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Hopefully I'll see you all at the club in January Come see Amsterdam with me! They have an interesting "shopping" section.

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Goths can suck my dick

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Alicia, it's been a while since I read your site, so I decided to come back. There is a good deal of information that I agree with. There's also quite a bit that I don't. But all of it is well written and impressive. Don't expect to be impressed if yo choose to come to my site. It's nothing special-just something I did out of boredom. Still, your opinion/suggestions would be valued.

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Very intresting to go back and re-examine after some time has passed. I think it holds up, though I know time has dimmed your view. Interesting how much changes in 3 years, eh? Only 3 years, seems like a lifetime. Yet nothing really changes at all. Or does it? Only your hairdresser knows for sure.

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Lovely site=) I was hoping someone knew Patrik from Glasgow who is a Goth. He is born 21 february 1976 ...can someone mail me his email and adress please?

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this is a weird sit but interasting. It's also good to now what other people think of sits and if your woundering what neopets is typ in WWW.NeoPets.c

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What im i doining here lata????

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I find this site to be a humorous look at what "normal" people think of "goths". But then again why define? I mean, what is "gothic" to some is "normal" to others... and to those "goths", "normal" may be just as strange or even frightening. the only thing i say is this: before judgeing people, think of who they really are. We "goths" would feel just as strange walking down the street in your "normal" clothes as you would in our "gothic" clothes. Very interesting site, I'm glad to see SOMEONE has an open mi d.

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check out my website 2!!!!

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alieans are going 2 invade soon

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Ooops, didn't leave a message last time! Hi - how's it hanging. Good site - nice to know that there are other smiley goths/demi-goths out there:-)

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This is a great site how did you think of it. I love going on it. It is so interesting. It is my favorite site. I really like it. I hope you make it even better. So in the future there is more to do on it. It is probably the most popular site on th internet.

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I'm just overwhelmed and happy to find this place. I'll start my education here.

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Hi!
I liked your site and I don't get enough people to sign my guest book so I thought I would sign yours.
If you get a change stop by and sign my guestbook (HTML is OKAY).

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Ever since Iwas a child Ihave always been very dark and alone,I'm a musician and song writer now and I would like toshare my thoghts and feelings with other people.

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nice page Alicia .... the way you've explained the "goth" culture and why you don't esspecialy fit there, i thought was rather well said. I've been seeing you around at Area51 and before that Confetties for a few years now ... it seems strange to actualy now somthing about you. But i must say i'm impressed ...

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Yeah, um, it seems to me that you make it sound like the goth lifestyle is merely for white people. HELLO! There are black people who are goth too! It's humorous. A subculture that is against ignorance and shallowness says that paleness is a definite goth factor? Not saying this is a bad site, but before you try to define this subculture, you need a more open mind.

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You don't know what Gothic is yur self so you really shouldn't be taking or trying to describe it.

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Not all of us who were part of the first wave (I just turned 30) are snobbish towards the younger people in the scene. I noticed a few people who signed the guest book made snide coments to the effect that youre all poeseurs. Theyve forgotten they were on e new as well. Ignore their negativity and continue your good work. The site is outstanding.

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It was really interesting and informative...i was so happy to find this page cuz usually my computer screws up on me when i try to go to different websites but this one was pretty easy to navigate.

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here is an interesting(german)page you should visit: http://www.gruftieland.de

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Cool site, very interesting! Keep up the good work.

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A very refreshing site. I applaud your objectivity. Keep up the good work. I'll be back surfing again.

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Hey, Alicia I am probably the last person you thought you would every hear from. Your page is fantastic! It brought back old memories when I saw the pictures of us. Heh. Bravo on your DJ job! I would love to do that...I guess I am a bit jealous. Well, take care. Natalie

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YOUNG LADY.....WE ALL HAVE BUT ONE LIFETIME....YOU SHOULD BE SPENDING YOURS ON HOW TO LIVE HERE AND NOW....THROUGH THE SPIRITUAL WORLD AND THE REAL WORLD...NOT SOME SELF CREATED PHILOSOPHY THAT HAS NO MEANING...YOU HAVE LOTS TO LEARN...LITTLE TIME TO LEAR IT IN..AND YOU NEED LOVE..YEP.......NO ONE SAYS GOD IS NOT LOVE..YOU ARE NOT RECREATING THE GOLDEN RULE HONEY..YOU HAVE FOOLED YOURSELF...FEEL SORRY FOR YOU BUT I WILL PRAY FOR YOU........GOD BLESS....

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Interestingly enough I hold to many of the same beliefs or thoughts about the "normal" people. And I, in my own way, attempt to force people to think about their beliefs and why they believe them. However, I try to be as kind as possible while doing so. I thouroughly enjoyed reading your poems and your explanation of gothic and the tangents that lead to.

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Thank you for this site. A young lady that I am interested in is Goth(?) and you have helped me understand her a little better

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very interesting site indeed i was wondering if we can swap links Blessings Abbey

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i found your websight to be an adventure. But what i really want is to get to know u, and other intelectual goths, im so sick of these kids on the news.. Why do they care so much about what stupid people think. I dont.. well w/b if you wanna know me, if n t i cant say i didnt try

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i think your an intelligent, real, beautiful women. i hope you have a good day matt

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I like you site a lot. You seem to be a lot like me w/ the same intersts, beliefs, ect. I dont know why im signing this, ive never signed one before. I just wanted to complement the work you put into this site. It was very interesting.

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I am glad that I logged on to this website. I did not know anything about Gothic culture, and I basically judged from what I saw around me sometimes, and now I have a deeper understanding of the actions, cultures, and lifestyle of gothic people/persons. I strive to become well informed on all types of behaviors in all cultures and this has brought me one step forward in being that. Thank you.

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You are a very attractive and intelligent woman and I am glad to see that someone like you has a site.

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You are a very attractive and intelligent woman and I am glad to see that someone like you has a site.

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This Site Kicks Ass!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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How big is the Goth scene worldwide?

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How big is the Goth scene worldwide?

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Where to begin. I'm the head representative of the Gothic Order of America. You are not even remotely alone.I care as well as do the other members of the Order. You have done some good work. There is room for much improvement. I would love to talk to you. I am of the belief that living the Gothic lifestyle in whatever loose definition is a manifistation of the Gothic Spirit. A way of thinking and seeing the world. A form of Zen. In death we live, through darkness we shine. Of the Order, Erik Torell

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Where to begin. I'm the head representative of the Gothic Order of America. You are not even remotely alone.I care as well as do the other members of the Order. You have done some good work. There is room for much improvement. I would love to talk to you. I am of the belief that living the Gothic lifestyle in whatever loose definition is a manifistation of the Gothic Spirit. A way of thinking and seeing the world. A form of Zen. In death we live, through darkness we shine. Of the Order, Erik Torell

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Where to begin. I'm the head representative of the Gothic Order of America. You are not even remotely alone.I care as well as do the other members of the Order. You have done some good work. There is room for much improvement. I would love to talk to you. I am of the belief that living the Gothic lifestyle in whatever loose definition is a manifistation of the Gothic Spirit. A way of thinking and seeing the world. A form of Zen. In death we live, through darkness we shine. Of the Order, Erik Torell

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Where to begin. I'm the head representative of the Gothic Order of America. You are not even remotely alone.I care as well as do the other members of the Order. You have done some good work. There is room for much improvement. I would love to talk to you. I am of the belief that living the Gothic lifestyle in whatever loose definition is a manifistation of the Gothic Spirit. A way of thinking and seeing the world. A form of Zen. In death we live, through darkness we shine. Of the Order, Erik Torell

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I just wanted to write to compliment you on a very well conceived and executed site. It is nice to see someone who took the time to try and explain something that is dear to their heart. I hope you continue to follow your own path. It is the only true r ute to achieve our dreams. Take care of your soul for it the greatest gift we can offer to the higher consciousness. Thank you.

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Well, give yourself at least one point for your intended purpose of the site - as an eternally non-goth person, I consider myself lucky to find a site like this. See, two years ago stuff happened that made me realize that all the common perceptions of su h things are horribly inaccurate, but, living in a sad little hick town as I do, it's difficult to learn the truth about "subcultures" first hand. Thanks to your site, I'm one step closer to figuring it out.

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I find this all so fascinating, expecially that there's a whole elaborate subculture surrounding this phenomena that refuses to, er, "die"! I've always had a twisted sense of humour and grim fascinations. I never really immersed myself fully in this typ of culture, because I felt too much like an "outsider" to be a part of it. It was until recently that I realized that many of my favourite works of art & literature, as well as music are considered "goth". People who dressed in black always reminded me of beatniks or 80's geeks! Now at the ripe old age of 24 I've learned to revile in geekdom. Also, for most of my life I've suffered from severe clinical depression, which is a disease, not an event (but you knew that!). I also went through several year of self-loathing and mutilation, but much of this has been curbed with plenty of therapy and medication--two things that have changed my life for the better. I realized that although asking for help was probably one of the hardest things I've ever had t do in my life, it was a much better solution than the one I had originally intended. So, I didn't intend on expounding so much personal information, but now it's there at your disposal. Thank you for your time and most excellent website! Cheers! Scott Larson P.S. If you'd like a little insight into the mind of a depressive, check out my primitive website. I have some poetry there that you may find to be of interest.

