Cat-Scan.com
July 14, 2011 12:17 AM   Subscribe

Cat-Scan.com is one of the strangest sites I've seen in some time. I have no idea how these people got their cats wedged into their scanners, or why.
posted by Argyle (248 comments total) 180 users marked this as a favorite
 


I, too, find domain registration placeholders absolutely bizarre.
posted by NoraReed at 12:19 AM on July 14, 2011


I wanted to unveil the new site for memories we've been collecting for the past two weeks (yes, you can still post one if you missed the deadline). In other words:

YES, I FINALLY TRACKED DOWN THE DOMAIN SQUATTER OWNERS OF CAT-SCAN.COM AND PAID THEM FOR IT.
posted by mathowie at 12:20 AM on July 14, 2011 [334 favorites]


AWWWWWWWWW SHIIIIIIT
posted by danny the boy at 12:22 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Man, has it really been another year already?
posted by DoctorFedora at 12:24 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


HOLY CRAP ITS A CATSCANSMAS MIRACLE
posted by potch at 12:25 AM on July 14, 2011 [33 favorites]


Also: these are cortex's cats.

No, really.
posted by mathowie at 12:27 AM on July 14, 2011 [33 favorites]


This is the best Cat-Scan.com I've seen in over a decade.
posted by shii at 12:28 AM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]


does anyone read the posts down here?
posted by m@f at 12:29 AM on July 14, 2011 [6 favorites]


Congrats on another year, and thanks for still being here. This place has been, literally a place where I can catch my bearings when the world won't stop shifting/shaking around me.
posted by Ghidorah at 12:31 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


copyright 1997 DO NOT STEAL THESE IMAGES
posted by troll at 12:31 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Oh wow, this crept up on me. Yay! Happy 12th, everyone at MeFi!
posted by cmgonzalez at 12:34 AM on July 14, 2011


WHoa!!!
posted by ageispolis at 12:35 AM on July 14, 2011


Damn. I was a teenager when I first started lurking here. I'll be 32 in September.

Just yesterday I was telling my husband "No matter what I'm doing or where I'm travelling, there have been very few days in the last decade where I did not check Metafilter."
posted by annathea at 12:36 AM on July 14, 2011 [19 favorites]


Whaaaaaaaaaaaa!
posted by Jofus at 12:36 AM on July 14, 2011


Holy shit! That's still there?
posted by Gilbert at 12:36 AM on July 14, 2011


Awe... waitforit... some. The Blogfather shows the world how it should be done AGAIN.
posted by oneswellfoop at 12:36 AM on July 14, 2011


You know what's missing at this most joyous of times? A mefi cake. Or cookie. Or dish. I WANT TO EAT THE METAFILTERS EVEN THE BURNT ONES ĮN̸͘҉S̕I͜͞D҉̨́È̵͢ ͝M͘͜͝E̕͘͟
posted by Foci for Analysis at 12:40 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Bravo, Matt!
posted by mumkin at 12:41 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday, MetaFilter!

Hey everyone, don't forget the baby pictures! LOOK AT THE CUTE LITTLE GUY.
posted by secret about box at 12:44 AM on July 14, 2011


Only Metafilter make 12-year-old mystery meat taste so good.

Happy birthday!!!
posted by m@f at 12:47 AM on July 14, 2011


Goddamn, thanks everyone who contributed, I've already read two dozen amazing stories of MeFites doing favors and helping each other out that I had no idea about.
posted by mathowie at 12:51 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Surely a catscan site should support the img tag?
posted by awfurby at 12:53 AM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]


This calls for a ZIPPITY ZIPPITY ZIPPITY BOP!
posted by penguin pie at 12:53 AM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]


Catscanmas seems to come earlier every year. I haven't finished my shopping yet! Always end up doing it at the last minute. At least I can take advantage of the sales...
posted by ceribus peribus at 12:56 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


That domain is money well spent. Happy twelfth!
posted by spiderskull at 12:58 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday, Metafilter!
posted by scottymac at 12:59 AM on July 14, 2011


It's like Festivus in July! Happy Birthday, MeFi!

You know the drill: First the airing of grievances, then the feats of strength.
posted by mosk at 1:07 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm in tears. I have voted for every post I've read so far and probably will for every one there except mine. I had written a longer, almost-TMI entry about the site's influence during some of my darker hours, but chickened out in favor of a blurb about the "will not wendell" meme. I regret that. Carry on, you crazy MF'ers.
posted by oneswellfoop at 1:07 AM on July 14, 2011


This was a triumph. I'm making a note here: HUGE SUCCESS. It's hard to overstate my satisfaction.
posted by mek at 1:11 AM on July 14, 2011 [9 favorites]


Happy birthday! I can't remember when I met you. It was somewhere around 9/11, in a haze of college all-nighters and lurking Slashdot. I remembered a friend or someone mentioned you, and I developed a daily or weekly ritual of checking you for information and procrastination. A few months ago you finally posted about something I actually knew something about, and I've been hanging around ever since.
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 1:19 AM on July 14, 2011


This is the last year before the hormonal, sullen, "I HATE YOU!" metafilter enters our lives. Enjoy these precious moments.
posted by maxwelton at 1:30 AM on July 14, 2011 [11 favorites]


does anyone read the posts down here?

i do.













