Can a Severed Head Live On?

I have a case of Rogaine. Can give you for cheap.

I am just messing with ya Joseph.
I love ur kind.

Well, much like your fascination with certain aspects of the human condition, I am totally fascinated by one's ability to create an image of oneself in the mind of others simply through random postings. As rapidly as the words appear on the screen, assumptions are made, persona are created and opinions about an individual are formed without ever taking into account what the motive may have been by making the post. What intrigues me is the ability one has to totally manipulate the emotions of others by using a few carefully chosen words and their ability to not just have an impression formed, but instantly fixed with nary a chance of ever being able to alter it, regardless of any future postings. One certainly has the ability to reinforce a preconceived notion or opinion, but most attempts to achieve a reversal of that opinion will generally result in abject failure as that would entail the person having to admit that they just might have been 'wrong' in their original estimation of the other person.

I think that is quite comical, albeit upon closer examination, a bit frightening that people can put so much creedence into words that appear on a computer screen, knowing absolutely nothing about the author's true intent in posting them, especially in an 'off-topic' forum.

I'm sure that my postings lead many to believe that I actually don't have a house. After all I freely state by my avatar that I live "in a van down by the river." There are a few that probably believe that I live either under a bridge, or under a rock. I can't tell you how much I love that fact.

My VA shrink and I spend an inordinate amount of time during my therapy sessions discussing this subject. We are both very bemused at the reactions that people oftentimes have to my posts. I remember that I once confided in her that while I enjoyed the repartee, at some level it did bother me when people would choose not to engage me. She proceeded to inquire as to whether or not I appreciated how powerful that is? She then went on to explain that when someone chooses to disengage, regardless of the reason that they give, the truth is generally that they simply can't keep up. Either their frustration or intellectual shortcomings give them such an intense sense of failure, that they have no choice but to bail. They begin to realize that each subsequent post of theirs, not mine mind you, makes them look progressively worse. You've seen it here. We have a few members that will continue to post inaccuracies, drivel, claptrap, inane tripe and other tools of distraction - ad nauseam - in an effort to wear you down - because they are simply incapable of saying, "you're correct," or "you win." They feel that in some way it reduces their man (or woman) hood! This is why I refuse to back down from anyone, regardless of how I make myself look in the eyes of their ardent supporters. I mean - really. Who cares what they think? Now, I have no problem stating when I am wrong about something. The problem is that I am wrong so incredibly infrequently that not many have lived long enough to witness it (how am I doing? lol).

As you can see the majority of what I post is simply to get either a chuckle, a rise or a gut wrenching reaction from someone. They should PayPal me based upon the level of their laughter or outrage. For many of them, even though they would never admit it, I present them with the high point of their entire day. When I'm finished pounding you, you're intense anger leaves no doubt in your mind that you're 'alive.' Most people go through life as somnambulists. It is my duty to occasionally kick 'em in the nards and give them a big how-d'yado. Instant reality injection. OK, I'll admit it. I have waaaaay too much time on my hands. The bane of being too comfortable with my existence. I'm bored. :-(

So, I hope that I have accomplished two distinct, yet very important goals with this post. The first is to continue to confound people through just not knowing what the hell to make out of anything I post, while they confirm their opinion of me in the process and second, to thank you for your very kind words in acknowledging the dichotomy of my words, regardless of how they are perceived by anyone, here.

Always remember that when a true artist creates his art, it is done with total disregard for how it is perceived or appreciated by 'the masses.' An artist creates out of his need to personally enjoy the process (feigned torture be damned) and with the recognition that there may be very few if any that will understand the concept they are trying to communicate, nor appreciate the message as presented.

You, sir - are a true art lover. lol

Cheers. - Frank