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blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah

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I tried to Email at the alicia@gothics.org address but my mail was returned. I am working on a thesis paper and would like to use much of the information I found at your site. Please send me another address.

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awesome web site!! i spend hours on here, reading and going to all the links, keep up the good work

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One of the best and informative sites on the Gothic Subculture. As a goth myself I feel this site tells the truth. Brock

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Don't know if you'll get this -- hope so. I'm writing it at a public library, since I don't have a computer of my own. I'm researching things Gothic for an article to appear in National Catholic Register and I've found your site very helpful. I'm not Goth, but you've helped me see past the stereotypes. Thanks. Please write me. I'd love to hear your thoughts on philosophy and religion. Gotta go. Frank Boteler PO Box 21252 Catonsville MD 21228

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I really think your website is great! I think your point of view is really cool. I myself am a "non-gothic" person but am interested in the (sub)culture of it all. I've also read both issues of Eklectique and thought it was really cool. Keep up the good work!

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I need more information to why people are attracted to this subculture and to the future of goths. Will goths become more popular or will this subculture decline?

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blood in my dreams somatic ecstacy.....=) send me ideas/pictures and ill send some back...were on a project at the moment involving my coven and a camera...the results you may like to see. look after yourself.

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I'm 24 and was once into the Goth scene. I really enjoyed your opinions and views into the Goth mentality. I think that it does alot of good.

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I really like the site. It is interesting. A couple odd things I didn't know about really. To me, the Gothic subculture is the best. There is such a wide variety of interests(everything from music to culture, literature & others). I love it all, I really ike the old 'gothicy' looking buildings. I have nothing more to say unless I think about it. Good-bye. P.S. Visit Edmonton. You'd probably like it. Manson I guess did.

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I think you are a very beautiful person.I really like your fashion choices.I'm really into the whole gothic scene in seattle,and I have been straying away from the black and going more for the purple,and the reds,and the blues.Everyone wears black ya know I just get tired of looking at black all the time.So how is the scene is utah?I used to live in denver a while back and never quite made it up there.

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A friend once spent an entire day with me before she committed suicide. If my presence makes people kill themselves, I don't know. Anyway, I borrowed 20 bucks from her and returned gave her the money the same day. When I found her death out, all I could think of is "why did I return the darn thing back in the first place." I thought there was something really wrong with the way my mind works until now. Thanks for being around.

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Would you consider the writings of H.P.Lovecraft and August Derleth to be Gothic?

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Would you consider the writings of H.P.Lovecraft and August Derleth to be Gothic?

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I really enjoyed this site. I found the information to be presented in a very informative way and I could tell that you are very educated, as well as, informed on a variety of topics (not just goth) which made it all the more interesting. I am in appear nce what some would label as "normal" but of course, as you expressed in Info about me many never take the time to get to know who a person really is largly based upon their appearance. Anyway, I really enjoyed your site and seemed to fit into the categ ry of who you were trying to appeal to or educate. I also "care" so enjoyed reading your bio and the like.

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Before I logged into your page I thought Goths were people needing help...little did I know that me as an outcast am very similar to goths. I won't get into that. I like your site keep up the excellent work!

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I am not a gothic, but for a university assignment I had to study and analyse a subculture, I chose the Gothics because they facinate me, but until I found your site I was having a lot of trouble finding useful and informative information for non-goths. hanks heaps for the help in my assignment and thankyou also for helping to broaden my mind and attiutdes towards members of the Gothic sub-culture.

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I found your information to be well thought out and indepth..... thank you. Rick

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you are a bight person to look past the clothing and more on the person. since the thing at the school in colorodo all the students at my school are geting on me and my friends ass about gothics and we are the cause!!!! I think that, that is SHIT we arnt he cause , just because some kids in colorodo tweak out and kill people it is our fault in mn .... i mean don't take me wrong i feel sorry for the friends and family for what happened to them but still they shouldn't blame us!!!

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Very informative to a "non-gother" Take care and good luck in you endeavor to enlighten the masses on the "goth" scence and the medias fine handling of it.

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I am a 29 year old married mother of 2. I have spent several hours browsing your site out of pure curiosity--possibly an effort to understand what makes a person decide to be "Gothic." There was a time in my life when I would have looked at the the "Goths" and "Spooky Kids" and discounted them as weird. But I have grown to realize that there are people under those shells trying to get someone's attention by dressing that way. Maybe th y are rebelling to get their parents to notice, maybe they feel a need to attract a friend who will understand them. I understand from your writing that part of the culture revolves around music. I can accept differences in musical tastes, but my heart aches for those who choose to live their lives depressed and feeling outcast. Please know that there is a non-Gothic erson who cares. I too have never been what the world would consider "normal". I chose, however, to be different and unique by being a Christian. I chose not to be involved in smoking, drinking and drugs. I missed out on waking up in a place I didn't recognize and wond ring what I'd done. I missed out on developing addictions that would rob me of my hard-earned money. I chose to have sex only with my husband. I missed out on disease, rejection, guilt, and unwanted pregnancy. I gave my body to a man who I could depen on to love me, not just use me. I spent time with people who loved life, loved me, and had many things to be thankful for. I never have to worry about having a friend because Jesus is a friend who understands my every hurt and need. He loved me so much that he died to take away my sins. I can look forward to a home in heaven because of his mercy and grace. With the helpd of God's son Jesus, I have the power to conquer any problem that Satan throws in my path. I can pray and receive guidance about decisions that need to be made. I can pray for healing for myself and others. I can pray that he will work th ngs out for the best. Turning my life over to His will has given me such an incredible peace. I no longer worry about the future. It is in God's capable hands. With that peace has come true happiness. Christianity doesn't bind you and keep you from having fun. Satan deceives into thinking that sinful things are fun at the moment. He gets the last laugh when we suffer the consequences associated with those sins. Being a Christian frees us to receive he blessings God intended for us here on earth and after our physical death. True Christians have as much or more fun than anyone else, without suffering consequences. I have learned a great deal about you and about Goths today. I hope that you and others who read this guest book will in turn learn more about God and his son, Jesus. God created each of us with a hole in our hearts that only He could fill. People try to fill that hole with music, sex, alcohol, drugs, friends, family, food, sleep, television, nature, hobbies, work, and a number of other things. While each may provide a temporary pleasure, and most may be good, only God can make your life complete and at peace. Please e-mail me if you want to know more. I have no desire to change your looks or tastes, just a desire to share with you the greatest joy in my life.

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this page is awesome. the hair color thing was funny, cause ive been through a lot of hair colors (red,purple, blond streaks, black, blue, and now dark auburn) so it was kinda cool. anyways, before i sound like more of a dork, ill shut up

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Cool Beans GO INDUSTRIAL

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I love it all, Alisha! What the hell is with that ArabGodFather Guy?

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I just wanted to read a little about Goths. I like to be informed and learn about different things. I enjoyed visiting your web site.

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Well, Alicia, #1: You're a great writer, very easy to read. #2: You're a terrible journalist (which is, obviously, a very different thing) because you're so slanted! In the intro, you said you couldn't relate any viewpoint other than your own - that's r diculous! Of course you can - it's called being objective. Finally, as a Christian, I found your site very informative, and you, quite charming. And regardless of all the harm that has resulted from the so-called "Christian" religion, I would just ask hat you consider one thing: the true Christian is not a rule-keeping, phobic, wooden-pew sitting, puritan - he or she is a person, on a journey, getting to know his/her creator better, by His grace, one day at a time. And a true Christian holds love, th unconditional kind, for all people, and all of creation, and especially for the Creator himself, closer to his/her heart than anything else. Thanks for listening. God bless you. :)

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I am fairly new in the gothic scene, and the info. that you provided has great insight. I learned a lot from this website. THANX!!

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You seem like an interesting person. Good luck to you, and I hope you lead an enjoyable life.

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TO ALL THOSE GOTHIC GROUPS OUT THERE THAT HATE ARABS I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY DIE MOTHER FUCKERS! DIE MOTHER FUCKERS! DIE!

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WHY DO THE GOTHIC GROUPS HATE ARABS

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don't look now but get ready to defend your "lifestyle" to the angry mobs demanding justice...

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The stereotype of gothic is not one that I like. But use for lack of a better one. Come visit my site and take a look at more of my opinions.

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Nice page. I think that your views and ideas are well presented here. Just so that you know I'm not gothic...Well not really. People do care and people do read even though not all of them will respond. Nice job again keep up the good work.

