www.beautifulpeople.net

[Alex Bragi]

beautifulpeople.net —'Introducing beautiful people to other beautiful people'.

No, this web address isn't some kind stupid joke. Oh, no! This is ridgy didge, real live, really serious stuff for those elitist plastic fantastics on the look for—no, not Miss or Mr Right, but—Miss or Mr Perfect!

Those hoping to gain membership must first submit a photo of themselves. A rating process invites existing members of the opposite sex to vote on whether a new applicant is 'beautiful' enough to be granted a membership, and those who don't measure up are ruthlessly booted off the site. I'm not sure exactly what happens if a member breaks the rules by say putting on weight, losing their suntan, forgetting to use their tooth whitener, or perish the thought—having too many birthdays. I guess they’re booted too.

Organisers say only one in 15 applications passes this stringent process - but claim more than 500 apply each day. "People are fed up of wasting time and money meeting unattractive people on the net," explained a spokesman for the site, "Beautifulpeople.net isn't about political correctness. We simply and unashamedly exist so that beautiful people can meet other beautiful people."

Does anyone else find this as ludicrous as me? What about finding your soul mate based on compatibility, friendship and true love? Isn't intelligence attractive? Doesn't being a good person count for something? What about having a great sense of humour, or being brave and courageous? And, surely being a kind and caring should tip the scales of love in your favour?

But wait just an eyebrow plucking moment, how many people are fortunate enough to be born with a beautiful body and a perfect face anyway? It frequently takes a lot of hard work and effort to be a 'beautiful person'! It can take years of dreary dieting, countless hours of exercise, and endless pill popping to achieve that 'perfect' body. And, let's not forget it takes a hell of a lot of guts to allow a surgeon to slice into your face to achieve nothing less that a perfect nose, chin, or what ever. Not to mention how brave you have to be to allow someone to stick a steel tube into your belly or thighs, or both, in order to suck that 'excess' fat out! And what about those age defying martyrs who suffer the agony of having poison injected into their faces to hide their smile lines? Yes, the list of gruelling and painful practices and procedures some people are prepared to endure for the sake of vanity goes on and on—mercifully, for those reading this, I won't.

In fairness, some people really are just simply born beautiful. So, maybe I'm being too harsh on the 'beautifulpeople.net'? After all isn't this group just the non-intellectual equivalent of Mensa? Nobody knocks Mensa. These 'beautiful people' may not have mastered Quantum physics or understand Einstein's theory of relativity, but damn it, most of them will have worked tirelessly at preening themselves and perfecting their perfect poses!

We never criticise like-minded intelligent people enjoying each other's company. So, alternatively, what's so silly about like bodied and clone faced people mixing and mingling?

Well, unfortunately, unlike intelligence, courage, kindness, and many other qualities we look for in a mate, the concept of physical beauty is constantly changing. The way we look is just a temporary and superficial measure of who we really are, since every minutes of every day we're all changing and aging—it's just the natural process of life.

Please, I'm not suggesting that a great looking man or woman can't possess many of the same mate-attracting attributes as their plainer looking brothers and sisters. And, I'm not saying that people who have gain success because of their looks are any less deserving of those who haven't. Intelligence and beauty are largely to do with our environment and genetics, both of which we have no control over. And, certainly few things in life are worthier of celebration than the ‘beauty’. It's just that I really think we're sinking to all new levels of shallowness when groups like beautfulpeople.net rear their ugly heads.

I leave you to ponder.

[ApostateAbe]

I think that is a wonderful idea. Online dating services have long been the domain of the fatties and uglies.

[viscousmemories]

Does anyone else find this as ludicrous as me? What about finding your soul mate based on compatibility, friendship and true love? Isn't intelligence attractive? Doesn't being a good person count for something? What about having a great sense of humour, or being brave and courageous? And, surely being a kind and caring should tip the scales of love in your favour?
Intelligence, humor and strength of character are important to me, but they're obviously not important to a lot of people. But I think it's a fine idea to have a site where those vain, superficial mannequins can go to meet each other. It's makes it that much easier to avoid accidentally interacting with one of 'em.

[ApostateAbe]

If it gets the stamp of approval from viscousmemories, then it obviously can't be a bad idea. I'll get a digital photo of myself taken and send it in after June 1st, when it launches in the United States. I figure I have about a 75% chance of making it in.

My greatest concern is the potential for excessive internal competition. Mensa reportedly has that detriment.

[viscousmemories]

My greatest concern is the potential for excessive internal competition. Mensa reportedly has that detriment.
Well you almost certainly won't have to worry about any overlap there.

[ApostateAbe]

My greatest concern is the potential for excessive internal competition. Mensa reportedly has that detriment.
Well you almost certainly won't have to worry about any overlap there.I'd say probably no overlap, but it isn't for certain. One of my former roommates in college was an incredibly-good-looking man who scored a 1590 on his SAT. He would make it into both Mensa and BeautifulPeople.net easily.

[MooseIBe]

If it gets the stamp of approval from viscousmemories, then it obviously can't be a bad idea. I'll get a digital photo of myself taken and send it in after June 1st, when it launches in the United States. I figure I have about a 75% chance of making it in.

