I was on a lot of painkillers in late 2000 due to my back surgery and am pretty sure I started reading it then.
Joining, Retreating and Being in Awe
The Joining:
In July 2002, I posted the following on my blog:
"Metafilter is allowing new users again. There are only 20 lucky newbies a day. The feeding frenzy starts daily at noon pacific time.
I have composed dozens of comments in my mind to the various threads and comments at mefi. I have been witty, erudite and, at times, genius. Now push comes to shove and I have to decide if I am ready to play with the big boys of blogging. I had better get prepared.
Flame-proof suit - check
Position on Israel/Palestinians - check
Learn who ev, meg and matt are - check
Search Mefi before I post - I don't want to read "More comments on this are here, DUMBASS." - check
Search Plastic before I post, just in case it was there first - check
I kid because I care. "
When I got in, my next post was simply, "Made it" with a link to my profile. I was so happy.
The Retreat:
On April 15, 2004, I made a FPP about a crazy cloning institute. Yep, I fell for the viral marketing for Godsend. I still can't see Greg Kinnear without becoming spitting mad. So mortified by the experience, I began my retreat to the land of comments. Ask Metafilter has allowed me to keep participating in this, my favorite site, but I am still too afraid to put something new on the blue.
Being in Awe:
There are so many great things the mefi community has done, but the one that sticks out was watching the saga of the Russian girls unfold live. Seeing that mobilize gave me a ton of faith in humanity. Made me proud to be a part of this.
Thanks to Matt, Jessamyn, Cortex and pb for keeping metafilter running and to everyone else for keeping it alive.