BrollieFishy wrote:He’s a UD legend. I wonder how you feel about that?

Escapay is in many ways like a local celebrity. When I was a newcomer here I was dying to get quoted in his WIST series. He finally did quote me, though I still feel generally unworthy to be included in said series - I'm not witty enough.

BrollieFishy wrote:Oh and am I the only one who wishes ariels’prince would come back?

I kind of miss him too (though not his spelling ). I hope he's alright. He could actually be quite clever. I remember he used to come up with some really funny lines in the "Stuff Disney Characters / UD Members Would Never Say" thread.

I've actually thought about changing my name to Sunny Wing here but then it wouldn't be a nickname anymore. Anyway, I can't think of any particular regulars here that I dislike even if I occasionally find myself banging my head against the wall over some of the posts I see.

Julian Carter wrote:

Scaps wrote:I think everyone online is a persona rather than an actual person. It plays into the fantasy that you can be anyone you want, because to most people, you're just words on a page.

Now that's something I consciously avoid. I try to make my online persona mostly faithful to my real self. That's why I don't use an alias, and why I don't feel comfortable using one. Hopefully, if you guys like me here, then you should like me too were you to meet me. If I exhibit any annoying traits on these boards then I guess I would exhibit them too in direct conversation.

Back when I created the user name enigmawing at another community I was intentionally creating a persona for the sake of keeping my personal life separate, thus private. That actually allowed my real personality and creative side to shine through. See, I'd spent most of my life as a painfully shy person with absolutely no confidence but when I was online I was able to shed my insecurities. After a while I started gaining that confidence in real life, so being this online persona been strangely therapeutic.

Rey says I'm pretty much the same person as he initially chatted with online except for that shyness that still pops up when I'm around people I don't know well. Oh, and I had to send him lots of photos when we first started dating so he could picture the real me instead of my avatar when we spoke over the phone.

I still tend to picture people as their avatars here, even when I know what they really look like.

Sunny Wing wrote:Anyway, I can't think of any particular regulars here that I dislike even if I occasionally find myself banging my head against the wall over some of the posts I see.

Mostly I bang my head on the wall for the fact that it's next to impossible for me to meet you guys. enigma, do you consider relationships such as those on this forum (e.g. forum member A with forum member B) to be important? Because I do, even if most of us here never meet, or touch hands, or listen to each other's voices.

Let's take Escapay, for example (I'm using him as an example since virtually everyone knows him here). Generally I feel I know Albert quite well. I'm familiar with his writing style and his sense of humour. On the internet he is instantly recognisable. Yet, this feeling of knowing him lacks genuinity. In reality I know nothing about Albert's past life, I know very little of what he treasures (besides Disney, classic movies, etc.). I've never met his parents or been to his house or had him over to my house to watch a movie or listen to some of my vinyl records.

Hence, my online relationship with Albert is somewhat limited. However, whereas some - perhaps understandably - forget they're interacting with a flesh and blood person online, I try my best to appreciate the contact I may with others (such as Albert) over the internet. The online relationship is limited, but gosh darn it, it's still a relationship!

If I lived in the U.S., meeting some of you wouldn't be so impossible, despite the country's large size. Mind you, despite my geographical location I still don't consider it impossible - simply highly improbable. I think I might get lucky if one of you decides to come to Malta for a summer holiday (we do get a lot of tourists), only I fear Malta is a far more popular destination with Europeans rather than Americans.

I don't think I've ever even met an American.

Julian Carter wrote:Mostly I bang my head on the wall for the fact that it's next to impossible for me to meet you guys. enigma, do you consider relationships such as those on this forum (e.g. forum member A with forum member B) to be important? Because I do, even if most of us here never meet, or touch hands, or listen to each other's voices.

Oh, definitely. I mean, I haven't met or even spoken to one of my best friends in the whole world, although we initially got to know each other as pen-pals rather than online friends (we seems to have swapped IM's for letters these days). We've known each other for 15 years and live in different parts of the country. And of course I met Rey at another forum and fell in love with him before I ever heard his voice or looked into his eyes . . . it was kind of a surreal experience overall. I have met several of my online friends, although it's pretty unfortunate that we're no longer friends since they'd put on fronts about who they really were. One of those situations was utterly heartbreaking so I feel I've been through both extremes when it comes to online relationships. I try to take things with a grain of salt because of this and trust my initial gut about people's personalities as I do think it's the relationships between members that add a unique flavor to communities such as this one.
.

Julian Carter wrote:
I don't think I've ever even met an American.

That's a good thing actually.

Super Aurora wrote:

Julian Carter wrote:
I don't think I've ever even met an American.

That's a good thing actually.

RACIST.

