Posting to the Front Page: You Can Do It Too! September 1, 2015 5:22 AM Subscribe
Posting to the front page of Metafilter can seem daunting, mysterious, and/or fraught with with uncertain outcomes. (Spoiler: It is easier than it might look.) If you have never or rarely posted a FPP but would like to, we’re here to help. Stretch your wings in September!
There are many ways to make a good Front Page Post. Here are some useful resources and guidelines:
* individal values of happy may vary
There are many ways to make a good Front Page Post. Here are some useful resources and guidelines:
- If you don't know where to start, the MeFi Wiki has What is a Good Post. There's also been a number of MeTas on the subject of writing FPPS like What works and doesn't work when creating FPPs and Getting good at writing FPPs.
- If you are concerned that other folks won't be interested in your topic ... you'd be surprised! This recent MeTa Tell Me Your Weirdest, Most Niche Interest was both a wonderland of future FPPs we'd like to see and reinforcement that we often don't know what we're interested in until the FPP is posted!
- If you are concerned your FPP subject is too mainstream or common or oft-posted to Metafilter ... you'd be surprised at how happy* it makes people to see Turtle Racing Videos or articles on how Game of Thrones is really just Little House on the Prairie with better clothes. Things that delighted MeFites in the past will probably delight them in the future.
- In the organizing MeTa, many experienced posters have offered to be mentors or sounding boards, advisors and encouragers. I expect more will also volunteer here. We’re happy to help.
- The Mods are always happy to look over the draft of a post to provide feedback on everything from framing to timing. If you are worried that your post might be derailed into a fighty mess, they will be happy to help you try to avoid that.
* individal values of happy may vary
Really can't decide on a topic? Just do EVE Online. MetaFilter will literally, actually, objectively, never tire of EVE.
posted by Gin and Comics at 5:30 AM on September 1, 2015 [14 favorites]
posted by Gin and Comics at 5:30 AM on September 1, 2015 [14 favorites]
Aww, I posted my first post a few days ago. If I'd known about this, I would have waited!
posted by thetortoise at 5:43 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by thetortoise at 5:43 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
You can do it! We believe in you.
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:04 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by ThePinkSuperhero at 6:04 AM on September 1, 2015
I, also, believe in you and would be happy to look over potential posts.
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 6:42 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jessamyn (retired) at 6:42 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Belief-in-you is my middle name! I'm happy to look over posts and give pointers and what not. Though my main advice is: Do it! If you're interested in it, other people are too.
posted by Kattullus at 6:47 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Kattullus at 6:47 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
thetortoise, this tag's for you:
posted by taz (staff) at 6:48 AM on September 1, 2015 [12 favorites]
SecondPost 🐢posted by taz (staff) at 6:48 AM on September 1, 2015 [12 favorites]
I am looking forward to the new and exciting posts.
posted by Dip Flash at 6:50 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by Dip Flash at 6:50 AM on September 1, 2015
I totally encourage everyone to take the plunge. FPPing is fun and the first one's the hardest. I'm happy to review post ideas and drafts too if anyone wants.
posted by Miko at 6:54 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by Miko at 6:54 AM on September 1, 2015
Oh, I guess I jumped the gun as well. I'll add the tags anyway!
posted by oakroom at 7:01 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by oakroom at 7:01 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT A POG IS, BUT I SALUTE YOU, SPUNKY, FIRST-POSTING BUNNY SLASH BABY-CTHULHU KNIFE-WIELDING MUTANTS!
posted by taz (staff) at 7:26 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by taz (staff) at 7:26 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Go forth fearlessly and teach us what you like in this world!
Amen! On-the-fence posters: if you'd like feedback on a potential FPP, please MeMail me.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:33 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
Amen! On-the-fence posters: if you'd like feedback on a potential FPP, please MeMail me.
posted by MonkeyToes at 7:33 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
Can I just say that, even although I don't believe in you, you should post that FPP anyway?
posted by scruss at 7:34 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by scruss at 7:34 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
God I'm so excited for this. I love seeing what weird shit people think is awesome. All you weirdoes are great, lemme know if you want help with anything or cheerleading.
Also: even posts that do not rack up ALL THE FAVORITES or ALL THE COMMENTS can still make someone's day. My very favorite fpp ever was on bearded drag queens and got pretty limited commentary and response... except for one person who made my day right back with their enthusiasm. Aim for that one person who is just as excited by corpses turning into soap as you are! I promise there are more of us out there than you think.
posted by sciatrix at 7:36 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
Also: even posts that do not rack up ALL THE FAVORITES or ALL THE COMMENTS can still make someone's day. My very favorite fpp ever was on bearded drag queens and got pretty limited commentary and response... except for one person who made my day right back with their enthusiasm. Aim for that one person who is just as excited by corpses turning into soap as you are! I promise there are more of us out there than you think.
posted by sciatrix at 7:36 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
I'm willing to help anyone that wants it, and this might actually encourage me to get off my butt and up my posting frequency.
posted by nubs at 7:52 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by nubs at 7:52 AM on September 1, 2015
I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT A POG IS
Sounds like somebody needs to make a pogs FPP!
posted by kmz at 7:53 AM on September 1, 2015 [8 favorites]
Sounds like somebody needs to make a pogs FPP!
posted by kmz at 7:53 AM on September 1, 2015 [8 favorites]
Really can't decide on a topic? Just do EVE Online. MetaFilter will literally, actually, objectively, never tire of EVE.
i would sell all of you to satan himself RIGHT NOW for another glorious EVE scandal
posted by poffin boffin at 8:00 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
i would sell all of you to satan himself RIGHT NOW for another glorious EVE scandal
posted by poffin boffin at 8:00 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
see also: regionally divisive food posts
posted by poffin boffin at 8:01 AM on September 1, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:01 AM on September 1, 2015 [5 favorites]
see also: regionally divisive food posts
Your barbecue is bad and you should feel bad.
the weirder (as in niche-weird, not unsettling) your post will be, the fewer people will discuss it. That's not a bad thing!
