I was on a plane last night and a lady saw me reading Lost Boys, she asked how I liked it. I said I was enjoying it very well.
I asked if she had read any other OSC books. She said she had read a few, but Lost Boys really stuck out in her mind.
I wanted to ask if she was a Hatracker, but didn't want to sound to nerdy or get that blank, what in the hell are you talking about, look.
We should come up with a code or hand signal that would identify ourselved to fellow Hatrackers.
A few thoughts:
Have you ever sailed down the Hatrack River?
Got Hatrack?
(Hand guesture) Hat Rack what hand guesture to do for rack
Your ideas.
Posted by Scott R (Member # 567) on :
How about just saying, "You know, Orson Scott Card's got a really great website with a forum that I hang out on..."
Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :
Psst...do you know my Tante? Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :
No...
You could wear your "Kiss me, I'm a Jatraquera" t-shirt everywhere. I have been asked about it a couple times, but I'm just waiting for someone to identify me as a fellow Hatracker from it. Since I don't want to wear it and hence save it for Hatrackery gatherings of people who already know, I have a feeling that may be a long wait.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
quote:Originally posted by Scott R: How about just saying, "You know, Orson Scott Card's got a really great website with a forum that I hang out on..."
That is too obvious. Plus, how to we build a secret society if we just blurt out where we meet?
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: No...
You could wear your "Kiss me, I'm a Jatraquera" t-shirt everywhere. I have been asked about it a couple times, but I'm just waiting for someone to identify me as a fellow Hatracker from it. Since I don't want to wear it and hence save it for Hatrackery gatherings of people who already know, I have a feeling that may be a long wait.
I don't think it would go well with the suit I was wearing. Maybe I could wear it under my dress shirt and if someone mentions something again, I can stand up and rip my shirt open to reveal my hidden message.
Posted by MidnightBlue (Member # 6146) on :
quote:Originally posted by brojack17:
quote:Originally posted by katharina: No...
You could wear your "Kiss me, I'm a Jatraquera" t-shirt everywhere. I have been asked about it a couple times, but I'm just waiting for someone to identify me as a fellow Hatracker from it. Since I don't want to wear it and hence save it for Hatrackery gatherings of people who already know, I have a feeling that may be a long wait.
I don't think it would go well with the suit I was wearing. Maybe I could wear it under my dress shirt and if someone mentions something again, I can stand up and rip my shirt open to reveal my hidden message.
It may, however, cause some concern to see a man ripping off clothes to reveal a shirt saying "Kiss Me". I'm just saying.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
People are so hypersensitive on planes these days!
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
quote:Originally posted by Tante Shvester: Psst...do you know my Tante?
That may be good for a slap in the face... I'll give it a shot.
Posted by Will B (Member # 7931) on :
A complicated handshake should do it. Anybody who doesn't recognize it will just assume we're trying to be cool and don't know how.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
But that is so 1970's. I like it!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:Originally posted by katharina: No...
You could wear your "Kiss me, I'm a Jatraquera" t-shirt everywhere. I have been asked about it a couple times, but I'm just waiting for someone to identify me as a fellow Hatracker from it. Since I don't want to wear it and hence save it for Hatrackery gatherings of people who already know, I have a feeling that may be a long wait.
I put my daughters in "future Jatraquera" onesies designed for them by the lovelies at WenchCon III. Posted by -Xan- (Member # 10091) on :
Complicated handshakes wouldn't work when your on a plane. It would be easier to have a certain word to say while doing a simple motion.Im thinking "Jatraquera" while softly flicking your left eye lid
Posted by skillery (Member # 6209) on :
If you were all eating the secret food as detailed in the forum bylaws, you'd have (and be able to easily recognize) the secret odor.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
I thought that was the Wendy's Chili.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by -Xan-: ... while softly flicking your left eye lid
What, exactly, is that? When I think "flick," I think some action like flicking a paper football or something. Posted by FlyingCow (Member # 2150) on :
See, now, when I read that, it looked like "licking" your left eyelid.
I wasn't sure by context if it was meant to be a strange pseudo-erotic gesture, or an attempt at gecko imitation. Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
I think we could say, "So, do you like canoeing?"
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Maybe we should whistle a really, really obscure tune that we all know about.
That way we're just annoying, rather than annoying AND perceived as creepy.
Posted by RunningBear (Member # 8477) on :
What do you thing of "How 'bout them pufferfish?"
while giving two thumbs up and raising your left eyebrow and tilting your head to the right.