...sometimes.
posted by armage at 1:31 AM on July 14, 2011


Twelveplusgood.
posted by Dr. Zira at 1:36 AM on July 14, 2011


Good God, I momentarily thought I was going crazy. "Why does this post sound so familiar?! Am I on the right date? I could've sworn I've seen this here before, with this exact same wording, what's going on?" -looks at tags- "Ohhh."
posted by biochemist at 1:38 AM on July 14, 2011 [3 favorites]


Happy anniversary, big blue.
posted by ZeusHumms at 1:39 AM on July 14, 2011


The sun is finally shining outside, and I know I shouldn't be reading these right now, but I probably will. Happy 12th, MeFi!
posted by Harald74 at 1:40 AM on July 14, 2011


The weather outside is dreadful. Hooray for internets and the new cat scan!
posted by bjrn at 1:49 AM on July 14, 2011


"... YES, I FINALLY TRACKED DOWN THE DOMAIN SQUATTER OWNERS OF CAT-SCAN.COM AND PAID THEM FOR IT."
posted by mathowie at 3:20 AM on July 14

No one can ever say that you're not a sportin' man, #1.

Congrats for keeping the friendly blue lights on all this time.
posted by paulsc at 1:53 AM on July 14, 2011


Brilliant. Happy birthday, Mefi!
posted by waxpancake at 2:00 AM on July 14, 2011


Wow, that year just flew by! Happy birthday, Metafilter!
posted by Jubey at 2:10 AM on July 14, 2011


YES, I FINALLY TRACKED DOWN THE DOMAIN SQUATTER OWNERS OF CAT-SCAN.COM AND PAID THEM FOR IT.

Brilliant SEO strategy - now all you need to do is add a couple of links to epic kitty threads and signups from cat owners will cover the cost in no time.
posted by Dr Dracator at 2:10 AM on July 14, 2011


Coincidentally, or maybe not... (this is today's edition of one of the rerun comics on gocomics.com - originally published 7/15/04)
posted by oneswellfoop at 2:22 AM on July 14, 2011


Yay.
posted by trip and a half at 2:28 AM on July 14, 2011


Well it's not like I wanted to actually get anything done today anyways. At least now there is no risk I'll accidentally accomplish something.
posted by Mitheral at 2:28 AM on July 14, 2011


Metafilter's birthday is my birthday. I am 20 years older than Metafilter to the day. Metafilter = mini-me
posted by to sir with millipedes at 2:33 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Oh, and it's Bastille Day
posted by to sir with millipedes at 2:34 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Those perusing memories should not miss loquacious's excellent story (which was posted to MetaTalk but not Cat-Scan Invictus, for some reason).
posted by Rhaomi at 2:44 AM on July 14, 2011


Everyone be nice today, it's Metafilter's Birthday. Happy 12th!
posted by Elmore at 3:01 AM on July 14, 2011


This is awesome! How will mathowie top it for our 21st?
posted by gomichild at 3:03 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Can we buy the servers a drink?
posted by dabitch at 3:16 AM on July 14, 2011


Also: these are cortex's cats.

Needs more Comic Sans.
posted by burnmp3s at 3:18 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


"How will mathowie top it for our 21st?"

Well, it would be nice if he could figure out there is supposed to be a fucking cake!
posted by tomswift at 3:25 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Happy Metafilter Day!
posted by metaxa at 3:26 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Metafilter Day to all, and to all a good $PART_OF_DAY!
posted by eriko at 3:30 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Happy Metafilter day, everyone! Holy crap, I've been here for a long time. This is probably the single website that I've been involved with the longest, other than my own. And I don't post on that one much these days.
posted by litlnemo at 3:39 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Wow, litlnemo, you're an old-timer!


Also: these are cortex's cats.

No, really.
posted by mathowie


They were using LOL in 1997?
posted by vacapinta at 3:52 AM on July 14, 2011


Many happy returns, MeFi! I lub you!
posted by Sublimity at 4:01 AM on July 14, 2011


They were using LOL in 1997?

Yes. Yes we were.

AFK
posted by Jimbob at 4:03 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


It's all fine and well now, but next year MetaFilter turns into a teenager. I can't wait for the petulance of puberty to set in.
posted by hippybear at 4:12 AM on July 14, 2011


What do you get a MetaFilter for its 12th birthday? an in-joke? a flame-out? a ban-worthy self-link? All I have is my gratitude for many, many hours of wonder and pleasure and Garrr and laughter and edification. Hurf Durf Burfday!!!!!
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 4:31 AM on July 14, 2011


Awesome project.

YES, I FINALLY TRACKED DOWN THE DOMAIN SQUATTER OWNERS OF CAT-SCAN.COM AND PAID THEM FOR IT.
Not sure I approve. Doesn't this just help propagate the Domain Squatting industry?
posted by seanyboy at 4:31 AM on July 14, 2011


Wow.
Those stories make me just want to hug the internet. Happy Birthday Metafilter!
posted by newpotato at 4:35 AM on July 14, 2011


Eh.

It's no plastic.com, but I guess it'll do.

