Ok, alright, I'll reveal the secrets to being popular in the lounge, ok?

[Bouncy Ball]

I'm not saying I'M popular, ok? I really don't care if I am or not. No, seriously, I don't. I've even said here that I don't care for too much attention, it actually embarrasses me.

BUT I am an avid student of human nature and I have observed a few things here:

1. People who are "popular" (whatever that means on the internet) usually have interesting/funny/memorable usernames. This does NOT always apply, ok? Just most of the time. It certainly helps. But in my opinion, this is the LEAST important factor, so don't sweat this one.

2. People who are "popular" (whatever that means on the internet) keep people guessing, personality-wise. In other words, they aren't one-note johnnies. They are multi-layered, varied, three-dimensional. If the only shtick they've got is "bitter angry DUer" or "silly person" then everyone knows their shtick after a while (even if it isn't a shtick, but genuine) and it doesn't work in their favor popularity-wise (whatever that means on the internet). I don't think I worded this one well. Here, let me try again: they seem REAL. Three-dimensional is the best description. They have different moods.

3. There are lots of times when people post stuff and it just sits there. No one responds. Maybe they posted something heartfelt, or enthusiastic, or something they are sad about. And it just. Sinks. When a DUer responds to it, they NEVER forget it. They remember your screen name and you make a friend! I know I really notice the people who go out of their way to ask what's up or respond in some way when no one else has.

4. PM people. Compliment them (sincerely, of course). Ask them how their week is going. Don't PM people you've never interacted with on the forums (that might be a tad creepy), but maybe someone you interact with on here but have never PMed. It's SO nice to get a PM. Makes a person feel really special. Noticed. Someone went out of their way to PM you and it feels good.

5. Try to start threads that are "meaty." Either the potential for innuendo or copycat-ism is good, or it's an interesting topic, or controversial. NOT flame bait. And you DON'T have to post interesting stuff all the time. I just posted about heartburn today, for crying out loud. Yawn, BORING. But every now and then is good. At least shoot for it. Find some funny site or some interesting article for us to chew on.

6. Thick skin, thick skin, thick skin. Don't let stuff on here get to you, it's JUST (in the end) an internet site.

Anyway. That's it. I hope it wasn't extremely presumptuous for me to say this stuff. I do enjoy watching behavior in real life and on the internet and I've just kind of noticed these things. If you disagree, feel free to tell me. If I've left something out, add it on!

:hi: