Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Her Reputation Precedes Me

Now then, where were we?

About three weeks ago, I started noticing occasional visits to The Panopticon via Ravelry. If you knit, and you're reading this, you probably know about Ravelry. If you don't, here's a quick briefing:
  1. These two nice people decided it would cool, and perhaps profitable, to launch a Web space for knitters that would allow them to create profiles (like MySpace), catalog their stuff (like Librarything), and interact with other people (like the Knitty boards, et al.).

  2. The two nice people wanted a couple hundred beta testers to play with the shiny new (if still incomplete) toy so that they could make it run properly before asking the general knitting public to step inside.

  3. Knitters beat a path to their homepage so quickly, and in such numbers, that it tore a gash in the fabric of the universe and temporarily reversed the flow of the Mississippi, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Rio de la Plata.
At present, "Where are you on the Ravelry waiting list?" is a question as much on the lips of the knitting community as "Did you finish yet?" was among Harry Potter fans last week.

Those who have been let past the velvet ropes are known to be enjoying themselves heartily on the dance floor. Occasional squeals and giggles heard through the door suggest a level of orgiastic delight akin to the parties thrown in Rome just before it fell. Those of us still waiting on the sidewalk are doing our best to be patient. Fortunately, we brought our knitting.

The proprietors are wisely employing a strict policy of only inviting new users according to their places on the waiting list. As one commenter over on Stephanie's blog said, "If they made you wait, we know there are no exceptions."

As of today, I'm 11,565 [edited. oops. originally published with wrong number] on the list. In front of me are 4,107 people. Behind me are 10, 198 people. Ten thousand one hundred ninety eight. The number keeps rising; even as those ahead of me have been allowed in, the total percentage of admitted applicants has held steady at about 33%.

I will admit I've been damned curious about what's happening in there, particularly since it's started sending folks over here. I'm reminded of an episode in middle school when one of the boys discovered one could hear conversations in the girls' toilets via a transom window facing the playground. He took to hanging about under the window, trying to find out if they were talking about him. (They were. They were saying, "Why is that little dickhead always trying to listen to us while we pee?")

Here's one thing I do know, and it makes me nervous as hell: Dolores is already in there. Naturally. She's already got her own fan club, the Dolores Devotees, complete with their own badge and banner.

DD Banner

Madam is over the moon. I can't get her away from the computer, and every time I come into the room she closes the browser and pretends to be deeply engrossed in a spreadsheet.

Should I be nervous?

78 comments:

Sarah O G said...

yes you should be very, very nervous

Anonymous said...

Yes. Yes you should.

Marcy said...

Well, she's faking it, Franklin. I just checked, and she's not in Ravelry yet, at least not under her own name. So the next time she plays that silly business on you, tell her you know she's faking.

Unless, of course, she's using a nom de fleece.

Anonymous said...

I will admit to being an enabler - I was the 3rd person to join the Devotees. Let Dolores think it is all about her - we are really just waiting for you!

Anonymous said...

I must have lucked out I got an invite a few weeks ago to join Revelry. Haven't had time to poke around too much though.

Mel said...

I haven't joined that group yet. Naturally, I don't want her head to swell any more than it already is. I think it would be unbearable for her flatmates.

(formerly) no-blog-rachel said...

I'm not an alarmist by nature (except when I'm out of wine or coffee but those are REAL crises) but be afraid...be very afraid....

Unknown said...

sheeeeeesh. it could worse. here are my stats.


* You signed up on July 12, 2007
* You are #15948 on the list.
* 8367 people are ahead of you in line.
* 5960 people are behind you in line.
* 33% of the list has been invited so far

dana

Anonymous said...

yippee, i'm on Ravelry awaiting you, my friend. astounding that SHE got there a'for ye!
watch me go off now to join that group.flames, they make me look like i'm moving really fast...

Auntly H said...

Hee hee! I've been looking for you over there, Franklin. I'm off to join the DD's now!

Roggey said...

I'm wait listed at 12,379.

It's only natural Dolores found a way in before all of us...

Glenda said...

Something is amiss on the ravelry antsy page... I just checked my list status and its saying that I'm 7359 and some on the list, and that there are only 64 people before me on the list... so you should have been invited AGES ago!

Is it possible that you need to clear your browser cache?

meg said...