I think creepy isn't a bad thing to be perceived as.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I think Steve was closer with canoeing. Much closer.
Except it's a common enough question that someone who doesn't frequent Hatrack but likes to frequent creeks and rivers might say yes, at which point...what do you ask next?
Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :
If they say yes, then you reply
"canoeing sucks"
If they look at you like you are a jerk, they don't know what hatrack is...if they say "I agree" then you know that they read this thread.
Posted by Maliam (Member # 9915) on :
Ya but then you have to deal with a tweaked person next to you on a plane and if you have a window seat and need to use the rest room that might not be fun. Or they might decided to snore real loud that trip or some equaly obnoxious thing.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
You need something less abrasive.
"So, do you like canoeing?"
If they say "no," then you know automatically that they are out. If they say "yes" then you reply with the following:
"Oh yeah? where do you like to canoe the most?"
Then a real hatracker gets to reply "Hatrack River," which won't sound that odd, rivers are named all kinds of odd things.
Then you know for sure.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Yeah, I wouldn't remember the whole script.
I usually just say, "Hey, you're reading OSC! I love OSC's books." If they opt to continue the conversation, I bring it around to "I spend a lot of time on the forums on his website, have you ever checked it out?"
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Well that's not really a CODE so much as casual conversation.
You sucked all the cloak and dagger fun out of it!
Posted by MightyCow (Member # 9253) on :
I prefer not to know random people's online identity. That way I can make a first impression on my own. If I found out from the start that they were someone I knew form online, I might be tempted to only discuss online stuff with them, which would be boring.
Worse, if they're a jerk online, but really nice in person, I might never get to know them.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Well, I'm just saying, I'm usually pretty shy around strangers, but it doesn't have to be awkward. As referenced in the first post:
quote:I wanted to ask if she was a Hatracker, but didn't want to sound to nerdy or get that blank, what in the hell are you talking about, look.
You can bring it up in casual conversation. On the other hand, start talking about canoes and I'm pretty sure you're more likely to sound nerdy or get looks.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
(Of course, you could also start a thread on Hatrack about "So I was sitting on a plane, and this person was reading an OSC book..." And if someone responds and says, "Hey, I was sitting on a plane reading an OSC book! Do you have black hair and a peanut allergy?" or whatever, then you know who they are retroactively.)
Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :
You could always ask "But what does it DO?"
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
quote:Originally posted by FlyingCow: See, now, when I read that, it looked like "licking" your left eyelid.
I wasn't sure by context if it was meant to be a strange pseudo-erotic gesture, or an attempt at gecko imitation.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
quote:Originally posted by Eaquae Legit: You could always ask "But what does it DO?"
Yes!
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by Carrie:
quote:Originally posted by Eaquae Legit: You could always ask "But what does it DO?"
Yes!
NO!
*kills EL and Carrie*
Posted by Euripides (Member # 9315) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lyrhawn:
"So, do you like canoeing?"
If they say "no," then you know automatically that they are out. If they say "yes" then you reply with the following:
"Oh yeah? where do you like to canoe the most?"
Then a real hatracker gets to reply "Hatrack River," which won't sound that odd, rivers are named all kinds of odd things.
I like this. Except it doesn't have the word "mongoose" or "foxtrot" in it.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: Well, I'm just saying, I'm usually pretty shy around strangers, but it doesn't have to be awkward. As referenced in the first post:
quote:I wanted to ask if she was a Hatracker, but didn't want to sound to nerdy or get that blank, what in the hell are you talking about, look.
You can bring it up in casual conversation. On the other hand, start talking about canoes and I'm pretty sure you're more likely to sound nerdy or get looks.
I didn't want to stand there and admit to a complete stranger that I spend too much time on these forums. I had this picture in my mind of looking like the kid behind Ralphie in A Christmas Story with a goofy look on my face saying, "Do you like to post to forums on Hatrack? I like to post to forums on Hatrack."
I didn't lose any sleep over it, but I did think it would be a fun topic to post because "I like to post to forums on Hatrack."
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
quote: I didn't want to stand there and admit to a complete stranger that I spend too much time on these forums.
Which is a pretty good sign that you're not a full member of the community yet.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
True. I haven't got the Hatrack logo tattoo yet.
Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
I agree that we need a secret code. About a year and a half ago, I moved in with a friend because her former roommates (who I didn't know well) were moving to Boston. I noticed a painting of a boy in a spacesuit on the wall and asked my friend if she'd painted it. She replied that her roommate had after reading some book he was obsessed with. I asked a few more questions and found out that the painting was of Ender. So I asked my friend if her former roommate had ever visited Card's website Hatrack. She said that she didn't know. Later, the roommate came back to town, and we happened to be at a party where they were. And so I told her that I admired her painting, and I wondered if she'd ever posted on the author's website. She gave me many, many suspicious looks before admitting that she had, many years ago, but no longer does. And then walked off and avoided me all night.
But if I could've asked her about canoe-ing, I'm sure that the conversation would have gone much better.
Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :
quote:Originally posted by Euripides:
quote:Originally posted by Lyrhawn:
"So, do you like canoeing?"
If they say "no," then you know automatically that they are out. If they say "yes" then you reply with the following:
"Oh yeah? where do you like to canoe the most?"
Then a real hatracker gets to reply "Hatrack River," which won't sound that odd, rivers are named all kinds of odd things.
I like this. Except it doesn't have the word "mongoose" or "foxtrot" in it.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
I GOT IT!
We can ask " But what does it do?" !!!
And the response will of course be "That's the beauty of it..."
And we both say "It doesn't do anything." together.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
Que canned laughter as both people rock their heads back in mock laughter. Midway they freeze and the out music plays.
Credits roll.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
That last one was my 100th post.
It wasn't even that funny.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote:Originally posted by brojack17: That last one was my 100th post.
It wasn't even that funny.
True..... Posted by Ecthalion (Member # 8825) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kwea: I GOT IT!
We can ask " But what does it do?" !!!
And the response will of course be "That's the beauty of it..."
And we both say "It doesn't do anything." together.
now this i can do....
Posted by RunningBear (Member # 8477) on :
I am not good at laughing with people...
That could be a problem.
Posted by kojabu (Member # 8042) on :
quote:Originally posted by brojack17: True. I haven't got the Hatrack logo tattoo yet.
"do you have the tattoo?"
"No, but I want it." -or- "Yes! Wanna see?"
Posted by SoaPiNuReYe (Member # 9144) on :
Morse code would be pretty cool. I'm sure someone on here knows it.
Posted by T_Smith (Member # 3734) on :
How about "The moose watches over." Vague, can be referenced... vaguely to an OSC work.. and is a reference to Papa Moose as the janitor.
Posted by Earendil18 (Member # 3180) on :
I think we should just say "Remember, the enemy's gate is down" and see if the other person responds.
My vote. Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
quote:Originally posted by SoaPiNuReYe: Morse code would be pretty cool. I'm sure someone on here knows it.
To be achieved how? You going to clap in their face or flash them with something in a pattern?
Posted by MightyCow (Member # 9253) on :
I'm going to start carrying one of those huge lanterns they had on all the US navy ships in WWII (and maybe still have), with the handles and louvers.
The only Morse Code I know is SOS, but if you see me carrying one of those around, you can probably guess who I am without the code.
Posted by Maliam (Member # 9915) on :
quote:I think we should just say "Remember, the enemy's gate is down" and see if the other person responds.
But if you do that and there reading EG or have read it they may thing your a nut who think thats a great joke. Wait no problem with people thinking I'm crazy. Most people kinda think that already when I go out in my purple fairy shirt, what one more reason.
Posted by pH (Member # 1350) on :
Mention something about "my friend Hattie."
-pH
Posted by Survivor (Member # 233) on :
quote:I wondered if she'd ever posted on the author's website. She gave me many, many suspicious looks before admitting that she had, many years ago, but no longer does. And then walked off and avoided me all night.
'Nuff said.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
quote:Originally posted by Kwea:
quote:Originally posted by brojack17: That last one was my 100th post.
It wasn't even that funny.
True.....
Ouch Posted by BandoCommando (Member # 7746) on :
quote:Originally posted by Lyrhawn: You need something less abrasive.
"So, do you like canoeing?"
If they say "no," then you know automatically that they are out. If they say "yes" then you reply with the following:
"Oh yeah? where do you like to canoe the most?"
Then a real hatracker gets to reply "Hatrack River," which won't sound that odd, rivers are named all kinds of odd things.
Then you know for sure.
