I’d like to thank you all for contributing to this momentous occasion. I feel like Gherman Titov. You see, Gherman was the 2nd Russian in space. He wasn’t even the 2nd man in space, that honor went to Alan Shepard. But he was the second man to orbit the planet, beating John Glenn by a few months. He hit a milestone that fewer than 1000 people have achieved to date. Yet he is nearly unknown outside of his milieu.
And that’s the kind of fame I have sought and achieved here at Hatrack. Second at something that, perhaps, few will achieve until it is so commonplace as to be uninteresting to the regular run of people. I might, Gherman-like, achieve some localized fame among the truly well-informed. Among history-minded Hatrackers, perhaps, I will be known. But even that is fleeting. Hatrack may shut down after one too many Dobies. Or I might simply fail to post one day and that would be the end of my position as a Jatraquero. And others will take my place. No plaque on the wall saying “Bob was here.” No Hatrack training center named for me (that honor will no doubt go to Tom – the first to reach 10,000 posts), much as poor Gherman has no space-related centers named for him.
I may even achieve greatness in another field, and if so my career there will be forever footnoted as “the second to reach 10,000.” When he died, Gherman Titov was a member of the Soviet ruling body. He was a leader of his nation. But the articles marking his passing all talk about that one thing – the second man to orbit the planet – the second Russian in space.
And so shall my epitaph read: “Bob, the second to reach 10,000 posts at Hatrack” regardless of whatever else I accomplish in this life. I might be the one to cure cancer, and I’ll be remembered as the second to hit this milestone number of posts.
Well, I have to say that I doubt I will hit 11,000 posts. I don’t think I will ever catch up to or pass Tom. My posting levels are dropping. I am only posting in the truly fluff threads and then usually only if I started them. I’m turning into a lurker. Worse yet, I’m not even a good lurker, as I don’t bother reading most of the threads anyway. I turn on Hatrack and sigh.
Who are these new people? Will I like their threads? If I post, will anyone notice? Why hasn’t Kristine or Kathryn or OSC commented on even one of my pitiful 10,000 posts? I know the answer. It is because I’m just Bob. Here, always. Forever second. Just the lesser of a small group. An unlikely hero in a place with room for just one.
I know that sounds like self-pity and whining. But truly, it is not. I don’t want a bunch of “Oh Bob, you’re great” type posts to follow this one. I’m not fishing for an ego boost. No, I’m just reflecting on the truth. And I’m comfortable with it. History has chosen me to be the second person to hit 10,000 posts. Fate has mapped this out for me. And I not only accept it, I agree with it. I enjoy it. It is my destiny!
Such as it is.
Some are called to quest after greater things. Some lesser. I was called to do this. And now it is done.
Now, I can simply post. No pressure. No driving force to make it to that mysterious and lofty height. Viewed by so few. I am here. I was here. I will continue to be here. That is all.
Gherman, I lift a glass of expensive vodka in your honor! I’m with you, bro! Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
Bob, if you stopped posting, my life would lose its sense.
Ok, well, no it wouldn't. But it was a nice thing to say
Congrats!!!
Posted by Kama (Member # 3022) on :
oh, and real Russians don't drink vodka. They drink spirit.
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
A hatrack without Bob would not be the hatrack I know and love.
*raises glass*
I toast you, Bob. Not for reaching 10,000, but for being the Bob that you are.
I love you, man!
Posted by Ethics Gradient (Member # 878) on :
Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :
Oh Bob! 10,000 posts? Wake up man, do you see what you've accomplished?
You're in a hall of fame..of sorts.
So what if you get the Sliver Medal! So what if the sponsors haven't sent any kudos your way (in the way of Hatrack mousepads, jogging shorts and headbands,etc.) You're a winner.
You can relax and go pro now.
Posted by James Tiberius Kirk (Member # 2832) on :
I'd say more, but I have to go soon...
Cheers! -jk
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
*raises glass with Belle*
10000 posts. Even if you are the second to reach such a noble standing it is still an accomplishment to be proud of!
btw your humility is part of your charm and if you are "the lesser of a small group" I would love to meet that group; they must be truely amazing!
Posted by Pod (Member # 941) on :
Honestly, idon't see what this nonsense is about hitting post # "x" first.
If you've hit that post button 10,000 times, its something significant. Now whether its significant because its impressive, or whether its significant because people now worry about you, is not the point. that's alot of mouse clicks.
