I pit Dopers who don't share their location!

[Rigamarole]

I am a curious person, and I could not count the number of times someone has shared something about their personal life on these boards that interested me and made me wonder: "where is this person from?"

So of course I scroll back up to look at their "Location" field only to see something exceedingly clever - perhaps it says "Over Yonder", "Sommerfield Street", or "In Your Head". As my curiosity deflates I invariably think to myself,

"Ah yes, I see we have another comedian."

This thread is an excellent example. (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=364923) In it, ExtraKun mentions multiple times the "quaint laws of his/her country", and the first reply questions which country this is. He or she replies, conveniently neglecting that portion of the comment.

ExtraKun, I am not singling you out - well, yes I am, but I intend to pit all the Dopers who engage in this practice equally. I am an equal opportunity pitter.

Now yes, I understand that many times it is not germaine to the discussion at all - but very frequently, it at least can provide some insight into a factor that, believe it or not, can influence one's perspective on things.

I also realize this is a community where people are extremely guarding of their privacy. I understand and respect that as well - but would it really kill you to name the city, state, or even country that you live in? Inquisitive minds want to know!

[GorillaMan]

I had a straightforward location tag for a long time, but got fed up with it being ignored. The final straw was some snippy reply along the lines of "Obviously you've never been to England". After that, I decided on a compromise, on something vague but easily-googleable.

[Bryan Ekers]

I was just about to pit Dopers who use funny nouns as usernames, but no matter.



:D

[Nava]

Here, here... *pats Riga *

My location says Thalassas as a personal joke but also because I move a lot and I'm too lazy to change it.

I've read the board from a dozen different countries. When I signed up I was in Brazil, lived in Philly. Right now I'm in Costa Rica. I'm from Spain, specifically an area called Navarra, but I claim two different places as "my hometown": one is where I was born and most of Dad's family lives, the other is where I grew up and where Mom and the bros live. Not enough space for all that, you know :D

[WOOKINPANUB]

Rig, I'm from Florida. St. Petersburg, to be exact. But you'd have guessed that as soon as I started posting about dumbass politicans and more nut jobs per capita than the rest of the U.S.

By the by, L.A. is a biiiiiig county. What area are you in?

[NurseCarmen]

Saint Paul Minnesota.

Zen Arcarde is an album from a local band, Husker Du.

They should just change "location" to "Smart ass comment"

I can't resist the chance to make one.

[wolf_meister]

Rigamarole
I guess I'm one of those Dopers to whom you refer.
Still, it's an old joke (at least around here) that Bostonians are so priggish, stuffy, snooty, etc that "even the owls say whom". :)

[Rigamarole]

By the by, L.A. is a biiiiiig county. What area are you in?

I'm actually in L.A. proper. When I first moved here, I was a bit confused about it because people would ask me, "what city do you live in?" and I was just getting familiar with places like Santa Monica, Pasadena, etc. and thought I should have a city too, but as far as I knew my address was simply "Los Angeles". Turned out I was right. It's just plain old L.A.

[Omegaman]

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.

[rayh]

You could always try the Let's see how many states/countries/provinces we have people here from. (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=333605) thread.

[neutron star]

Now yes, I understand that many times it is not germaine to the discussion at all - but very frequently, it at least can provide some insight into a factor that, believe it or not, can influence one's perspective on things.

The only time it bothers me is when someone asks a legal question in GQ, the answer varies depending on the OP's state, and he neglects to mention it. Otherwise, meh.

One can often pick up on a foreign poster's country when they use words not common in the U.S.

Basically, I really don't care all that much, and that's coming from someone with a listed location that narrows me down even more than yours.

[Antinor01]

Geesh, I can't even get hit by a general pitting. ::mutter:: I agree with you though, I like knowing where people are from, helps add perspective to what they say, also makes answering questions about insurance and such easier.

I guess I just don't get the whole "I won't tell anyone my name or where I'm from" thing. But then, I'm originally from the midwest where we'll talk to anyone about anything. ;)

[XT]

Great South West translates into New Mexico, USA. :p

Personally I generally try and be evasive about my 'true' identity and can understand why other folks do as well. I was on a spanish board a few years ago and had all my info on the board...and had some rather nasty things happen when people 'looked me up'.

-XT

[Carol the Impaler]

I would agree that it's nice to know where people are, but of course there's no guarantee that what they put in their profile is honest. And even if it is, that only gives you part of the picture. I honestly am in Nebraska, but what does that tell you? Am I on a big 'ole ranch in Western Nebraska? Am I in a mid-size city in Central Nebraska? Am in in the Omaha metro area? Cuz all of those things could easily give a different perspective or flavor.

And this might not be a fair assumption, but if most people see I'm in Nebraska, do they assume I've never been anywhere? Lived other places? Cuz that wouldn't be true. Would they assume I'm a Republican? Cuz that wouldn't be true.

I think that my point ultimately would be that I agree an accurate location is a nice if limited shorthand, and only really gives you perspective based on your own experience and assumptions.

[Antinor01]

I worded that badly, knowing someones location can give you some insight, but I do agree that it is far from a complete picture of that person. Apologies if I left the impression that I thought someones location would give you a deep insight into their psyche.

[Voyager]

If you don't think my location is accurate, you don't know me very well. :D

I could see you objecting to someone not revealing a general location when it is relevant. Besides that, what does it matter?

[scout1222]

Funny enough, I had this same thought in the MPSIMS thread "We just had a 4.1 Earthquake" or some such title. When I read that this morning, I realized there was no mention of the area.

Of course, then I realized I'd actually met the OP at a Dopefest, so I kinda knew where he was posting from. :D (But others in that thread presumably did NOT know where the earthquake really was.)

There's someone around here whose location is "on your face" and I always want to yell GET OFF!!! when I read it. Ha!

[brianjedi]

My location is a bit of a treasure hunt, if you don't know me. If you do, it's pretty obvious.

That said, I understand the anger over not having a fairly understandable location.

[Lute Skywatcher]

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.

[Kyla]

One can often pick up on a foreign poster's country when they use words not common in the U.S.


Yeah, you can tell they're not in the US, but that's not very specific. There are many places that aren't in the US.

I wouldn't really call it a pittable offense, but I do wish more people would use the location spot for their locations. Smartass comments can go in the posts!

At least, if you're going to make lots of references in your post to "in my country", you could make it clear what country you live in.

[Shayna]

Nice to meet you, neighbor. I trust my Location field meets with your approval?

[GargoyleWB]

Pthpth. If you don't know where my location describes or have to guess, then you've never been there.