Oh who am I kidding. I love this place. Happy birfday, MeFi!
posted by BitterOldPunk at 4:36 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Ha! Happy birthday, you sexy MF.
posted by chinston at 4:47 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday Metafilter! The internet is a better place with you around.
posted by lilkeith07 at 4:53 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday, MeFi. And I won't try to say more because of what happened a couple of years ago.
posted by orange swan at 4:59 AM on July 14, 2011


I <3 this place, and not only because it makes me type &lt;3.
posted by Skorgu at 5:04 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Congrats, Thank You, Happy Birthday... Thanks for being one of the truly good guys. (all of you)

I feel really guilty that I've only ever contributed $5 to THE BEST THING ON THE INTERNET.
posted by DigDoug at 5:05 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday MeFi. I guess it's that time of year again where we have to have obligatory sex.
posted by Fizz at 5:05 AM on July 14, 2011


Jimbob: "They were using LOL in 1997?

Yes. Yes we were.

AFK
"

hey jimbob asl?
posted by Gordafarin at 5:13 AM on July 14, 2011


dabitch: Can we buy the servers a drink?

As long as it doesn't give them the JRuns.
posted by hangashore at 5:19 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


i started lurking in 2000-2001 switching between metafilter and memepool to assuage my ennui. by the time i thought of joining, membership was frozen. by the time it was unfrozen my ennui was in remission. then it returned and had become more radical i returned and joined up. then the ennui metastasized and I disable my first account. but here i am...

do i get any cake?

also, what was the name of user who used to post cryptic somewhat artsy mystery meat... the username had a number in it?
posted by ennui.bz at 5:21 AM on July 14, 2011


Hurray! Can't wait for next year so I'm not so completely baffled for the first five minutes..
posted by estuardo at 5:22 AM on July 14, 2011


ennui.bz -- you're thinking of hama7, I believe.
posted by BitterOldPunk at 5:28 AM on July 14, 2011


First of all, I lurked for years before finally joining this year, so it's nice to finally be on-board. I only wish I could remember how I first found MetaFilter. The furthest back I remember is thinking "Memepool doesn't seem to be updating regularly anymore; let's check out that blue site".

Secondly, after seeing this post dozens of times, I finally got it. cat-scan = CAT scan, as in "computerized axial tomography"! I don't know if this means that I am incredibly slow, or that I accept that people will jam their cats in a scanner, without thinking there must be some underlying joke.


Here's one for each year:

!!!!!!!!!!!!
posted by benito.strauss at 5:31 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Yay! I can't wait to go and read folks' memories. I was going to submit my own, but a) I didn't have time and b) I didn't feel like my stories were all that great and c) I can't even remember how I found MeFi, I just remember seeing somewhere that registrations had opened back up (this was back in the days of limited memberships) and jumped on the chance. I haven't even been here for 7 of the 12 years that MeFi has been around, and I took a couple year hiatus (I just couldn't keep up with the deluge of posts, and I got disheartened, clearing 200+ posts from my RSS feed every couple days). But now I've been back for a few months, and I must say I am enjoying being back again :)
posted by antifuse at 5:52 AM on July 14, 2011


I have neither a cat or a scanner, but thanks for having me anyway. Happy 12th Meta-People!
posted by Skygazer at 5:52 AM on July 14, 2011


/me rolls eyes at Jimbob teh n00B

*LOL*

Metafilter: Bob's House of Cats

I have to say that may be the best ever. Bravo, intrepid crew. Carry on.
posted by BlueJae at 5:55 AM on July 14, 2011


This is so fucking great.
posted by ColdChef at 6:04 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I love all of the sites mentioned.

Wow, two years since my one and only meetup (although b33j and I had a mini-meetup on the weekend at the Mediaeval Fair where we referenced Metafilter for the four hour train trip (to and from) plus most of the day).

I wish I had interesting stories to share but I don't. I just love the site and have done so since the first time I decided to actually read the comments. I don't love all of the comments, mind you, but damn if you people don't make me think.
posted by h00py at 6:06 AM on July 14, 2011


Awsomesauce. Amazingly great, how meta this has become.
Happy 12th everyone!
posted by bonehead at 6:21 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday, metafilter!
posted by lagreen at 6:23 AM on July 14, 2011


you're thinking of hama7, I believe.

yes, yes i was. thanks. just a little longer and i can disable this account too...
posted by ennui.bz at 6:24 AM on July 14, 2011


Trust MetaFilter (and Matt) to think of a great idea like MetaFilter memories and then link to it in a thoroughly entertaining - and meta - kind of way. Happy 12th birthday, Metafilter. Here's to 12 more!
posted by crossoverman at 6:25 AM on July 14, 2011


Awesome. Happy birthday, mefi!
posted by gaspode at 6:25 AM on July 14, 2011


This is awesome! How will mathowie top it for our 21st?

I heard he's going to charter a cruise ship and take us all on a three-hour tour!
posted by rtha at 6:26 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Happy birthday, MetaFilter! I love the new cat-scan.com. This is great.
posted by Songdog at 6:27 AM on July 14, 2011


This is awesome! How will mathowie top it for our 21st?


Strippers and booze?
posted by daniel_charms at 6:31 AM on July 14, 2011


So awesome.

Matt, you may want to redirect 'index.html' to the main cat-scans.com page to keep some of the old posts working.
posted by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug at 6:32 AM on July 14, 2011


holy crap, another year already! Happy birthday Metafilter!
posted by xbonesgt at 6:36 AM on July 14, 2011


maxwelton: "This is the last year before the hormonal, sullen, "I HATE YOU!" metafilter enters our lives. Enjoy these precious moments."

