Real Talk: Triple X

No, you do not need to readjust your computer monitor; the thread you clicked open is what you think it is. However, this edition of Real Talk is not for superficial reasons, although I’m certain it’ll be argued that it is (I’m looking at you, X .) I’m not here trying to garner views or try to compete with the likes of 10-4, I’m merely trying to enlighten you on my anecdote. While I will accompany my narrative with a potpourri of new and old segments, I’m going to be as authentic as possible with you, the reader. While it probably could have been simply put in a blog, I think blogs are so generic and unimaginative. I know I don’t have to tell you this but if you are against this idea of mine, you can simply ‘x’ out and forget you ever saw this. I don’t know if this will be as “real” as it gets, but most of what I enjoy in life is not what I know, but that of which I do not know…


XXX has a number of references, most of which I can relate to. I’ve never been a Dallas Cowboys fan, but the last time a team won a Super Bowl from Texas was back when I was in 1st grade at Super Bowl XXX. Triple X is also an indicator of something that is “extra strong” whether it be alcoholic beverages or pornography, which are both adult in their substance (note: overdoing either of the aforesaid isn’t recommended by the FDA.) Wrestling brings us two mentionable references to XXX. One is a symbol of the straight edge lifestyle, which just so happens to be the standard of living for the WWE’s pair of World Champions, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan. The other is one of my favorite tag teams of all time, Triple X. There is something about the combination of the “Fallen Angel” Christopher Daniels, “Prime Time” Elix Skipper, and Low-Ki, that I thoroughly enjoyed. I don’t if it is my appreciation of the smaller wrestlers, their throwback to the 'free bird' rule, their catchy theme song, or their favorite tandem finisher, the “Power Plex.” More than likely, it was all of the aforementioned.

Literature review aside, the most important symbolization of XXX is the number 30, which is the edition number of this issue. The archive is of Real Talk is sort of like most of my forum accounts, nonexistent. Certainly, you can find a few here or there in the old post graveyard if you are on staff, but they are lacking the photography, music, and significance that came with each of the previous 29 editions. I had always been split on whether or not I actually wanted a 30th edition, and up until a few days ago, I was certain there never would be another thread titled “Real Talk.” However, after “gossiping” I realize I have a story to tell, and you’re probably thinking why I haven’t told it yet. Well, I’m getting there.

I joined the forum for the first time in the summer of 2008, around the same time as many of the O.G.s of this forum. Unlike most, what attracted me to the forum wasn’t the hideous background filled with faces of Divas and Knockouts, or the discussion of female wrestling. I came with less than stellar intent, as I was trolling wrestling forums and ran into XWA. After starting an account and exchanging words with the population on XWA, I received a PM from Blue, and joined with the intent to wreck havoc. It was an ignorant thing to do, but at the time I was a very ignorant person. You see, I didn’t own a desktop computer until after I started college; so many aspects of communication on the internet were new to me. In my first experiences on interactive forums, I quickly realized that being genuinely nice, really didn’t get me anywhere. It’s easy to be a prick on the internet, but most importantly for me at the time; it was a form of entertainment brand new to me. It was like playing video games for the first time, or digesting a completely new form of media. I had and carried the mindset for a long time that all I cared about was having fun, nothing more. I truly believed that no one else took anything seriously on the internet, so I never did. I felt that (and somewhat feel this today) that each individual is in control of his or her emotions. No one person can "make" someone else mad. There is something within that person that made his or herself mad. My theory on emotion is not the point however. Back to the story, just like alcohol or pornography, too much of any good thing can be bad, and while I tried to be funny on this forum, I didn’t take into consideration other people’s feelings. When I got banned for whatever reasons I did, I never truly believed that I was wrongdoing, but that those in power were wrong for banning me. After looking at some of things I said, I give a lot of credit to many of you. A majority of you that I know on here are friends with me on Facebook. While the term “friends” is real loose and obviously not as significant in comparison to real friends, it says something that you have been/are willing to put up with me, when you obviously didn’t or don’t have to. When I joined the forum, the last of my intentions was to make friends, yet here I write today in “loving” arms.

