Oh, I should add:

[hmpf]

I do not disappear because I don't care; I disappear - on some level, I think - because I care *too much*. About fandom, about a lot of you, about this weird little, big online life. Sometimes it gets a bit too much, and then, essentially, I just run. Maybe not the healthiest response, all things considered. Still, it keeps me sane. Somewhat. ;-)

(Ooops. I sound like a Methos angst fic.)

I think this is what my previous post was really all about. Trying to explain why I disappear, and that it doesn't mean you guys don't matter to me.

Comments

[stabbim.livejournal.com]

I'm not that good with birthdays, either. Plus, I prefer congratulating in person. Online, it feels... strangely impersonal. If that makes any sense. Hope you'll have a good time recharging your batteries. :)

Heh...

[hmpf.livejournal.com]

actually, this isn't about my b-day at all. It's about my disappearance which started in July, and which followed a pattern I've established over the years, though not by choice, of suddenly disappearing from online life right in the middle of a very active period of posting somewhere.

I have no problem with birthdays. I just don't care much about them, either way.

Re: Heh...

[stabbim.livejournal.com]

actually, this isn't about my b-day at all. It's about my disappearance which started in July, and which followed a pattern I've established over the years, though not by choice, of suddenly disappearing from online life right in the middle of a very active period of posting somewhere.

We've all got our different distinctive patterns, I guess. Thanks for explaining, though. :)

[chasarumba.livejournal.com]

Maybe not the healthiest response, all things considered.

I think online absences can very healthy. Very VERY. When I find myself getting irritable and short-tempered, I can often directly relate that to online activity (either being actively annoyed with fandom for some stupid reason or feeling bored with it). It's then that I remind myself to step awaaaaayyyyyyy from the computer already.

You know what you need to do for you and for maintaining sanity (yay, sanity!). I always enjoy our online exchanges when they happen!

[goatgod.livejournal.com]

It's then that I remind myself to step awaaaaayyyyyyy from the computer already.

Cup o' tea anyone?! 8-)

I'm happy to have chosen a fandom (I'm not a fanboy as it is...) in which I can actually interact with Real Life people while occupied with the fandom...

hmpf: don't worry about disappearing. Just come back when you feel like it 8-)

In fact, I'm more worried about this one person I met in Glasgow that disappeared from my radar completely... She lived in New Orleans and I have no other way to contact her than through e-mail... 8-(

[beccatoria.livejournal.com]

Sanity can be over-rated, but so can online life. You know that while I'm just as much of a geek/fangirl (my electronic hand-held fan that can spell a message says so!) and just as into fandom and not about being "normal" at all, you know that while I believe all these things, I'm nowhere near as active online as I once was. Largely due to an inability to find someplace I feel...able to engage with? But also because anonymous surfing can be very liberating. I've kind of become a reverse lurker, I guess.

What I'm saying is, challenge yourself, but when it's appropriate to do so. Ain't nothing wrong with disappearing as long as you can put up with the occasional "are you dead yet?" email from me (which you were about two weeks away from this time :p). Also, I need to email you anyway because I'm thinking about inviting myself to come stay with you for a while next January, February or Marchish time and I need to give you advance warning so you can hide that mafia-sponsered cocaine-refinery you have hidden in your apartment. Plausible deniability and everything...

Jan/Feb/March

[hmpf.livejournal.com]

Sounds great!

I'll probably be out of work in February (unless I immediately find a new job, that is), so there may be more time...