Hunter Clarington

[askfuturehunterclarington]

As we enter into the final weeks of summer vacation, I would like to remind everyone that the Museum is still running our 'Junior Explorers' discounts. Please refer to the website for details.

Additionally, I would appreciate it if someone wished to share their theory on precisely when it is in our lives that we begin to utilize social media for both professional and personal purposes. I am, in reality, shaking my head.

@atfgstarters

[askingthejeffsterling]

Hey-o, if it isn't the one and only Hunter Clarington, in the flesh. Or something like it at least. Good to see you, as always. Junior Explorers huh? That sounds intriguing. I've got some time off coming up this week, maybe I'll swing by. I'm sure I don't qualify for that special pricing, but it would still be great to see you.

Uh-oh, here we go. You're getting deep on us, Clarington. Personally I think the way we use social media changes as our daily lives change. It's meant to evolve. So I don't think you should be too worried about it, evn though it's obvious you already are.

[askfuturehunterclarington]

That is correct, I have not gotten around to changing my name since the last time we saw each other, Jeff. For what it is worth, it is good to 'see' you as well. You are more than welcome to stop by any time.

Funnily enough when I posed the question I initially believed the majority of responses would be similar to yours. However, that does not seem to have happened. I appreciate your willingness to hare. And to your credit, I do believe you have a point. Then again, i do also see the expanse of irony behind the thought process itself.

[ask-princessanna]

Yes, you make a valid point. It's something that we should work on so it doesn't have to keep happening. Maybe next time I'll give them one of my glares, that'll put them in their place. I'm doing okay, I suppose. How about yourself?

[askfuturehunterclarington]

I agree. I suppose that is where the phrase 'hope for the future generations' comes into play, however I find that provides little comfort when considering who will be raising future generations. That does sound like an effective plan. If the problems persist, I would suggest contacting security or the police. You suppose? That is not a phrase which inspires confidence. I am well- as well as can be expected at least. Do you have plans for the remainder of your summer?

[ask-theblaineanderson]

Hunter, hey! It's so good to hear from you again. Does one have to actually be a 'junior' to get that discount? Because whatever it is to do with the museum, I'm there!

I can't exactly pinpoint the moment when they both melted into practically the same purpose, but I have to say it sometimes feels like a double edge sword, you know? Like, how much can you share, before it becomes too much? I'm surprised someone as private as you even has a twitter account.

[askfuturehunterclarington]

Hello, Blaine. It is good to hear from you, as always. Unfortunately, yes- the age cap on Junior Explorers has been set at twelve. But, anyone who accompanies a Junior Explorer does receive 30% off their next museum visit.

That seems to be a commonality, the inability to pinpoint a precise shifting moment. Then again, that is consistent with most things in life. They simply happen with no real sense of importance or fanfare. I do agree though, that social media is a double-edged sword. In fact, I was just having a very similar conversation with Mike Chang. Truth be told I think the entire concept is reminiscent of the snake eating its own tail. The more people post, the more disgusted we get with each other, the more we desire to use the platform to ensure we are able to leave our own mark, while simultaneously proving arbitrarily that our lives are not quite as shitty as one may think, especially not when we have our own photos to post, which will in turn be envied by others....And so the cycle continues. The concept is genius, truly, but still infuriating. How have you been, Blaine?

[askthesebastiansmythe]

I knew you wouldn't. Why not? Are you interested in the job?

PM: Anything I had planned, I could put down for you. I don't know what to say, you know me too well. Why don't I like it? That's only because it's impossible to distract you.

[askfuturehunterclarington]

I am sure you did. Me, interested in a job making you awards? I will pass, thank you. Accepting such a position would indicate you require some form of assistance with inflating your ego.

PM: Do that then. There is no need to tell me things I already know, Bas. You do not need to know what to say, you only need to say the truth. Precisely. Why do you not like it? Correct. What time can I expect you to arrive tonight?

[askthesebastiansmythe]

Never change, Captain. Good to know. I take that up-to-date title very seriously, it's like an award. I might make a trophy.