It's OK. I'm 5,631st. It's killing me.

April said...

I'd put off worrying until Harry gets in there before you do.

sheep#100 said...

I should have either (a) signed up immediately upon learning of Ravelry (it was early, I tell you) or (b) not caved to the peer pressure and not signed up at all.

~~ in line behind 11183 other fiber freaks ~~

Cindy, aka Maxfun said...

I know it doesn't seem like it, but the line IS moving along. :) I'm now #1,777 and hope to get my invite in another couple of weeks.

Of course that just starts the work. Then I'll have to get serious about taking inventory of my stash, my needles, my patterns, my WIPS. . . EEK!

Remember, patience is a virtue. But then again, who says being virtuous is any fun!

Liz said...

I got on last week - think I signed up at the end of May or so... haven't had time to add much yet, but it's going to be amazing as it builds up....

Anonymous said...

I think it is hilarious that Dolores is there before you. Heck, even I will be there before you (509 people in front of me as of a couple days ago).

But you will have more friends than either D or I.

Lisa said...

I will finally be making it on this week, only 361 more unitl my Ravelry invite. Woot!!

Yvonne said...

She's actually behaving rather well.

PICAdrienne said...

You don't need Ravelry to have your own fan club.

Ewe-niss said...

It has been great seeing all the new features as they have been added. Some get over looked and then one day I see it is there. Then I wonder how long it has been up. Those coming later will have the benefit of being able to just jump in and have fun. At first when things were being added to the database (patterns, yarns,..) it was hard to see how this was going to be cool - but the more I go in - It is mind bogglingly cool!

I have signed up for Delores' group, but waiting for you. Meanwhile we will try to keep the partying down to a dull roar till then.

Linda said...

Franklin, I am a faithful reader but first-time commenter to your blog. I LOVE Ravelry, and I can't wait to see you on the other side. To anyone who hasn't received your invitation, it is worth checking out the "antsy" page. When I did, a couple of weeks ago, I learned that my invite had been issued weeks earlier but must have been gobbled up by my spam filter.

Carol said...

Regarding your dating post - I was going to say that you'd like my friend who lives in LA but didn't. Sent him your post and just got his response - 'I *love* that he posted a picture of Little Edie from Grey Gardens. Genius' Maybe you two would make good friends after all. If you're ever in LA, let me know...

errs said...

I've also joined the devotees...

Perhaps the spreadsheet is her stash. (You did know that you could export your stash into a spreadsheet for you to have if you're off-line.) Didn't you????

Anonymous said...

Oh, my, I just checked my line position and was informed my invitation was mailed in June! Darn spam filters--I keep getting online poker invitations but missed the Ravelry one?

Now I really need to get a camera. See you over there, Franklin! We'll be looking for you!

Dr. Steph said...

Ravelry is great for a geeky, organized, knitter like me (and you). I'm still in the process of getting my virtual house in order but love how I can keep track of my knitting stuff, my knitting mates and see pictures of wips all in one spot.

Especially seeing FOs on really people instead of tarted up, perky-(bare) breasted Rowan models whose hair obscures the collars of sweaters.

Anonymous said...

I am in DELORES DEVOTEES. It is like a clearinghouse for all things FRANKLIN. You should be flattered.

Eileen said...

1381 ahead of me in line. I'll be clicking on DDs as soon as I'm there. Sadly, my preferred userID has been grabbed already ...

Anonymous said...

You are #9392 on the list.

You are right behind me! Yipee!

Lisa said...

Delores, what would we all do without her.

Can't wait to see your Raverly stuff......

Glad that you're back with us!

Anonymous said...

Your description of Ravelry is the best I've seen so far, and also INCLUDED the waiting list information. (Most others who talk about Ravelry forget to mention the waiting list, and Ravelry gets hate mail! Can you believe!?!)

According to all the stats, whatever fun people are having on Ravelry now is only about a third of the fun to come. Looking forward to it!

christine (threedogknits) said...

I'm the newest member of the Delores Devotees! Well, as of 5 minutes ago. I think Delores got tons of new members today.

Anna said...

I got in a couple of weeks ago. It's really a lot of fun, and I'm only just in up to my ankles in the pool of Ravelry. I'd highly recommend photographing your stash, WIPs, FOs, and stuff like that BEFORE you get there, and put it all in your Flickr. You'll be set up nicely if you do.