My greatest concern is the potential for excessive internal competition. Mensa reportedly has that detriment.


Actually, you have a one in fifteen chance of making it in .. didn't you read the stats? Presumably people don't apply unless they think they have a much better chance of making it in than in reality they do.

[Gurdur]

Hi Alex Bragi,

- I would like to especially welcome you here.

- while I live in Germany now, I visit Perth/Freemantle every now and then, since my parent and brother still live there

- in full agreement with you on the silly "elite people"

- you'll find ApostateAbe, who apparently defines himself as one of those "elite", seems to have a constant need to put others down loudly, which rather undermines his claim to be one of the elite ...... just as the existence of the beautifulpeople site does --- they seem so dreadfully insecure, don't they ?
:yup:

[Dragar]

Good for them, I say.

I doubt I'd meet the entrance requirements (by a long way), but if the site helps those 'beautiful people' be happy, I'm all for it.

[MooseIBe]

I suspect it helps the fourteen of fifteen people it rejects be UNHAPPY though :(

anyway I am gonna give in and go take a look see at how beautiful they really are..

[Gurdur]

Good for them, I say.
I doubt I'd meet the entrance requirements (by a long way), but if the site helps those 'beautiful people' be happy, I'm all for it.
I'ld predict that if people base their relationship wants and expectations solely upon looks (which is what is being done here), they're going to have some rude awakenings one day.

[flopstock]

I suspect it helps the fourteen of fifteen people it rejects be UNHAPPY though :(

anyway I am gonna give in and go take a look see at how beautiful they really are..

And you're saying that it's a bad thing that these 14 get told by a panel that they are no better then the rest of us? I love it! Wish I had thought of it..bet it's run by dumpy frumpy middle aged women, who are fed up and out to get some revenge.. the ultimate would be to put up normal peoples pics as the ones who are acceptable...LMAO

wow...did i just describe myself that way to a bunch of people i've never met? what an idiot!

[Beth]

Hehe, I'm glad I'm married, I am spared from this crap.

I looked at the site, I don't particularly think that these people are all that beautiful. Some are attractive or pretty, but only some are what I would describe as beautiful. I also saw a lot of model shots. Either there are a lot of models on that site, or these dumbshits are using model photographs of someone else- just like idiots do in myspace.

I guess that some women would feel uplifted to get approved into the membership because they are pretty enough, but I think I would feel rather icky. I mean, I am putting my image out there to get judged and have my value determined soley on my looks.

[viscousmemories]

And you're saying that it's a bad thing that these 14 get told by a panel that they are no better then the rest of us? I love it!
Yeah I honestly can't say I feel at all bad for them. Anyone who solicits a judgement of their worth from a group of complete strangers and based entirely on their physical appearance has issues. It's nobody else's fault if they get dragged through the mud.

[MooseIBe]

Heh something came up so i haven't been to look yet :).

flopstock, welcome! I suppose that only a certain type of person would submit themselves to that sort of thing and maybe they have thicker skins than the rest of us. I know I'd be hurt if someone judged my looks online but then, I'd never be dumb enough to enter one of these things :)

[Beth]

Heh something came up so i haven't been to look yet :)
You're not missing much. I only was able to see the 30 most recent members. I would have submit a pic and get approved before I could delve further into the site. Not something I'm interested in doing.

[Lauri D]

For some reason this thread instantly got this song going in my head:

"I'm a Barbie Girl,
In a Barbie World
Life is plastic
It's fantastic

You can brush my hair
Undress me anywhere
Life is plastic
It's fantastic

Come on Barbie, let's go party...."

Thanks a lot! I can't get rid of it now! :wink:

[Beth]

Hehe, I love that song. My daughter and I either play it or sing it when we play Barbies together.

[viscousmemories]

I love that Barbie song. Remind me to tell you all the story of my first Barbie some day.

[Lauri D]

I love that Barbie song. Remind me to tell you all the story of my first Barbie some day.
Hey VM, tell us the story of your first Barbie, wouldja? :D

[Beth]

Did you like to play Barbies with your sisters, Tom? My brother used to loved to and would probably kick my ass if he knew I was outing him as a Barbie player-wither.

[viscousmemories]

Hey VM, tell us the story of your first Barbie, wouldja? :D
I thought you'd never ask!

So back in the early 90's, this woman I was dating told me she used to be really into collecting Barbie's as a girl. But to her horror she came home from college to find that her Mom had given them all away!

So naturally the next time a gift-giving holiday came up (her birthday, I think) I went out in search of a Barbie doll for her. Yes, as a straight man in my early 20's it felt a little strange to be perusing that aisle of the store. And I had no idea what an overwhelming number of Barbie's and accessories were available!

In the end I decided to go with the traditional Barbie girl, but the selection of outfits for her were hideous. So many pastels and frills and stereotypically 'girly' things it made me wanna wretch. So I did what any self-respecting Barbie progressive would do: I bought the Ken doll disco outfit with the black pants and the shiny silver blazer.

