Category: Meta

A couple of years ago I posted a reader’s survey, and though the changes I made were slow in coming, every response helped me to turn this into a better site. (A suspicion that seems to be borne out by the increased number of visitors and the growing community.)

I’d like to ask you to take another one.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V7RHBHK

It’s quick. Nine questions, many of which are multiple choice, and a few that require only a short answer. All replies are anonymous in the sense that Survey Monkey scrambles them up so that I won’t be able to see which string of responses were given by which respondent.

I do ask for your email address at the end. That’s entirely optional, and providing it will not link you to any of the other answers you’ve provided.

The reason I ask is that I’ll sweeten the deal for you by selecting one survey respondent and sending them a copy of the Thomas Pynchon novel of their choice. (DID YOU KNOW INHERENT VICE IS COMING OUT SOON)

It doesn’t matter where you live; as long as Amazon can deliver to you, you’re eligible. And Pynchon is awesome. Allow me to prove it.

Not sure which Pynchon novel to choose? Stay tuned, reader…

Again, the email address is not required, but since I benefit so much from every survey response, I want to do anything I can to encourage participation.

Thank you in advance for answering these nine quick questions.

Help make this site everything it can be.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/V7RHBHK

Just a quick post to wish everyone out there a happy new year. The holidays have been a pretty nice rest for me. After the Xmas stream, I’ve spent the time getting around to books, games, and movies that I’d been promising myself for all of 2014 that I’d get around to. I’ve also been enjoying my awesome gifts, including an awesome tea set from an awesome girlfriend.

So it’s been quiet around here, but not because that’s the new normal. I’m just recharging a bit.

Next week will be the season two ALFies, and then we dive into season three. I’m going to try to stockpile a few episode reviews so that I won’t fall behind again…apologies for that.

I’ve also made my new year’s resolution (in terms of this site anyway) to post at least one other article every week. I hope that’ll keep both the ALF fans and the ALF skeptics happy.

Otherwise plenty to come. Thanks for sticking with me through one hell of an odd year. Whoever you are, whatever you’re looking for, I hope you find it.

Longstanding readers and longreading bystanders know Christmas Eve ’round these parts is a time to gather, watch terrible TV specials, and share jokes about Lassie getting hit by a car. And this year, it’s no different.

However, this year it’s different!

The event will actually double as a kind of telethon benefiting The Trevor Project, a counseling / suicide prevention service for LGBTQ youth. The holiday season, as you well know, is an extremely difficult time for many, and I tried hard to figure out some way that I could turn this event into something that might help those who suffer from depression and other mental health issues.

It’s been a hard year. I think that’s fair to say. For that reason alone I’m glad to have the ability to set up a humorous event like this and keep spirits light, but if you find it in your heart to contribute during the event, I know many, many people who need it will feel the direct effect of that generosity.

Okay, now that I’ve made you all sad, let’s laugh!

Last year we screened a shed-load of terrible Christmas specials, making history as we became the first people ever to intentionally watch Major Dad. There was also much more, including the shocking Lassie special that opens with the titular dog getting creamed by a driver who is never caught or even searched for, and the first three minutes of ALF‘s Christmas episode over and over again.

Of course, the programming on offer was just the foundation. It was the live chat that really made it a great night, with viewers riffing on the shows and each other — and me… — and basically turning the entire thing into the ideal Christmas party for introverts: everyone appreciates what you have to say, but nobody needs to know you exist!

This year it’ll be similar. You won’t need to worry about where to tune in or how to donate or anything like that. Just come here at the appointed time. I’ll try to embed a feed right onto this page, but if I can’t do that, I’ll have a link available and ready to go.

There is no charge for attendance, and no hard-sell to donate to The Trevor Project. The event has been squared with The Trevor Project as of a few weeks ago, and all donations will be made directly to them. I’m hoping we can get a cool rolling total widget going, though, because I like cool rolling total widgets.

So, anyway, mark your calendars! It’s going to be the best thing ever. Again!

Noiseless Chatter Xmas Bash!!
Where: Here!
When: Wednesday, December 24. 8pm Eastern to midnight!
What: Even more insane Christmas specials, original programming, a few goodies and surprises (to be revealed in the runup!), and live chat from the funniest people who ever gave up their Christmas Eves to watch this shit in their underwear.
Why: To benefit The Trevor Project, and, equally, because why not.