(WITH A LITTLE SOUL-SEARCHING FOR EVERYONE!)
by John Skipp
Dear class –
You know what’s easier than writing a cogent essay?
ASKING A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS!
Hence, this handy-dandy questionnaire.
These are all off the top of my head. Stuff I’ve been wondering. Stuff I’ve heard other people wonder, in print or out loud.
And maybe a thing or two I suddenly found myself wondering, right about now.
You can post your answers on Storytellers Unplugged, or on your own web page, or your MySpace, or whatever. You can keep the answers to yourself. You can decide to not go there at all, shake your head, and say, “Why the fuck are you wasting my time?”
This is like Hippie School.
There are no grades.
And the answers are up to you.
That said: GET READY.
Cuz here come the questions.
They go something like this:
——————–
1) What’s so good about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half?
2) What’s so bad about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half?
3) Do you believe that there’s a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horrible things?
4) Do you think that the idea of a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horror is bullshit?
5) Do you want the world to be a better place?
6) Do you wish the world would hurry up and die?
7) What do you think happens when you die?
Do you believe that you ever actually die?
9) Do you have a concept of infinity?
10) Do you love God?
11) Do you think there even is one?
12) Do you think that you know what God thinks?
13) Do you think God knows what YOU think?
14) Do you think that it matters?
15) Should vicarious horror be fun?
16) Should vicarious horror pull you closer to real horror?
17) Is real horror something you want in your life?
18) Do you believe that genuine horror is already a part of the fabric of your life?
19) Do you see yourself more as a healer or a killer?
20) If you were a healer, would you want to heal killers?
21) If you were a killer, would you want to kill healers?
22) Do you believe in love?
23) Do you love nature?
24) Do you love the human race?
25) Do you love God?
26) Is God nature?
27) Is God somehow embodied by the human race?
28) Does a non-belief in the notion of “God” render all life meaningless?
29) Do you believe that life has meaning?
30) Do you think that life is funny?
31) Do you think that death is funny?
32) What’s funnier: life or death?
33) Do you think that life is sad?
34) Do you think that death is sad?
35) What’s sadder: life or death?
36) What’s a monster?
37) Would you know one if you saw one?
38) Do you feel like a monster sometimes?
39) Do you wish you didn’t?
40) Are you glad you do?
41) Do you believe that there’s such a thing as good people?
42) Do you wish there were more?
43) Would you know one if you saw one?
44) Do you feel like a good person sometimes?
45) Do you wish you didn’t?
46) Are you glad you do?
47) Do you feel like you know the difference between good and evil?
48) Do you feel like civilization knows the difference between good and evil?
49) Do you agree with civilization, with regards to that whole good-and-evil thing?
50) Do you wish you could change the world?
51) Do you wish the world would leave you alone?
52) Do you believe the world will ever leave you alone?
53) Do you believe that you will ever change the world?
54) Is vicarious horror a useful thing?
55) Is vicarious horror just a wank, for sick bastards?
56) Do you believe that light will ever defeat darkness?
57) Do you believe that darkness will ever defeat light?
58) Do you honestly give a shit?
59) Are you trying to make peace with existence?
60) How’s that working out for you?
61) Is an internal sense of balance – between black/white, yes/no, on/off, life/death – actually possible, in this life?
62) Are you ready to die?
63) Are you ready to live?
64) What do you wish would be said – right now – that ISN’T being said, but which might just help straighten our asses out?
65) Will we ever straighten our asses out?
66) Do you feel a responsibility to do whatever you can to help us straighten our asses out?
67) And – if you’re a writer (or creative artist, or any stripe) – what are you doing to help?
68) If not, why not?
69) If so, why?
70) Are you sick of this fucking quiz yet?
ME, TOO!!!
So let’s leave it at that.
—————-
Until next month: keep yer mind, heart, and soul wide open.
And your body alive.
Cuz it just might come in handy!
I look forward to your responses.
All best, always,
Skipp
12 Comments, Comment or Ping
Monica
Damn. I want some of what you’re smokin’, dude.
