November 23, 2009
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One Year Ago…
I was just discovering the community here around this time last year. Ever since I joined back in 2003, I thought everybody that had a blog here was written with the intent of it being seen by only a few IRL friends and themselves. I had no idea strangers would actually comment on other people’s posts on a regular basis, so I didn’t do it because I thought people would think I was weird or something. In fact, I wasnt aware of so many features on here, such as the front page, top blogs, footprints, pulses and recommendations. Shoot, I was still using the old private home page set-up. So naive huh?
Funny enough, it was Datingish that kind of brought me in. I saw a plug for it on my homepage one day, so I decided to click on it to see what it was all about. I was surprised to see posts that people from here would comment on in large numbers, so I figure I’ll join in as well out of boredom. After a while, I started noticing people were coming to my page through my comments and I eventually started getting friend requests from these same people. It was cool getting to know new people here and to have more reading material in my inbox, but that also meant I was opening myself up to more viewers of my small, humble blog (I’m not kidding; before, I was quite happy whenever even one unique visitor came by my page!). Oh no, I thought, people are going to be reading all my boring thoughts and feelings now!
As life would have it, I was beginning to write in my blog a lot more due to some personal set backs, so I had some fairly interesting things to share. I started noticing my writing style was changing too. I was still genuinely writing down things that I wanted to write about, but I began writing it more coherently and structured. Shortly afterward, I wrote up a post about things I missed in a relationship that somehow caught on and drew the largest viewership my way. It’s been a interesting journey ever since, and I’m so thankful for all the people that I have really gotten to connect with through this medium.
Anyway, I thought it was pretty crazy how it’s already been a year since my blog became so public. I’ve written a lot more about my life than I ever thought I would before this past year, that’s for sure! Out of curiosity, how well do you think you know me based on the stuff I’ve written? Is there anything in particular you wanted to know more about?
Comments (87)
I feel like I understand your personality pretty well from what you’ve blogged about [plus I've met you in real life, and you seem similar to the personality you display on Xanga.] I don’t know everything about you, but I know enough to know that you have an awesome name.
As for the question you ended with… I don’t think there’s anything in particular I want to know about. I’m happy finding out things about you through what you’re already blogging about. haha
haha ive met so many wonderful people on xanga since i’ve joined the “xanga community” (i.e. opening up to non IRL friends as well) for the past almost 2 years~ hm… as I haven’t followed your blog for that long I don’t know you that well yet haha but you seem nice and fun enough..just keep blogging about whatever you want hahaha
I started reading your blog 2 months ago. XD So yeah… I don’t really know you that well. hehe
I just started reading your page, but I like it so far. Maybe I should stalk your old entries.
I feel I’m still getting to know you, but at this point I believe you’re a genuine, good and kind person. If there were more people like you on the planet it would be a much better place to live. You’ve written a lot of interesting things and shared a lot of interesting experiences through your site. I’m glad I stumbled onto Roadlesstaken…
so i’d like to see the angry you. >:)
That’s good that you have written more
…you’ll also have more to look back on years from now; Xanga helps me in that my thoughts are a little more organized now…I think I actually became more involved in Xangaland after I started following you more. :3
I feel like your writing is really honest so I would know maybe your temperament well [?], but the details like things you find in the surveys i.e. favorite color, I would have no idea about. The last question sounds like an interview question, and I might get back to you on that later.
hahah i did know u from datingish lol! a year back!
i remember u commented on the period sex post thing :Peewwww u sid something bout towels >.<
boring thoughts? haha NEVER!! I dont think its possible for u to be boring.
My story is a little similar
very hidden in the community, and then I got out into the open about 1.5 years ago and became a full member. Glad you did!
I love your posts. And I think I know you to a pretty well of degree. And no way in hell are you boring. And continue to write what comes to your mind..cause I think that’s kinda interesting!:)
I don’t really know how well I know you, but from what I can infer you seem fun and very sweet. I really enjoy reading all your posts, so I’m glad that you have gone “more public” because I may not have stumble upon your site otherwise.
