A huge meet-up

[Simmi]

Well I was thinking on the way to school... why don't we have like a huge YWO gathering? Like during the summer. It doesn't have to be any time soon but just a thought. I know it might not work out cause everyone is all over the place. But if Youtube can do it so can we! Wouldn't it be great to meet everyone IRL. I just really wanna meet someone from like the UK it'd be like a pen pal kinda thing...:blush:

[Rouge]

I'd love to, but it'd be so difficult, not only to get people here with expenses and stuff, but with parental issues too. Not all of us are over 17 or 18. Most of us are 16 and younger, so it'd be hard for the parents to think it all right for their kid to meet people they don't even know.
Though I suppose they could bring their parents too, but mine wouldn't go for it. They'd be bored. -.-

It would be fun though, and I'm all for it. I'll be in college next year anyways. -shrugs-

[nuttychooky]

I'm all the way down in NZ... maybe if I win the lottery ;)

[Zombified]

I get to meet Jessica on Wednesday.

:P

All you other mother fuckers can go screw yourselves.
Hehe.

But seriously, the money it would take to orchestrate this kind of thing would be...well...a lot.

And we don't got any sponsors so....

[dj4ever]

Omg, are you guys gonna go to the ZOO!?!?!

[Zombified]

Not on Wednesday.

[dj4ever]

But in the future?

[Zombified]

Maybe.

Now no more spam!

[Starry]

I feel like this idea has been brought up before and discarded due to logistics.

But if we could manage, not one big gathering, but a bunch of more localized ones...that could potentially work. I know there are more YWO people somewhere around where I live than just me and Carr. So, while we're not getting people across the Atlantic here, an hour's drive or so? wouldn't be that difficult.

[Majyk]

I don't think anyone lives too near me. This would be sooo awesome if it could work, but my parents wouldn't like it, and I wouldn't be able to go by myself for about two years. I don't even think my parents would be okay with me meeting people an hour away either. I mean, they usually let me do whatever I want and make my own decisions, but they might have a problem with this.

[appleofmyeye]

I love the idea but it would be difficult. I mean, I'm the only one in Louisiana and my parents would never let me meet someone I met online. My mom would think y'all will all molest me :P. Oh well. Maybe we can do a web cam thing? I dunno how those things work but if we could all live chat at the same time it'd be pretty cool. Not nearly as fun as meeting people but oh well :D.

[Simmi]

The live thing would be cool too. There are Pros and Cons of meeting up. My mom would definatly not allow me to meet up with someone all the way in like Canada unless we went there for the summer... well not even. I realize that the money would be an issue plus the whole economic badness and the stock market all bad and stuff. My parent's would like ship me off to the place lol.

It'd be cool if we could teleport...*goes off into imaginary land*

[Nyx]

I think it's a bad idea.

[Rouge]

Why, Nyxie? D:

[Nyx]

Most of us are teens and to make plans to meet other teens that may or may not be nice people who are the age they claim to be isn't exactly clever.

[Majyk]

I sort of agree with you, Nyx. And besides that, I don't think it would ever work out, anyway.

[appleofmyeye]

I guess. But I don't see any of y'all as pedophiles, lol. Even creepers know not to go after smart girls like that :D.

[Diocletian]

Not gonna happen.

I guess. But I don't see any of y'all as pedophiles, lol.

I can tell you're joking...at least, I really, really, really hope so. Actually I can't understand why most of you are jumping at joy at the thought of meeting random strangers over the internet. I mean, really. Completely random strangers. What tells you that this is a good or safe idea?

[Simmi]

*raises an eyebrow* Aren't you the person with the really weird 'Inner Child' picture? We don't know them as total strangers I mean we talk to them and stuff they aren't completly strangers unless you're like on of the newbies. So far I haven't met anyone like totally crazy-ish.

[Ichigo]

With the internet you can never know. I kind of like not knowing any of you.
Except Jessica.
I'm JEALOUS! She gets to meet ZOMB.
>.>

[Diocletian]

*raises an eyebrow* Aren't you the person with the really weird 'Inner Child' picture?

Yep, isn't it hot?