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I would like to know why you think that these people you look up to and aspire to be (what you call goths) what anyone to know what they are doing -=- I have been the same forever -=- i will be this way even after the label and the fad dies -=- I don't wa t the entire internet comminuty to know me -=- the same way I do not want the world to know me -=- I am unique -=- you can't describe that and put it into some little web site (or book) and explain it -=- you are explaining away the whole point of being t e way we are -=- do you not understand that it is none of their damn business? -=- if you are something then you do not need to offer the rest of the world justifications or excuses for being that way -=- let the world think what they want -=- if they thi k we are lame or scary, fine then they won't attempt to speak to us -=- which saves me the bother of telling them to fuk off -=- this site should be torn down in support of the scene it tries to justify -=- but then again I am only one person and this is erely my perception on why my scene has become what it is -=- you may be a retard that got to much info on something and didnt know what to do with it besides tell other retards -=-

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I found your comments insightful and interesting. I've seen you at the clubs, and always wondered what you are, could be, like. It's good to know someone else shares some of the same views as I do. Though it saddens me to know that I have to read your w bsite to get to know you....ahh well. I'll have to smile at you from across the dark dance floor sometime... -jAson

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When does the how to become a kindergoth overnight hand book come out??

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all in all, it's just a waste of time.

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I thought the page was very imformative. There's a saying that if you're goth you don't admit it. Inside you might be outside it's obvious but it's supposed to be some philosophical psychological deal. I don't know how to explain what I'm saying so I'll s ut up now.

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cool page ! go one like that! have a nice day and listen to Black Channel http://www.blackchannel.de

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you should have some real goths on not these posers that think that they are all bad and goth because they act a certin way. when someone is truly goth they are just beaing them selvs not trying to be anything but that and that is what the problem is peop e try to hard to be things other than themselvs.

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I find this a very good initiative, and you've done a good job. I guess I consider myself a goth (people who know the term do, at least... same old thing of considering oneself too unique to put a label on!), and I was interested in knowing more about how the subculture started. I guess the spirit has always existed without a name, as it was for me before I encountered the Danish goth scene - and hear your version of music classification (a pretty confusing subject, but then again I don't care about labels . Keep it up!

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I am 26, have been "Goth" for some time now (it's how you think and what you believe, so for about ten years!) It is quite sad how misinformed people think all Gothics are into Satanism, drugs and Marilyn Manson. I don't do drugs per se (I am a casual dri ker) and I used to be a good Christian girl(all dresed in black, of course). And I really dislike Marilyn Manson as a person because of what he has done to our culture! It's nice to know there are people out there like you who are trying to clear our name (Oh, not all Gothics think they are Vampires! I enjoy Anne Rice, but spare me!) Keep up the grand work!

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ive been laughed at too fucking much--by my family, my "friends", my classmates, etc. i never felt i really belonged anywhere until i hooked up with a gaggle of goths at a club. they are some of the most sensitive, caring, accepting people i have ever m t. Brett-- July 1996 (right before you moved to NY)-- i will never forget you. Thank you for making me feel loved. KISS THE GOAT!!!

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YOU DONT KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOUR SAYING. FIRST OF ALL YOU DONT HAVE TO WEAR ALL BLACK TO BE SOCALLED "GOTHIC" YOU ARE JUST A PRODUCT OF OUR SOCIETY . SOPOR AETERNUS & THE ENSEMBLE OF SHADOWS,EDLF99

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I liked this as it took a semi-serious approach and did a little to dispel all the stupid myths about us. Everyone has stereotyped Goth and it really bugs me.

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I'm in the process of doing research for a sociology term paper on sub and counter culture. I found a ton of interesting and usefull info here (espically the newspaper articles). Thanks for giving me a little more insight. Sarah Wiggins

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I would like some info on performing @ AREA 51. Please have someone E-mail me and I'll send some sound samples, video, pic's etc.

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if you have the time, please e-mail me about other goth links, or other sites that pertain to goth. I, with out knowing it, have been a "goth" since childhood, and I would like to find out about others like me. thank you. Raven Shadow

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Actually, writing a research paper on the Contemporary Goth for a class discussion in a literature course which covers everything from Lewis and Poe to more modern stuff such as Angela Carter and John Carpenter stuff. More specifically my topic is on the aspects of music that play a role in the gothic subculture. If you happened to have any input into this topic comments would be appreciated. Other than that I found your site very "informative"...unique perspective perhaps. I actually like that whole s lver thing you had going on. Later royer@midd-unix.middlebury.edu

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Hi, I'm an anthropology major doing a paper on studying religions and subcultures through the Comparative Method. I'm using Gothic Subculture as one of a handful of subcultures to compare to Christianity. The site over all was very informative since I reall knew nothing about this subculture.

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I couldn't put in words what I felt about the gothic scene for a long time.I've just called myself a goth wan-a-be for about 2 years now.But alot of what you said,explaining why you weren't gothic are the same resons I would use to say I wish I were,but I m not. The music,the cloths,the self-expression,(on and off the dance floor),the art,poetry,writing,the total genius when it comes to computer literacy.I've met so many admirable young people in the last 2 to 3 years,I'm ashamed of the people in my own ag group.Hope to meet you and some of your friends from Salt Lake city at C5. jesgard,(the old wannabe from Dallas).

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After reading your site I now have a much clearer idea of what being a "goth" really is. From what I see, goths are very smart, artistic and creative people. Before I read your page I had the media's version of gothic in my head but now it makes more sens to me.

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so...... how can you be goth consultant extraordinnaire without cnsidering yourself gothic?

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I'm 14 and I'm thinking if joining a group in my high school. I wanted extra info on what I'm getting into. Thanx u helped. :)

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pretty good site with great info on stuff

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Hi! I´m a 33 years old, male Satanist, would like to get in contact to dark-minded people from all over the world, so write me! I´m also into Vampyrism, Serial Killers, sick & extreme things; into Black Magick based on Aleister Crowley and the Necronomicon; into Gothic Culture and Black/ Death Metal. Hope to hear from you soon! Bodo Schulz, Kottmarstraße 3, D-01326 Dresden, Germany

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i love your site and what you have to say. i am not goth either, though i like to dress goth at times. i am always changing my looks, but that does not mean i change who i am. i don't believe in labels, only people. i have many different friends from ifferent social groups, but none of them are better than any other. you know who you are, and that is what is important. be true to yourself, not a stereotype or what other people think you should be. and keep on writing, you are very good at it. ever think about it professionally?

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i love your site and what you have to say. i am not goth either, though i like to dress goth at times. i am always changing my looks, but that does not mean i change who i am. i don't believe in labels, only people. i have many different friends from ifferent social groups, but none of them are better than any other. you know who you are, and that is what is important. be true to yourself, not a stereotype or what other people think you should be. and keep on writing, you are very good at it. ever think about it professionally?

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very interesting... i seem to have been gothic for a long time without knowing it.

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I'm not strictly a goth - I used to be - but I like grew to like ridiculously bright colours. But I am naturally a goth - right down to being born with black hair, white skin and big eyes. I was really pleased to find a website that explain pretty much al aspects of gothdom - and plan to link it from my own website.

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great site, great info. you've put more research and work into it than the vast majority of sites. I hope to see some new material. Goths rarely make the news in my part of the country other than the occassional teen witch/satanist human interest blurb in the local scrap papers.

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Don't be fooled by my address. I don't find myself goth at all, but my friends think I am. (I play one on TV...j/k!) Anyway... I'm just looking around, gathering info... Plain curiosity I guess. Nice site. I'll tell my followers.. Haha!

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I want to become Goth but don't know when and exactly how to immerse myself into the culture. Secondly, I don't even know whether it would do me good. Generally I am tired of being me and want to generate a new persona. Get it? Julien.

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I savored your descriptions of the various musical categories associated with Gothic! It helps neophytes like myself to get a grip on the different styles of dark music. While I'm not a part of the Gothic subculture I do find it absolutely fascinating, and I adore ethereal and dark ambient music. I generally am of the dark, introspective, moody, emotional nature. I'm 39, a member of the "establishment," a corporate guy, and probably the last person you'd expect to see rummaging through the gothic section of the record store......yet, there I am. Great site! Thanks! :-)

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If you are aware that there are misconceptions of SATANISM why would you only put on your site such a one-sided article. If your object is to inform people why don't you put both sides of the story or at least get educated on both sides and then you can f rm an opinion to write about.I am a satanist and I have never seen more misleading "facts" on Satanism( I know you didn't write it, but it is enough that you have it on your sight.)If anyone would like more info. on satanism , please feel free to e-mail e.Before I leave,I would like to clear up 2 big misconceptions of satanism:(1)REAL Satanists don't worship or believe in Satan(the don't beleive in god either.)(2)REAL satanists don't sacrifice animals or humans in their rituals, in fact they think of pe ple who do that as sick.Thanks for allowing me to comment.-Darcy

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People in Europe should know more about all that is gothic.. You know, it's hard in Italy to see gothic people walking around... as I walk in my vampire-like clothes, with my pale face and black hair, they all look at me as if I were some messed up girl.. That doesn't bother me, but I would like to find other people like me.. If anybody wants to get in touch with an italian gothic, e-mail me!