I don’t need to go into detail as to how brash or condescending I was, as most of you may remember it so vividly, you can hang it on a wall. To be honest at the time, I didn’t care what you thought, I really didn’t, but there was one major question of character that was even too much for me. When a member thought that I was poking fun of her, not because of something the member did on the forum, but for reasons beyond the member’s control, I was thoroughly disappointed in myself. I would never do such a thing, and after conversing with the member, the main cause was miscommunication. It should be noted that everything between the member and me has been cleared, and I am happy to presently consider the person a buddy of mine. What disappointed me was not that there was miscommunication, but that someone was genuinely hurt because of it and that because of my perception to others, it was legitimately believable that I would do such a thing. I never have and never would do such a thing, and it bothered me that it wasn’t past something that I’d be “perceived to do.” I know this may sound foggy, but I’d rather not reveal any insight on who this issue was with. I plead with you that if you do know, please don’t share it publicly on the forum.

Another member recently told me their true feelings about me from back in the day, and it was sordid. For another member to feel like they are less significant than any other member is bad, but for me to be part of that reason why they feel that way is sickening. I understand why I was banned as many times as I was, and I truly am repentant for anyone that I may have offended. I realize it’s extremely difficult to analyze how much I truly mean it because of this form of communication. However, since those days I’ve matured a lot. I’m not using that as an excuse, but I now have concluded studies for a bachelor’s degree and hope to earn my master’s degree in August. I study Communication and learned that there is nothing more important than freedom of speech. However, second only to freedom of speech, is credibility. While some have complemented Real Talk in the past on its fabulous writing, I probably wasn’t the most credible member on the forum. Playing Big Brother here really showed me how much I lacked in credibility, when it was assumed that I would edit scores right off the bat. Whether I’m eliminated next or make it to the end, I’m going to play fairly. It’s cliché, but there is some truth to “it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, but how you play the game.” Some of the games are tedious, but I didn’t sign up to the play computer games, I signed up to compete with people I enjoy interacting with.

While I’ve probably said many questionable things on this forum, there is not a member on here that I can’t say a positive thing about. If there is, you can ban me, ignore me, and forget that I exist, like you have for the past few years. If you want, let me know, and I’ll tell you why I like you and why you shouldn’t change who you are. I am certainly grateful for this opportunity to speak my piece, and while I’m not an angel by any means, I’m, in all probability, not the same Serial you probably have wrenched in your mind.

Don’t get me wrong, I still troll and make jokes. I can still be controversial in my opinions or thoughts from time to time, but I am also still human. Like I tell my students (yes, I teach, at the university level no less ,) it’s okay to be human. We all make mistakes, but how we learn from and correct those mistakes, is what truly tests our character and tells others who you are as a person. Now, I can’t promise or guarantee that I won’t have “Serial” moments, but I am being as genuine as I can be when I say that I’m going to try and be a lot less discreditable and a lot more… what’s the word I’m looking for?

Oh yeah… Real.



Like the new name? Yes, it's a cheesy play on the term 'bona fide.' Tonight’s top five highlights those who have impressed me since once again being active on the forum. I might have not noticed said people because they were not active at the same time as me, or I rarely communicated with the person directly.

5. King Silva – If criteria was strictly based on quantity, Silva would be number one. Silva posts some good ideas and/or funny videos, but his quality is drowned out by the sheer number of threads, not all of which are top notch.

4. NCD – When I’m not distracted with his sig or avatar’s gifs, I’m usually paying attention to what he has to say. He’s probably not reading this though, since RT is way too long for him to care, lol.

3. X – Speaking of not caring, I have to give credit where it is due. He doesn’t always post a whole lot, but when he does, it’s usually insightful.

2. Queen Mintz – I follow Mintz on Twitter, and while I don’t always agree with what she has to say, she does put a lot of heart into things. It’s not easy to run a game, and she could have easily not let me play BB due to my history with the site’s games. However, she did not deny me an opportunity, so I cannot deny her recognition.

1. Reign – Yes, she did make me a sig, but that’s not why she is number one. She made sigs before I was banned, and while I’m no one who can talk, her quality has improved to professional levels. Extremely impressive.

