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the USERNAME meme

Journal names. They're something we all think about, and that we often try to make as fittingly torturous to our characters as possible. Isn't it nice that our characters never have to know they're wandering around with that horrible label attached to them?

...wouldn't it be fun if they did?

RULES

1 Your character is communicating with others through a journal community, just like how we're using them, and they are perfectly aware of that fact. Whether they think that's normal or not is totally up to you.

2 The also know that when they signed on to this community, they were automatically assigned a name that supposedly has something to do with their personality and/or history. They didn't have any say in what that name was going to be, they're just stuck with it.

3 Make a post with your character's reaction to seeing what their own username is. Do they think it fits? Do they hate it with a passion? Are they downright confused?

4 Comment to other people's posts with your character's reactions to everyone else's usernames. If they know the other character, they might have good reason to laugh at them or feel sorry for them. If they don't, this could lead to some pretty interesting first impressions, don't you think?

5 If you want to use a name that's different from your actual journal name, just mark that in your post. No need to create a whole new journal just to make your character's life worse for one meme. ;)

6 PROFIT!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only | Expand All

What were you expecting, Mycroft? You don't exactly have a "web presence" on which the people running this particularly ridiculous forum feature could draw.

Yes. Charming.

[There's a pause as he considers Shelock's username, then a smile appears.]

And yours.... has nothing to do with anything. One could argue it is even the wrong canon. Because it only truly has any meaning in the proper context.

There is plenty of meaning for those keen enough to see it. I rather like that about it.

But context is key. For example I'm sure your name- for a very select group of people- carries plenty of weight. Best post carefully, Mycroft; you wouldn't want your employers to know you've acquired a genuine digital footprint.

[Mycroft rolls his eyes at Sherlock's first statement.]

You are presuming, dear brother, that I am who you think I am.

[His mouth quirks upward in one corner, for half a second.]

You are my brother, as you always see fit to remind me. I could detect your signature brand of withering disappointment in me through a text of only three words. Possibly two.

[Now he's amused, but his expression shows disappointment.]

If you knew me quite so well... you would know I never text when I can talk.

Mycroft. Please.

Follow up on your endodontic therapy, is it?

Actually. This is an experiment. I was... encouraged to partake.

[In other words, his job depended on it and they now expect him to understand the way people associate online among other things.]

Oh brother dear. Tell me they've given you a Facebook. It will amuse me for minutes.

[He scowls.]

That isn't funny, Sherlock.

[He's snickering while he types.]

Actually I think it's quite funny. You may friend me, if you like. Or the one John made for me that I've never logged into.

You are operating on a false assumption, dear brother.

[Mycroft is going to have a stiff drink now.]

In the world of Facebook, Mycroft, the process of 'friending' does not necessarily mean that one has to be actual 'friends' with the person in question. One may know another even only casually, or not at all, and yet still be 'friended.' Don't worry that I will assume any actual feelings on your part.

[Mycroft rolls his eyes.]

I honestly thought I had taught you better than this. No wonder you need John around.

[He knows that's low. He doesn't care.]

Where do you think I learned about friending?

You'll need to update your status, as well. I believe the protocol is to update it every time you switch from one task to the next. Every time. Failure to do so will earn you disrespect from your peers.

[Sherlock barely even notices; he's enjoying needling Mycroft far too much. It won't amuse him for very long, and he's determined to enjoy every second.]

Sherlock. To perform any of those functions requires one specific thing that I don't have. And will never have.

[That's okay, Mycroft loves to burst Sherlock's balloons - why do you think he always has a brolly around?]

Your peers on Facebook, brother dear. Which is anyone. And everyone.

[He can almost feel the misery radiating from 10 Downing.]

Sherlock! I don't... and will never have a Facebook account.

[Mycroft doesn't yell very often and doesn't know how to yell online.]

Ah. Well. It was getting old anyway.

[Deliberate misunderstandings are not often Sherlock's idea of fun; but the chance to make his brother shout over the internet had been too priceless to pass up.]

So what have they signed you up for? Aside from this little forum. A blog? Online dating?

[Online dating might actually amuse him for a whole hour.]

Well, with you and John around, I don't need to look any further. I can learn everything I need to know from the two of you.

Our blogs have respectively gained something of a following. You should let John know if you have any questions about the virtual romantic entanglements; he's always on one or another looking for the next in his string of ultimately forgettable girlfriends.

[Oh Mycroft is highly amused now.]

My dear brother, don't try to flatter yourself. I have seen the status reports for unique hits to both blogs. John can claim to have a following. Yours has developed an idle interest.

John's blog is intended to cater to the masses. Mine isn't.

[Mycroft is chuckling - John would probably call it giggling, but Mycroft doesn't giggle, he chuckles.]

Is that what you told yourself when you stopped posting to it?

I have chosen to go on a brief hiatus due to other, more pressing business. This is not uncommon on the internet, Mycroft, as you will come to discover in your perusal of social networking.