Great article. As always.
Monica
Jun 5th, 2006
Simply Bailey
Many questions. Hrmmm… I will think about these. Something to distract the permanently distracted.
Glee!
Bailey
Jun 5th, 2006
dargie
1) What’s so good about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half? — I have yet to figure that one out.
2) What’s so bad about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half? — I think it’s rather stupid as horror goes. Schlocky.
3) Do you believe that there’s a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horrible things? — For some perhaps. If you want to be numbed to the idea of truly horrible, gross things.
4) Do you think that the idea of a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horror is bullshit? — Pretty much, yeah.
5) Do you want the world to be a better place? — Of course
6) Do you wish the world would hurry up and die? — Sometimes
7) What do you think happens when you die? — I believe in reincarnation, though in the last year or so I’m wondering if I really like the idea. Doing this again just seems too much like work.
9) Do you have a concept of infinity? — Not really. It’s too hard to get one’s head around.
10) Do you love God? — Not particularly.
11) Do you think there even is one? — I mostly doubt it.
12) Do you think that you know what God thinks? — You might better ask if I want to know what God thinks, and the answer to that is probably not.
13) Do you think God knows what YOU think? — By common definition, s/he ought, but again, does s/he care?
14) Do you think that it matters? — Not really.
15) Should vicarious horror be fun? — I don’t see the point.
16) Should vicarious horror pull you closer to real horror? — I think the two are miles apart. Real horror is emaciated children lying in the dirt while vultures wait, not some idiot teenager getting hacked apart by some guy in a mask.
17) Is real horror something you want in your life? — No. That’s part of wanting the world to be a better place.
18) Do you believe that genuine horror is already a part of the fabric of your life? — Yes.
19) Do you see yourself more as a healer or a killer? — I’d prefer to be a healer. I suspect I’m a bit of both.
20) If you were a healer, would you want to heal killers? — Yes.
21) If you were a killer, would you want to kill healers? — I don’t know. If I was angry enough to kill promiscuously, probably so.
22) Do you believe in love? — Yes.
23) Do you love nature? — Yes.
24) Do you love the human race? — Yes, I do. I don’t often feel it, but I know I do.
25) Do you love God? — You asked that. I’d like to, but right now I’m pissed off with God.
26) Is God nature? — If God exists then God is nature.
27) Is God somehow embodied by the human race? — See #26.
28) Does a non-belief in the notion of “God” render all life meaningless? — Not at all!
29) Do you believe that life has meaning? — Yes. In spite of some very rocky times recently, I do.
30) Do you think that life is funny? — hilarious.
31) Do you think that death is funny? — Not really, though sometimes the circumstances surrounding it can be, in a dark way.
32) What’s funnier: life or death? — Life. By a mile.
33) Do you think that life is sad? — Very.
34) Do you think that death is sad? — I have found it so.
35) What’s sadder: life or death? — Tossup here. I couldn’t say.
36) What’s a monster? — A convenient, catch-all term for someone or something which doesn’t fit neatly into our perceptions of what is human or humane.
37) Would you know one if you saw one? — Since I don’t believe in the non-human sort, not necessarily by sight.
38) Do you feel like a monster sometimes? — Yes.
39) Do you wish you didn’t? — It’s been a learning experience.
40) Are you glad you do? — Sometimes.
41) Do you believe that there’s such a thing as good people? — Yes.
42) Do you wish there were more? — Very much.
43) Would you know one if you saw one? — Again, not by sight.
44) Do you feel like a good person sometimes? — Thankfully, yes.
45) Do you wish you didn’t? — Never.
46) Are you glad you do? — Always.
47) Do you feel like you know the difference between good and evil? — I know the behaviors which I consider to be wrong or right in given situations. That’s what passes for good and evil in my book.
48) Do you feel like civilization knows the difference between good and evil? — It’s often quite hard to believe that, though I suspect that most of us have a clue.
49) Do you agree with civilization, with regards to that whole good-and-evil thing? — I can’t step outside “civilization” to answer this.
