15 ⚜ Text

[restingstitchface]

Nathaniel Hawthorne once wrote, "No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true."

During the annual FanPort convention, a whole stew of you pretended to act in one way with the local multitude, all the while knowing such pretense was no representation of who you are. Don't you realize such behavior will lead you to trouble? If you remain happy without knowing who you are inside, you will be the only ones who suffer in the end.

Regardless, I have one simple question for you all: What are the differences between the identities you create for yourselves as imPorts, and the identities the citizens of this country assign to you?

[FanPort and masked alter-egos. Perhaps Crane got triggered because the latter's kind of his thing?

Or maybe he just really, really wants to discuss The Scarlet Letter.]

Comments

[Text]

[sleight_of_hand]

...wow seriously?
Are you sure you haven't had your burlap sack tied on too tight recently?

[restingstitchface]

I'm sure.

Also, isn't it your job to make sure of that, detective?

[sleight_of_hand]

You're not in my town, so my jurisdiction's pretty limited.
Besides, I'm still a traffic cop.

[text]

[wizzardly]

[Chilton's advice was that absolute avoidance would be suspicious, and since this is only text and nowhere near in-person...]

Mostly it seemed it didn't matter how you acted, they were going to cling to the strange ideal they'd created either way. I imagine that's preferable to getting to actually know about a person and risk possibly being disappointed. Certainly easier.

[restingstitchface]

Indeed.

I imagine being a disappointment is no disappointment for you, though. You seem like a man who enjoys the safety of his own company.

[WHERE YOU BEEN, BRO?]

[wizzardly]

Insightful as always.

[oh, you know, running from the devil, #justrincewindthings. Sorry not sorry he missed your Nonah library tantrum visit, Crane buddy.]

I'm sure you've built up quite the divided fan base yourself, having put in so much time here.

video;

[brushoff]

[ did somebody say "be a book snob, Dorian" because he's getting "be a book snob." ]

Can't we talk about Rappaccini's Daughter instead? That one's better.

text

[restingstitchface]

Indeed we may. It's about time someone in these parts demonstrated a true love of literature.

permavid!

[brushoff]

Let's be honest, if it was going to be anyone, it would be me. [ mister literary figure himself ]

text

[dendarii]

My alter ego has more fun.

[restingstitchface]

Does he?

Then I imagine he's caused you quite a few problems?

[dendarii]

My past self causes me problems. For both egos.

text; private

[cleptes]

I'd prefer to talk business, rather than anything else.

permatext; perma-private

[restingstitchface]

Would you?

Then I imagine you'd appreciate me getting to the point. Do you have it?

[cleptes]

I do have it.

All you need to tell me is where to meet and when. I'll be there.

text;

[textualhealing]

People alter how they act around different people all the time.

[restingstitchface]

Ah, I see. How observant. Being a psychiatrist I never would have known. Now, why do you believe that people alter themselves, Mr. Winger?

[textualhealing]

Because it's standard social interaction. You gonna lecture me about it?

[burnseternal]

[Well. Hello there, Jonathan.]

I pose a question to you in kind: why do you assume that so many acted contrary to their true natures? I witnessed quite the contrary.

[restingstitchface]

[Hello there.]

Did you? I would be interested to hear your explanation.

As far as your question goes, I observed that many lacked the psychological means of having true relationships. Quite simply, they were scared.

[Fear? Fear. Fear!]

[burnseternal]

Ah, yes. I do recall your fixation on fear. I believe people contain a multitude of traits, and those who chose to conceal their true selves did so for a plethora of reasons, not out of fear alone, and certainly not out of fear for relationships with those they likely did not desire relationships with.

My explanation is as simple as observation, brother! I know some who live here well, and saw that they were living as true to themselves as they are able.

[Mabel.]

text;

[garrick]

Some people would see it as a necessity to protect others around them. In some worlds there are those who would do harm to friends and acquaintances just to settle a score and acting a different way rules out the majority of their involvement. Can't speak for the fanport though, I didn't take part.

[restingstitchface]

Did you not? Might I ask why that would be?

[Maybe this person didn't think participation was necessary, and thus ruled out their involvement? It seems connected to their argument. Either way, it's nice to get an answer in their own words - just so he can tug a string attached to a wider pattern of thinking.]

Text

[112ounces]

[ Oh.

Well. What do you remember, Crane? ]

People take what they are have and they run with it. Does it even matter?

[restingstitchface]

[Nothing, but there's an uncontrollable feeling of deja vu. Oh, does he hate losing control.]

Yes, I suppose. Especially since you appear to be avoiding the question yourself. Answer it, if you would be so kind.