Just wait until it goes through its goth phase.
posted by schmod at 6:37 AM on July 14, 2011


This is great. I've been here about 10 years, back after a break, and honestly, it seems like longer. Love this site and glad it is still here. Thanks, mathowie.
posted by allpaws at 6:42 AM on July 14, 2011


This is amazing. Great idea to put the memories there. I feel like we've reclaimed our eagle after 12 years of defeat. Hurrah!
posted by yeti at 6:45 AM on July 14, 2011


I want to thank all y'all and especially Matt for making so many of my friends, family and acquaintances ask me over the years "Where do you GET this stuff?". I've lurked since close to the beginning, and been a member for a decade this year (when did THAT happen?) and there's still nothing like MeFi anywhere else. It feels like home here, complete with arguing, passive aggression and old wounds, but underneath all that, still home.

Happy birthday old friend.
posted by biscotti at 6:49 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday MetaFilter!
posted by jph at 6:55 AM on July 14, 2011


Awesome. Happy birthday, Metafilter! Welcome to puberty!
posted by zarq at 6:59 AM on July 14, 2011


Also, Jason Kottke posted Happy 12th Birthday, Metafilter!
posted by zarq at 6:59 AM on July 14, 2011


006699. Fuck yeah. Happy birthday mefi.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 7:00 AM on July 14, 2011


Matt, that was beautiful.
posted by caddis at 7:01 AM on July 14, 2011


What a delight! And I'm glad y2karl mentioned the Yeats thread in his memory post; I was planning to but forgot.

Also: ZIPPITY BOP!
posted by languagehat at 7:03 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


been a member for a decade this year (when did THAT happen?)

I'm trying not to think about that myself.

dear lord I thought I'd seen the last of zippity bop. thank god mefi doesn't do that kind of thing any more hurf durf hamburger
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 7:06 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday, MeFi! [ mee'-fye ]

I can't remember how I found this place exactly, or how long I lurked before getting an account (it was a little while), but it's pretty awesome. Thanks, mathowie & Team Mod!
posted by smirkette at 7:10 AM on July 14, 2011


Thank you for building MetaFilter.
posted by mattbucher at 7:10 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I was disappointed that the Bob's House of Cats link just led back here. I was promised more cats. A whole houseful.
posted by desjardins at 7:12 AM on July 14, 2011


\o/

I now feel compelled to send #1 a contribution towards the Preserve Internet History By Buying It From Asshats Fund. Thanks for everything, Matt.
posted by holgate at 7:13 AM on July 14, 2011


Matt, great job on another year. Thanks for making MeFi possible!
posted by mark7570 at 7:16 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday old friend.
posted by eyeballkid at 7:22 AM on July 14, 2011


Dodecatuple.
posted by togdon at 7:22 AM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]


Thinking about cats again, desjardins?

The birth of Metafilter surely must count as proof that the internet is made of cats. Hooray for both.
posted by CheeseDigestsAll at 7:23 AM on July 14, 2011


Between this and the matthowie interview, it's Rainin' MetaFilter!

And my thanks also to Matt for creating this. I came for the 9/11 thread and stayed for, well, everything else.
posted by tommasz at 7:25 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday MetaFilter. I love you.

Thanks Matt, for all of this (also, Jessamyn, cortex, and the rest.)
posted by Sophie1 at 7:34 AM on July 14, 2011


Huh. I just realized that I've been a mefite for a quarter of my life.

What a strange and wonderful thought.

Happy Birthday MetaFilter!
posted by quin at 7:39 AM on July 14, 2011


All right people. Here is your cake.










sorry, we eated it.
posted by DiscourseMarker at 7:46 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Excellent present! I shall now don my ceremonial garment and start the festivities in earnest.

Today and Record Store Day are the only two holidays I ever celebrate, seriously, which I guess means that MeFi is the virtual equivalent of New LP Smell.
posted by FelliniBlank at 7:57 AM on July 14, 2011


The best part is that now all those anniversary posts through the last twelve years point to our Metafilter Memories page. Matt just retconned the universe.
posted by shakespeherian at 7:59 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I've been quoting the "does anyone read the posts down here" line everytime this has come up, but I just now realized that the cry of ZIPPETY BOP is one of the funniest things I have ever read.
posted by Astro Zombie at 8:06 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday, MeFites!
posted by ericb at 8:06 AM on July 14, 2011


WTF is metafilter?
posted by clvrmnky at 8:16 AM on July 14, 2011


I am greatful you bastards exist
posted by wheelieman at 8:17 AM on July 14, 2011


Hoopy barfday, Metafilter!
posted by macadamiaranch at 8:18 AM on July 14, 2011


YES, I FINALLY TRACKED DOWN THE DOMAIN SQUATTER OWNERS OF CAT-SCAN.COM AND PAID THEM FOR IT.

Joyful joyousness abounds! Fix that shit up so we can submit our cats! It should be revived in all its glory. Hallelujah!
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:19 AM on July 14, 2011


Oddly enough, the net-nanny software at work is prohibiting me from accessing the cat-scan site, on the grounds of "profanity not allowed".

Thankfully, it's never read MetaFilter, I guess....
posted by anastasiav at 8:20 AM on July 14, 2011


Well, that's a happy surprise. Thanks, Matt!
posted by skyscraper at 8:29 AM on July 14, 2011


Damn. Now, I have somehow gotten the Beatle's Taxman stuck in my head, except I'm hearing George singing the words "Cause I'm the cat scan. Yeah, I'm the cat scaaaaaan." WTF, Matt?
posted by Devils Rancher at 8:33 AM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


Also: these are cortex's cats.

