The Ultimate Vampire Resource and Directory

I’ve found a few of the threads I’ve read here recently quite illuminating: not for their content, but because the questions themselves say a lot about the person asking them.

One thread struck a chord with me, which leads me to asking in turn, “What is it about the image of the vampire, that makes a few who follow it, so pretentious?”

Before I ask anyone else to answer, let me say that I realise there are actually few on VR this applies to, but think a moment, many of you who read this will know at least one who is ‘up themselves’, who bought into this, to heighten their own persona and not seek out either knowledge of the comradeship of like-minded individuals.

So that said, I ask again, “What is it about the image of the vampire, that makes a few who follow it, so pretentious?”

I am following you on this angelus. In religions it would be labeled piety. The goal of the pious, is often to usurp the belief they profess. to promote the self.

Often these very people scoff not only at skeptiics, but also scoff at others who share the belief (just not as presented by the pious/pretensious person.) it is not enough for people to share their conviction, they want reverence to their projected self entitlement.. even though it is not transparent how the title was obtained.

After a person cast scrutiny to such claims, and convictions, the pretensious avow an attack on the general core of the belief. Like if I questioned a persons claim to be able to heal the blind, they respond with.. "See this person is offending Christians."

Lol well.. This is all funny... and as no other "vampire" hasn't responded... I will shed my knowledge and feelings...

The "followers" and wanabes want to make themselves seem something they aren't thereby being able to escape from every day reality and or their past.

And first off... No one should really be judged for their opinions and views.. especially if they are open minded and willing to debate and talk.

Second.. No one person has all the answers even from a scientific standpoint about anything... Why... cause we're all gonna die eventually! Whether or not one believes they will be reborn is another matter.

People should see themselves as above, yet equal to everyone else. A paradox I know, none the less, true in my opinion.

I see the title vampiric as just another label of one's characteristics/personality just like someone would say they were a discotech lover. It's just a way for like minded individuals to associate.

After all.. there would be no porn if there were no other pron lovers out there eh? lol.

Should I respond to this thread? May be with a question. What a person, who is a vampire have to do, to make others believe that vampires exist, way back before the Money makers from Hollywood decide to make a movie about Vampires. So, do you want the vampires to come to your town and give a presentation in a conference room full of people that have being grown up with the only knowledge that Mommy and Daddy put in their brain, that those people, (the Vampires) are the creation of Satan or some other demon from some corner of hell. So, what can be the prof?

They want what most want... scientific proof. For them... Complete and total logic is all that rules them.

So markus, are you implying that to simple imagine, and accept the fictional vampire is childish? Are you above imagination?

somehow I am not compelled to accept your implication that vampires always existed.. when clearly
all who claim to be vampires base their claims on select fiction. if there is something you feel i am overlooking, then here is your inventation to present your summary, and diagram your conviction. I am insulted by the implication that to be intrested in fiction is somehow "sacreligious" to those who are obsessed, with convicting the majority that they are something fictional.

Markus post"What a person, who is a vampire have to do, to make others believe that vampires exist, way back before the Money makers from Hollywood. "

For starts you can present a basic referable source for your implication that 'historically" vampires predate the lore, and superstitious assumtions of early people.

It gets rather insulting when people interchange belief, with self important conviction.. believe what ever you want, it changes not the obvious! Your implied "cryptic knowledge"lacks any support.

The image of the modern vampire is a super hero omni potent one so it makes people difficult to believe that there is someone really that way.

We all wish we were the characters we fantasise about.

I would like to suggest the X-Files 1998 Show titled "Bad Blood"
imdb.com/title/tt0751081/synopsis
It's about a real vampire that wears fake fangs and a cape!

It appears to be simply idolizing the Fiction no matter how you look at it.

Ah...the pretensious vampire. Just a small idividual trying to fill the shoes of everyone else. Sorry. But it is the same with everything else. They exist in all groups and factions. Because I am, I am better and you will love me for it. Blah, blah, blah. It like once a title is infront of their name (Earned or not, real or not) they become greater then myth and larger then life. Its a self esteem issue really. They can not be satisfied whith who they are until they force everyone else to agree with them theat they are who they are and better.

you make a great point oki i think they do it for self assurance as well

I feel it has alot to do with, thier desire to just be gaudy... they don't care about anyone other than themselves and they just want to outshine everyone. They believe that if they are a vampyre then they are better than those around them

Makes them feel better than everyone

Actually,I feel that psi1 has summed it up pretty nicely in that being a Vamp is more about personality characteristics.
On another hand,I am still very much an advocate of Upir's work in this .

