3. A New Year, A New Friend

[chromaskies]

Fill it out!
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>The Basics</em></span> <strong>Name:</strong> <strong>Age:</strong> <strong>Pronouns:</strong> <strong>Country:</strong> <span style="font-size: large;"><em>The New Year</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><strong>Do you have any resolutions?:</strong> <strong>Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?:</strong> <strong>Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?:</strong> <strong>Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?:</strong> <strong>Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?:</strong> (If not, that's okay. Just skip this one) <strong>What were your favorite memories from the past year?:</strong> <strong>Do you have any new years traditions?:</strong> <strong>Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2023?:</strong> <em><span style="font-size: large;">The New Friends</span></em> <strong>What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?:</strong> <strong>What do you like to read about?:</strong> <strong>How often do you check your friends feed?:</strong> <strong>Do you have any deal-breakers?:</strong> <strong>Do you mind reading about fandom?:</strong> <strong>If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?:</strong> <em><span style="font-size: large;">Currently...</span></em> <strong>Reading:</strong> <strong>Watching:</strong> <strong>Playing:</strong> <strong>Thinking about:</strong> <strong>Hobby/Interest:</strong> <strong>Planning for:</strong>

Share it out!
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://friending-memes.dreamwidth.org/3049.html"><img src="https://i.ibb.co/QcCRWfX/newyearsfriendzy.png" alt="newyearsfriendzy" border="0" /></a> Click the banner to join us and make some new friends!</div>

Comments

[autumndaze]

I love the game :D It's nice and chill! I'm still working on my last four achievements but overall it's just a nice chill game I use if I want to zone out for a bit. A streamer got me into it several months ago and I got two other folks I know into it and we know play a ton of it XD

Sure I'll add you!

[autumndaze]

Sure!

[ihearviolins]

Thank you so much! I added you back. ♥

I would be headed to Perth! I would love to visit Brisbane too, though (I noticed it listed on your profile). All the photos I've seen of it have made it look stunning!

[ihearviolins]

Hello! It's very nice to meet you. It definitely sounds like we've got quite a bit in common (I read your friending comment here too)! Just added you, and I hope your own Australia trip pans out ♥

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Thank you for the tutorials! I'll have to see if I can make them work or not.<<

I'm happy I could help.

>> (I have an issue with nerve damage, so my hands sometimes just simply refuse to do what I want them to, which I think is, sadly, the main problem with my attempts to knit...but it can't hurt to try again, surely!) <<

Oh, well, adaptive knitting is a whole different branch. There are tutorials for one-handed knitting, and different grips, and so forth. Try searching on YouTube to see what's currently available.

With nerve damage, I'd start with whatever tools often help it, like ergonomic grips. If you already have universal grippers or gripper gloves (used for spoons, toothbrushes, etc.) then most of those will also fit knitting needles. There are also knitting tools with built-in ergonomics of various styles. Bigger knitting needles and thicker yarn are often easier to work with than smaller ones.

https://simmonslis.libguides.com/KnittingGuide/Disability

https://knittingneedleguide.com/best-ergonomic-knitting-needles-for-arthritis/

https://knitpal.com/blogs/knitpal/the-best-ergonomic-knitting-tools-for-everyday-use

https://yayforyarn.com/ergonomic-knitting-for-hand-pain/


>> And "static responsive webdesign" is just making static sites (think the everyday personal hobbyist sites that are hopefully going through a bit of a renaissance at the moment) <<

Interesting.

>> that will look good and most importantly, be accessible on any screen resolution at all, be it on a phone or a desktop. <<

That's really hard to do, because there are just so many different programs and devices interacting. I see a lot of sites that try to optimize for one mode and don't work with others, or that try to fit everything and wind up not working well. Common problems include a view that doesn't resize or orient itself properly, losing scroll bars or buttons, and pop-ups that can't be closed because their closure is off the screen somewhere. 0_o My readers -- who often use mobile devices whereas I'm on a desktop -- report problems with different sites, and different types of problems. Best I can do is not link to a site that has problems I can see, and if it's hangfiring for other folks, try to find a replacement link, but there isn't always a replacement with the far-out stuff I reference.

Still, I think it's really useful to have people working on this problem. I hope you find new and interesting ways to built websites, or coding tools, that make things more legible with more devices/programs.

>> Personal sites that have a "eh, I don't care if it looks crap on your screen, it looks fine on mine" attitude are absolute poison for my migraine-prone eyes/head and just smack of laziness (if not unintentional ableism) to me, <<

I think there are a variety of things going on here:

* Most people don't know enough about accessibility to realize what is needed or how to use it, which leads to a patchy set of tools, which leads to a lot of clunky sites. Even if you do know about accessibility, nobody knows all the special needs and accommodations; some are common but others are really obscure. This can be improved by offering better tools, preferably with a two-way listing of conditions and tools that help them vs. tools and conditions they address. People need somewhere to go with, "My client has problem X with my website, how do I fix that?"