Best post ever!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 8:03 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Your barbecue is bad and you should feel bad.
the weirder (as in niche-weird, not unsettling) your post will be, the fewer people will discuss it. That's not a bad thing!
Best post ever!
posted by the man of twists and turns at 8:03 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
i am so mad i missed that post, wtf was i doing in june 2012 that was more important
posted by poffin boffin at 8:13 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by poffin boffin at 8:13 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
And remember, There is no cabal.
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:28 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:28 AM on September 1, 2015
I believe in you! You've got this. You're the only one that can save Metafilter. No pressure.
posted by naju at 8:31 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by naju at 8:31 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
Go team!
posted by griphus at 8:35 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by griphus at 8:35 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
> Gwahn. What's the worst that can happen?
It's an unwritten assumption that the post-apocalyptic wasteland and return of society ruled by fort main featured in the Mad Max movies is a direct consequence of a MeFi FPP. Worse still, the offending FPP was one that you wrote.
But post anyway. IBG, YBG …
posted by scruss at 8:57 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
It's an unwritten assumption that the post-apocalyptic wasteland and return of society ruled by fort main featured in the Mad Max movies is a direct consequence of a MeFi FPP. Worse still, the offending FPP was one that you wrote.
But post anyway. IBG, YBG …
posted by scruss at 8:57 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Gwahn. What's the worst that can happen?
Half-assed posts that get deleted, and mod-bashing flame-outs on MeTa? (I'm aware some folks don't consider those to be "worst" things.)
Seriously, though, I think advice to prospective posters on real strategies on how not to take it personally and feel slighted or insulted when either their FPP gets mostly ignored, or when it draws snarky comment-fire, would be as or more useful than frequently badgering them to post in the first place.
posted by aught at 8:57 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
Half-assed posts that get deleted, and mod-bashing flame-outs on MeTa? (I'm aware some folks don't consider those to be "worst" things.)
Seriously, though, I think advice to prospective posters on real strategies on how not to take it personally and feel slighted or insulted when either their FPP gets mostly ignored, or when it draws snarky comment-fire, would be as or more useful than frequently badgering them to post in the first place.
posted by aught at 8:57 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
In the dark future of the 40th millennium there is only war, and bitter metatalk arguments about how the war is discussed and who's fault it was and can we really call it "The Imperium of Man" and the Tau shouldn't be shunned because of anti-anime prejudice.
posted by Artw at 9:09 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by Artw at 9:09 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Gwahn. What's the worst that can happen?
Half-assed posts that get deleted
Take heart, first-time posters! Even if this dire fate should befall your FPP, a delegation of schoolchildren will be sent to the deleted posts blog every year to bring flowers and sing to them.
posted by prize bull octorok at 9:19 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
Half-assed posts that get deleted
Take heart, first-time posters! Even if this dire fate should befall your FPP, a delegation of schoolchildren will be sent to the deleted posts blog every year to bring flowers and sing to them.
posted by prize bull octorok at 9:19 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
1 - Is there going to be anything on AskMe promoting this? At the last IRL I met a new member who said she spends most of her time on the Green, not much Blue, and of course never on the Grey. We should try to reach people like her.
2 - I'm not going post this month (unless I see something amazing). I'm not saying all long term posters need to stop, just that I'm going to hold off. See, I've got some friends who are on the quiet side, and if others are talking volubly they're not going to interrupt. But if you let things sit quiet for a while they will start sharing stuff. So I'm going to follow that model.
3 - Go ahead, first-timer, second-timer, make that post! There's no way it can be less substantial than this post of mine, and I haven't been booted from the site for it.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:29 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
2 - I'm not going post this month (unless I see something amazing). I'm not saying all long term posters need to stop, just that I'm going to hold off. See, I've got some friends who are on the quiet side, and if others are talking volubly they're not going to interrupt. But if you let things sit quiet for a while they will start sharing stuff. So I'm going to follow that model.
3 - Go ahead, first-timer, second-timer, make that post! There's no way it can be less substantial than this post of mine, and I haven't been booted from the site for it.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:29 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
Something I said earlier this year still applies a few months later:
Something else to encourage those who may be shy about posting, from someone who doesn't post nearly as much as he reads or shoots his mouth off in comments, one thing that I didn't expect to happen and didn't even realize until recently is how PROUD I am of my posts. They are of varying quality and "popularity" (if you want to measure that in favorites/comments/whatever) but years later, I'm glad they are permanently a part of this place.
I'm probably proudest of my posts that have the fewest comments/favorites honestly since they seem to be the ones that if people liked them, they liked them STRONGEST. And I love it when somebody posts something that I didn't think I'd find interesting but am proven wrong.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 9:49 AM on September 1, 2015 [5 favorites]
Something else to encourage those who may be shy about posting, from someone who doesn't post nearly as much as he reads or shoots his mouth off in comments, one thing that I didn't expect to happen and didn't even realize until recently is how PROUD I am of my posts. They are of varying quality and "popularity" (if you want to measure that in favorites/comments/whatever) but years later, I'm glad they are permanently a part of this place.