50) Do you wish you could change the world? — “Sometimes I do, but then I step back and think that life is what it is for a reason, and I’d best not screw around with it.
51) Do you wish the world would leave you alone? — Often
52) Do you believe the world will ever leave you alone? — Only after I’m dead.
53) Do you believe that you will ever change the world? — I think I do every day. I hope it’s for the better, I fear it’s sometimes for the worse.
54) Is vicarious horror a useful thing? — For some.
55) Is vicarious horror just a wank, for sick bastards? — Again, for some.
56) Do you believe that light will ever defeat darkness? — It does every day.
57) Do you believe that darkness will ever defeat light? — It does every day.
58) Do you honestly give a shit? — Yes, I do. I often wish I didn’t.
59) Are you trying to make peace with existence? — Yes.
60) How’s that working out for you? — LOL, It’s been two steps forward and one back for some time now.
61) Is an internal sense of balance – between black/white, yes/no, on/off, life/death – actually possible, in this life? — Yes, I believe it is.
62) Are you ready to die? — Sometimes I wish for it, but overall I’d say I don’t think I fear it, but I’m not going to speed it along any time soon.
63) Are you ready to live? –Every day I get up and make a stab at it.
64) What do you wish would be said – right now – that ISN’T being said, but which might just help straighten our asses out? — Think a little less about yourself and a little more about the other guy in every interaction, and mabye we’ll get somewhere.
65) Will we ever straighten our asses out? — Oh man…
66) Do you feel a responsibility to do whatever you can to help us straighten our asses out? — Yes.
67) And – if you’re a writer (or creative artist, or any stripe) – what are you doing to help? — Trying to find a voice that will say the right things.
68) If not, why not? n/a
69) If so, why? — I believe that being human includes a responsibility to our world and the other people in it.
70) Are you sick of this fucking quiz yet? — Totally. But it was a good one.
Jun 5th, 2006
David Niall Wilson
So…what do you call that in the world of blogging….a MEGAMEME? Jesus (lol) only 70 questions John? And how did you manage to hold yourself back from using only 69? Really?
I’ll have to think about whether I can sit down and answer these in less than a novel…is it an outline? Would it work? More questions…
DNW
Jun 5th, 2006
Fran Friel
GREAT questions, Skipp. I want to see YOUR answers. Oh man, do I.
Peace,
Fran
Jun 5th, 2006
John Skipp
Dear Monica — Yep. It’s REALLY GOOD!
Dear Bailey — Glee is excellent, too!
Dear Dargie — Holy shit! You actually did it!
You get a Super A++! (I truly enjoyed your honest answers, which are the only kind worth giving.)
Dear Dave — Technically, I guess I DID stop at 69, since I asked one question twice. But that wasn’t the plan. I just wrote till I was done, and the beer said, “Time for some Adult Swim, baby!”
That said: I really likes the Megameme! Thanks!
Dear Fran — NO WAY! It’s nice to just be the guy who ASKS the questions, for a change.
But the truth is I find myself answering these questions, and more, every time I sit down to write a crazy-ass essay or story.
And for those of you who DO wind up answering this thing, I think Dargie’s template is the way to go: quick, and from the heart. Anything more expansive qualifies as an essay or story in its own right. Which is probably a better idea.
And if anyone DOES wind up writing an essay or story as a result of this, DROP ME A LINE! I’d love to hear how it all turns out.
THANKS, EVERYBODY! Big fun!
Yers,
Skipp
Jun 6th, 2006
Mark Rainey
Skipp — Ridiculously fun stuff. Silly and profound, all at the same time.
–M
Jun 6th, 2006
David Niall Wilson
HERE DAMN YOU (lol)
1) What’s so good about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half?
Cinematically it gives you a chance to experience something you’d dearly love to do to certain people in certain moments of madness but never will. In the real world I’d never want to witness it at all.
2) What’s so bad about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half?
Cinematically: It’s almost never done with realism. Real world: They need their head.
3) Do you believe that there’s a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horrible things?