Not just mine, though they're in there. A few other mefites, approached on the sly, stepped up to the plate and risked serious claw-based trauma to provide most of those. I did pick out the colors for the page, though.

Joyful joyousness abounds! Fix that shit up so we can submit our cats! It should be revived in all its glory. Hallelujah!

I seriously considered rolling up a tumblr yesterday specifically for that reason, but then I discovered that someone had already grabbed the appropriate url like three months ago and did a short-lived run of posts.

We could probably still make such a thing happen, though.
posted by cortex at 8:36 AM on July 14, 2011


メタフィルターお誕生日おめでとう!
posted by gen at 8:42 AM on July 14, 2011


10 years! 10 years I've been on the blue. Gah.
posted by shoepal at 8:47 AM on July 14, 2011


My MeFi memory:

I liked the time when nobody read the linked article and everybody started arguing about a derail and then somebody started a MeTa post and they argued there too.

That was good.
posted by mazola at 8:48 AM on July 14, 2011 [5 favorites]


I had an impossible time picking a favorite so I just picked an early one that I liked. Thanks for everything Matt.
posted by jessamyn at 9:03 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday Metafilter
posted by The Whelk at 9:06 AM on July 14, 2011


Aw. MUSHI MUSHI GILA MONSTER is our cat, and he is THE BEST CAT.

This whole thing is hilarious and sweet. I truly love this place and all who dwell within it. Thanks, Matt.
posted by melissa may at 9:22 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Wow everyone! I'm laid up with a severely sprained ankle, and I now know what I'm up to for the rest of the day! What a set of great memories!

Now if I can just figure out how to use my crutches to get the charging cord plugged into the laptop, I'll be all set...
posted by jasper411 at 9:44 AM on July 14, 2011


item, you totally didn't (yes, I will speak for everyone). I thought your entry was fantastic and a great illustration of the main thing that makes this place what it is.
posted by rtha at 9:53 AM on July 14, 2011


I've been a lurker for a long time, even though I now have an account. Hopping on to say big thanks to Matt for the memories and Happy Birthday MF!!!
posted by vivzan at 10:16 AM on July 14, 2011


Awesome purchase Matt, lovely gesture. And happy birthday Mefi. :)
posted by Duug at 10:16 AM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday, Metafilter! Thanks to Matt, and everyone else who makes the site so great.
posted by Chrysostom at 10:21 AM on July 14, 2011


anistasiav: me too. How...odd.
posted by epersonae at 10:23 AM on July 14, 2011


In accordance with my husband's family's practice of singing the following song for all important events, especially birthdays, I offer:

Sally in the alley sifting cinders
Lifted up her leg and farted like a man
Wind from her bloomers broke six windows
Cheeks of her ass went Bam! Bam! Bam!

Happy Birthday, Blue. And many happy returns of the day.
posted by kinnakeet at 10:27 AM on July 14, 2011


In MeFi's honour, I will drink until I get to the I-fuckin'-love-you-man stage and then stagger around the blue telling everyone how much I fuckin' love them, man.
posted by Pallas Athena at 10:50 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I fuckin' love you, Pallas Athena.
posted by Gordafarin at 10:56 AM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Aw man, this is the best! What a lovely birthday present to, for, from and about all of us. Happy Birthday, MeFi!
posted by iamkimiam at 11:00 AM on July 14, 2011


!
posted by ejoey at 11:31 AM on July 14, 2011


We all read the posts down here!

Happy Birthday and many many happy returns, Metafilter. When I was first shown Usenet back in 1992 I was awed by what it meant in terms of human communication and community. This place is one of the very few sites on the interwebs that still embodies that, and which is a (sorry, getting emotional here) good place. A place that does good. Another kind of home. Now if you'll excuse me I'll just shuffle over to the corner and dab my eyes, and then grab one of these bags of confetti and a vuvuzela and honk away over by the punchbowl.
posted by jokeefe at 12:00 PM on July 14, 2011 [4 favorites]


I like popsicles.
posted by turaho at 1:03 PM on July 14, 2011


I like Fudgsicles.
posted by ericb at 1:05 PM on July 14, 2011


I just finished my first draft so I'm having champagne at the scandalous hour of 4 pm
posted by The Whelk at 1:10 PM on July 14, 2011


Like a for real draft?!
posted by shakespeherian at 1:11 PM on July 14, 2011


Real enough to show to an editor.
posted by The Whelk at 1:16 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday, Metafilter!

I wore my MeFi shirt today to celebrate, and the guy at the coffeeshop thought I was a fan of all filters in general because of it -- water, air, etc. That conversation seemed appropriate, somehow.
posted by heurtebise at 1:19 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I'm wearing my mefi shirt around lower manhattan, wondering if anyone will notice....
posted by The Whelk at 1:20 PM on July 14, 2011


I kiss you!!!!!!!!!
posted by zerobyproxy at 1:21 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Even the Peter pan man found love.....
posted by The Whelk at 1:22 PM on July 14, 2011


This birthday.... it vibrates?
posted by spilon at 1:24 PM on July 14, 2011


We have birthdays.
posted by The Whelk at 1:28 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


metafilter's been a constant source of fun and delights to me for six or seven years now. I don't even know what my favorite mefi-related memory would be.

