**Overview**

AutoAdmit (also referred to as **XO**) is a controversial, long-standing message board primarily known for its anonymous users and freewheeling, often misanthropic culture. Originally aimed at law students and professionals, it has evolved into a broad space for discussions ranging from legal advice to obscure inside jokes, cryptic philosophy, and a particular kind of dark humor. While it has been a haven for candid speech and niche interests, its reputation has been tarnished by past controversies, particularly involving harassment, "outing" of users, and a 2007 lawsuit.

**History and Evolution**

Founded in the early 2000s, AutoAdmit quickly became popular among law students looking for advice and networking opportunities. Its lack of moderation fostered a sense of freedom, but also allowed for the proliferation of controversial and offensive content. This openness has made it both a target for criticism and a sanctuary for users seeking uncensored discussion.

The board gained infamy during the 2000s when several incidents of harassment led to a **2007 lawsuit** involving two Yale Law School students. The plaintiffs claimed that posts on AutoAdmit had defamed them, and they sued to have the anonymous posters identified. This lawsuit brought national attention to the website and sparked debate about online anonymity and the responsibility of forum administrators. The fallout from this incident led to a tightening of some community norms, though the core principles of anonymity and unregulated speech persist.

Poasting & Poasting Culture

AutoAdmit's poasting culture is characterized by its blend of dark humor, intellectual debates, and a sometimes abrasive style of communication. The board thrives on a mixture of in-depth legal discussions, personal anecdotes, and speculative commentary on various topics ranging from politics to pop culture.

Key Aspects of Poasting Culture

Anonymous Interactions: Poasters value their anonymity, which allows for candid and often controversial opinions. This anonymity can lead to both insightful discussions and contentious exchanges.

Recurring Themes and Inside Jokes: The board has developed a set of recurring themes and inside jokes that enhance the sense of community and create a shared understanding among poasters.

Cynicism and Humor: The tone of the board often combines cynicism with dark humor, reflecting the poasters' critical perspectives on various aspects of society and personal life.

**Notable Poasters**

**Boom/Mainlining/Evan39**

This triad of poasters is perhaps the most enigmatic and influential on AutoAdmit, having poasted regularly on the so-called "shitbort" for well over a decade.

- **Boom**: Known for his reflective and sometimes cryptic posts, Boom frequently muses on themes of aging, success, and societal decline. His catchphrase, "age is flame," is often repeated and refers to the idea that youth is synonymous with vitality and power. Boom regularly explicitly or implicitly insists he's a victim of ADM, a corporation he blames for his misfortune, which he further, implies has led him to be diapered, wheelchair-bound, and brain damaged. It is unclear whether the professed brain damage stems from ADM's abuse, or rather a direct baseball hit to his head, for which he once expressed to be aired on live TV.

- **Mainlining**: A seemingly darker and more survivalist counterpart to Boom, Mainlining is obsessed with pepperoni, grizzly bears, Long distance hiking, wilderness survival, and the fall of civilization. His paosts frequently focus on the raw power of nature, particularly an obsession with encounters with grizzly bears, for which he colloquially refers to as "Grizz" or - as Lewis and Clark did in their expedition Gentleman." Mainlining once wrote, "Don't expect a griz to run or be intimidated by you at all," illustrating his respect and fascination with wild animals. He also poosts about historical bear encounters, and as a particular obsession with the word Herzog documentary on now deceased Timothy Treadwell.

- **Evan39**: Believed by many to be an alternate persona of Boom or Mainlining, Evan39 claims to be a gay grocery store worker in Seattle but is suspected of being a lawyer, like Boom and Mainlining. His paosts often mix humor and frustration, particularly about urban decay and homelessness. He regularly uses phrases like "How dare you!" and frequently insists he doesn't engage in much sex, despite being openly homosexual.

The complex dynamic between these three poasters, whether they are all the same person or simply playing off each other's personas, adds layers of intrigue to the board. Their discussions are a blend of introspection, cynicism, and humor, with Boom often acting as a wise, disillusioned figure, and Mainlining representing survivalist paranoia. Evan39 injects a lighter, sarcastic tone into their exchanges.

Disco Fries: A highly creative and respected poaster, Disco Fries is known for injecting original content into the board. Despite his admitted obesity, one of his personal passions is summiting Teewinot Mountain, a rugged peak in the Teton Range of Wyoming. His posts often include vivid descriptions of the preparations needed for such a climb, as well as the philosophical reflection he associates with it. For Disco Fries, the mountain represents a personal challenge and a metaphor for striving toward greater heights, both literally and figuratively. His writing blends humor, outdoor enthusiasm, and self-reflection, making him one of the more balanced and insightful contributors on the board.

AZNgirl: Known for their provocative and often controversial posts, AZNgirl has a distinctive presence on the board. One notable aspect of AZNgirl’s poasting history is the boat saga, a series of posts detailing their experiences with a personal or hypothetical boat adventure. The saga has become a running theme, with AZNgirl using it to explore various topics, from nautical mishaps to broader metaphors about life and personal challenges. This narrative not only showcases AZNgirl’s flair for storytelling but also reflects their tendency to blend personal anecdotes with broader commentary. Alongside this, AZNgirl is known for their direct and often abrasive communication style, which contributes to the complex and sometimes contentious interactions on the board.

