Am I losing the power to communicate?

I am enjoying this forum - I even enjoy when the conversations (under whatever thread) get a little heated and opinionated because it makes people think, and write. Plus it helps us to realize different points of view outside of the television or mass media.
I also like that the days when the number of visitors are highest are the ones that something contentious is discussed - whether it's within the chatter box or a different thread. Says something for the things that call us to take part, doesn't it.
Besides, I have a soft spot for writers, and that's what brings us all here anyway. Oh yeah, and the food too. There's always stuff about food in here.
See you soon, all of you. Now, go and have some fun, won't you?

Shelagh,

I don't think you need to set up another board. There are enough threads for serious discussion, and if we feel we need more, I know you'll be quick to set them up.

We all need to let off steam - I've even flirted with George for goodness sake, (and no, I'm not going to fight you for him for the simple reason, I can get to Scotland quicker than you! ).

Seriously, this is a great place to share ideas, experiences and knowledge and have a laugh with your friends, and I for one, am delighted you asked me to join.

Abe F. March wrote:

Shelagh,
whatever you do, don't give up. Yes, there are a few problems and I think they have been addressed by Don and Jenny. I almost stopped posting but then decided to just cut back for awhile rather get into some useless argument.

I'm probably too serious most of the time. I like the forum and like to discuss things seriously. Of course some fun can be interjected provided the thread isn't hijacked. Having a thread for "just the fun of it" may be the place to let things hang out. I like having fun as well. A good laugh can be beneficial.

I will try posting more if/when I have something to contribute. I think it is good to congratulate people on their successes and it is good hearing about them. I think there is much to be learned from others and this is the type of forum where it can happen.

Respectfully,
Abe

Thanks Abe! I won't be giving up.

Pam and Jenny,

Along with the other pretty ladies on the forum, this place wouldn't be the same without you!

Now I'm embarassed!

Hey Shelagh,

Speaking of membership and getting people involved and contributing to the success of the forum, do you recall the thread that Kerensa mention www.yuwie.com? Well I just received a "reminder" from them about my membership that also says something like "hey come on back we'd love to see you." Reminds people to pop in and provides a link to the site (which I know you have done already), but also says this at the bottom:

You signed up for an account at Yuwie.com on 3/3/2008. We noticed that you haven't been using the site much, and we just wanted to invite you back.

blah blah blah (promo blurb I can send you by email if you like...)

And it ends with this:
If you choose not to use your account, it will be removed in 10 days.

Just some food for thought...

Thanks Pam! I sent out a message to all members today and a few responded. It's good to see members returning to the board and adding their two cents. I just wish they did it more often!

Me, too!!

Hi Shelagh, I'm glad this forum is here. I know I'm guilty of not posting much at all, but I do come and read some of the threads. I'm going to be honest as to why I have not been posting much. I've slowed down on most emails and posting all together since before Christmas. I have not been in the mood. I have not even felt like writing much. Work has taken my time and energy along with family obligations. We had a complete turn over of employees during Christmas and the first of January. I'm the Day Program Manager of a place that works with a group of men who are disabled and are violent. Without this program they'd be in jail. In the midst of hiring all new people and dealing with a brand new boss, I was physically assaulted in the middle January at work. I can't get into all the details, but I can tell you it should never have happened. I did not allow myself to let on that anything was really wrong emotionally until all of my staff were trained and could handle the situations arise. Safety has always been the thing I rant about and all of them saw first hand as to why. With the circumstances of everything in my life at this time, I can only tell you it has been difficult to get back to where I used to be. It isn't easy. I'm still not where I need to be and I know it is going to take some time.

I do post a few places more often and I'm hoping that I can make writing my first priority as summer comes.

When I learned that I had gotten the privilege of being a featured author, it really brightened my day. I should have made more of an effort to tell you this, but at the time life was pretty rough for me as I explained above. I had more than I needed on my plate. I'm telling you now though that I really did appreciate it and I still do.

Your hard work and dedication is much admired and I'm glad to know you, here on line. I have always admired you.

Do what ever is in your heart with what you know you have to do.

As far as having a little fun with some of the posts, I really support it. It gives all of us a chance to let our hair down to get to know people. Life can be too serious at times and we need to have a break. I know this very well.

Vickie

Vickie, what can I say, other than I hope you're on the road to recovery.

Take care.

Jenny, thank you. I am taking one day at a time. My days are getting brighter and brighter and the dark ones are less and less. I refuse to let this really get to me. I have too much to look forward to in my life.

