July 30, 2006
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Xanga
I started this site one year ago today. I have been on xanga for a year and a half. I originally started on xanga back in December of 2004. It is funny because back then I was afraid of the Internet. I never spent time on it. I thought it was sort of weird to communicate with people you didn’t really know.
So I put in my first entry. I only posted once the first two months. I just went out and tried to encourage people. At one point or another I started to post twice a week. Those who have been with me for a long time, can remember the days when I only posted twice a week.
The first site was thetheologian. I shut down that site. I happened on a site that was being critical of my site. In fact, the person wrote an entire post dedicated to me on protected. I read it and moved on. Within a few comments, I ran into another site that was talking about my site. I got kind of down. So the next day I got on the computer and shut down.
I was really only off for a day if I remember correctly. I relaunched under Danthetheologian. I had that site for a month. I then shut that down. I came back as thetheologianscafe. I have resisted the temptation to shut down again. I did xanga retire once. But I missed the good people of xanga.
When I came back after my retirement from xanga, I didn’t know how people would respond. I thought people would be sick of me so they wouldn’t respond. I decided that if no one commented in a few minutes, I would just shut it down completely and move on.
I have enjoyed this site and xanga. I think the biggest quality that I have gained from xanga is getting a thicker skin. One thing you have to do if you run a site like this is develop a tolerance for the critics. Even today I stopped by a site where someone left a negative comment about my site. It took some time to get used to reading what others would say about you.
But overall most of the press is actually pretty good. I believe that negatives tend to stick with us longer than the positives that people say. I guess that is why I try to be very careful not to be critical.
I am thankful for all the people that comment and express their opinion. I was looking at my first post on this site the other day. What amazed me is that so many of the same people are still here chatting with me. I am blown away by the fact that so many of us are still together.
Comments (90)
awww… and i just discovered you a short time ago!
Keep it real, man.
thick skin = good.
not taking things personally
is good for your peace of mind
I’ve had the same site for 2 years now, and haven’t felt compelled to shut it down. I like my username. I plan to keep it for a while, if nothing else than a place to just write about my life and opinions and get feedback on my random thoughts.
I never really cared what anyone thought of my sites or my writing. You can’t please everybody, and I don’t aim to (hell, I don’t aim on pleasing ANYONE). If people don’t like what I write, fine. I don’t write for anyone’s enjoyment or entertainment. People who get pissed about online shit need a life. Badly. There’s a nice wee “X” button in red they can always press.
Besides…if people are lame and bitch me out online, I can always (gaspshockhorreur) turn the computer off and ignore them.
what else do you do besides xanga? you’re always posting something. i love reading the interesting things you put up, but where on earth do you find so much free time?
wow, uve had this site about a a month longer than ive had mine. thats awesome. and thank you for all your thought provoking topics on the issues. they kept me on my toes. thats for sure. well, keep up the good work dan. and lets make it 1 more year.
Geoff
I appreciate your site.
a year… that’s like forever. i’m still trying to last more than a few months.
this is now my 3rd shot at this.
alrighty then… later!
one year wow
oh… and yes, the presidents cafe will eventually turn into a theologian’s cafe spoof of sorts… i’m guessing… maybe… maybe not… we’ll see.
Awwwww….
I keep expecting you to “retire” again. I think I’m getting paranoid.
I have had my site for over a year now, I had to go protected also for a time (as you know). So I guess we just have to put up with the malcontents. Those malcontents are usually people who have emotional and mental problems and are jealous of the popularity of others. As I told a friend of mine who also gets hurts easily over hateful comments by others…..For every one person who says something hateful, there are 100 other people who love you. I’ll take those odds any day.
Hey Danny,
I enjoy your site.
My first site was just candyguitar…..shut it down. Glad I decided to come back.
Happy One Year!!
Candy
u are xanga. period.
Dan is the man!
ryc: Thanks for the well wishes.
See ya ’round,
Brad
(aka dmode_fan)
Well, I think most of us are glad you developed that thick skin
Happy xangaversary
you spam my subscriptions page. but i guess i can’t complain too loudly cuz i like reading your questions and the answers people give.
happy first.
God Damn! I missed two questions that I actually wanted to throw in my two pesos on…that’s what I get for going on vacation. I’m back…hopefully you can put up with my offensive comments for another year…though I only joined your site about a month ago, I’ve gotten addicted to it. So thanks. Hey, glad to hear that you have “thick skin”…that tells me that- 1. you are a smart man and- 2.That my comments will still be accepted here. Let’s keep it going another year!
