I’m one of those social network whores. Like most people, I created a MySpace account back when it was still popular, although I never used the thing (I mostly just friended some celebrities here and there). One of my other accounts that went really underused was my LJ account, which I posted on maybe once or twice every couple of months. Looking back, I realized that within the last few years I mostly used it to rant about the worst things in my life or make a sporadic “Hey, I’m finally going to use this thing!” post. I was never the type to write about my feelings, hoping that other people would read them.
Our pool’s heater broke down last week, and it rained so much that the pool’s water dipped down to 70 degrees. Since I’m not fond of feeling like an ice cube, I’ve been spending a lot of time on the internet, during which I recently discovered my old LJ account. I found out that there are some pretty nifty things that I didn’t know about on livejournal, which can be pretty fun and great time-wasters. They’re also fantastic ways to meet new people.
Land Communities
As far as I know, the first one of these things was called whedonland. These are basically interactive communities in which you apply to be a part of a certain team and compete with others to earn points. Different challenges could involve graphic making, trivia, or puzzles. I’m currently a member of crimeland for Criminal Minds (supporting Team JJ), Bonesland (supporting Team Squint), as well lost_land, in which I’m part of Team Survivors. I’ve also sent applications for gleeverse and cw_land, which I’m currently waiting on. They’re insanely addictive.
Icon Contests
I’ve never really considered myself that talented when it comes to making graphics, especially icons (my argument: they’re so small, how the heck do you work with them?), but I recently came across some lovely tutorials which have helped me improve tenfold. I’ve entered a bunch of challenges this week for different fandoms like Criminal Minds, Glee, and Lost, and have actually won a bunch of awards at a few that I’ve entered. They’re pretty fun, and a great way to exercise your creative side. These are some examples of some of my entries (the one on the far right actually won first place).
Hogwarts is Home
This is for all you Harry Potter fans with Livejournal accounts. There’s this fantastic, fantastic community on livejournal called hogwartsishome, where you send in an application to be sorted into one of the four houses (other members judge what house you should be sorted in by reading your application). Once you’re sorted, you’re added to that house’s common room, and voila! You’re free to join the many, many communities that HIH has to offer ranging from the Daily Prophet, Saint Mungos, The Quibbler, etc. They even have “Quidditch” matches (each house has their own locker room, haha) and icon challenges. It’s pretty much the biggest and most interactive HP community there is, with hundreds, if not thousands of active members. My application is currently going through, but it looks like I’m going to be sorted Hufflepuff house soon.
And that’s it. If you guys want, you’re free to friend me on LJ. I’m not too abundant with personal posts, but I use it mostly to post fanfiction and graphics.
I have an LJ account but I haven’t used it for so long, I do love all the Harry Potter related ones
I’ve never had a LJ account, but the hogwartsishome thing is a very very tempting reason to join. I think I’ll just have to resist though — I don’t think I could handle any more networking or online activities without my school work seriously suffering.
I know what you mean! It’s horrible when you stumble across a network that’s particularly addictive.
Gosh, the last time I used my Livejournal was more than two years ago, and I don’t think I have signed up for any new Livejournal accounts since! When I was still using it, I would use my Livejournal as a dump for those online surveys and quizzes. I would appreciate the icon contests. I made a few, though I temnd to look at the works of others instead of constantly churning out my own. On particularly trying days, I’d use it for the occasional rant where I would let down my hair and simply let those expletives fly. However, now that I am working, I am making a conscious effort to be a lot more refined in the things that I put online.
Thanks for the memory triggers. By the way, I just followed you on Twitter, hope you don’t mind! =)
Of course I don’t mind! Oh man, I use to take so many of those quizzes and surveys year ago – LJ used to be my dumping ground for those and memes as well. It seems like LJ is pretty popular for ranting, haha!
I love land comms. I’ve only joined one, but it is so much fun when it’s a fandom you love! There was a time I was obsessed with participating in all challenges. So addictive!
I can’t believe I didn’t add you on LJ before, adding you now. Hope it’s ok!
I’m really getting into the land communities and challenges. I can’t believe I hadn’t known about them before.
And of course it’s fine!
I’m not much for livejournal even though I made an account, besides I don’t have time.
I heard that it’s great for the community interaction, though. Pretty cool, that.
Definitely! You get to meet so many interesting people through the communities.
LJ is the best place to make friends EVER! I love it
It’s especially easy when you join communities – it’s so cool that you can meet so many people with similar interests.
Yah, I got my LJ so I could join communities and comment on other people’s posts. I really just like reading tutorials and stuff. I like getting icons, but not making and posting them. It is a brilliant network, I have to say. I am gonna look into that HP one
You definitely should! It’s so intricate and active, I’m sure you’d love it.
Lol I’m just like you! I rarely use my own LJ to post anything on my own journal but I am a member of different communities.
I’ll have to check out that Hogwarts community. it sounds very fun. I love HP communities and sites, I’m a member of a virtual Hogwarts comm called HOL. It’s not on LJ but it’s very fun. Maybe you’d like to join since you’re a HP fan: http://hol.org.uk/
Oh, thanks for the link! It looks really interesting. I’ll definitely check it out.
Ah, icontests. I used to enter them and even ran one way back in the day. They’re fun