Then lounge is in shambles.

[trof]

It used to be a place for witty repartee.
Clever innuendo.
Intelligent humor.

Now?
It's all cliques, inside 'jokes' few understand, drama queen/kings, and an agony column.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-an-agony-column.htm

What happened?

Discuss.
(Dons Nomex suit)
:-)

[HopeHoops]

1. Buttocks

In a Monty Python way, I just thought that would help.

[flvegan]

2. I ruined it. I admit it.

[Midlodemocrat]

8. Wow. I'm impressed. You didn't blame me. Are you sick or something?

[Dr. Strange]

15. His momma taught him to be nice to women who are in the family way.

[Midlodemocrat]

16. HAHAHAHA.

EPIC. FAIL.

I have teenagers. You would hear the screaming from your house if I told them I was pregnant. They're convinced we had sex a grand total of three times to produce them.

Selfish little bastids.

[SOteric]

77. Funny you should mention that. I was just saying you ruined the Lounge the other day....

DS1 and I were in conversation about matcom. I'd mentioned that now that he's gone, DS1 hasn't had any good fodder for PhotoShopping. I blame you. Post more pictures so that we can be treated to expert 'Shops of you breastfeeding a pitbull or something. Slacker.

[flvegan]

78. If it helps un-ruin the Lounge, I'm on it!

[madinmaryland]

3. You might want to change your syntax...

Then the lounge was in shambles.

or

Is it in shambles now??

And what is the difference between a shamble and shambles?

[trof]

4. I actually debated with myself about that.

I think you're right.
'In' shambles might be more correct.
Thank you.

[madinmaryland]

6. Well you are also mixing past and present tenses in your sentence.

This is fucking horrible. I'm being a fucking grammar nazi!

:groan:

[JitterbugPerfume]

5. I agree

I actually responded to a thread a while back and someone posted "WHO IS SHE"

SHE has only been here since the beginning ---that is all,


but not in that CLIQUE thats for sure

[trof]

7. Ah, Jit. My soulmate.

How you doin'?
:hug:

[JitterbugPerfume]

13. Im doin' fine

How you is?:loveya:

[Midlodemocrat]

10. Well, *I* know you and I've been acccused more than once of

being in a clique.

You and I had a nice back and forth a while back about the new great grand. I don't forget these things.

:hug:

[JitterbugPerfume]

14. I remember

:loveya:


and I don't forget either .

[salin]

36. Hey northern hoosier neighbor!!

:hi:

I have only come to the lounge for the last week or so - after a long absence. Haven't been around enough to even know what new cliques exist. Though I know that an earlier period of particular (and ongoing) harshness pushed me away.

I am guessing it has to do with the size of the community. I remember the kinder, gentler place - but that is back when the place was a whole lot smaller.

It feels like eons since I have seen you. Glad to cross paths this evening.

[JitterbugPerfume]

37. Hi !

I havent seen you in ages!It was kinda like a place where everybody knows your name back them !

[salin]

42. Indeed. back then II was a newbie

joining the club just shy of its first anniversary. :hug:

I have never stopped reading LBN (and often GD and the OpEds). Just recently starting come back to the lounge, and since time is limited generally look for familiar names (harder to do now that there are 100K compared to the 10K that were members back when I was first posting.)

Hope all is well for you. While I have weathered this economic storm (so far), many of the families I work with have been hit very hard in Indianapolis.

Peace to you - and it is SO good to see you!

[JitterbugPerfume]

54. I am so happy to see you after such a long time!

All is well with me. The financial thing has not been to hard on me because a social security check and a pension stays pretty much the same , but I see it wrecking lives all around me .Two of my sisters have been devastated in the stock market and my son has been unemployeed for a while , but no one is starving--just tightening belts.

Familiar names are getting scarce and it is complicated with people changing names!I can't keep up.


Kephra and Will Pitt were the first two to welcome me to DU. Now dear Kef is gone , and Will doesn't post near as much as he used to. Remember when Kef ruled LBN ? He was something else , and it was so tragic the way we lost him
I am so glad to see you:pals:

[salin]

65. I was fortunate - I met Keph back in 2002

at DU get together at a park in Indy. I periodically drive by the same park. That drive can make me misty. He certainly did rule LBN.

Maeve was one of the first Duers to reach out to me, and Uly was the first to note my crossing to 1000k posts - at first I thought it was because he was a mod and back when it was a fairly small community that mile marker could be easily followed and noted - I thought he was just doing a obligatory service. Then I found it was because he realized before I did that we were kindred posters per interests and demeanor. Not much later I remember our frequent crossing paths - and the realization that we were both in the same (then) red state of Indiana. Running across you in a thread always brings a warm sense of familiarity and welcoming. :loveya: !!

[redqueen]

60. Wow.

That's fucked up.

[Dammit Ann]

9. I am more terrified of the lounge than I ever was of GD:P

During the PRIMARIES.

no shit.