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

Rigamarole
I guess I'm one of those Dopers to whom you refer.
Still, it's an old joke (at least around here) that Bostonians are so priggish, stuffy, snooty, etc that "even the owls say whom". :) Ayuh. ;)

[Faruiza]

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.

Nope. They've got gambling in Purgatory, too, but the big difference is instead of giant, "98% PAYBACK!!!" signs, they say, "THE OTHER 2%!!"

:D

[Dead Badger]

You know, this isn't my real name, either.

As a random aside, Rambo: First Blood 2 is really rubbish. Now all you've got to do is work out where's showing that movie at 00:24 GMT and it's all gravy, dude. Oh, and just to throw you off the scent: y'all, bloody hell, shrimp on the barbie, allahu akhbar, vive la France and suchlike. What what?

Bugger.

[YaWanna]

I use a popular nickname for the nearest big city (I don't live in it, but I work in it), one which reflects one of my interests, as well. So, you learn twice as much from mine, in just one little "bit" of information. Pretty cool, huh? :cool:

[Rigamarole]

Nice to meet you, neighbor. I trust my Location field meets with your approval?

Yes. Carry on, neighbor.

[dnooman]

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.
Ditto.

[Qwisp]

I used to have my exact location, but because I'm so popular I had to make it a little vague so all the dopers would quit stalking me :)

[shamrock227]

There are many places that aren't in the US.

Lies and propaganda!


You probably hate me. Mine changes as the mood strikes me. Usually it says New York. But, in the past week it has also said "at home" "at work" and "in the TARDIS". Blame the Admins for allowing me to change it. Blame the software for making it so easy to change. It's not my fault I tell ya...

[What Exit?]

If you don't think my location is accurate, you don't know me very well. :D

I could see you objecting to someone not revealing a general location when it is relevant. Besides that, what does it matter?
While I am pretty sure I know where you live, your location seems appropriate to me. You've dropped enough hints in various threads to narrow down your IRL location, I think.

Rigamarole: LA is pretty big, maybe you should be more specific.
Are you actually in LA proper or a nearby suburb that makes up the Greater LA? :confused:

:D

This seems like a very silly pitting. I think I understand why many people don't list their locations. I like providing the general locale as opposed to the town. But some people wish to be anonymous and others don't wish to be defined by their location.

Jim

[silenus]

If you want my exact location, talk toFaruiza or Roadwalker. Otherwise, the general area will have to do. :D

[dinahmoe]

Mine's pretty Google-able. It's a line from a song by the Standells. The line that follows is "Boston, you're my home."

[Rigamarole]

Rigamarole: LA is pretty big, maybe you should be more specific.
Are you actually in LA proper or a nearby suburb that makes up the Greater LA? :confused:

See post #8. ;)

(L.A. proper, if you're lazy)

[Dervish Jones]

I don't list my location because I hate living here and can't wait to move. As What Exit said, I don't want to be defined by where I live. Plus, I don't think "Missouri's red, white and blue ass-pimple* would fit up there.




Otherwise known as Branson.

[Faruiza]

If you want my exact location, talk toFaruiza or Roadwalker. Otherwise, the general area will have to do. :D

We got another one?! :eek: <waves frantically>

OMG. We may be gaining enough for our own small town DopefestTM!!

We had another...actually my very good friend who turned me on to this place waaaay waaay back in around 2002 or so, but he's not been around that I've seen. Which is a bummer, so now that it's really on my mind, I'll ask him why not, harass him, and see if he wants to chime in with his location.

[Ale]

The trend only bothers me when the subject in question plays the International Man of Mistery game, it´s very annoying; Aldebaran was the finest example of such beheaviour.

[Ghanima]

My location is perfectly accurate, although I suspect the OP wouldn't approve.

[Rigamarole]

My location is perfectly accurate, although I suspect the OP wouldn't approve.

You're correct. I mean, it's just so nondescript, how would I know what Earth is like? I'm from Los Angeles.

[mrrealtime]

I do not share my location because I feel its about what I have to say, not where I am from, or indeed my race, my skin color, my religion, my weight, my age, sexual orientation or any other generally irrelevant factor. I am certainly not about to relinquish this aspect of my private life merely to satiate the OP's curiosity.

[silenus]

We got another one?! :eek: <waves frantically>

OMG. We may be gaining enough for our own small town DopefestTM!!


On top of all that, Yeticus Rex used to live in Calimesa, and there are several who currently reside in Redlands. We have the makings of a Dopefest!

[Anaamika]

You can just ask me. I mean, my location isn't very interesting. FTR, I live in Upstate NY.

[Lilairen]

I detect wiseass near-Bostonians, and am greatly amused.

But not as amused as I am by the google ads for cherry pitters.

[Bertie Wooster]

You buried the only good reason you have: when an answer depends on location. But in the rare occasions when it happens, you can just ask for clarification. What I suspect is the real reason for your annoyance is that you want to poke your nose in where it ain't wanted. I suspect this because you start off with a lame plea of curiosity. Overall, this is pretty bad, and I hope more folks obscure their locations just for you.

[AskNott]

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.
Purgatory is a golf course about 40 miles from here.

[NoClueBoy]

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.


Same, same. If the thread demands (imho) a location, I provide my generic, specific enough location: OKC, OK

As it is, the location I have listed is also correct. Maybe (http://www.astronomycafe.net/qadir/ask/a11792.html).* But a little uncertainty in life is nice.





* an extremely simplified description. Not to be used in physics, quantum physics, astro physics, or cosmology classes. (Cause they'll fail your sorry ass!)




;j

[NoClueBoy]

I was going to put purgatory as the location but vegas is mostly the same only with gambling.



I built some condos in Purgatory, Colorado.

Lovely place.

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

This thread is an excellent example. (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=364923) In it, ExtraKun mentions multiple times the "quaint laws of his/her country", and the first reply questions which country this is. He or she replies, conveniently neglecting that portion of the comment.

ExtraKun, I am not singling you out - well, yes I am, but I intend to pit all the Dopers who engage in this practice equally. I am an equal opportunity pitter.


Oh yes! My first pitting! Quick, we need some wine for the cele...

I don't know why I shall share explictly where I am, when there are dozens (more than dozens) other dopers who don't share where they are. Maybe I have fear of people, after knowing where I am, will send screenshots from Google Earth and threaten me "Nah hahah! Now I can see your house!"

I have my reservations, I have my reasons, I don't feel secure enough etc. And there was one time one Doper who came from a rather controvesial location got trainwrecked, partly due to his place of origin. I come here to post -- and I don't want needless complications on where I am from.

