So any word on what this year's 'meme' is?

[vikking]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

Hassan Ahmed wrote:

But where does 'meme' (the spelling/word) come from. I'm fine with the "idea" or meaning.

Just curious.

FYI.

Meme or more commonly seen on the internet: internet meme.

Edit: For example, I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future! :P

Basically the whole Rick Roll thing that went around some years ago is a meme.

[Azmahel]

vikking wrote:

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

Hassan Ahmed wrote:

But where does 'meme' (the spelling/word) come from. I'm fine with the "idea" or meaning.

Just curious.

FYI.

Meme or more commonly seen on the internet: internet meme.

Edit: For example, I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future! :P

Basically the whole Rick Roll thing that went around some years ago is a meme.

I think it's supposed to lean on both "gene" and "memory" , meaning an "infectious" idea, that may evolve, or "replicate"

here are some TED talks on the matter, I found them highly interesting.
nr. 1
nr.2
They don't really explain the phenomenon, but expand on it, but simply listening to them will give you a pretty good idea on the concept.

[Wren Brown]

Azmahel wrote:

I think it's supposed to lean on both "gene" and "memory" , meaning an "infectious" idea, that may evolve, or "replicate"

Yep.

Wikipedia wrote:

The word is a blend of "gene" and the Greek word <what is supposed to be a greek word> (mimetismos) for "something imitated".)

The forum doesn't like greek letters, apparently.

[Azmahel]

Ah, Mimicry is in it too ;).

Note. edited my above post to include some interesting links on the subject ;)

[Kerney]

I like the word Meme. The guy who came up with it married a Gallifreyan. That makes it assosiated with Doctor Who. Doctor Who is cool, therefore Meme is cool.

All the Best,

Kerney

[Greg Monk]

Lachlan Rocksoul wrote:

gbonehead wrote:

Set wrote:

Still a shocking dearth of psionically-charged hive-mind ooze swarm related items.

Personally, I was going to submit an epic item cleverly priced at 10,000gp that would let you go back in time, but Sean bogarted my idea. So I went with my second choice of a weapon crystal that adds ghost touch and incorporeal bane while emitting a permanent daylight/ghost trap effect.

Isn't the judging still going on? Shouldn't we still not reveal what items we submitted to keep them anonymous?

See, this is why the interwebs really needs a sarcasm font.

[Gerald Andrews]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

I think he meant winnow. Definition #4.

Personnally, I think a combination of both definitions #4 and #5 suit the current situation the best. Here's hoping I made it far enough that I'm in danger of being winnowed from the Keep pile. :)

[Neil Spicer]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

...For example, I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future! :P

As long as I get royalties everytime it's cited, I'm fine with that. ;-P

[Russell Vaneekhoven]

All your base are belong to us!

[Cody Coffelt]

I'm glad my item falls into none of those categories.

[Justin Franklin]

Neil Spicer wrote:

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

...For example, I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future! :P

As long as I get royalties everytime it's cited, I'm fine with that. ;-P

So it costs us 98 cents every time we say it?

[ulgulanoth]

woooo! my item was memeless! though it was APG related... now it only needs to get me into the top 32 and we're all good!

[Mikael Sebag]

Standback wrote:

"Misspelled inscriptions underline these elegant woodcuts of mildly amusing kittens."

Okay, how did everyone miss this AMAZING Lolcats reference?!

Kudos, Standback.

[Eric Morton]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future!

Yes, but how will that kill Hitler?

[+2 DRaino]

Is it just my twisted imagination or has the winnow discussion left anyone else with images of Neil hunched over some vague digital reading device, lips pursed, gently blowing the submissions (not sure how that real/digital connect is supposed to be occurring there) and smiling as the chaff lifts away to collect in a messy pile on the floor behind his desk.

Well even if you weren't, I hope you are now, because then at least I'm not entirely on my own.

[vikking]

Wikipedia wrote:

The word is a blend of "gene" and the Greek word <what is supposed to be a greek word> (mimetismos) for "something imitated".)

Yup, I need more coffee. I read this and my brain replaced "Greek word" with "Geek word".....lol

And no, Im not calling any one a geek....lol

[verdigris]

+2 DRaino wrote:

Is it just my twisted imagination or has the winnow discussion left anyone else with images of Neil hunched over some vague digital reading device, lips pursed, gently blowing the submissions (not sure how that real/digital connect is supposed to be occurring there) and smiling as the chaff lifts away to collect in a messy pile on the floor behind his desk.

Well even if you weren't, I hope you are now, because then at least I'm not entirely on my own.

I wasn't, but I am now.