Similarly i shall quote cliche:
"life is a journey and not a destination"
the point is not where your post count ended up, but rather what you have done with your posts.
Posted by Pixie (Member # 4043) on :
Congratulations!!
::raises glass along Belle and Dragon:: Here's to many posts and the only Bob!
Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :
quote:Who are these new people? Will I like their threads? If I post, will anyone notice? Why hasn’t Kristine or Kathryn or OSC commented on even one of my pitiful 10,000 posts? I know the answer. It is because I’m just Bob.
Just Bob? As if that were anything that could be diminished by adding the word just. So, you are merely the second most prolific poster on this board and an integral part of the community (if this n00b can be trusted to have an opinion, anyway).
Come on Bob, you know everybody loves you.
Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :
*tackle hug* Posted by esl (Member # 3143) on :
Yay Bob!
Posted by jexx (Member # 3450) on :
*chants, pumping fist in air*
You're number two! You're number two!
/chant
I still want to be you when I grow up. *smile*
Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :
Bob, I adore you. There's a frank thoughtfulness and honest humor to your posts, above and beyond the spurts of silly giddiness (which are a real hoot, too). I literally cannot imagine Hatrack without you.
It would be so, so much less.
Thanks for hanging with us all.
*tight squeeze
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Geez, Bob. If I'd known it mattered so much to you, I would have lurked for a few months so you could catch up.
Seriously, man, you're far more valuable to this place than I am. ANYBODY can post self-important rants; it takes a real genius to be funny.
When all's said and done, no one comes here to hear my opinion on Iraq -- but I know for a fact that people check Hatrack to see if you've updated the ice cream thread. Posted by James Tiberius Kirk (Member # 2832) on :
<-- Missed his 700th post :/
Cheers! -jk
[ April 21, 2003, 09:50 PM: Message edited by: James Tiberius Kirk ]
Posted by Khavanon (Member # 929) on :
Hail, Bob, who has posted more times than the days I have lived! (barely) I drink this lemonade in honor of you. <sips>
Posted by Jaiden (Member # 2099) on :
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
Bob, I love you just the way you are! I laugh at just about anything, its true, but I like you're humor the most. Fresh, original, crispy. Like a dorito... only not.
Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
Three cheers for Bob!
Hip hip Huzzah!
Hip hip Huzzah!!
Hip hip HUZZAH!!! Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :
Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :
Bob brings that extra sparkle to Hatrack. Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
Bob? Who's this Bob person?
Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :
Congratulations! Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :
*toasts Bob*
Well, I make a point to read Bob threads even if I don't always respond.
But I know how you feel, dude. I have found myself posting less and lurking more over the past few months. And I haven't even made it to 2000 yet.
Love ya, Dude. You're one of Hatrack's finest!
Posted by Pod (Member # 941) on :
::passes karl the butter::
You want the jam too?
Posted by Pod (Member # 941) on :
remember the puns don't stop until the game starts again ::evil grin::
Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :
Bob, you are one of the best things about this place. Of course, you were also the first person to respond after my very first post. It's like the baby bird breaking out of the egg and seeing that first face looming over him.
"Mama?"
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
You're all just trying to butter Bob up.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I prefer cream cheese.
Anyway, thanks for all the nice thoughts. I really was shooting for an ego boosting thread. You have no idea how much I needed it today. Thanks!!!
Posted by Godric (Member # 4587) on :
Notice how I did all my kissing up to Bob in my own thread. I will not be pulled into Bob's little game and tell him how funny he is, what a wonderful chap he is, how much I wish I was like him, etc. here in this little ruse of his that he might try to pass off as a thread. Bah!
OK, now everyone sing along (to the tune of Ren & Stimpy's "Log")*:
Who walks on lawns alone and in shorts, and over your neighbor's dog? Who's great for a laugh, And fits on the 'Rack? He's Bob, Bob, Bob
Everyone wants a Bob You're gonna love him, Bob Come on and get your Bob Everyone needs a Bob Bob Bob Bob
* I swear, if that's already been done I'm giving up and going home... Posted by JohnKeats (Member # 1261) on :
I'm with Bob and Karl. I think there are a lot of us 1999-2001 Hatrackers going through an internet midlife crisis.
We've lurked. We've posted. We've lurked some more. The fire is gone but the desire is there.
Pay attention, newbies. Hatrack is worth the most while you're still living it.
In the beginning it's just a bunch of Ender fans with too much computer time on their hands; in the middle it's a community of believers and nonbelievers and speakers and thinkers and listeners and dreamers and friends.
