Friendships formed in TFF

[Mike]

I am writing a paper for my Principles of Communications class and I've chosen the topic "How friendships form in online communities." I'd like to hear any stories you have about friendships you've made here on TFF. Specifically I want to know who your closest friends on the site are; How you became friends; and how your friendships have changed throughout their length. If anyone has a story that I can use for my paper I may want to do an interview with you.

So tell me about your friendships made here on TFF.

[Tifa]

Don't have anything spectacular you can use but I've made a few friends through the site. None of them really come here anymore though.

I've met Mina/Quistis, Pete, Keisuke Takahashi/Heero/...duno his other usernames all IRL. Only person I really consistently talk to is SOLDIER #819. Once in a while I'll talk to Spekkio and OmegaGear (rarely now). I read Secret Azn Man's LJ and keep up with his facebook. About the same for Yuna as well, but she doesn't update too much. I'll check out Sean's fb once in a while (I think he's on Steam maybe? I'm not actually sure lmao).

As far as becoming friends, I think for everyone it was through that old TFF chat *w* Except for OG.. I forget how I became friends with him, but it wasn't at the same time as anyone else o_O

I sorta drifted away from everyone pretty much...

Mina is super cute, but I haven't seen her since she moved away from my area
Pete... I still need to meet up with him for lunch sometime XD
KT/Heero/W.e ... met up with him once, don't talk to him.
OG, don't talk to him.
Yuna got me into cosplay and I've asked her for advice once in a while, but not much past that.

Spekkio and I will chat, usually when we're stressed or super bored or something but it's about once every month or two.
I'll send messages to SOLDIER #819 but he ignores me. :'(

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Oh, and if it'll help I can discuss Steam as well... got a bunch of friends through playing Team Fortress 2. I played on a single server a lot and a lot of people would talk and make jokes in game, so I'd join in. Ended up getting a shitton of friends that way, which ended up with us forming a clan/group/whatever.

Some of them will message me for help when they're depressed or if they're having girl troubles (... even if I don't know them very well. I think it's just because I'm female...).

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Another edit, sorry.

I play L4D2 with Gooku Hooku / SOLDIER #819 every so often (not lately). Would play with NightShade too if he's on, though I've never actually talked to NS. Lol.

[Andromeda]

In all honesty, people find me. I tend to be of the mind generally not to bother people unless I know them very well and generally I still stay away. Which may be a bad way about going things, but I do get people that come and find me.

In general, anyone that I might consider a friend from here I know more often though AIM because they IM me and we start talking. If we find common ground the conversation goes on. If not I tend to be pretty quiet, though with anyone new I'm usually quiet because I've got no clue of their interest or if we even have interests. I'll be responsive, but I tend not to the lead the conversation unless I'm really in the mood to be talkative. Anyone that I know well enough it tends to go both ways and communication is pretty much two-ways.

The only person I have nearly daily contact with is Shadow, but we've been talking almost daily since like August of 2002, about the time he joined. Why he didn't find me I've got no clue, he just did. I have my AIM screenname listed on my profile for anyone to come poke me and he did one day around the time he joined I think. We hit it off and well we got like 7 almost 8 years of history and stories. >.> We've got a pretty complicated history at times, though I think its a lot simpler these days than it used to be. Though I guess it helps that I just speak my mind without a filter almost when I'm talking to him. >.>

Shadow could probably answer better from his side, if he remembers, the reasons for why he messaged me.

The only other person that I have a semi-daily/regular contact with was Mina Hew. And for anyone that knows Mina Hew, you know that can be interesting. ^^; I know I can thank her for a few things that I don't really feel like speaking about in a public forum. >.> Not to be mean to her or anything, but she is definitely the most complicated and difficult friendship I've had, but suicidal tendencies plus depression is never simple. Two issues I've never seriously had to deal with anyone else before. But she is a very nice and caring person, wish I talked with her more often, but I'm not pro-active.

[SOLDIER #819]

I'll send messages to SOLDIER #819 but he ignores me. :'(

School, Tif, school! E-mail/text/etc.!!

Making friends online hasn't been much different than anywhere else; starting out with a common interest and then somehow or another conversation just spills over into other things. You stay in touch with some, and you lose touch with many more. Most of my friends I've stuck with for aren't even at TFF anymore. I guess it's because there's something more to talk about than whatever we originally joined TFF for. I'd like to think I have some friends here at TFF too though, ha.

It's interesting to look at how TFF has changed over the years. Not so much in the way of how the place is run, but more the people who stick around. Though I think that's a given as a lot of us came here in our early teens. But if you take TFF as a reflection of its membership, it makes sense.

[Meigumi]

A friendly, smart, and good first impressions count. No doubt about that.

[Unknown Entity]

The only people I talk to from here every day using an alternate source of communication is Sheena and Moogable. There used to be others, but conflicts start as well as friendships unfortunately. It's not entirely a bad thing, however - helps you get to know people a little better.

