Dark Attractions
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Now as to parts of the big derailment:
Most things in life are not 100% good or 100% evil. Most of the time they're mixed. Often the most uplifting and inspiring stories have some horrible stuff in them. And while there may be something so bad there's no redeeming moment in it, most things that are dark also have at least moments of brightness in them.
I can think of a couple book series I exposed myself to (one was so bad that I got convicted halfway through the first book) that while I'd never recommend them to anyone, there's a moment in each story that God used to speak to me and it's become part of our relationship. One was the main character had a dream, where the character that represented the good and true god appeared, breathed on him, and said "mine". On the flip side there was the short amazon series I was looking forward to watching because I was interested in some more stories by the author who's work they were adapting, but stopped early on because it became clear that the writers seemed to think that any exposition between characters needed to be done while they were having sex, and I was annoyed by the gratuitous sex scenes (pretty sure all added for the TV production).
The Bible does talk about conflicts of convictions in Romans 14. I think this verse summarizes the whole chapter pretty well: Rom 14:4 - Who are you to condemn someone else's servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord's help, they will stand and receive his approval. We don't get to judge other believer's lifestyle choices that aren't in direct conflict with scripture. I think it fine to have serious discussions like, " you really like watching those movies where the criminals are the protagonists, how do you think that's affecting your view of the law and right and wrong?" But God doesn't call any of us to be the holy spirit for someone else and bring conviction to them? And it's just as wrong to pressure someone with strict convictions to loosen up as it is to condemn someone for having convictions that aren't strict enough.
Most things in life are not 100% good or 100% evil. Most of the time they're mixed. Often the most uplifting and inspiring stories have some horrible stuff in them. And while there may be something so bad there's no redeeming moment in it, most things that are dark also have at least moments of brightness in them.
I can think of a couple book series I exposed myself to (one was so bad that I got convicted halfway through the first book) that while I'd never recommend them to anyone, there's a moment in each story that God used to speak to me and it's become part of our relationship. One was the main character had a dream, where the character that represented the good and true god appeared, breathed on him, and said "mine". On the flip side there was the short amazon series I was looking forward to watching because I was interested in some more stories by the author who's work they were adapting, but stopped early on because it became clear that the writers seemed to think that any exposition between characters needed to be done while they were having sex, and I was annoyed by the gratuitous sex scenes (pretty sure all added for the TV production).
The Bible does talk about conflicts of convictions in Romans 14. I think this verse summarizes the whole chapter pretty well: Rom 14:4 - Who are you to condemn someone else's servants? Their own master will judge whether they stand or fall. And with the Lord's help, they will stand and receive his approval. We don't get to judge other believer's lifestyle choices that aren't in direct conflict with scripture. I think it fine to have serious discussions like, " you really like watching those movies where the criminals are the protagonists, how do you think that's affecting your view of the law and right and wrong?" But God doesn't call any of us to be the holy spirit for someone else and bring conviction to them? And it's just as wrong to pressure someone with strict convictions to loosen up as it is to condemn someone for having convictions that aren't strict enough.
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@Subhumanoidal,
Having watched multiple people who know nothing about you give you grief over your current username, I would like to help.
If you are wanting to change your name, I'll pay the whatever it is fee to get your regular privileges reinstated. I don't know who you would have to talk to -- Oncefallen or Robo?
But if you want to change your name, let me know and either send me a PM under your current name or leave me a message on my profile wall. Let me know who you talked to and I'll make sure they get the payment for whatever fee is involved.
I can only handle so much ridiculousness before I feel a need to step in, so please forgive me.
And for those who are going to judge ME, no, this isn't trying to somehow show off or proclaim my own good works, because I know SOMEONE out there is going to quote the passage about not letting your left hand know what the right is doing.
The reason I'm posting this publicly and not in PM is because it's a challenge to the audience.
For anyone who doesn't like someone else's username and that user has an explanation for it, but actually wants to change their name, I challenge you to go to that person, let them change their name on the site, and pay for their way if they're losing any benefits like PM's, etc.