If not, no big thang. We're all still waiting for you, and we'll squeal together, hold hands, and jump up and down when you get in!

DeanB said...

You should be nervous. About Dolores in general, not her and Ravelry. But on her button there, that wiggly vertical line between the lettering and most of her face, going behind one of the lenses of her sunglasses, is that cigarette smoke or the outline of her face?

Victoria said...

No don't be nervous...we are waiting to welcome you into the web...umm i mean to the party...with balloons and flowers...yarn and needles...and a stiff drink for Dolores ;-)....

loved how you described the network...you will enjoy it!

funfairiegirl said...

ravelry = happiness. I am in love. it is worth the wait. I got on the list VERY VERY VERY early and consider myself lucky!

I will have to go check out the Delores Devotees group though...

catmum said...

Oh, no, trust us, she's on best behavior. It's all going swimmingly, and it will be all peaches when you arrive. There'll be banners, and velvet couches, and she's been decorating your digs ever so tastefully. You'll see. Whatever could you be worried about?
c

Kristen said...

Nah, I wouldn't worry. Her fleecy head can't get much bigger than it already is.

Anonymous said...

Gotta love Dolores! I'm 22129 with 14483 in front of me. Maybe in 2009...

Anonymous said...

Honey, they don't call it a spreadsheet for nothing....

Anonymous said...

OMG! Thank heaven you mentioned the counter! Turns out they sent me my "in" email in early June and I didn't know. Okay, gotta go sign up and and check out stuff. I'm so excited, I'm about to hyperventilate.

Anonymous said...

Oh dear.

Anonymous said...

Franklin, I can't believe I am 1.000 people ahead of you! (I thought, everybody I "know" was already in.) I will keep an eye out for Dolores when I am on the other side. Do you want me to report back to you?

CatBookMom said...

Your fans have been wondering what Dolores has been up to, since news of her has been missing from The Panopticon lately. And I'm glad that your sense of humor has recovered from the latest visit to the dating world. It's got to be wicked out there!!

Beth said...

22156

Wake me when the train hits the station....

laura gayle said...

I was #125 to join the Dolores Devotees group. LOVE the badge and banner, Franklin. And can't wait until you hit Ravelry. I'm sure it'll never be the same!

FiberQat said...

I'm #13178. Wasn't sure if it would be worth spending the time, but I got sucked in while surfing on the Fourth of July. It'll take a week to photograph my stash unless I opt to take a couple more days off.

Glad to have you back on the pages, sweeters. And yes, be very nervous whenever Dolores is on the computer at any time.

Anonymous said...

I thought you may be interested in knowing that NYC wants to set up their own Panopticon by placing 100+ security cameras in Lower Manhattan (similar to Britain's "Ring of Steel"). Quoting the article, "The city NEVER sleeps will now be the city that ALWAYS PEEPS." I predict that soon Dolores will gather up her small cadre of devotees and hit the road for the bright lights of NYC (even if those lights are attached to security cameras!).

Here is a link to the actual article: http://blog.wired.com/27bstroke6/2007/07/nyc-to-create-p.html

Mo

Jackie said...

Can't wait to see you there... currently I'm

#8516 on the list....and there are
1033 people are ahead of me.

I'll be sure to look up Dolores and wait for you there.

Eva said...

I found the Dolores fan club yesterday and joined immediately. Don't worry, Dolores behaves really nice so far and we will wait for you patiently! ;-)

Anonymous said...

Um, I'm one of the early Dolores Devotees members and we are having a blast! Course I fear after my time with Dolores I'll need a loan for the Betty Ford Clinic.

muoriska said...

Yes, Dolores had it.. like..

Nice to see you in a happier mode.

Joanna said...

Well even if Delores beat you there, I think you will find the wait worthwhile .... and you best be glad your shawl is finished because Ravelry will suck every available second of your free time away for at least 2-3 weeks! I have popcorn and will wait by the velvet rope so you don't have to make time to stop in the concession stand when you finally get your ticket. You best visit the men's room first too.

Anonymous said...

You people have a spreadsheet of your STASH? You have GOT to be effing kidding me.

I thought I was doing well having my bins sorted into "Soon", "When All The Other Good Stuff Is Gone", and "Perhaps When I'm 80".

