All about meeeeme
Nov. 23rd, 2009 07:50 pmQuestions from ![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
ironed_orchid :
1. Do you have plans to move back to NZ at any point?
Oh yes, I have a constant intention to move back to NZ, although I'm not actually planning to do so for at least the next couple of years (barring significant events). I'm not an "ex-pat" by any description; I really am a New Zealander who happens to live overseas (albeit nearly half of my adult life). NZ is my place, my landscape, my culture(s), my turangawaewae (a Maori term meaning "a place to stand"; where you can stand and speak and have a right to be heard).
2. Are you finished with study for the time being?
I'm still dithering about that one, actually! In the course of study I've just completed, I've looked at the further offerings in the same area, and there are only two units I'm truly interested in taking. Also, if I'm going to step down to one unit per semester, it will take 2 years to do the grad dip, and I'm not sure I can sustain my interest for that long. Still pondering my options, really
3. What do you like best about the dot_poly_snark and dot_queer_snark communities?
The snark, by which I mean the more-or-less gentle pointing out of the ridiculousness of people's foibles. The nice things about these comms is that they don't generally turn into dogpiles, but they certainly do highlight a model of how not to do things, quite often. I think of them as the online version of gossip, which, while it can be used to enforce norms in a negative way, can be used to build community in the positive way. Also, it brings teh funneh. I don't like malicious humour as such, but people often are ridiculous, including myself. ETA: and I should say the snark is about the communities I am a member of - it's not done from the outside looking in - we're poking fun at ourselves.
4. Now that I'm nearly done with the Vorkosigan saga, what else should I read?
You should definitely read Lois's Chalion books. They are really excellent, although in the fantasy/AU vein. They're set in an AU which is located in the Iberian peninsula of the 15th Century - Isabella and Ferdinand, effectively - and they're fantastic examinations of politics, relationships and one's relationship with The Gods (mules feature heavily).
5. Any thoughts on using dreamwidth now that it's been over 6 months?
I love its operational and community model and that the founders haven't compromised it, that they're actively developing new features, and that they are great at clear communication. Without wanting to sound too wanky, it feels like a "safer space" due to the fact we users are not seen as ad-clicking and commercial revenue-gathering machines. And while people's attention can be claimed by things like Twitter, Facebook and so on, I still think there is a role for spaces you can waffle on at greater length, without needing to run up a single-person blog (which requires fairly active input to keep afloat, while also being more of a one-to-many communication thing). I personally need to hunt around for communities that are a bit more active; fandom comms seem to be doing fine, but I'm not in fandom, and the comms I'm currently in haven't revved up yet.
Meme participation, if desired:
Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."
• I'll respond by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity.
• Update your journal with the answers to the questions.
• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions. (Or not, it's up to you)
(Until I run out of oomph, that is)
ironed_orchid :1. Do you have plans to move back to NZ at any point?
Oh yes, I have a constant intention to move back to NZ, although I'm not actually planning to do so for at least the next couple of years (barring significant events). I'm not an "ex-pat" by any description; I really am a New Zealander who happens to live overseas (albeit nearly half of my adult life). NZ is my place, my landscape, my culture(s), my turangawaewae (a Maori term meaning "a place to stand"; where you can stand and speak and have a right to be heard).
2. Are you finished with study for the time being?
I'm still dithering about that one, actually! In the course of study I've just completed, I've looked at the further offerings in the same area, and there are only two units I'm truly interested in taking. Also, if I'm going to step down to one unit per semester, it will take 2 years to do the grad dip, and I'm not sure I can sustain my interest for that long. Still pondering my options, really
3. What do you like best about the dot_poly_snark and dot_queer_snark communities?
The snark, by which I mean the more-or-less gentle pointing out of the ridiculousness of people's foibles. The nice things about these comms is that they don't generally turn into dogpiles, but they certainly do highlight a model of how not to do things, quite often. I think of them as the online version of gossip, which, while it can be used to enforce norms in a negative way, can be used to build community in the positive way. Also, it brings teh funneh. I don't like malicious humour as such, but people often are ridiculous, including myself. ETA: and I should say the snark is about the communities I am a member of - it's not done from the outside looking in - we're poking fun at ourselves.
4. Now that I'm nearly done with the Vorkosigan saga, what else should I read?
You should definitely read Lois's Chalion books. They are really excellent, although in the fantasy/AU vein. They're set in an AU which is located in the Iberian peninsula of the 15th Century - Isabella and Ferdinand, effectively - and they're fantastic examinations of politics, relationships and one's relationship with The Gods (mules feature heavily).
5. Any thoughts on using dreamwidth now that it's been over 6 months?
I love its operational and community model and that the founders haven't compromised it, that they're actively developing new features, and that they are great at clear communication. Without wanting to sound too wanky, it feels like a "safer space" due to the fact we users are not seen as ad-clicking and commercial revenue-gathering machines. And while people's attention can be claimed by things like Twitter, Facebook and so on, I still think there is a role for spaces you can waffle on at greater length, without needing to run up a single-person blog (which requires fairly active input to keep afloat, while also being more of a one-to-many communication thing). I personally need to hunt around for communities that are a bit more active; fandom comms seem to be doing fine, but I'm not in fandom, and the comms I'm currently in haven't revved up yet.
Meme participation, if desired:
Leave me a comment saying "Resistance is Futile."
• I'll respond by asking you five questions so I can satisfy my curiosity.
• Update your journal with the answers to the questions.
• Include this explanation in the post and offer to ask other people questions. (Or not, it's up to you)
(Until I run out of oomph, that is)
