I'm just here for the beer: The Epinions Village Write-Off
Nov 03 '00
Let's get this straight: you are not my neighbor.
We don't share gardening tools, property lines or air space. I don't have to put up with your yappy dog or your penchant for heavily spiced, fried meats because—well, I don't. I'm not mortgaged to the hilt. I haven't even put down first, last and a cleaning fee on a crackerbox one-bedroom. With no real investment in this "community"—property, money, a steady Friday night poker game I'm loathe to lose—I'm free to walk away at any time.
Which is what I did, for several weeks. My real life—the one that involves making a living and paying rent and serious consequences for failing at either—got hot and required my full attention. Throw in some irritating squabbles amongst my cyber-neighbors and a feeling of being overwhelmed by my reading and writing responsibilities here (you're a pretty prolific bunch, neighbors) and taking a hike got easy, fast.
So why am I back?
Well, it's not the money—as a transient bundle of eclectic proclivities, I haven't exactly built a lucrative fan base. And it's not because TV is boring (although it generally is) or there's nothing to do (because there always is.)
The truth is, I like a nice hangout. And in creating Epinions, the architects of this advertising-venue-we-call-home (or "village," or "community") have built the ultimate corner tavern—a lively gathering place full of fascinating characters. A place where you can always get the latest news, a little advice and a drop of your particular poison. A place where—yes—at least somebody knows your name.
Do I get something out of spending my dime here? You betcha. I've been regaled with stories and inundated with news and reviews. I've enjoyed several stimulating conversations, a few witty exchanges and a couple of sodden bar brawls. (Do I think the management should give certain patrons the heave-ho? Yeah, but in the meantime, I'll just take my beer to another table. The place is big enough for all of us.)
So while you may not see me around as often, I'll be dropping by the inn now and again for one or two.
But, barkeep, if you see me hanging around longer than that, for god's sake, cut me off. I got a nice one-bedroom crackerbox to go home to.
Please check out the more coherent points of view put forth by my fellow write-off participants, including the kick-off review by Petra, organizer of this extravaganza:
29th_Candidate, 401402, annexation, anniwitch, awoolcott, azbrotha, bpotter1, bunnyjav, CeeJay62, cheekylass, ChristyACB, cwainwright, dbhoutx, DnDn4kids, dosite1, dr_valerie, driver4t5, drlolipop, elorraine, GaGirl40, groverchick, gypsyrose75, janetaba, jo.com, juliette, kcfemme, ladydagney1, lap0530, linda1527, lkvanvoorhis, Lsebastan33, lunadisarm, mattjoe, Mhawkins, mptang, noniabidnis, ogur, pambo, Petra, pogomom, Ptiemann, repulsemonkey, rongould, tchoate, teddiec, thedragonweyr, trphilip, viper1963, waltlockley
If you want the down-&-dirty wherefore of all this, check out the official write-off website engineered by Larry Pace (lap0530) at http://www10.ewebcity.com/thewriteoff/
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Epinions.com ID:
cwainwright
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Member: Colleen Wainwright
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Reviews written: 27
Trusted by: 29 members
About Me:
Call me 'the communicatrix.'
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