Aww i never saw that relationship post. I just read it, its super sweet =)
You seem really honest about everything, and its refreshing to read. plus, u hve a pretty interesting life haha
wow, so we’ve known each other for a year now? haha cool beans =)
Erm, I think I remember you’d keep quiet when you’re angry but really snap when the other person cross the line, of cos, there’s all the puns and stuff from HIMYM, and tennis. You’re taking psycho in school and a lot about your family… actually a lot more! Come to think of it, it was around this time last year that I started blogging too! So does that mean I’ve read and commented on ‘almost’ all of your entries?!
I could tell you’re a nice and honest guy, even though we haven’t met…yet :]
Just curious…how many Xangans have you met? seems like so many!
you’re quite the mr. popular over there…that’s all i know. lol oh and you seem like a very genuine and caring person. i def. enjoy reading your entries & pulses…keep ‘em coming!
i know you well enough to want to get married to you.
Xanga really has changed for me too, similar to you. Except I think I stumbled upon your page first and that was what started all the stuff datingish did for you. I think I know about your personality a bit, and figure you’d be an awesome bro to hang out with and do crazy things with (so we can xanga about it later). As for personal personal stuff, like background stories, about how you got to where you are today… that’s more of an iffy since I don’t think I know you at all about that.
It’s great to see you’re a great person in the present, and you’ve touched on little things about your past, but like… what were the major moments that shaped you?
Other than that, you rock man.
I know that you made great videos and I enjoyed watching them. Hehe
my blog didnt go public till about jan? it was a little post i wrote 5 reasons why girls are a hassle which really put my blog out there.
and yah, datingish got me coming back, not going to lie.. i enjoyed reading some stuff i didnt even know what ish sites were at that time
weirdo. meeting people on the netz
“but I began writing it more coherently and structured.”
That’s very true. It helps me to retain writing skills. In my case, it’s easier to free write with serious grammar errors to express thoughts better.
The funny thing is that we tend to write much better online than we do on essay though.
Haha, that’s almost the exact same way it happened for me, too. Interesting that I’m not the only one
@fLiPgUy31O - ahh that’s good. So nothing really surprise you about me?
@luvs_u - ah thanks. Yeah, hopefully we’ll get to know one another a lot more as time past
@Got_Takoyaki - If you want, I have some of my favorite posts I’ve written listed on my homepage on the left hand side. You can check that out =)
@cliff_07 - Thank you, you don’t know how good that is to hear. Hopefully I’ll keep on writing on here for a while!
@LilyTheBunny - The angry me eh? Hmm, I should blog about a time I was really angry. The last time I did it was a protected post, but perhaps I can make it public now.
@phosphor_stars - ask away! Good to see you’ve been more involve as well. Now, more Xanga Zombies time!
@s_h_a_sha - Yup, I was thinking about you when I wrote this. You were one of my first new friends =) . I still remember the fake orgasm comments haha
@CatherineMarshmallow - Oh really? Time for me to talk about different type of tennis racket strings…
@GreekPhysique - That’s cool. Now, what caused that initial jump into the community for you?
@SamyuktaR - that’s very good to hear =)
@TheRiverIsEverywhere - How did we come to meet anyway? Do you remember?
@suuperstar - I think my life is about as interesting as everyone else. I’m sure it would be more interesting if I was a partier or something
@inaean - Yup, crazy huh?
@tollyyjoy - You’ve been around for a while for sure! Glad you stuck around =D
@elelkewljay - Hmm how many…I’ve met around 10ish at the DC meet, 15-20 during my trips to San Diego, and another 3 in New York. Oh, I met Thuy too, and Kontzicles. Yeah…my goal is to meet everyone apparently =P . Can’t wait to meet up with you!
@enigmatic_refuge - haha “over there”? what’s that referring to?
@jeannie_dot_com - Now, do you really mean that? Because if you do…
@AzureRecollections - major moments in my past that have shape me…good call. I should write some stuff like that. One of these days we should meet up. Whenever I come to Canada I’ll let you know. If you ever take a trip down here I’ll house ya!
@silverlocket_88 - ahh, I guess that’s good =)
@ordinary_gir1 - Ah, our list posts really drew the attention huh? I’m glad to have met you on here. One of these days there should be a Canada meet. I’ll come if I can!