* Not everyone has the coding skill to build or even adapt their own website. Most are using whatever package someone else came up with. Maybe it's good, maybe it's bad, but often there isn't much if anything that they personally can do about it. They're working with what they can get and use, not necessarily what they'd like to have. Again, this can be improved with better tools.

* There's no such thing as universal design. Very often, people simply need different things, and sometimes those are incompatible. The high-contrast black-and-white design that maximizes usability for low vision is often too bright for people who get headaches or eyestrain from screens with a lot of white on them, whereas a dimmer lower-contrast design that is gentler on the eyes is illegible to someone with low vision. Inclusive design often does best when it maximizes user choice so that different people can pick whatever works best for them.

With computers, that's often a toggle that tells the computer what you're doing so it can serve you content framed for that. Do you want to read the site in English or French? Are you on a desktop or mobile device? What browser are you using? So if we move into adaptive aspects, that could be, Do you want to view this in full color, colorblind, or black-and-white mode? One I've seen in my fantasy setting Terramagne, but not here yet, is a text/visual toggle. The text mode gives you mostly words illustrated with a few necessary pictures, and the visual mode gives you mostly images explained with a few necessary words. Think about the difference between a text vs. image based knitting or crochet pattern or instructions. Because people absorb information differently, they can have a really hard time if it's in a format they don't use well, and flipping between those two covers more people than only one. Closest thing I've seen to it here are the little floating text-tags that will tell you what is in an image.

* Most people simply don't have the background or vocabulary to articulate why something bothers them. They'll says it's ugly or stupid or they don't want to use it, but there is often one or more problems under there which they aren't specifying but are relevant. Take the colorblind palettes. Most people just say they are ugly, which is a problem unto itself if it makes them want to avoid a website. But for me, those palettes would make a site much harder to navigate and use, because I have really high-end color vision that makes me uncomfortable with changing tint (so for instance, I can't stand sunglasses), and I use changes in color to find things. Of course we prefer different tools, I have whole little body parts that colorblind folks just don't have. So we can't easily read things in the other mode. Being able to flip back and forth between those modes, rather than have a single palette for everyone, would widen the possible users. I suspect the same thing is happening with some of the accessibility-testing websites. They're encouraging people to use things that are more helpful for some folks but less helpful for others. Some of this can be fixed with wider awareness, but some of it again comes down to tools and choices.

* Site design starts with the builder and/or owner, the core users. It has to be comfortable for them, whatever that is. Then, it has to be comfortable for their target audience. This is often what people mean by "It works for me." It does what they need it to do. And if it doesn't do that, then they can't use it, but they may not be framing it that way. They know they don't like a thing, but rarely seem to specify, "Thing X causes problem Y for me." Most modern folks seem to need a level of stimulation that is unusable for me -- constantly having things that move, flicker, pile on top of each other, make noise, etc. -- whereas they struggle to focus on something that is not doing those things. Different needs, again. This part is a lot about knowing what you need, what other people need, and how to talk about those things so you can find workable solutions.

>> so I'm really quite passionate about making it A Thing ♥ <<

I'm delighted to see someone working on this. I've been saying for years that we need more programmers with disabilities because they will build things and find solutions that nobody else has bothered to do, or realizes are needed. I think the more different tools we have, and the easier it is to customize things for different needs, the more accessible cyberspace will become.

[matsushima]

In my head, it sounds like "ey," like "ey/em/eirs," but I also know people who pronounce it "ash," which is what the ligature is called? Honestly, most people used "she" for me out loud, which is fine. The only other person I know who uses æ also has multiple sets of pronouns so I know I use ær other pronouns when talking about ær out loud.

[xlovebecomesher]

Yes! I see you're a Golden Girls fan and I love Golden Girls! Adding you now :)

[hlagol]