And yes, some people do have a beef with the place I am from. So much so that they would always attempt to post their views about my country whenever its name pop up. Not that they are wrong -- no place is perfect, but as said, I'm here to post and read and laugh, and nothing else.

[El_Kabong]

What, you never heard of Smack Dab in the Middle, Texas? It's just south of Conroe.

Oh, wait, that would be The (THE!!!) Woodlands. My bad.

[Rysdad]

If you don't know where I live by the description, I'll just say that I live on the side of the river that the money comes from. Nurse Carmen lives on the side the money goes to.

[RTFirefly]

What Exit?, with a username like that, I'd say you could do anything you want with the location field. :D

I used to have my RL location in the location field - when that field only showed up in our profiles. I didn't mind it being a click away, but I was less keen on its being out in the open on every post I made. Just me, I guess.

FWIW, I'm in southern Maryland, if anyone cares.

[jackelope]

Now yes, I understand that many times it is not germaine to the discussion at allHell, sometimes it's not even Tito--not even LaToya--to the discussion.

[LilyoftheValley]

I know I don't have a real location listed but I usually give some hints of the general area when I need to give an idea of where I am.

Same here. If it's relevant, I'll mention it in my post. Otherwise, I like the idea that we aren't tied down by real world locations.

By the way, the very existence of this thread now makes my location line a lie. (Anyone? Anyone?)

[Frank]

FWIW, I'm in southern Maryland, if anyone cares.
The (extremely rare) southern Maryland location always catches my eye because I was born in, and spent my teens and twenties in, St. Mary's County.

[Thudlow Boink]

They should just change "location" to "Smart ass comment" Ooh! Ooh! How hard would it be to tweak the board software and add a field? :)

[Lissa]

I guess I just don't get the whole "I won't tell anyone my name or where I'm from" thing.

I'll admit that my refusal to name my location stems solely from paranoia. If pressed, I say I come from the Midwest US, which is about as specific as I want to get. After 5,000-plus posts, I'm sure I've sprinkled enough clues to where if I revealed my city name, I'd be easily tracked. And I don't want that. I don't go to Dopefests for the same reason.

The anonymitity of the 'net is important to me. I feel much freer without having to worry that my posts could come back to haunt me in RL.

[dinahmoe]

I detect wiseass near-Bostonians, and am greatly amused.

I'm actually North Shore myself (hint: Panthah Powah!), but I love the Soxway too much, so I had to go with the Dirty Water.

[Man With a Cat]

heh.

A while back I started a thread that's pretty much 180 degrees from the OP. I actually get a minor kick over some of the nonsense in the locations.

I can see why it'd be relevant sometimes, like in the examples given, but if you read a post like that, and you wonder - well, just ask.

Most of what I have to say here doesn't have any bearing on where I happen to be sitting at the time. Some would say that little of what I have to say matters at all. In those cases, I am just as full of crap no matter what my location.

For the record, the Frappr link noted in a previous post here gives away a LOT of locations.

Now your hint: I live in the 3rd fastest growing county in the US.

PS: Want to know some locations? Get in a holiday exchange, you get real names and adresses to send things to and get things from. It's way cool, and by the way, thanks 'Mika, I finally tried the tea! Yummm.

[Jackmannii]

If it helps to understand my posts any - I was born in the back of a Greyhound bus, rolling down Highway 41.

[David Simmons]

Rigamarole
I guess I'm one of those Dopers to whom you refer.
Still, it's an old joke (at least around here) that Bostonians are so priggish, stuffy, snooty, etc that "even the owls say whom". :)You must have heard the joke about the Boston dowager who was going on a motoring trip to California with friends. When asked what route they would take she said, "Through Newton, of course."

[homeskillet]

I was just about to pit Dopers who use funny nouns as usernames, but no matter. :D
Well I guess I'm guilty of that too but I'll raise ya one! I always cringe a little at people who incorporate their user name into those around them. For example:

"The other day homeHubby was pestering me to run out and get some kibble to feed the homePuppy, but I couldn't cuz I was busy in the bath room trying to pop a mean ol' homePimple that was festering on the left homeButtcheek and ended up pulling the ol' homeLatissimus dorsi!"

But, that's just me and there's no faulting creativity, so more power too 'em I suppose! :D

I too wish more people were forthright about their location, but it doesn't really bother me unless they're completely evasive about it.

[Man With a Cat]

If it helps to understand my posts any - I was born in the back of a Greyhound bus, rolling down Highway 41.

Oh yeah? Well, I was born in a manger, ok? Yeah, a manger. Swaddling cothes, wise guys, funky astronomical events - the whole bit.

I'm going to a special hell for that, aren't I?

[minor7flat5]

I like providing the general locale as opposed to the town. But some people wish to be anonymous and others don't wish to be defined by their location.I used to have "Central Jersey" like yours, then I figured I could mention the name of the closest city and I'd be just fine. Trenton and its suburbs covers a pretty good area, who'd think anyone but a true stalker would ever figure out who I was...

...then in this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=352390), another poster and I found out we share the same cleaning woman. Blew me away. It was actually kind of cool, really.

[Polycarp]

I just realized that I was guilty of this offense -- I used to have a very mundane response, and changed it. I was born in northern New York, and moved south the year before joining the Dope.

My previous "location" field was a Heinlein reference based on that: "Through the door into summer." My new one (adopted in response to this very thread) defines it even more specifically: the Harry Chapin song it's the title of was set in my old home town, and, both according to the song and in reality, anywhere's "a better place to be."

[roger thornhill]

By the way, the very existence of this thread now makes my location line a lie. (Anyone? Anyone?)But where did you buy your sweater?

[tomndebb]

I also realize this is a community where people are extremely guarding of their privacy. I understand and respect that as well - but would it really kill you to name the city, state, or even country that you live in? Inquisitive minds want to know! How's it feel to want?

Sorry, but even though I have a location posted, it is liable to be confusing in some threads. I spent 30 years in Southeast Michigan, still visit family and friends there, have made numerous visits to Northern Michigan, and to visit relatives in several regions of Indiana and Illinois, have lived in Europe, and traveled widely through the U.S., Canada, and a few other locations. I often post personal observations in response to geographic questions or threads without qualifying my remarks with "From September 28, 19xx through August 7, 19xy, when I lived in Zzzzzz." Even when accurate, location can often give an erroneous impression.

It is nice to have, but it is no more necessary to good conversation than posting age, education (both duration and major studies), religious beliefs, political party, or favorite color, (or sex).

