Forumite
A member of the Sci-Fi Forum. You become a member after willingly walking in and out of the Forum twice.
Types of Forumites
- Non Forumite: The philosophy of the Forum is that basically every one is a Forumite. If you're not yet, you will be. If you won't be, you should be. Forumites have a non written policy of "passive assimilation", trying to reach out and connect with everyone and creating a group atmosphere that is inclusive. So really, even "non Forumites" are really just "Forumites... not yet".
- Active Forumite: A Forumite who is currently active in the Forum, loitering in the lounge area, attending events, and participating in meetings.
- Technical Forumite: A Forumite who resembles a non Forumite in all ways except that they have met the bare minimum requirements of walking through the Forum doors twice. Often a Technical Forumite simply walks in and out twice in a row satisfy the technicality and never returns again. Sometimes they are tricked into it unsuspectingly by a Forumite who only reveals the rules after it has occured. There was once a controversy over whether the willingness of the person entering (or being taken into) the Forum was a factor.
- Alumni Forumite: A Forumite who once once an active member but has graduated or otherwise moved on. "Once a Forumite, always a Forumite", so the bylaws of the Forum stipulate that one does not have to be a student to vote in Forum meetings. Many alumni become inactive Forumites, but some remain active. Some alumni have gone on to achieve various degrees of fame.
- Honorary Forumite: Some Forumites have never been in the Forum but have been given the status of honorary Forumite due to being held in great esteem by Forum members. Recipients of the Gallun Award are also considered honorary Forumites.
- Inactive Forumite: Forumites who due to graduating, moving, becoming disenchanted or other reasons, no longer frequent the lounge, meetings, or events. If they have become so disenchanted with the Forum that they intend to avoid in forever, they are considered ex Forumites.
- Peripheral Forumite: A Forumite who is not very active, but will attend the occasional Forum related event.
- 1st generation Forumite, 2nd generation Forumite, etc.: 1st gen Forumites have had children who went on to become Forumite, who are themselves considered 2nd gen Forumites. 3rd, 4th, etc. are of course possible. Sometimes 2nd gen is used to refer to the child of two Forumites who marry and procreate, whether or not that child has gone on to become a Forumite.
- Banished Forumite: Despite the Forum's incredible degree of inclusiveness and gracious attitude towars those with weak social skills, the occasional Forumite is banished due to bad behavior, usually after a prolonged attempt at reformation.