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I thought you site was great, keep it up!

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This site rocks. Ye have some great info. I shall return soon. I am not gothic. Maybe some tendencies, but I am just yer every day hairbag. Bless be the black. DARK ONE.

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Dearest Alicia: You are an absolutely brilliant woman! Profound dedication and insight eminate from your work; you have created a fascinating, lucid doorway into an all-too-often misunderstood youth subculture. I am a junior at Columbia University (my major concentrations are English and philosophy, too--wit a heavy empasis on sociology) and I am lead female vocalist of a Gothic-Rock band called Black Isis. I would not necessarily label myself "gothic" either--while I may look and act the part, I find labels somewhat dangerous on the whole. Anyway, I have lso done a great deal of research, written papers, and given speeches relative to the gothic subculture; so far, your site is the most refreshing thing I've seen. I would love to get in touch with you, especially should you ever think to come to New York City. I would actually be delighted to interview you for WBAR nyc 87.9fm/1680am, the college radio station of which I am a music director. Please drop me an e-mail if you have the chance. SIN-cerely, Rani

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This is a very informative page. I'm gonna tell people about it, in hopes of fulfilling this page's purpose.

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As a reformed Goth (well, someone who has moved on to greener pastures without entirely leaving the old ones behind) I found your pages enlightening. I am now more interested in the electro\darkwave\industrial movement found in Europe than that of Goth - which is generally very tiered in the UK. Keep up the good work and enjoy! Hopefully one day you may even get to hear my music!

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I'd like to thank you for having such an informative site. I'm not a Goth, but I was always just interested to know what it was all about. Gothic stuff is always so beautiful. :)

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It was cool, I'll be back soon! <=)

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Goth to me now looks like a way of expressing art and liturature in a comfortable environment. It also looks like a way of meeting people interested that lifestyle.

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I write dark poetry, some of it published. Also have what I call "Southern death cult" tendencies. (people in the south seem to view death as a romantic or tragic or both) I enjoy classical music as well as rock and jazz, sometimes worry about the desperation in the world, but like to party too! So would that make me gothic or just eccentric? You have a very good site tho. Z

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nice site, keep writing (even though i didn't read any to be honest).... just saying hello and peace

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I'm not a Goth either, but well. Why do people always want to find categories !?!?!?

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To Whom It May Concern: Tell all your Mormon friends that although Joseph Smith and his pals may have been cultists and acid-heads, they don't qualify as goth, and his(?) followers CERTAINLY don't. Burn the Book of Moron on a pile of Anglo-saxon bones, throw in a pile of Do ny and Marie albums, and throw some salt in the Great Lake, and you MIGHT forgive your geographical ancestors...nah, ALL of Utah is doomed. Never you mind. Luv n' stuff, Alexander (killer of spooky hope)

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I would like to be were you are. Where i am all i put up with is preps and want-a-bees.and the people that are around here that are goth is very limitied.

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great site! ablsolutely fantastic! your site is the most informative i've ever seen on the actual definition of gothic! i enjoyed it very much. thanks! I especially liked the what to do if you're child's goth. lol

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I don't want to say I loved your site because I really didn't yet somewhere in the back of my mind it's tearing my heart and telling me to say it... It's an occured feeling, I am just confused and all this information I have just absorbed. I don't mean to say this site is bad or anything along those lines but it still leaves me mystified about myself. I know that you said you don't want your site to determine what others think of themselves...however one cannot just let all this information of wealth and not take into account that you actually took the time and effort to compile all this into a nice package. It's somewhat dissapointing that you feel this way but I am not one to judge you and your work. Thanks for doing this, I have been looking for something like this for some time. Please visit my site if you find yourself staring at the computer screen aimlessly. Otherwise I won't cry over the fact that you never visited it. Your poems were nice, and I think you look best in brown with highlights of blonde. Just my opinion. Martin aka Culbay

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it's rare to see such a well thought out issue; I am particularly grateful that you are dealing with this disturbing trend to try to link goths as a gang - it's simply absurd and over-reactive; you are welcome to look over our site - we are a Christian mi istry to the gothic community here (and on the net - around the world); I respect your choice of existential/buddhist orientation, but I think you'll find we are not "typical" in our Christian orientation - please read our FAQ sheet (which I am going to r vise, expand and update in January - and I like to reference your site in the new one - with your permission) - we are HUGE Human Drama fans (seeing them again in LA in January) and good friends with Eva O (formerly of Christian Death) and Tara of Lycia - I would welcome a good dialogue with you any time - despite our spiritual differences, I really believe you are on the right track in the gothic area.....pastor dave

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yep it was good

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I am merely curious and not a member of any particular scene except, perhaps, the "normal" scene. I've been intrigued by what I've seen of gothic culture and wanted to know more. It would seem to take a tremendous (sp?) effort to be goth when you think f the time spent putting together the look not to mention the the reactions anyone who isn't "normal" encounters. Being far too lazy to ever pursue a look of any sort, I admire the determination - even though I don't want to do it myself. Anyway, I greatly appreciate the page. Thanks.

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I've been going out to what could be described as a Gothic club since I turned 18 in February. Although I don't dress in black everyday of the week, I do like the industrial music and the appeals of the several characteristics of being Gothic (blood letti g, and vampires, etc. I do not know if this would classify me as a Weekender Goth but I feel as though I am just a more mild Goth. Some of my friends are Gothic while others are not. I found this website very helpful because it let me know more about the dark side of me. Thanx. Yours Eternal, MIEKO

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I WOuld like to thank the person whom made this page, i have been looking for a good web site like this to try and explan to my parents what "Goth" is and this page helped me alot, Thank You. Luke.

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you want to find out about "goth" go to a club or talk to someone seek professional help i'm lost on this computer hope to see all of you in the future. later!

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I greatly enjoyed both the informative site and your poetry. If you would ever like to talk about philosophy or writing or religion or whatever, please feel free to write.

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A very comprehensive site!, nuff said...

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GREAT SITE!! NOT TOO BIASED!! LOVE IT!! GREAT INFO NOT "SPOOKY" CRAP JUST FACTS!

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Very nice pictures and poems. so its a good page.

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While I appreciate greatly what you're trying to do, this site gave me pause for several reasons. A.) The idea that those who gave Goth a bad name were merely "attention-seeking" Mansonites and Satanists. "Real" Goths can and do behave badly. And Satan sm is, as pointed out by the alleged police expert (to his credit) a legitimate religious choice. B.) The attempt to pander to and console parents by agreeing with them that all teenage "rebellion" (which almost appears by implication to include all but the most shallow, appearance-oriented aspects of Gothic lifestyle) is a bad thing and should be int rfered with. Some things ought to be rebelled against, and gaining independence is a necessary part of growing up. I would think that most Goths, having felt the harshness of the ignorant in power, would be advocating a more "hands-off" approach to pare ting for the ignorant. C.) Most importantly, and perhaps most harshly, G.O.T.H.I.C.S. While I am not against community service per se, it seems rather, well, icky to engage in such activities just to make people like you. Thank you for hearing me out.

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The poetry was beautiful. Thank you for being strong enough to share. P.s. I am not a goth. I am just a bit of everything. :)

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Cool page, Check out The Winter Chapter sometime... take care Felix

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U can hear gothic just because it is nice music.U do not have to follow the gothic way of life.And sth. about gothic in Greece.Most of the people that call themselves goths do not really like this music.They just love showing mysterious and dark.The plain truth is they are fake.

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i'm so happy i found this website! it was truly the best source of information i've ever found on the gothic subculture. it was so much more than just "goths dress in black and like gothic music" types. i loved it. it was totally great. all the time you p t in that page was worthy, my lady, trust me. i've never been more informed in my whole life, and trust me: i wanted to learn so badly!! [yes, i do sound like a desperate no-life gal from nowhere, but it's true!].. thanks for the *wonderful* job, i'll nev r be grateful enough.
tristia xox

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I think your site is really great. I don't consider myself gothic either, but I agree that the creativity and expression found in gothic culture is amazing. It's great that you are convicted enough to fight the stereotypes.

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IF you wish to have ANYTHING about Satanism,.... Maybe you should speak to Satanists... ever thought of that one.. eh?? instead of helping to spread lies about something you dont understand.. the same thing goes for 'gothic culture' and basically everythi g else on your page. compleatly dissapointing to see this kind of ignorance.

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i have found this site very informative. good job!

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Alicia, You are a very beautiful person and I mean that in a physical and intelectual way. Your poetry revealed feelings within myself that I hadn't felt in a long time. I have been looking all over the place to find others such as myself and I have finally found some, though you and the rest of the people in the profiles part live so far away from myself. If you hear of any other canadians like you and I, would you please let me know. Before I sign off, I just want to thank you for showing me that I am not alone n north america and that there are others out there. Yours Sincerely, Marty

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I think you've done a great thing, even though you might not think it has had the impact you would have wished for. The Buddhist philosophy teaches us to act, but not to be attached to the outcome of our actions. What you have created will touch those i is suposed to. I was fortunate enough to be one of them, and I thank you.