When I got home is when the real work began. It wouldn't be enough for me to throw the outfit and doll in a box and give it to her. After all, Barbie was still wearing that horrendous pink dress. So I sat down on the edge of my bed and tore open the package. I have to be honest: I felt just a little bit presumptuous just undressing her like that. But as strange as that felt, combing her hair out was even more odd.

I learned an important lesson that day, I'm sure. If I figure out what it is I'll post more.

[Beth]

So I did what any self-respecting Barbie progressive would do: I bought the Ken doll disco outfit with the black pants and the shiny silver blazer.
:hysteric:

Your story was kinda sweet. reminded me of when I see my hubby playing Barbies with my daughter. Hehe. Or the attitude he has when she paints his toe nails bright pink.

[MooseIBe]

Did you know that someone once worked out that according to the laws of physics, Barbie should be walking on all fours? ;)

[Beth]

Did you know that someone once worked out that according to the laws of physics, Barbie should be walking on all fours? ;)
I've had to totally diss Barbie and those foul Bratz dolls to my daughter and her best friend. They both wish they could have those exaggerated and grotesk bodies. And my daughter and her friend have the idea that blonde hair and big boobs are the ideal beauty. It kills me to see a girl with gorgeous tanned skin and beautiful dark brown hair wishing she had my skin.

On a lighter note: I know the perfect gift for Abe if I ever become his Secret Santa. ;)

[viscousmemories]

Your story was kinda sweet.
Thanks. :) I'm really a better storyteller than that, I could probably write pages more about that single event 'cause it really was a fairly profound experience for me to challenge my innate inclination to be mas macho in that way. I just don't have the patience for it in this medium and at this point in my life, I guess. :sigh:

[ApostateAbe]

If it gets the stamp of approval from viscousmemories, then it obviously can't be a bad idea. I'll get a digital photo of myself taken and send it in after June 1st, when it launches in the United States. I figure I have about a 75% chance of making it in.

My greatest concern is the potential for excessive internal competition. Mensa reportedly has that detriment.


Actually, you have a one in fifteen chance of making it in .. didn't you read the stats? Presumably people don't apply unless they think they have a much better chance of making it in than in reality they do.Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.

[Beth]

Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.Abe, just curious, but what do you look like? Are you, yourself, babe-worthy? Do you think you would be accepted into this site?

[ApostateAbe]

Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.Abe, just curious, but what do you look like? Are you yourself babe-worthy? Do you think you would be accepted into this site?I give myself a 75% chance. I certainly have the looks of being babe-worthy. I am physically active in the gym and in a martial arts school. I have large arms, shoulders, pecs and abs, which are cut to the skin. I have long hair, a fuzzy chin, and tan skin from working out in the sun, which gives me a Braveheart kind of look. I have great teeth. I have some mild acne on my face which may be a problem. My clothing wardrobe is indifferent to style and fashion, and that may be a problem.

[Beth]

Why doncha post your pic and we'll rate you.;)

[ApostateAbe]

Why doncha post your pic and we'll rate you.;)I'd love to, Beth. At the time, all I have is a crappy $20 digital camera that needs batteries. But I'll drop by my parents' place today and pose for a few shots with their camera.

[Beth]

Hehe. Okie dokie. :)

[JoeP]

Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.Dawn French is hot.

[JoeP]

Abe, Abe. Are you messing with us here?
a fuzzy chinDon't worry, I'm sure you'll be ready to start shaving soon.
[Add rofl smilies to taste]
some mild acneThat'll go away in time too.

[Dragar]

Wow, Abe, I'm so jealous. Look at this:

I am physically active in the gym and in a martial arts school.

I walk to campus every day and back again!

I have large arms, shoulders, pecs and abs, which are cut to the skin.

I'm short with small shoulders and no 'pecs' or 'abs'. But, unlike in previous years, you can no longer see my ribs when I take my shirt off!


I have long hair...

I have short hair that is far too long, and needs a haircut. If it wasn't so untidy and curly at the ends, it would probably impair my vision. It's probably not something which makes me look particularly attractive.

...a fuzzy chin...

Me too! But this is because I haven't shaved in days. I begin to look homeless around this point.

...and tan skin from working out in the sun, which gives me a Braveheart kind of look.

I'm white for a limey, and that's saying something. I'm going for the 'crazy science student' kinda look.

I have great teeth.

Again, something in common.

I have some mild acne on my face which may be a problem.

Alas, ditto.

My clothing wardrobe is indifferent to style and fashion, and that may be a problem.

I'd love to say I at least dressed better than you, but...


Well, anyway. I'm green with envy, Abe, but not green enough to take up going to the gym or getting a tan.

[ApostateAbe]

Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.Dawn French is hot.No, she isn't hot, unless you mean literally. She must have enough insulation to swim across the Bering Straight naked.

[ApostateAbe]

Here are three images of myself, as requested:

1 (http://img250.echo.cx/img250/6190/abel15qn.jpg)

2 (http://img250.echo.cx/img250/530/abel27ju.jpg)

3 (http://img250.echo.cx/img250/5658/abel30xl.jpg)

[Alex Bragi]

I agree many of these "beautiful" people are simply insecure. Basically, their very compulsion to measure their status against others is what feeds their insecurities. It's more often, than not, a vicious circle with each comparison diminishing their potential to become intrinsically stronger and more stable in their own right-- for who, not what, they are.