The Basics
Name: mo
Age: 30s
Pronouns: she/her
Country: usa

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: Nope. I don't really think of January 1st as the beginning of a new year, at least as far as my own energy is concerned. I'm always trying to improve life, but it's not a resolution sort of thing.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: Hoping to read all of the collected Sherlock Holmes this year. And to watch a couple of old (loose definition, ~30+ years) movies each month. And learn to typeset so that I can start binding things other than blank journals!
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: The pandemic has turned me into a person who only makes short term plans. Some nice meals with friends, hikes in my area, etc.
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I'd like to give knitting and/or crocheting a try. I'd also like to build a regular mediation practice this year.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Marrying my partner of a decade, spending time with friends.
Do you have any new years traditions?: Typically have a few friends over, watch a campy/corny movie, and disband at or before midnight.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2023?: Read, write, cook, garden, run.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Just folks who are interested and interesting. I know posting consistently on a blog isn't what it was 10-15 years ago, but I like to hear about what people are thinking/reading/doing, and to chat in the comments about anything and everything.
What do you like to read about?: See above! Life, thoughts, reviews and recommendations of media.
How often do you check your friends feed?: A few times a week.
Do you have any deal-breakers?:Aside from the "isms": no TERFs, no right wing politics, no fandom purity wank/antis.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: Not at all! I read tons of fic, but my DW will probably only have the occasional film/book/tv review or some under-a-cut fic recs. I'm down to geek out if I share an interest with someone, but my journal is more day to day life.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?: I mostly go with live action TV and film, with some books mixed in. I'm not at all into anime or music fandoms, so I'll be no use if that's your passion area. Some current interests: MASH, Ted Lasso, Sandman, Sports Night, Star Trek (TOS and DS9), and a bit of ye old Due South.

Currently...
Reading: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Moby Dick
Watching: What We Do in the Shadows, Sports Night (rewatch), Sandman, Leverage: Redemption
Playing: Dwarf Fortress, Disco Elysium
Thinking about: a return to the "slow web", atomization and community, the intersection of neurodiversity/gender/fandom/the internet.
Hobby/Interest: Cooking, reading, bookbinding, snail mail (fountain pens ❤️)
Planning for: the worst but hoping for the best. ha.

NB: If you think we'd get on, feel free to just add me. I'm easy about granting access, just like to keep real life stuff locked.

[smittenbyu]

The Basics
Name:Smitha
Age:mid 40s
Pronouns: she/her
Country:USA

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?:No. I don't make them. I just try to keep the wish for a year filled with movement, hanging out with friends/family, travel more. But not necessarily resolutions.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: No - not really. Although am always adding a lot of books "to read" on goodreads, that look interesting from friends' posts - does that count? Maybe my resolution would be to read some of them this year. :)

Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?:No - our annual (hopefully annual) trip home to see parents/in-laws in India. This year hoping to show D (our 12yo) some sights in India.

Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: I picked up relearning to play the sitar last fall. So, that will be what I hope to continue through this year.
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: (If not, that's okay. Just skip this one) I did get more movement into my daily life and am starting to enjoy it.
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: travel with sis, travel to see family after 4+ years (!!!).
Do you have any new years traditions?: we actually celebrate Sankranti and that's when we also turn of the fairy lights and throw Christmas tree out the house - we usually have a real Christmas tree. And we keep some of the wood for fire pit and the rest goes in the county compost. Sankranti is not the new year - just comes close to Jan 1st and we meet with close circle of friends after coming back and recovering from the holiday break.
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2023?: travel a bit more, even if it's locally/domestic.

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?:always up to "meet" new folks who share about their lives and thoughts. I love reading stories about folks' lives. I am not a big fanfic type of person and so would probably skip those.
What do you like to read about?: guess this is answered above? love to read about folks' travels, parenting journey, politics, what they are reading, watching, life in general.
How often do you check your friends feed?: I try to at least every other day but sometimes it's maybe once or twice a week - depending on travel / work load.
Do you have any deal-breakers?: the usual - any-phobic folks, Trump supporters,any one who is just plain unkind. I am fine with differing opinions but not when those hurt/harm others.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: No - it's OK if you post them, I wouldn't read them necessarily.
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?:

Currently...
Reading: Darko Dawson #2: Children of the Street by Kwei Quartey
Watching: Alaska Daily, Grey's Anatomy, Ghosts, Firefly Lane, Call the Midwife, Dead to Me, Bombay Begums, Sex Education and a bunch of others
Playing: the sitar
Thinking about:all the work that has piled up while I sit in isolation with COVID and too tired to focus. Hence, here in DW/LJ, being "productive". :)
Hobby/Interest: sitar, reading, watching TV, hanging out with friends, doing things with kid/family, trying different recipes.
Planning for:a trip with a friend and her 12yo to NYC in April!

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

I've been listing active communities on Dreamwidth:
https://ysabetwordsmith.dreamwidth.org/13809637.html

Icon communities appear in the Graphics theme:
https://ysabetwordsmith.dreamwidth.org/13614131.html

[smittenbyu]

love your style of writing. Just makes me smile. Does that sound creepy? Hope not. ha ha..Sorry about the bad things that happened.

[hlagol]

You sounds interesting and we share some interests - I've added you!

