The discussion centers around the nostalgia for a ritual that used to take place in the new members forum, where old members would ask newcomers about their favorite fish, followed by a humorous "fish-slapping" initiation. Participants express disappointment that this fun tradition has been discontinued, attributing the change to a cease and desist order from Monty Python. The conversation humorously explores the absurdity of the ritual, with members reminiscing about their own experiences, including amusing anecdotes about being "slapped" by various sea creatures. Some members suggest that despite its silliness, the ritual served as a lighthearted form of hazing, contrasting it with more extreme initiation practices. The thread also touches on unrelated topics, such as music preferences and cultural connections, but the primary focus remains on the lost fish-slapping tradition and its significance to the community.