[ApostateAbe]

I think the word "insecure" is too often abused. "Insecure" is defined as "lacking self-confidence or assurance," and yet I see the term directed at people who display self-confidence and have good reason for their pride. We all want to measure up well in comparison to others. We all want to be seen as superior. Only a small segment of society has that gift. Everyone else can't hack it either because they are too lazy or unlucky, so they have a tendency to put down those who are superior. "Oh, that nice car is an attempted compensation for the small dick," or "they compete because they are just insecure about themselves." It seems to me that the word is used out of wishful thinking. The mediocre losers and chumps believe the talented, beautiful, intelligent, powerful, rich, famous and successful people to be insecure, there is nothing that can be done to disprove it, and it makes the mediocre losers and chumps feel better.

[Alex Bragi]

I think the word "insecure" is too often abused. "Insecure" is defined as "lacking self-confidence or assurance," and yet I see the term directed at people who display self-confidence and have good reason for their pride.

Yes, I would tend to agree with that statement, however, here I refer mainly to people who most definitely lack self-confidence and assurance. Why else would they undergo this psychology with a knife, and all the other excruciatingly painful and time consuming processes and procedures for beauty enhancement?

Personally, I find true self-confidence very attractive in a person.

We all want to measure up well in comparison to others. We all want to be seen as superior. Only a small segment of society has that gift.

Everyone else can't hack it either because they are too lazy or unlucky, so they have a tendency to put down those who are superior. "Oh, that nice car is an attempted compensation for the small dick," or "they compete because they are just insecure about themselves." It seems to me that the word is used out of wishful thinking.

I don't consider myself 'beautiful'. My significant other half tells me all the time that I'm beautiful. Is he wrong?

I was lucky enough to be born in a country where primary and secondary learning is free, and I was fortunate enough to have the means to support myself through higher education. I'm very aware that not everyone has that luck and advantage. Yes, I'm educated, but I learnt earlier in my schooling that not all educated people are intelligent and not all intelligent people are educated--the two are not alway synonymous.

I believe my higher education does give me certain advantages in certain situations, however, I don't, for one moment, believe it makes me 'superior'. I would be an educated fool if I did, and I'm not.

The mediocre losers and chumps believe the talented, beautiful, intelligent, powerful, rich, famous and successful people to be insecure, there is nothing that can be done to disprove it, and it makes the mediocre losers and chumps feel better.

You're absolutely right, I can't disprove it—I simply don't qualify as a "mediocre loser" or "chump", so of course it's utterly impossible for me to understand what makes them "feel better". Oh, but since you do, thank you for enlightening us all, Abe.

[ApostateAbe]

You're absolutely right, I can't disprove it—I simply don't qualify as a "mediocre loser" or "chump", so of course it's utterly impossible for me to understand what makes them "feel better". Oh, but since you do, thank you for enlightening us all, Abe.You don't have to qualify as a mediocre loser or chump to understand why the act of putting down people up higher makes those down lower feel better. The competitive mentaliy is a fundamental of human nature. We feel good when we are seen as superior to other human beings. There is no escaping that. When you call people "insecure" who show excessive amounts of a commonly-accepted characteristic of superiority (beauty), and you know little about their thoughts or feelings, my conclusion is that you are simply taking part in the competition.

[Beth]

Abe, I was joking about the rating thing, I really did not expect you to post your pics. But they give me a better image of who you are. You look very young, younger than 21.

[Beth]

I believe my higher education does give me certain advantages in certain situations, however, I don't, for one moment, believe it makes me 'superior'. I would be an educated fool if I did, and I'm not.You make an excellent point. I honestly find it laughable when people who are beautiful or people who just have an inflated ego think they are superior simply because of looks- same goes for class, income, education, etc.

[ApostateAbe]

Abe, I was joking about the rating thing, I really did not expect you to post your pics. But they give me a better image of who you are. You look very young, younger than 21.I'm not sure if that look of youth is a good thing or a bad thing, but it's true. I'll submit #2 to beautifulpeople.net, but I'm lowering my chances down to 25%. I have been told repeatedly that my torso is too white, and I need a tan. Yep. It contrasts too much with my arms and face.

[Beth]

Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.Dawn French is hot.No, she isn't hot, unless you mean literally. She must have enough insulation to swim across the Bering Straight naked.Dawn French is overweight. I generally am not attracted to really overweight people, but I find her to be very sexy. If I were single and she swung my way...:P No seriously, I do think she is sexy and has a sexual heat to her. That is my opinion and Joe's, you have yours. Your opinion is not in any way more true than ours.

[ApostateAbe]

Yeah, but think about all the Dawn Frenches who send in their pictures.Dawn French is hot.No, she isn't hot, unless you mean literally. She must have enough insulation to swim across the Bering Straight naked.Dawn French is overweight. I generally am not attracted to really overweight people, but I find her to be very sexy. If I were single and she swung my way...:P No seriously, I do think she is sexy and has a sexual heat to her. That is my opinion and Joe's, you have yours. Your opinion is not in any way more true than ours.Alright, fine, you win, she's hot. Now let's stop talking about Dawn French so I can get the image out of my head.

