Going Live...

...and here's why I waited so long to tell people.

(Disclaimer: There are people who might follow the MSN link who don't have an LJ or have no care whatsoever about it - this is not aimed at you, in case you thought I was getting at you for no good reason.)

After occasionally reading moments of gross hilarity - and equally crass steam releasing - on the LJs of people I knew, I concluded back in May that I should probably have one of these as well - if for no other reason than to cite things other people should read on it.

I was also not arrogant enough to assume that people would want to read what I had to say, especially when I was just starting out and they had nothing to go on as to whether or not I was worth it.

So I created my LJ - Realm of the Magicaddict - and made it viewable, and commentable on, by anyone whatsoever who happened to browse/surf/stumble/bimble/hack their way into here. With over seven million to choose from at the time, the chances of getting surfed were slim to none, and commented on even less, but I was making it available to anyone at all who wanted to read.

I didn't, however, shout it from the highest hills to people I knew. They had been doing this for a while and I wanted to have something to show for myself before I asked them to bother. I set myself a limit of a hundred posts after which I would make it more public, so anyone who was interested could get a fair slice of my life to look at before they decided to carry on. If anyone were to ask me "Do you have an LJ?" during the course of the hundred posts, I wouldn't lie, but I had a sneaking suspicion no-one would. Indeed, while I have been writing this, I have been told on more than one occasion that I do not, in fact, have one (brought about a wry smile at the time, now makes me laugh). It seems that some of the powers of assumption are strong among people who blog, and that it is almost expected that a writer will wish comment upon what they write by their acquaintances - certainly some of the things I have seen written tend to invite it, with mine, I suppose, being no exception. Therefore, if someone does not tell other bloggers they have one, it will be assumed they don't.

I've either been proved right or are reading too much into this. Probably a little of both.

I keep an online diary. You can read it if you want. You don't have to if you don't wish to. Anyone on the planet with an internet connection has my full permission and blessing to read, enjoy, hate and/or pass comment on what I write here, and such a fact will never change. The author reserves the right to appear cranky, bitchy, obstructive, happy, proud, tired, relieved or any other emotion as required, at no intended effect to your own state (unless otherwise specified), and neither requests that you agree or disagree with him save by your own personal compass.

Enjoy. That's not an order.

DS/MA

It Occurred To Me...

...that before I start adding people to my friends list willy-nilly, I should probably ask them first - being polite and all. Unfortunately, I'd already started adding before I realised this...one quick delete and we're back to where we started.

The committee has said that they love the poster in pink - it looks really good. I neglected to point out that they are blowing their own horn in my face, having supplanted all of my ideas for their own, as this would probably have dragged down the tone of the meeting. They can keep the posters with their artwork, their colour schemes, their text, positioning and designs for themselves when we're finished with them. I have my original design that will go up on my wall when this is all said and done - the only example of my Sweet Charity poster that will be seen anywhere.

I have been asked by Jo to sing the second verse solo of Silent Night at the Gloucester Cathedral service - you know, the one that will be broadcast on BBC Radio Gloucester on Christmas Day, that one. I confess to feeling ever so slightly good about that, especially as I know that I got it very, very right the last time I did it and don't see why I shouldn't again.
I'm not sure why I enjoy singing with GASP so much more than with any other society. Possibly because singing solo or group work feels the same with them - you don't feel as though you are ever on your own, and everyone is working towards making it sound good. They also shut up and pay attention in rehearsals which, considering they are an unauditioned choir who takes allcomers, is a testament to the power of combined interest and the quality of Jo's musical direction. It might also have something to do with our being attached to the Chaplaincy, but that's unconfirmed.

The thirty-six hour debrief is finally up, and once again makes me pine for long TL games that I can get miles into character for. If I get the chance to play the high-level long game this year, I'm definitely going to have a word with the GM about doing a little plot device that will help Daenaram's character development a shedload.
Speaking of that, I'm taking bets on how many of the Scaffold scout crew will buy it this weekend. None of us who are there have shown a penchant for staying alive (I think we've lost something like nine thresholds between the three of Black Wing, Rumour and myself), and Daen didn't die in the last game he played. He's due it on Sunday.

Also just had it confirmed that I'm singing in the first semi-final of the S-Factor, meaning I don't have a heinous rush once I get back from Gloucester on the eighth. It also means that I have twenty-four hours to prepare for it rather than a week, but I've sung it before, in kit, and I know I can do it to a fair standard now. Tomorrow should be plenty of time.

I also think that the first semi-final is the less difficult of the two - which probably cometh before a fall.