And in the end it's just a message board.
But it's a message board with a new Bob Scopatz Hatrack Training Center.
Posted by Doug J (Member # 1323) on :
Hey John, where have you been? I was just thinking about you yesterday.
Bob, don't worry. You will always be remembered for your bad puns.
Posted by Caleb Varns (Member # 946) on :
I've been lurking and avoiding 4,000 posts.
Didn't you know this was my first sn?
Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
Bob, you rock the house. You're the man. You're no second-ran. Don't you dare leave, I might cry for days. You're funny as heck in so many ways we'd miss your deft posting like a mime misses words.
Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :
Hey, I wouldn't have minded being Buzz Aldrin. He might not have been first, but he still got to walk on the moon. Lucky duck.
I always imagine Bob as a jolly old man with a twinkle in his eye. Like...Santa Claus? Posted by Wendybird (Member # 84) on :
Speaking as one who will maybe only see a post count on your level when I'm so old and gray I can barely see what I am posting Congrats! I think you are cool!!
(((Bob))) Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I am old and gray.
Posted by Caleb Varns (Member # 946) on :
You're sold on gay?
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I'm rolled in hay.
Posted by Leonide (Member # 4157) on :
*hands on hips*
I'm told you'll pay.
*glares*
Posted by Caleb Varns (Member # 946) on :
Fold, you say?
But I have a straight flush! Oh, I'm sorry, a forward flush.
Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :
How bold I say.
You are a @#$@#$ @#$@# $@#@#
This week I will hit my 1 year anniversary (14 years married, 1 year at Hatrack) and 3000th post, but I am yet again overshadowed by Bob.
[Sarcasm]Whoop-di-do. [/sarcasm] So he's done 10,000 posts, and most have been good, either seriousls funny or seriously thought provoking. So he's a legend in his own time and a shining beacon beyond that of any Lava Lamp. So he has caused more messes on more keyboards in this world than anyone since the Iraqi Information Minister. So big deal.
Does that give him the right to out shine my own achievements? Does that mean he can quote Russian history in a very "Russian" feeling post and make my spelling mistakes and grammar problems look silly? Does that make him a better poster than the rest of us?
Well, maybe.
All right, sure it does.
But I don't have to like it!!!!!
grumble, grumble, blah, blah, blah. etc. etc.
Anyway. Gratz BOB! Please keep up the silly work. I need the laughs.
Posted by Strider (Member # 1807) on :
Congrats Bob!
Without you Hatrack would be...well...it would be Bobless.
Posted by * (Member # 4842) on :
Oh Bob, you’re great.
Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :
Bob, you need to update Aura. She thinks you only have 9,000 posts on Hatrack.
You may never catch up to TomD, but you've surpassed him in *my* heart. What a generous, thougtful person you are...really, what thoughtful, generous people both you and your wife are. I am so looking forward to meeting you both!
Posted by Caleb Varns (Member # 946) on :
I think his analogies are off, anyway. Given the amount of time it took Bob to reach 10,000 posts, the comparison better fits Babe Ruth vs. Hank Aaron. Although Babe came before Hank, the numbers are comparable. Tom has the record, but it took him a lot longer to make it than it did for Bob.
A lot longer.
Of course, this comparison too will fail once Bob eventually passes Tom. Which seems likely since no one would ever let him leave anyway.
Posted by Caleb Varns (Member # 946) on :
Least of all me.
*attaches ball and chain to Bob*
Now go check out your new training center...
Posted by jehovoid (Member # 2014) on :
So who's next? (to reach 10,000)
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Boy, did I pick a bad time to lurk...
Bob, I hope you're not serious....not about seeing yourself posting less; you should do what you feel like even if the rest of us miss your posts...rather, I hope you're not serious in your perception of your value to the rest of us. After OSC, who, after all, only has a couple of dozen posts, you are the biggest star here. I know I click on any thread you start, and I'm positive I'm not the only one.
Your posts, when they are serious, often say what many of us wish we could say even half as eloquently. Yours is always a friendly voice in all of the personal threads that come up. When you set out to make a funny thread, it's great, but when you throw a one-liner in from out in left field, it's hysterical.
If you do taper off from Hatrack, I'm glad I met you while you were still active here, because my life is better for knowing you.
Posted by Kayla (Member # 2403) on :
Like I don't have enough to distract me right now. I need the stress that Bob might be moving to lurker status?!?