To a point, but if one repeatedly finds the need for such therapy, perhaps more serious medication or therapy is in order.
4) Do you think that the idea of a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horror is bullshit?
Well, if you don’t have that, what’s your excuse for experiencing horror?
5) Do you want the world to be a better place?
As long as it’s not at my expense.
6) Do you wish the world would hurry up and die?
No…my kids deserve their chance.
7) What do you think happens when you die?
My children get rich, or fall into debt, depending on the score. He who dies with the most toys…still dies …
Not really. If nothing every ceases to exist but only changes states, why would we think it would be different for senses, mind or (dare I say the “s” word?)
9) Do you have a concept of infinity?
All the way…plus at least one.
10) Do you love God?
Next time he shows up for dinner, we’ll talk. I hear he’s seeing a LOT of others …
11) Do you think there even is one?
I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a bunch of them.
12) Do you think that you know what God thinks?
If I do, and understand it, then the universe is a very shallow place.
13) Do you think God knows what YOU think?
If there were such a being, and if he were humanized as ridiculous religious icons the world over would have us believe…then I doubt he has all that much time to be sorting through individual thoughts…
14) Do you think that it matters?
Probably not if we really have free will. Matter of fact, not if we don’t either (lol).
15) Should vicarious horror be fun?
We can’t decide what is fun any more than we can decide what tastes good to us. Therefore, whether it should or not is too hypothetical for my brain to wrap around.
16) Should vicarious horror pull you closer to real horror?
No. Back to the therapy above.
17) Is real horror something you want in your life?
Is that a trick question? No.
18) Do you believe that genuine horror is already a part of the fabric of your life?
Of course…otherwise where would vicarious horror get its impact?
19) Do you see yourself more as a healer or a killer?
Healer.
20) If you were a healer, would you want to heal killers?
Depends entirely on who, and why they were killing.
21) If you were a killer, would you want to kill healers?
Only if they needed killing.
22) Do you believe in love?
Absolutely.
23) Do you love nature?
Respect, admire, enjoy…love? Not sure it applies to such a wide subject.
24) Do you love the human race?
Depends on if I’m currently in the front, or the rear of the pack.
25) Do you love God?
Ambivalent, really.
26) Is God nature?
Nature exists. The vote is still out on God…so no.
27) Is God somehow embodied by the human race?
More like created by it.
28) Does a non-belief in the notion of “God” render all life meaningless?
I think the only really meaningless part of life is endless consideration on the meaning of life. Meaning is overrated.
29) Do you believe that life has meaning?
Sigh…
30) Do you think that life is funny?
Funny things are funny. There are funny things in life.
31) Do you think that death is funny?
Well, not usually, but when I read updates on the Darwin awards I admit to quite a few chuckles.
32) What’s funnier: life or death?
Depends on if you believe there is “Laugh after Death”
33) Do you think that life is sad?
See above comment on life being funny.
34) Do you think that death is sad?
See above comment on DEATH being funny.
35) What’s sadder: life or death?
Again…all a matter of context.
36) What’s a monster?
Something that actively and violently doesn’t fit.
37) Would you know one if you saw one?
I believe so.
38) Do you feel like a monster sometimes?
Nope…
39) Do you wish you didn’t?
Would be silly if I did huh? (heh)
40) Are you glad you do?
Don’t…nyah nyah..
41) Do you believe that there’s such a thing as good people?
I believe that there are such “things” as good people…but they aren’t to be generally trusted.
42) Do you wish there were more?
Doesn’t everyone wish that? Even the mean people wish there were more good people to take advantage of – just not enough to form a majority.
43) Would you know one if you saw one?
Maybe not on sight. Wolves in sheep’s clothing and all that…
44) Do you feel like a good person sometimes?
Thankfully, yes.
45) Do you wish you didn’t?
Not at all.
46) Are you glad you do?
Uh…scratching head at circular questions…of course. It’s a good balance to all the self-loathing.
47) Do you feel like you know the difference between good and evil?
Yes.
48) Do you feel like civilization knows the difference between good and evil?
