Greetings, all. I think I definitely qualify as a lurker, considering the amount of time I've been a member and small number of posts I've made here.
I've been a tickling aficionado (a 'ler!) for as long as I can remember. Seems like that was right after World War I - and man! you should have seen the tickling going on in the speakeasies during prohibition! (Flappers! Ski-dooo!) But I suppose I'm dating myself somewhat.
I am constantly amazed at the wealth of material that's available today. The net has made it possible for those of us with similar interests to get together and share experiences, as well as connect with all of the incredibly creative individuals who are so generous with their artwork, photography, videography, fiction and more.
I've been very much of a slacker in terms of giving back to the group, and the group deserves better. I'm (sadly) not graced with artistic ability, but I've made a few small contributions in the art section, in the realm of photo/art manipulations, to respond to some specific requests.
A few laughs on the campaign trail -- Sarah Palin, by request.
Elizabeth Hasselbeck fake -- by request.
R. Crumb Manip
Julia Louis Drefus - Fake
I've managed to acquire a little bit of skill in that regard, so I'll plan to be more productive, if there's much interest in that sort of thing.
I used to write a good bit (back during the Depression -- it was a diversion during those long treks across the dust bowl to Californy), on BBSs and Usenet, even got published in the old "Tied & Tickled" mag, but have not done much in a long time.
I wrote one little original story as part of a discussion thread here:
http://www.tickletheater.com/showpost.php?p=468988&postcount=28 . Isabeau was very sweet to offer some kind words of encouragement, for which I'm quite grateful.
I suppose the main thing I've been trepidatious about is the goal of creating something new, rather than rehashing something about which someone else has already done an excellent job in writing. I intend to spend some time looking at the request thread and at ideas people have, and I'll try to make some worthwhile attempts.
TickleTheater is an astounding resource, that I very much appreciate, not least because of the classy set of individuals who are the backbone of the forum. Senshi, thanks for the welcome, and for the encouragement.
It takes me back to the days of my first computer -- it was a Briggs & Stratton recoil-start model . . . .
