# Do you think of Dopers as your friends? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 4, 2007, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490 "2007-07-04T13:21:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![elelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@elelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elelle)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2007, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/101 "2007-07-07T02:41:35Z")
**fisha** , I’ll just echo you with **Beaucarnea** , being a wonderful person who always amazes me with putting exactly in words what my tentative Net self never is capable of. As in her above post; Gracious, including, and perfectly voiced. She’s just a Peach, all said, and a muy smart one to boot. It’s wonderful to see/read another person’s words, and feel that kind of solid kinship. When I read these forums, I really think of the typing as being from real people with feelings, and carefully consider what people say before I respond,(except when I’m a WiseAss, but that’s usually with politics). I’m older in years, so didn’t grow up with the Nets being a yammer-fest, still view the written word as carefully considered. Wondering: is the carefully considered aspect of it a thing of the past? And, does that have an effect on thinking of on-line folks as “friends”? ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2007, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/102 "2007-07-07T13:40:23Z")
[QUOTE=elelle] Wondering: is the carefully considered aspect of it a thing of the past? And, does that have an effect on thinking of on-line folks as “friends”? [/QUOTE] Interesting questions – which I don’t know the answers to. Mostly just wanted to say how flattered I am to have been mentioned in **Beaucarnea** ’s lovely post. ---
**Author:** ![Beaucarnea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c0e974/32.png) [@Beaucarnea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beaucarnea)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2007, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/103 "2007-07-07T15:25:00Z")
[QUOTE=fisha] **Beau** , I always think of you as the better, nicer version of myself. We have a lot in common, it’s eerie. [/QUOTE] [QUOTE=elelle] It’s wonderful to see/read another person’s words, and feel that kind of solid kinship. [/QUOTE] Oh, you guys… 🙂 . Listen- my car is imported and my beer is domestic. I have stainless steel appliances, I have never seen an episode of Lost, I come from artistic geniuses and I can’t draw a stick figure. I commit misguided social activisms like avoiding imported exotic produce, and Wal-mart and I’ve been boycotting the comics page for years (until Calvin and Hobbs or The Far Side returns). In early Spring I carry cold bees to flowers, I spend Summer molesting my vegetable plants, Fall finds me in mourning from the moment the first starlings flock, and come Winter I do nothing more than follow the sunbeam around and lie about on the floor. And **fisha** , forgive me, but after 30+ years of keeping hobby aquariums, I do not have a marine tank, or even a brackish one. I have orandas: a couple of bubble jockies who spend the majority of their day bumping into the clear wall of the tank. (d’oh!) I’m a hack- I truly am. But if you are ever near the AT and you don’t mind sharing space with a circus-sizes dog and a couple of homely cats, you have a partially remodeled roof over your head, a plateful of organic goodies, and a houseful of electronic entertainment options that would impress the Jetsons. (thank you, Crutchfield boyfriend!) [QUOTE=elelle] When I read these forums, I really think of the typing as being from real people with feelings, and carefully consider what people say before I respond,(except when I’m a WiseAss, but that’s usually with politics). I’m older in years, so didn’t grow up with the Nets being a yammer-fest, still view the written word as carefully considered. Wondering: is the carefully considered aspect of it a thing of the past? And, does that have an effect on thinking of on-line folks as “friends”? [/QUOTE] Me, too. This is the first and only message board/ IM/ cyber interaction that I participate in, and it is my habit to assume that much of what is written is a fair reflection of the author. This is a great learning format- it is painless to skim topics and since cites are so frequently provided, very reliable. But beyond merrily plodding along and gleaning bits of knowledge here and there, I am truly moved by the generosity and honesty of some of the posters. Whether sharing embarrassing medical experiences, confessing social blunders, or divulging personal struggles and triumphs, the candor I have seen here is truly heartening. (I’ll thank **faithfool** and **Anaamika** here.) ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2007, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/104 "2007-07-07T18:38:22Z")
Hey, I’m a gardener as well as a pet-lover! I want to talk plants with the other dirty fingernail types! ---
**Author:** ![wonderlust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonderlust/32/7237_2.png) [@wonderlust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonderlust)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2007, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/105 "2007-07-07T23:56:19Z")
I wish. I’ve had a couple friends here, but they’re gone now. Mostly I’m just a thread-killer now, although I’d like to make friends here. ---