Nice to have? Yeah.
Pit worthy? Nope.

[Seven]

BOO!

snicker

[What Exit?]

I used to have "Central Jersey" like yours, then I figured I could mention the name of the closest city and I'd be just fine. Trenton and its suburbs covers a pretty good area, who'd think anyone but a true stalker would ever figure out who I was...

...then in this thread (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=352390), another poster and I found out we share the same cleaning woman. Blew me away. It was actually kind of cool, really.
Well I'm in Monmouth County, but I thought more dopers would understand Central Jersey than the specific County or Town.
...snip...
My previous "location" field was a Heinlein reference based on that: "Through the door into summer." My new one (adopted in response to this very thread) defines it even more specifically: the Harry Chapin song it's the title of was set in my old home town, and, both according to the song and in reality, anywhere's "a better place to be."
I for one will miss the Heinlein Reference and I like Harry Chapin a lot.

Jim

[Hostile Dialect]

Mine is a little vague, I must admit, but it doesn't take too much Googling, it's not smart-assed, and I mention that I live in San Diego a lot in my post content.

Although I think I might just change my location to be more straightforward.

FWIW, I happen to find "Altered state" or "Synaesthetic such and such" more entertaining and enlightening than a true location, but that's the only location remark like that I can think of, for me anyway.

[HPL]

I am a curious person, and I could not count the number of times someone has shared something about their personal life on these boards that interested me and made me wonder: "where is this person from?"

So of course I scroll back up to look at their "Location" field only to see something exceedingly clever - perhaps it says "Over Yonder", "Sommerfield Street", or "In Your Head". As my curiosity deflates I invariably think to myself,

"Ah yes, I see we have another comedian."

<snip>

I also realize this is a community where people are extremely guarding of their privacy. I understand and respect that as well - but would it really kill you to name the city, state, or even country that you live in? Inquisitive minds want to know!

Not to be snarky, Rig, but if you're really interested, you could just ask.

I recently had someone get annoyed at me because I didn't tell him something that he thought was very interesting. I had a good reason. I never had a reason to tell him until he asked. And the time he asked me was the first time we actualy engaged in coversation, as opposed to him lecturing me as well as 50 other people.

People, I don't know if you want to know something about me unless you ask. Ask and I'll answer.

[Telperien]

My location is currently accurate. It should change fairly soon. But I don't think I'll put the exact city name. I believe my destination has a nickname. Maybe I'll put that.

Yes, I am a smart-ass, but a very mild one.

[Rigamarole]

What I suspect is the real reason for your annoyance is that you want to poke your nose in where it ain't wanted. I suspect this because you start off with a lame plea of curiosity. Overall, this is pretty bad, and I hope more folks obscure their locations just for you.

Ok...

Not to be snarky, Rig, but if you're really interested, you could just ask.

Sure, but like I said, I wonder often and it would really clog up threads or people's PM/e-mail to be asking such a trivial thing all the time.

And look at ExtraKun, he saw this and still doesn't want to even reveal his country. I mean, now that he's created all this mystique about it... ("quaint laws", "some people have a beef with where I'm from" etc.) Well some people have a beef with the U.S. too, ExtraKun. You're not a terrorist are you? :p

[dnooman]

FWIW, I happen to find "Altered state" or "Synaesthetic such and such" more entertaining and enlightening than a true location, but that's the only location remark like that I can think of, for me anyway.
Aw shucks.


FWIW, a long time member posted a Google Earth image of their house, and included tha name and website of a store quite near that house. Needless to say, it took two minutes to find the exact location on the planet for that posters house. I could post GPS coordinates, give directions, make an educated guess about the address, and visit if I so chose. I choose not to, unless it is at the gathering that this person will be inviting people to this summer anyway.

My point being, it is far too easy these days to find out more information about people than they care to have known, just by sharing a few innocuous details. If I find out what county you live in and a few other pieces of information, I can have your criminal record (which is public). Just sayin'.

I live in a suburb of Columbus Ohio BTW. Anyone who searched my posts could find that out, I just choose to mention it when it pertains to the topic at hand.

[alice_in_wonderland]

Well, surely no one can object to my location. Y'all have read the story, right?

[Waterman]

FWIW, my location tag is exactly the city where I live. BTW it was owned lock, stock and barrel by the US Federal Government for about 18 years until it was returned to private ownership sometime around the late 50's or early 60's. And talk about interesting high school logos, one of the schools is the Richland Bombers with the logo being a full fledged mushroom cloud.

[dnooman]

Well, surely no one can object to my location. Y'all have read the story, right?
I once downed a rabbit whole. I didn't hare too well.




:D&R:

[dnooman]

Damnation Smithers!

[Zoe]

I offer my real location when it is relevant. But sometimes it's misleading.

In the meantime, the poem, 'The Lake Isle of Innesfree," by W. B. Yeats reveals more about me than does my address.

If we are ever in a discussion in a thread and you think it would be helpful to your understanding of my points to know my background, you can always ask.

[DrDeth]

The only time it bothers me is when someone asks a legal question in GQ, the answer varies depending on the OP's state, and he neglects to mention it. Otherwise, meh.
.


Here I agree 100%. Most of the time I don't really care, but some posters seem to know be aware that their listed location is useless, and then go ask a question with a location dependent answer. :mad:

[La Llorona]

You must have heard the joke about the Boston dowager who was going on a motoring trip to California with friends. When asked what route they would take she said, "Through Newton, of course."

Explain, please? Not sure whether I'm being slow with humor or whether it's being a non-Bostonian that impedes understanding?

And to make some kind of an actual contribution to this thread, is my location rage-inducingly vague enough? We can only hope. :)

[Asimovian]

I actually agree, generally speaking, with the OP, although I certainly respect the privacy of those who truly don't wish to be specific. I'm not terribly paranoid about people on here wanting to track me down. I just don't post my exact city because I get tired of Bill & Ted jokes. :)

[DMark]

Then there are people like me who probably over-do it with locations.

I just figure it helps to say where I have lived so when I make a comment about LA or Germany or NY or Las Vegas, at least a reader can see that at one time I actually lived there.

Of course, should I ever move from Las Vegas, I am shit out of luck as I think I have used all the space allotted for location.

[even sven]

The whole location thing drives me nuts, too. I am ALWAYS glancing over at it.

