Essay rec: LJ as a medium

[teasel]

Essay rec: double_helix has a fascinating post here on the effect of LJ on fannish communication. Well worth checking out; she considers the effect of the switch from Usenet and mailing lists (technologies which basically filtered content by subject and encouraged threaded discussion) to LJ (a technology which basically filters by person and in which

Comments

[mariole]

I like both types of groups. Sometimes the personal stuff can get a little heavy or whiney, and I just skip it to get on to someone who is exercising oversexed hobbits in some way that I really enjoy. This is my relaxation, after all. On the other hand, it's a privilege to follow along with people's adventures, and just give an encouraging word when a really nice person is up against some adversity. I hate quarreling, so any personal disputes I run away from in the most prompt and cowardly fashion. I live in a happy La-la Land here in LJ (except for the occasional political rant).

But because the personal stuff varies so tremendously, I do value my communities or message boards where there are actual topics. That way, I can participate in a discussion with other interested folks. The back-and-forth in LJ, while extremely entertaining and occasionally enlightening, doesn't promote much group discussion. Still, I feel very much part of a community here. It's odd. I guess it's just personal _enough_ to make me feel welcome, without necessarily feeling guilty when I can't respond. I think everyone is aware the RL comes bashing in whenever it feels like it. *sticks out tongue at RL intrusions*

[singeaddams]

Sometimes the personal stuff can get a little heavy or whiney, and I just skip it to get on to someone who is exercising oversexed hobbits in some way that I really enjoy

You too? Wow, what are the odds?!

[mariole]

*blushes mightily*

I thought I was the only one! *feels sense of shame diminish * tries to get another peek of Frodo with his shirt off...*

[teasel]

Good lord, why are so many people interested in oversexed hobbits? I'm stunned at disappointed by the low moral tone around here.

I don't suppose you can tell me where these oversexed hobbits might be found? Just so I can, you know, avoid them more efficiently.

Avert your eyes!

[singeaddams]

hobbit_smut is turning into a sordid community, if I do say so myself. Sniff! Stay away! Far away!

[teasel]

I just skip it to get on to someone who is exercising oversexed hobbits in some way that I really enjoy.

You shock and appall me. I don't know what to say, Mariole. I thought -- I thought you were Pure. I never knew you were interested in hobbits, let alone hobbits having (I blush to say it) sex.

I hate quarreling, so any personal disputes I run away from in the most prompt and cowardly fashion.

Me too. I have lived through too many of these things in earlier internet lives to find them even mildly diverting. Whenever wank happens, I generally find that it is time for me to get my nails done or something equally crucial to my personal well-being. And LJ makes this possible, and for that I'm grateful. On the other hand it is nice, as you say, to participate in a medium where people are not cast into the outer darkness for occasionally posting pictures of their cat, and where the thunderous accusation of "OT" no longer makes hapless posters quiver with fear. So yes: plenty of good stuff about the place. All means of communication have their disadvantages, however, and occasionally I do worry about the ones that may haunt us here.

[mariole]

I am Pure -- a certain kind of Pure. The kind of Pure that has an "im" in front of it. Now, Frodo is the kind of Pure that has sex after it...

Nails, huh? I like to do a little yoga, read some smut...

[teasel]

Now, Frodo is the kind of Pure that has sex after it...

And "on a stick" after that. :)