Hugs,
Vickie

Hi Vickie,

You have had a rough ride and I hope it's all behind you now. If ever you need a hug, a smile, something to brighten your day, there will always be someone here for you.

You've really brightened my day because you faced up to the intimidation and didn't run away and hide. That takes guts. Not everyone has the strength of character you showed. You certainly have my respect and admiration.

Take care,

~Shelagh

Shelagh, thank you very much. I will remember your kind words.

I couldn't not face it. I would have let myself down tremendously and that isn't good. There was a lot of people counting on me at the time, so staying strong was what I had to do. Also, I'm not used to leaning on people for help, but I learned very quickly that it was okay, it was either that or fall apart, and falling apart is not an option for me. I've always been on the quiet and shy side, but when pushed I will stand up for what I think is right.

Hugs,
Vickie

Thanks for sharing that Vickie; your courage and commitment are notable. Strength, warmth and energy are being sent your way as you continue to lead others and do those things that are so hard, and yet right for you to do.

Thank you Pam.

The danger with having a star system for those who post a certain number of comments is that quantity does not mean quality.

I must say, I was tempted to rack up 60 posts, which would inevitably include a lot of "me too" comments... then I read Jenny's excellent post.

LOL

The star system is a "thank you for contributing" not an incentive to increase the number of posts. Three star members do need to make 60 posts, by which time they've decided that they like it here and have received enough feedback to realise that their posts are appreciated and their opinion is respected. Four star members have to make 200 posts and they really deserve the extra star. It's just my way of saying

:-)

I guess I have too much testosterone... however, my intent was not to criticize or offend, but to second the point Jenny made about some of the other forums.

So, 200 is the goal? (Just kidding!)

Still on jury duty this week, so not posting often, but the judge is subbing for another this morning so thought I'd drop by.

Have to say I echo Pam. I don't mind a heated conversation as it does tend to bring out different points of view.

Excellent posts, Pam & Jenny.

Pam wrote:

I am enjoying this forum - I even enjoy when the conversations (under whatever thread) get a little heated and opinionated because it makes people think, and write. Plus it helps us to realize different points of view outside of the television or mass media.
I also like that the days when the number of visitors are highest are the ones that something contentious is discussed - whether it's within the chatter box or a different thread. Says something for the things that call us to take part, doesn't it.
Besides, I have a soft spot for writers, and that's what brings us all here anyway. Oh yeah, and the food too. There's always stuff about food in here.
See you soon, all of you. Now, go and have some fun, won't you?

I should've read to the end of thread before commenting, but I'll do it now.

Just wanted to say I'm so sorry you had to go through such a physical and emotional ordeal, Vickie. I hope you know you're among friends, and if you ever need to talk, which helps, I'm sure we're all available.

Hey Brenda - great to see you again! From child minding to jury duty. Seems like you must be really missing your writing adventures! Hope that the case you are on is at least good research material

Shelagh, I certainly hope you are talking only of the 'Author of the Week' feature of the site, and not the site itself. I too was honored to be the Author of the Week, and although it meant a lot to me, maybe others are less in that mode.

I think there are many good posts here, and hope you will keep up the good work. I enjoy this forum immensely and have pretty much stopped posting anywhere else. I feel much more 'at home' here than other places. I have not only gained new knowledge, but new friends as well. To me, that is worth more than gold.

I also want to mention that I have learned a lot through this forum and wish to continue to do so. My mind has just been on other daily life business, and I have not been able to be here as often as I would like.

Vickie, I am so sorry to hear of your troubles, but I know your spirit is strong and you will be able to meet any challenges that recovery poses. We are all pulling for you and you know you can come here for support 24/7.

Hi Zada,

I will be keeping both the network and the forum. The Author of the Week feature will be replaced as of tomorrow. I'm having a real spring clean! Rowena will be the last Author of the Week.

The Featured Member on the forum will not necessarily be added to on a weekly basis, which will help me to make better use of my time. The 33 Authors of the Week will still be archived on the main page of the network.

This last week was critical to the success of the forum and it has been a terrific week with an increase in members, two donations from members, a new look to the board and a new feature that promises to be good free advertising for the members here.

Plus -- the forum is now 4th in Literature and Poetry:

https://www.forumotion.com/en/Art-Culture-and-Leisures/Literature-Poetry-19.htm

What a great week! Happy Easter everyone!