I'd consider responding to this in the way you clearly want people to respond, but I doubt that I find bolstering your ego a sufficient reason for participating in a communication style that I strongly dislike.
To be less of a wiseass: If others hadn't responded saying they'd be interested, I would have; but it was clear that that front was covered. *)
To expand on why I had the reaction I did: Clearly I'm not the only one interpreting "I doubt anyone would" with comments enabled as "Would anyone?". I suppose you can regard that as evidence that it's an effective way of asking without asking, but that doesn't take into account the annoyance factor, for lack of a better term, of needing to interpret in the first place. I don't mind being asked for things, but I think I see it as a trade of favors--if you do me the favor of asking, I'll do you the favor of considering your request--and being put in the position of interpreting and considering the request is annoying. It feels like the other person isn't willing to put in any work at all to get me to consider the request in the first place, much less to consider it favorably, and if my consideration isn't worth your effort, why are you bringing it up with me?
I also find myself... bemused by? skeptical of? your doubt. All these people wouldn't have you on their friends lists if they weren't interested in learning about you. So, bemusement (or skepticism) + annoyance = wiseass.
To offer unasked-for advice: I found making the list to be a really interesting exercise, so even if you were the only one who wanted to read it, I'd recommend doing it anyway. *) The simultaneous sense of "I haven't done 100 things worth listing" and "How do I choose?!" is quite fascinating to experience.
Well... the original post was made in depression and despondency and was intended as a vent, not a question. It was stupid of me to allow comments, although I've never made a no-comments entry before and it just didn't occur to me to post other-than-normally.
As far as people having me on their friends-lists goes... I suspect that for most people it is mostly mascot-like rather than interest in Brian-as-a-person. I'm a collectible... everyone's pet rocket scientist, to be pulled out at appropriate intervals and displayed (and then re-shelved). I really doubt that most people would want to read my list, laden as it would be with personal, rather than work-related items.
But given your advice about the utility of the exercise, and having provoked a number of respondents here, I will compose one... (smile)
*bafflement* Where on earth do you get this mascot idea? I'd much rather hear about your personal life than your work life (especially since I get regular updates on the latter from hopeforyou).
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jay
no subject
Date: 2002-12-29 11:21 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2002-12-29 11:50 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2002-12-30 02:21 am (UTC)To be less of a wiseass: If others hadn't responded saying they'd be interested, I would have; but it was clear that that front was covered. *)
To expand on why I had the reaction I did: Clearly I'm not the only one interpreting "I doubt anyone would" with comments enabled as "Would anyone?". I suppose you can regard that as evidence that it's an effective way of asking without asking, but that doesn't take into account the annoyance factor, for lack of a better term, of needing to interpret in the first place. I don't mind being asked for things, but I think I see it as a trade of favors--if you do me the favor of asking, I'll do you the favor of considering your request--and being put in the position of interpreting and considering the request is annoying. It feels like the other person isn't willing to put in any work at all to get me to consider the request in the first place, much less to consider it favorably, and if my consideration isn't worth your effort, why are you bringing it up with me?
I also find myself... bemused by? skeptical of? your doubt. All these people wouldn't have you on their friends lists if they weren't interested in learning about you. So, bemusement (or skepticism) + annoyance = wiseass.
To offer unasked-for advice: I found making the list to be a really interesting exercise, so even if you were the only one who wanted to read it, I'd recommend doing it anyway. *) The simultaneous sense of "I haven't done 100 things worth listing" and "How do I choose?!" is quite fascinating to experience.
no subject
Date: 2002-12-31 01:48 am (UTC)As far as people having me on their friends-lists goes... I suspect that for most people it is mostly mascot-like rather than interest in Brian-as-a-person. I'm a collectible... everyone's pet rocket scientist, to be pulled out at appropriate intervals and displayed (and then re-shelved). I really doubt that most people would want to read my list, laden as it would be with personal, rather than work-related items.
But given your advice about the utility of the exercise, and having provoked a number of respondents here, I will compose one... (smile)
no subject
Date: 2002-12-31 10:17 am (UTC)