[Beth]

Well, this site is much fun for a friend and I. We are having a lot of fun rating the peeps. We have decided that the "most popular" members are probably models paid to pose for the site. And we are having fun making speculations about a pic showing two heads.

[ApostateAbe]

Well, this site is much fun for a friend and I. We are having a lot of fun rating the peeps. We have decided that the "most popular" members are probably models paid to pose for the site. And we are having fun making speculations about a pic showing two heads.The current network is limited to the UK and Norway, and they seem to have regular meeties and parties. The "most popular" ones you described would have to avoid such meetings. According to Yahoo! UK & Ireland (http://uk.biz.yahoo.com/050418/250/fgjov.html), "(But be warned, authenticity checks are carried out to ensure applicants really do look as good as they say they do.)" I figure authenticity would be on every legitimate member's mind.

By the way, what did your friend think of my pics?

[Beth]

By the way, what did your friend think of my pics?
I didn't show the pics to anyone, sorry. We were just making fun of the concept of the site.

[ApostateAbe]

By the way, what did your friend think of my pics?
I didn't show the pics to anyone, sorry. We were just making fun of the concept of the site.That's too bad. If your friend is familiar with me and what I said, then show the pics to your friend and pay attention to her immediate reaction.

[pescifish]

That's too bad. If your friend is familiar with me and what I said, then show the pics to your friend and pay attention to her immediate reaction.Immediate reaction? Just what are you expecting, Abe? Perhaps she will swoon, her heart palpitating with sudden lust and devotion. :faint:

:wtfsign:
Do you honestly think anyone will have any particularly strong reaction just from seeing some photos?

I really hope you find some suitable playmates. Don't forget that it's not just looks that get you in. I'd suggest you use as few words as possible when filling out the profile questionaire; ugly really isn't just skin deep. Like beauty, the real ugliness comes from within.

[ApostateAbe]

That's too bad. If your friend is familiar with me and what I said, then show the pics to your friend and pay attention to her immediate reaction.Immediate reaction? Just what are you expecting, Abe? Perhaps she will swoon, her heart palpitating with sudden lust and devotion. :faint:

:wtfsign:
Do you honestly think anyone will have any particularly strong reaction just from seeing some photos?

I really hope you find some suitable playmates. Don't forget that it's not just looks that get you in. I'd suggest you use as few words as possible when filling out the profile questionaire; ugly really isn't just skin deep. Like beauty, the real ugliness comes from within.That's all true, pescifish. Beauty isn't just skin deep, and it will best for me to say very little in my application. When people I know online look at my photos, I expect a look of shock more than anything. Many seem to think I am some pudgy slovenly ugly little bastard, especially after my self-righteous boasting and studied rants against the people who piss me off. I was helf-expecting some people on this forum to call BS on those photos.

[pescifish]

I guess I still don't understand why you would expect any big reaction. The photos you posted aren't particularly remarkable to me. Here in Southern California, I wouldn't be able to differentiate your photos from ones of just about half the young men I see every day, barring variance in hair and skin color. Even down to the details of facial and long hair styles and jean dungarees, tank top and "I'm too cool to smile" pose. In fact, the son of one of my coworkers could be your twin, though he is funny and gracious and an interesting kid and has a great smile. Your opinions that you project here are fairly pedestrian, imo. Your photos aren't much different. :shrug:

ETA: That is to say, you look fine in your photos; like a regular young man. I don't see what could be shocking about them.

[Gurdur]

It must have been the LSD in previous years, because I get flashbacks to The Illuminati (a.k.a. OneWorldOrder.com) and his red bow tie, now a broken/dud image link (http://www.iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=39&t=000279)

[viscousmemories]

:laugh:

I wasn't there when it went down, but I've heard the story enough. Good catch.

On a sadder note, did you hear that he killed himself? We had a thread (http://www.freethought-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1132) about it here.

[pescifish]

Ok, yeah! Now, that guy's photo was quite remarkable. :yup: His ideas were definitely out there. Many a remark was made. And beauty secrets were revealed, as well. He did set up his own Internet matchmaking site, IIRC, so I think that flashback might be reality induced.

[raspberrybullets]

You look almost exactly as I pictured you Abe.

[Beth]

That's too bad. If your friend is familiar with me and what I said, then show the pics to your friend and pay attention to her immediate reaction.My friend isn't familiar with you.

