So there's this web community called myspace, maybe you've heard of it. Well, not to brag, but I got a nice little pad there. Really, it's just a starter model, fixed up but not tricked out. Not a lot of flash, like some others. And I passed on the pre-installed sound system, because even if I'm all "Nena's 99 Luft Balloons is the best song evah!" I'm not comfortable making you listen to it. You may have been burnt by Falco when he followed up Rock Me Amadeus with Vienna Calling, and you know what, I'm gonna respect that.
Don't feel bad if you have not heard of this growing phenomenon known as Myspace. I'm what you'd call an "early adopter." You know, jumping in before the landscape has "caught the buzz." If you can find a Bennett Brauer skit online, go play it for the proliferation of air quotes to complete the vibe here.
Apparently, the Fox-owned myspace is most widely known for being a ratings boon for competitor NBC, which I've been led to understand regularly hosts a documentary-style program where urban jungle predators are tricked into thinking they can easily prey upon young, not yet mature creatures that they have tracked by way of myspace, only to discover that a trap has in turn been set for them, and that the predator inevitably becomes the prey, devoured by the alpha male of the Reportum Investigorium specie, known on the street as "Chris Hansen." Interestingly, the National Broadcasting Corporation is a subsidiary of General Electric, which has been known to have interests in the electricity business, an industry which you may not be aware, has direct impact/influence on the availability of the Internet and, specifically, myspace to the general public.
Coincidence? You decide. And once you decide, call or text the numbers on your screen, but only after the show is over, dawg. And see the results on Thursday night.
Really, there are two purposes for my jumping in the tepid pool that is myspace (please, use the restroom before entering, and no diving, running, or surfing within 30 minutes of completing a meal), and neither would cause Chris Hansen any concern. First, lots of people I know are claiming myspace's virtual territory like it's the land grab of the 1800s. So I figured it's a good way to keep track of folk. I've always been kinda "mother hen" in that way.
And B, it allows me to direct people to this here blog (changes are still coming, I promise....but currently, I'm working on a new excuse to explain the latest delay to plans on revealing a big, sweeping announcement....not that I bought a Swiffer, or one of those new bagless vacuum cleaners...something different). When "the book" comes out in July, sharing the news will be justalittlebit easier.
Third, I think anything I can do to create sequential lists that help me in my prioritization and numbering skills is beneficial.
And Third, and most important, I figured if I set up camp in 2007, then in a few years when my offspring venture forth into this virtual terra not-so-firma, I'll already have squatter's rights, and they'll be very aware of my presence.
It's not that I don't trust them. Because I totally do. And I'm sure that won't change. Ever. No matter what.
I just don't trust any of their friends. You know...the ones who will be the troublemakers.
You know who you are. And I'm watching you.
So anyway, back to myspace, which I think should have been called ourspace, because really, having this space only matters if you can convince someone other than Tom to link up to it, and share it with you, right? Maybe Tom & Rupert Murdoch would consider making a change before it becomes too popular to switch. Anyway, I've managed to connect with former high school classmates, college friends, kids who used to be in my youth group, kids in our current church's youth group, professional contacts, other writers, and now (as of this evening) adults in our church (from the singles ministry). Everyone I sent a friend request to is...as far as I know...a fine and upstanding person. I always wonder what their mindset is when they open up their page to get a friend request from one of their pastors. Is it a "yay!" or "oh, no..." or a "hm. I never woulda thought him to be here on myspace."
Now "connection" is a term I use rather liberally, because apart from a general "coralling" into the "my friends" bin, contact has been limited. But now at least I know where to find them. And they, me.
Anyway...I'm just saying...and this is a little awkward. But let's all just agree that myspace is the 21st century equivalent of the 5th grade notes we used to send/receive between periods....
I like you. Do you like me? Cirlce one.
Yes
No
Maybe
PS...the answer to #3 on the quiz is "coniferous." "Carnivore" is a trick answer. Neil Frieks told me on the way in, and that kid knows everything about the ecosystem. That's why Ms. Fields always lets him take attendance.
PSS Call me if you like me!
I'm really hoping everyone circles "yes," or at least "maybe." But that's just the cruise director in me wanting to make sure everyone gets to the Lido deck at least once on the journey, because I'm not exaggerating when I tell you the shuffleboard competition is as fierce as it is fabulous!
March 6, 2007 3:26 AM