Re: I didn't plan on taking part, but I couldn't resist ;)

[hlagol]

You sound like an interesting person, so I've added you :D

[hlagol]

I've added you, since we've got some thing in common, and I love the rabbit hole that is "planner things" :D

[pasta]

Nice!! And yes, I'm obsessed with planner things, rofl. It's a deep hole that I've been in since middle school. It's just gotten worse as I've grown older. XD

[hlagol]

We seem to like a lot of the same media, so I feel like I'd enjoy reading about your life and the books/shows/films you're discovering. Have added you!

[kamomil]

The Basics
Name: I go by kamomil
Age: 51
Pronouns: she/her
Country: Canada

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: to stay off the internet, eg. stuff that tries to keep you engaged like Twitter
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: I am learning about jazz fusion, I find music but I need to sit down and make time to listen to it
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: my etsy store that I want to start
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?:
Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?: (If not, that's okay. Just skip this one)
What were your favorite memories from the past year?:
Do you have any new years traditions?:
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2023?:

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: Just people chatting about daily life
What do you like to read about?: Daily life stuff
How often do you check your friends feed?: maybe once a month at best. Sometimes I go a few months without checking.
Do you have any deal-breakers?:
Do you mind reading about fandom?:
If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?:

Currently...
Reading: a book about getting stuff printed
Watching: Coronation Street
Playing: piano & fiddle
Thinking about: music
Hobby/Interest: knitting, ham radio, sewing, cats, playing music
Planning for:

[smittenbyu]

I am a nosy person, too! :) Add?

Re: I didn't plan on taking part, but I couldn't resist ;)

[kamomil]

I have added you, you sound interesting. My mom is from Newfoundland

[blackcatofmisery]

If you "just sew sweaters," I am beyond impressed. That takes a lot of time and talent! I have no luck with machines, and I dunno why. I'm okay with hand sewing, even aside from embroidery, but I would really like to learn to machine sew properly. I've been looking at embroidery/sewing machines, for apparel. (I've hand embroidered T-shirts and honestly hate it.)

[forestofdreams]

If your profile interests are any indication, you have great taste in music! I'm also technically a ham--I've had my ticket since I was a kid, and I keep my license active, but it's been a long time since I've actually done anything with it. One day! Mind if I add you?

[forestofdreams]

I've seen you around DW (and previously LJ) on our mutual friends' journals. You seem very interesting and nice from your post here--mind if I add you? :)

[smittenbyu]

Hi! Sure - just added you! Or as they saw in DW, granted access! :)

Re: Thoughts

[ysabetwordsmith]

You're welcome! Lots of folks are finding new communities, so that's a good thing.

[kirundo]

The Basics
Name: Suu
Age: 44
Country: Austria

The New Year
Do you have any resolutions?: For the new year? Nah, they always fail in February so what's the point? ;) I do have some I try to acchieve during the year, jobwise it has made it really hard for me to do so though. Going swimming more often is one, being a bit more active is another.
Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?: LOTS, I'm just about finished building a monster of a gaming pc, so there's tons of games I want to play. Readingwise I'm still stuck with Wheel of Time.
Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: Lots of tiny weekend trips throughout Austria. I've also booked a trip to Germany, to visit new boyfriend's family for the first time...
Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?: Not really, I hardly have time for the ones I do have :) My job is eating me alive!
What were your favorite memories from the past year?: Falling in love is definitely the one standing out :D
Do you have any new years traditions?: Nope
Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2023?: go out more, be more active, take more pics, travel more...

The New Friends
What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?: People who want to interact, not just lurk around. I'm here to share my life, my ideas, my thoughts, tons of pics of course... so I wouldn't mind reading something similar?
What do you like to read about?: Daily routines, taking part in other people's lives
How often do you check your friends feed?: Not often enough, I've been really busy at work during last year. Fingers crossed it gets a bit better again!
Do you have any deal-breakers?: Religion, racism, the usual suspects I guess. People who disappear for months on end and don't interact at all.
Do you mind reading about fandom?: I'm not into it, so I'd skip it, if the journal is full of them then I rather not add.


Currently...
Reading: The Wheel of Time, book 6 or 7? I'm not sure...
Watching: Rewatching the witcher since I plan to dive into the game again soon.
Playing: Planet Crafter (until the new pc is ready then.... tons of gfx challenging games)
Thinking about: nothing in particular :)
Hobby/Interest: I do have tarantulas (in a special filter, hidden away) I love music and I do like to take pictures, especially of my two cats and landscapes and such.
Planning for: lots of weekend trips, a wee bit of healthy eating, sharing recipes maybe, not sure. If weight loss is a side effect that's great, but overall I want to get into a healthier routine. Stress is just no excuse to dive into bad habbits.