Yeah, I had the same lockup/decision paralysis. Too much to pick from.
posted by COBRA! at 1:29 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday MeFi!
posted by absquatulate at 1:39 PM on July 14, 2011


Hey, that link and this thread has no fucking cat scans in it at all!

GOD FUCKING DAMNIT

I'M NOT CLOSING MY BOLD TAG IN PROTEST

posted by solistrato at 1:54 PM on July 14, 2011


RTFA N00B
posted by cortex at 1:55 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


FUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
posted by solistrato at 1:56 PM on July 14, 2011


I had a lemon drop at lunch. Woo hoo to daytime cocktails!
posted by mathowie at 2:13 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


this is the funniest, most wonderful news i have read today
posted by radiosilents at 2:18 PM on July 14, 2011


I related the concept of this birthday post to my wizened, hoary, old citizens of teh internets.

They lol'ed

Happy birthday!
posted by device55 at 2:34 PM on July 14, 2011


Another year that I forgot to get Metafilter a gift!
posted by TwelveTwo at 2:39 PM on July 14, 2011


I had a lemon drop at lunch.

The more I read about them, the more I realize that your lunches have a lot to recommend them.
posted by quin at 2:39 PM on July 14, 2011


Meme-gasms all over the place.

You hyper-recursive nerdballs.

I love you all.

posted by Skygazer at 3:12 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday, MetaFilter!

I started lurking here in late 2000... when I also followed memepool and plastic.

The morning of 2001/09/11 I installed my first ethernet NIC, connected the CAT 5 to my Linksys BEFSR41 router, and powered on my Telocity DSL gateway only to come here to find out that the world had gone stark, raving, mad...

I registered as soon as I could. Been here ever since. Lurkin' and posting what I find of interest. My relationship with MeFi has lasted much longer than the one I had with the woman I would in time marry, and have leave me.

Funny, that.

Matt, Jessamyn, and Jason; thanks for this place. All you awesome, crazy, sexy, wonderful MeFites out there... I luvs you all.

Lets keep making MetaFilter the best family to be a part of.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 3:24 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I fuckin' love you, man.

Gordafarin! Gimmeeee a hug!!!!
posted by Pallas Athena at 3:36 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday MetaFilter.... You're my boy BLUE!!!
posted by Plug1 at 3:42 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Break out the bubbly Jeeves, i feel like being vast and pleasant!
posted by The Whelk at 3:42 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Metafilter: I had a lemon drop at lunch.
posted by Skygazer at 3:43 PM on July 14, 2011


Yay, someone added more tags.
posted by ZeusHumms at 3:45 PM on July 14, 2011


Oh em gee.
posted by brundlefly at 4:13 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday, Metafilter. Can't believe I've been a member all that time.
I rarely post now, but still look in from time to time.
posted by tomcosgrave at 4:14 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday MeFi!

Come August I'll have been here for 10 years, and in all that time I've only managed to contribute 1 FPP and 8 comments.

But I read you every day, you beautiful blue bugger you.
posted by garrett at 4:19 PM on July 14, 2011 [2 favorites]


<3
posted by fix at 5:30 PM on July 14, 2011


We need a Metafilter cocktail, Blue Curacao with a twist of lemon and a lychee nut or something.
posted by The Whelk at 5:31 PM on July 14, 2011


I love it. It's like saying 'he now I'm so big I can BUY YOU! Happy birthday MetaFilter!
posted by ddaavviidd at 5:59 PM on July 14, 2011


<3
posted by keli at 6:02 PM on July 14, 2011


Shit, is it that time already?!? Happy 4,380th day, MeFi!
posted by effwerd at 6:15 PM on July 14, 2011


!Happy happy Birthday, Metafilter! Enjoy your last year as a teen, because before you know it, you'll be 13 and oh, those teen-age years and the hormones, and the body issues.... But I'll always be here for you, Metafilter, dear. *blows a kiss*
posted by Lynsey at 6:37 PM on July 14, 2011


er, tween, that is...
posted by Lynsey at 6:37 PM on July 14, 2011


1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 e-le-ven twelve!

This place is a good place.
posted by roobot at 6:38 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


Matt, thanks for having a little idea that became a wonderful thing.

Happy Birthday, MetaFilter!
posted by deborah at 6:43 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy 12th my gorgeous blue. <3
posted by thsmchnekllsfascists at 6:48 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy birthday to my favoritest web site.
posted by Put the kettle on at 7:05 PM on July 14, 2011


I don't post much, but yeah metafilter is still my favorite site. I've been here for over ten years, wow. Matt & crew - you've done an awesome job. The active active members have shifted over the years, but somehow you've been able to keep a very good community going here. kudos!
posted by escher at 7:26 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday all y'all.
posted by jlkr at 7:29 PM on July 14, 2011


Well, I'm a relative newbie who joined only three years ago and doesn't comment that much, but I've sure enjoyed my time here. Happy 12th, Mefites!
posted by bettafish at 7:35 PM on July 14, 2011


Damn I love you, MeFi. Happy 12th.
posted by donnagirl at 7:42 PM on July 14, 2011


Happy Birthday Blue. You've made me a better person.
posted by chinesefood at 8:01 PM on July 14, 2011


I love this place.

