I went to a party on Saturday, at the house of a couple of friends. Because of where the food and the chairs were located, I happened to be standing next to a bookshelf, and talking to a couple of people.
During a lull in the conversation, one guy glanced at the bookshelf with a quizzical expression on his face, and muttered, “What the heck is this?” He reached for the shelf and pulled out a battered copy of The Straight Dope by one C. Adams.
I was extremely excited, of course, and explained all about Cecil’s column and his status as the World’s Smartest Human. This fellow seemed suitably impressed-- at the book’s contents, if not my elocution-- and said he would check out the website when he got home.
Considering how addictive this site usually is, I think I’ve converted a brand-new Teeming Million. (Hi, Nathan!) I’m so proud of myself.
(I also spent a quick couple of minutes talking to the book’s owner, sharing our views on the Dope. Unfortunately, I had to leave the party before learning much more than the fact that he lurks on this MB. (Hi, Geoff!))
Anyone else have a story on how they helped increase the number of the Teeming Millions?
Of course I don’t fit in; I’m part of a better puzzle.
In my prior life (here) I did tell people about SDMS and my screen name… I ended up revealing stuff here I didn’t want ANYONE to know, so I got a new screen name. If I’m bitching about my wife, I sure as shit don’t want it to get back to her.
So, if you think you know who am I, keep it to yourself.
To answer the question, I told tons of like-minded people.
Well, I AM a convert…and it’s all thanks to urban legends.
I find ULs facinating, and when I got the Internet in April, checking out an UL was almost the first thing I did. While reading some of the reports, I kept noticing this Cecil guy being used as a source over and over. Finally, somebody included the link to tha Dope, and here I am.
I started checking out the board last week, and I brought a friend over, too (howdy, sue!!).
I’m always telling my family stories that start with “well, on this message board I’m part of…”. Of course, most of them don’t have computers (THANK GOD!!) but I have told a good friend of mine who is the soul of wit and sarcasm but he’s a pretty busy guy and usually doesn’t have time to surf. Too bad. He’d be a great addition to the Board. I’m going to keep buggin’ him about it.
Well, I told my brother about this board. Now he lurks here and even posts once in awhile. However, he won’t tell me his screen name, so I’m on a quest to figure it out.
I owned a first edition printing of “The Straight Dope” in paperback form. It was getting very well thumbed, so I gave it to a friend, Ray Fortenberry. I expect he will be along to this site shortly.
I bought a new reprint soon after, but when will the hardcover version, bound in rich Corinthian leather be out?