But can you like, really KNOW someone online? Like, for real, man. Think about it. I could totally be a middle-aged woman name Bernice with 63 cats in Oklahoma. Let's all dwell on that philosophical mumbo jumbo.

Julian Carter wrote:[...] I think I find you a little intimidating, to be honest, hehe . But that's you, or perhaps more accurately, your online persona (to me) which may or may not fully represent your real self. [...] EDIT: Grr. I complicated things up there. I think what I meant to say is you're blunt. If something stinks, you're not afraid to point it out. That's why I'm a little afraid of you.

Wow, that's the first time I have intimidated someone! Believe you me, if you saw me in real life (tall, thin, soft-spoken), you would not be intimidated in a million years!

I'm sorry if I really frighten anybody, that makes me a little sad to read. But yes, I am blunt. You know that's a typical Dutch trait? I think it's the no. 1 cliché of the Dutch. When you ask foreigners what struck them the most about their stay in The Netherlands, the first thing they always say is: "they're so straight-forward" or "they're so direct". We're telling things like they are (unfortunately, this doesn't apply to politicians, like everywhere else in the world!). It's not the best reputation, but it is fitting.

Julian Carter wrote:You see, I found xxphlinkxx very attractive and decided to tell him that I liked him (in that way) via pm. Of course, I creeped him out. But at the time I thought that if I felt that way, then I should tell him (never taking into account that nothing between him and I could ever happen seeing as we're divided not by one, but by two seas (the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea). I made things worse by telling him that I think of him at night before I go to sleep, which was not untrue and which was (I swear) totally innocent only he must have thought of other things.

I'm sorry, but I had to laugh out loud at that! Dude, how *did* you think he would react? I mean, I can see another guy telling me he thinks I'm attractive and I would not be creeped out by it at all. I think I would be flattered. Not that I'm gay, but it's always nice to hear somebody likes you, right? But I *would* be seriously disturbed when someone would tell me they think of me right before they go to bed. I mean... imagine if I said that to Amy or Enigmawing or any other woman in this forum! I would scare the fuck out of them! I believe you when you say it was totally innocent, but it doesn't come out that way. It sounds like you... you know... fantasize about them before or while you... you know...

Escapay wrote:I don't know what he takes before he starts writing on the forums, but in chat, he is definitely cool and laid-back. It's like two different people sometimes. Maybe because in a forum, a person can take time to write out a long and drawn out response and embellish it with the personal touch that says, "I'm replying to this! This is what I think!". But then in chat, when the time to type is more immediate, it comes across as much more relaxed. It really changed how I viewed Goliath, as he can seem very different in chat compared to forum.

Well, I guess it's a good thing I went into the chat, then.

I don't see myself as being 'different' on the forum from how I react in chat. Maybe I do, and you've caught that, but that must be a subconscious thing, then. I always try to be as sincere and authentic as I can on UD. I often think people 'misread' my posts (sorry to go Duster on you like that) based on a wrong perception they have of me, and that it influences how they read the posts. Like you've said yourself: it's hard to shake off labels people have put on you (in your case, the slipcovers-hatred and the 'walking search engine' image). I've gotten a reputation, I think, of being argumentative because in my early days, I had some heated discussions with various people in the Music-section of the forum. I think a lot of people took (and still take) my remarks personally. Maybe it's because I don't type "in my opinion" after everything I write? I always thought that went without saying on a message board.

Then there are some fields in which I'm standing firm behind my opinions, including politics. Sometimes I will bring up a political topic, sometimes others will do so. But the main 'problem' I think some people (may) have with me, is that I don't respect *every* point of view. I know it's the 'polite' and customary thing to do when you don't agree with someone: saying you still respect his or her positions. Most of the time I do, but not all the time, and I think that's what sticks with people and they may perceive me as arrogant. But I'm sorry, but I don't respect people who believe homosexuals are sinners (as has been said on this forum); I don't respect people who say atheïsts have no morals and no soul (as has been said on this forum). Generally, I don't respect any beliefs that are derogatory or insulting toward any group of people, be it gays, atheïsts or jews (all of whom have been insulted over here).

I draw lines. I don't always play nice just to 'keep the peace'. And I'm sure you'll see this post as a perfect example of 'the two different persons', as it's not very laid-back.

Visit some more Disney- and movie-related threads and you'll see a more laid-back person. Unless somebody starts gushing over Louis the Failigator of course.

Goliath wrote: Unless somebody starts gushing over Louis the Failigator of course.

Hey! I copyrighted that! Go make up your own words! lol

Goliath wrote:I'm sorry if I really frighten anybody, that makes me a little sad to read.

Oh please, don't be. You don't frighten me. That was just a bit of hyperbole on my part. I'm sorry for saying that if it made you feel that way.

