Changing your image?

[Cheyenne]

Is it possible for someone to make a conscious effort to change their image on the board, and be successful at it? (Not me, I like mine the way it is, thanks.) Has anyone been able to maintain an image change in the long term? Success in the short term only, until old habits take over? Or do people see through the charade right from the start?

I think it is possible, with a lot of effort.

 

[Ambrosious]

Yeah it is.

I post under two names, one as Ambro, the other one is secret. I only use it to post serious topics.


HAHAHAHAHAHA! I kill me.

Did you see through that?

I'm a Bastard!!!

 

[Cheyenne]

Nope, I didn't mean with registering another name or turning yourself into a troll. I meant with your "normal" name here.

Ambrosious- why not post to serious threads under your name? Why an alias?

 

[Guest]

one way street.

 

[Merelan]

What are you saying? You don't like me anymore? I will go back to the stories now.
Sniff... sniff...
I agree with Indy, though forgiveness has happened here a couple times. If they are sincere about change. Takes time, as in real life. And there will be those that never let it go, no matter what you do.

 

[Ambrosious]

Only Teasing

Ambro is the only name I use. Just jerking your chain some. Hehehe.

 

[Nobody Special's wife]

Well I have been two people But I have Been me for a long time but then I love a good bs discusion, But I found that its easier to be me than any thing else,Sometimes I can be sweet,others I can be a bitch, But I like to make jokes and make everyone laugh, I found it helps when someone is haveing a bad day

THE WIFE

 

[Madame Pandora]

I think people in any type of community (RL or online) are capable of change, but it has to be sincere, and I think such commitment to personal transformation fails in most individuals. IMHO, you’re better off coming to terms with yourself and embracing your own individuality instead of trying to fall into pace with the herd or trying to make others like you.

An “image” makeover on this board is probably possible. From my experience in online communities, people tend to be very different in print than they are IRL. So the “persona” they represent can alter subtly over time as what the person wants from the community alters. Plus as new people wander in and old people wander out, reputations and trends fluctuate.

And yes, it is ALWAYS easier to go from a positive to a negative. But then I don’t believe the criteria for a “good” person is the difference between “bitch/babe” or “asshole/nice guy.” I know many good people who are considered “assholes” or “bitches.” But, it depends on what you’re looking for in a friendship. No doubt that Scarlett O’Hara was a bitch and Melanie Wilkes was a saint, but (forgiving they are only fictional characters) I would have loved to be friends with both.

More often than not, however, I think it is the perception of others, which will change toward a person over time through little or no effort by the individual. Even a person who is deemed completely “unacceptable” can eventually find a notch as a “local character” if they hang out in a place long enough.

Interestingly enough an image can change more from people getting to know the individual in question, it isn’t always intentional. I think any intentional campaign to make people like you is going to be a damn hard trick to pull off.

Recently I began a new acquaintance at Lit who told me their first impression of me from the board was that I was 50 years old – some crusty old broad tossing back shots of whiskey and quaffing two packs a day. I find that delightful.

It’s just my experience, but I’ve been online for several years in different places and I find, more often than not, it is the people who are so over-the-top nice that end up being the ones to watch out for – the ones who are anything but genuine. Just like IRL – I know VERY few people who are overly kind and gentle of the soul. I’m not saying they don’t exist, I’m just saying that when I find one…well, I maintain a healthy skepticism about it.

I know that the anonymity and role playing is fun, and that’s all good and well, and I can get into that as well, but when you are making friends with someone, or trying to relate to them on a human level, it gets tricky to be something you’re not.

I like it when my expectations of someone are completely off the wall. And I enjoy it when someone is wrong about me. It gives us insight into the differences between first impression and reality. And that’s the real joy and excitement in getting to know other people. How boring it would be if everyone was what we expected?

A little more than you asked, Cheyenne, but we tough old broads get wordy ;-)

MP

 

[*bratcat*]

I am just me!

 

[Gaucho]

Recently I began a new acquaintance at Lit who told me their first impression of me from the board was that I was 50 years old – some crusty old broad tossing back shots of whiskey and quaffing two packs a day. I find that delightful.

You're not? Damn! Just damn!

It’s just my experience, but I’ve been online for several years in different places and I find, more often than not, it is the people who are so over-the-top nice that end up being the ones to watch out for – the ones who are anything but genuine. Just like IRL – I know VERY few people who are overly kind and gentle of the soul. I’m not saying they don’t exist, I’m just saying that when I find one…well, I maintain a healthy skepticism about it.
[/QUOTE]

NOW you tell me! Shit! I just knew this nice guy act wouldn't work. Oh, well. Fuck you! Fuck you all!

MUAH HA HA HA AH HA HA!

 

[Madame Pandora]

Okay...no more coffee for Gaucho

LMAO

MP

 

[April]

Was that an invite Gaucho? Hmmm?

 

[Siren]

No April Showers....

 

[April]

LOL Yeah, I guess you're right.

*sniffle* Nobody wants to play with me.

 

[Xander]

LOL Yeah, I guess you're right.

*sniffle* Nobody wants to play with me.

*Pinch* hehehehe

 

[Guru]

 

[April]

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

You just wait Xanderpop! *eg*

 

[Xander]

AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

You just wait Xanderpop! *eg*

For what April?? *Looking innocent*

 

[Gaucho]

Was that an invite Gaucho? Hmmm?

Yes. I'll be your playmate anytime you wish. Now, c'mere and let me have a taste of those sweet blossoms, baby.

And Dagnabbit, Siren! You know you are the ONLY one I FUCK, FUCK, FUCK with.


Oh, and Miz Pandora, ma'am? Aren't you the one with that deliciously delightful and passionately perilous box?

Well, I've just got one thing to say to you.

Love your suit.

 

[Madame Pandora]

Thanks Gaucho (or is it Hannibal)

Glad to see a man who isn't afraid to unpack his adjectives...

MP

 

[Siren]

I know that Gaucho.....

 

[April]

*whew* It's starting to get a little crowded around here. Siren, Thumper, me, and now Gaucho. All in the shower together. *weg*

LMAO

 

[riff]

everyone has an image, whether this is deliberate or not.

the "image" of which you speak... you know who you are, but all we get is what you show us. and while how you project yourself to us is your thing, you don't have any control over how others read you...

This makes it difficult to "re-define" yourself. perhaps it is easier to un-define...

unless it is a real change and not just a mind game, chances for success are slim. don't know about you, but i have more important things on my mind than my opion of how i am percieved by people on an internet bulletin board. i have other PR campaigns that are more pressing to run.

but to answer your question- no. it's difficult to change your "image." On the otherhand- repetitive adertising can work. Say you have changed frequently enough and long enough and some people will go along with it.

 

[Gaucho]

Honey, you never have to change a thing for me. Everyone should know by now that you shoot from the lip (and what nice lips they are, too!) a little more often than you should, but that's part of La Siren's charm.

And nobody FUCK, FUCK, FUCK's like you, baby.

Nice of you to share me with April, btw. Of course, I know that's not all you want to share, is it?

<peeks to see if Wolfy is looking>

C'mere, baby. Gaucho's got a brand new spangled poncho just for you.

FUCK, FUCK, FUCK!

 

[Gaucho]

*whew* It's starting to get a little crowded around here. Siren, Thumper, me, and now Gaucho. All in the shower together. *weg*

LMAO

Hey! I'll share if they will.