@npr32486 - I know right? They’re so fake and not like people in real life =P
@falconfraudless - you know, funny thing is that ever since I’ve started writing on here I think my writing in class has improved!
@webofsimplicity - Datingish got you too eh?
for sure, you should def come up soon. I wish I could’ve come down this term, but things were a lot busier than expected here. There are a few xangans that I plan on meeting for sure, and trust me, you’re on that list!
@AzureRecollections - awesome, keep me updated
@Roadlesstaken - im glad to have meeted you too! You are probably one of the only xangans that gotz me on facebooks.
As for a Canada meet. That would sadly be no where close to where I live D:
Jackie is the only other xangan i know of from here. So sad
@AzureRecollections - IS LENA ON THAT LIST?!? D:
@ordinary_gir1 - who’s lena? I kid. Lena is now on the list. Since she’s the only person from Winnipeg I know.
lol i kinda forgot that but i totally remember now! LOL wow dont believe we are like friends for a year!!!
and yeah your writing did change a lot!!i remember b4 u were THE ROADLESSTAKEN u use to write movie reviews kinda stuff haha
reading your blog did kind of give me some insight into your life…i read blogs on xanga because my life lacks excitement lol
I joined xanga around 7 years ago, but didn’t really start writing in it till around 2003 as well. It’s rare to find people that stay with it even after so many years!
Has it only been a year? It seems as if I’ve known you for ages!!
You have the kind of warmth in your writing and self-depreciating humour that makes you lovable and easy to relate to. You contribute so much to the community and deserve the popularity that has come your way!
I hate reading those rants about how “it’s not fair”, because every one on Xanga has something to contribute and everyone has a unique voice and style.
Anyway–glad you are here, and hope you will be here for a long time!
I was the same way – I didn’t know about the community aspect of this site for a long time. Of course, the similarities only go so far, as I’m still hiding in the shadows, which is fine by me. As for how well I think I know you… that’s always hard for me to say. I feel that, when I read your entries, I have a fairly fully-formed sense of who you are and where you’re coming from, but it’s nothing I can actually put into words. In the same way, I can’t really say what more I want to learn about you.
I think I did stumble upon your blog through datingish. I love reading your blogs. You seem like a down to earth guy
Only a year, huh? I always got the impression you were one of the longer-term popular kids here at Xanga. =D No doubt I don’t have all that accurate an impression of you from your posts as I’ve only been reading a few months. Over time, though, I think blogs do give people a fairly accurate picture. While there is some self-censorship, there is also often more honesty when writing in a blog.
I still use the old private home page. Each time I try to use the new home page I find myself overwhelmed by information and unable to keep track of comments and responses. Perhaps because I acepted too many friend requests from people to whom I’m not subscribed.
I like reading your posts because you reading about things (normal daily things) that I can understand.
**Off topic** I knew of you from a guy, another xangan. He said you always sent messages to his sister, he said that you have crush on her. He gave me your username. I checked you out and found out that you’re kinda cute, so in one of my post I did mention that you’re handsome, I think someone saw my post and told you about it. You posted comment and sent me a Friend Request. When I think about it now, I think that guy lied about you ‘won’t leave his sister alone’, I don’t think you’re that type. I think he created story because he wanna makes me jealous of his sisters.
@Roadlesstaken -
yes so u can make more ref to HIMYM. bloggg more pls!
lol i know you’re flirty! but you’re not a creepo =]
I like reading your blog. I don’t know you though, but I’ll see you next month on the 28th!
I could pretty much copy and paste this and it would all apply to me… except for instead of Datingish, it was ReveLife that first featured me and got me some attention. I made a Xanga so that my high school friends could read it, and was happy when a stranger stopped by to say hello. My writing style has DEFINITELY changed. I used to ramble on and on about every detail of my day. lol!
I’m still using the old private page… is it really that bad?! Why should I make the switch? >.<
I believe the xangans who have met you in the above comments.
There’s always more to know.
write that post about unrequited love >: !!
