myspace is your space
I mentioned on the show last week that I had a myspace page, and quickly came to the conclusion that so does everyone else on the planet, and they're all checking them as soon as they arrive at work. No sooner had I returned to my desk from the studio, than my inbox was deluged with bulletins from myspace:
"Just A Tad would like to be added to your MySpace friends list!"
"Lisa says...WAY TO GO MARK BUEHRLE!!! would like to be added to your MySpace friends list!"
"Renowned Psychic Medium would like to be added to your MySpace friends list!"
Not only did I have 35 people requesting my friendship, but many of them left messages for me. Nearly half of those messages began with a disclaimer:
"OK, just so you know, I'm totally not a stalker, just a big fan!"
It's been my experience in life that people who make it a point of telling you they're not a stalker, are usually STALKERS!
But I understand people not wanting to be seen as desparate or strange. When I was a kid, I wrote a letter to the guy who played "Sarge" on the obscure 80's Vietnam War TV show "Tour of Duty." I felt a little weird about writing to such a big star, but I'll tell you what, when that glossy 8x10 signed by Sarge himself arrived in the mail a week later, I didn't stop playing "Tour of Duty" make-believe for a week.
*As for those writing me, please don't request a glossy 8x10. We're not issued them anymore. Don't ask.
Myspace is quite the phenomenon. I'll admit, it can be addictive. I'm currently involved in a campaign to make sure I occupy the #1 spot on all of your Friends lists. But there are some annoyances with the system, like the "Match.com" ads with the co-eds who catch you checking them out in the gym mirror. I've done a lot of staring in my life, and believe me, not once have I been told it's OK.
Otherwise, the ads for Beer Nuts and wholesale candy really don't bother me at all.
Comments
You've been #1 on my page since you accepted my "friendship." Thanks for brightening up my myspace!
Posted by: maria | April 25, 2007 7:08 PM
Pat, I have to admit I was one of those people that rushed to add you after you mentioned it on WGN. Unfortunately my Number 1 is my fiance and I don't think he'll like it if he moves from that position.
But you are on my TOP 24.
Posted by: Fabby | April 26, 2007 8:22 AM
Wow, I have been mentioned in the WGN morning news blog. I feel famous now! You have some very tough competition to be in my #1 space though.
Posted by: Lisa | April 26, 2007 10:19 AM
Whoo...thank god I already got my glossy 8x10 of you Pat. Ebay here I come!
Posted by: Laurie | April 26, 2007 7:25 PM
Sad, but true - the line about "not being stalkers." So I'm just gonna downright admit it, yes, I stalk the WGN Morning News team! (Ask Ana.. she found out, but was very sweet about it.. thanks :))
Posted by: Mark | April 26, 2007 11:52 PM
PAT!!!!!!!! HOW DARE YOU!? I said I wasnt a stalker and havent stalked - i mean talked to you since!!! I was one of your 1st friends!!! and that picture is in a "shiny frame." !!! ;-) BUT since I was removed from your top friends I had to put you near the bottom on mine!!
YOU ARE FANTASTIC!!!!!! and freakin' hystarical!!!
Posted by: Nichole T | April 27, 2007 9:07 AM
I'll make you #1 on mine if you make me #1 on yours! :)
Posted by: deebopalula | April 27, 2007 10:37 PM