Official Trout Rating

Ok I try with one a bit more suttle

I'll be honest, I'm an "outsider" here and probably always will be.

Not because you guys aren't friendly or approachable, you all are, but mainly because I've always adhered to the old Groucho Marx adage.."I don't care to belong to a club that would have me as a member".. or some of you for that matter..

I think it's fine that you have this little thing going, I think that in this very disconnected world a group of friends is a valuable commodity.. albeit in this case a pretty untested one.

I would say that denying it is a "clique" is a bit disengenuine. Maybe "clique" is too much of a pejorative term.. nevertheless you are close knit, tend to stick up for each other in the forums (I can't vouch for SL), and for some that might feel shy or vulnerable.. approaching the group can be intimidating.

There you go, sorry I didn't mean to derail the thread, I just thought I'd support the person on here who was being a little henpecked for suggesting something that's actually pretty obvious.

Actually this thread is a case in point, I know this is going to appal most of you, but at least some people who come to this message board have no clue who Trout is..

So for it to reach the heady number of 245 posts, would point to something going on.

Aside from all that, I've looked at some of the pictures posted here and while I can't comment on an individual's "sluttiness", there are some very attractive avatars around.

I finally decided to go ahead and get a rating, also. Because I think it's fun, and not degrading at all. Besides, I'm an old married lady, and highly treasure my slut-like qualities. (so does my husband! ) Trout really has a way with words, and it amazes me that he can do so many of these and not repeat himself. Very creative.....I know you're a lawyer, Trout, but I think you missed your true calling (um, and no, I don't mean a calling to the cloth)


Hellllooooo Sunni! Thanks for sending the pics. Lesseee what we have here. Wow - first of all, beautiful work! You've spent a lot of time working on your look and it shows. Nice body, one of the best skins I've seen and a very pretty face. Extra points for the Fur coat with not much on underneath. It shows a playful, sensual side that isn't quite slutty in the pic, but could rapidly go that way under the right circumstances. The drink photo also shows that playful side, while the posing photos show a smoldering sexuality. I'm giving you a 6.9, which is bordering on slutty, but which still maintains an air of respectability. You're the kind of girl that makes us angry with ourselves for not meeting you before your husband did. Congratulations to him on landing you, and congrats to you - you are not quite a slut, but you are close enough to drive us men crazy.

He was certified when he came in.

But not committed, ie the men in white coats havent come to take him away yet.

well, I wish I wasnt at work so I could post my text lol. But its in my Profile anyway....Along with the picture lol

EDIT: Okay, so now I have discovered that I can view my profile over the internet out-of-world...

"Hellloooooo Claire! First of all, my apologies for missing the picture the first time. I looked in my inventory and I can't find it at all. This is my opportunity to blame SL, but honestly, it could be my fault. Let's see what we have here... First, I like the pose a lot - having your back to the camera lends an air of mystery and aloofness to the picture. Nudity combined with high heels increases the rating, as does the obvious work you've put into your shape and skin. Absolutely beautiful! The butterfly tatoo is very feminine and not overdone. I'm giving you a 7.5, You're a bit of a slut, but you keep it to yourself and maybe someone special. You're in touch with your sensual side as well as your sexual one, and that's a heady combination! Congratulations and shame on you! You have just the right slutlike qualities and you showcase them to perfection. "

don't worry, they are on their way. he'll be safe soon.
There's that Neurotic Fish song again......
...no pun intended

I had a really cool sheep picture that would have been perfect for this thread...I can't find it though.

If that defines a "clique", then yeah, I guess we're guilty as charged. Whoever "we" might be, at any given moment. I'm never quite sure. But let me say something to the "shy or vulnerable" people who are intimidated:

C'MON IN! Have a seat. Have a slice of Ann's pie and a tollhouse cookie from me. Like Chris says, we're friendly and open to everybody.

If you stand in a corner, people are going to leave you alone to sulk. Come on in. Hop on a poseball. Spit out some silly opinion...it can't be any crazier than ours. Certainly *I've* had my views opposed, shot down, torn to shreds, trampled in the mud...but you know what? I'm still here, still having fun, still part of the group and friends with nearly everyone.

I haven't been here a year yet. When I arrived, the group...clique, if you will...the regulars...were already here. Yeah, they looked a little scary to this noob. Any group does, from the outside. That perception didn't last long! I'm telling you, if you're seeing a barrier to entry, it's in your own head. SL is all about communication, and community...and the forum regulars are masters of both. They wouldn't be here, year after year, if they didn't like people, and like talking to them.

Ask the people who've come since then, and might now be called "clique members". Bilbo. Graph and Claire. Rioko. Yo-yo. Kiera. And a whole lot of others.

You can claim your spot at the fire, sitting around and laughing with a bunch of friends, or you can claim a quiet spot out there in the dark, where you can work or think uninterrupted. Either way, it's your spot to claim. Yours...not mine, not some imagined "in group's".

Wow, look at all the Ratings!

Now I know why Trout was in world last night and never called me. He was too busy salivating over that huge stack of pictures!

I think I'm going to have to ask Brenda for one of those "Hat Stand" tags.

Great post Lindal!

/me takes Brenda's pants off and salutes you..






Hmm that didn't sound as dirty in my mind.

Absolutely spot on. People that tp in and say f-all are hardly likely to get anything other than a chorus of hellos. People aren't going to stop their chatter dead in its tracks to roll out some conversational red carpet for someone who won't make an effort to speak. You soak up the atmosphere, get a feel for the place and the tone of the chat - and dive in at an appropriate juncture. You may find this embarrassing or feel self-conscious, but it's what you must do. Doesn't matter if it's THAT PLACE or a club or a beach or wherever - the same principles apply. It's the approach I took - now I have a whole new bunch of people that detest me and everything I stand for. It's all good.

