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Online Communities; When good people congregate
Topic Started: Aug 4 2006, 07:07 AM (148 Views)
OperaTenor
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Pisa-Carp
A pm conversation reminded me of the good things that come from being a part of an online forum such as this. We are a community of sorts, a lot of us come and go, and a lot of us never leave. Nevertheless, we form bonds, whether they're rivalry, friendship, or even romance and lifetime commitment(we know who ;)).

The first online communtiy I got involved with - I'm still the reigning postwhore there - is an online radio station, Beethoven.com. To this day, they still have a relatively small on line community, but, as here and elsewhere, most of them are good people.

I registered there in December of 2002. In February of 2003, just two months later, I was in a pretty nasty car vs. motorcycle wreck, and ended up being hospitalized for about three and a half months, most of that time unable to walk. It so happened I had previously made personal contact with a local member of that community, and when I hadn't posted for a few days, she tracked me down to the hospital. From then on, I was showered with cards, flowers, gifts and visits from the people in that community - people from all over the North American continent. I was profoundly moved by the spontaneous generosity and love demonstrated by these folks, and now consider them my life-long friends, even though I may never meet some of them face to face. Some I have, and when they've come to San Diego, I try to drop everything in order to host them properly. I feel it's the least I can do for such wonderful people.

Since then, this same group has helped celebrate my marriage(some even came to the wedding), celebrate the birth of our daughter(we call her Altoid on line), and have reveled with us as she's grown these past two years.

I couldn't help but think I had stumbled upon the finest people on the internet on my first attempt. But then I found PW, and then WTF, and then TNCR. We have piano parties, people have met and married, we commiserate over lost pets, and we get together to shower a new mother. I'm in awe of how long some of us have known each other here in these places, and can only hope to be around that long myself.

While I'd still like to think I'm circulating with people who are a distinct cut above average(;)), I feel disillusioned about the notion that my experiences are unique, and that people everywhere are doing these wonderful things for people who would otherwise be perfect strangers.

Ain't it great?

So, if you ever come to these parts and let me know about it beforehand, be prepared to be bullied into trying the best beef ribs in the world, IMNSHO, along with getting a guided tour of the area.

PS. Thanks, George. :)


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kenny
HOLY CARP!!!
Big :hug:
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The 89th Key
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Good post OT, and glad you're here as well. One key indication of our communities value, is it's almost always the first place I think of turning when I hear breaking news, or when a major event happens in my life. That's a good sign.

It's not surprising you thanked George in your post-script comment. He's probably the nicest guy here, and has helped me and been a great friend in more ways than one - usually through PMs or even AIM chat. I still can't get past the fact that he's as old as my dad, yet says "n00b", "d00d", and is on top of every internet fad before anyone else. That and he plays Bach like a genius. :thumb:
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George K
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Finally
The 89th Key
Aug 4 2006, 10:17 AM
It's not surprising you thanked George in your post-script comment. He's probably the nicest guy here, and has helped me and been a great friend in more ways than one - usually through PMs or even AIM chat.

Not by a long, long stretch, 89th...

Quote:
 
I still can't get past the fact that he's as old as my dad, yet says "n00b", "d00d", and is on top of every internet fad before anyone else.


7h475 Ku2 1'M 50 mUCh M0r3 L337 7H4n j00 7h1nK. 1 W45 L337 83F0R3 j00 W3R3 3V3n 80Rn (w3Ll, @ l3457 1N 73H 34rly 80'5 1 w45)

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That and he plays Bach like a genius.

Bach is a genius. You're right.
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OperaTenor
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Pisa-Carp
George K
Aug 4 2006, 07:26 AM

7h475 Ku2 1'M 50 mUCh M0r3 L337 7H4n j00 7h1nK. 1 W45 L337 83F0R3 j00 W3R3 3V3n 80Rn (w3Ll, @ l3457 1N 73H 34rly 80'5 1 w45)

Okay, now I'm scared. I got that.

:hair:



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