I believe that civilization was created to form a different standard for people to live by who don’t care for the good and evil they can already identify. Makes a good prop for acting badly.
49) Do you agree with civilization, with regards to that whole good-and-evil thing?
Usually not.
50) Do you wish you could change the world?
Who needs that kind of pressure. Butterflies flapping their wings and all that…I am not the best man for the job, though I wouldn’t mind being consulted now and then.
51) Do you wish the world would leave you alone?
Only sometimes.
52) Do you believe the world will ever leave you alone?
Of course not.
53) Do you believe that you will ever change the world?
Every leaf falling from a tree changes the world. It’s a matter of degrees…so yes.
54) Is vicarious horror a useful thing?
If distraction is a useful thing, then vicarious horror can be a useful thing.
55) Is vicarious horror just a wank, for sick bastards?
I hope not – that would make most of my family and friend sick bastards.
56) Do you believe that light will ever defeat darkness?
There would be no light without darkness.
57) Do you believe that darkness will ever defeat light?
If I wake up and can’t see…I’ll consider it.
58) Do you honestly give a shit?
Sadly – yes.
59) Are you trying to make peace with existence?
Constantly.
60) How’s that working out for you?
About as well as it would work if I tried to sail a stainless steel raft.
61) Is an internal sense of balance – between black/white, yes/no, on/off, life/death – actually possible, in this life?
If it weren’t, we’d have no viable definition for sanity.
62) Are you ready to die?
Depends if you mean “right now,” or am I ready when the time comes…no, and maybe.
63) Are you ready to live?
Would life care if I answered no?
64) What do you wish would be said – right now – that ISN’T being said, but which might just help straighten our asses out?
IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT YOU!
65) Will we ever straighten our asses out?
Nah, but then if it was ALL straightened out, what would we do?
66) Do you feel a responsibility to do whatever you can to help us straighten our asses out?
Nope..just to straighten my own.
67) And – if you’re a writer (or creative artist, or any stripe) – what are you doing to help?
I straighten my ass with a keyboard…leaves bumps and it’s hell on the wrists, but it seems to work.
68) If not, why not?
Well, I like to think I am…so this is n/a
69) If so, why?
Because when you are a writer, you can’t NOT try…
70) Are you sick of this fucking quiz yet?
Oh, abosfuckinglutely…..but I’m also done, aren’t I? (:
DNW
Jun 6th, 2006
John Skipp
Dear David — Thanks! That was fantastic!
YOU GET A “SUPER A++”, TOO!
Also, gang: please note that several cool denizens of the Shocklines message boards have posted their results…including (no, I’m not shitting you) TOM PICCIRILLI. An amazing writer, who answers in FAR more detail than any sane human should.
Plus, he threatens to punch my lights out SEVERAL TIMES. I swear to God.
Here’s the pastable link (best I can do on a Mac), cuz you don’t wanna miss THAT!
http://p082.ezboard.com/fshocklinesforumfrm2.showMessageRange?topicID=34779.topic&start=1&stop=20
Love,
Skipp
Jun 8th, 2006
Elizabeth Massie
Love the questionnaire, Skipp! Here are my answers, for what they’re worth. I wasn’t going to do them all but hey, got on a roll. I’ll post these on the Shocklines thread, too, later:
1) What’s so good about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half?
It makes me imagine what it feels like to have that happen. Then when one of my characters has that happen I’ll better know what to say, or if I’m getting ready to have my own head sliced in fucking half I’ll better know what to expect.
2) What’s so bad about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half?
It makes me imagine what it feels like to have that happen. Then when one of my characters has that happen I’ll better know what to say, or if I’m getting ready to have my own head sliced in fucking half I’ll better know what to expect.
3) Do you believe that there’s a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horrible things?
It makes me glad to be where I am at the moment, that my head is not sliced in fucking half. Makes me more appreciative.
4) Do you think that the idea of a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horror is bullshit?
No.
5) Do you want the world to be a better place?
Yes.
6) Do you wish the world would hurry up and die?
Not most of the time.