And if you don't know how to pay for them, just leave a message on the profile wall of Oncefallen or RoboOp, and I'm sure either one will assist you.
Don't like someone else's username? Offer to help them change it.
Problem solved.
@Subhumanoidal -- if you DON'T want to change your name, by all means, DON'T. I am NOT encouraging giving in to peer pressure at all. However, if you change it to your old name, I know even MORE people will give you grief about THAT ONE (as they did in the past) -- and in that case, I may just have to strangle you.
Just kidding!!!
But seriously.
Let me know if you DO want to change it.
Jiminy Crickets.
I apologize to the Original Poster for all this derailing, but I don't take the slander of a long-time, trusted member by someone brand-new with no interest about the person lightly.
Having watched multiple people who know nothing about you give you grief over your current username, I would like to help.
If you are wanting to change your name, I'll pay the whatever it is fee to get your regular privileges reinstated. I don't know who you would have to talk to -- Oncefallen or Robo?
But if you want to change your name, let me know and either send me a PM under your current name or leave me a message on my profile wall. Let me know who you talked to and I'll make sure they get the payment for whatever fee is involved.
I can only handle so much ridiculousness before I feel a need to step in, so please forgive me.
And for those who are going to judge ME, no, this isn't trying to somehow show off or proclaim my own good works, because I know SOMEONE out there is going to quote the passage about not letting your left hand know what the right is doing.
The reason I'm posting this publicly and not in PM is because it's a challenge to the audience.
For anyone who doesn't like someone else's username and that user has an explanation for it, but actually wants to change their name, I challenge you to go to that person, let them change their name on the site, and pay for their way if they're losing any benefits like PM's, etc.
And if you don't know how to pay for them, just leave a message on the profile wall of Oncefallen or RoboOp, and I'm sure either one will assist you.
Don't like someone else's username? Offer to help them change it.
Problem solved.
@Subhumanoidal -- if you DON'T want to change your name, by all means, DON'T. I am NOT encouraging giving in to peer pressure at all. However, if you change it to your old name, I know even MORE people will give you grief about THAT ONE (as they did in the past) -- and in that case, I may just have to strangle you.
Just kidding!!!
But seriously.
Let me know if you DO want to change it.
Jiminy Crickets.
I apologize to the Original Poster for all this derailing, but I don't take the slander of a long-time, trusted member by someone brand-new with no interest about the person lightly.
But we both know if I changed it again it would just be another name people reacted poorly to. 😂
And, yes, I actually have considered going back to my old name at times 😇
But I'll consider your offer nonetheless. I'd have to think of something good first hahaha. 😇
I dont necessarily seek out crazy names, believe it or not. I just look for ones that are expressive about who I am or what I'm going through. It's just natural for me to make unconventional choices. And also can be a little fun hehe.
Though some I've considered I've turned down as I knew they wouldn't go over well, here. Yes, that means my names thus far are the tame ones 😂
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Feel free to do whatever you wish. After all, my title here is OutWrite Trouble so I have no room to talk. 😎
But this is going to be my methodology from now on: if I see people doing this to you again, I'm going to ask anyone who criticizes your username to donate the amount of the site fees it would cost if you chose to update it.
You don't have to change your name and shouldn't ever have to. You've explained your username umpteen times to those who actually take the time to ask you about yourself. But yet, some still criticize.
Unfortunately, hot air costs nothing to blow around, and people with a lot of it always seem to find you.
If your names actually bother them that much, I want to see who has enough blueberries to step up to the plate rather than just blowing at you right on over it. 🌬️
Will they be just as loud and persistent if they're asked to be as quick to action that costs them as they are with their critiques?
I could be wrong, but I'm guessing no.
🧐🤔😏
But this is going to be my methodology from now on: if I see people doing this to you again, I'm going to ask anyone who criticizes your username to donate the amount of the site fees it would cost if you chose to update it.
You don't have to change your name and shouldn't ever have to. You've explained your username umpteen times to those who actually take the time to ask you about yourself. But yet, some still criticize.
Unfortunately, hot air costs nothing to blow around, and people with a lot of it always seem to find you.