Me and Sheena started speaking during January last year during a rough time I was having with someone. I had her added for a while prior to us speaking just out of curiosity. I don't even remember what happened, but we started to talk and we hit off. I do remember that we didn't really see eye to eye in the year before (read: I was a noob who spoke in noobtalk, and she was an experienced member who had no interest despite my attempts at friendship ). I also remember something about an argument over multi-accounts which turned to flirting. I don't know how it happened, but I'm glad it did - last May, we got together.

I'm honestly glad I found her. We've been through so much together, worst situation being when I introduced a irl friend to her, and a whole lot of drama came about it. Sheena helped me discover that this friend wasn't worth the trouble of trying to salvage a friendship with, and she was right - I look at them now, hating who they've become. At the time, this caused a lot of trouble for us, but I'm glad we came out of it holding hands, and can put it behind us.

Moogable added and IM'ed me out of the blue one day, asking how I was about the same time me and Sheena met. I remember us being in a TFF group conversation at the time, and we quickly became good friends and spoke regularly. I can easily say that he is by far the closest friend I have, because we're both really open and honest with each other. We've shared many moments together where I've been laughing so hard, my cheeks have been on fire, cried to the point of exhaustion, ranted until I was out of breath (even though I was typing), and blushed scarlet during some awkward moments. =X

I've had encounters with loads of other people on this site too. We more or less all share the common interest of Final Fantasy, or we wouldn't be here, so conversation can usually kick off from that. I've made friends through the content of my signature, for example, I've met and spoken to many members who are also as excited about Heavy Rain as I am. Once you start talking about a particular subject, another can arise through excitement and common interests. Eventually, you're adding each other on MSN or AIM, asking "How are you?"'s, and talking about each others lives.

I find it easier to make friends online. I'm not a very social person in the flesh, and prefer small groups of friends. Online, you get attracted to certain elements of someone's personality just by reading a post or starting a conversation. Also, because you can withhold certain information about yourself (race, gender, sexuality, skin colour, physical features, tone of your voice, disabilities, disorders, etc), no one can judge you. It's not always a pleasant feeling when you talk to someone and not knowing who's talking back, but you're safe in the knowledge that you can choose what to give away.

If any of that ramble made sense. ^^;

[Furore]

Honestly, my two closest friends here are probably Ann and Jules.
The real obstacle to becoming a better friend of mine is I can be an abrasive asshole who tells it like I see it. I'm also not the most serious of people though can seem it because the internet can't effectively convey facial expressions/bodylanguage. Both of those traits aren't uncommon for guys in some parts of rural Australia though and both seem to piss off a lot of international people/'global citizen type' city dwelling Australians.

Ann I met and was smitten with fairly soon after. I don't know exactly what it was, especially considering I'd never felt anything like that for anyone online before, but it didn't work out due to distance and I now just consider her one of my better friends while not hesitating to make the occasional totally inappropriate joke from time to time. She's one of the few people both online and off I'll confide in about almost anything if I felt a need to do so.

Jules I think I met before Ann back in the days of Fishie, Sinister, SoD, Froggie and my other faves being more active. I've always been surprised at how much wisdom/maturity he shows at his age, especially remembering that I was a total dumbass at that age. His ability to see through my bullshit and stay completely calm is amazing and though I've given him advice on gaming and life from time to time (much learned from my own mistakes) so too has he occasionally opened my eyes to something. Good man!

Then there's Fishie, Sinister, SoD, Froggie, Nick and a few others. I see them much less these days, but I'll always care about their welfare from the brief time we were all active back when I first joined. I'll always have the memories and if ever one wants to chat on MSN, it's always a pleasure.

Apart from that I like *most* people here as individuals, but sometimes the group mentality I see in some leads to people acting like total bastards even compared to communities known for it. But you get that IRL too. I think sometimes some groups of people need someone to victimise or else they'd turn on eachother and that certainly wouldn't benefit them much.

[Ralz]

I love that you brought up this topic at the precise moment in time...

Well, I have two very good friends who can't be replaced here on TFF. That's Fate and ViviMasterMage.

A lot of people know of mine and Fate's relationship. We both started out as n00bs, sure, but we sure grew up, huh? Granted, I've still got a ways to go, but still. We connected fairly quickly, and shared many topcis together, I'll never forget our chats. You'll always be my superior in nearly everyway, Fate. But someday, I'll defeat you at SOMETHING! >: D

Then, there's Vivi, my more recent ally. Vivi has been able to relate with me on many KH and FF issues while Fate is purely Star Ocean, so I have connections to all three with them! Also, finally someone else who can stay with me and help me out when I'm in a bind. Vivi, you can always talk to me if you're ever confused about KH in general. I'm the master, you know.

You two are invaluable to me as friends. I hope we remain as such for a good long while! (And NOTHING will change this, BTW.)

[Sean]

Hmm....

Over the years I developed a pretty good friendship with Melanie, though we never actually met. We've more or less lost touch, however.