I’d really like to add to that list have a talk with you, my friend.
I like your site, you’re a funny guy.
Well, you are really that wonderful Dan….
aww . . the softer side of dan .. .let’s hold a “dan’s fans reunion”
Yep… lots of us are still here… even through your publicity stunt of “shutting down” hehehe
And Email me you email address so I cans end you your present!
Sillymonkeyboy@gmail.com <me
Thanks.
This is my first stop-in at the Cafe, I’ll check in from time-to-time. Popcorn and some Java, perhaps…
Wow. Everyone hates me. I never thought about shutting down my site over it. What a whack-job! BTW – congrats on your anniversary.
That’s really cool, Dan
I hope you had a good Xangaversaryday. Sorry I wasn’t around more to celebrate with you.
you’re awesome dan. one of the best blogs in xanga.
We’re all just folks. Some of us actually have something worthwhile to say…
yay!
Man, what fool is talking bad about you Dan?? I’ll jump ‘em!
Positive or Negative, if you are being commented about, then you are touching others, making them think.I am never afraid of someone elses comments. A discussion, even disagreement, will only help others grow.
ryc: nah . . .
I love this site! Thank you for not giving up on it!
I love you, Dan!
I’m impressed … I’ve had my site for nearly two years, and I don’t have half the fanbase you do.
It’s the great sex that keeps me coming back for more, Dan.
ive only been with you a month or so
now. and so far i find it good and interesting.
so in response to this entry i say i hope you keep
your xanga going and dont let the haters get to you.
just sort through the crap, consider the constructive
criticism if there is any, and let the other crap fall
away.
happy anniversary dan! cheers to another year full of thought-provoking and not-so-much-thought-provoking questions! *holds up coffee mug*
XOXO,
cG.
haha, i like what eccentrique said ^^
awwww, that’s so sweet.
well, i have only positive things to say about you and your site.
i like to read the different things people have to say. But some people just don’t understand the whole “don’t hate the messenger” i guess.
i have had my xanga site for over two years now. but no one has ever made me retarded little graphics in congradulations for it.
Congratulations on one whole year!! Hope the ones that follow are enjoyable.
you’re welcome. haahha just kiddinggggggg
Happy Anniversary!!!!
I think this is your best username of all time
Original and feels cozy and stuff.
Because you asked nicely and I had no life tonight::
http://x19.xanga.com/748a61452063569364784/b46603661.bmp
Enjoy!
Glad to be considered one of the friends………..
Dan I really enjoy your site and am glad you have stayed around.
Why wouldn’t we still come here? It’s interesting. Here.
Well, I’m glad that you’re stickin around
I love coming here and seeing what’s going on everyday. And it feels nice to know when you might have made another friend as well. Take care ~ All my best to you and yours ~ Jen
I’m just in this whole Xanga thing to mock people and rule hard.
you can hear 100 “good job” but you remember the 1 hateful thing…try to remember the 100….
I love your site and what I don’t get about some of the harsher critics or comments that aren’t just expressing their opinion based on the question you ask…as in…attack you for asking it is that this is YOUR site….it’s much like tv…don’t like what you see? Change the channel but don’t begrudge me the right to see it. All they have to do is….click…and you’re gone. Happy Anniversary.
You underestimate how many people actually like you being around these parts. When you’re average comments are somewhere around 180 per post, I guess you’re bound to have one or two people not care much for your site. It would be really bad if you had only ten commenters and 5 of them talked down about you. Your average is better. Besides, most of it is just jealousy anyway.
I know I like you here, and I remember being very upset when you shut down your other two sites, afraid that you wouldn’t return. You’ve been a great friend…
That’s cool. I am glad you are here and doing your thing!
I`m glad you decided to stick around this time. I can see what your saying about needing to develop a thick skin.
This site helps xanga people get to know each other better, it`s great.
I`ve only been posting here for a few months, but I have met a lot of really cool people through this site, so thank you!
Please, don`t leave again..So many people would miss you.
wow
Congrats on the anniversary.
i think your site is a wonderful thing to have on xanga. we need to keep thinking and digesting stuff. i like how you always throw out the ‘big questions’ thanks dan.