Christ. Overachievers.

Sneaksleep said...

Yes.

Janice said...

Nervous?? I would be in a panic. And how did you allow her to get ahead of you on the list?

Sydney said...

I wondered where you were! Ravelry, it's changed my life (well.... it's eaten my time. A slow, quiet munching away at the clock sort of life changing experience). Dolores has been behaving herself. Of course, you'd know if she got out of hand and got herself arrested.

Anonymous said...

I got my Ravelry invite only a little while ago, and I find it's a pretty neat place. At first, before I applied to join, I was thinking that I had my blog to catalogue my projects, make friends, and all that, and I didn't need yet another site to do it all on. But I kept hearing so much, signed up, and now I admit it's pretty cool. It's definitely inspirational. Seeing all the projects that thousands of others are making often makes me want to make x-item of my own.

Unknown said...

I'm 9601.
2078 in front.
12,444 behind.
(sigh)

Anonymous said...

You should be AFRAID! very, very afraid.

Nana Sadie said...

oh yes, be VERY nervous!
But CANNOT WAIT to see you on the "other side."
(((hugs)))

Anonymous said...

Recently, I got an e-mail which allowed behind the velvet ropes that is Revelry. Unfortunately I have not been able to fully explore it awsomeness, but plan to do so very soon. You will probably get lots more readers since we who do read you are going to put you on the blog that must be read list.

Janet said...

Now how did Dolores manage that - what a brazen hussy. I see that I am about 8700 in line. Still waiting, patiently.

debsnm said...

I'm 11023 on the list - just a touch ahead of you - I bet we get in on the same day! I spend more time checking my place in line these days than doing almost anything else - BTW, finally under 4000!

Anonymous said...

I have to join the dolores group! I got into ravelry a few weeks ago. Right now, my biggest complaint is that taking photos of my stash and projects mean that I use up my flickr memory for the month in about 3 days, and have to wait for the next month to post more pictures.

I can tell I'm not the only person doing this, because ravelry is much slower than usual today (Aug 1) . . .

It's fun! Friend me when you get in -- scienceprincess :-)

Anonymous said...

Glad you're back.
Mike

Kristin said...

Haha, I know what you mean. I'm so curious to see what's going on in there... unfortunately, I'm even lower on the list than you:
*You are #17174 on the list.
*9429 people are ahead of you in line.
*5182 people are behind you in line.

Sara M said...

In it. You know we love her.

knitography said...

Don't worry - it's totally worth the wait! What a fantastic tool! It will only get better as more people are added.

Carol said...

Be nervous, be very nervous. What I can't believe is that I'm actually in there! It made me face my stash and realize that I'll never live long enough to catalogue it all. That is unless my unknown rich uncle passes and slips me a get of work forever with pay card.

Jean said...

Oh, Franklin, how does one KNOW where one is on the Raverly list? I'm immensely reassured that you're not yet in either -- but the question remains. I am surrounded by grandchildren who are bilingual in English and Chinese or Greek, respectively but not both at once, and converse with each other in ipod and gigabytes and I feel that life has still much to teach me.

Love

KatyaR said...

Damn, how did I get in if you're still waiting? That christening shawl should get you some kind of special dispensation, I swear.

I will be joining the Delores group, although I'm a little afraid--she won't smack us around or anything, will she?

Karin said...

Franklin, I am going to admit it here in public and make a total fool out of myself: I have no idea how one can tell where the traffic to one's blog or site is coming from. Where are the secret counters that tally up who's coming from where? Please if you could point me to something that can explain this to me, I would be most grateful.

knittingbrow said...

My stats follow:
* You signed up on July 22, 2007
* You are #19738 on the list.
* 11880 people are ahead of you in line.
* 2945 people are behind you in line.
* 33% of the list has been invited so far

*sigh*
I look forward to seeing how many things I'm sharing with others.

cindy said...

I'm here to corrobrate Marcy's claim. I haven't seen Dolores either.

Ravelry is all too wonderful. I can't wait until 10,000 sign up! The pattern and yarn information is unbelievable!

Unknown said...

Beware of Ravelry . . . it makes you focus on how much stash, needles, books and other such knitting STUFF you have.

Seriously, I could open a shop.

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