Congrats everyone!
________

In a few weeks, this forum will probably continue the tradition of their annual Hall of Fame. Being on a forum’s hall of fame, should have some significance. However, not to discredit anyone’s induction, but it seems like everyone who has been a member for some period of time, is inducted. That is why I want to start my own form of recognition. While it may get drowned out by the Hall of Fame and the countless other awards given out on this forum, I can promise that I will try to maintain some sort of standing to this award.

Real Talk’s Distinction of Authenticity, is awarded to members of the forum who have a history of being true to themselves while being a positive aspect of the site. It is the exemplification of authenticity that is my main criteria for this award, and the first recipient radiates with this value.

Spoiler:

This new segment pits two opposing forces against each other, with the winner being decided by you, the reader. Tonight’s theme has been about comebacks, and two actresses who have seen better days are both trying to reach their former glory. While I hope success for both Jennifer Love Hewitt and Lindsay Lohan, who do you think has the best chance at success? Lohan booked herself to host SNL, and Hewitt has a show coming up soon, so both have the opportunity. Who will shine brighter however? Vote now!

Whose comeback will be more successful?
	Jennifer Love Hewitt
	Lindsay Lohan
pollcode.com free polls

It never hurts to have a little eye candy before closing off. This edition's Special Attraction is simply phenomenal! It's none other than current WWE Diva, AJ!

Spoiler:

Ever since the first edition of Real Talk, I’ve always mentioned how the issue posted could be the last one. That is certainly the case tonight. I have no idea what kind of response this will get. You might like it, you might hate it. Whatever your opinion is, please let me know. What I can promise though, is that there will not be a Real Talk next week. Not only does my schedule with work and graduate school not allow for it on a consistent basis, but that was a big mistake I made when I had the time. Just as the forum is oversaturated with Hall of Famers, I engulfed the marketplace of ideas with a weekly edition. With a lack of material, RT became rinse and repeat, and even if I had all the free time in the world, I wouldn’t want to do that. I have to be motivated to write for fun, just like I want you to be excited to take time and read my opinions, not be forcefed old material just because it has Real Talk on the label. Like anything on this forum, if it isn't fun, there is simply no point. Of course if you have any ideas or criticisms, post them!

that was so long to read LOL

nice work. i'll probably have to read it again tomorrow cause right now i just drank like 8 smirnoffs with a few friends i have hanging out at my house lol

It's an honor to finally get recognized for all the bullshit I put this place through hahaha. Thanks bro!

Props for J-Love and AJ!

I appreciate the feedback everyone.

When I made the poll, I expected it to be competitive, which is definitely not the case. JLH is killing it.

Its nice you brought your show back

Great issue of RT. Everything was enjoyable.

Awesome job.

DrizzyDrakeFan wrote:

Its nice you brought your show back

It's not a show, lol. I felt obligated to do this after having the chance to 'gossip' with a member. Anyways, you gonna bring back 10-4?


Also, thanks for the compliments Hailey.

Very nice comeback!
and thank you very much, glad to see my hard work is impressing people <3

Serial wrote:

DrizzyDrakeFan wrote:

Its nice you brought your show back

It's not a show, lol. I felt obligated to do this after having the chance to 'gossip' with a member. Anyways, you gonna bring back 10-4?


Also, thanks for the compliments Hailey.

SSSSSHHHHHHH ITS A SECRET DONT TALK ABOUT "THAT"

Shit's mad long. You'd probably be better off writing your own book... at least you'd have a chance to make a profit.

Appreciate the shout out!

Eh, my writing isn't at the professional level, and even if it was... ain't no one gonna wanna read about a Mexican and his tribulations on a forum dedicated to an aspect of sports entertainment.

Also, it was long because it might be the last RT, so I wanted to go out with substance.

I was being practical, but if you ever decide to write a book, who's to say it has to be about a discussion board?! I mean, if someone did that then asked me to read it... no way I'm reading that nonsense. lmao

Maybe you could gear the material towards a sports audience (or any other.)

As for writing 'professionally'... there's many different writing styles. Plus, there are editors to help.

Your Mexican?.I thought you was white??

Now that it has been a week, do you guys care for more RTs in the future? Or should this be the last one?

These are always cool to read, so you have my support.