I remember I found you with your first post on danthetheologian, when my friend (empirexstate) was all happy that you had made a new xanga. She told me, “thetheologian was a cool xanga site, and I was sad when he shut down, but I just found his new site!” and sent me the link.
I like bittersunday’s picture she made!
It’s a xanga. You might be updating a little too often than is healthy.
That being said, at least you stuck in there this time. Good going. May you continue on so I’ll have my previous time-waster of stating my opinion.
Glad you stuck around!
When you have a thought provoking site, you’re bound to end up with some critics……. I may not always have the same opinion as yours, or some of the commentors, but I respect that….. I enjoy your site, & am Glad you have stuck around despite your occassional site changes, & retirement…
Stick around Dan, Your the Man!!! 
i think no matter what people will like you more than they dont. I never realized that you are effected by the mean things people can say (when honestly i dont know who or when does that – cause i cant believe that anyone would not like your site.)
I think you should talk about some of the mean or not so nice thing people say or do.
whoo! first anniversary on this site! have a good one!
hehe well happy xangaversary!!!
good for the thick skin =)
~Mayisha
(((((((((((( Dan ))))))))))))) Your site provides a forum for soooooo many different ideas. Keep up the good work!
We really love you, Dan-you’re good people!!
Happy Anniversary Dan
I am so glad you are here!I took on a responsibility that cut my social life down.This is something that I can do to feel apart of something.
i wanted to thank you for showing me that the way to meet people was through stopping on their sites and commenting. until i met you, i somehow thought that i would be intruding for doing that; your invitation to all of us to comment on your site opened my eyes. so thank you, and again “bonne anniversaire”…
but i still think you are the dread pirate roberts…
I don’t understand what about your site would offend people or cause them to make fun of it or speak badly of it. You’re only a guy asking questions. Are people just that jealous and threatened by someone who gets this many comments?
Haha……I don’t even remember what date it was when I signed up for xanga. The only thing I remember is thinking, “Damn, I hope this isn’t like Myspace.” lol. I hate myspace……
-KrIsTiN-
Hey Dan,
Well, I’ve been off xanga for a while because I was tired of the negative feedback, mostly from people at school (“Hey, dude, what happened to your posts? They’re not funny anymore! What happened to you?!”). So I did try to redeem my site by asking real questions in plain, legible english but I got tired of that because of the lack of responses and positive feedback, I guess. Or maybe I was just tired of that whole venue. Anyway, I’ve checked my xanga subscriptions for the first time in about three months and your account is the only one I’ve really followed. So thanks for continuing to do this.
Your site is honest. I like that about it. And it gives people the opportunity to share. I guess in some ways I wanted to emulate that, but right now it seems it’s better to just leave my page alone for a while…
i’m glad that you have this site, i can tell people what I think and I can see what they think and if I can see their point, it is hard to see a subject from two sides, but this helps, thanks for starting it
In regards to the Jehovah Witnesses I think the sign is a little like the Muslim cartoons on Allah were concerned which drew so much controversy…. Yes, there is the matter of free speech, and all that….But there is also respect involved in the matter of people having the rights to freely express themselves in which ever way, or what ever way they do it……
> Happy 1yr!!!! I’d heard references of your site bieng turned on and off, etc…. since swimming here many of the foootprints on my site were referred from yours; Russian Federation, Jordan, Thailand, ROK, Norway, Khazakstan?? Truly a world wide web; keep it real and don’t quit again, pls? ;-}
Peace
ps: I am still wondering how much time you spend for xanga everyday ? I remember it used to be 20min a day before.
love your site. AND I have met good people ON YOUR SITE! do hope you are inspired to keep it up.
I just started reading this site a couple weeks ago… and now I’m addicted. Missing a whole day of your posts is like torture.
i find that most of the time when i come to your site, it is usually very interesting and also makes a person start thinking!!! thanks for giving us something to think about!!!
I’ve only been on your site for a short time, but I find that you can cause a person to think and then express his or her view (right or wrong) you are not judgemental so I say keep up the good work, maybe we can make this place a nicer world if we all work together.
You’re so awesome, Dan. I feel bad that I was away from computer access for your Xangaversary. I really do.
So happy Xangaversary!
I think your site is wonderful…………very thought-provoking questions usually. You shouldn’t shut down just because of negative comments! Everyone has a right to their own opinions, and that’s what makes the world go ’round.
happy belated anniversary Dan
Sure is a sucess story. Glad you didn’t leave Xanga.