If your names actually bother them that much, I want to see who has enough blueberries to step up to the plate rather than just blowing at you right on over it. 🌬️
Will they be just as loud and persistent if they're asked to be as quick to action that costs them as they are with their critiques?
I could be wrong, but I'm guessing no.
🧐🤔😏
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If you're open to suggestions in the case that you decide to make a change, I would like to submit the option Shuuboidalman. That sounds like someone that came out of the Marvel universe and would be very fitting of my regard for you. Although it is a vague memory of the exact circumstances of my having found myself in a sort of a rut, I remember you swooping in, in the form of a chicken, or something, and pulling me out of it.
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Yes - absolutely - you definitely want to come up with something that will be good for you to use for a long time to come...
If I may suggest - a name that is about who you are can be a good approach; however, a name that is about what you are going through - or anything else that might change over time - is very highly not recommended. Consider leaving the "in the moment" pattern of thinking and search for something that is more in the 'big picture' of things - something that represents you in a more larger-than-life sense rather than in an in-the-now sense.
And, of course - yes - it should fit well into this environment.
I hope you come up with a really good one!
(I have no doubt that you will - after you have thought about it for a while...)
If I may suggest - a name that is about who you are can be a good approach; however, a name that is about what you are going through - or anything else that might change over time - is very highly not recommended. Consider leaving the "in the moment" pattern of thinking and search for something that is more in the 'big picture' of things - something that represents you in a more larger-than-life sense rather than in an in-the-now sense.
And, of course - yes - it should fit well into this environment.
I hope you come up with a really good one!
(I have no doubt that you will - after you have thought about it for a while...)
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This reminds me of the Wonder Twins, who could turn into various things after infamous fist bumps and saying things like, " Wonder Twin Powers -- Activate! Form of... A Chicken!"
This led me to the possibility of Sub's new name being Hen Solo -- I mean, legendary rogue bachelor who spends his time rescuing spunky princesses, befriending Wookies, and smuggling Bantha's -- yeah, that seems about right.
And then I realized that "HEN Solo" would be the feminine form... And Solo Rooster just doesn't seem to cut it.
Ah well.
Back to the drawing board. 🐔
This led me to the possibility of Sub's new name being Hen Solo -- I mean, legendary rogue bachelor who spends his time rescuing spunky princesses, befriending Wookies, and smuggling Bantha's -- yeah, that seems about right.
And then I realized that "HEN Solo" would be the feminine form... And Solo Rooster just doesn't seem to cut it.
Ah well.
Back to the drawing board. 🐔
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Sometimes you come up with something ESPECIALLY clever -- especially since I have to admit to stealing the idea for "Hen Solo" from our friend Brother Google.
It's embarrassing how hard I laughed this!
So...Yeah... I guess we have to keep you around.
*Seoulsearch glumly kicks the can down the road in defeat.*
Why do I keep picturing this with a very thick Boston or New Jersey accent...
You know, something like, "THANK YOU, SHUUUUHHH - BOOOOOIIIIII!!! - DAAHHHLLL - MAAN!!!"
View attachment 276555
You know, something like, "THANK YOU, SHUUUUHHH - BOOOOOIIIIII!!! - DAAHHHLLL - MAAN!!!"
View attachment 276555
That does it. I'm calling him Shuuboidalman and just blame it on dyslexia!
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As an effort to get this thread back on the rails...
It may be 'cathartic' for the actor, but I would not assume that it is necessarily passed on to the viewer of the movie, etc.
Of course, in general, we should never confuse the actor with the character - for obvious reasons.
As for the 'appearance of evil'...
1 Thessalonians 5:
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
This is why it is important to not disregard the KJV - it is a more accurate translation of the original manuscripts.
It may be 'cathartic' for the actor, but I would not assume that it is necessarily passed on to the viewer of the movie, etc.
Of course, in general, we should never confuse the actor with the character - for obvious reasons.
As for the 'appearance of evil'...
1 Thessalonians 5:
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
This is why it is important to not disregard the KJV - it is a more accurate translation of the original manuscripts.