[Midlodemocrat]

12. Well, you had a rather auspicious start to your posting here.

You trashed someone other people kinda like, so, um, yeah.

[MrPerson]

18. And that's not a clique? Other people.

And if these other people didn't like them it would be Ok to trash them.

Sounds like a clique.

[Shell Beau]

19. People tend to take up for friends. It is kinda human nature.

[Midlodemocrat]

22. Actually no. The posters that person trashed are pretty low profile.

But it still sucked.

And, after being called on it, she continued to shit on people. So, um, yeah.

[MrPerson]

23. Who decided this? Take me to that person.

[Shell Beau]

24. If you were a more likable person here, many would also take up for you.

I have never trashed you or said one derogatory thing about you when many of my friends have. So, the clique thing isn't true to me. But I will defend a friend of mine that gets needlessly trashed.

[MrPerson]

27. I know its not you. It isn't hard to spot the clique.

They all come to the flame thread like moths.

And swarm on the target of opportunity. The same people.

I've lurked here a while. The same posters with the same attitude.

And when they get things wrong they never own up to it. They don't have to.

[Shell Beau]

30. People bond. That is just the way it is.

There are a lot of people here who have met each other or talk on the phone, etc. They are going to take up for one another. It may seem clique-ish to some, but it is called being friends. Do you take up for your friends?

[S n o w b a l l]

45. So why, Shell...

is it that when some people take up for their friends, it's considered ok and when others do it, they're labeled the shame patrol?

I tend to take up for the underdog when I see someone unfairly getting ganged up on. The thread by MrPerson's gf being the perfect example. She really didn't deserve that pile on no matter who her boyfriend is. Who's the psychic around here that can be sure that someone's a troll or sock puppet. We were all new once and it's unfair to treat someone like that just because of a low post count.

But, here I go again being the shame patrol because I'm taking the unpopular stance. For that reason, I try to keep my mouth shut as much as I can but it's a shame that people are afraid to open their mouths in someone's defense for fear of getting trashed.

[Shell Beau]

51. I think people find it suspicious and comment on it. I, myself,

found it a little odd and I am not one to jump in and get involved.

I think obviously there are some here that are extremely close to one another. :shrug:

I have had times when I went against a "popular" person, but I was never flamed.

If you defend your friends, I find that admirable.

[Dammit Ann]

28. Yep.

I'll be going now...

[Shell Beau]

31. Why?

[Dammit Ann]

33. Nothing personal. Just watching the press conference.

I'll be back to trash everyone after American Idol.

I'll be good and drunk then.

'wink'

[salin]

38. I have no idea about current dynamics

so I have no comment upon them. I have always tried (not always succeeded) to be civil and try to view/read folks with the benefit of the doubt. A way back I was given "the business" by one and many jumped on (folks with whom I had never posted harsh words with); I found great irony during the irony when the ringmaster of that mocking started posting "can't we get along and be civil" threads during the last primaries. What gets sent out and goes around, generally comes back again. In round two (often a slightly later era), often earlier offenders get offended and soften their approach a bit. Meanwhile there is a new "heathers" group that has emerged. Find the kind folks and those with which there are connections and interact there. Even on this thread I see a few folks from an earlier era (per DU's life span) for whom I have great fondness (including the OP writer) and affinity.

Point - some things change and some stay the same. Find those with whom one resonates and skip over the rest. Suddenly the lounge experience softens, again. It is a large group dynamic thing.

[Inchworm]

11. I have another sex thread goin!

I've noticed such things and try to maintain the insanity when I can :P

I mean hec.. screwing hummingbirds?!?! That's Lounge material !!

:rofl:

[BarenakedLady]

44. LoL.

Well I certainly only come here for the sex threads. Thanks!

:hi:

[Inchworm]

46. Anything for you seksay!

:*

Hi!

:hi:

[Shell Beau]

17. It has definitely been interesting the past week or so.

But these things are always "the lounge" really.

[Midlodemocrat]

20. Okay. The Fun's Over.

Remember? No more sex threads. No more chicken threads. It was enough to make a person join Free Republic.


:rofl:

Kidding. I've been banned there numerous times already.

[Shell Beau]

21. I was one of those who just wouldn't let the chicken threads go.

:blush:

Don't forget fat actress. That one was a wild one too. Oh the days of the lounge. We could quite possibly be a very interesting soap opera. It just might work. "As the Lounge Turns"! Nice ring to it.

[CreekDog]

32. Hey, Free Republic has rules too

for example: "no correct spelling" :D

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

25. Dont tutch the but.

[datasuspect]

26. well, there used to be two tables in the lounge,

the grown ups table and the kids table.

they got rid of the grown ups table.

[Shell Beau]

29. But I was always at the kids table because I am so silly.

So, are you saying I can never graduate up to the adult table because it no longer exists? Poo!

[BarenakedLady]

50. Pffft

I never got to sit at either table. Everyone just throws scraps to me on the floor.

