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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Craze Adds 25 More Random Things to the Web

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(Newser) – A craze sweeping the web resembles nothing so much as a creative-writing exercise, the New York Times reports. “25 Random Things About Me” propagates through chain-letter style email, or on Facebook as a note, with recipients forwarding their lists to 25 others. “Photos or news stories have spread rapidly and widely,” a Facebook rep said. “This is the first time I’ve noticed a note gain such distribution.”

Adherents laud the exercise as a “way to tell people what you’ve been up to without seeming totally obnoxious,” but others find it tiresome. “Anyone who wants to know 25 things about me can call me or ask me,” one irked recipient said. Still, the list is enlightening for some. “What people reveal when there isn’t a particular requirement” is fascinating, said actor Jim Beaver, who didn’t know what a bagel was until he was 27.

25 Things.
25 Things.   (©JOE M500)
A Facebook page.
A Facebook page.   (AP Photo)
University of Virginia computer science student Adrienne Felt.
University of Virginia computer science student Adrienne Felt.   (AP Photo)
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It’s really interesting to sit there and try to think of 25 things that you’re willing to tell other people but that they don’t already know about you. It was harder than I thought it would be, honestly. I guess I’m kind of an open book. - Sarah Morgan, recipient

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4 comments
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Mr.C
Feb 5, 09 3:05 PM CST
I suppose we can overlook the complete non-relevance of the last tidbit since this isn't hard news. :-) Reply
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nick
Feb 5, 09 4:29 PM CST
Obviously, some people have entirely too much time on their hands. Reply
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suzy
Feb 5, 09 5:46 PM CST
i've been tagged to do this on my facebook at least three times now..i don't really understand the point of it, since the whole objective behind having a profile is to tell people random things about yourself anyway. Reply
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sadtimes
Feb 5, 09 10:59 PM CST
It seems like a good way to familiarize yourself with someone you've recently met or have known for a while, but haven't had the chance to really get to know. Reply
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