Hi people I don't know

[benlehman]

Actual birthday was uneventful (I took placement tests, didn't do as well as hoped, crossing fingers for final placement.) Now it's passed, although it's still my birthday in the US. This is all well and good, as A threw me a kicking surprise party in the US, so I've really already had my celebration.

I got a lot of birthday wishes from people on facebook. That was cool. A lot of them I don't know at all*. That was less cool. Made me feel kinda awkward. I mean, abstractly, I'm glad that there are people I don't know wishing me a happy birthday. That's actually kinda sweet. But getting a pile of notes from people I don't know* just feels odd. Additionally, I've gotten a couple of "hey how's it going?" notes from people I don't know* without any other context which is really dislocating to me. Just because we're facebook friends doesn't mean that I actually know who you are.

It's totally cool to be a facebook friend if you don't know me and are just a fan of my work. That's great. But, uh, would it be too much to ask for you guys to put a little thing about *why* you're contacting me when you do? Like "Hi! I'm a fan of Polaris [Bliss Stage/XXXXtreme STREET luge/Game Chef 2008] and I wanted to say happy birthday!" or "Hi! I'm a podcaster who's been wanting to interview you for a while and I was wondering when was a good time. Also, happy birthday!"

I think that would make me much more comfortable. Is that being ridiculous?

* People I know: Anyone I've spoken with in person not at a con. Anyone I've played a non-demo game with. Anyone I've taken a class with. Anyone who I've had a prolonged online correspondence with.

People I don't know: Anyone who I've only spoken to at a con, or never met in person, or not had a prolonged online correspondence with.

Comments

[marcus-sez-vote.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!

Be well.

[srknipe.livejournal.com]

Facebook huh?

(and Happy Birthday!)

[opticalbinary.livejournal.com]

I was waiting to see you online to wish you a happy birthday, as it seems a bit more personal, but since you're off in Taiwan that's probably a bit difficult. So happy birthday.

Also, woo that (I assume) I count as a person you know! It's hilarious, considering the way in which you and I started to talk more.

[benlehman.livejournal.com]

You (and Mark W) are the primary reason for "prolonged online correspondence" in the footnote. :D

[opticalbinary.livejournal.com]

Well maybe if you'd EVER COME VISIT DAMMIT


I am still not entirely unconvinced that you're not just Alexis throwing her voice on the phone!

[kitsuchan.livejournal.com]

I'm very good at it. Also, the pictures of Ben are all just me in a wig and heavy makeup.

[benlehman.livejournal.com]

VERY heavy makeup.

[tigerbunny-db.livejournal.com]

I'm special! I'm special!!!

Happy b-day, Ben.

[lesingesavant.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday! I don't know if I know you, but I know that I think highly of you.

[benlehman.livejournal.com]

Jeez, Remi. We survived Game Chef 2008 together. We're like brothers. If you needed a place to stay you could stay on my couch.

yrs--
--Ben

[lesingesavant.livejournal.com]

Hah, I wasn't sure (in retrospect I don't know why). The couch thing is reciprocated.

[matt-rah.livejournal.com]

No, you're being completely reasonable (says the person who is not a minor gaming celeb). Facebook is weird.

Matt

[silvergoose.livejournal.com]

Happy birthday. :)

(Now, how *well* you remember me is another question.)

((Haroun is still mentioned in Ethos II, Logos.))

[madunkieg.livejournal.com]

I'm a Game Chef 2008 survivor, and SG forums addict, and I'd just like to wish you a happy belated birthday.

Did that come across too much like a 12-step program introduction?

[l-the-fangirl.livejournal.com]

For the record, I am an insane enthusiastic Bliss Stage fanboy. Happy belated birthday and rock on. Have a gothic Sara.

[moreocean.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!