For example, when we have threads like "how do you pronounce this word" or "what is your experience with housekeepers" or "What's the best Mexican restaurant in your town" or "What are you doing this weekend" or "what would you do if you were visiting San Francisco", I often want to know how geographical place influences these things. At other times, people ask questions or tell stories that would change in meaning depending on area. Making a movie in LA is different than making a movie in Arkansas. Getting locked out of your house in February is different in Minnesota than in Florida. Really, it's relevant quite often. At other times, it's just plain interesting to know- like we had the recent "What would be the best survival strategy in post-apocalypse California"...well, someone from San Diego will have a different opinion than someone from Turloc. And if they are from Paris, it's interesting to see what their concept of a post-apocalype California is like.

I'm just a "mental picture" type of person. I want to be able to place the stories I read and have some idea of what things might look like when you say "Well, I was walking to work the other day...." Furthermore, I'm always mentally mapping things out. I can and do spend hours just exploring on google earth.

[Mellivora capensis]

Hi Rig, I'm from South A........oh, it's there.

Anyway, it's a country close to Australia. Actually, I lie, not close, but in the same hemisphere. We like playing cricket against them, and beating them, which doesn't happen often, but when it does, it's memorable. Fucking memorable, actually.

Have you heard of Japan? Well, it's nowhere near Japan.

I think our closest newsworthy country starts with a Z. Not Zambia, the other one. You might recognise the name Mugabe. That Z.

:p

[dnooman]

I actually agree, generally speaking, with the OP, although I certainly respect the privacy of those who truly don't wish to be specific. I'm not terribly paranoid about people on here wanting to track me down. I just don't post my exact city because I get tired of Bill & Ted jokes. :)
San Dimas High School Football Rules!!


Is there still a huge waterpark there?

[dnooman]

I grew up in Irvine, in case you need to make any anteater or Will Ferrell jokes.

[Rigamarole]

For example, when we have threads like "how do you pronounce this word" or "what is your experience with housekeepers" or "What's the best Mexican restaurant in your town" or "What are you doing this weekend" or "what would you do if you were visiting San Francisco", I often want to know how geographical place influences these things. At other times, people ask questions or tell stories that would change in meaning depending on area. Making a movie in LA is different than making a movie in Arkansas. Getting locked out of your house in February is different in Minnesota than in Florida. Really, it's relevant quite often. At other times, it's just plain interesting to know- like we had the recent "What would be the best survival strategy in post-apocalypse California"...well, someone from San Diego will have a different opinion than someone from Turloc. And if they are from Paris, it's interesting to see what their concept of a post-apocalype California is like.

I'm just a "mental picture" type of person. I want to be able to place the stories I read and have some idea of what things might look like when you say "Well, I was walking to work the other day...." Furthermore, I'm always mentally mapping things out. I can and do spend hours just exploring on google earth.

Well said, even sven! Exactly the way I feel. Thank you.

[neutron star]

Well I guess I'm guilty of that too but I'll raise ya one! I always cringe a little at people who incorporate their user name into those around them. For example:

"The other day homeHubby was pestering me to run out and get some kibble to feed the homePuppy, but I couldn't cuz I was busy in the bath room trying to pop a mean ol' homePimple that was festering on the left homeButtcheek and ended up pulling the ol' homeLatissimus dorsi!"

I'll back you up on that one. When it comes to inducing vomit, that cutesy crap is more effective than a finger down the throat.

[Dunderman]

Of the two Dopers that I've given my exact location to, one left the board and the other was banned. Clearly, my location is cursed and should be kept secret.

[Crowbar of Irony +3]

And look at ExtraKun, he saw this and still doesn't want to even reveal his country. I mean, now that he's created all this mystique about it... ("quaint laws", "some people have a beef with where I'm from" etc.) Well some people have a beef with the U.S. too, ExtraKun. You're not a terrorist are you? :p

Defintely not! But I thought you are complaining that I am not telling, not actually asking from where I am from.

You see, I am not trying to dangle a carrot here and taunt, "Guess where I am from!" The context of those quaint laws are needed to understand the situation, so I stated them -- I think if I don't state them, people will edviently ask me where I am from or state some legal rules which doesn't apply 'cos I don't live in the US. If you feel baited, I apologise.

And actually, it's not like I always been hiding where I am from. I just hesitant to bring it up nowadays, that's all (for many reasons).

[Siege]

When I first started posting here, one bit of conventional wisdom was it wasn't wise for a woman to reveal too much about herself on-line, certainly not so much information that she could be tracked down in real life. Now, I'm fully aware that none of us are as secure as we want to be, and if someone was determined to stalk me, he or she could, although I have no idea why someone would do so. The reason I don't put the city I live in in the Location field is because in the highly unlikely event that someone winds up looking at my poor, mangled body after some attack worthy of an urban legend, I don't want someone to say, "Well, of course she was attacked by Crazy Stalker Guy! She was stupid enough to reveal her location to the entier internet!" :rolleyes:

If it's relevant, I do mention my location in a post. On the other hand, there are times when my location could be misleading. While I live in southwestern Pennsylvania, I was born in England and in some ways I'm still as English as I am American.

[Corrvin]

Same, same. If the thread demands (imho) a location, I provide my generic, specific enough location: OKC, OK.

D'you crack up over "City of The Village" too?

Corrvin
(about a beer bottle's throw from The Village, which is in OKC)

[TheLoadedDog]

I agree with the OP.

I'm in the Sydney suburb of Belmore. Sharp St. Close to the pub. Y'all can go doorknocking if you are dull enough to stalk me. :D

[LilyoftheValley]

But where did you buy your sweater?

No one wants to know (http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingen_vill_veta_var_du_k%C3%B6pt_din_tr%C3%B6ja). Or so I thought before this thread!

[LilyoftheValley]

No one wants to know (http://sv.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ingen_vill_veta_var_du_k%C3%B6pt_din_tr%C3%B6ja). Or so I thought before this thread!

Uh, here's (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_&_Maria) an English language link. :smack:

[jali]

:cool: I've been pitted. I live under a pile of bills. Tell me it's not true.

I have lived in different cities on the east coast. I've been in Atlanta since August of last year. How would posting Atlanta, Ga. under 'location' make a difference to my posts? I spent the first 40 sump'n years of my life in NYC - well Richmond, Virginia for college, but NY was always home to me back then. I lived in Delaware (oops - specifics you say - New Castle and Wilmington) for a few years too.

I'm a liberal, African American, almost 50, roller skating, dreadlock wearing, part time Atkins eating, avid reading, twice divorced, non-religious chick. A location doesn't say any of that.

I don't think there's a "NY' or "Southern" or whatever mindset anymore so location has no bearing to me.