7) What do you think happens when you die?
We go on to better things.
No.
9) Do you have a concept of infinity?
I don’t think people can have a good concept of that, it’s like trying to imagine the universe.
10) Do you love God?
Most of the time. Of course, my concept of God is not the human-like God worshipped by so many religions.
11) Do you think there even is one?
Yes.
12) Do you think that you know what God thinks?
About some things, yeah, I think I have a basic idea…like how people should be compassionate to each other…but as to all that God-mind science stuff, haven’t a clue.
13) Do you think God knows what YOU think?
Yep.
14) Do you think that it matters?
I do.
15) Should vicarious horror be fun?
Sometimes.
16) Should vicarious horror pull you closer to real horror?
Sometimes.
17) Is real horror something you want in your life?
Well, no, but it’s always there, waiting for it’s turn with me. And horror is in the mind of the horroree.
18) Do you believe that genuine horror is already a part of the fabric of your life?
Yes.
19) Do you see yourself more as a healer or a killer?
I like to think healer.
20) If you were a healer, would you want to heal killers?
Yes.
21) If you were a killer, would you want to kill healers?
Abso-fucking-lutely.
22) Do you believe in love?
Yes.
23) Do you love nature?
I do love nature and all its wildness. I don’t want spiders down my shirt, though.
24) Do you love the human race?
As a whole, I want to. They drive me nuts, though. So many never really do their own thinking, or do any thinking at all.
25) Do you love God?
Most of the time.
26) Is God nature?
I don’t exactly ascribe to pantheism; I think nature is part of God but not God as whole.
27) Is God somehow embodied by the human race?
I think people each have a divine aspect to them.
28) Does a non-belief in the notion of “God” render all life meaningless?
Not necessarily.
29) Do you believe that life has meaning?
Yes, but it often doesn’t seem that way, especially for people who died as infants.
30) Do you think that life is funny?
Very much so…then it’s dreadfully unfunny right after the funny part…then something hilarious comes along and its funny again.
31) Do you think that death is funny?
Sometimes.
32) What’s funnier: life or death?
Life.
33) Do you think that life is sad?
As was once said, “All life is sorrow.” (That’s Buddhist, right?)
34) Do you think that death is sad?
For those left behind by a loved one, it can be very sad.
35) What’s sadder: life or death?
Life, mostly.
36) What’s a monster?
Something that can control you and destroy your autonomy.
37) Would you know one if you saw one?
If I could observe it for a while, maybe.
38) Do you feel like a monster sometimes?
Sure.
39) Do you wish you didn’t?
Sure.
40) Are you glad you do?
No.
41) Do you believe that there’s such a thing as good people?
Yes.
42) Do you wish there were more?
Yes.
43) Would you know one if you saw one?
If I could observe him/her for a while, maybe.
44) Do you feel like a good person sometimes?
Yes, when I take part in Amnesty International events and campaigns, and when I write letters to the editor or officials on behalf of people needing help.
45) Do you wish you didn’t?
Um, no.
46) Are you glad you do?
Um, yeah.
47) Do you feel like you know the difference between good and evil?
I think I do, though sometimes evil is cloaked and disguised, and what seems good really is a just a much bigger evil.
48) Do you feel like civilization knows the difference between good and evil?
I don’t think civilization as a whole cares. I think some individuals do care and know the difference.
49) Do you agree with civilization, with regards to that whole good-and-evil thing?
I don’t know if I agree with civilization but I agree with what I feel deep in my own dusty, crusty core.
50) Do you wish you could change the world?
Somethings I’d like to change.
51) Do you wish the world would leave you alone?
Sometimes.
52) Do you believe the world will ever leave you alone?
If they slice my fucking head in fucking half, then after that I shall be left alone by the world.
53) Do you believe that you will ever change the world?
I can change a few things in the world.
54) Is vicarious horror a useful thing?
Sometimes.
55) Is vicarious horror just a wank, for sick bastards?
Sometimes.
56) Do you believe that light will ever defeat darkness?
Yes.