I agree with Pesci, though, you look like the average athletic 18,19 year old around here, with the exception that most of the athletes around here are more tanned,...closer to the equator, ya know.;)

[viscousmemories]

When people I know online look at my photos, I expect a look of shock more than anything. Many seem to think I am some pudgy slovenly ugly little bastard, especially after my self-righteous boasting and studied rants against the people who piss me off. I was helf-expecting some people on this forum to call BS on those photos.
I didn't really have a mental image of you, but I wasn't shocked by the pictures either. It's true that you look a bit taller and much more 'country' than I expected, but otherwise I didn't think the pictures were remarkable. You certainly aren't ugly, but I wouldn't personally classify you as beautiful either. Maybe with different hair, clothes and pose I might see it though. :shrug:

[Johnny Pneumatic]

Here are three images of myself, as requested:

1 (http://img250.echo.cx/img250/6190/abel15qn.jpg)

2 (http://img250.echo.cx/img250/530/abel27ju.jpg)

3 (http://img250.echo.cx/img250/5658/abel30xl.jpg)


Wow, you don't look anything like how I pictured you. (http://www.georgecoghill.com/gc02/images/illustration/_personal/nerd.png)


I might be able to get on that site if I wasn't overweight but I don't care about dating such shallow people. I'm not a walking ball of fat like you see wedged into chairs at sports games and that make you wonder how they fit through doors and inside cars. I do need to loose some weight so my lower back doesn't hurt after I've been walking on pavement for hours though.

This is me. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/808504/me.jpg

[Beth]

Wow, you don't look anything like how I pictured you.

hehe, I had the same mental image.

I might be able to get on that site if I wasn't overweight but I don't care about dating such shallow people. I'm not a walking ball of fat like you see wedged into chairs at sports games and that make you wonder how they fit through doors and inside cars. I do need to loose some weight so my lower back doesn't hurt after I've been walking on pavement for hours though.

This is me. http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-8/808504/me.jpg
__________________Oh, you are an absolute doll. You are much cuter than some of the male pics I saw on that site.:)

[ApostateAbe]

I guess I still don't understand why you would expect any big reaction. The photos you posted aren't particularly remarkable to me. Here in Southern California, I wouldn't be able to differentiate your photos from ones of just about half the young men I see every day, barring variance in hair and skin color. Even down to the details of facial and long hair styles and jean dungarees, tank top and "I'm too cool to smile" pose. In fact, the son of one of my coworkers could be your twin, though he is funny and gracious and an interesting kid and has a great smile. Your opinions that you project here are fairly pedestrian, imo. Your photos aren't much different. :shrug:

ETA: That is to say, you look fine in your photos; like a regular young man. I don't see what could be shocking about them.pescifish, that is the most humiliating thing that I have ever been told on a web forum. You caused me to learn something important about me. I can't stand to be seen as regular. If you have ever seen American Beauty, I'm like that sassy bitch who got called "ordinary" by the weed dealer. I heard that the standard of good looks is higher in SoCal. If I ever move to SoCal, I'll have to become a different man just to salvage some pride. I can be loved and I can be hated, and each will boost my ego equally, but to be seen as "pedestrian" is like swinging a croquet mallet on each of my knees. In my frustration, I'm lowering my chances of acceptance to beautifulpeople.net to 10%.

[wei yau]

pescifish, that is the most humiliating thing that I have ever been told on a web forum. You caused me to learn something important about me. I can't stand to be seen as regular. If you have ever seen American Beauty, I'm like that sassy bitch who got called "ordinary" by the weed dealer. I heard that the standard of good looks is higher in SoCal. If I ever move to SoCal, I'll have to become a different man just to salvage some pride. I can be loved and I can be hated, and each will boost my ego equally, but to be seen as "pedestrian" is like swinging a croquet mallet on each of my knees. In my frustration, I'm lowering my chances of acceptance to beautifulpeople.net to 10%.

Why would someone who thinks so highly of themselves be so hurt by pescifish's comment?

I know that I have a very realistic view of my physical appearance. Some may say it is overly negative, but that being said, negative (not that pescifish was necessary negative) comments about my appearance never hurt me. Praise about my appearance are usually dismissed by me as "You're just being nice."

It's actually kinda interesting. Here I am, someone who knows he has no change on this website. I am not insulted by someone finding me less than attractive or even normal. And I dismiss compliments.

Whereas, you are someone who is quite proud of his looks, yet you are easily insulted and compliments are probably accepted by you as par for the course.

[ApostateAbe]

Whereas, you are someone who is quite proud of his looks, yet you are easily insulted and compliments are probably accepted by you as par for the course.The most bizarre part of it is that I never thought of myself as easily insulted. I thought of myself as emotionally resiliant to practically anything. I have only just now discovered my weakness.

[pescifish]

In my frustration, I'm lowering my chances of acceptance to beautifulpeople.net to 10%. I don't see how anything I said should change your chances at beautifulpeople.net! I honestly hope that you find the group of people you would like to be with and perhaps beautifulpeople.net is that place.

Believe me, Abe, according to all that you have expressed on this board, nothing I say should have any effect. I am not the sort of person you respect or admire or even think should exist. Like me, my words should be insignificant to you and your viewpoint.

In any case, had I known the use of the word "pedestrian" would hurt you to that degree, I would not have posted it. I am sorry. (FWIW, I do think the imagery of croquet mallet to the knees was very poetic and apropos relative to 'pedestrian'. :thumbup: )

[wei yau]

(FWIW, I do think the imagery of croquet mallet to the knees was very poetic and apropos relative to 'pedestrian'. :thumbup: )

An example of how my mind works, I read this and thought:

"That's a painful penalty for jaywalking!"

[LadyShea]

Abe, are you just fucking around or are you truly hurt by Pesci's comments? You're at the higher end of average looking, and you find that upsetting?