I don’t know, I would like to see the more emotional side of you, I guess you do show emotions in your writing in a few posts before, but it’s too structured and borderline feel-good generic… I would like to see something more…unique, more raw, like sashimi ;]
my requests! (and you most definitely should follow them, just because you’re my favorite subbie ever ;P)
- that post on your feelings on unrequited love (in general: receiving it from others, giving it, etc)
- heartbreaking moments/experiences
- your thoughts/philosophies on life, or lack of
- your feelings and opinions about when you were in high school, memorable moments, lessons learned, etc.
I totally agree with you on this. I didn’t start getting attention until about a year ago too and that was when I started opening up to the community rather than shunning the people who I didn’t immediately know. It’s disconcerting the amount of traffic I get now [and you even moreso] and my writing style has definitely reflected that.
haha.. same thing with me, when i just first started, whenever i get a comment i’d be like “OOH! SOMEONE COMMENTED!!”
wait.. actually i still do that.
and if random ppl left comments i’d feel weird.. but not anymore..
oddly i think i have learned a lot about you through your blogs. i see a genuine person in your writing. also i think zombies helps too haha
Well, how well do we really know anyone? I think you’d be cool to hang out with. I actually wanted to set you up with HR because you two had so much in common (and she was the prettiest, smartest Korean girl I’ve ever met) but I lost touch with her when she quit her job.
@Roadlesstaken - i dont think evem hearing about tennis racket strings can bore me. im easily entertained xD hahaha
@Roadlesstaken - I might be able to get on tonight (: XZ is really fun…I’ve been fighting the temptation of getting on there since I’ve had a LOT of work to do, but things have calmed down (temporarily). Yippie!
I’d like to write more random junk myself but it’s just my material isn’t that interesting. Though i do comment a lot like some comment junkie. I think i saw you a lot comment in the other blog branches of xanga and friends of farienoodles. Thats why i read yours.
Glad you’re here. I really enjoy reading your blog.
time flies when you’re having fun, right?
you share quite a lot of your feelings on here (wayyyy more than i’m comfortable with sharing lol, but i’m working on it), so i feel like i know you pretty well… and i like what i know, just say’n hehe
@Roadlesstaken - I wrote a post on how Xanga could make a comeback, pretty much–it got a lot of attention from the Xanga Team and some of the big Xanga stars.
@ordinary_gir1 - eh, even if it’s a small meeting I’ll be down! I do need to visit Canada again. It’s been…7 years since I’ve last went.
@s_h_a_sha - haha when did I go by “the roadlesstaken”?? And yes, I remember my movie reviews
. It was fun while it lasted.
@Dobserver - It’s funny that I use Xanga a whole lot more now than probably the first 5 years of me being on here combined.
@lil_squirrel4ever - Thanks! Same back to you! You’re such a good writer =)
@randaness - I know what you mean. As much as I can express myself on here, I’m sure I can’t express everything about me that I can.
@B1ANCACACA - Oh yeah, it was! You’ve been around here since the beginning =)
@christao408 - the old one was okay, but onceI started getting more friends/subscriptions I had to switch over to see all the stuff that’s happening.
@RestlessButterfly - Gee, I wonder who that may be
. Nah, I don’t normally repeatedly message someone for kicks.
@MariaBoscardin - Gasp, me flirt? No way! =P
@xchinkylaydee - Oh yeah? Are you definitely going to the meet now?
@onlyjustbegun - I made the switch because it ended up easier to keep track of pulses, recommendations, replies, etc. I don’t get email notification for some reason.
@Shades_of_Athena - True. Perhaps one day we’ll get a chance to hang out.
@nepenthium - Alright, I’ll take your suggestions. I have written more emotional stuff! I think I have some listed on my main page, on the left hand side.
Same here…I used to write about the simplest things back in high school and weren’t even important or made sense and now I talk about things that are so complex and in-depth. My writing style also helped me with school and proper grammar, almost like practice. Seeing 2 views got me so excited and now I get more than 2 views! I used to think that blogging was such a weird form of self-expression since I used to write in journals or notebooks. Little did I know it was the same thing! But sharing it with the internet!
@Meowmeowkimmaee - Have your change your take on friending people here yet? For the longest time I didn’t even notice what the difference was between friends and subscriptions
@yan_ni - well that’s good to hear you don’t think my comments are weird on your page =P
@sonychak - haha yes, zombies is great. A preview of what to come next month!