I'm probably proudest of my posts that have the fewest comments/favorites honestly since they seem to be the ones that if people liked them, they liked them STRONGEST. And I love it when somebody posts something that I didn't think I'd find interesting but am proven wrong.
posted by MCMikeNamara at 9:49 AM on September 1, 2015 [5 favorites]
Well, I don't know if it's the greatest metafilter post of all time, but it was my first one in 18 months (and only my second in 4 years!), so I'm glad that I've broken that dry spell. I have a comprehensive one about cats in the works, too. It's OK to just post a thousand pictures of assorted cats, right?
right?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 9:53 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
right?
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 9:53 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
> It's OK to just post a thousand pictures of assorted cats, right?
Two thousand would be better, but yes.
posted by languagehat at 9:59 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
Two thousand would be better, but yes.
posted by languagehat at 9:59 AM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
I've had posts that were deleted. I've had posts that didn't garner many faves/votes. It's not a big deal. Throw something out there, maybe it works. If not, try again in a week.
posted by Chrysostom at 10:00 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by Chrysostom at 10:00 AM on September 1, 2015
If you're looking for a recent good example, after 9 years and 500 comments, jake had collected a few links on a related topic (words that some people don't like), and, feeling hesitant, dropped into the chatplace to get some feedback, where he got encouragement, little items of formatting advice, and a jokey title idea from one of the room's jokier members. The result is 41 favorites and 220 comments (and still rising), NONE of them saying "this post sucks". It CAN be done, and when in doubt, go ask somebody in the chat.
posted by oneswellfoop at 10:02 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by oneswellfoop at 10:02 AM on September 1, 2015
Ok, ok, I'll try.
posted by brennen at 10:03 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by brennen at 10:03 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
YES GET WEIRD
posted by klangklangston at 10:20 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by klangklangston at 10:20 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Now I want to make my first post again.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 10:26 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by Pyrogenesis at 10:26 AM on September 1, 2015
A highlight of my childhood when I lived in Hawaii. Pogs.
posted by aniola at 10:27 AM on September 1, 2015
posted by aniola at 10:27 AM on September 1, 2015
If I had a time machine, I would go back in time, take all the money I spent on pogs and magic cards and comic books, and put it in a fund of some kind. Then I'd go to when I was in college, smack myself in the face, not go to college, and save that money as well. Somebody make a post about *that*.
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 10:30 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 10:30 AM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was never into the gambling game so much (not good enough), but pogs also got traded, and some pogs were more valued than others.
"There's a bunch of this one (advertising some company or other). That one is a non-standard size, has a staple and a tab, and there aren't many of them, which makes it more original." It was a lot of fun.
posted by aniola at 10:33 AM on September 1, 2015
"There's a bunch of this one (advertising some company or other). That one is a non-standard size, has a staple and a tab, and there aren't many of them, which makes it more original." It was a lot of fun.
posted by aniola at 10:33 AM on September 1, 2015
So, there are only two FPPs about pogs in existence. Hint!
(there are only 8 tagged pugs though, which is also too few I must say)
posted by Pyrogenesis at 10:37 AM on September 1, 2015
(there are only 8 tagged pugs though, which is also too few I must say)
posted by Pyrogenesis at 10:37 AM on September 1, 2015
What's the worst that can happen?
Ah ha! The barchan method of trying to make a First Post!
1) Decide, finally, this is it: you're making a first post. What's the worst that can happen? After finding all of your first post ideas on MeFi already (where undoubtedly you learned of them in the first place), decide to make a post about something you're very fond of: the Portland Vase. You go, li'l mastodon.
2) You're nervous. Make some tea and toast.
3) Pace.
4) Make more tea and toast. Pace some more.
5) Jesus shit, you've eaten half a loaf and most of a jar of strawberry jam. What is wrong with you? And two pots of tea? Write the post already.
6) Pace some more. Realize you really need to pee. And you're kind of jittery.
7) You need to relax. It's 5 - how 'bout a margarita.
8) You're out of Cointreau. You'll have to use triple sec. Briefly consider a post about how only shitty margaritas are made of triple sec. Nah. Too editorial.
9) As long you're making shitty margaritas, why not a pitcher? Husband and the neighbors will be home soon - you can sit on the porch, drink a pitcher together, and inwardly celebrate your 1st post!
10) Sit down with your pitcher. Time to write a post!
11) Damn toody, Look at all those words. You're awesome. You go, li'l Stegosaurus. You're not a Stegosaurus! You're an Iguanodon. No. . . more classic. You're timeless. You're a li'l fern. You're a li'l horsetail. You go, li'l horsetail! Li'll Equisetum, li'l calamite. You're just a horsetail tree of a woman, aren't you. Wheeee the Carboniferous!
12) MAKE ALL THE POSTS!
13) Wake up. It's dark, you're drooling, you're cradling a potted fern. There's a 2000 word post on the screen which starts out okay but disintegrates into word panic and weeping about Darwin. (You've actually written, "Guys I'm so weeping about Darwin right now guys.") You called out 2 MeFites on their feelings about Keats (although you have no idea if they even have Keats feelings) and challenged them to a fight. There's something on the end about x-rays but linked instead to X-Men. The last word is LLLLLLLLLLLL.
14). . . Shit on your shoe, that was terrible. It's a terrible post and you're a terrible person. Better not go to MeFi for awhile - they will sense that stink of terribleness on you and turn on you like a pack of Velociraptors.