Congrats, Mathowie and mods, on being good eggs.
posted by bardic at 8:03 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


I knew there was a reason I liked MetaFilter: we're the same sign!

Anyway, happy birthday, M.F. You've made me so very happy. I'm so glad you came into my life.
posted by Mael Oui at 8:36 PM on July 14, 2011


Wait, if MetaFilter started on July 14th, does that mean it's French?
posted by madcaptenor at 8:49 PM on July 14, 2011


Vive la revolution!
posted by gingerbeer at 8:59 PM on July 14, 2011


I love on you so hard, metafilter.
posted by msali at 9:06 PM on July 14, 2011


Thanks for everything MetaFilter. *hugs*
posted by luminous phenomena at 9:11 PM on July 14, 2011


Yay Mefi!
posted by IndigoRain at 9:27 PM on July 14, 2011


*Showing up fashionably late to the party to grab a drink, hug you all, and wander by the food table.*

Oh good, cupcakes!

Anyway... happy birthday, Metafilter, and thanks to Matt and Co. for being so good at what you do. Much obliged, today and every day.
posted by scody at 10:10 PM on July 14, 2011 [1 favorite]


<3
posted by bam at 11:34 PM on July 14, 2011


I love you guys! *hic*
posted by inpHilltr8r at 1:34 AM on July 15, 2011


I had no idea that Metafilter was twelve. That explains a lot. I worry that Metafilter will only become more difficult in its early teens.
posted by twoleftfeet at 3:07 AM on July 15, 2011


Arrives unfashionably late, but I had an actual cat scan a few days ago - does that make up for it?
Happy Birthday, Metafilter!


hey! all the cupcakes are gone....
posted by Kronos_to_Earth at 6:30 AM on July 15, 2011


I love you, each and everyone one of you. Happy Birthday MeFi!
posted by arcticseal at 7:20 AM on July 15, 2011


I am going to have to find away to get drunk at work in celebration. Get drunk at work again, that is to say. Get drunk at work again this week, that is.

Get drunk at work and cry again this week, is what I mean to say.

I love you crazy people. Happy bday, MeFi.
posted by penduluum at 7:42 AM on July 15, 2011


LOL CATS Happy birthday mefi
posted by radsqd at 7:43 AM on July 15, 2011


Thank you all for another year of Awesome!
posted by MuChao at 7:45 AM on July 15, 2011


I am going to go slightly perpendicular here and post my best and my worst experiences on this site.

The best was I found a life-changing answer to a personal health/hygiene issue which I cannot detail because it was my anonymous askme, which got a couple good answers but not the answer; then at the bottom of the question I read all the answers to all the search bot suggested previous questions and in that big pile I found the answer to my question.

It was worth orders of magnitude greater than five dollars.

The most positive development in the history of the site was when the posting of images was terminated. I laughed my ass off when Jessamyn posted the guy sticking his dick in the chicken animated gif but the whole tone of the website got de-farked in a fell swoop and it was a great choice in retrospect. I cannot remember the last time I loaded the fark dot com page. I actually thought about doing so for about ten seconds after I saw the thing on Arnold and his nanny on the google news but man would that have been a waste of time.

The worst moments are all when favorite posters flamed out. The worst was ikyuu2; his posts were 80% fantastic and it really pained me to see him go out like that. Then a couple months after I was looking through his old comments and I found one where he was bitching about amateurs at wikipedia censoring his expert contributions and that was deja vu hoy vey.

One thing that amazes me is that in all these years I have been on a common enough ground with the folks here that I have only had two posts deleted, ever; both of them were posted when I had imbibed too much alcohol to legally drive and I have since completely stopped posting after drinking.
posted by bukvich at 7:55 AM on July 15, 2011


Boy am I glad I clicked through and then clicked through again from mathowie's comment.

Otherwise I'd be flagging this as a crappy FPP

(gotta hang out more again but still feeling burnt by the online world's vicissitudes)
posted by infini at 8:22 AM on July 15, 2011


bukvich writes "I laughed my ass off when Jessamyn posted the guy sticking his dick in the chicken animated gif"

Jessamyn didn't post that animated GIF. She posted links to the source images of the GIF and someone else animated and posted the animation inline.
posted by Mitheral at 8:25 AM on July 15, 2011


Thank you for the update Mitheral. I will probably forget the true facts again in another week, though. The fiction has more memory power.
posted by bukvich at 8:42 AM on July 15, 2011


Happy birthday, MeFi! I actually have MetaFilter's birthday on my iCal. (Seriously. I know.) I was slightly astonished to realize that I have also been here for ten years.

I drift away sometimes but I always come back to the Blue. It's home.
posted by swerve at 11:14 AM on July 15, 2011


I don't want to sound ungrateful, but I was disappointed that the Bob's House of Cats link just led back here. I was promised more cats. A whole houseful.

Personally, I think Bob's House Of Cats should lead here if anywhere.

Seriously though, please allow us all to submit our cats. It's the only submission I will ever get out of my cat.


Wait, if MetaFilter started on July 14th, does that mean it's French?

No, just recently released form prison.
posted by maryr at 11:24 AM on July 15, 2011 [1 favorite]


HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MEMEPOOL
posted by griphus at 12:20 PM on July 15, 2011 [1 favorite]


What do you get a MetaFilter for its 12th birthday?

Well, it has been asking for a pony for a while now...
posted by lekvar at 12:47 PM on July 15, 2011 [2 favorites]


bukvich writes "The fiction has more memory power."