What was it you stand for, again? I really should know what it is that I'm detesting...

Oh, and as long as you're standing, I see there's a set of danceballs free. You can explain yourself to me while we tango.


(Note to Rhaorth: See? That's how it's done. Now, you try!)

It can be very difficult not to react to you. But given that you clearly and desparately crave attention, the best bet is to just ignore you. Er, after this post.

When I enter any forum for the first time, I feel that all the voices which I see active in discussions are part of an "in group" ... they know each other, they have reputations. They are all part of a (generally conflicted) community. I think that's to be expected, but I still feel that I'm outside of that community. Whether I become part depends on whether I'm willing to put in the time to make a place for myself.

By that measure, Rha, you ARE part of this 'clique' ... you are a frequent poster here. This is the second or third time I've noticed you feeling yourself outside of some 'in group' ... well OK, they're your feelings. But I think real newcomers would be surprised to hear that. By my lights, all who speak here are part automatically. There is no host or hostess to offer people clique koolaid or confer membership ... you are part of it because the rest of us know you. We watched as you made your store, were interested when you made skins, drop by and play your games. Ricardo is part too, a really fun part now that he's exhibiting a weirdo attraction to Ann. And Phil. Just as much as Lindal or Raymond.

As much as I disagree with my incredibly distasteful aunt, I can't kick her out of my family. Nor can she get rid of me Face it, you're part of teh SL forumz. I think newcomers would see you as being every bit as much a clique member as anyone else. Watch out or Trout will give you a rating based on your laced piercings ads
.

OMG!
/me gasps
Im in! Im actually IN!
/me does little happy dance

Ok, sorry, but to be serious for a second...

Great post Lindal.
I don't like using the word 'clique' because it has a lot of negative connotations to a lot of people. But 'the regulars' is a good way to put it. Yes there is a group of people who all know each other well. Who share 'in jokes' and have a laugh. But honestly, it isn't to the exclusion of others...and if people feel like that, it cerainly isn't intentional. Just imagine a bunch of old friends catching up.
I haven't been here that long. When I first came to the forums, I held off posting and just read a bit to get a feel of them. I finally jumped in when I saw what a great bunch of people are here. I immediately felt like the place was a family who were opening their arms to anyone. Everyone was very friendly to me, and the first time at the hangout, I spent all of about 10 minutes sat pretty quietly before laughing so much i just *had* to join in. Sally and Bilbo, and later Sandy were there. I remember my first night at the hangout with strange clarity lol.
I could just have easily sat there all quiet and gone away. It was because I made that first jump into the pool that I now feel so at home here and at the inworld hangout.
I have spent a lot of time at the hangout. And I mean a *LOT*. I have seen people come in after just a few hours in SL and make the place their home. But I have also seen a few faces who just pop in every now and then or those who you never see again. Some of them have never even been on the forums. They just heard great things about the hangout and came to investigate.
I love the forums and ALL of the people here. From the people who post daily, to those whose posts stand out because they are so rare.
Just as I love the hangout. It is the people that make it such a special place, and that is a wonderful thing.
Please don't be scared to join in. We try to be welcoming, but it is up to you to make the first push and say Hi. Pick a part of the conversationg and make a comment. jump up and down, make funny noises, ask a question. I can guarantee, someone will talk to you lol. Grab some pie, pull up a pew, and relax!

Well whatever. I have gabbled too much and need to get some work done lol. Feel free to ignore me.

Thanks, Nika, I was trying to find a way to say that, too. I've always seen Rhaorth as part of "the group".

You people are far too nice. I need to find myself an evil clique to hang out with...

Can I come along too? All the sunshine and rainbows are scaring me......

What ... no more dances?

There are plenty of new/newer people that have come in here and felt comfortable just getting in the discussion. I can think of a few outright: Elora, Maureen, Madhu, as examples... just came in, started asking questions, made friends. If it really was a clique, that wouldn't happen. This doesn't suit everyone's personality. It's just a difference in social skills and comfort levels. Some people are more sensitive and treat posting here like pulling teeth. They shouldn't, but there isn't much that can be done about it. The forum cannot be all things to all people.

As far as I see, there is no real clique although there are people who have developed stronger friendships that have reached inworld. Some people will have greater affinity with certain people than others will because of their personalities. That's life. But as a regular, outspoken poster, there is (in my eyes) no reason to feel like an outsider.

Some people take things far too personally and far too seriously in here.

Well, I was hoping you would know of an evil clique, I mean aren't you like the master of evil or something?



Stormy,I have rainbow repellent and a huge sim sized umbrella to block out the sun.

I think a lot of people confuse "Clique" with posters who are familiar with each other.

--------------

Others confuse their holding a controversial opinion or (especially) stating something in a controversial way and the resulting backlash ....

as "the clique ganging up on them"


When really its just people expressing their own opinions in return.

The "mob mentality" where everyone responds without thinking for themselves -- is a myth.

Absolutely! I like Claire's term "regulars" - I'm a newcomer to both places and while I had my fair share of time being a wallflower - I now feel comfortable enough showing everyone how absolutely ridiculous and obnoxious I am. Not everyone is going to understand me or like me, who gives a shit?
There isn't a single person I have met either here or in world that I would say I dislike strongly, but I am wondering why once again, we are having a discussion in regards to a clique? Do people seriously think that by throwing labels around they are going to change peoples friendships? Is that even the point? What is the point?
/me runs to Rioko's to hide under the umbrella after using the entire can of rainbow repellant!

/stands up on a soapbox and points

Yeah!!! What she said!!!

/low whisper to Colette, "Did I say that right?"



Eh...I'd have a mob mentality, but I'd need a mentality to begin with...I think I'll stick with watching for moving objects...

Oohhh...it moved!! (/pounce)