As others have said, you will find people pretending to be something they are not or more of something in all types of situations. Seems to be a human failing.

As far as demanding scientific proof as to the existence of vampires before jumping in with both feet into an ideal, who wouldn't?

It would be like buying a car before opening the hood to see if an engine was actually inside it, not to question so amazing a claim, when they are insinuating they are a vampire, much as tv, movies or literature claim them to be.

Does this mean there are those people who do not feel a physical or psychological need for blood or energy from another human host? No

It just means that the closest name to fit their life is vampire, however you want to spell it. But before I can accept that anyone who claims to have all the major "well known" movie symptoms of vampirism is actually a vampire, I will require real scientific proof.

Very good points .
A few notes:
Feeling the need to suck someone's blood or 'energy' isn't something to be encouraged for heaven's sakes , if you do , you should get professional help .
Also , that's not a reason to call yourself a vampire (can't top you , though) . I sometimes feel like biting into people's arms (or other bodyparts) , even my own , but that doesn't make me a cannibal , or a ghoul .
A few plausible reasons one may have to pretend to be a "real vampire" would be trying to pick up dumb goth chicks , laughing at anyone who actually believes them , or , if they believe it themselves , a mental disorder of sorts .
By the way , people need to use spell checking more often .

I would like to know what exactly is being referred with the term "pretentious."

Why do you see this as being related to Vampires and VR specifically rather than any other niche group?

Who wants to be a humble vampire?

Its easier to pretend to be better than everyone else.

But what makes you pereive a person as acting as though "they are better than anyone else?"

Examples of this behaviour are:....?

How is this evidence of a "pretentious" attitude?

Alot of people want to be something they truly cannot ever be so they live in this fantasy world to help themselves look more important or intelectual to the subject at hand.

There are those who truly live the lifestyle of a vampire and then those who want to yet, in reality cannot do so. As for Vampires existing long before us, is just the ones who slaughtered their enemies and ate and drank of their blood. that is where Vlad comes into history etc.

I myself find them interesting and yet, I do not live that lifestyle nor do I pretend to be one. just like many things you have your real ones and then you have your posers. just an opinion mind you.

Normally the signs are when someone is always condescending and looks/acts with disgust. Im used to it because of where I was from. I dont like many pretentious people

So people pereived to behave "negatively" towards others or perhaps "snobby", defines them as pretentious?

Well...my response to this Thread has been deleted twice for being overly confrontational...so...let me see if I can be more civilized and less directional with my words.

I think if one is being honest...we can be honest...can we not? If one is being honest...everyone...everywhere...is guilty of heightening their own persona. Is that not why we all have pages? All the writings? Oh all the photographs? Is that not why this very Thread was written? Come now...really...think about it.

Does not everyone try and set themselves apart? In the quest of a mate? In the endeavor of a career? Who does not try to set themselves apart...be original? Stand up and be counted...*ponders*...wait...do not do that...it will set you apart. In fact...is not posting in this Thread an act of setting one apart by giving "your" opinion? Of course it is...do not be Silly Billies!

Think about the layout of The Vampire Rave itself...Covens and Houses set against each other...members set against each other by competition. Favor favor...which has the most favor..which/who has the most points...which is the best. Ah...you begin to see my point.

And some should not mistake standing on the backs of generations before them as intelligence...it is not.

Yes...I am pretentious...arrogant...opinionated and I do try to set myself apart from all of you...I try to shine...and I would not have it any other way...would you?

In my view yes. It depends, though, on WHY you are snobby towards others.

yes why would you want to *appear * better or snobby to others. I am very easy going and friendly myself no matter what .

Im nice to almost everyone, although there are a few people I wouldnt mind running into in an alleyway

You think my words and thoughts are..."made up"? This is me...this is who I am. I do not type these words because of my moniker...I type them through it. Which was exactly my point in "I Am A Poser"!

And I most certainly did not say I thought I was better than anyone else...but...I am not you nor will I try to be.

Do you all really have such a problem in thinking you can shine? Do you all really think so little of yourselves? Be proud of who you are! SHINE GODDAMNIT! And I will never utter a harsh word at your attempt.

I think people are far too wrapped up in others.

Each to their own.

No one forces anyone to interact with "snobby" people...and if this subjective perception proves correct, then why feel regret that you do not associate with these people?

Perhaps the irony is, that snobby people protect you from themselves?

all those who were into goth, really suffered when goth became mainstream, they lost the socitial repelant that protected them from having to "come out of their shell", people where (though not embracing goth) are now complacent with goth.. where is a poor social hermit to go.. easy claim you are a "vampire", and accuse everyone of "just not understanding you."!