Thanks for the pitting anyway. :cool:

[Dorjän]

I think i'm pretty exact w/ my location...

[Tripler]

Well, since this is the Pit:



Rigamarole, who the fuck wants to know where I'm at, huh?



:D

More politely put: Why does it matter where we're from? Can't one paint a mental picture solely on what we post and how we post it?

Granted, I like knowing just so's I have a feeling of who might be around me, but beyond that, I don't care where people are from.

Tripler
Them's my $0.02 towards a bus ticket to my locale.

[What Exit?]

...snip...
More politely put: Why does it matter where we're from? Can't one paint a mental picture solely on what we post and how we post it?

Granted, I like knowing just so's I have a feeling of who might be around me, but beyond that, I don't care where people are from.

Tripler
Them's my $0.02 towards a bus ticket to my locale.
Says the man who proudly started a thread a short time ago announcing he was making the first ever Dope Post from Afghanistan. :D

Jim {a very cool thread BTW}

[EddyTeddyFreddy]

Explain, please? Not sure whether I'm being slow with humor or whether it's being a non-Bostonian that impedes understanding?
Being a non-Bostonian, you wouldn't get the rich full flavor of the joke. I can't find the map itself, but here (http://www.xanga.com/Daylily02/380654265/item.html) is a description of it:
My family lived in Boston when I was a child, and even at the age of five, I knew that Boston is a city with a Very High Opinion of itself. I own a map titled A Bostonian's Idea of the United States of America. In it, Cape Cod extends halfway across the Atlantic. Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard are the size of Long Island. New England is larger than Texas, California, Washington and Oregon combined, and every town is labeled, including "Important Cities" such as Wellesley Farms, Wellesley Hills, Newton Center, West Newton, Newton Lower Falls, Newton Upper Falls and Newton Highlands. Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Cincinnati are all clustered more or less in the vicinity of the Mississippi River. Buffalo is placed roughly where Duluth MN, ought to be. Meanwhile the "Western Prairies," occupying a space about the size of Cape Cod, has the notation, "Dayton, Kansas City, Toledo, Helena, Tulsa, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and other such cities are located in this territory." Denver and Omaha are located in California. Canada is not labeled as such, but there is a Quebec, New Brunswick and an Ontario, along with Quebec City, Montreal, Vancouver, Halifax, St. John, and Doaktown, (Dooktown?) but, alas, no Toronto. There's a little box in the Pacific saying, "Western cities are reputed to be modern and progressive." A list of US Universities is: Harvard, William and Mary, Yale, Princeton, and Columbia, with the note, "Since this list was compiled many more universities and colleges have been founded including schools of Theology, Technology, Music, Art, Commerce, etc...Institutions of learning abound in the N.E. especially in and near BOSTON. There are also several excellent schools located in the WEST." At Plymouth is the notation, "American History began here in 1620." Next to Cape Hatteras, NC is the notation, "Indian legends hint that white adventurers landed on these shores before the beginning of American History." Jamestown, Virginia (settled in 1607) is not on the map at all, and in fact, the state of Virginia is not named either. New York City, is, of course, not in existance on this map.

[lieu]

I was watching Easy Rider the other night and there's the scene near the start when Fonda and Hopper fix their tire and have lunch with the Catholic couple with so many children. The father asks them "So where are y'all from?", Fonda goes "L.A." and the guy looks at him quizically and says "L.A.? Where's that?" Heh, cracked me up good.

I prefer to leave mine a bit ambiguous as with this they're not sure if I'm on solid footing or in Betty Rubble's pants.

[Nava]

Explain, please? Not sure whether I'm being slow with humor or whether it's being a non-Bostonian that impedes understanding?

And to make some kind of an actual contribution to this thread, is my location rage-inducingly vague enough? We can only hope. :)

Given your username, you could also say you're on the north shore. Those who've heard of you will know it is the shore of the Rio Grande. The detail of "distance to the water" is not always important.

[tdn]

While my location is accurate, it ain't helpful. Be that as it may, anyone bored or crazy enough to sort through my past threads could probably work out precisely where I live and work.

Irrelevant but IMO funny Boston joke:

A guy gets into a cab on Mission Hill.

"Where to, pal?"

"Take me to the hospital."

"Peter Bent?"

"No, I just bruised it a little."

[Tripler]

Says the man who proudly started a thread a short time ago announcing he was making the first ever Dope Post from Afghanistan. :D


Touche, mon ami. . . touche. :D

Tripler
STILL posting from Afghanistan. :cool:

[Antinor01]

I live in a suburb of Columbus Ohio BTW. Anyone who searched my posts could find that out, I just choose to mention it when it pertains to the topic at hand.

How is columbus these days? I moved from Dublin, Oh a couple years ago, haven't been back there yet.

[Antinor01]

[QUOTE=tdn]While my location is accurate, it ain't helpful. Be that as it may, anyone bored or crazy enough to sort through my past threads could probably work out precisely where I live and work.QUOTE]

Heh, I just thought over some of my posts....and if someone really wanted to link them all up they could quite easily find exactly where I work. Ehh, no big deal to me. I've always figured that if someone really wanted to stalk me, they'd figure out a way to do it.

[Necros]

I may be the easiest Doper on the SDMB to find. I have the correct location field (although "Unincorporated Jefferson County" may be more accurate), my real name is in my profile, and my username is my license plate. :)

Mebbe someday this will come back to bite me, but I doubt it...

[tdn]

I've always figured that if someone really wanted to stalk me, they'd figure out a way to do it.
My general plea to the board is: Don't stalk me. If you must stalk me, at least be sane. If you can't be sane, at least be cute.

[E-Sabbath]

My location, for what its worth, is accurate to within five miles. All you have to do is figure out what it means.

[The Great Sun Jester]

This thread is WAY too long for me to respond to.

[Antinor01]

My general plea to the board is: Don't stalk me. If you must stalk me, at least be sane. If you can't be sane, at least be cute.

I'll take sane AND cute.

I was stalked by an ex for a rather extended period, I would have gotten a restraining order and all that but I guess I felt sorry for him. Ah well, next time it's restraining orders all around!!

[wring]

I have almost nothing in my profile. when it's relevant, I'll mention my locality to a degree (area of specific state, sometimes, just the state, at least once because it was relevant, I mentioned being near a big 10 school).

can't agree w/the OP. it's not worth bothering about.

[Tripler]

I'll take sane AND cute.

I was stalked by an ex for a rather extended period, I would have gotten a restraining order and all that but I guess I felt sorry for him. Ah well, next time it's restraining orders all around!!