. . . .
15) Well, that was just a first draft. Try again soon! You go, li'l mastodon. Really, what's the worst that can happen?
posted by barchan at 10:38 AM on September 1, 2015 [22 favorites]
Ah ha! The barchan method of trying to make a First Post!
1) Decide, finally, this is it: you're making a first post. What's the worst that can happen? After finding all of your first post ideas on MeFi already (where undoubtedly you learned of them in the first place), decide to make a post about something you're very fond of: the Portland Vase. You go, li'l mastodon.
2) You're nervous. Make some tea and toast.
3) Pace.
4) Make more tea and toast. Pace some more.
5) Jesus shit, you've eaten half a loaf and most of a jar of strawberry jam. What is wrong with you? And two pots of tea? Write the post already.
6) Pace some more. Realize you really need to pee. And you're kind of jittery.
7) You need to relax. It's 5 - how 'bout a margarita.
8) You're out of Cointreau. You'll have to use triple sec. Briefly consider a post about how only shitty margaritas are made of triple sec. Nah. Too editorial.
9) As long you're making shitty margaritas, why not a pitcher? Husband and the neighbors will be home soon - you can sit on the porch, drink a pitcher together, and inwardly celebrate your 1st post!
10) Sit down with your pitcher. Time to write a post!
11) Damn toody, Look at all those words. You're awesome. You go, li'l Stegosaurus. You're not a Stegosaurus! You're an Iguanodon. No. . . more classic. You're timeless. You're a li'l fern. You're a li'l horsetail. You go, li'l horsetail! Li'll Equisetum, li'l calamite. You're just a horsetail tree of a woman, aren't you. Wheeee the Carboniferous!
12) MAKE ALL THE POSTS!
13) Wake up. It's dark, you're drooling, you're cradling a potted fern. There's a 2000 word post on the screen which starts out okay but disintegrates into word panic and weeping about Darwin. (You've actually written, "Guys I'm so weeping about Darwin right now guys.") You called out 2 MeFites on their feelings about Keats (although you have no idea if they even have Keats feelings) and challenged them to a fight. There's something on the end about x-rays but linked instead to X-Men. The last word is LLLLLLLLLLLL.
14). . . Shit on your shoe, that was terrible. It's a terrible post and you're a terrible person. Better not go to MeFi for awhile - they will sense that stink of terribleness on you and turn on you like a pack of Velociraptors.
. . . .
15) Well, that was just a first draft. Try again soon! You go, li'l mastodon. Really, what's the worst that can happen?
posted by barchan at 10:38 AM on September 1, 2015 [22 favorites]
Go POG Wild and rollerblade Crazy!
When pogs came to my part of southern California, our Jr. High just expanded to include 6th grade, and it was those 6th graders who introduced the game to the school, so no self-respecting 7th or 8th grader would dare play pogs.
And now I get to share my favorite pogs story: my friend's dad didn't understand why people were buying cardboard discs that were covered with shiny stickers of commercial entities when you could make them yourself, so he made his daughter pogs with photos of tiny monkeys. Somehow, she was not impressed at the time.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:39 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
When pogs came to my part of southern California, our Jr. High just expanded to include 6th grade, and it was those 6th graders who introduced the game to the school, so no self-respecting 7th or 8th grader would dare play pogs.
And now I get to share my favorite pogs story: my friend's dad didn't understand why people were buying cardboard discs that were covered with shiny stickers of commercial entities when you could make them yourself, so he made his daughter pogs with photos of tiny monkeys. Somehow, she was not impressed at the time.
posted by filthy light thief at 10:39 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
If I had a time machine, I would go back in time, take all the money I spent on pogs and magic cards and comic books, and put it in a fund of some kind. Then I'd go to when I was in college, smack myself in the face, not go to college, and save that money as well. Somebody make a post about *that*.
SCENE: 1991
*puff of time-travel smoke*
FUTURE PBO: WAKE UP YOU LITTLE SHIT
YOUNG PBO: Oh my god what the hell
FUTURE PBO: BE AN ASCETIC DON'T BUY ANYTHING YOU ENJOY
YOUNG PBO: Wait what why
FUTURE PBO: JESUS CHRIST LOOK AT ALL THESE MAGAZINES WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU
YOUNG PBO: But I like GamePro
FUTURE PBO: DO YOU "I WANT TO STILL HAVE A FUCKING BOX OF GAMEPROS IN MY GARAGE WHEN I'M THIRTY" LIKE THEM?
YOUNG PBO: I don't--I don't know--why--
FUTURE PBO: STOP BUYING MEDIA EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE FREE ON THE INTERNET SOMEDAY
YOUNG PBO: Really?
FUTURE PBO: YES but you're still gonna spend most of your evenings watching reruns in syndication just like your dad
YOUNG PBO: Shit
FUTURE PBO: Yeah
posted by prize bull octorok at 10:55 AM on September 1, 2015 [26 favorites]
SCENE: 1991
*puff of time-travel smoke*
FUTURE PBO: WAKE UP YOU LITTLE SHIT
YOUNG PBO: Oh my god what the hell
FUTURE PBO: BE AN ASCETIC DON'T BUY ANYTHING YOU ENJOY
YOUNG PBO: Wait what why
FUTURE PBO: JESUS CHRIST LOOK AT ALL THESE MAGAZINES WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU
YOUNG PBO: But I like GamePro
FUTURE PBO: DO YOU "I WANT TO STILL HAVE A FUCKING BOX OF GAMEPROS IN MY GARAGE WHEN I'M THIRTY" LIKE THEM?