HHC Well stated..

who regrets not associating with snobby persons?

People in this thread are trying to label those following the vampiric lifestyle as snobby and prententious..........Wake up people! It's not just them it's everyone!
The jocks at your school,
the workers in your field higher up than you,
government workers,
city girl sluts,
models,
teachers,
parents.
What would happen if you met someone who claimed to be a vampire that could care less what you think, was nice and honest? They would be labeled as crazy by your own standards which is well and good. But please... don't go lumping them into an attribute which everyone has been apart of.
And I agree with MeanMeanMrTu, thank you very much for your posts.

If anyone is judging others into such a wide category, this only proves to describe themselves.

The entitlement to be believed, above others is at issue. This is a two sided topic, even those who profess to be vampires brow beat others who profess to be vampires.

as athletics is concerned there really is athletic compations that sustain ones bragging rights, fashion as well (prepps) are all about who has "bluer blood" existing criteria to gain prestige.. though I do somewhat follow your reasoning.

I must admit...I am surprised by this accusation that I am a snob. Why am I a snob? Please be specific...can not this Thread itself be seen as snobbery? Let us be honest here Ravians.

Thanks dabbler, even though I don't exactly agree about your ideas... I do get what you mean. How can one "vampire" say another isn't... without physically knowing them?

My friend is an emotion hog though I can definitely tell, she is not a vampire. And trying to profess others arent based on...

How they dress
What they do in life
etc. (can't think right now)
then, i could only assume it's truly themselves they are dennouncing.

There is much more to a person than aesthetic stuff that makes them who they are.

Pretencious generally means that you act as if you have nothing to learn.

Some, with backgrounds of authority in a field of study, forget that their authority is not always recognised... and so come across as pretencious.

Most people, like to believe they know more than they actually do, thinking that it gives them authority, when behaving this way, a person is really pretencious.

Authority is only achieved by those who alleviate your fear. Your boss gives you your paycheck, Your parents feed and shelter you, a parachute instructer keeps you from dying... etc.

In order to not be pretencious you either need to be an authority, or learn from the things other people offer as opinions.

It does get tedious, however, acknowledging every striplings "newfound" idea, if you have already discarded the arguement as implausable.

Pretencious, and intellectual or class prejudice are actually two seperate things.

I mean snobbery.

Well as to the symbiosis of snobbery and those that think themselves vampires I can reason that this is not always so. I myself, am not snobbish. Sometimes i can be when to me, i am being logical, and to someone else who i am trying to get a point across to that won't give my idea a chance.

I know everyone here knows some "vampires" and people in general, as snobbish I see it in a lot of the vampires on this site. And a lot of times, i do believe it they claim such a title to escape.

But truly, for some of us this isn't the case.

Like those that call others MUNDANES you mundanes, mundanes this mundanes that

People are food

blah blah.

But again... the logical people like me, aren't like that.

I would like to argue that as reality is subjective your view of a person might differ greatly to the views given by others. A person you see as pretentious will often be viewed as one of great intellect to another. Also subconsciously people tend to label those who make them feel inferior.

With that being said some people are just assholes, both the generic and the blood sucking types.

pretentious vampires are usually role players with a cause. to be fair, one can be pretentious about a lot of things. i'm not pretentious about being a vampire; i just am a vampire. i'm very pretentious about being intelligent. i give myself that right since i have proven to be ahead of the bell curve on a number of occasions. while i admit others might be more intelligent than myself in certain scenarios, i still think i have a right to be proud of my personal accomplishments and standards.

pretentious vampires are mostly looking for an identity. because they fit their stereotype and go as far as they can to perpetuate the image, they often become pretentious along the way. i don't know if they are aware of it; they are simply very proud of what they have identified themselves as being. really? there's nothing wrong with that. we all have something to be pretentious about.

Ashes kept askin the same question, 'what was pretentious?'

Surely the fact that I was careful about my choice of word I chose to use said it.

I was very specific.. as is the dictionary definition.
Their are those who are pretentious, lording themselves who wish to share knowledge and comradeship.

I am not talking of style.. that's a different matter.
I was speaking of manner and presentation.

for some it is not enough to just be another person that wants to be coddled for their professed identity, they want to be exeplary among those who wish to be coddled for their professed identity.

They show this by turning on others who profess to be vampires. Which strikes me as complete hypocricy.

Especial; when after denouncing someone, they turn to whine about those who are not convinced there is anything to their claim being critical.

Sementically, those who profess to be vampires, are pretending to be something that does not exiist, the whole concept is fabricated.