Shall I perform my dying kitten juggling act? That should cheer both of us up.

Bernice wrote:Think about it. I could totally be a middle-aged woman name Bernice with 63 cats in Oklahoma.

Yes you could. But as individuals we all make decisions on whether to trust the information we get online. In your case I've chosen to believe you are a young man, about the same age as myself with the same sexual orientation.

And if you really are Bernice and her sixty-three cats in Oklahoma, then you're pretty funny, Bernice and your sixty-three cats in Oklahoma.

But either way you don't know ME, you know SpringHeelJack. According to "TRON" he's my computer program equivalent that was created by me or something when I entered my first sarcastic remark or paid my electric bill online. Or something.



PHILOSOPHICAL!

Does that mean I can't call you Brenders? It's too cute a nickname to let go of.

By the way, is that your pasted head (I'm not implying you're made of pastry or anything of the sort)? I've seen a couple of your rather fuzzy pictures, and you didn't really look like that ...

I suppose you're going to let me burn with curiosity (sp?), aren't you?

Escapay wrote:Still, longevity doesn't always equate quality, especially as my last year here has largely been less than I'd normally say on the forums (and I haven't even done a stupid "Escapay versus..." interview in months).

And now I was inspired to do one with Prince Charming. It would have been Cinderella, but I don't want to taint her seemingly sacrosanct image here at UD.

Sunny Wing wrote:I've actually thought about changing my name to Sunny Wing here but then it wouldn't be a nickname anymore.

Damn straight. I once considered changing from Escapay to Scaps, but that phase went by quickly enough.

Jules wrote:In reality I know nothing about Albert's past life, I know very little of what he treasures (besides Disney, classic movies, etc.).

In my past life, I was a WWI medic who once managed to amputate a soldier's leg whilst we were being bombarded by the Germans.

And I treasure hats.

Goliath wrote:Well, I guess it's a good thing I went into the chat, then.

It was! I was about ready to write you off and ignore your posts as I do most of Disney Duster's, then you happened to be in chat one day and were really mellow towards everything that was being discussed. So I thought, "Hmm, I'll give him a second chance".

Brends wrote:But can you like, really KNOW someone online? Like, for real, man. Think about it. I could totally be a middle-aged woman name Bernice with 63 cats in Oklahoma. Let's all dwell on that philosophical mumbo jumbo.

But you're not Bernice with 63 cats in Oklahoma. Unless Bernice has some really sophisticated computer animation software that makes her look like a twentysomething when chatting on skype.

albert

Escapay wrote:It was! I was about ready to write you off and ignore your posts as I do most of Disney Duster's, then you happened to be in chat one day and were really mellow towards everything that was being discussed. So I thought, "Hmm, I'll give him a second chance".

Wow, you thought I was in the same league as Disney Duster?

No way, man! I may come off as an asshole sometimes, but it couldn't have been *that* bad.

You know, come to think about it, I experienced something similar with Margos. We were discussing Home on the Range, apparently a favorite of her, and I totally trashed the movie. Using the most over-the-top hyperbole I could think of, I completely destroyed it. And then she thought I was the biggest jerk ever. I didn't understand at first. I mean, you could trash everything Bob Dylan ever produced and I would still not be upset. I would argue back; I would think you're misguided and misinformed; I would make essay-lenght posts trying to prove you wrong... but I wouldn't think any less of you. I wouldn't be mad at you or think you're a jerk. We would just disagree.

Long story short (too late!): if contacted her via PM and we made up and exchanged some more PM's. We've been good ever since. You just need to know how to take me. With me, what I write is never personally. It's just an opinion.

This is me, by the way:

Since we're talking users who aren't around here much anymore, thought I'd pop in since I'm barely here either.

I pretty much concur what a majority of Julian said in his first post about my feelings on most of the people here. I've met some of the greatest people I've known here through thread discussions, and each have brought their own uniqueness to the board, and I hope others such as Ames and Margos will post more frequently.

Though now I'm curious what exactly this secret clique is that Brender and Flangy have. And most importantly, why I'm not in it...

And now I was inspired to do one with Prince Charming. It would have been Cinderella, but I don't want to taint her seemingly sacrosanct image here at UD.

Oh pfft, no characters were sacred in the Disney Prince Therapy stories.

PrincePhillipFan wrote:Since we're talking users who aren't around here much anymore, thought I'd pop in since I'm barely here either.

You should be here more often.

@ Super Aurora: Do you know if Big One will be back to finish his sequel marathon-thread?

Goliath wrote: Wow, you thought I was in the same league as Disney Duster?

You deserve it.

PrincePhillipFan wrote:Since we're talking users who aren't around here much anymore, thought I'd pop in since I'm barely here either.