[Sweetie]

I imagined you as a dark man, AA. I think it's because of your av.

[bobeh]

Abe, are you just fucking around or are you truly hurt by Pesci's comments? You're at the higher end of average looking, and you find that upsetting?

Ditto...what she says so eloquently - the fucking around part. Me thinks you might be ....

[ApostateAbe]

In my frustration, I'm lowering my chances of acceptance to beautifulpeople.net to 10%. I don't see how anything I said should change your chances at beautifulpeople.net! I honestly hope that you find the group of people you would like to be with and perhaps beautifulpeople.net is that place.

Believe me, Abe, according to all that you have expressed on this board, nothing I say should have any effect. I am not the sort of person you respect or admire or even think should exist. Like me, my words should be insignificant to you and your viewpoint.

In any case, had I known the use of the word "pedestrian" would hurt you to that degree, I would not have posted it. I am sorry. (FWIW, I do think the imagery of croquet mallet to the knees was very poetic and apropos relative to 'pedestrian'. :thumbup: )The reason I lowered my chances was because I realized that I had to compete with all of those in SoCal. My city is not a cross section of the United States, and it is perhaps a bit uglier than average.

I have been an unrepentent asshole on this board. I hope and expect you to treat me with just as much honesty as I have dumped on everyone else. If you are a cruel human being with no conscience, you will give me insincere compliments that will mislead me into a false sense of who I am. Stop being sorry immediately or you are no use to me. You have done more for me than anyone.

[Alex Bragi]

I have been an unrepentent asshole on this board. I hope and expect you to treat me with just as much honesty...

No, Abe, you've been an unrepentant attention grabber.

[ApostateAbe]

I have been an unrepentent asshole on this board. I hope and expect you to treat me with just as much honesty...

No, Abe, you've been an unrepentant attention grabber.Opinions vary.

[Alex Bragi]

I have been an unrepentent asshole on this board. I hope and expect you to treat me with just as much honesty...

No, Abe, you've been an unrepentant attention grabber.Opinions vary.

Ok, so some people would say you've been an unrepentant attention grabber of an asshole. :P

[flopstock]

I have been an unrepentent asshole on this board. I hope and expect you to treat me with just as much honesty...

No, Abe, you've been an unrepentant attention grabber.

I'm new here, and my first thought, reading this thread, was that he needed some work on his routine..then i saw his pictures...

I know people like him, that actually 'think' they are exceptionally pretty and love to be admired. Sometimes it's hard to come up with a plausible compliment. And ya know, he may grow into a very handsome man someday. But he for sure needs to work on the expressions. They're probably what turns you off first when you look at the pics.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think he's all that bad. And it's not like I would win a beauty contest for dogs myself...

[Dingfod]

The reason I lowered my chances was because I realized that I had to compete with all of those in SoCal. My city is not a cross section of the United States, and it is perhaps a bit uglier than average.Nah, just move to Oklahoma, you'll be King.

[Adora]

Ok, so some people would say you've been an unrepentant attention grabber of an asshole.
Black. Pot. Kettle.

[Alex Bragi]

Black. Pot. Kettle.

Please clarify. Do you think I've been saying too much by responding to this thread drift? I suppose I could try to change the title of this to "Beautiful Abe". I think he might like that. :)

[Adora]

Please clarify.
You're an attention whore. Do you want me to draw you a diagram?

[ApostateAbe]

Adora, we are all attention whores. So what? I try to make my opinions somewhat palatable at least. We are here to learn and have a good time. The truth is: reading your opinions is like rubbing my face up and down a cheese grater.

[flopstock]

:1thumbup: Adora, we are all attention whores. So what? I try to make my opinions somewhat palatable at least. We are here to learn and have a good time. The truth is: reading your opinions is like rubbing my face up and down a cheese grater.

Okay, ya got me ! Now i think you're an attractive kid... excellent analogy!

[Johnny Pneumatic]

pescifish, that is the most humiliating thing that I have ever been told on a web forum. You caused me to learn something important about me. I can't stand to be seen as regular. If you have ever seen American Beauty, I'm like that sassy bitch who got called "ordinary" by the weed dealer. I heard that the standard of good looks is higher in SoCal. If I ever move to SoCal, I'll have to become a different man just to salvage some pride. I can be loved and I can be hated, and each will boost my ego equally, but to be seen as "pedestrian" is like swinging a croquet mallet on each of my knees. In my frustration, I'm lowering my chances of acceptance to beautifulpeople.net to 10%.


You must be hyper narcissistic Abe. You're not ugly. But I'm probably not the best person to judge a man's attractiveness, being that I'm a straight guy. If you worked on that tan, your acne but mostly your attitude(jerkish, liking 13 year olds sexually etc.) I'd date you if I was a 16-25 year old female.

[Adora]

The truth is: reading your opinions is like rubbing my face up and down a cheese grater.
Good. You don't deserve any better.

[ApostateAbe]

You must be hyper narcissistic Abe. You're not ugly. But I'm probably not the best person to judge a man's attractiveness, being that I'm a straight guy. If you worked on that tan, your acne but mostly your attitude(jerkish, liking 13 year olds sexually etc.) I'd date you if I was a 16-25 year old female.That's good to hear. I certainly am highly narcissistic, but I don't think I would be happy any other way. I will start working on that tan tonight with the aid of the duplex community tanning bed.