Generally I think someone who was human and then became something that feeds on humans while still appearing to be a human and interacting with humans might have an attitude problem.

For the love of god some of us just don't enjoy the "Wassup?" conversations.

seems to me like some individuals are just going with the times and all that is around them. That they perceive at least.

aye, grant you.. but perception is such a relative term, how can one use that for a maker of the pretentious??

I am also confused on the *percieve* and pretentious* post.. humm
anyway I feel alot just want to be apart of others lives so they are pretentious in hopes of being approved or allowed to be apart of whatever they are into.

I have not ever understood why a person is pretenious and not be real, I mean they are only cheating themselves in my opinion by not allowing soemone to actually know the real them. Of course that could very well be there point also, not to allow anyone to know the real them.

It is a human flaw and well many fall into that category(sp) unfortunately. The thing is that they will be found out eventually also. So it is really useless to be pretentious other than to just make yourself happy I guess. Cause you are accepted by being a fake .. hummm wow wrong. in my eyes. and sad.

That is not always the case though. I grew up in the ghetto, and those in the surrounding towns always looked down on us, until we were one on one, then most were scared. But they thought they were better than all of us.

I will offer one last idea...then...I am finished with this ridiculous Thread.

To accuse another of being pretentious...well...is being pretentious. To accuse another of snobbery...*ponders*...well it is snobbery. All one really needs to do is take a step back and look...of course...this may mark me guilty of being pretentious...God I am...I AM...*tap dances across the Thread floor*...*tippy toe tippy toe tippy toe*...I admit it...*tippy toe tap tippy toe tap tippy toe tap*...I AM PRETENTIOUS! *tap tap tippy tap tap tippy tap tap tippy toe*...

Tu, you do pretensious to the nth degree. If I were pretensious, I would strive to be as pretensious as thou. I award you this imitation plastic trophy.

I accept this plastic trophy for all posers here in VR...*sighs*...it is a curse.

One interprets the behaviour of another to be pretentious. As Lolita phrased it "perceives".

Basic debate upon the definition of "pretentious" may allow us to ambiguously form a consensus of the concept...BUT applying these interpretations to any one person is an entirely SUBJECTIVE process.

On another note aside from semantics and personal opinions, I would like to know why people are so offended by "pretentiousness?"

Get a hankie, suck it up, and move on.

Angelus our perception is nothing but subjective to suggest otherwise is ridiculous. Perception is not relative at all. Your perception relates to your reality and yours alone.


Back to the topic of discussion:

**stands up and faces members posting in thread**

"My name is Lolita and I am a pretentious bitch."

**takes my seat, sorry throne; and observes the further ramblings of my inferiors**

;)

Society may label me what they will, pretentious, snobby, snooty or even an *sshole. Do I care? Hell no.

Judge the individual on their actions, all the more power to you. But I will keep responding to these threads with as much will power as it takes to screw in the perverbial light bulb, because basically most of these threads are run by roleplayers, and people who don't really know what common sense is.

But really, what is pretentious? By definition the word pretentious relates to someone who is in the demand for a position of merit, thereby wanting to prove to society that they are more intelligent then others? Hmmm.

So in your eyes, most by your definition are rather pretentious, just because they can be? Ever thought about that? That they don't really care what the world around them thinks? That judgement isn't really societies decision, so they scoff at those characters who would presume their ediquette is not proper?

Hmmm, me thinks the pretentious individuals would be the accusers and not the judged themselves.

Just my two cents.

"Hmmm, me thinks the pretentious individuals would be the accusers and not the judged themselves."

Aye. *nods*

Entitlement, outside of a Community, or congragation is pointless, I have nothing to compell me to adress anyone as Lord.. I may inquire how they acquired the title, and those who are included in that community, or congregation are due the curtousy of documentation, or certificate for the title held by an individual that hold the title. Lolita I am familiar with what entitles you as a Pretensious Bitch.. it is clocking hours with those who lack any social intution, without pretensious bitches, such people would wander into working machinery.

The one thing self entitled people miss, is the "journey"to a title. Hmmmm.. I think I shall be known as Humanus Supreme Dabbler.. You may all bow now..

There is one huge aspect here, that I feel has ben well overlooked.

Tongue in cheek.

Those that invest to much into something are often lacking in humor.

It is also common for people that hold fast to a script to throw tantrums when an unexpected cue is presented. Tongue in cheek rattles those who rely on said scripts.

I missed no journey to my title Dabbler. Though I would not personally use the word title. My view is extremely different from yours. I feel my sense of entitlement actually enabled my journey.