[Danger Mouse]

34. People are being meanie heads. That's why.

[Midlodemocrat]

35. Oh, yeah? Well, the music you like sucks.

[Danger Mouse]

39. You would say that, Hitler.

[Midlodemocrat]

41. *gasp*

Swine Flu.

scared yet, Amin? You should be.

:rofl:

[Danger Mouse]

47. D-don't say those words...

you'll make me squeal!!

[JitterbugPerfume]

40. and you have mouse breath

:rofl:

[Dr. Strange]

55. Point of order!

Are you claiming that Danger Mouse has breath that smells like a mouse's breath? Or that he has breath that smells like he's been eating a mouse?

[JitterbugPerfume]

58. he smells like cheese!

:hide: :rofl:

[salin]

43. one thing that happened was some Alabaman started posting and....

it happened on one of the rare but recent times I ventured into the lounge (the lounge has been a bit - erratic and hostile in one form or another for a number of years; different reasons, different groups of people) - and it made me SMILE. :hi:

Great to see you!

[trof]

57. Awww...thanks.

:hi:

[tigereye]

48. well everyone needs to get their wit out!

and post some funky threads!

[TZ]

49. never mind

fuck this bullshit. I'll take my utter lack of wit elsewhere.

[madinmaryland]

52. Well, I have taken inanities to a new level.

Yeap. Here we go with another "DU was so much better years ago"

Fuck that shit.

[JitterbugPerfume]

56. not better

just different . Everyone knew where everyone else stood

[mainegreen]

53. Nothing. It's the same.

Different actors for the most part. Same shit.

[petronius]

59. Perhaps it's time that DU brought back the Meeting Room

Is that what it was called? The slower, kinder, gentler forum that got sort of folded into the Lounge a ways back...

[JitterbugPerfume]

61. I loved the meetingroom

but it wasn't kinder /gentler ! It was a cluster F&^% with astrologers VS skeptics going at it constantly

[petronius]

67. Huh, funny - I guess I'm remembering with rose-colored glasses

Although now that you mention it that does ring a bell. Oh well...

:)

[Wapsie B]

62. What? You mean there's been a time when it hasn't been?

:shrug:

[In_The_Wind]

63. Nope ~ it seem like the same old Drama to me.

Only a few of the names have changed.

[Wapsie B]

64. Hello there.

:hug:

[nuxvomica]

66. I miss the old days in Then Lounge

I remember Dorothy Parker posting some witty stuff. And Alex Woolcott was such a bear, wasn't he? But he had a kind heart, I think. And when Noel Coward showed up, which was often, the bon mots flew like nobody's business. Of course Harpo posted a lot but only used smilies. Remember when we thought Donald Barthelme was "new blood"? After a while his posts become evermore confusing. I still liked them but Borges, of all people, became too impatient and that was the beginning of the end.
I think the only one left from that era is Rabrrrrr.

[Rabrrrrrr]

70. It became a lot better after Hemingway died.

I'm glad I killed him he committed suicide.

[nuxvomica]

71. I remember you posting how depressed he sounded

After the fact. And that's around the time you added the sixth 'r' to your name. I always wondered what those r's stood for.

[Rabrrrrrr]

74. Yes, indeed - one "r" for each time I was with someone when they

were killed accidentally at the intention of my hand committed suicide.

[nuxvomica]

75. Oh how sad

Quick! Someone notify the police! I hope I never see a seventh "r".

[SoxFan]

68. A shortage of Mo pics

[OmahaBlueDog]

69. What did happen?

1) Some loungers were TSed in the Obama v. Clinton era.
2) Some new loungers came in, and I think some of the cliquishness (if that's a word) revolves somewhat around "Lounge Nuveau v. Kickin' it Old School Lounge."
3) You can walk into a bar anywhere in America, sit down, listen to the locals converse, and it would take several visits to get the inside jokes. It's the same here
4) Some loungers are undergoing some hardcore agony; some have personal drama. If it's bringing you down, pick up your beer and move to a better part of the bar.

And now for my drama king/agony minute: I used to feel like I fit into the lounge; now, not so much.

[Bertha Venation]

72. + 1

[My Good Babushka]

73. I don't know

I'm more of an active/ then inactive/ then active again participant. The lounge is like psoriasis.

[DS1]

76. so fix it

:)

[Midlodemocrat]

80. YOU fix it, old timer.

:thumbsup:

[flvegan]

81. Nice sig line.

:rofl:

[Midlodemocrat]

82. You just noticed?

:rofl:

You should see my FB page.


:rofl:

[flvegan]

84. PM me a link?

[MilesColtrane]

79. It's all cliques, inside 'jokes' few understand, drama queen/kings, and an agony column.

Chuggo's coming for you, riding a resplendent, white narwhal, and he's got an agony column for your ass.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

83. ~

[Ptah]

85. see saw ya-ya?

[Tuesday Afternoon]

86. teeter-totter