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Very tastefully done. I like the humor underlying the writing. Enjoyed my visit!

PS: You don't look spooky, etheral would be more like it.....

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this site was very helpful in a report i did on the gothic subculture. its very entertaining and surprisingly informative.

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i really like the site. i've considered myself goth for a year now, but i've always had "freakish" tendencies. i'm sure others would consider me a "baby bat" or something, but you gotta start somewhere. you didn't mention that the vampire thing is more in the states than in england. at least that's what i hear. i like vampires and i've drank blood before, even considered it as a possible lifestyle. there's so much i have to learn yet, but i take this se iously and am not in it just for the fashion/image part of it (but yes i do wear black every day). my only complaint is that i couldn't discover others like me earlier in life (i'm only 17). just because you're not goth or punk or freak or whatever from t e start, you're automatically labeled something derogatory. but hey, isn't goth supposed to be something different for each of us? you failed to mention that. but maybe i haven't read into your 'mentality' section enough yet. (that is if it exists.)

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I think that I am one of the few and far between true and original Goths in the world. Everything that is true and original about Gothism applies to me. Even before I had any idea what Gothism was I was intrigued by darkness. I never feared things othe s feared. I love my nightmares; and always hoped for more. I have a deep desire to visit a haunted house; I want to see if ghosts really exist. Currently I don't believe in anything(refer to my favorite band Tool for more info on not believing). I've lways been interested in graveyards. My life long dream is to be united with the night; in a thunderstorm with rain and lightning(like the movie Powder), but this dream has been since i was very little. All of my thoughts and feelings are towards a bett r society and way of life. I fear society is in it's pits right now, but with all of the technological advances I think our society will be ok(unfortunately we will probably all die before an utopia is born). E-mail me if you would like to talk; I'm alw ys interested in meeting new people.

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Excellent info . . . I'm researching an article for the school newspaper(I'm the ed in chief) an this has given me an excellent basis for my work. Keep it up!

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Cool page Thanks for letting me sign your guestbook

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I teach social studies, including a Holocaust Studies elective and a Comparative Religions elective in a public high school. I was looking for information on occult/Satanism issues because that is always of interest to my students. I am interested in re ding all of the site so I won't be ignorant of what goth is and issues and non-issues, etc. So, you can be satisfied that your project has reached at least one member of your intended audience and because I will in turn share the knowledge I gain with te chers and students, the benefit will multiply. (Sorry about the duplicate reply I hit a wrong button.)

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neat site, and i can really relate to you on the christian morality and how people can be very difficult and narrow minded.

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This is a very informative site, but I think it should have more contemporary information.

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Great page. I hope everyone becomes as open-minded as I am now.

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Congratulations on producing such an extensive and informative site, I've spent hours reading across what you've written and I feel it'd be appropriate to at least sign the guestbook. :) This webpage really deserves a lot more publicity to educate people n general about gothic culture, I know it's a fairly misunderstood minority group here in Melbourne, having kids call me Satan and other crap at school. Fortunately most people are tolerant of what they don't like or don't understand but I have an odd fee ing I'll be showing this webpage to my parents sooner or later, hehe. -Ash

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This a good site, maybe even the best in its category. I really appreciate the fact that it lacks the unbearable pretence that tends to occompany similar sites. I wish my parents knew some English so I could give them your URL. They've been worried about y personal dress code ever since I began wearing black.

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I am a bondage slave,being goth kinda goes with the territory. I just wanted to say that its about time that people took the time to help the uneducated understand us a little better,thank you.

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I suppose that my only comment would be, again, I agree with you. I don't fit in with Goths -I grew up in Idaho. But I don't fit in with the rest of "society" either. I prefer this as it allows me the freedom to go where I want, do what I want, and think hat I will.

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very pleased with your site as well as eklectique I'm in a werd mood.

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good work.

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I'm pretty much just getting into the whole goth scene. I'm the kind of person who has to obtain as much knowledge as possible on a subject that I'm interested in. So any info you could possibly pass on would be extremely appreciated.

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Hey babe, I finally got around to reading everything on the sight. I loved your poetry. I've always had a thing for the kind of train of thought writing. You need more pictures though. bye now.

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You seem to be one of the many who fight this misconception that we, as "goths", even though I don't consider myself one, face on a daily basis. Living in California it is more accepted since this is one of the meccas for goth but still we also deal with ore harrassment then most people. I think that you couls incorporate other cities in out country and use the interest to gain access to what people think in these cities.

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I have asked the same question - "What is Goth", as I've (comparatively) recently joined the scene. I asked it via a "Web Goth Survey" though. It was launched a week ago today and there are currently 28 entries rom the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany and the UK. Interested folks are invited to check it out, have a laugh at some of the entries there already and maybe fill it in themselves.

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Thank you for your page.. Although it still hasn't explained to me why a friend decided he needs to start wearing make-up, when he never did it before, I appreciate the insight your page has provided.

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EMail me... Check out the website. Keep your minds going and the ideas coming.

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cool.

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I was very glad to see that I was not the only person in the world who hasn't been disgusted by the way the FOX network canstantly shoves these idiotic specials at us, espesially "When Dissasters Strike" and "World's Scarriest Police Shoot-Outs." I happen d to be in a room once when a tabloid news show was coming up next and the headline was: How the painful news of their mother's death was broken to the young princes." This is common today in media in any form. Though I don't wear excessive black and have multiple body piercings, I consider myself goth because of my interest in religion, art, poetry, writing, Anne Rice, phillosophy, and anything spiritual, but I'm not limited to anything. I have several Grateful Dead cds, a few tie-died shirts, and enjoy s ating, swimming, and other such things. People of our lifestyle may have the most possitive views on life and death, but we are rejected by a society wear death is a terrific way to make money. I loved your web-site and now I'm off to read your poetry. Life, Love, and Lestat, Jon

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great page, keep it up! i think it's great that someone is trying to clear up any misconceptions about goths, people should know us for what we are, not what the media portrays us as

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One of my final assignments in college was to produce an ethnography on goths. I still have most of my field notes and a few of the interviews. My research spanned the fall term of 1993, and it was interesting to me the regional/historical differences i the colloquialisms used. When I graduated, I "went native" and never looked back until now.

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I really like the emphasis you put on trying to break the stereotype. You do a good job at making goth look like a subculture and not a lab experiment, I think that is something to be grateful for.. Thanx

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Upon reading a portion of this site I am disheartened to read some of the accounts of members of the salt lake city "goth" scene. note the age of the participants. 14 15 16 etc etc. nobody of this age even knows which sex he or she prefers let alone hal the things that it is alleged they take part in. Im so sick and tired of reading about little kids running around with black clothes and fucking everything up for the rest of us. Look at the behaviour of any teenager, not only goths or punks or whatever ut ALL teens, they fuck up they smoke drugs they run away from home etc etc, the media takes a fairly ordinary teen happening and turns it into a satanic crusade. Here in australia we are lucky to have fewer than 200 "goths" here in sydney and most of the are over 18. Thank god. I dont class myself as gothic and never have and never will beacause of the simple fact that gothic is everything and nothing, it cannot be defined by us and yet is defined by those we hate (the media). 90 percent of the goth scen is made up of kiddies and tryhards and the other half think they are so elite that the world isnt good enough for them. I find the subculture we know as "gothic" more than something I conciously "do" but rather as a way of life and set of beliefs I comfo tably fit into. Its a shame we all cant be this way. (when we are old enough to know what the fuck we are talking about hmmm?) Dion

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I really liked your pages. I don't acually consider myself to be a goth. The whole idea around the gothic culture really interests me though. I'm a senior in high school and decided to write my term paper on the Gothic Subculture. Your page has provided e with a lot of great information. Goths are descriminated against so much where I live. People just don't understand, viewing them all as Satan worshipers. I won't even get into my views on the Spooky Children. Anyways, I wanted to say thanks and te l you that you have very informative pages. They have helped me so much. Not only on my term paper, but in my life and my views on goths. Thanks! I

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this is one of the most informative sites i've ever seen for both non-goths and goths alike it's totaly blown my mind

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Very well put together page. Intelligently done, without missing factors. Informative and extrememly open-minded. If only more pages dedicated to the Goth sub-culture could be so influencial, and accurate. This page was greatly appreciated and i look forw rd to any additions you may make. -jenny

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i have been an introverted creative person / freak all my life .recently i was labelled ''goth'' . since then i have been searching to find out what ''goth '' is. the ones i had the misfortune of finding IRL were nothing more than ignorant aggressive fool . your page has given me hope and a reason to no longer be ashamed of beeing called a ''goth''.

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dig the page. not a goth though but its interesting.

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I just want to say that i am 35yrs.old i always had a intrest in the gothic culture.