[Tom Phillips]

Eric Morton wrote:

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future!

Yes, but how will that kill Hitler?

It'll lead to an Economic Victory over Hitler, just like in the orignal version of Axis & Allies. ;-)

[Wren Brown]

Tom Phillips wrote:

Eric Morton wrote:

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

I predict that referencing Neil Spicer's "98 cent word" will become a common meme on the Paizo forums in the near future!

Yes, but how will that kill Hitler?

It'll lead to an Economic Victory over Hitler, just like in the orignal version of Axis & Allies. ;-)

Or if the 98 cent word in question is "SKRsSwordOfKillingHitler" ...

*this thread is awesome!*

[ulgulanoth]

98Cent word! ftgagen!

[Dire Mongoose]

+2 DRaino wrote:

Is it just my twisted imagination or has the winnow discussion left anyone else with images of Neil hunched over some vague digital reading device, lips pursed, gently blowing the submissions (not sure how that real/digital connect is supposed to be occurring there) and smiling as the chaff lifts away to collect in a messy pile on the floor behind his desk.

Well even if you weren't, I hope you are now, because then at least I'm not entirely on my own.

No, but I do sort of picture him sitting on a vast literary-dragon-hoard style pile of coins, each $0.98 USD word having been paid for individually in exact change.

[Nicolas Quimby]

ulgulanoth wrote:

ftgagen!

That's a 10+88i cent word.

[Wren Brown]

Dire Mongoose wrote:

No, but I do sort of picture him sitting on a vast literary-dragon-hoard style pile of coins, each $0.98 USD word having been paid for individually in exact change.

Ooooo .... that is what I will have to submit as a wondrous item next year! A magical $0.98 coin of super cool awesomeness!

[Power Word Unzip]

Mikael Sebag wrote:

Standback wrote:

"Misspelled inscriptions underline these elegant woodcuts of mildly amusing kittens."

Okay, how did everyone miss this AMAZING Lolcats reference?!

Kudos, Standback.

Oh, I got it. I think every tavern and general store in my campaign world should have at least one of these displayed prominently next to a bored shopkeep. Maybe choose a few at random and run them through a photo editor to make it look like a wood-carved bas relief.

[Eric Morton]

Power Word Unzip wrote:

Mikael Sebag wrote:

Okay, how did everyone miss this AMAZING Lolcats reference?!

Oh, I got it. I think every tavern and general store in my campaign world should have at least one of these displayed prominently next to a bored shopkeep.

On the opposite wall, there could be a woodcarving of dogs playing poker.

[Power Word Unzip]

Eric Morton wrote:

On the opposite wall, there could be a woodcarving of dogs playing poker.

PRO TIP: Those are actually hound archons. And they HATE cheaters.

[Leshok]

hmm all I know is my item falls under none of those categories, which gives me hope I stick out more as being original! wooo gooooooooooooooo! *unnamed, undescribed item*

but if your REALLY want to know..

Spoiler:

EXPLOSIVE RUNES!

[markofbane]

Well, even if your item falls into one of the categories that Neil shared with us, it doesn't mean you are out of it. I believe the tea leaves item was put in the top 32 in a year when divination items were all the rage.

But, that being said, I am glad my item this year didn't hit those categories either.

[Wren Brown]

markofbane wrote:

But, that being said, I am glad my item this year didn't hit those categories either.

Me too. Especially since I was kicking around ideas for a shroud item early on in the process.

[zylphryx]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

markofbane wrote:

But, that being said, I am glad my item this year didn't hit those categories either.

Me too. Especially since I was kicking around ideas for a shroud item early on in the process.

OK, so out of curiosity, what was it that made you think "shroud"? This is the kind of thing that intrigues the hell out of me. What is the underlying current to cause so many to come to the same thought process?

[Wren Brown]

zylphryx wrote:

OK, so out of curiosity, what was it that made you think "shroud"? This is the kind of thing that intrigues the hell out of me. What is the underlying current to cause so many to come to the same thought process?

Well visually my idea was definitely inspired by Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility that is not really worn as a cloak but more like a blanket just draped over your head. Instead of invisibility I was thinking it would grant incorporality for a limited time, making the wearer appear as and interact with the world like a ghost. Thus the item should be a shroud, a blanket like item associated with the dead.

Anyway that is about as far as I got before moving on to other ideas.

[Vistarius]

Rusty Ironpants wrote:

zylphryx wrote:

OK, so out of curiosity, what was it that made you think "shroud"? This is the kind of thing that intrigues the hell out of me. What is the underlying current to cause so many to come to the same thought process?