YOUNG PBO: I don't--I don't know--why--
FUTURE PBO: STOP BUYING MEDIA EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE FREE ON THE INTERNET SOMEDAY
YOUNG PBO: Really?
FUTURE PBO: YES but you're still gonna spend most of your evenings watching reruns in syndication just like your dad
YOUNG PBO: Shit
FUTURE PBO: Yeah
posted by prize bull octorok at 10:55 AM on September 1, 2015 [26 favorites]
FUTURE PBO: And why the hell are you calling the 1-900 tip lines? In the future, hints and walk-throughs will be free!
YOUNG PBO: But I'm stuck on Sonic's Special Stage #3 now!
FUTURE PBO: *sighs* Ah, whatever, you aren't going to live beyond -wait, nevermind.
YOUNG PBO: Whoa, what? How are you even talking to me now?
FUTURE PBO: Science *pulls mic from back pocket, drops mic, walks backwards into time-travel smoke*
posted by filthy light thief at 11:12 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
YOUNG PBO: But I'm stuck on Sonic's Special Stage #3 now!
FUTURE PBO: *sighs* Ah, whatever, you aren't going to live beyond -wait, nevermind.
YOUNG PBO: Whoa, what? How are you even talking to me now?
FUTURE PBO: Science *pulls mic from back pocket, drops mic, walks backwards into time-travel smoke*
posted by filthy light thief at 11:12 AM on September 1, 2015 [4 favorites]
I made my first post earlier this summer, after mostly-lurking for many years. I was extremely aware that I was a) self-consciously trying to write it in some kind of Mefi house style; and b) posting from impure motives (I wanted to hear what people had to say about the topic). For both reasons, I did indeed pad my post out a bit. After posting it I went off and read the book that was reviewed in one of my "padding" links and found it super fascinating and have been thinking about it a lot ever since. And, as expected, I very much enjoyed reading the post discussion. So, all in all, good experience, would recommend, though it hadn't occurred to me to make a second post.
posted by yarrow at 11:12 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by yarrow at 11:12 AM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
MetaFilter: BE AN ASCETIC DON'T BUY ANYTHING YOU ENJOY
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 11:34 AM on September 1, 2015 [9 favorites]
posted by BuddhaInABucket at 11:34 AM on September 1, 2015 [9 favorites]
"As long you're making shitty margaritas, why not a pitcher? Husband and the neighbors will be home soon - you can sit on the porch, drink a pitcher together, and inwardly celebrate your 1st post!"
More like banchan method
posted by klangklangston at 12:06 PM on September 1, 2015
More like banchan method
posted by klangklangston at 12:06 PM on September 1, 2015
And remember, if your first post isn't as good as you hoped you can always make another one!
I came across MetaFilter around 2010, made an account and began commenting in 2012, and only started posting a few days ago. Still haven't found a "Join the cabal" link yet, but give it time.
posted by Rangi at 12:48 PM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
I came across MetaFilter around 2010, made an account and began commenting in 2012, and only started posting a few days ago. Still haven't found a "Join the cabal" link yet, but give it time.
posted by Rangi at 12:48 PM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
benito.strauss: There's no way it can be less substantial than this post of mine, and I haven't been booted from the site for it.
Oh, that's a good idea!
There's no way it can be less substantial than this post of mine which was not only roundly criticized and mocked, I also revealed myself to be a 50-year old woman who can't peel an orange. It's one of my very favorite posts because it's such a spectacular failure (and proof that a lot of comments doesn't mean it's a good post!)
posted by Room 641-A at 12:50 PM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
Oh, that's a good idea!
There's no way it can be less substantial than this post of mine which was not only roundly criticized and mocked, I also revealed myself to be a 50-year old woman who can't peel an orange. It's one of my very favorite posts because it's such a spectacular failure (and proof that a lot of comments doesn't mean it's a good post!)
posted by Room 641-A at 12:50 PM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]
Really can't decide on a topic? Just do EVE Online.
Or Community, Hannibal, or WWE. Get all four of them in the same FPP and you win an internet.
posted by jbickers at 1:52 PM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Or Community, Hannibal, or WWE. Get all four of them in the same FPP and you win an internet.
posted by jbickers at 1:52 PM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
If you are worried that people won't be interested in your post, let me tell you that my best, most popular posts were all posted by someone else while I was worrying if anyone would like it.
Or Community, Hannibal, or WWE. Get all four of them in the same FPP and you win an internet.
I always say there is no shame in picking low-hanging fruit for your first post if it's something that truly interests you. Mine was about a 1) Lego 2) stop-motion re-creation of 3) The Wire. Go for it!
posted by Room 641-A at 4:48 PM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Or Community, Hannibal, or WWE. Get all four of them in the same FPP and you win an internet.
I always say there is no shame in picking low-hanging fruit for your first post if it's something that truly interests you. Mine was about a 1) Lego 2) stop-motion re-creation of 3) The Wire. Go for it!
posted by Room 641-A at 4:48 PM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Hey, long-time/not-first-time posters: I'm planning on stopping by FPPs by first-timers, and I hope to leave a positive comment on something I like. I encourage you to do the same.