I see nothing wrong in all people having a sense of entitlement. It is a path of empowerment. I do not clock hours with those who I perceive to be lacking social intuition, I view it as both a waste of my time and theirs. Your description of how you presume me to act is slightly offensive. People interact with those they feel most comfortable with, even the most piety of us do this instinctively.

I think what it all comes down to is how we go about claiming this sense of entitlement. One does not gain entitlement from claiming a title. Many members here use Vampire Rave as a role playing game. It is a persons right to do this, if they are claiming ridiculous pompous titles you can either laugh along and humour them or ignore their attempts at conversation.

But then ~Lolita~, those who would ascribe to such "entitlements" would take them too far and into the extremes, like they need to protect their flock so to speak.

I have read all the posts in this thread and I now pondering...so, the other day when I called my boss an asshole, was I being pretentious? Am I an asshole for saying he is? Maybe so, but the truth is, he is an asshole and I just pointed it out to him because nobody else dared to before. They were too afraid to maybe but I will never know why. All I know is I told him!

Yes, I live life on the wild side, and I have a profile on VR to prove it. :)

If that is the case and definition of pretentious as in "speaking the mind, in a candid fashion" then so be it.

I say more power to you in calling your boss out.

Extremists exist in all human groups.

All extremists may bear a sense of entitlement though it certainly can not be said that all those with a sense of entitlement are extremists.

This reminds me of a conversation that was on the series: Californication with David Dochuvny. You had to be there.

Don't all pretentious people "speak their mind?" Isn't that what makes them pretentious in the first place? Hmm, or am I being pretentious....

This is gotta be one of my favourite threads, primarily because of the responses, but also because of those who have chosen to respond, obviously therefore highlighting who have not taken part.

Many threads have talked around the topic as well, while it’s this that seemed to have offended some respondents. That in itself is interesting.

My thread was not an attack on any individual, but rather an observation about attitude, not style.

Yet, most people on this site were drawn to something or other about the vampire culture; and for many it is the style. That I can understand.

Heck, I found a style to suit myself at age seventeen, that was loosely based on those cliques I had hung with, Bikers, Goths, Straight-heads, Potheads and, Free-thinkers.

Personally I have a liking for style, and in a grey world like this, populated by so many very grey people, those who carry off style well must be commended.

Yet, what I find difficult to comprehend still, is how on Earth some people can be quite so darn precious with their attitude, an so darn pretentious.

And, those who quibbled about my use of the word ‘pretentious’, could instead use any of these instead, showy, affected, exaggerated, pompous, hollow; with the antonym of all of these being ‘down-to-earth’.

I agree with you Angelus. This IS a great thread. I have enjoyed reading it since my first cup of coffee earlier this morning. It certainly got me thinking about my situation and is the reason I posted.

Still, my boss is an asshole and I pointed it out to him, no matter what that may make me.

Well Im not sure exactly what your getting at here Angelius, I dont believe in the hollywood version of a vampire that absolutely rediculous, however as we all know in our english language words have several similar meanings, I for one am a real vampire, no I dont turn into a bat or fog and im not undead but I do have a medical condition were I must drink real blood and blood transfysions are to expensive, so I do it the easy way. People with this condition dont look for fame or fortune, honestly ive lost more frfiendships then ive gained, especially relationships. You must realize the term vampire can be a broad meaning but there are a select few that can make this claim.

As for the vampires, a lesson to be learned in the song of life.

In every song there is an intro and an outro, but it is how the verse and chorus is played that determines the applause.

There are no metaphors to explain.. it's simple...

If one is not 'precious' with themselves...who will they be 'precious' with? Please tell me why I should not think highly of myself? You do not think the same of yourself? It all sure reads as though you do. Do not be hypocrites..your superior posturing is not impressive...your calm haughty attitudes are boring...grey.

Very well Mr Tu. I will always be the most important person in MY life :)

I read these profiles weekly, poring through them one after the other. I ran out of books to read around the house. Amidst the bad spelling, poor grammar, blatant sexuality and proud cries regarding the excessive use of drugs and alcohol; I run across the people who state that they are vampires. 200 years old no less, wow.
To have lived such a life! 200 years and still kicking and apparently seeking validation...online? Why?
I am just a normal person, a nobody really but I ask myself...if I was a 200 year old vampire would I make such a claim? Not me.
I am fascinated with blood disorders and people who because of them display classic vampiric tendencies. Certain sensitivities and maladies.
I have also been around characters whose very nature sucks the life and energy out of another person.
Can I disclaim vampires? No. Do I believe in them? Something must have sparked the lore.
Will I degrade someone for making such a claim? No.
I will move on though

I meant to say very well said Mr. Tu.
I was not being confrontational in the slightest.