We don't know them as total strangers I mean we talk to them and stuff they aren't completly strangers unless you're like on of the newbies. So far I haven't met anyone like totally crazy-ish.

Right, right, you should completely trust your feelings when making judgments about people across the world whom you've never met. Because, you know, predators are just so inept about hiding who they truly are.

EDIT: And yes, I realize that some of you may know others face-to-face, but that's not the case for 90% of internet friendships.

[Zombified]

I'm meeting Jessica tomorrow and eventually I'm gonna meet Shaun.

Then again, I'm 18 so I don't really have to worry about pedophiles then.

[dj4ever]

Someone could still eat your face zomb!!!!!
WHAT IF

[Zombified]

Doubtful.

I wouldn't worry about it.

As a performer I meet complete strangers after every show. And some of them are quite...scary. But it doesn't make a me a recluse.

I dont mind where you're from, if you're not batshit crazy, I'd love to meet ya.

[dj4ever]

Oh, you have to be sane?
Well, I'm out.

[Nyx]

Not gonna happen.



I can tell you're joking...at least, I really, really, really hope so. Actually I can't understand why most of you are jumping at joy at the thought of meeting random strangers over the internet. I mean, really. Completely random strangers. What tells you that this is a good or safe idea?
Yea, exactly what he said ><

*raises an eyebrow* Aren't you the person with the really weird 'Inner Child' picture? We don't know them as total strangers I mean we talk to them and stuff they aren't completly strangers unless you're like on of the newbies. So far I haven't met anyone like totally crazy-ish.

No, they ARE complete strangers. Pedophiles don't SOUND any different on the internet than nice people. They don't get a special pretty font or a PEDOPHILE ON THE LOOSE avatar. You can't tell the two apart which is exactly why meeting someone you don't know at such a vulnerable age is a bad idea.

And well yea for those of you showoffs who are adults then thats a different matter.

[jordanisonfire]

Yeah, it's not like paedos are gonna act crazy. I mean, I could be a paedophile... just for the record, I'm not, but I've only got my typed word. Adri has a bit of proof I'm not a paedo, because she's heard my voice, but I could be a paedo who can do teenage voices... but I'm not.

[appleofmyeye]

It's just that, if I was a pedo I wouldn't go to a site with people that read and write.

[jordanisonfire]

...why not? If I were a paedo, I'd go to every forum or chatroom for youths I could find, so I had a better chance of getting some idiot to come to me.

[appleofmyeye]

But this site is pretty small and you're not dealing with teens with low self-esteem. And when people think reading it screams 'nerd' not 'hot girls'. Unless perverts like nerds, I wouldn't know :P. YWO also isn't a site where you can post lots of pictures (obviously we can but it isn't myspace or facebook).

BTW is that really how you spell pedo? Random...

[Melo]

I think it'd be a great idea. Of course, we'd need seriously planning and monetary support, but other than that I don't think it's a terrible idea. the whole complete strangers is true, but you never know. You can take chance if you're daring, and if you're really worried, bring a parent. Another thing is, where would we meet up? My dad would give himself a stroke if I ever asked to something like that but I think it's a pretty good idea.

[appleofmyeye]

And it's sorta divided between people in the U.S and the U.K. That'd be difficult.

[Majyk]

I think I'm agreeing with Nyx on this, but even if people did decide to meet up someplace, and you discussed where it in this thread, it's not private. Meaning, this isn't one of those threads that's hidden from non members, so you'd have no way of knowing who was reading this and stuff. You might be fine with meeting people online that you've actually talked to, but I just had to bring up the fact that other people could find out about this, too, people you haven't talked to.

Anyway, continue on.

[Melo]

Well if you're planning something like that, you could always do mail, the regular kind or e-mail. Collect everyone who's participating e-mail address in a private message and then send all the invitation info through e-mail or the mail.

[Majyk]

Mmm hm. Just wanted to point that out.

[Rouge]

The way I see it, I don't understand why a pedophile would waste their time trying to fit in with a bunch of teen writers when they could find many MANY teens on Facebook or Myspace.
I don't think they'd waste their time when there are easier options.

But, then again, that's just me.

[appleofmyeye]

Tsuki and I share a brain. I've been saying that :rolleyes:.