Nothing screams "hot chick" to a guy like a cute smile, a perky attitude, and a court order.

Tripler
Ladies: I'm "Warrant Free since '93!"

[D_Odds]

My location correctly describes where I work. I live a little east of that.

[D_Odds]

I'll take sane AND cute.

I was stalked by an ex for a rather extended period, I would have gotten a restraining order and all that but I guess I felt sorry for him. Ah well, next time it's restraining orders all around!!
Cute trumps sane.


What can I say, I'm a slut. Or I would've been one, given the opportunity, back when I was single.

[Antinor01]

Cute trumps sane.


What can I say, I'm a slut. Or I would've been one, given the opportunity, back when I was single.

You're right, cute does trump sane. Or as Samantha said on sex and the city "the crazies have the good pills" ;)

[tdn]

Cute trumps sane.
The saying is true: Sane is lousy in bed.

[Asimovian]

San Dimas High School Football Rules!!


Is there still a huge waterpark there?You are evil, and I don't like you. :)

Incidentally, there's Bingo at San Dimas High School every Saturday night starting at 6:30.

What???

[silenus]

I find it amusing that San Dimas High, a public school, has as a team nickname "The Saints," while just down the road Damien High, a private Catholic boys school has as its nickname "The Trojans." All sorts of disconnects there. :D

[tomndebb]

Nothing screams "hot chick" to a guy like a cute smile, a perky attitude, and a court order.I was not aware that guys looked for perky attitudes.

[lurkernomore]

My location, for what its worth, is accurate to within five miles. All you have to do is figure out what it means.

Hudson River? Brings one town to mind.


I'd say it is a bother when you talk about things in a specific area and don't mention anything. But if you are discussing, say, a book, most (not all, most) of the time does it matter where you are from?

And other Dopers do know where I live, just outside NYC after growing up in NYC. Heck, some have been unfortunate enough to see my face

[lurkernomore]

I was not aware that guys looked for perky attitudes.

You apparently don't know what the kids are calling them now.... ;)

[Asimovian]

I find it amusing that San Dimas High, a public school, has as a team nickname "The Saints," while just down the road Damien High, a private Catholic boys school has as its nickname "The Trojans." All sorts of disconnects there. :DThis is because an inferior school like Damien has to resort to all kinds of misdirection in order to bolster a deservedly sagging reputation. Whereas a PROPER private Catholic boys school, such as, oh, let's just say Loyola High School -- as an example, mind you -- is satisfied with being the Cubs.

Also, Damien is technically in La Verne, not San Dimas, making them even less worthy. :)

[RTFirefly]

The (extremely rare) southern Maryland location always catches my eye because I was born in, and spent my teens and twenties in, St. Mary's County.I'm in Calvert County. FairyChatMom also lives in southern Maryland, but I suppose I should let her decide whether to be more specific than that. (She's hosted a DopeFest, btw, so she's shared her location to that extent here on the Dope.)

[Omegaman]

Purgatory is a golf course about 40 miles from here.

Tough course is it ?

[Suse]

Tough course is it ?


I hear it's purt' near Hell.

[GingerOfTheNorth]

I'm in Calvert County. FairyChatMom also lives in southern Maryland, but I suppose I should let her decide whether to be more specific than that. (She's hosted a DopeFest, btw, so she's shared her location to that extent here on the Dope.)
She lives about seven miles from nowhere.

I'm not nearly so north as I used to be. I have hosted many dopefests at my home. When location is germane to my post, I include it.

It's Dundalk, Maryland. Whee.

[Polycarp]

Also, Damien is technically in La Verne, not San Dimas, making them even less worthy. :)

In Laverne? Surely you jest! ;)

:: flees ::

[faithfool]

The saying is true: Sane is lousy in bed.

Well I'm glad to see that there is some advantage to me being nuts. :smack: :p :D




As to where my slide originates and ends, I'm more than happy to share my misery whenever it's called for. Right now, it's (unfortunately) still Greenville in east Texas. Shortly (hopefully), it will be Dallas. All still in the same state that I loathe, but I'm positive that I'll only be expected to be barefoot IN my trailer and I'm almost, thank Bog, past the age of pregnancy for anyone to suggest that portion.

[furt]

Mine used to say "West of Bithlo," but nobody outside of the Orlando area would get the joke.

Then it said "Over Macho Grande" but that seemed too obvious.

I figured someday someone would get the reference in the current one, and say "hey, that was a clever use of a cool song lyric."

Alas.

[Frank]

I figured someday someone would get the reference in the current one, and say "hey, that was a clever use of a cool song lyric."
Someday? If I were not a desperate man I would have commented on that ages ago.

[furt]

Someday? If I were not a desperate man I would have commented on that ages ago.You have made my attention-whoring complete. :D

[elelle]

Yikes, I've just left mine from a million years back when UncleBeer had a thread that offered freebie profiles...and there it sits yet. OK, get to updates soon, stay tuned.

[VegemiteMoose]

To the OP:
I'd say I have a built in reluctance based on all the "ASL ??" ASL? asl???? bull-shit that comes up every time you log into, well anything - messageboards, gamesites, etc. Here's my Age, Sex and Location (you stoopid mutherfucks, like anything on the internet is likely to be true anyway!?) - I'm a 157-year-old, tri-sexual piece of petrified wood. Now can we play cribbage? Gah @!!

[Asimovian]

In Laverne? Surely you jest! ;)

:: flees :: :smack:

I'd like to shake your hand. :D

[Kolak of Twilo]

Silliness. This is such a silly pitting. If you Google the phrase I have as my location the first hit will give you the answer. My apologies for having fun.

Next thing you know they'll be pitting folks for having usernames taken from obscure characters in sitcoms from the 1960s. Then we will see who still has their thumbs won't we? :D

[dnooman]

This is such a silly pitting. If you Google the phrase I have as my location the first hit will give you the answer. My apologies for having fun.
I refuse to believe that you are from my ass. At least not without proof.

[Mehitabel]

Well, dude, all I can say is that the most trouble I've ever gotten to on this board (officially) was because there was an ex-poster who got under my skin about this very issue. Can't talk about it here <looks around for Secret Police> but e-mail me if you want more details.

[Tripler]

I was not aware that guys looked for perky attitudes.

We do. . . among other things.

Tripler
A nice pair of. . . eyes helps too.

[Salem]

Being a non-Bostonian, you wouldn't get the rich full flavor of the joke. I can't find the map itself, but here (http://www.xanga.com/Daylily02/380654265/item.html) is a description of it:


Ok, so, are you trying to say that the map isn't right???