"Yet, what I find difficult to comprehend still, is how on Earth some people can be quite so darn precious with their attitude, an so darn pretentious.

And, those who quibbled about my use of the word ‘pretentious’, could instead use any of these instead, showy, affected, exaggerated, pompous, hollow; with the antonym of all of these being ‘down-to-earth’."


It is not exactly the words themselves in which you define, but the act of pinning these upon others, as if it is not merely your own opinion.

And yet again I ask, why worry about them at all? Let those you deem "pretentious" to their activity and attitude.

Focus on your OWN life, and THOSE that CARE and are CLOSE to you...

"...many of you who read this will know at least one who is ‘up themselves’, who bought into this, to heighten their own persona and not seek out either knowledge of the comradeship of like-minded individuals."


Um...yes. There are a few here who come across like this. They alienante themselves from many here, and don't seem interested in discussion, listening to other points of view, etc. But they stick around...because they are 'important'.

Oh my... whether I like them or dislike them isn't important. As stated, there is much diversity here. If it wasn't, I'd be bored with the 'sameness'.
I wanted to point out and highlight a portion of the poster's statement which struck a cord with me...and make a comment on it.

(Okay - for the record, I don't care for snobs, but they don't have any bearing on my day-to-day activities...and I've been accused of being a snob myself, so it's all in one's viewpoint...LOL)!

"What without a trace of doubt, indicates ones disinterest in the opinions of others? **EDIT: And or an inclination to thinking they are "better than"**
What makes this community so important to one who has such a disinterest, that by merely remaining would achieve this sense of importance?"

Just FYI those are questions not statements. And as similar tangents have been touched upon, if anyone has answers I would be interested to know.

lolitas, I implied no offence. I can slide into the role of pretentious asshole (as in assuming the title of asshole) but to me an asshole is an important role, in social dynamics.

Somehow I think the consistance, and degree of a persons pretentiousness is a key factor. Is it enough that they personally are convinced of their importance? Or is it their intent to brow beat those who opt not to cowtue' to their self important, When does preteniousness become Meglo-mania?

I've just read the entire thread its 05:30hrs here in the UK and i'm getting tired near time for sleep

Interesting thread and a high culmination of debating issues

Definitions of pretentious on the Web:

•making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction; "a pretentious country house"; "a pretentious fraud ...
•ostentatious: intended to attract notice and impress others; "an ostentatious sable coat"
•ostentatious: (of a display) tawdry or vulgar


are these not cases of Human Nature? I wonder how many of us reading this thread, talking on this thread can honestly stand up and say that they have never acted in a way thats Tawdy or Vulgar; or told a story in the first person which which lays claim to there own importance knowing it is clearly undeserved?

MeanMean Mr Tu says that we are all in a way creating an appearance to impress others via our profiles etc, but I say this:

As the definition states it is clearly only pretentious if the claims in ones profiles of distinguishing difference are UNDESERVED

For else should it be claim that is deserved surely that person has clearly earned the right to make claim to it!

also Dabbler you stated something about wanting scientific proof (i may of got this wrong so sorry in advance if I have)

There is much in science that cannot be proven, take the psychic vs parapsychologist as a prime example of this

Psychic " I see dead people and they talk to me"
Scientist " I've studied this and can find no scientific evidence to say thats true"

Oh hell lets all pack up and go home, we can possibly be vampires cause the man in the white coat who frequently blows himself and his lab up mixing potent formulas says we don#t exist cause he says so and that it!

There is some things science cannot explain because there is yet to be a scientific explination and maybe there never will be and if you wait around for one before you believe then you probably will be dead and buried, unless of course your immortal ***winks***

I said account for ones professed importants..

Just a note. I think scienctific evidence was mentioned in response to another post, not to the topic. I would settle for a summary of ones conviction.

But I don't see anyone who claims to be a vampire readiliy offering that either.

All the while those who profess to be vampires quarrel among themselves as to who is more entitled to be a vampire, and who is a "role player", but the moment a skeptic says something they forget their quarrel, and turn on the skeptic.. how intresting..

I said account for ones professed importants..

Just a note. I think scienctific evidence was mentioned in response to another post, not to the topic. I would settle for a summary of ones conviction.

But I don't see anyone who claims to be a vampire readiliy offering that either.

All the while those who profess to be vampires quarrel among themselves as to who is more entitled to be a vampire, and who is a "role player", but the moment a skeptic says something they forget their quarrel, and turn on the skeptic.. how intresting..