[Rouge]

Oh. xDD
Didn't see it.
I'm glad someone else thinks it too, though I'm probably an idiot for it.

[appleofmyeye]

If I'm an idiot, you're an idiot.

Wait...

Nevermind XP.

[Rouge]

You know what I mean, right?

xD

Anyways, we all have different opinions on this, so it wouldn't work out anyways.

[Majyk]

It might turn out fine, but there's always the possibility that it wouldn't.

Anyways, we all have different opinions on this, so it wouldn't work out anyways.

Yeah, I agree with that.

[Simmi]

*holds up hands* Okay okay no huge meet up... I give up I'm not gonna argue

[Diocletian]

The way I see it, I don't understand why a pedophile would waste their time trying to fit in with a bunch of teen writers when they could find many MANY teens on Facebook or Myspace.
I don't think they'd waste their time when there are easier options.

But, then again, that's just me.

Easier options? There are actually people enthusiastic on these forums about meeting complete strangers; you can't get much easier than that. ;)

Anyway, yeah, this idea was dead on arrival.

[Rouge]

Easier options? There are actually people enthusiastic on these forums about meeting complete strangers; you can't get much easier than that. ;)


Ha ha, like you? :P

[Simmi]

It was actually doing pretty well until reality caught up with us. I don't wanna meet like everyone some people I like not knowing. Most of the people I wanna meet anyways are like in the UK.

[Shaun]

This is definitely an good idea, but I doubt we could get something together by summer. I think it's something we'd have to work on doing in the future, though. It might be a neat idea to have a meetup at a convention or something. *shrugs*

[Simmi]

*Looks at Shaun's location* Santa Cruz was an answer/question on Jeopardy!! Sorry had to point that out

[Lykaios]

I think I agree that it could be really dangerous. I know my mum would never in a million years let me meet up with someone online that I don't know, let alone loads of people. It might work for older members but for younger ones it would be too risky. We don't really know each other, words can lie better than people can.

Though I don't believe there are any paedophiles on this site, there could be, or there could be people looking at forums like this and threads like this who haven't joined, like Majyk said. Even if you did the email thing, someone, offhand in a different discussion or something, might say how excited they are about going to so-and-so-place and boom, the paedo knows where to go and look out for a large group of teenagers.

I might be a bit paranoid but bad things happen all the time when kids meet people they don't know.

Another point could be that lots of people join this site to get pother people's views on thier work. This works because we don't know each other and you're not worried about saying things that could make people think more about how they're writing etc. I know if I give my work to my friends to read they all say it's great and that's it, even when I know that what I've written is awful. I sometimes even find it hard to tell my friends how to improve thier own work. So, if you went and met people from here and got to know them a little, if they turned out to be who thay said they were, would you still be able to critique them in the same way? And vise-versa?

[Shaun]

Which is why I think if we ever had a meetup it would be in a very public place such as a convention.

[appleofmyeye]

We should all go to that Harry Potter exhibit and have a super geeky meet up :P.

But, yeah, even if it was something like that my mom would have a heart attack. I mean... I already have a thread about her paranoia.

[jordanisonfire]

Yeah, how's the whole convention booth-thing going, Shaun?

[Rouge]

Another point could be that lots of people join this site to get pother people's views on thier work. This works because we don't know each other and you're not worried about saying things that could make people think more about how they're writing etc. I know if I give my work to my friends to read they all say it's great and that's it, even when I know that what I've written is awful. I sometimes even find it hard to tell my friends how to improve thier own work. So, if you went and met people from here and got to know them a little, if they turned out to be who thay said they were, would you still be able to critique them in the same way? And vise-versa?

Actually, I've become very close friends with some of the members, talking to them on the phone and such, and it doesn't make it anymore difficult to critique their work.
-shrugs- Maybe it's just me.

[Shaun]

Yeah, how's the whole convention booth-thing going, Shaun?