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:09 PM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by MonkeyToes at 5:09 PM on September 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Yes! I also encourage folks to click through on names you think might not be frequent posters to see if this is a first/second/third post but not tagged as such, and contribute to the post where and how appropriate as you would if it was tagged as such.
posted by julen at 5:19 PM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by julen at 5:19 PM on September 1, 2015 [1 favorite]
Nnrrrgh, I am attempting to do this but I don't think everyone is using the same tags! Is there a general "I am a new poster/I haven't posted in ages and I'm trying to post this month" tag that people are adding to their work? Because the tags I have fished around in have some really neat things in them, and I selfishly want to see what you guys come up with!
posted by sciatrix at 5:37 PM on September 1, 2015
posted by sciatrix at 5:37 PM on September 1, 2015
I just did my first post after being a member for 7 years and a lurker for like 5 years before that.
It was easy and fun!
posted by saul wright at 7:24 PM on September 1, 2015 [10 favorites]
It was easy and fun!
posted by saul wright at 7:24 PM on September 1, 2015 [10 favorites]
Hooray!
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 7:27 PM on September 1, 2015
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 7:27 PM on September 1, 2015
I just made my third post in about 2 years. It was the first that I felt actually went well.
posted by bunderful at 7:50 PM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by bunderful at 7:50 PM on September 1, 2015 [6 favorites]
Took me 6 years to do my first post, (joined 2006, posted 2012), and I've done ten now (was surprised when I checked that, didn't realise it was that many!). In the spirit of this post I've posted my first ever Project!
posted by EndsOfInvention at 1:43 AM on September 2, 2015 [3 favorites]
posted by EndsOfInvention at 1:43 AM on September 2, 2015 [3 favorites]
jessypie ran this fantastic FPP about puppy gifs by me before posting. Obviously with a link as important as that, the post pretty much writes itself. Good framing is crucial, of course, and jessypie did a great job. If I remember correctly, I did advise her to add the "cute" tag.
That's exactly the kind of FPP counsel I'm capable of giving.
If anyone has any questions or concerns about their post about cute animal gifs or youtube videos, particularly anything involving dogs or tiny pigs or wombats, please feel free to reach out to me. I will check them for you and make sure they're not poisoned.
posted by phunniemee at 4:20 AM on September 2, 2015 [10 favorites]
That's exactly the kind of FPP counsel I'm capable of giving.
If anyone has any questions or concerns about their post about cute animal gifs or youtube videos, particularly anything involving dogs or tiny pigs or wombats, please feel free to reach out to me. I will check them for you and make sure they're not poisoned.
posted by phunniemee at 4:20 AM on September 2, 2015 [10 favorites]
Looks like there are actually a bunch of people here kinda just like me, endless lurkers with few posts and FPPs. I think I lurked from around 2004 until 2011 and I've managed to make all of 10 posts. But they all went well and one thing I've really liked is not posting much in my own FPPs and instead just letting it go wherever it goes. People get defensive about their own posts and end up threadsitting, sometimes taking on all comers. But I just wanted to show people this thing I saw, sometimes cool, sometimes yes "you should know about it!" style, I admit. And then people look at the thing I found and talk about it. And there's no reason for me to barge in and tell people what's what.
Which is to say, the age-old MeFi ethos is a fine, good thing to follow.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 4:44 AM on September 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
Which is to say, the age-old MeFi ethos is a fine, good thing to follow.
posted by Pyrogenesis at 4:44 AM on September 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
I used to color POGs for a living, and ended up trading a few hundred of them for a tattoo. True story.
posted by culfinglin at 12:02 PM on September 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by culfinglin at 12:02 PM on September 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Was that tattoo of a pog?
posted by griphus at 12:09 PM on September 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by griphus at 12:09 PM on September 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Alas, no.
posted by culfinglin at 2:02 PM on September 2, 2015
posted by culfinglin at 2:02 PM on September 2, 2015
! Is there a general "I am a new poster/I haven't posted in ages and I'm trying to post this month" tag that people are adding to their work
Why not a firstpost tag? #firstpost
posted by Miko at 4:01 PM on September 2, 2015
Why not a firstpost tag? #firstpost
posted by Miko at 4:01 PM on September 2, 2015
I've seen three or four posts today from names that I didn't recognize that were all #FirstPost and they were all great.
posted by benito.strauss at 9:12 PM on September 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by benito.strauss at 9:12 PM on September 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
I read this thread :)
That post was something I'd been sitting on for months, but never dared post for fear that it was one of those niche interest things that would just annoy others. So thank you, julen, for making this thread.
posted by satoshi at 4:55 AM on September 3, 2015 [3 favorites]
That post was something I'd been sitting on for months, but never dared post for fear that it was one of those niche interest things that would just annoy others. So thank you, julen, for making this thread.
posted by satoshi at 4:55 AM on September 3, 2015 [3 favorites]
I am here to attest to the possibility of survivability EVEN AFTER a first post which vanishes mousily into the ether, arousing little interest and fewer accolades. I promise you, my lurky brethren, my anxious sisters, that even when your first post does not instantly catapult you into the upper echelons of MeFi superstardom, contrary to popular opinion (or maybe justmy own neuroses) you will not spontaneously burst into flames or even quietly drop dead of humiliation. You will live to post another day, and perhaps even to transparently belittle yourself in a MeTa thread in a vain attempt to prove how completely Unbothered you are by your public shaming. ; )
But for realizes, posting was fun and unscary! No one said mean things to me, my post wasn't instantly flagged as despicable, and I didn't out myself as a complete nincompoop. . . so I consider my #FirstPost a roaring success! thanks for the virtual pep talk, all!
posted by Dorinda at 11:06 AM on September 3, 2015 [6 favorites]
But for realizes, posting was fun and unscary! No one said mean things to me, my post wasn't instantly flagged as despicable, and I didn't out myself as a complete nincompoop. . . so I consider my #FirstPost a roaring success! thanks for the virtual pep talk, all!
posted by Dorinda at 11:06 AM on September 3, 2015 [6 favorites]
Lurker since 2001
Poster since 2015
I regret neither waiting nor finally doing it, it's been a lot of fun. MeFi Chat users and mods were all super helpful throughout, there are good people to meet at every step of the way, so anyone who's on the fence: Just lurk for 14 years, it'll be fiiiiiiiiine.