57) Do you believe that darkness will ever defeat light?
It has.
58) Do you honestly give a shit?
Most of the time.
59) Are you trying to make peace with existence?
Yes.
60) How’s that working out for you?
I don’t always sleep well at night with all the shit going on out there, but when I feel “out of peace” I try to do something positive to counter that.
61) Is an internal sense of balance – between black/white, yes/no, on/off, life/death – actually possible, in this life?
Not completely.
62) Are you ready to die?
I’m not scared to die but I have a novel I want to get out next year and there is some great fudge in the fridge that I haven’t finished, so no, not really.
63) Are you ready to live?
I some ways. In others, just give me a soft bed with a blanket to put over my head.
64) What do you wish would be said – right now – that ISN’T being said, but which might just help straighten our asses out?
It’s more important what we do than what we have.
65) Will we ever straighten our asses out?
As a human race, probably not. As individuals, sure.
66) Do you feel a responsibility to do whatever you can to help us straighten our asses out?
Yes, though who wants to admit that?
67) And – if you’re a writer (or creative artist, or any stripe) – what are you doing to help?
I am an active member of Amnesty International (for 21 years now) and I organize and/or take part in talks, rallies, protests, and other events that promote global human rights, I give to the Food Bank when I have some extra $$, I write letters on behalf of Equality Virginia (which is fighting to prevent a Marriage Amendment in the state), and stuff like that.
68) If not, why not?
See 67.
69) If so, why?
People have more personal power to help than they ever realize. I want to at least do something.
70) Are you sick of this fucking quiz yet?
Time for that fudge. And a Pepsi. Mmmmmm……
Beth
Jun 10th, 2006
John Skipp
Q: WHO LOVES BETH MASSIE?
A: I DO! I DO!
Dear Beth –
Because those were the smilingest answers yet, you get a “SUPER A++”…with extra FUDGE on it!
You have to bring your own Pepsi, though. (Jesus…no WONDER you’re so sweet!)
Jun 10th, 2006
Simply Bailey
1) What’s so good about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half? Knowing it’s not your head.
2) What’s so bad about witnessing someone get their head sliced in fucking half? Knowing it could be your head next
3) Do you believe that there’s a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horrible things? Uhm.. in the long run… Hell no.
4) Do you think that the idea of a therapeutic value in vicariously experiencing horror is bullshit? Ask me after the extensive therapy required from vicariously experiencing horror.
5) Do you want the world to be a better place? Better is rather subjective isn’t it?
6) Do you wish the world would hurry up and die? No.
7) What do you think happens when you die? Biologically, I intend to rot and turn back to dust. Metaphysically, I’m moving on, trying out some new threads.
9) Do you have a concept of infinity? conceptually speaking, yes.
10) Do you love God? I love my personal diety yes.
11) Do you think there even is one? And then some.
12) Do you think that you know what God thinks? Hell no.
13) Do you think God knows what YOU think? Hell no.
14) Do you think that it matters? Hell no.
15) Should vicarious horror be fun? Hell Yes!
16) Should vicarious horror pull you closer to real horror? Sometimes yes.
17) Is real horror something you want in your life? NO. Been there, done that - next please.
18) Do you believe that genuine horror is already a part of the fabric of your life? See above.
19) Do you see yourself more as a healer or a killer? Healer - no doubt. Unless we’re talking about plants or birds - then it’s killer all the way. (the first because I have a black thumb - the second because I hate birds)
20) If you were a healer, would you want to heal killers? It wouldn’t be a matter of want. You are what you are, you do what you do.
21) If you were a killer, would you want to kill healers? See above.
22) Do you believe in love? Yes, absolutely. It is found everywhere in everything.
23) Do you love nature? Yes.
24) Do you love the human race? Yes.
25) Do you love God? As above - yes.
26) Is God nature? Definitely
27) Is God somehow embodied by the human race? Yep.
28) Does a non-belief in the notion of “God” render all life meaningless? Hardly
29) Do you believe that life has meaning? Sure - just not sure what it is.