Well visually my idea was definitely inspired by Harry Potter's cloak of invisibility that is not really worn as a cloak but more like a blanket just draped over your head. Instead of invisibility I was thinking it would grant incorporality for a limited time, making the wearer appear as and interact with the world like a ghost. Thus the item should be a shroud, a blanket like item associated with the dead.

Anyway that is about as far as I got before moving on to other ideas.

I also had a shroud idea, but mine was focused on something entirely different, but evil. I plan to use the idea, so I won't say what it is, but to me I thought shroud because it was focused on negative energy, creating death, and created by someone who's goal was against good clerics. So to me, I thought of a death shroud, and it seemed to make sense.

However, I'm glad I did not submit a shroud item afterall. Seems like my "clever" ideas aren't as clever as I'd hoped.

[Nicolas Quimby]

I personally think that shrouds are a good "cool visuals" item, and they can make thematic sense with a number of effect (anything from personal illusions, including fear effects, to personal transformations). I would say the same about lighting-based items. Cool imagery is very important for something like this.

And I think the exact number of this popular item vs that one is going to vary a lot just by probability. Plus the fact that you publicly mention the favorites makes them less likely to be repeated (you may see them again next year, but not in the same numbers, because many contestants are put off by the fact that it was a 'meme' last year).

[Leshok]

why do i have a feeling someone jokingly submitted "the shroud of turin" as an item...

[Cartigan]

Gregg Reece wrote:

Jeff Spencer wrote:

And Doctor Who wants it back :-)

The Christmas episode this year was great if you got the chance to see it.

They could have done worse or better in their ripping off of a Christmas Carol.

[Lachlan Rocksoul]

Cartigan wrote:

Gregg Reece wrote:

Jeff Spencer wrote:

And Doctor Who wants it back :-)

The Christmas episode this year was great if you got the chance to see it.

They could have done worse or better in their ripping off of a Christmas Carol.

New Doctor, bleh! New Companion, good. New Companion boy friend, annoying cry baby.

[Cartigan]

Lachlan Rocksoul wrote:

Cartigan wrote:

Gregg Reece wrote:

Jeff Spencer wrote:

And Doctor Who wants it back :-)

The Christmas episode this year was great if you got the chance to see it.

They could have done worse or better in their ripping off of a Christmas Carol.

New Doctor, bleh! New Companion, good. New Companion boy friend, annoying cry baby.

I think the writing and characterization of the new Doctor could be better. But Matt Smith didn't even make the role of Watson in Sherlock either...

[Xaaon of Korvosa]

Nicolas Quimby wrote:

I personally think that shrouds are a good "cool visuals" item, and they can make thematic sense with a number of effect (anything from personal illusions, including fear effects, to personal transformations). I would say the same about lighting-based items. Cool imagery is very important for something like this.

And I think the exact number of this popular item vs that one is going to vary a lot just by probability. Plus the fact that you publicly mention the favorites makes them less likely to be repeated (you may see them again next year, but not in the same numbers, because many contestants are put off by the fact that it was a 'meme' last year).

I wonder if someone re-worked my ghostfire torch from last year. I guess I mispriced it, not realizing that 900gp for 10 minutes of AoE "remove incorporeal" was game breaking.

[Gwenn Reece]

Cartigan wrote:

I think the writing and characterization of the new Doctor could be better. But Matt Smith didn't even make the role of Watson in Sherlock either...

And Benedict Cumberbach (the guy playing Sherlock) didn't even make the role of Dr Who either. However, I'm happier with their choice for Watson. Matt Smith would have made a horrible Watson.

[Cartigan]

Gregg Reece wrote:

Cartigan wrote:

I think the writing and characterization of the new Doctor could be better. But Matt Smith didn't even make the role of Watson in Sherlock either...

And Benedict Cumberbach (the guy playing Sherlock) didn't even make the role of Dr Who either. However, I'm happier with their choice for Watson. Matt Smith would have made a horrible Watson.

The guy who got cast as Watson does fit better, though I think Cumberbatch would've made a better Doctor.

[Curaigh]

Are y'all talking about that Frodo guy? Loved his Watson and his Arthur :)

[Varthanna]

I also made a shroud that I did not submit (I might display it in the voluntary reject bin).

My decision for a shroud connected with the theme of item, death (funeral shroud) and suffocating (makes me think of a plastic bag over someone's head... I dont know why).

That said, both Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (dementors) and A Christmas Carol (Spirit of Christmas future) may inspire people to do shrouds, consciously or not.

[CouncilofFools]

Maybe it's a collective consciousness thing with the whole meme items.