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I thought the sites were well thought out and articulate. Quite possibly because I agree with many of your points. I am involved with the NYC scene, dut do not consider myself a goth by the standards of many, I do have many gothic tendencies. Oh and I d love the music from ol school to darkwave and ethereal. Well anyway, keep up the good work, you are making a difference. Oh, and I'm not some little schmuck that's been goth for all of five minutes. I'm in my mid twenties and have been here since the beginning (early 80's). I now have a professional position with a Major entertainment company , for all its worth.

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I'd like to thank you for putting together a page which gives an accurate description of the Gothic Subculture. It's saved me alot of time that I would usualy have to use to tell people myself about what the Gothic Subculture is about. This page gives m more time to work on my poetry, and still give people something that hopefully lets them see what the Subculture is. It is especially helpfull because I'm a Christian, and it really keeps other Christians off of my back after they see it. I myself don' especially consider myself Gothic, but it's the quikest way to explain myself to other people. So thank you for making your page. It has been some sort of help to at least a few of us involved in the Subculture.

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Hi! This is a great site. Best collation/interpretation of information on Gothic subculture I have come across to date. Please keep updating! This site could be useful for my own research - I am an English major at Edith Cowan University in Bunbury, Austr lia currently writing an Honours thesis on Gothic literature and relating it to Gothic style/subculture through the song lyrics of Nick Cave (Nick Cave has developed a strong gothic following in Australia since the release of his novel "And The Ass Saw Th Angel", which displays heavy Gothic influences). Like yourself I do not consider myself Gothic, but some of my friends are describe as Gothic by other people, although they do not consider themselves to be Gothic either! Figure that one out! So this whol Gothic thing has me intrigued. Keep on researching, pleeeeease.

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I really love the site. It's hard to find well-written information about the gothic subculture written from such a neutral point of view. Great Job, and thanks for helping me realize that goth represents a lot of what I am about. If anyone can email to he p me get into it, please do. Again, great job, and thanks!

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THis site was absolutely unreal, it gives me a real insight into how other people really take the scene more seriously. i wish i had the guts to dress like that!! good on you.

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Dear Lady, I found this site to be quite interesting, especially since I am not a "Goth", and have always been curious about the subject. I have seen quite a few sites on the WEB dealing with this subject, but they are either "tongue in cheek" or grossly one sided. I found yours to be very well balanced and I look forward to any new insights you may post later. As for your comment that, "This site will probably never reach the people it was intended for (i.e. non-goths)" I have to disagree. I am a 35 year old U.S. Marine, married for 17 yrs, father of two teen-agers (17 and 15 yrs old) and have never listened to any of the bands you have listed. Up to this point, I have lumped Goths with bands such as NIN and Marilyn Manson, and apparently I've been wrong there too. So, if I don't represent a member of your target audience, then I don't know who would be! As a quick side note, after reading most all of your site, I began to wonder if I had ever been a part of the "goth scene". Do I think I am/ ever was/ever will be a "goth"? I don't know... I don't see myself ever wearing the make-up and stuff, but I think that a majority of my generation are naturally dark, brooding and depressive. We were the children of the Vietnam War...we grew up in the era of "beatnics", "hippies" and truely "tortured artists". Our music ranged from "Simon and Garfunkle" to "Black Sabbath" and from the extremes of "Donnie Osmond" to "Alice Cooper". We grew up in a time of massive change in America and many of us still can't find our place... Most of my generation are loners, and who are constantly looking their place in life, and for some inner peace... Are we "goths"? Maybe...inside, we all are to some degree. In closing, (and this is gone way longer than I intended!), I would say to you, "Thank you for the insight" and to tell you that you have given me a lot of food for thought. The image of a "goth" only being someone in all black with the white face and black lipstick, has changed. To me, is brings the image of a young man standing alone on a stormy night. Dressed in black, his hands are thrust deep into the pockets of his raincoat, the collar of which is turned up to protect against the chill of night. Leaning against a wall, his dark and brooding eyes gaze across the dull lights of the city. He looks for reason, for hope, for a purpose...finding only an overwhelming sence of futility. Shrugging it off, he lights a cigarette and slowly walks torwards the city... This is what I see as "goth" now...maybe it's not accurate, but it is what I see... Thank you for taking the time to read this. If there is anything I can do for you, don't hesitate to call upon me. Your humble servant, Brian

LONE WOLF - 07/27/98 17:46:26
My Email:SHAFFER3@HOTMAIL.COM
Residence (City/State/Country): PITTSBURGH,PA
Which subject was the most interesting/informative?: ALL OF IT
Which subject would you like more information on?: YOU
How did you hear about this site?: RESEARCHING A PAPER I RAN ACROSS IT

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HEY, I'M NOT GOTH BUT SOME OF MY FRIENDS ARE. I'M WRITING A PAPER FOR A CLASS WHEN I RAN ACROSS YOUR PAGE. I'M NOT ONE TO SPEND ALOT OF TIME RESEARCHING OR READING UP ON PAPERS I WRITE, BUT I HAVE BEEN ON YOUR SITE FOR OVER AN HOUR. MOSTLY READING ABOUT YOU, YOUR OPINIONS AND YOUR VEIWS. IF YOU WANT SOMEONE TO BULLSHIT WITH YOU GOT MY E-MAIL ADRESS. SEE YA LONE WOLF

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Merry Meet! Thank you so much for making this site. You were able to explain sucinctly what I could not and now after reading through your site my mother has stop trying to "save her daughter from turning itno some kind of depressed and socialy disfunctional freak and she has given up on the idea that this is "just a phase" and is in fact my prefered and informed choice.*a slow small gothic smile* Funny how alike we all are in our "free time"(as if there was such a thing) activeys, phillosophy, art, etc. I hope that you will continue to persue your goals and keep up this niffty site *grin*. Enjoy your evenings and Merry Part and Meet again. - an odd but interesting girl named, Tharin

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Existentialism? I´m more into analytic philosophy myself, but that´s just me. I can´t help it.

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well, i wish this site had been around when *i* was a high school kid living in utah with frightened parents...

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check your e-mail

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one of the best gothic sites i have found, very informativ

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There is definitely a lot of information here, very well researched.

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smile saten loves u

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I think you should speak to some more New York goths! I only knew Nancy!

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Whatever expands the affections, or enlarges the sphere of our sympathies-whatever makes us feel our relation to the universe and all that it inherits in time and in eternity, and to the great and beneficent cause of all, must unquestionably refine our na ure, and elevate us in the scale of being.-Channing

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good page....I like your point of view on things!

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Hi! I was surfing through GeoCities and saw your page. Pretty Cool! My name is Kara. I am 24 years old and live in San Diego, CA. I have been teaching myself HTML for the last several months. Please visit my site, Kara s dynamicSex and tell me what you think of it. I will be adding pictures of myself within the next couple days. I would love to exchange links with you!

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you try to convince people satan is trying to ensnare you he don't give a fuck what you do but if you need his help he will help you if you are real, people like you don't deserve the flesh and blood that surrounds the bones of a human being you people ar fucking idiots giving satan a bad rap and he is god motherfucker

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i appericate all the time you put into designing this web page. i probably would have suffured from a severe case of a happy little mental break down if i were in your place. thanks

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Very well done site. This is one of the better descriptions on goth that I have read. I only have one other additional comment, and that is a reply to LDVDG's guest~book entry: I'm 22, and I began learning about goth when I was about 15(1991), so of course I wouldn't know about anything that you experienced in 1988, but that doesn't mean hat I haven't read about it. I have one example of why there aren't any goth's older than 21 or 22... I met this girl about your age recently, and all she ever talks about is how goth she used to be since she was 12 or something. I asked if she listens t the music still, and she told me: No, I'm a Born~Again...

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A really great site,kept me here for hours!It's nice to see a site about goths that was intelligently done and researched.Also loved your poems.Far and beyond the usual site!

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I'm almost 30 now, and have been involved in the SF (San Francisco) goth scene for a number of years (15! or so) I appreciated your views on fetish wear as I have often wondered just what the appeal of sharing a secret with the whole world is. Wearing y ur sexuality on (or as) your sleeve never made much sense. I woory about the "kids today", as I remember and practice a "prettier sort of darkness" than what I see cropping up. It's nice to see someone with some taste. Keep it up, and don't mind about ables...

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HALLO UND SCHÖNE GRÜSSE AUS ÖSTERREICH

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hey, great page....luv the smurf hair though, it was *BeAuTiFuL* (seriously) my hair is bright red...(this month) & was blue over the summer. you made some interesting points...such as: you would not consider yourself goth. i myself, am glamgoth (& pretty damn proud of it) maybe you are too.... well, anywho, drop by my site sometime y'all! ciao 4 now! mystress of night~ ~*DaRk AnGeL* V^V^V^V^V^V^::†††::^V^V^V^V^V^V

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I liked your poetry. I hope you continue to write. I am not a goth but found your observations about goths interesting. thanks.

