It's wierd having friends like Derek, Zkribbler and Mad Monk

[Lancer]

I really like these people but I've never met any of them. Meeting these guys would be great, strange. Their ideas, communication skills and sense of humor I'm used to. The faces, mannerisms and simple presence would be totally new. So I'd really know these folks but not in many normal ways. The internet is unnatural. I mean there is no breaking of the ice when I yack with these guys here at Apolyton, no nervousness. Yet I admit I'd be nervous right now if we were all meeting in the bar down the street in an hour, though I'd be looking forward to it like crazy too.

Wierd.

[Ted Striker]

It is definitley a weird thing this internet. For a substitution of facial expressions:

[Lorizael]

Communication online is simply different. Emotions are less palpable, but people also express more because the social tensions present in face to face conversation are absent.

The other thing about the internet is the anonymity; like when you meet really great people online and they turn out to be a lot younger than you originally thought...

However, there are things that are slowly making online communication more real. Webcams are probably the biggest as far as that goes. It brings back body language, facial expressions, and voice.

We live in a strange world.

[Gatekeeper]

Imagine having them as family, Lancer.

[Bas]

What happened to Derek anyway?

[Ted Striker]

I'm right here baby.

Name changed to protect the innocent.

Good to see yo Bas.

[Dinner]

I like the whole internet experience. No, it's not a replacement for real life, but, I've exchanged ideas and meet lots of people from all over the world whom I would never have meet other wise.

[Bas]

Originally posted by Ted Striker
I'm right here baby.

Name changed to protect the innocent.

Good to see yo Bas.

Ah, it's you. I kind of lost track of you/Derek after D2K, I think. Anyway, good to see you're still here

[Provost Harrison]

Well it is certainly an experience to meet people IRL when you have been talking to them onto the internet for some while. Online friendships can become IRL friendships too quite easily...

[The Mad Monk]

Online friends are not bad friends to have.

[Zkribbler]

I, of course, have the advantage. I know if I were to ever meet Lancer face to face, he'd bring a really hot babe with him. Unfortunately, she'd be married. (P.S. Say hi to Dolores for me)