TEEN ROOM
by Mike Blaszczak


"TEEN ROOM". An interesting conference; it's strange, it's
offbeat, and it works.

The door swings open easily. Orange peels, straws, beer cans,
atmosphere. There is a small group huddled around a sad excuse
for a table in one corner. One person is talking slowly, then
others seem to be injecting ideas or suggestions. You feel
totally uninhibited, without a care in the world. Your normal,
social "caste" is totally shattered; you realize that this is an
elbows-on-the-table, eat-with-yer-fingers bunch.

Before the night ends, you've discussed a few problems that
you're having as a teen. The group has mentioned things that
they have run into with their parents. Everything from drinks
to birth control, from music to midterms and finals.

As you make your exit, you realize that this should be the way
things are run. People should talk to people openly, not caring
about the way they act, the way they think, or where they come

The move was good. The mode that the freedom installed in the
users was terrific. The people who use the system are the
finest... No one has come anywhere near the ragged edges of
taste, even after being exposed to total freedom. Respect is
maintained for others.

The anonymity that telecomputing presents is very comforting and
stimulates one's urge to get involved. People have come into
Teen Room, and its now abandoned "heavy-discussion" branch,
"Dianne", to mull over problems with the opposite sex, our
parents, and school. We've had more lighthearted discussions
about the best brand of beer, what kind of music to listen to,
who should wear earrings or ear clips, and why snow stinks.
Parti has brought together lovers before, and there was even a
marriage. "Teen Room" is responsible for bringing together a
pair of people, also.

The participants that have used the Room have been outstanding.
justly rewarded.

It's been a tremendous success, even if I must say so myself.
"TEEN ROOM" is now the oldest "SUPPORT GROUP". You may not be
overweight, smoke, or lust for an improved sex life, but you are
always a teen at least once.

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Author's note: Mike Blaszczak, 16, answers to the name "Nifty
James" while in Parti on the Source. In recognition of his
contributions toward making "Teen Room", and Parti, a great
place to hang out, he has recently become a Helper for Parti.