[ApostateAbe]

The truth is: reading your opinions is like rubbing my face up and down a cheese grater.
Good. You don't deserve any better.Yes, you're right about that, but I can't help but suspect that the innocents around this forum have opinions about you that are similar to my own. That's the honest truth, not an exaggeration motivated by my competitive ego.

[Adora]

Nobody's innocent.

[Zoot]

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

[Western]

I might think it a good idea if I was beautiful- I wonder what the beautiful people here think (Speak up :))?

[Zoot]

Put it this way. Imagine all the people you think you can do "better than" in whatever way - you don't find them attractive, you don't find them interesting, and you're quite certain that someone more attractive and more interesting than them would find you attractive and interesting. Now imagine you had a choice between a dating service that tried to connect you to lots of people including them, and one that tried to connect you only with people you were interested in and thought would be interested in you.

Everyone has tastes, whether or not we call those tastes "standards".

[seebs]

Weird. I have very close to no interest at all in whether people think I'm good-looking or not unless I'm romantically involved with them.

My own standards of "attractive" are sufficiently inconsistent that I'm pretty sure it's an emotional thing and I just retrofit it to whatever bodies the neat people have.

[Zoot]

Weird. I have very close to no interest at all in whether people think I'm good-looking or not unless I'm romantically involved with them.

My own standards of "attractive" are sufficiently inconsistent that I'm pretty sure it's an emotional thing and I just retrofit it to whatever bodies the neat people have.

I envy you. Personally, I've been so programmed by Hollywood that I find a specific range of body types and faces attractive.

[ApostateAbe]

Zoot, I was wondering when you would finally show up. Every forum gaining your presence becomes a little more sensible. Same goes for seebs.Weird. I have very close to no interest at all in whether people think I'm good-looking or not unless I'm romantically involved with them.

My own standards of "attractive" are sufficiently inconsistent that I'm pretty sure it's an emotional thing and I just retrofit it to whatever bodies the neat people have.That is a new one to me. Do you think it would hold true for the neat porkers with Swiss balls for ass cheeks?

[Shake]

Ok, so some people would say you've been an unrepentant attention grabber of an asshole.
Black. Pot. Kettle.
Says one pot/kettle to the other.

[ApostateAbe]

Ok, so some people would say you've been an unrepentant attention grabber of an asshole.
Black. Pot. Kettle.
Says one pot/kettle to the other.This can only result in an endless chain of black kitchenware.

[Beth]

Poor Alex, her thread has been hijacked by attention whores. Shame, she writes such interesting op's.

[Sweetie]

Personally, I've been so programmed by Hollywood that I find a specific range of body types and faces attractive.

In one sense this is true for me too, but it's primarily of a Hollywood helps to dictate what I think is beautiful, but for me what I recognize as physical beauty does not necessarily make the most "attractive" to me bodies and faces.

[Gurdur]

This can only result in an endless chain of black kitchenware.
Okay, okay, okay, ApostateAbe, I'm going to award you major points for that one.

[viscousmemories]

Poor Alex, her thread has been hijacked by attention whores. Shame, she writes such interesting op's.
I dunno. Isn't this thread about self-absorbed attention whores?

[ApostateAbe]

I discovered that I have a digital photo from almost one year ago. Here it is: http://img96.echo.cx/img96/8540/img30564ww.jpg

I am impressed at the gains I have made. I can't imagine myself looking that way now.

[lisarea]

My own standards of "attractive" are sufficiently inconsistent that I'm pretty sure it's an emotional thing and I just retrofit it to whatever bodies the neat people have.

I do pretty much the same thing. I can usually tell if someone is handsome or beautiful, but they don't really get points for it. It's pretty much always an accident of birth, sometimes the fruits of a healthy lifestyle (ewww!), or, in a few egregious cases, an indication of a shallow preoccupation with appearance.

I've gotten in trouble for saying that Saddam Hussein was a handsome man, for example, and being provided with examples of his behaviors as counterevidence. The implications are disturbing on so many levels. The whole tying looks in with character, as though they had any relationship at all; and the implication that acknowledging physical beauty implies a willingness to have sex with that person are two that really stand out.

There are plenty of beautiful people out there that I find thoroughly repulsive, and plenty of probably ugly people I've been attracted to. Physical attraction for me follows intellectual attraction very closely. As long as someone is reasonably well groomed and doesn't smell gross, I can find them physically attractive.

I really count myself lucky on that. I have no idea how I managed to dodge that bullet, but somehow I did. And to that I say "Phew." There are a lot of beautiful assholes out there, and I really don't have any interest in getting to know them.

[Beth]

I dunno. Isn't this thread about self-absorbed attention whores?Hehe. Good point.

[Dingfod]

Saddam is a handsome man. Okay, he didn't look so great when he crawled out of the spiderhole, but in general, for a man his age, "He looks maahvelous." [/channeling Billy Crystal channeling Fernando Lamas]