@mycontinuity - Oh, who’s HR? Pictures please =D
@nooitzben - Ah farienoodles. Hmm, she needs to update more!
@wherethefishlives - likewise. Glad you decided to come back
@Peridot21 - Good! Now it’s time for you to open up =D
@neekersha - Oh goodness, don’t get me started on how I used to write in high school. Btw, just noticed you’re in Winnipeg. You’re like the third Xangan I know from there!
I’m know you commented on a post I did back in June that had a quote from Garden State and you asked if I had seen The Last Kiss. I may have commented on one of your entries before that, I don’t remember exactly.
I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve cultivated here on Xanga. I learn something new from each of you. To be honest, I’m fairly new to your weblog, so I can’t say I know you very well. However, I have enjoyed getting to know you better. Of the entries I’ve read, they have been enjoyable to read. All the best to you =).
@Roadlesstaken - from what i know, the only difference between friends and subscriptions is the tagging.
@Roadlesstaken - Not just Datingish’s plug. I sort of skipped that part & suddenly realized the front page & read a couple of the ish sites & top blogs, and things went from there.
@ladyofthesilk - You would still consider yourself fairly new? I know we’ve known each other since at least February (when you participated in my contest), so that’s a long time!
@Meowmeowkimmaee - Friend’s post don’t appear in your subscriptions too.
I’ve met you so I can say that you are exactly who you write that you are
You’re a true Xangalebrity!!
@CareyGLY - haha eww, don’t say that. I don’t like that term. I like to say I’m just one of the lucky one on here with a lot of viewership =)
@TheCheshireGrins - Yay! I’m glad you thought so!
@Roadlesstaken - Yup, still consider myself fairly new…hahaha. I’ve known people longer and there are still surprising aspects about them =P. Can you honestly say you know me well?
Lawls, I don’t remember exactly how I stumbled upon your page but you were on that “Top xangan flirting techniques” or something and I laughed because you had the “nice guy approach” hahaha. Yet here you are with probably the largest female fanbase on xanga… LOL. But yeah you are a super cool person and it’s awesome how you take the time to meet people offline as well
@Roadlesstaken - there might be a chance.
@Roadlesstaken - OoOoo what a small world!…Who else do you know is from Winnipeg?
@Roadlesstaken - yes i am. & a SUPER nice xangan that i’m thankful for bought me a ticket to alcatraz too!
@snapeful - haha, I’m just being myself so if that how people take it so be it
@neekersha - Apparently ordinary_gir1 is from there as well, and this other Xangan that I forgot how to spell her s/n right now -_-
@xchinkylaydee - Oh?? Who bought it for you?
@Roadlesstaken - YOUNGAZNTIGER bought it for me. he’s awesome.
It’s a pretty interesting & diverse community here. I hope you’ll be here for a long time. You’ve struck me as someone who has a good heart and cares very much about your friends and family. I’ve always enjoy reading about the things you do with your brother.
you joined in 2003 or 2008?
and you seem comfortable with people reading you now.
@Paul_Partisan - I joined in 2003, but I didn’t become interactive with the community until last year.
@ElusiveWords - Thanks, I try to lead my brother down the right path. He’s doing better now than a year ago.
=) aww..you flatter me. Anyway–you are one of the most personable xangans here..don’t ever change!!
That’s an interesting post. I’d never think that commenting on Datingish blogs would get you so involved on Xanga.
@Sheegwa - funny how that worked out huh?
ryc: thats my problem, i really would like to see more comments in my posts, but somehow they dont come… i think most of my readers are non-xangans who happen to see my link in a search engine or something… must be because the stuffs i write are so localized… these are mostly the articles i wrote that was published in the paper i work for… also some commentaries on local issues…
@tribong_upos - ahh I see. Well, a good way to get comments from people is to comment on more people’s posts. They’ll usually reciprocate.
that would be either my teacher’s house or go find someone to stay with. i still gotta talk to her about it.. yes, i think it’s going to be a pretty good decision
Well if you really are like how you post, then you must be hands down lovely! And you should just keep doing what you’re doing!
@theRyeCatcher - haha okay, if you say so =)
@discover_hienie - alrighty. I wish you the best!