Just don't do what I did and post a long-winded disclaimer in the comments. I only got a pass for happy enthusiasm (I really get away with a lot in life) but it's frowned upon!!!! Make the post stand on its own without explanation or justification. That's the advice the mods gave me for the future, and I will follow it when I am ready to post again in 2029!
posted by jake at 3:00 PM on September 3, 2015 [8 favorites]
Poster since 2015
I regret neither waiting nor finally doing it, it's been a lot of fun. MeFi Chat users and mods were all super helpful throughout, there are good people to meet at every step of the way, so anyone who's on the fence: Just lurk for 14 years, it'll be fiiiiiiiiine.
Just don't do what I did and post a long-winded disclaimer in the comments. I only got a pass for happy enthusiasm (I really get away with a lot in life) but it's frowned upon!!!! Make the post stand on its own without explanation or justification. That's the advice the mods gave me for the future, and I will follow it when I am ready to post again in 2029!
posted by jake at 3:00 PM on September 3, 2015 [8 favorites]
I really liked your post, Dorinda! It sent me down a nice rabbit hole of dance youtubes.
I have made many posts with few favorites and fewer comments. I'm OK with it because making a few people happy/enlightened/interested/gobsmacked/whatever is still something pretty great.
posted by julen at 3:12 PM on September 3, 2015
I have made many posts with few favorites and fewer comments. I'm OK with it because making a few people happy/enlightened/interested/gobsmacked/whatever is still something pretty great.
posted by julen at 3:12 PM on September 3, 2015
Laura in Canada's first post was very awesome.
This gets at the notion of "the post, once posted, becomes the community's..."
It was a nifty topic because it hit on a bunch of stuff - nostalgia for a medium, music recording, music reproduction, on and on.
It's a great example of how a single-link post can generate some interesting conversation - and even a bit of friendly "your favourite recording/playback medium sucks" conversation. Also, neat stuff about how tape players were advertised in the 70s.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:57 PM on September 3, 2015
This gets at the notion of "the post, once posted, becomes the community's..."
It was a nifty topic because it hit on a bunch of stuff - nostalgia for a medium, music recording, music reproduction, on and on.
It's a great example of how a single-link post can generate some interesting conversation - and even a bit of friendly "your favourite recording/playback medium sucks" conversation. Also, neat stuff about how tape players were advertised in the 70s.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 8:57 PM on September 3, 2015
So much good stuff already and only three days in - go new posters go!
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:18 PM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 9:18 PM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
satoshi, that Vocaloid post was fantastic and made my day. Please, by all means, indulge more of your niche interests.
posted by thetortoise at 10:52 PM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by thetortoise at 10:52 PM on September 3, 2015 [2 favorites]
No one said mean things to me, my post wasn't instantly flagged as despicable, and I didn't out myself as a complete nincompoop.
I know someone whose second post inspired a MeTa. It was probably justified, my friend says, but my friend was a little intimidated. That was my impression anyway. Of my friend's FPP experience. Who is definitely not the same person as me.
posted by bunderful at 2:35 PM on September 4, 2015 [4 favorites]
I know someone whose second post inspired a MeTa. It was probably justified, my friend says, but my friend was a little intimidated. That was my impression anyway. Of my friend's FPP experience. Who is definitely not the same person as me.
posted by bunderful at 2:35 PM on September 4, 2015 [4 favorites]
Hello! #FirstTimeLongTime person here (can I do that in a comment?) This is the idea that made me think I might be able to post or even comment on MetaFilter. So thank you to everyone who's made it seem so welcoming. I'll be over here reading the FAQs and tapping up some people who've said they might up for proofing some of the random post ideas when I eventually think of them. But hey we have a whole month, right, plenty of time to get over the procrastination..
posted by conkystconk at 8:13 PM on September 4, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by conkystconk at 8:13 PM on September 4, 2015 [8 favorites]
Thanks for the encouragement, all! I made my second post, and have ideas for more.
posted by southern_sky at 9:51 AM on September 6, 2015 [8 favorites]
posted by southern_sky at 9:51 AM on September 6, 2015 [8 favorites]
Rock on!
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:10 AM on September 6, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:10 AM on September 6, 2015 [1 favorite]
I've always been one of those chicken-shits that learn from the mistakes of others. But, back in 200-whatever, when I first joined (under a different name, since retired and changed), I was so excited to join this club of info junkies who liked the same stuff I did!! So I found what I thought was a great post, figured out how to upload, sat back and waited for the comments from folks who liked the same stuff I did.
First comment: (paraphrasing): "Me no likey NYT paywall".
In hindsight, I'm sure there was something on the wiki that, had I read the wiki, would have warned me about paywalls and such (amongst the other pitfalls). I was just so damn eager to prove myself.
