How did the other BDers change you?

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Elennar taught me just how easy it is to lie about your identity online.

[Elennar Starfire]

Originally Posted by Feanor of the Peredhil

Elennar taught me just how easy it is to lie about your identity online.

I didn't mean to...I said I'd learned all that out of a book...but you must have forgotten...I just let you keep thinking that, it was too amusing!

Sorry...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Sorry...

Oh jeez, no problem. Another thing I learned: sarcasm doesn't always show through online. It was just a bit of a reality check. You may mean well, but someone else may not. See? I could actually tell you right now that my avatar isn't myself, its my 16-year-old loveslave or something REALLY weird like that, and you'd never know. Thankfully, it is actually me. But see what I mean? But the biggest thing I've learned is to respect other people's opinions, whether or not I agree, and to know when a post-deletion is called for (accidentally offending someone, or other such things.)

Fea

[Elennar Starfire]

Here's a tip: Show sarcasm or other un-seriousness with a smilie; this one works well-

[dancing spawn of ungoliant]

Wonderful thread!
I have felt I'm wecome here ever since Sapphire_Flame gave me the most deadly greetings (that being a good thing since we're at 'Downs) after my very first post. And that, of course, has 1) made me spent much more time in Internet than before 2) made me more familiar with computers 3) got me studying English harder. And I might add that I'm rather fast using a dictionary nowadays

Also, Piosenniel was patient enough to answer my PM about roleplaying and encouraged me to post in the Green Dragon. I got my first touch on roleplaying there. I think, though, I abandoned my RP character at the inn... I'm really sorry!

All you guys in "the books" forum have taught me to analyse the books and the characters more.
And all those people in "the Mirth"...well, you have twisted my sense of humour
Thanks!

[Oddwen]

Thank you to Airehiriel for changing me. If you hadn't started the "Make Your Own Crazy Scenes With Pics!" thread, I would not have been so involved in this wonderful site. I doubt that I would have remained active at all.
As a result, I can call myself a Barrow-Downer. I am also involved in many other wonderful online projects. The confidence reaped from that one thread alone has propelled me onward.
Thank you.

[Lhunardawen]

Originally Posted by Diamond18

And to tell the truth, any time someone gives me a Reputation comment, or replies to one of my posts, etc., even in the smallest ways, it lifts my spirits and gives me confidence. And that does affect the way I am in the 'real world'.

Same here, Diamond. So I hold those people who have given me rep comments in gratitude. You know who you are.

Maeggaladiel was the first BDer I have ever PMed, and that was for the Nearsighted Elves Society. Without her, I'm sure that my PM box is still empty. Oh, and so is my Downs social life. She made me look forward to visiting the Downs every now and then, so that I could see if there are any new members or something.

I'm also thankful for all the "encounters" I had with HerenIstarion, because during those times I've felt that I'm not so alone in the Downs. And he made me realize that I am turning into a stalker little by little.

They would be too many to mention, but all those Downers whom I have discussed things with (especially in the Books) helped me develop critical thinking and analysis. You know, those things they don't teach in school.

For these reasons (and more) I have spent countless moments dreaming that I am in front of the computer and staring at a black-and-green background, looking forward to the next time I can be online--even actually sneaking into the Downs during Computer Science class! Thanks a lot, guys.