Interviewing

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

In Shirley Jackson’s The Haunting of Hill House, Eleanor observes that people love to be asked questions about themselves, and I pondered that a bit – thinking about all the various online memes/quizzes/etc. - and decided that I agree with her.

I don’t want to be famous. I don’t think I’d care to be under such painful scrutiny or to be contemplated by a public that loves to see their heroes raked through the mud almost as much– if not more – than they enjoy seeing them rise. Celebrity culture is to wealthy Victorian social circles is to Regency England social circles is to the violence of gladiators hacking each other to bits during the Roman Empire. I don’t want my privacy invaded. But the idea of being known is kind of nice, the comfort of knowing you won’t completely slip into obscurity after you’re gone. I suppose the fame achieved by authors is the happy medium ground. You’re name is easily recognizable, but your face much less so, if at all.

I recognize the pleasure in answering questions, though. I’ve asked myself questions, mock interview style, so I could hear myself answer them. What face would I want to present to the swarming and hungry masses?

Anytime I’ve signed up at someplace like Nerve, I really only did so because I liked answering their stupid questionnaire. Inevitably, once it came to the dating, I’d answer some e-mails, send some e-mails, panic, send out apology letters before deleting my account. I’ve done this twice. On-line dating. Bah. Why can’t people just meet on their way to church like the good ole days?

Well, I don’t go to church. AND THERE’S NO SUCH FVCKING THING AS THE GOOD OLD DAYS!

My favorite Nerve “question” was:

____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier.

My answer was: Webster is sexy. The OED is sexier.

Mmmm, OED.

Anyhoo, I’m proposing an interview game. Pick someone you feel like interviewing and ask them a few questions. Once that person has answered his or her questions, they have to chose someone to interview, as well.

I’d like to interview Ponine.

1. You seem an avid fan of the fantastic. What is it you love the most about fantasy based films, novels, theme parks, etc.?

2. What is, for you, the most trying aspect of parenthood? The most rewarding?

3. Describe your first love experience in one sentence.

4. Describe for us an ideal day.

5. How do you feel about befriending people online?

Bonus: ____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier.

[tracilicious]

Cool game! Might I suggest also PM'ing the person you want to interview to let them know they've been named in the thread. Otherwise they might never see it.

[blueerica]

OOoh! I like this game!!

Ponine!! Get yer butt in here!!

[blueerica]

Originally Posted by tracilicious

Cool game! Might I suggest also PM'ing the person you want to interview to let them know they've been named in the thread. Otherwise they might never see it.

Good call...

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Originally Posted by tracilicious

Cool game! Might I suggest also PM'ing the person you want to interview to let them know they've been named in the thread. Otherwise they might never see it.

Heh. I actually did that with Ponine 'cuase it seemed logical. So, yes, if people are so inclined, do that, as well.

[Eliza Hodgkins 1812]

Some additional information:

As suggested above, you should probably PM the person you've posted questions to, so they'll see the thread.

Also, you don't have to wait for other people to answer their questions if you want the game to be quick. If you have a few questions you'd like to ask someone, just post them. They should then ask, in kind, but there's no real rules about who asks.

[UvaGirl]

Love this thread already. Carry on....

[Ponine]

Originally Posted by Eliza Hodgkins 1812

1.You seem an avid fan of the fantastic.
What is it you love the most about fantasy based films, novels, theme parks, etc.?

Oddly, thats not my favorite genre, anymore at least. I love the idea that the average can achieve the seeming impossible. Walt created a wonderful place, and vision that can make millions happy, and it was all in his mind. We are still, to this day, able to see his vision and feel his glee.
Piers Anthony, and Ray Bradbury made me believe for a short time that the average person could achieve the impossible. Montag could memorize books, and shape the world to come. Niobe could handle the strings of fate and change lives.
Me, in my skinny 21 yr old 16 looking persona, could be walking in even myRiver Belle costume, and help someone up, or talk to a child, and they thought I was a goddess.

2.What is, for you, the most trying aspect of parenthood? The most rewarding?

Rewarding??? Oh wow... the most Trying aspect of MY parenting, is waking up every day to a child that looks just like someone I want to run over with a cement truck. Oh? that wasnt the answer you wanted? So Sorry. :P
Trying to impart to my child the golden rule.
Rewarding.... when he succeeds to show empathy to other people, esp strangers.

3.Describe your first love experience in one sentence.

Hmm... I've agonized over what this means for an hour, and gotten two second opinions....
So I assume it means "love" or "intimate" experience. One sentance?
An intricately staged production, which blatantly ignored the plot of the play, and seemingly forgot that the supporting players have a role in the production, and are NOT merely, set pieces.

4.Describe for us an ideal day.

An ideal day... with or without child?
With, no dates, no time restictions.. a huge table to do art, and time to experiment. Maybe a trip to the zoo.
Sans child... sleep in, a nice shower, crawl back into bed nude, and read, dress, then paint, or sew. No idea what would fill the middle of the day. Definately spend the early evening near the ocean.

5.How do you feel about befriending people online?

I never really gave it much thought to the unusual. I made my first online friends on a BBS back in... 92? Then in the cross stitch forum on Prodigy... then... in the rubber stamp groups on aol in 96ish, that was the first group where I ever met anyone face to face. I never truly stopped to think that it wasnt safe. I'm fine with it. I spend more time getting to know the online folk than I think I would someone I ran into in the office.

Bonus: ____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier.

Eyes are sexy. Nice strong hands, are sexier.

[Ponine]

I would like to interview Mickey Lumbo

1. Who was your favorite teacher? And Why?
   
2. Describe for us your perfect evening.
   
3. What facet of your life, other than Disneyland, shapes what you think, or who you are? i.e., for me, many things that happen in my life I can refer back to musical quotes, and tend to express myself better through song lyrics.
   
4. What is one piece of information you would give a young person today in coming to grips with their sexual identity? Whatever that may be.
   
5. What do you most want to be remembered for when you leave someone, or they move, or heaven forbid, when you leave this plane?

Bonus: ____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier

[Ponine]

My first interview'ie has a lot on his plate right now, and requested I choose another victim.....

I would like to interview LibraryVixen

1. Is there a single moment in your life that you find yourself returning to over and over in your memory? What is it? How old is the memory? Not something you can change, but something you just cant shake.
   
2. You are a great fan of the written word, who's life do you wish you could have experienced? Fictional or not.
   
3. What profession do you wish you could attempt, but know/feel that you are not say tempermentally suited for it?
   
4. What do you feel will be the hardest challenge in parenting when your daughter reaches her teen years, or teen experiences?
   
5. Describe for me, the ideal date.
   

Bonus: ____________________ is sexy. _______________ is sexier

.