I've chatted with S, Tiff, and Cesar often in the past, but it's been quite awhile since I've kept up.

I'm a horrible social person.

[Walter Sobchak]

Hmm....

Over the years I developed a pretty good friendship with Melanie, though we never actually met. We've more or less lost touch, however.

I've chatted with S, Tiff, and Cesar often in the past, but it's been quite awhile since I've kept up.

I'm a horrible social person.

You forgot me.

[Josh_R]

I am generally a friendly person. So if anyone talks to me, even if I have no clue who they are I will talk back.

One of the members I immediately became friends with was H.U.N.K. We talked about our love for Final Fantasy Tactics, and the anime Hellsing. Unfortunately he has no internet, so no talking to him.

I have been on other forums, and the people there are complete assholes. Therefore I stay away. TFF is probably the only forum I have been to where everyone is friendly, and will send you a PM to see whats going on with you.

[Sinister]

Ahh... The good ole days. The days where it was Fishie, Silver, Ann, Froggie, Oskar, Alisyn, SoD, Nick, Xeim and me against the world. Well, maybe it could be closer to the good ole days if I ever got on MSN. *sigh*

We all met under the exact conditions you'd expect. One or two things in common multiplied until there was a TFF chat page. We were all on at the same hours. Pretty soon all the activity moved to MSN. Inside jokes, hobbies and games incommon mixed with compatible points-of-view. And "wala" people making friends.

-Sin

[xTidus]

Firefly Fate and Ethan!

[Priscilla]

I've met a lot of amazing people on TFF. I met the love of my life on TFF. I read all of his posts and thought he was amazing. So we started talking on MSN and Facebook and hit it off. We got together in January last year and we will be moving in together in April. Which I am very, very excited about =]. He's always been here for me and I'm blessed to have met him.

I've met a lot of other great friends on here too. Some I don't talk to as much as others.. But they are still great. I would say a couple of my friends are Lily, Rocco, Craven, Nathan, Ann, Beanie, Bleachie, Chez, Kirsty, Fishie Katelyn.. Gosh sorry if I missed you. You're all amazing =].

I've met a few of them in person. Froggie, Lily, Craven, Kirsty.. I think some of their friends have TFF accounts but aren't active too. Oh, and hopefully I will be seeing Katelyn before I leave. =]

[Polk]

you're all my friends and I love you all very very much

Spoiler: except for rocky that guy's a jerk

[Tiffany]

The closest I've been to people on here were Jay (Scorpian) and Cesar. I don't talk to either of them on a daily basis anymore, but life happens. I've known the both of them now for probably 8 years or so now? Holy frick that is a loooooooong time. I'd say closest as well as they're one of the few that I have on my Facebook.

There are probably others, but I've been inactive for so long that I just don't remember people with all the username changes.

[Violet]

I've met some pretty cool people on this forum, technically my best friends online right now. There really isn't anyone I ultimately despise on here, either.. I like everyone when they're behaving themselves.

The ones that are closest to me on here are Dimitri, Zeromune, and Silver. They've been my friends since I joined TFF and I've talked to them almost every day ever since. I've never been afraid to share my thoughts with them. I don't usually like listing every name when it comes to these kinds of threads, because I feel like it's phony and unnecessary. There are a lot of people that I consider good friends on here.

Oh yeah, and Sinny.. get your ass on MSN! We miss you.

[Block]

I have formed a few friendships here on TFF since my recent return and I am very grateful to have them.
clicky if you wanna know who they are:

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You can find my friends list here.

[Chez Daja]

I met one of my best mates through TFF.

Martin.

We weren't particularly close for the first year or two, but we started talking a couple of years back just about the time I was getting less active and we got along well. Now we talk loads and plan to hang out together in future.

I met my other best friend via the web as well. We hang out together in real life all the time since we live close to each other and have known each other for ten years. That wasn't through TFF, though, obviously.

[rJ floW]

I actually used to talk to a few people outside the forums on IM but I dont think I'd ever meet anyone....unless it was just randomly tho i dont know how anyone would know I'm rJ floW...the only person who has really seen the real me is Oceaneyes and I'm fairly sure I wont venture south of the Mason Dixon line anytime soon...I also think I scared the shit out of her when we used to talk...

A few of tHe ChOsEn who lived out on the westcoast (jew, ecks) I coulda ran into when i was out there, but they all look alike out there...

I don't know if I'd trust any of you....

[OceanEyes28]

Nothing scares me.

I did get busy, though. Haven't been on MSN for months, which will cause any online friendship to suffer.

I've met Cesar once, years ago (I was 16), Anarchy/Lover Boy (we ended up in college together and dated for a few years), and Pete (also once. We got lunch). They were each who they said they were, haha. I'd meet others, but there's nothing currently on the horizon.

There are a lot of people I like (I'd name them, but I'm on an iPhone). It takes a little effort to maintain a friendship based mostly in perception, but I've got no bad feelings about it. I've had some beautiful relationships and conversations. And I always learn something.