The psychology of LJ filters

[pointedview]

A post in a friend's journal inspired me to contemplate filters. Curiously, I don't really use them so much for my own privacy. They tend to be more other-directed. For example, I have a filter that includes only the folks I know to be female on my list, which I typically use for posts related to owner's manual content, such as bra fittings and

Comments

[streamweaver]

I prefer friends in full. Generally consider myself mature enough for any topic.

I don't use filters myself. I set up a sex filter once just to keep potentially TMI content out of the wrong hands, but honestly I almost never posted anything in it.

[pointedview]

Hello, blinky owl! :) You're included in the Atlanta filter. The gyno filter isn't about maturity -- I totally respect all of my friends, male and female -- it's just me trying to be considerate and not bore folks with, say, the details of my Pap smear. :)However, if you wanna be added, I can put you on there. It's not gender-limited so much as people-who-might-give-a-crap limited. :)

[epicureanangel]

I have a few, but I seldom use them regularly. I do have one for females too.

OT, your icon rocks. It really needs a cutesy song to go with it :)

[pointedview]

Hee. :) I thought you might appreciate the icon, given your recent link.

[goodjoan]

I have a couple but don't use them very ofen. The are sort of the same bent as yours, to keep from cluttering peoples friends list with content that is neither appropriate or topical. It's not a matter of liking anyone more than another. In fact I'd say that I cut out some of the people I like as a courtesy because I like them and don't want to subject them to topics that we don't have in common. For instance, you'll probably all hear some cute thing my kid said, but when they have explosive diarrhea all over the living room, I'll likely save that for other parents that can comisserate with the horror, and underlying humor of the situation.

I still want to be on both of yours if I'm not already!

[pointedview]

I'm exactly the same way -- it's because I don't want to bore people with stuff that they'll likely consider completely irrelevant that I might not include someone on a filter.

As for my two, you're already on both. :) I figure after four children, there's pretty much nothing I could post on the gyno filter that would be news to you! :)

[goodjoan]

This is true. After all my pregnancy stuff, and with all the women I know online, you could probably post that confetti was flying out of your crotch and I'd not only know the correct medical term for it, I'd know 2 people that also had the same problem!

Oh, hey, did you want this coupon book? The school sent me one to use as a teaser and if I don't sell it, I need to send it back in. I could do a flyby at your office if you wanted it. No Pressure, seriously.

[pointedview]

I do! I kept meaning to sit down and write a check and stick it in the mail this weekend. I will do my very best to do it tonight. As a matter of fact, I'll write the check right now, and then all I'll have to do is stick it in an envelope and mail it. You get the last stamp we have in the drawer right now! :) I'll include extra on the check to cover shipping and handling, since I'd imagine your local post office is closer and more convenient than my office, though it would be great to see you. :)

[okkitten]

I'm okay with being on both of those filters. I haven't used any yet, but I'm considering a cosplay filter since not all my friends care about my costumes. Maybe a women only one too.

[pointedview]

That's good news, 'cause you're already included on both of 'em. :)

I like your costume posts. I think you have a talent for it. I thought your Sin City one was especially on the mark.

[okkitten]

Thank you, I was especially proud of that one. Well if I do ever get off my lazy bum and make filters I'll post polls saying "do you want to be in such and such filter, yes or no" so you can choose whichever ones you want.

[quandry]

I'm in NC, but I'd like to be included in the Atlanta filter. I go back there frequently, and well... it's home. Keeping track of the doings and happenings of the city is part of that.

[pointedview]

That makes sense. :) I added ya!