Net-related questions...

[fajrdrako]

From questions on journalgems, July 23.

1. How long have you been using the internet?
Since 1990. I'd been to a Dorothy Dunnett fan gathering in Edinburgh, where I met Tovah Hollander and other fans I'd known through the letterzine Marzipan and Kisses. Tovah said, "You'd love the Net. We're going to get you online." I thought this was ridiculous - I didn't even own a computer and couldn't afford one.

Within six months I was online and using the internet, and thoroughly enjoying the new-formed Dorothy Dunnett mailing list, "dunnetwork".

2. Have you ever met someone in real life that you first met on the internet?
Oh, yes, frequently. It isn't even rare for me to do this. Before the Net, it was happening with pen pals, and through comic book letterhacking circles. Most of my friends have been discovered (directly or indirectly) through such sources.

3. What websites do you generally visit?
First priority daily: my.yahoo.com to get email and check news. Then to LJ for a browse of my flist and favourite LJs. I also often (i.e., daily or more) use my bank account online, goggle docs for writing and notes and budgeting, the Ottawa Public Library for searching and reserving books and to check when books are due. I go to imdb and wikipedia several times a day; often use dictionary.com.

4. When did you start using Live Journal?
I'd have to look it up, hold on.... Sept. 2002, that's when.

5. How did you come up with your user name?

1. I wanted to use a word in Esperanto because I speak Esperanto, and like to use it whenever I get the chance, and because Esperanto words are not likely to have already been chosen on LJ. "Fajrdrako" means "fire dragon" and is pronounced "fire-dracko".


2. I was born in the Year of the Dragon, so it's astrological.


3. I like Dragons as symbols of active creative power, colourful and dynamic beings, and creatures with historical resonance in both east and western cultures.


4. I like fire.

6. Describe all or some of your user icons and why you have them?
I'm a fannish sort of person: I like to focus on my favourite fictional material. I'm particularly attracted to strong and interesting protagonists, so my icons tend to show the heroes I'm currently writing about, or watching, or reading about, or thinking about - currently Captain Jack Harkness (Torchwood), the Doctor (Doctor Who), and Peter Petrelli (Heroes). The singular most important factor for me in choosing an icon is sheer aesthetics. I must make one showing Max Valentine - the David Tennant role I saw last night. Very nice.

I also usually have a non-fannish icon on hand - an umbrella, flowers, a bit of historical art - use those less often. I think of them as more 'neutral'.