30) Do you think that life is funny? Sometimes
31) Do you think that death is funny? Sometimes.
32) What’s funnier: life or death? Life is - it has an ongoing comedy routine. Death is the final punchline.
33) Do you think that life is sad? Sometimes
34) Do you think that death is sad? Sometimes
35) What’s sadder: life or death? Life is - It has continuing strife and pain. Death is the final ordeal.
36) What’s a monster? Anything I can’t comprehend, and terrifies me.
37) Would you know one if you saw one? I’ve seen several.
38) Do you feel like a monster sometimes? Ask me when I’m really angry and hurt.
39) Do you wish you didn’t? Sometimes it’s necessary.
40) Are you glad you do? Sometimes it’s scary.
41) Do you believe that there’s such a thing as good people? Absolutely. I’ve met tonnes of them.
42) Do you wish there were more? Sure, but I think good really is a matter of personal definition.
43) Would you know one if you saw one? See question 41
44) Do you feel like a good person sometimes? I am a good person. My mother tells me so.
45) Do you wish you didn’t? Only when my good nature is being tromped upon.
46) Are you glad you do? Pretty much yeah.
47) Do you feel like you know the difference between good and evil? Again, rather subjective don’t you think? What is evil to one person/group is hardly evil to another. And visa versa I’m sure.
48) Do you feel like civilization knows the difference between good and evil? No.
49) Do you agree with civilization, with regards to that whole good-and-evil thing? Not really, no. But we need guidelines, it makes us have a sense of control which in turn provides us peace of mind.
50) Do you wish you could change the world? To what? I think that it should rain between 2-5am only except on days when I feel in a rain mood, other than that, the world is pretty amazing.
51) Do you wish the world would leave you alone? Some days sure.
52) Do you believe the world will ever leave you alone? Occasionally.
53) Do you believe that you will ever change the world? Well, I doubt I’ve got a chance with the rain thing, but my little corner, sure. It’s not the world, but piece of it. I change my world all the time.
54) Is vicarious horror a useful thing? Sure it is.
55) Is vicarious horror just a wank, for sick bastards? Nope.
56) Do you believe that light will ever defeat darkness? Without darkness there is no light.
57) Do you believe that darkness will ever defeat light? Without light there is no darkness.
58) Do you honestly give a shit? I care that both find balance and I can continue to live in a world where both exist.
59) Are you trying to make peace with existence? Nope. I exist. That’s all there is to it.
60) How’s that working out for you? Quite happy to be here, thanks for asking.
61) Is an internal sense of balance – between black/white, yes/no, on/off, life/death – actually possible, in this life? Overall sure, case by case, nah. That defies human nature and our innate need for struggle and conflict.
62) Are you ready to die? Sure. Would rather not right now, but if it happens I’ve got things to do once I get there.
63) Are you ready to live? Everyday! Woot!
64) What do you wish would be said – right now – that ISN’T being said, but which might just help straighten our asses out? Take responsibility for your own damn actions! Quit blaming everyone else. Helping is just that… H-E-L-P-I-N-G. It is not taking over and forcing others to do it YOUR way.
65) Will we ever straighten our asses out? Gotta start with your own ass and stop making excuses for everyone elses first.
66) Do you feel a responsibility to do whatever you can to help us straighten our asses out? I have a responsibilty for my own ass and those of my children. In turn, hopefully they will do the same with their children, and so on. Also, maybe folks will see my sexy, well adjusted and properly hung ass and want to have their’s in equally good shape.
67) And – if you’re a writer (or creative artist, or any stripe) – what are you doing to help? see above.
68) If not, why not?
69) If so, why? Because it’s my job, my duty to do so.
70) Are you sick of this fucking quiz yet? LOL, hell no! I can ramble for hours.
Thanks for the questions. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a survey that didn’t come from the mind of a teenager.
~wink n’ a smile~
Bailey
Jun 10th, 2006
Reply to “THE FIRST “WHAT’S THE POINT OF VICARIOUS HORROR?” HARD WAY QUESTIONNAIRE”