I don't know if we're going to do a booth. I'm in a bit of a financial bind this year (lots and lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of books for lots and lots of classes, all being mostly expensive and entirely arbitrarily selected). This is why I say things like *hint, Amazon store, hint* and *hint, Zazzle Store, hint* and other such things. Because the more stuff you guys buy, the less money I have to spend out of my pocket on YWO. Plus, you guys get cool stuff! Like books and DVDs and CDs and t-shirts and kitchen sets and dining sets and other such useless stuff that you don't really need, but buy anyway because this is America (or England) and we don't do none of that "go build it yourself" crap. Capitalism rules!

But we'll likely try to have a presence at a convention and perhaps put some flyers up and what not. Because that would be a good way to start things off, I think.

[appleofmyeye]

...this is America (or England) and we don't do none of that "go build it yourself" crap. Capitalism rules!

Amen sister, er, brother :D.

[jordanisonfire]

Apparently, England is a socialist nation. When I heard that, I was like, "what the hell, that's like bordering communism, we're not like that, are we?"

[Shaun]

England is not a socialist nation. That's a total load of bullcrap. You have certain socialist policies (such as your healthcare, which many nations have such as Canada and most, if not all, of Europe). But apart from that, you're still very much a traditional democracy. If you're socialist then America is like one step away from being socialist, because we have many of the same programs that you guys do (except the healthcare thing, which will happen in the next 20 years, I imagine).

[jordanisonfire]

That's what I thought... this guy was being very stubborn about it, I just ignored him after a while. I don't think he even knew what socialism was.

[Shaun]

Socialism and socialist can often times mean very different things.

[Eilidh]

I'm sure it'd be lovely but like, theres problems.
We're all pretty spread apart, like living wise (i think)
and since most of us aren't like 17/18 and older that parents would be very happy ^^

[Rouge]

The closest one's I live to are George and Apple. xD

[jordanisonfire]

...I'm assuming we English folk are out of the question? XD But it's fine, we'll hold our own meet up. We don't need your stupid American meet-up. I'm sure Imelda, Lily and Lizzie would just LOVE to meet up with me.

...

XP

But in all seriousness, even if I was American, I still wouldn't go. Not until I'm out of minorism.

[jordanisonfire]

...I'm assuming we English folk are out of the question? XD But it's fine, we'll hold our own meet up. We don't need your stupid American meet-up. I'm sure Imelda, Lily and Lizzie would just LOVE to meet up with me.

...

XP

But in all seriousness, even if I was American, I still wouldn't go. Not until I'm out of minorism.

[Lykaios]

Haha, I think meeting you would be fun, but don't you and Imelda live up North? Lizzie and I live in the Southwest . . . So it's still quite a trek either way. XP

Hmm . . . Would Wales be halfway? jk

Are there really only four Brits on YWO?

[jordanisonfire]

Yeah, me and Imelda live in (damn stupid) Yorkshire. But, probably this year, I shall be moving to Nottinghamshire! ^_^

And there was one other guy called Shrike on here, who seems to have left. He only lives one village away from me, actually. I "met" him in the town closest to us, accidentally, though he didn't recognise me. We didn't actually talk, I just saw him in a game shop. XD

[lango]

Hmm...
give people faces and youll feel differently about them
I guess a few people roleplay themselves a bit online, rarely people are as nice (or evil), or as normal as they pretend to be :P Id rather not meet any of you than to find out you're all crazed psychopaths who spit when you talk and have weird staring eyes, with a scary twitch on your right hands and... well you get the picture ;)

[Rouge]

:( You make me sad, Lango.

:P

Just kidding, I know that it'd be weird to meet people. Awkward, probably. xD

[Shaun]

Shadow: English folk are not forgotten!

Lango: If it helps, I can tell you now that I am a crazed psychopath, so now you don't have anything to worry about. My image won't change if we met :P.

[jordanisonfire]

I think it'd look at bit odd for a guy like me to be walking around with Shaun, who's like ten years older than me. XD

[Carraka]

Langs has a point. Even my mom says she thinks my online persona is different from the real me. Then again, when I meet you all, I'm not going to be treating you like I would treat my mother.

Or so we hope.

[Rouge]

Ha ha, the only different thing about me is that I'm very anti-social [so says my mom] and shy when around people, unless I already know you, of course.
That may make for an interesting. . .meet up.

[Majyk]

That's how I am. If I don't know you too well, I'm shy. Not sure how I'd be with someone I met online...