Bob, I think you are a hoot, who also happens to post some of the best advice on serious topics. I'd hate for you to wander away.
Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :
Bob,
To paraphrase a book that no respectable person will admit to having read, "Okay, first, last, and in between, you're wrong, Bob. It's hard for me to believe such a right guy can be so wrong."
As has been brought up many times since the inadvertent "tradition" of landmark posts began, post count doesn't mean all that much. It never has. It isn't the fact that you've posted 10,000 times that makes you a valuable member of Hatrack (which you are and will continue to be, dangit), any more than that's what makes Tom valuable. I'm not even gonna get into the discussion that you probably did reach 10,000 first, since Tom continues to use one name only, and I don't believe you have so limited yourself.
As one Hatracker I know said of another, "It doesn't even seem like you need to try; you just casually build community as you go." You're a maker, Bob, and you have had a positive effect on this community from the moment you arrived (or at least shortly thereafter).
Geez, I have so much to say, but it boils down pretty simply. You rock. Please stay.
--Pop
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
You know, I think it's almost necessary for people who are members of Hatrack for the long haul to go through lurking periods now and then. I know that I do. I'll be going along, posting prolifically (for me, anyway) and generally enjoying the place, and gradually notice that my interest in Hatrack has seeped away. The threads all seem tired and worn, and I just stop caring very much about keeping up to date with what is happening here. Eventually I stop looking altogether. Then, somewhere between one and six months later, I think "hmm...I wonder what's new at Hatrack? I wonder if there's even anyone there anymore who would remember me?" I go and check, and see that Bob, or Tom, or CT, or Ophelia, or jeniwren, or Icarus, or any of the myriad other Hatrackers I feel like I know to some degree, and care about are posting about this and that. I find myself interested in what they have to say, and in the process of finding out get to know some of the newcomers, and before I know it I'm fully engaged in Hatrack again.
It's kind of like the vampires in Anne Rice's books "going to ground" for a time.
Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :
I'm sure you all realize that I am far too addicted to Hatrack to ever really stop posting. I've just noticed that as I approached 10,000 it was like I was sneaking up on it. Just a few posts a day.
It wasn't like I had nothing to say, it was just that I was getting pulled in other (non-Internet) directions. And I like my Hatrack as a constant, ever-present force, you know.
So anyway, please don't make too much of that statement of mine. I think for awhile I was purposefully posting a lot to make it to some arbitrary milestone.
As that has now been accomplished, I feel less pressure to post. That doesn't mean I won't post just as much.
And if I ever pass Tom's post count, I'll break open another case of Strawberry Hill.
I do have to correct some misperceptions, though.
Tom has many more quality posts than I do. I used to compete in the "last post" threads, and I have always posted a lot in the fluffier threads where thought isn't really required and brevity is usually appreciated.
Also, I only have two alias, both of them with very low post counts. One is "Ghost of Bob_Scopatz" which I got when I died in a mafia game, and the other is "LavaLamp" who is really more of a separate entity rather than an alias. I usually can fight off his influence, but sometimes I become overwhelmed and he posts instead of me.
<be one with the ooze>
So...thanks again for all the kind words.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
quote:So who's next? (to reach 10,000)
I think the answer is obvious: T_Smith.
Oh, and just because—
*pies Bob*
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
::thinks to self::
At the rate Im going, I'll have about 5000 by the middle of June which means 10,000 before I go on my mission... or maybe I'll start calming down on my posts.
Im sure someone else will get there before myself. There are a lot of people with higher post counts. Geez, what am I a post machine??
Bob, you're awesome, btw. Having a bowl of ice cream with you is on my top ten list of things to do involving Hatrack. Posted by Posable_Man (Member # 5105) on :
My gawd! What a loser! Gherman Titov. You dare compare yourself to the Uncle of modern space flight? To the Second Cousin of extraterrestrialism? What do you think you are, the Word Perfect of Hatrack? The Pepsi-Cola of our Board? The Los Angeles Times of Posters?
Ha, I scoff at your second fiddle status. I sneer and jeer, and show no fear. You are pathetic. You ARE the Missing Link.
<disclaimer -- this celebrity roast brought to you by Fixodent Denture Adhesive and some drug you've never heard of that we can't tell you what it does but you should definitely ask your doctor about it.>
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Even if you are the second to reach such a noble standing it is still an accomplishment to be proud of!![[Confused]](confused.gif)
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