Such is the nature of vampires Dabbler lol as soon as a skeptic questions us, of course we are going to devour him metephorically speaking of course

I'm a vampire mate, I'm sanguarian and I do consume blood for its energy, I believe I need it and my body tells me I need because I feel like shit when I don't have it for more than a set time and then when I do I feel good...One could argue that its is only a placebo effect but i'd rubbish that claim as I know what I am, who I feel, what I need to live, what betters my life and what hinders it

Yes many things that I feel can be placed at the feet of other illness' but i tell you this I have gone to the doctors, hospitals specialists and even consultants over a decade explaining how i feel and never have i had a medical diagnoses, all tests clear, my immunology tests even show that my immune system is well above average I never catch any (listed illness) ie flu, colds, virus' etc yet I suffer week after week with several symptoms that strangly go away when I feed of blood and feel 80% better when I feed off energy

If that makes me a vampire in your eyes or anyone else's that fine, if it doesn't I dont care because I am happy with who I am and YES a label does help, just like a diagnosis helps..Not all of us are aloof and not all of us strive to be top of this forum or that forum, most of us are just here to help those that have similar feelings as us, who declare they are vampires or those who are delusional because it betters ourselfs and our community

Vlad

"If that makes me a vampire in your eyes or anyone else's that fine, if it doesn't I dont care because I am happy with who I am and YES a label does help, just like a diagnosis helps..Not all of us are aloof and not all of us strive to be top of this forum or that forum, most of us are just here to help those that have similar feelings as us, who declare they are vampires or those who are delusional because it betters ourselfs and our community"

I agree partially with this. Let me explain:

No, I really don't care what others think of me. To say that labels do help, are... no offense, for those that seem a bit self centered. No one really needs to label anyone, save for the name they were born with. Categories are there for entitlement. Since the vampire is not a title, then I do not see what all the holabaloo is about.

Nah, I don't strive to be on top of any forum. I just tend to correct those who do not use common sense, or are unlearned in certain areas. More often then not, I am right in some form or fashion. I am rarely contested. Those who would question me, are always given an explanation toward both my philosophies and or train of thought.


Did I read that right though? "those who are delusional because it betters ourselfs and our community"

Uh, wait.. The delusional are for the benefit of the community? On the contrary. Delusional individuals are quite detrimental to the community. Delusion is a negative aspect and is there for the sake of fantasy and roleplay, so no. I disagree with this statement entirely.

Having read and re-read many of the entries posted here, I’m amazed at the vitriol certain individuals have directed towards another and me.

Is this because they’re attempting to defend themselves, or their friends, with deflection and reflection, by insinuating that I’m being pretentious? How so? I did not direct my comments at any individuals, so why do certain individuals in this thread take this so personally?

I can only assume that there’s a reason for them taking a pop at me as they have.
Let’s get real here, I asked a question, that’s all.

Geez, some people are so damn precious!

Heck, all I asked was - “What is it about the image of the vampire, that makes a few who follow it, so pretentious?”

*scratches proverbial head and wonders where it all went wrong*

From the looks of many responses here I would have to gather that most of us are just curmudgeons. But am I being pretentious?

All I can say is this thread is really interesting.

Definitions of pretentious on the Web:

•making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction; "a pretentious country house"; "a pretentious fraud ...
•ostentatious: intended to attract notice and impress others; "an ostentatious sable coat"
•ostentatious: (of a display) tawdry or vulgar

As my Name says *MasqueradeDoll* We all are pretentious in our lives at one time or another if not all the time as a way of fitting into a certain lifestyle.

Do I care Nope.. If you feel best at being pretentious as to what you would really want, that is for each to figure out and do. Everyone does have the flaw of being pretentious for many reasons at certain points and times in their lives.

yet, most doit for acceptance of others and so do it. others do it to not be part of something that others would want them to be apart of..

just an opinion.

I'm the curmudgeon, who wrote a thread which it seems MasqueradeDoll understood well.

I applaud her.. for getting it.

Now, just for the sake of discussion , consider this question :

Do you not consider the possibility that self confidence is just that, self confidence....and not pretentious. Very often being very self confidant and blunt is confused with snobbery or being pretentious.
Just a thought for the day from little 'ole me.

No, I really don't care what others think of me. To say that labels do help, are... no offense, for those that seem a bit self centered. No one really needs to label anyone, save for the name they were born with.