[appleofmyeye]

Y'all probably don't realize how short I am. You'd probably wonder what a 3rd grader is doing at your super cool meetup :P. And I'd be VERY shy also. Then get nervous and say stupid stuff :mellow:. Maybe it's best you don't meet me.

[Majyk]

Haha, well, when I'm being shy, I don't say anything... :p

[Carraka]

I think I'm quiet and shy, but not necessarily to the extreme that I associate with those words. For instance, I get a lot of people that tell me, "Hey, I thought you were the quiet, sweet, gentle sort because you don't volunteer in class!" after they overhear me discussing the latest murder plot with my friends.

So ... yeah. As long as we can discuss murder plots together, I think we'll get along fine!

[Starry]

I think that "quiet, shy, uncomfortable in social interactions with people I don't know" trait kind of shows up a lot with people online. You need to be open and crazy somewhere, you go to the internet. Which means your options when meeting people from the internet are A) stand around awkwardly and not do anything or B) act as though you're in the Chatbox and go completely crazy. I think B sounds like a lot mre fun.

[Polly]

I'd do it but I doubt my parents would agree :(

[ScottyMcGee]

I'm in college. I can do anything. :D

The only person I know in the same state is Zaph. It'd be cool to hang with him. We're over in Jersey.

EDIT: WOW! Make that two! You there above my post! TeaCake! You live in Jersey too?!

[Majyk]

People in New Jersey are the closest to me. I've yet to find anyone else who lives in NY. :p

[dj4ever]

I like those Canada people, because they're closest to me, and therefore the best city ever :}

[Eilidh]

Unless anyone lives near the Glasgow area then, :P

[Shaun]

YWO is pretty spread across the globe, unfortunately, but if we planned something way in advance I imagine things could work out.

[Polly]

I'm in college. I can do anything. :D

The only person I know in the same state is Zaph. It'd be cool to hang with him. We're over in Jersey.

EDIT: WOW! Make that two! You there above my post! TeaCake! You live in Jersey too?!

Yeah, :)
Three people from Jersey, woo!

[Shaun]

Good, now I know where I need to begin my world domination to inflict the most damage to the most YWO members. Mwahahahahah!

[/spam]

[Starry]

*blinks* Why would you ever want to conquer New Jersey? Besides, there are a bunch more states with more people--California, Maryland, etc.

[Shaun]

Yes, but I intend to make California the capital of my new empire: The Shaunist Empire of Supreme Authority.

[Diocletian]

The empire, as an entity, has supreme authority? That means...everyone in it has equal authority and so your personal authority is diminished.

You really need to work out this plan before you implement it.

[appleofmyeye]

Shaun, be happy to rule a website. Please. I don't want our new flag to have a paint image with a big laughing mouth (oh, I'm refering to your avatar btw :doh:).

Tsuki and I live four hours away from each other! Yay!

[Ace]

Anyone else way down here in Australia? :P

[Lizzie]

I might well be next year.

[Ace]

Wow, really? That's cool!

[Zombified]

I sure want to meet up with Jessica again.

;)

[dj4ever]

CREEPER!

hahaha
jk
I know you aren't....

:P

[Shaun]

Hey Zombie, you need to PM me about our little meetup. I still want to do a YWO thing, although I'm not sure I can afford to get a booth and what not. however, I don't see why we can't show up at a convention, put some flyers out, have a presence, and have some fun. Course, any other YWO folks that wanted to come with are absolutely welcome to! There are two conventions in Cali that I know of, or can remember, and then there's one in Oregon, which is convenient because me mum lives there.

We should plan it out. It'll be great for me because I can also write it off as a school expense! Which goes on my taxes and saves me money :).

[Rouge]

Oh my gosh one in Oregon would be beautiful. I would beg and beg my mom to let me go.

[appleofmyeye]

Californa is the most possible for me. I live in Louisiana but we have buisness in San Francisco.

[Quietus]

As much as I would love to meet you guys, the only way it'd be possible for me currently or in the near future is if you came to me....

[ElephntFalingOffClif]

I would LOVE to meet everyone! I would be nervouse and shy but it would still be cool!!!