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i think you did a very good job defining something that is by no means easy to define. i've always felt "goth" was kind of a loose term. i must admit i was a bit disappointed in the fact that you give EGAD enough credence to link to them. i think they ten to be whiny and narrow-minded. if you are interested in my reasoning for this you can read the Modern Goths Against EGAD page. Well, parts of it. At the moment it's under heavy renovation.

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In Mexico are millions of baby bats and I don´t like that situation.. I know It´s hard to find music and info there .. but you cand find if you try...

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The road to hell is paved with good intentions. If indeed you are going to write about HISTORY then you have to go beyond studying the youth in the supposed goth subculture today because goth did not begin in the 90's thus what is currently being talked a out is not history, but present day which is quite different from the original goth subculture. just my 2 cents

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I really like this site, and I think it killed some of the stereotypes I had on goth as being superficial, trendy, and means of attention getting. I thought the Satanism is pretty accurate kind of scary since now I know why I got thrown into the hospital. I was one of those 'troubled youth' death worshipping, morbid obsessed, suicide fixiated solitare Satanists. I guess if I didnt stop torturing dogs and cats I would've hurt someone else or erased myself. I want more on darkwave which I learned through doom metal and black metal underground. Darkwave is what brought me to goth.

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A friend of mine had new roommates who he described as being 'goth' my curiosity piqued I ran a search and found your site. I must say that you have not only the best guide to this scene that I have found so far, but you have one of the cleanest, best des gned sites that I have ever seen. Your information was intelligently written and well-organized, and very useful. Thank you for all your help.

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You site is extremly informative and gives me some basis for the paper I have to write by tommorow, thanks...

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I was quite offended by this site of yours. In my opinion, any of your descriptions of gothic person doesnt fit in our scene. I understand that in your scene, goth may be that kind, but you should put there some warning. Your description is not global!!!! I would claim to be a stereotype of finn goth and i aint fitting in your description about gothic person. You should also check some information about satans worshippers in your site. Worshipping of satan begann in 1600 in France.

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Your Insider's View for Outsiders is probably the best explanation I've seen for people not involved.

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this page is really interesting and informative. i think more people should read it that don't understand goth.

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Great Web site, kinda hurt my eyes though.

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sweet site!

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I know virtually nothing about the "gothic" sub-culture, though I've known people who described themselves as gothic and i think i've always had a vague idea of what the word is meant to express. I found your introduction quite informative, though what I would really be interested in seeing is some kind of study of the number of people in the U.S. who identify themselves as gothic. How big is the subculture? What is the socioeconomic profile of the goth? As far as I could glean from the cursory visit I' e made to your site, I imagine the average goth is white, middleclass, young (15-25), born of college-educated professionals, with a significant disposable income, living in a northern middle American state - Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, etc. I'm sure here are many exceptions, but is this in the ballpark? As I haven't been in the United States for awhile, I've missed any media attention that has been paid to this culture. From the tone of your introduction, it seemed as if there had been some sensatio alistic reports made of it. Whatever the public opinion in America, though, it can't be denied that the "gothic" aesthetic, however marginalized it may seem, is a quickly growing presence in the mainstream of American thought. Movies like "The Hunger" an "Rocky Horror Picture Show" are cult films, but "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Batman Returns" are mainstream American (and international)box office success stories. The fact that musical groups like nine inch nails and Marilyn Manson have a high evel of name recognition with your average American says something about the changing face of U.S. pop culture. While I've never listened to a Marilyn Manson album, I imagine that they weren't any less extreme in their image seven or eight years ago, but people are only paying attention now. Ten years ago, perhaps, the average goth would have to have been omething of a bricouleur in the way s/he created an identity because there were so few movies, books, recordings, clothes created with her/him in mind. Today, it isn't such a stretch to see the gothic archetype at work in the most successful aspects of mainstream U.S. culture. Another thing it might be interesting to research is the influe ce of homosexual culture and beauty ideals on the imagery and aesthetic of the goth world - there seem to be a lot of similarities and common influences. All in all, an interesting site! Thank you.

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I find it interesting that I can find absolutely no one over the age of 21 in the goth scene...i mean, when I was 18 (1988) Goth was huge and I would say that 50% of my friends were considered "goth". Now, i don't get it. I don't think that "Goth" is th right word. I mean, for nostalgia sake, yes. But kids that are 21 now are hardly Goth...not even remotely aware of the orgins of GOth, how it used to be, etc. I mean, they were 11 in '88, come on!! It's like, kids nowadays perpetuate these 'trends' (y s, they are trends) to the point of no return. I see kids here trying to look like Sid Vicious and I can't help but laugh. That movement was over 20 YEARS AGO... there should be a new description for the new scene..calling someone who wears black 'goth' is an insult to the entire movement, just as a 15 year old today can't rightful be called a hippie. i know, i'm ranting. sorry. it's irritating though. kids who are in their 20's now have no concept of Goth back in the day.

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Alicia, I would like to commend you on your web site. I am working on a research paper on the Goth culture, and found your site to be quite resourceful. You mentioned in one section where you say that you don't consider yourself goth, yet you hang around the culture despite its flaws. What are the flaws you are talking about? I'd appreciate it if you'd get back to me on this. omni a vincit amor erika

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peace on earth and to all good year

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I myself am not really Goth, but i think its a beautiful thing and respect everyone that is Goth. I wanted to set my class straight on Goth, I came to this page and got all the things that will help me tell tehm it isnt a bad thing

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Why did I continue reading? Terminal Curiousity! I like to read the bios of people who's websites I visit. I'm always curious to know what other people are like! Particularly if it gives me the opportunity to talk to others via my preferred medium, writing! (I write far better than talk :) ). See I'm al gabby now!

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Dare to dance? Follow me...

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Hi! Fucking cool page! That's what we need - Goths (or not) with something in the head! If you want to, please visit my band's site- http://labia.home.ml.org or my zine's site (url above) bye! hell

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Your breakdown of Gothic Culture is one of the best that I've seen, and I recommended your page to a few friends that have been harassing me to explain some things to them. I think you saved me a lot of circular talking... I have been "on the scene" for a out 7 years now, and I fully embrace it as my own. I'd like to commend you for a job well done, right-o! Until Twilight, Arian

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Interesting site. It was good to learn a bit more about a subculture I've had little exposure to.

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Hi, I'm doing a speech on the gothic subculture, so my fellow students at school can understand what I am. They flipped when I finally dyed my hair black. I'm the only goth in my school, so there for I have no scene or company on this never ending journy of beauty of the gothic side of this cruel world I hold resadence in. Farewell sweet song of socity I thought I knew so well. I thought I knew my dellow students, instead they run around calling names such as freak and Manson. I only wish to be me, but th y do not understand me. So I say people fear what they misunderstand. May I be able to shed some light on this weary subject that has now condemed me to hatered.....

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Its interesting to hear someone who is not completely cynical about the world. Hope is a powerful force, and you should never let anything or anyone take that away from you. Thanks.

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When you explained your teen-age years I was suprised to find a discriptian of my self. I listen to the Dpesh Mode and the Cure. I'm in 9th grade and I tried that premoting indivguality thing. I have found no matter how much you push and shove Thought and Indiviguality it won't change people. I have lost most of my friends (almost by choice) because they are the hypocritic type and they don't think on the same level as I do. So far I've only found one other who has thought like me. And he has turned into my life line to the world. Since you seem to be in the same demention as I e-mail me sometime.

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I love seeing others points of views. your site is very transparent, you don't seem to hide. that's cool. i'm a christian, and i totally agree with some of the generalizations you made. A lot of christians do assume that everyone holds their beliefs, and that's just ignorance. i am really embarassed by all the ignorant so called "christians" today. christian is more than a title, but that's what today's society has made it. they have made a subculture a title like Mr. or Ms. and that really makes me sick. anyway, sorry i babbled so much. i really dig the page!!!

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Great page! Very informative. Speaking as someone who's never thought much of any sort of clique or gangs, I've always been facinated by Goths. Not so much because of fasions, like many I know, but because of the state of mind mos Goths I encounter seem t have. It was nice to be able to learn a bit more about this sub-culture. Thanks!

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You did a great job!!!

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Great site! Very well organized and fun to read. I am someone who has lived on the fringe of numerous groups -- goths, hippies, metalheads, 50's swingster wanna-bes, etc. I have picked up bits and pieces of me from my exposure to these and other groups -- I tend to define myself as "eclectic." I have been able to spend time with a variety of groups, many of which I probably wouldn't have accepted by if I had more easily c tegorizable into one particular group. Thanks for the interesting read -- you have successfully distracted me from almost two hours of rather boring work (I'm a lawyer, which is the only group to which I've ever belonged that I am slightly embarrassed to be a part of. Luckily, my tattoos and iercings are not visible at the office!) Take care!

