(no subject)

[desh]

I feel like birthdays have jumped the shark.

I can't Facebook-comment to wish someone a happy birthday, because EVERYONE does that. Sometimes an IM works, but with people with whom I have more tangential relationships, the IM seems strained, and it's obviously a "trying to be different and not just comment on Facebook" effort anyway. I've always hated Hallmark, and besides, in order to send an actual greeting card to every person I know on their birthday, I'd need a raise at work. And I still hate phones, though maybe they're the way to go for some people.

And yet birthdays are too cool to just ignore. So what's left?

It's a conundrum. Conundrum, I say.

Comments

[rivka-m.livejournal.com]

email?

that's the downside of uniquness-- there's usually a convenient reason people do what everyone is doing :)

I use facebook because it has the handy reminder, so I write something before I can forget to (I had a bad track record with birthdays pre-facebook). I do try to write more than just "happy birthday", though.

[d-m.livejournal.com]

// if there really is an actual sentiment you want to
// convey on someone's birthday, then it seems to me
// like the medium doesn't really matter. and if not,
// well then it probably doesn't matter what medium
// you do use, or even if you do it at all. going through
// the motions is going through the motions.

[starvingnerd.livejournal.com]

Write it on your body somewhere, take a picture, send that to their phone. Unless they're our mutual friends, you can be pretty sure you're the only one they got that sort of birthday greeting from.

[smarriveurr.livejournal.com]

Send a stick!

I mean, c'mon. Pretty damn unique, ne?

"I feel like birthdays have jumped the shark."

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

Did you SERIOUSLY just say that? Because it makes me want to punch you in the face. The medium does not matter - it is simply the message. However you do it, wish someone a Happy Birthday SOMEHOW... the details don't matter. Or, if you REALLY want to be original, show up naked at their house with strategically placed whipped cream - guaranteed they will NEVER BE ABLE TO PURGE THE MENTAL IMAGE FOR AS LONG AS THEY SHALL LIVE.

--Jeff

Re: "I feel like birthdays have jumped the shark."

[smarriveurr.livejournal.com]

Ahem. Dude, desh, I know my birthday is coming up in August... and if you get me one gift this year... have it be not doing that.

Thank you in advance. That is all.

Re: "I feel like birthdays have jumped the shark."

[desh]

Did you really want to suggest that, knowing that your birthday is in less than 3 weeks?

Re: "I feel like birthdays have jumped the shark."

[jdcohen.livejournal.com]

Hey... I like whipped cream.

--Jeff

[evr1bugsme.livejournal.com]

Wow, Josh, you've really struck a chord!

And, at the risk of appearing to be a huge jerk, I definitely get your point. It is slightly different, but reminiscent of things like "Did you get a haircut?" or "Good show!" Do you really need to be the 30th person to say that? I can say "Good show!" by buying some merchandise. Or say "Happy Birthday!" with a free lunch. I dunno. I really like cards and postcards and mail, but I don't like being the 30th person to say something just to say it. And even if the sentiment is there, it's still sorta just going through the motions. If you're really happy about their happy birthday why not just write a nice, friendly email or card?

Really, I think a birthday is more a reminder to check in with someone than a milestone you must recognize in some semi-public and/or official capacity.

[desh]

This is partly why I sort of don't want to meet any celebs I'm a big fan of. Gee, I'll really make an impression on them with "Hi! It's co cool to meet you! I really love your work! I'm a big fan!"

[tobeginagain.livejournal.com]

http://www.someecards.com/
definitely the way to go.

Phone

[meganruth4.livejournal.com]

It's nice to get called on your birthday.

[alanscottevil.livejournal.com]

The problem is that you're trying too hard :)