Learned that lesson - read the instructions!
posted by sundrop at 4:19 PM on September 7, 2015 [2 favorites]
First comment: (paraphrasing): "Me no likey NYT paywall".
In hindsight, I'm sure there was something on the wiki that, had I read the wiki, would have warned me about paywalls and such (amongst the other pitfalls). I was just so damn eager to prove myself.
Learned that lesson - read the instructions!
posted by sundrop at 4:19 PM on September 7, 2015 [2 favorites]
Pssssst--you can get around those paywalls with incognito tabs. I bet you could come up with something awesome now if you wanted to now--I'm sure people would be less jerky about it now, too. Or at least, I hope so
posted by sciatrix at 5:57 PM on September 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by sciatrix at 5:57 PM on September 7, 2015 [1 favorite]
You'd think.
posted by Artw at 6:18 PM on September 7, 2015 [4 favorites]
posted by Artw at 6:18 PM on September 7, 2015 [4 favorites]
We added a banner today, just to juice this along a little. For any new posters dropping by this thread as a result -- skim up the thread and you'll see lots of people have been offering to help out with reading drafts or the like.
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 4:37 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 4:37 PM on September 17, 2015 [2 favorites]
I volunteered to help in the last thread, and I'll reiterate my offer in this one.
posted by Etrigan at 6:08 PM on September 17, 2015
posted by Etrigan at 6:08 PM on September 17, 2015
Sorry, don't mean to threadsit, but it was actually ruled by Immortan Joe
Pretty sure the wasteland was ruled by the the Warrior of the Wasteland, Ayatollah of Rock-and-Rolla, the Lord Humungus, bro.
posted by kenko at 10:16 AM on September 18, 2015
Pretty sure the wasteland was ruled by the the Warrior of the Wasteland, Ayatollah of Rock-and-Rolla, the Lord Humungus, bro.
posted by kenko at 10:16 AM on September 18, 2015
Thanks for putting this where it can't be missed. Totally didn't see the original MeTa.
Hm....maybe this will be thedecade year....
posted by gnomeloaf at 3:06 PM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
Hm....maybe this will be the
posted by gnomeloaf at 3:06 PM on September 18, 2015 [1 favorite]
I just posted. It's not my first post, but damn. Every time feels like the first time!
posted by Roger Dodger at 7:37 AM on September 19, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by Roger Dodger at 7:37 AM on September 19, 2015 [5 favorites]
I got myself an end-of-line POG maker for cheap some while after the kids here had forgotten what POGs were. Since I was a late teenage supergeek and studying British political history, I made Gladstone and Disraeli POGS and one of Tony Blair. My best friend drew a Hitler moustache and googly alien eyes on the Blair one. This was 1998, and clearly my friend somehow knew that Blair wouldn't turn out to be any good.
Still haven't found a "Join the cabal" link yet, but give it time.
I saw one the other day, but dangit, I was on my phone and not logged in.
posted by Juso No Thankyou at 2:31 PM on September 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
Still haven't found a "Join the cabal" link yet, but give it time.
I saw one the other day, but dangit, I was on my phone and not logged in.
posted by Juso No Thankyou at 2:31 PM on September 19, 2015 [1 favorite]
Thanks for this. I finally posted the (interesting to me) FPP I've been building in my head for the last 4 months.
posted by RogueTech at 7:26 PM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by RogueTech at 7:26 PM on September 24, 2015 [1 favorite]
I really did just send this to the mods and flag it as urgent, and am snickering to myself even now:
[Subject] This is just to say
I reposted
the post
that you
deleted
and which
will probably
confuse
the users
Forgive me
the favorites await
so sweet
and so cold
posted by Devika at 9:41 PM on September 24, 2015 [2 favorites]
[Subject] This is just to say
I reposted
the post
that you
deleted
and which
will probably
confuse
the users
Forgive me
the favorites await
so sweet
and so cold
posted by Devika at 9:41 PM on September 24, 2015 [2 favorites]
I just want to say thanks to the MeFi community for putting together an initiative like this! I am still mostly in lurk mode but at least now I know I can make a little FPP and the worst bit is just my own anxiety before hitting "post".
You can do it too, my fellow lurkers! :)
posted by invokeuse at 7:18 PM on September 28, 2015 [2 favorites]
You can do it too, my fellow lurkers! :)
posted by invokeuse at 7:18 PM on September 28, 2015 [2 favorites]
I just want to thank everyone for helping make this month a success! It was really exciting to see so many first-time (or second-time or third-time) posters and their excellent posts. The bonus I didn't expect to see as the number of people who hadn't posted in years try it out again. I heard from a number of those folks who used the opportunity to make post #5, for example.
I want to thank the larger community for embracing the idea, lending a helping hand, reaching out to new posters, and being great about this, but mostly I want to thank the posters themselves for taking the leap. I read a lot of really interesting, entertaining, and/or enlightening posts this month from you guys. Kudos!
I know there are a few more first/second/third posts in the works that we'll see in October, which is awesome.
posted by julen at 6:38 PM on September 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
I want to thank the larger community for embracing the idea, lending a helping hand, reaching out to new posters, and being great about this, but mostly I want to thank the posters themselves for taking the leap. I read a lot of really interesting, entertaining, and/or enlightening posts this month from you guys. Kudos!
I know there are a few more first/second/third posts in the works that we'll see in October, which is awesome.
posted by julen at 6:38 PM on September 30, 2015 [2 favorites]
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posted by taz (staff) at 5:27 AM on September 1, 2015 [2 favorites]