:D


I do find it amusing the number of Boston-area people that reflect that in their location. Maybe because it is such a HUGE area. See, the map was right. Ayuh.

[biqu]

The only time it bothers me is when someone asks a legal question in GQ, the answer varies depending on the OP's state, and he neglects to mention it. Otherwise, meh.

Guilty as charged, as I'm sure the participants in my most recent GQ thread would confirm. I'm actually very unguarded with the personal information I share online, but for Dopers who want to know without sounding too inquisitive, that requires the extra step of following the homepage URL in my profile.

[jakeline]

In Laverne? Surely you jest! ;)
He's not joking, and his name isn't Shirley. :D

[Wnabtokio]

As for me, I have a job where I talk to 80-100 people from around the country per day. They don't get my last name or what city I live in, and neither do you. Call me paranoid, but damn, I talk to a lot of crazies. Crazies that have historically not been to shy about contacting people from my company in rather upsetting ways. Doesn't happen often, but I'm never really in the mood for it.

However, if you've ever read any of my posts and you have some deductive reasoning powers, you could probably figure it out. If you don't care to do that, then I don't care to make it clear. You could always ask someone if you were curious, although I am pretty good about saying where I'm from if it's a location specific post.

[Cockatiel]

I'm from Maryland. Hope this relieves you of some of the irritation.

[Northern Piper]

So up until a year ago my location showed my exact longitude and latitude. "that's good", I thought "any doper who wants to know where i'm posting from has the exact location."

But noooo - a year ago, there was a thread, complaining about boring, mundane, accurate locations. "Get some humour in them there locations" was the gist of it: Your location ... up there by your name (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=319351&page=1&pp=50&highlight=location).

So bowing to the will of the masses, I took down my accurate and information descriptor and came up with a vaguely naughty (http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?postid=6230279#post6230279) one which I'm still using.

And now this thread! "get rid of all those attempts at wit - we want accurate locations, dammit!"

I can't keep up with all these fads. I'm sticking with vaguely naughty. Gotta take a stand somewhere.

[Anastasaeon]

My location is accurate, if you know what I'm talking about. It used to say "~ the Center of the Universe", which is also accurate (the "~" stands for approximately. I only bring it up because I've had several people ask me what it's like to live in the Center of the Universe - I don't. I live beside it.) The closest it's ever been was when I briefly had "'Round the corner of Archie McPhee's".

Accurate though it may be, it's not where I'm originally from, and I still feel like a foreigner here, sometimes. So it doesn't really say much about me. Well, except that I really like living here, and still act a little tourist-y from time to time. :p

[RaftPeople]

My location is accurate, if you know what I'm talking about. It used to say "~ the Center of the Universe", which is also accurate (the "~" stands for approximately. I only bring it up because I've had several people ask me what it's like to live in the Center of the Universe - I don't. I live beside it.) The closest it's ever been was when I briefly had "'Round the corner of Archie McPhee's".

Accurate though it may be, it's not where I'm originally from, and I still feel like a foreigner here, sometimes. So it doesn't really say much about me. Well, except that I really like living here, and still act a little tourist-y from time to time. :p

I know what you are talking about.

I'm about 10 miles east of you, in a city that also starts with a "B" and has an "LL". You know, across the water (northeast corner of that lake). Although I'm not at 7-Eleven, that's really an inside joke between myself and some friends.

[tomndebb]

My location is accurate, if you know what I'm talking about. Somehow, I don't associate "Uff Da!" with Boeing, overpriced coffee, and Microsoft. It has much more of a Yooper/Cheesehead/Prairie Home Companion feel to it.

[RaftPeople]

Somehow, I don't associate "Uff Da!" with Boeing, overpriced coffee, and Microsoft. It has much more of a Yooper/Cheesehead/Prairie Home Companion feel to it.

You would if you saw all of the dang bumber stickers with it. I finally looked it up on google, after all these years, all because of this thread. Ignorance has been reduced.

[BrattiAtti]

I don't like living where I live, so I don't advertise it.

However, I have mentioned my location in various posts. It's not a paranoia thing for me. Because of those exchanges mentioned previously, a few handfuls here have had my home address at one time or another.

I feel stupid trying to be clever and witty with it, so I leave the space blank. When I move back to my other home, I'll adjust my location space.

[Anastasaeon]

Somehow, I don't associate "Uff Da!" with Boeing, overpriced coffee, and Microsoft. It has much more of a Yooper/Cheesehead/Prairie Home Companion feel to it.


As RaftPeople mentions, "Uff da!" is a very common bumper sticker around these parts. So is "Free Ballard". Ballard is quite well known for the large Norwegian population.

Since I'm not from a city, all these little "subsections" of the main city amaze me, and each has it's own unique feel to it. "Free Ballard" jokes aside, Ballard really does feel like a seperate city. Fremont has it's own feel. Magnolia, Capitol Hill, U District... all different. I moved from south Seattle to north a little over a year ago, and it's a totally different world. There were no Norse in Boulevard Park!

So maybe it's just the bumpkin in me, overwhelmed by such a "big" city (my husband teases me for thinking it's so big). But like I said, my location is accurate if someone knows what I'm talking about. I don't think less of anyone for not knowing, for sure. Two years ago, I wouldn't have gotten it. I'm trying to be slightly ambiguous, after all. I'm just not very good at it. ;)

[D.E.S.K.Top668]

To the OP; what should I use as my location? I was born in Seattle, WA, USA. I was six months old when we moved. I spent my formative years in Texas, Arkansas, and Kansas. I consider myself a Californian (I spent from age 13 to 27 in various places in SoCal.) When I joined the board, I lived outside of Las Vegas. Since then, I've lived in Nevada, SoCal, and (currently) Georgia. My mum is English and my (pretty much) absentee father was/is Pennsylvanian Dutch.
My current location says nothing about my attitudes and upbringing. Unless I'm complaining about traffic on the 85/285/75, my location means nothing to anybody. Will putting "North of Atlanta, GA. USA," change the meaning of my posts at all?
My location is an unabashed sexual reference to my wife, who was a board member under the name Boondock Saint. I'm proud to be associated with her, and that says more then what location I'm physically at.
If my location makes a difference in what my post says, I'll mention it. Otherwise, it's nobody's business, simply because it doesn't matter. You're curious? Well, I'm curious about your real name, bank, and account number. Feel free to post said info. Really, I won't do anything with it and it'll make no difference in your posts. Please provide ASAP.

- DESK