PM: Look at you, catching undertones and calling me out. I'm just tired. Maybe it's time to make that coffee ritual a two times a day thing. I always knew that this was what adulthood would look like, but I don't have to like it. What about you? You good?

[askfuturehunterclarington]

I have no plan to, Smythe. I know. You have made it impeccably clear that you insist on maintaining the title. Making yourself awards now? I will keep that in mind.

PM: Look at you, telling me half-truths to placate me. What were you saying about callouts? Tired? What are your plans for the weekend? We can do that, yes. You know as well as I do that is a bandaid. Why is that, Sebastian? I am fine. This is not about me.

[askthe-mikechang]

Oh man, the things you don’t get to experience growing up in small town.  That junior explorers program sounds like a great experience for kids.

Is it the personal or the professional that has you shaking your head?  Because honestly I do see the appeal professionally (and it’s pitfalls as well) and while I recognize that personalizing even a bit of the professional social media is what is more successful I am getting more and more cautious of my personal use of it to be honest.

[askfuturehunterclarington]

I can understand that feeling to an extent. I grew up all over, and never stayed in one place long enough to experience a similar program. It is interesting, though. The kids do seem to enjoy it. It is similar to a day camp, though the program presents a different 'mystery' every day- a topic within the museum for them to learn all they can about. There are various prizes and 'treasures' hidden throughout the exhibits as well. There are badges involved. It is quite entertaining, actually.

Both, in different manners. I agree in the sense that i have always seen the downside of the personal use, perhaps more than I have seen the upside. I am certain we could have an hours-long conversation about this topic, and the ways in which social media has negatively impacted society as well as daily life. However, I think that ultimately I meant more to say that it seems even more odd to me to utilize the platform for both interchangeably, as I did. Perhaps it is too much of a purist approach, but I just feel that it makes more sense when used for one or the other.

[askfuturehunterclarington]

On the basis of your tone, one is lead to believe the answer is 'not you'. However the fact that you are posting about it, in addition to the fact that you appear to be seeking some form of accolade, both seem to suggest that the reality may be that you do in fact enjoy doing just that. Aside from your over-inundated work schedule, how have you been?

[askthesebastiansmythe]

Are you sure you're not the attorney here, hot shot? I'm alright. What about you? Anything you haven't dished to me during our ritual coffee meetup?

[askfuturehunterclarington]

Positive. That is not to say I could not have been, of course. I am fine, just working to make it until the end of summer. There should be a few weeks of 'down town' between school resuming and field trip season beginning. Not that I can think of, from where I am sitting you are as up-to-date as anyone.

PM: Drop the act. How are you really?

[askfuturehunterclarington]

As we enter into the final weeks of summer vacation, I would like to remind everyone that the Museum is still running our 'Junior Explorers' discounts. Please refer to the website for details.

Additionally, I would appreciate it if someone wished to share their theory on precisely when it is in our lives that we begin to utilize social media for both professional and personal purposes. I am, in reality, shaking my head.

@atfgstarters

[askthesebastiansmythe]

Who doesn't love a long day that keeps you at the office until after 9pm-- and then you still end up taking work home with you afterwards. Don't ever let anyone convince you that nepo babies don't work hard.

@atfgstarters

[askfuturehunterclarington]

On the basis of your tone, one is lead to believe the answer is 'not you'. However the fact that you are posting about it, in addition to the fact that you appear to be seeking some form of accolade, both seem to suggest that the reality may be that you do in fact enjoy doing just that. Aside from your over-inundated work schedule, how have you been?

[ask-princessanna]

Is it just a normal thing for guys to yell inappropriate things to women in a coffee shop? Even while she's working? I get it. Some guys are just like that but if I have to hear one more guy yell for my number, I might scream. Hope your week has been better than mine. @atfgstarters

[askfuturehunterclarington]

I suppose it would depend upon the meaning of the word 'normal' in this context. If you are asking whether it is an act that occurs frequently, the unfortunate answer is yes. However if you are asking whether it is an agreeable behavior that should have been normalized, the answer is absolutely not. Good evening, Quinn Fabray. How are you?