**GunneraTTT (now 'Figuratively+Literally Impotent Clownhaired Lawyer')** GunneraTTT is known for his self-deprecating humor and absurdist posting style. He frequently changes his moniker and adopts a persona of a washed-up lawyer with little hope for redemption. Despite the intentionally bleak tone, his posts are humorous and often filled with irony. In August 2024, he changed his name to 'Figuratively+Literally Impotent Clownhaired Lawyer,' fully leaning into his exaggerated self-mockery. Poasters frequently respond to him with a mix of sympathy and ridicule, appreciating his ability to satirize the high-stress nature of legal work.

NeumannMorgenste: A long-standing member of AutoAdmit, NeumannMorgenste has been part of the board for over a decade. Known for his consistency and depth of engagement, NeumannMorgenste is a respected figure among poasters and is often involved in various discussions, providing insights and contributing to the board's rich discourse.

Spaceporn: Recognized for his unique style and contributions, Spaceporn is another notable poaster. His posts are often marked by a distinctive voice and content that reflects a blend of humor and critical commentary, contributing to the board's diverse range of discussions.

j shad: Historically important, j shad is known for his influential posts and contributions to AutoAdmit’s early discussions. His impact on the board’s development and culture makes him a significant figure in its history.

Themes, Memes, and Lingo

1. "Pep" (Pepperoni) and Tilapia

Among the recurring memes on AutoAdmit is the professed love for pepperoni, affectionately referred to as "pep." This seemingly mundane topic has become a running joke on the board, with poasters discussing it with absurd reverence. Alongside this, there’s a strange affinity for tilapia, a cheap and low-quality fish, which is often humorously lauded in threads. Poasters regularly debate the merits of tilapia, often in exaggerated tones, claiming it to be the pinnacle of culinary excellence—though it's understood that the joke lies in its mediocrity.

2. CR (Credited Response)

A simple term used to acknowledge a post as insightful, witty, or valuable, CR stands for "Credited Response." It’s a way for poasters to give informal approval or praise without needing to engage in lengthy replies.

3. Blank-Bumping

A post that is made without any text to "bump" the thread back to the top of the forum is called a blank-bump. It signals approval of the post without adding new commentary, ensuring the thread remains visible.

4. "Age is Flame"

Coined by Boom, this phrase captures the existential feeling that youth ("age") is synonymous with vitality, success, and desirability (the "flame"). It’s often invoked in discussions about aging, regret, and the fleeting nature of personal success.

5. Grizzly Bears and Wilderness Survival

Mainlining's posts about grizzly bears and wilderness survival have become iconic, with numerous discussions around bear encounters and outdoor survival techniques. The imagery of staring down a grizzly bear is often used as a metaphor for personal resilience and facing life's challenges head-on.

6. New York Times Wedding Section

Another peculiar obsession among AutoAdmit poasters is the New York Times Wedding Section. Many poasters, often from the legal and Ivy League communities, enjoy dissecting the wedding announcements and speculating on the personal lives and socioeconomic backgrounds of the featured couples. Poasting about the wedding section reflects the board's mix of social curiosity, cynicism, and underlying cultural elitism.

In-Board Etiquette

1. Anonymous Posting: The anonymity of AutoAdmit i a core value, with users frequently changing their monikers to protect their identity and privacy.

2. Community Norms: Despite its reputation for controversial content, AutoAdmit has developed its own internal norms and codes of conduct. Poasters often navigate complex social dynamics, balancing candidness with the need to avoid crossing certain boundaries.a

3. Interactions: Interaction on the board can be both collaborative and combative. Poasters often engage in detailed debates, share personal anecdotes, and provide feedback or critique in a manner that can range from supportive to highly critical.

**Other Key Topics and Humor**

AutoAdmit's humor is often esoteric, filled with inside jokes that are difficult for outsiders to understand. However, recurring topics, like the "Nightcrew" (users who post late at night) and the importance of anonymity, are central to the board's culture.

**Nightcrew**

The **Nightcrew** is a group of poasters active during the late-night hours, known for their humorous and sometimes nonsensical content. Their contributions are generally more light-hearted, and they’re seen as a positive, if eccentric, force within the community.

**Quotemos/Pumos**

These are poasters who use monikers made up of elaborate sequences of punctuation marks, like ***''';;;;;''''***. Their usernames often defy conventional formats and add to the site's unique character.

Conclusion

AutoAdmit (XO) remains a unique and influential corner of the internet, marked by its blend of anonymity, dark humor, and intellectual engagement. The board’s complex culture, with its recurring memes, notable poasters, and distinctive etiquette, provides a rich tapestry of online discourse that continues to evolve. Despite its controversial history and the challenges it has faced, AutoAdmit persists as a platform where users explore ideas, share experiences, and engage in a form of dialogue that is both intellectually stimulating and provocatively humorous. Whether viewed as a haven for candid expression or a breeding ground for controversy, AutoAdmit's place in the online landscape is undeniably significant.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5590026&forum_id=2Reputation#48057858)

needs a section discussing the many ways to use the “wow” bump

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5590026&forum_id=2Reputation#48059431)