Originally Posted By Goofyernmost If by some chance you have wandered into the Play Pen area of LP, you will undoubtedly discover some of the most childish dribble ever to occupy cyber space. To some this has been described as a travesty to this site. Some have even called it cliquish. Well, travesty is probably a pretty good word for it, however, if it is "cliquish" it is only because you haven't joined in yet. There have been a series of threads which, I'm somewhat ashamed to say, I have been a part of, almost in a staring role, if you will. They have brought back a number of the basic originators of this site, participation wise, and it has been wonderful to hear from them again. To put it all in perspective a few years ago I happened to respond to a thread that I thought was comical (something to do with cherries) and got sucked in with everyone else until it grew into a lost love story and faded away with the sunset. I want all you "new" folks to know that I was not part of that group until I got involved with that thread and then I was accepted in a way that I was totally not expecting. It was great. I got to be part of the group, in this case, because I was willing to play a part in the joke. Other parts of this site continued on like World Events, WDW, Disneyland, etc. and those were much more serious topics. Being serious, it sometimes prompted many severe reactions to ideas and events and sometimes things were said that were hurtful and personal. Many of the old group that simply loved to have a good time and for a few minutes perhaps escape the reality that is life left because the site lost it's sense of humor and became a fist pounding, spittle emitting conduit for political and personal theory that many felt was actually fact. I have been on this site for over 10 years. I can assure you that no one knows who I am, other then my alter-ego of Goofyernmost. I do not know what any of these people look like...where they live...how old they are (or young in Pixie's case) unless at some point in time they identified through conversations on line, some of those details. My point, which I seem to be taking forever to get too, is please join in the fun. If you insist on browsing through World Events and the like, do so with a thick skin and the ability to shrug off comments that seem personal, but since you don't know these people really cannot be. Just don't take it too seriously. State your opinions and move on...you will never convince others that you are correct and they are wrong so why waste your emotional energy on a cause that cannot be won. If you can do that and laugh at what you can, discuss without expectations and generally enjoy a fun time with some very nice and quick witted people, you will enjoy, as I have, your time spent on this site. I've gotten upset by some posts and posters, but I never have taken it personally or let it influence how I feel about things unless points were made that made me think. You also need to allow yourself to let that happen as well. Lecture over...enjoy yourself!
Originally Posted By amazedncal2 great post Goofyernmost Sometimes I feel like I am not clever enough to join in but I go ahead and post anyway and am always included. We have some amazingly clever people on LP and it may feel daunting to keep up but please jump in and join some true Laughing Place threads
Originally Posted By LPFan22 I'm not new and I hardly post in the real silly Play Pen topics. I guess I feel intimidated by how creative/clever everyone else is. It doesn't bother me. I still enjoy reading and know that my friends won't ever turn me away.
Originally Posted By disneylandfan8 I beg to differ, 999. I seem to recall a certain story about me & my Billy that was quite entertaining!
Originally Posted By retlawfan Great post. Thank you from a long time participant, regular lurker, and concerned member of the community.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA <-- please note that I am not only a clever person, with wildly entertaining posts, but also devilishly handsome as well.
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter What a wonderful thread. (And a couple of almost irresistible set ups for jokes, but I shall restrain myself. Here, anyway). I wholeheartedly concur with Goofyernmost's initial post here. So very well said, and just what I feel about LP as well. I've been a part of the LP community for over nine years, and I have had some absolutely amazing moments here, both serious and playful. While it can be daunting to just jump right in when you can tell that a lot of the people posting in a particular thread have obviously known each other for years and have lots of shared history (and occasionally silly "inside" jokes), remember that probably every single one of us has felt that way at some point. So take a deep breath and jump in. I guarantee that you will be welcomed by most if not all of the participants. And please don't be shy and not post because you think you won't be witty or articulate enough! I held back from posting in Community and Play Pen for months when I first joined LP for that very reason. I was so intimidated by the hilarious banter that was flying around the boards. But once I finally worked up my courage and started posting a little, I was welcomed so very warmly. You will be, too. Unless, you know, you're a big ol' jerk.