I LIKE this.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
I'm in a similar situation at school actually... I think that Pixie goes here, and I emailed her when I was looking at the school last fall but we never met up. Now I'm pretty sure she's dropped off the forum (unless anyone has seen her lately? Pixie? You here?) and I'm not sure how to find her on campus. I know her first name, but I also know two girls in her year who have that name. The problem is that I've known them long enough in the school setting to randomly ask "hey, do you post as Pixie?" without weirding them out. Especially if I asked the wrong one...
What to do? Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :
I think I still have the foobonic album data, which includes pics of Pixie. This might resolve it before I have a chance to check, or if I don't, though: she's a redhead with bright red hair.
Posted by JumboWumbo (Member # 10047) on :
In order to determine whether or not the unidentified subject is a hatraracker or not, please adhere to the following script:
1) Remove a piece (or several pieces) of clothing 2) Wave the said piece(s) of clothing in the air 3) Ask the subject if, "you like my rack baby?" (The rack in this sentence, of course, is a reference to the phrase hatrack. Only a hatracker could know this).
There are two potential conclusions.
If the subject smiles and dances, you've met a foreigner to the hatracking community. However, if they slap you/ call security/ douse you in pepper spray, you know you've come accross a true friend. You may now proceed to ask him/her back to your house so you can get to know eachother a little better.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Dragon, I know Pixie's last name. If you email me I will tell you it. Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
Hey, Anne Kate, I lost your phone number. I still want to hang out sometime. Not this Sunday (the fourth) but the Sunday after that, most likely several of my friends and me are going to lunch. Would you like to come?
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Sure! I'll call you! I think I put your number in my phone.
Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :
Is the email address in your profile still good for you deany?
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
quote:To be achieved how? You going to clap in their face or flash them with something in a pattern?
*chokes* *laughs* *has a really dirty mind*
Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
Yes, I still use that email address. =D
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Actually the red hair gives it away. I've met her.
The question remains however, of how to bring up the "I'm a Jatraquera too" conversation. Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
"Ah, so you like OSC?" "Yeah, I've read a lot of his stuff." "Ever check out his website?" Answer is either "no" or "yes". If yes and no "I'm on the forums there", simply ask, "Ever check out the forums?" You don't have to give away how MUCH you are on the forums if they've never been.
'Tis really not that hard.
Posted by martha (Member # 141) on :
Wait, Tatiana is Anne Kate? I've been away for a while; I missed that memo.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
quote:Originally posted by Dragon: Actually the red hair gives it away. I've met her.
The question remains however, of how to bring up the "I'm a Jatraquera too" conversation.
Just use her screen name, and then say you remember her from Hatrack. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
quote:Originally posted by martha: Wait, Tatiana is Anne Kate?
Yup.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen:
quote:To be achieved how? You going to clap in their face or flash them with something in a pattern?
*chokes* *laughs* *has a really dirty mind*
I very, very briefly shared probably the same thought after I posted that.
But I decided against changing it for obvious reasons Posted by dean (Member # 167) on :
I just assumed ketchupqueen meant, like, rapping against a nearby wall or chair or something. Like if you're on a plane, you would be talking and tapping it out on your armrest. But then most people would end up thinking Hatrackers are a twitchy bunch and not want to join us.
Posted by Nighthawk (Member # 4176) on :
I would prefer using semaphore code. Nothing more subtle than signing every character with two huge flags.
Might be hard on an airplane, though. Probaly wouldn't go over well.
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
dean, my mind is MUCH dirtier than that.
Nighthawk, they'd probably arrest you for terrorism.
Posted by brojack17 (Member # 9189) on :
quote:Originally posted by ketchupqueen: "Ah, so you like OSC?" "Yeah, I've read a lot of his stuff." "Ever check out his website?" Answer is either "no" or "yes". If yes and no "I'm on the forums there", simply ask, "Ever check out the forums?" You don't have to give away how MUCH you are on the forums if they've never been.
'Tis really not that hard.
Not cloak and dagger enough for me.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Precisely my point!
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
Well, if someone tried to be cloak and dagger with me, I wouldn't get it.
The point of conversation is communication. Not giggling like an 8-year-old because you put one over on someone.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
That might not be the POINT of conversation...
But it is the FUN in conversation. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
![[Dont Know]](graemlins/dontknow.gif)
![[Hat]](graemlins/hat.gif)
what hand guesture to do for rack ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[ROFL]](graemlins/rofl.gif)
![[Party]](graemlins/party.gif)
![[Evil]](graemlins/evil.gif)
![[Confused]](confused.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)