It's amazing the power of that misrepresentation isn't it. At one time I would have sworn it was Jessamyn who posted the GIF. I think about that every time I hear people relating how know how something occurred because they saw it first hand
posted by Mitheral at 12:49 PM on July 15, 2011


This is great. Thanks Matt, and Happy Birthday MetaFilter!
posted by homunculus at 1:04 PM on July 15, 2011


I hate you.
posted by jessamyn at 6:40 PM on July 15, 2011 [2 favorites]


And next year, MetaFilter becomes a man. Or a woman. Or a gender-neutral website.
posted by tzikeh at 7:36 PM on July 15, 2011


Does MetaFilter have to pass a rite of passage first?
posted by homunculus at 8:26 PM on July 15, 2011


I fall for the Cat-Scam every year. One of these days, I'll get to see some damned scanned cats!

Best $5 I ever spent.
posted by _paegan_ at 8:56 PM on July 15, 2011


Does MetaFilter have to pass a rite of passage first?

MetaFilter will have to study, and then recite, a passage from the FAQ in front of the MeFite congregation. It wil then bless the taters, the beans, and the portabello mushrooms with a few short songs from Your Favorite Band. After that, we all give it envelopes with $5 savings bonds for its college fund, after which point we will proceed to get drunk on cheap whine. Pancakes will be served.
posted by tzikeh at 8:56 PM on July 15, 2011 [4 favorites]


On rabbits.
posted by maryr at 8:59 PM on July 15, 2011 [1 favorite]


Now that sounds like a truly great time, tzikeh.

Mmmmmmmm... pancakes.
posted by PROD_TPSL at 9:00 PM on July 15, 2011


Aha, I think this is where I found you.

And here's where I fretted I'd lost you.
posted by Devils Rancher at 10:28 PM on July 15, 2011


MetaFilter's first pon farr is going to be harsh.
posted by brundlefly at 1:00 AM on July 16, 2011 [3 favorites]


Oh fuck you, brundlefly, now I have that goddamn Kirk Spock fight-scene music in my head. AT THREE IN THE MORNING.
posted by tzikeh at 1:03 AM on July 16, 2011 [2 favorites]


My work here is done.
posted by brundlefly at 1:44 AM on July 16, 2011 [3 favorites]


four more years!
posted by Dillonlikescookies at 3:21 AM on July 16, 2011


I have been lurking for at least 8 years and just, finally, bought my way in. As a nice coincidence, it's the 12th anniversary of MeFi: Long may she reign.
posted by PretentiousAsHell at 12:51 PM on July 16, 2011 [3 favorites]


Dang -

Disney Animated Movies - you get ONE MINUTE.

Even with my vast knowledge of the Disney animated canon, I SUCKED at that one.
posted by tzikeh at 1:05 PM on July 16, 2011


...

I just so posted in the wrong thread.

>.<

Carry on.
posted by tzikeh at 1:06 PM on July 16, 2011 [1 favorite]


I gotta know... which thread?
posted by infini at 1:26 PM on July 16, 2011


This one.
posted by tzikeh at 1:38 PM on July 16, 2011


Happy Birthday, Metafilter! :)
posted by ruelle at 4:03 PM on July 16, 2011


Better late than never - happy 12 Mefi!
posted by caution live frogs at 4:09 PM on July 16, 2011


Happy Birthday!
I've been hanging out here for 9 years. Such a wonderful place to spend years of my life!
posted by stoneegg21 at 4:15 PM on July 16, 2011


hawt damn i missed it!
happy belated bday MeFi!
posted by liza at 7:08 PM on July 16, 2011


!
posted by oddman at 5:27 PM on July 17, 2011


Happy birthday, Metafilter! You don't look a day over 10, I swear.

Coincidence 1: I've been busy since last week 'cause my boyfriend's birthday was over the weekend, and I had to get some stuff together for celebration purposes.* I somehow hadn't put together that he and Metafilter are almost birthday twins.

Coincidence 2: He gave me my Metafilter account as a birthday present.

Coincidence 3: He and Metafilter are both keepers.

*At one point, I walked two miles to find party hats, because fuck it, I know where dollar stores stay open late in Brooklyn, and I'm faster than the bus, and by god, there will be party hats.
posted by evidenceofabsence at 11:11 PM on July 17, 2011


"Your request to URL "http://www.cat-scan.com/" has been blocked by the McAfee Web Gateway URL Filter Database. The URL is listed under categories (Profanity, Gruesome Content), which are not allowed by your administrator at this time. The following reputation level was assigned to it: Unverified."

Sad face.
posted by that's candlepin at 10:10 AM on July 18, 2011


Oh scratch! Happy belated, Mefi!
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:35 PM on July 18, 2011


I really should read the posts down here
posted by Mahogne at 9:32 PM on July 18, 2011


No you shouldn't
posted by TwelveTwo at 10:07 PM on July 18, 2011


Why not I am
posted by h00py at 3:43 AM on July 19, 2011


Well, worst week ever of my life, but it's nice to know I can depend on some things.
posted by Nabubrush at 8:44 PM on July 20, 2011


A bit late, but many happy return of the day!
posted by leo at 7:00 PM on July 24, 2011


cat-scan.com has really improved.
posted by zennie at 5:10 AM on August 5, 2011


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