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I have been into the "goth" scene since the early 80's (side note: in L.A. around that time, people referred to it as "death rock" (not death metal) as well) and began my (early) life as a punk in the 70's. Does it count that I was only 6? But, hey, my om let me start picking out my own clothes a few years later and things began to change. The saddest comment on your site was when it was stated that you are really goth by who you know. I think that is sad. I work full-time, go to school full-time, and I think I sleep sometimes. I have my handful of friends and lurch the clubs occasionally, mostly to see my favorite bands. But I have never been one who needs to have any kind of proclamation from anyone to tell me who I am. Thank you for a unique and nformative site.

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Alicia Potter's poems were great!!

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I found this link very fascinating because even though my favorite music gender is gothic, I didn´t know the origins of it. ( I had an idea but nothing official). Goth music is not very common in my country.I hope in the future we will have more gothic cu ture in our region.

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this page is incredible . It helped me a lot as a start for a sociology work on subcultures . keep on the good work .

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It's hard to pinpoint what it is that interests me most. I can't say that I am Goth. I am Christian, but it seems I share a lot of Gothic thoughts. I am not in the Gothic scene, we have very few Goths where I live. However, it has been lately, while my fa cination with People has climaxed, that I have had a growing interest in Goths. I want to know how they think, how they view life (obviously though this varies with the individual). I tend to embrace the unconventional, myself. I am not like anyone else I know, and I rejoice in individualism. I spent time in New Orleans last summer and I am going back this summer. I would like to have more understanding of Goths before I go there so as to be able to more easily converse with them. I love Goths. I love peop e. Thanks for your time or whatever.

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I liked your poetry I tink it's really refresing to read someting like that.

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Well Alicia, is it worth it? Have you accomplished what you wanted and found the answers you sought? I still think it's worth the fight, however pointless and redundant it might seem. Good night and God bless, whoever that might be.

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I want to get a cool underground movement going here in charleston. A sort of gothic revival type deal here . email me at damionmortinius@hotmail.com

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I love your poetry. Writing and religion are 2 of my pet hobbies. Please send me more poetry. I'll send you some of mine then too,

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I have been accused of hiding at the fringes of the "Gothic" scene. So, I decided that I should see what the rest of the Goth scene was about. You have been very informative. Most of the people that I know fall under the "Vampiric" aspect of this sub-cult re, so I wanted to know more about the general genre. Thank you for the information on both of your sites. You have helped me see why I was lumped into the same category and have given me opportunity to see that I am not alone, waiting at the wings as it ere. Your material makes for interesting source material for a piece of fiction that I am writing. thank you again!

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you did a very good job on your site

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Great Job!

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this is by far the most thourough goth site out there. i was overtaken by the amount of information you provided.

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This is a very, very wild site. Well done, here here. I say now!

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I am fasinated by vampires and would like the addresses of others like me.

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I think you're doing a sincere analysis. Altough the Goth concept vary more than a little from a person to another, I think the only way to describe it is to be sincere. And even if I disagree on some points, the whole idea is there and I think you're a close as a single individual can get. Good work with some interesting views on a few things...

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I HAVE A FRIEND WHO IS GOTH IN NATURE, WANTED TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM AND HIS CULTURE. GOING OVER TO CALIFORNIA SOME TIME THIS YEAR AND HOPE TO TRY THIS SCENE, GO TO SOME CLUBS. WHAT ABOUT SOMETHING ON THE LANGUAGE OF GOTHS, THE JARGON THEY USE? WHAT ABOUT 'GUMMI GOTHS'? WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THEM? THOUGHT THE SITE WAS INFORMATIVE, ENJOYED IT IMMENSLEY :-) GREAT WORK!

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Your site is the most informative and thoughtful treatise I have seen on the gothic subculture. I like the way you've chosen to emphasise content rather than fancy window dressing, and your open-minded, balanced treatment of topics such as the occult (Wi ca in particular). All in all I learnt a great deal about a subject which as fascinated me for some time now. Thank you.

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Hey Kevin! I love the page! It did make me a bit homesick however. Keep the faith..... as they say

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'Randy' in the Australasian dialect of English has pretty much the same meaning as the word 'Horny' in North America. I always smile when I come across an American with that name. Salt Lake City (shudder)!

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Though being only 17 myself, I find the Gothic subculture very alluring and have slowly integrated myself into it in the areas near myself...I am seeking any other Goths in Georgia and will be opening a Gothic club in Athens sometime in Summer/Fall 1998.. .

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I, like yourself am someone closely associatedwith the the industrial/gothic movement with out actually dressing the part. I spin at a local club in NC. I like all the aspects of the alternative, in the 80's sense of the word, music scene. I have a BA i theatre. While I love to read Anne Rice give me the Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy series. Quick joke how many surrealists does it take to change a light bulb? Fish. If you even found that slightly amusing feel free to write me at Sean Foley 1216 Bal oral Dr Cary NC 27511. I know this is weird, but I had to try considering how intersting you sound. iwould like to meeet someone with the same music taste who does not look like Death warmed over. If you think this is to weird just flush it, I understa d, trust me I won't be offended. Since I don't have my own E-mail the snail mail address is the best way to contact me. If you read this far thank you for your time Sean

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Believe it or not but I am a non-goth and I really liked this site! Almost everything was quite interesting and at least I have now a better idea of what 'goth' means. Thanks for your work!

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I am a psychologist (social, NOT clinical!) and am interested in the gothic subculture. I'm interested in studying it seriously and scientifically. So many goths seem to be into computers and the Internet that it seemed this would be a good way to gather nformation. Might you be willing at some point in the future to add a link to your site connecting to an online survey for your visitors? I'm considering such a study, and am planning on asking several of the web sites I've been keeping tabs on over the l st few months to do the same. One way or the other, thanks for your insights! Dr. Jim Casebolt Asst. Professor of Psychology Ohio University-Eastern Campus

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what can i say? wow. thank you so much for putting up a page like this. i myself am not a %100 true Goth (although some days i wonder) and since i am new to this subculture i found your site to be wonderfully informative.

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I find it very disturbing how some people and the media slap lables on things that they don't understand... They simply jump to false conclusions, saying that one thing is normal and another is not... I really don't believe in such a thing as "normality." If everyone was one way, (normal), we would live in one boring world filled with very little individuality...

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Id like to say that im happy to find this site--if you ever feel the need to move this survey to illinois, id be VERY, VERY happy to include myself since i saw no one exactly like me......(not begging here...) just a suggestion.... Thanxxxx--Amanda B A

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I appreciate what you have done. Informing people about goths is not always easy, yet i think you have done a VERY nice job. The poetry was wonderful, just thought I would say that one more time.

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yew rawk!

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I enjoyed reading your site, it was a enjoyable experience.

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Excellent site.

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I was reading your views and beliefs and liked what you had to say. I would have to say that I feel the same way about the miconceptions that society as a whole has about people and things that are different to them. "What one percieves as different is a orm to someone else." I also have to agree with the thoughts on "good and evil". Good and evil are a mindset, a sterotype that a poplar culture has created to keep people in line.

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Please give me a scream somtime and e-mail me. i would like to speak with some Goth people...i am a witch...and goth stuff would go great with it. Later Blessed Be

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I've been in the scene for over a year. Though I'm still new to the scene and am only 18, I can asure you this is not a "silly stage". I've alway been in this sort of thing, but because of catholic school and strict parents I could never express myself fu ly. Next year I will be in Houston and have more freedom.

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Your site inspired me to drag out all my old Siousie & the Banshee & BauHaus tapes. I never knew they were considered to be Goth. To be honest, I had never heard of Goth being a recognized "movement" of sorts. But then, nothing in life ever escapes bein catagorized, labled, & placed in a box does it?

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Other than a profile of someone who I try to make their life as miserable as possible without her pressing charges, I really loved your site. I don't know why I have avoided filling out your little questionaire for so long. Maybe it's because you never ot on your knees to beg me to do it. Oh well...I give in. I'll go fill it out right now.

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I'm what a lot of the "old school" goths would probably term a "Newbie" or a "Wannabe". I've been into Heavy Metal and Rock music for years, liked vampires/graveyards/black since i can remember and after making friends in the scene i just kinda quietly s ipped in. I know a few "ultra-goths" who think they know it all but who just use their look to cover up their own shallowness! As you keep saying, the whole goth thing is so general its really just down to the individuals outlook on life. I love a lot f the gothic culture. The clothes, the music, the people but i'm a "perky goth". Just 'cause i may be a goth doesn't mean i can't laugh! Anyway, i'm writing dribble now, i'm at work and really should go an do something! Cheers, i'll come back and visi again soon! NEVLA

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Excellent site. Useful and interesting. I am a SA journalist researching an article on Goths. Your page was very insightful and useful. Thanks

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Was surfing the web and ran across the phrase goth. Being a "main-stream conformist" and old (38), thought I would find out what "goth" meant and happened across your website. It made interesting reading. Hope all your wishes and dreams are fulfilled. br>

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omigod... u r sooooooo pretty, wow lucky lucky u.. im like fasinated with goth a witchcraft and all that stuff.. i luv your page alot ~*AmAnDa*