**Author:** ![wonderlust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonderlust/32/7237_2.png) [@wonderlust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonderlust)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2007, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/106 "2007-07-07T23:59:52Z")
I wish. I’ve had a couple friends here, but they’re gone now. Mostly I’m just a thread-killer now, although I’d like to make friends here. I should add that most of the people here are the rare, exceptional kind of people I wish I could make friends with irl. ---
**Author:** ![elelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@elelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elelle)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/107 "2007-07-08T01:18:17Z")
Hmm…Friends don’t let friends twist in the wind…er…kill threads. Here’s to your next swell post, wonderlust! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/108 "2007-07-08T02:11:54Z")
I counted aha a friend, one of the reasons I wish I knew what happened to him. ---
**Author:** ![elelle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f0a364/32.png) [@elelle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elelle)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/109 "2007-07-08T04:22:25Z")
Crap, carnivorous plant is too dang good with his Sarraceniousness not to do another deep breath here…Lessee what happens in some good stance… ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/110 "2007-07-08T12:20:21Z")
[QUOTE=elelle] Crap, carnivorous plant is too dang good with his Sarraceniousness [/QUOTE] When puns are outlawed… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/111 "2007-07-08T12:49:33Z")
[QUOTE=carnivorousplant] I did until my name didn’t come up in this thread. Byzantines. 🙂 [/QUOTE] Canaanite lover! ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/112 "2007-07-08T12:59:59Z")
[QUOTE=NoClueBoy] Canaanite lover! [/QUOTE] Burgundian breath! ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/113 "2007-07-08T14:13:20Z")
[QUOTE=carnivorousplant] Burgundian breath! [/QUOTE] Janeway fan! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/114 "2007-07-08T14:19:43Z")
[QUOTE=NoClueBoy] Janeway fan! :eek: [/QUOTE] Treker Misogynist! ---
**Author:** ![AncientHumanoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ancienthumanoid/32/278_2.png) [@AncientHumanoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AncientHumanoid)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/115 "2007-07-08T14:23:01Z")
I like large breasted Vulcan women … ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/116 "2007-07-08T14:30:06Z")
[QUOTE=NoClueBoy] I like large breasted Vulcan women … [/QUOTE] Dear Readers: Insults will be temporarily halted while your correspondent determines if “misogynist” is an inter-species term. ---
**Author:** ![Jayn\_Newell](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Jayn\_Newell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayn_Newell)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2007, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/117 "2007-07-08T14:36:56Z")
I don’t interact with any other Dopers enough to consider any of them friends, not even acquaintances really. I do have some very good friends that I’ve met online but not yet IRL though, and I met my husband through an MMO, so I certainly think it’s possible to be close to someone you’ve never met IRL. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2007, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/118 "2007-07-09T11:48:35Z")
[QUOTE=Beaucarnea] **featherlou** , **SnakesCatLady** , **Fisha** , **Scubaqueen** , **TroubleAgain** , **Dung Beetle** , **anyrose** , and all the other domestic animal pro spay and neuter rescue nuts should stop by for tea and cat hair anytime. [/QUOTE] Wow. This just really lessened the pain of Monday morning. I’m sitting here getting tears in my eyes and feeling hugged. Thank you! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [July 9, 2007, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/119 "2007-07-09T16:45:42Z")
[QUOTE=Shirley Ujest] You betcha, baby. Just lookee at my post count. [/QUOTE] You must come from very energetic stock. I respect your mind AND your DNA !!! Yeah, I do consdier some Dopers to be friends. OTOH, I would likely find it rather dangerous to met up with various Dopers at a party or picnic. --shrug-- Like any other part of life. Good with the bad. Cartooniverse ---
**Author:** ![TroubleAgain](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e480ec/32.png) [@TroubleAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroubleAgain)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2007, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490/120 "2007-07-13T16:33:38Z")
[QUOTE=Dung Beetle] Wow. This just really lessened the pain of Monday morning. I’m sitting here getting tears in my eyes and feeling hugged. Thank you! 🙂 [/QUOTE] Me, too! I wish I’d actually seen this on Monday when I really, really needed the hug! (I apologize for bumping a 4 day-old thread, but I just had to acknowledge this!) I do think of many of you as friends. Some of you are acquaintances. And some of you are that annoying guy in the cubicle down the hall that I can’t get away from. 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-of-dopers-as-your-friends/410490.md?page=7)