I see you on AIM. I don't miss you.

Goliath wrote: @ Super Aurora: Do you know if Big One will be back to finish his sequel marathon-thread?

Unfortunately he stuffed with college shit and probably won't resume it till beginning of June. He hardly goes on Net too. He has not forgot it and does promise to finish it. so just be patience, Mr. Reagen lover.

Super Aurora wrote:Unfortunately he stuffed with college shit and probably won't resume it till beginning of June. He hardly goes on Net too. He has not forgot it and does promise to finish it. so just be patience, Mr. Reagen lover.

"Reagan lover"

Good to know he'll be back. Cracked me up with those reviews. Guess I'll describe some forum member myself:


Avaitor: Like to read his thoughts on movies in that part of the forum. Great to hang out with in the chat. Knows everything about the attractive Disney girls.

Lazario: I have a love-hate relationship with him. We've had some internet battles (which, of course, are the lamest of all) and we have been treating each other harshly, but we always seem to have forgotten and forgiven within a short period of time. I admire his way of writing. He seems like a very smart guy, but I think he becomes overly dramatic sometimes. In that regard, he reminds me of a guy I know from a Dutch Disney forum: really brilliant, but totally unpredictable and outlandish sometimes. I swear, if I didn't know for sure Lazario is an American, I'd say they're the same person.

Amy: Must be the sweetest person I've ever met (online). I'm glad she send me a PM one day to invite me in the chat room (first time there). Since then, we've been in touch via e-mail. I'm just glad she seems to have finally found some peace of mind. Good to know she's in a better place now. She deserves it.

enigmawing: I don't really 'know' her, though we've exchanged some very pleasant PM's. I admire her for her drawing abilities and her beautiful fanfiction. She seems to be a very laid-back, cool, funny girl; at least that's the impression she makes on me. I hope she's very happy with Rey.

jpanimation: I always like to read his opinions on cinema. Most of the time we agree, but he's a much tougher reviewer than me. He's not generous with high grades. I also like his insights in politics, even if we don't always agree.

Margos: Like I said, we got off at a bad start, but I'm glad we talked it over. Like enigmawing, I don't really 'know' her, but I always enjoy reading her messages and somehow, she sends out a very positive 'vibe' which makes me like her a lot.


Now, if some of this sounds extremely corny or mushy, just blame it on the alcohol, okay?

PrincePhillipFan wrote:Though now I'm curious what exactly this secret clique is that Brender and Flangy have. And most importantly, why I'm not in it...

According to Brenders it's the "Super Secret Brendan and Flangy Best Friends Club" which is a) hardly secret anymore and b) for Brenders and I only as the title suggests. I'm sure some other clique exists with you in it.

Flanger-Hanger wrote:According to Brenders it's the "Super Secret Brendan and Flangy Best Friends Club" which is a) hardly secret anymore and b) for Brenders and I only as the title suggests. I'm sure some other clique exists with you in it.

You know, not that I mind *at all*... but, reading through your posts and SHJ's (and Albert's), I must say I can definitly see where Julian got this idea of a "clique". I don't think he meant it in a bad/negative way. It's just the way how some members interact.

I admit, I've been pretty bad about posting this year, I've definitely retreated close to the lurker category. I wish I had the time (and energy!) to post more often, but it's just not happening. It's interesting to see how the people here have changed so much in the year or so since I've joined-or at least, my perceptions of them have.

I tend to perceive most of you as your avatars, especially Enigmawing, and the users who don't change their avatar often. I definitely agree with the general consensus of Super Aurora being a complete badass, which is made very clear by his posts. (And I am happy to say that I understand/appreciate some of his humour much more now that I am up to date on memes )

And I too, find Goliath slightly intimidating, I've always pictured him as the tall, dark stranger of a sort. But then again, I find the people who write those huge posts/essays intimidating, because that is something that's hard for me to do.

Umbrellafish, you seem to have a lot in common with me- we should talk more! Like you, I feel that UD has changed me for the better, and opened my eyes to many different issues and has helped me broaden my horizons. And even though I haven't been around a lot lately, I'm still so glad that a place such as this exists, because it's so free from judgment (for the most part). I feel completely safe here, knowing that people won't judge me for my sexuality, race, religion, etc. It's truly wonderful, and I feel that I-and others, I'm sure- really need a place where they can truly be who they are, and express their opinions without being judged. One of the things I love about being online is people only know what you've told them about you, so I can totally pretend I'm not as crazy as I am in real life . But in all seriousness, it's kind of nice to have a serious debate without people assuming I'm wrong or don't know better because of my age. (Which is probably smaller than yours, Umbrellafish)

Amd I wish we could change our usernames too, I find new things that I love almost every day!