*Why I acknowledge the need for a label is because I have undergone a decade of tests with no answer, the label could have been "Cancer", or "MS" or "Manic Depressive" just for examples, but with 10yrs of not knowing what was wrong with me I am happy to take the label of Vampire, its a personal thing some will agree others won't.*

Did I read that right though? "those who are delusional because it betters ourselfs and our community"

* You did read it right but I never expanded on it enough. I do NOT catagorise RolePlayers as delusional I hate them just as much as everyone else...I meant those who are sick, have diagnosed mental illness' and who are vampires too, they need our help to both get well and to understand the context of there vampirsm so that thet do not run around making bold statements and in turn be subjected to ridicule of others in our community*

Hope that clears it up a bit mate

PS also Angelus, I hope you feel that I am not in any way attacking your points of view as if you do it was not meant to sound that way.

VB, well stated, Vlad, thanks for being forthright with your convictions, so very rare here on the rave, I may not be compelled to subscribe to your conclusion, but you do regress in your own statement, that is a positive
element of any testimonial account.

By regressing I refer to your mentioning the placebo effect.

There is a big difference between self confidence and pretentiousness.

Very true Shadow...but a lot of people seem to confuse the two.

Shadowfever I agree there is a difference between self confidence and pretentiousness, but one who is lacking self confidence may misinterpret another's self confidence as pretentiousness.


Back to the original question posted by Angelus, “What is it about the image of the vampire, that makes a few who follow it, so pretentious?”

I disagree that the image of the vampire makes some of those who follow it pretentious.... they were more than likely pretentious long before they even had an interest in vampires.

lolita pegged the matter well, Thanks VB for breaking the surface. I like how that was expanded on.

A persons social candor, should be consistasnt with their profess title, or ranking, perhaps even trivia.

While as SS mentions regularly, it would be naive to take all who appear, or profess to jive with a collective are just wanting a pretense to socialize.

when individuals expect "outsiders" to blindly subscribe to their titlement , even to be indifferent to their title.

This seems like a very long and tiresome argument with most individuals taking offense to a word. Good show Angelus.

As aside from the main issue, but connected to it: “why do people who disagree with what I asked so vehemently, return to say so??”

I mean, “why did the question offend them so much??”

Incidentally Vladimir, I took no offence, thank you for asking. Rather, I like the discourse.

And as to the remark vampireblondee made, she's gottit close I feel. I learnt a lot, through self-confidence classes and kinda leanrt to be the me I had been at 17, with the experience of being 36.

BTW:

A lifetime ago, I was labelled 'manic depressive.'

A label, no more...

Angelus they possibly return because the question is posted in the main forum..


oO

Thank you ~Dabbler~ for that reasoning about my thought process.

Hell, I am full of self confidence, but I am still quite pretentious and I am proud of both facts. Which in turn, make me an *sshole. So f*cking what? *shrugs*

My thought is this ppl are pl no matter there race color creed or other you have fackes in all areas in my mind i let ppl clame what they want to if claming vap or other makes you feal better hay rock on!

You call us pretentious, we say we have standards.

Do Vampires exist? Do they exist among us even today we just don't realize it or we are too blind to notice so?

Unprovoked hate is just as useless and silly as unconditional love.

I think some people believe their own press.

I am on VR to have fun and friendships. It does not bother me in the least that people claim to be vampires or if they are pretentious.

I cannot prove that they are not vampires, and would not wish to attack them even if I could prove that they are not vampires.

The real world is a cruel and tough place. VR provides a refuge for a lot of people. And I personally am entertained by those members who purport to be vampires, and I wish them all the best whether or not their claims are true.

A universal spirit of acceptance and respect would go a long way towards solving the world's problems, and I think that this also applies to the microcosm that is VR.

Many humans have the misconception about Vampires. May be because the influence of the press or the cinema. The vampire created by two mentioned are a Vampire who bite the neck and live forever, due to the hormones change because the blood consumed. The today Vampire, don't bite, don't live forever, and primary, is part of a community within his/her city. They like to be incognito to the general population. But, for some to said, that they need the scientific prof of their existence, is irrational. Are you one of those that need to see to believe? Are you one of those, which mind is so close that is impossible to accept that life is not what you see or think? Be realistic, most humans, go to work, come home, watch TV, go to bed, wake up..and start again. Just an opinion. OUT!!

Morrigan, you mis-read the post, or took it personally, as did a couple of others.

If you don't like the thread.. kill it.

But, it was not aimed at anyone individual, so why take it so personally??

I reitterate, if you don't like the thread, kill it.

After all, isn't that how people censor what they're not comfortable with... they get rid.

**counts seconds**

.. just gets me.. the one's who took that thread so damn seriously. sad, sad, sad... and got so damn unpleasant.