Originally Posted By Pixie Glitter I just dug through the archives and bumped up an old thread that is a fun read for pretty much anyone on LP, the old timers to the people who have just joined, and everyone in between. Yes, it's long, but I promise it's worth the read. So if you want to relive or hear about for the first time some wonderful things that have happened on these boards, go take a look at "Your best LP memories."
Originally Posted By u k fan I will say that despite having been here for just short of 11 years, I do sometimes feel a bit out of the loop, but I put this down to geography as much as anything else. I post at times when there aren't many people around and a lot of references go over my head or I feel that I don't know enough about the subject to be clever about it so stay quiet. I've also learned that American humor and British humour are very different and my jokes don't always play well. I do try, but I'll admit that I find it hard!!!
Originally Posted By avimagine Alrighty then, actually what I think LP always needs is a fresh injection of new blood. In the words of a clever and handsome LPer (Yeah we're just like a state we even have our own name!) "LP is organic". New people can always *add* not detract from the community. LP's admins generally lets the community take the lead. So we need you help lead the "conversation" so to speak. New blood avoids circles. New blood is good for those who are only up at night. As an aside, new blood would also probably pull more LPers to conversing more. There were days that the site had a gazillion new posts and kept everyone busy, entertained and happy. You can contribute to that. There is no such thing as "putting your foot in your mouth too many times." You can't outdo me in that regard. Grammar? Who needs grammar? Spelling? We don't need no stinkin' spelling bee champs? (But we'll take you!). Afraid you'll ask or say something that hasn't been said before? Let the record skip baby? Think you're too off the wall? Well then just post with your hand holding the wall. Then you'll be on the wall! Think your jokes aren't funny? Mine never are. Yours will have us rippin' with laughter by comparison. Talk Disney and everything inbetween. Go (slightly) off topic. It's the ebb and flow of things. Welcome all to this happy place.
Originally Posted By Tiggirl No one should ever be afraid to post because of their spelling issues. I mean, not that I've ever know anything about that. Great post Goofyernmost! I think its interesting that most people who might say they feel out of the loop a bit are people I really take notice when they aren't posting. So maybe the loop is so wide you don't even realize you're IN it. LOL! ~Beth
Originally Posted By TXDISNEYNERD Great thread. I am a relative new poster as I have only been around a few years unlike 10+ as many around here. I enjoy these playpen discussions as it is fun and a great read. Sometimes I'll participate, and sometimes I just enjoy reading and laughing. This is after all a laughing place. I am continually impressed with how witty LP posters are.
Originally Posted By avimagine You mean there are people here who were here a decade or more ago? Next you'll say some of us started to post on LP while still in cool, I mean school. Playpen really needs you to come and play. Just ask some of the playpen regulars what "Toe Steppin'" is. One more thing if there is an LPism or internal joke you don't get just ask. Alot of abbreviations are for things in the park, so POTC would the Pirates of the Carry-be-an. Dalmatians (also frequently known as Dalmations) is the 101st post of a thread. Sometimes we miss them (Someone else posts and we end up doing a Dalmatian on the 102nd or 103rd post). Those are fun! Things really tock here (Just ask Beth). Although we are all here for a love of Disney we are a diverse bunch. I say Mickey for President 2012! Some of us ramble, some of us are concise. Playpen is a good stress and time killer. The park boards can keep you in the loop. Heck you can read Trip Reports and go "Next time I should try that!" World Events can give your fingers a work out.
Originally Posted By TiggerPooh1973 Great, great post Goofyernmost! Very well said. As someone who has come and gone over....hmm....8 years now, I think....I still don't "get" every inside joke or silly reference, because sometimes I just wasn't around for it. But that shouldn't stop you from jumping on in. Doesn't stop me. =)
Originally Posted By Schmitty Good Vibes What a bunch of great posts, especially the OP. I hope the newbies are reading this topic. >>> I was so intimidated by the hilarious banter that was flying around the boards. But once I finally worked up my courage and started posting a little.... <<< Sounds like me going to my first LP Meet. Intimidated doesn't even begin to desribe it, but I'm SO glad LuLu talked me into it.
Originally Posted By peeaanuut i am afraid to post on LP. I fear the red pen of death. I wish bothy was here to hold me and provide the dr pepper lip balm.
Originally Posted By Tiggirl Nuuty, I will always be by your side. Because I totally want you... To post more often! ~Beth
