I’m mostly a lurker with sporadic, Tourette-like posting. I have been online for about six years, have maintained a website for four and have been blogging for a year and a half. I frequent chat borads and am always looking for new ones with different subject matters. I have received some hate mail, been outed by my own blog and have had a lot of negative backlash because of my sometimes careless and naive participation in the internet.
(I don’t know if one can participate in the internet, but I’m sure y’all get the gist.)
But the reason why I keep coming back is because of places like this. Where people can ask for advice and get feedback on topics ranging from the best places to go sight seeing, to what to do about a spat with an SO, to the idosyncrasies of different people in different countries, and on and on and on. It is very good to know that (almost) total strangers are willing to take time from their lives to help out a fellow poster.
We have been a community since 1999 (look at my join date, then realize I’m user number 207…) and it’s been a great ride. Some of the originals are still here, others leave and come back, some never come back, and a few have broken the rules and left involuntarily. But through it all, we’ve remained friends and friendly adversaries, advice-givers and wry commentators on life and it’s myriad of problems.
One thing about this board strikes me as unique, which is why I stay here: The majority of posters (and yes, even those I don’t agree with sometimes) are incredibly intelligent, well-spoken, and fun! There’s the difference right there. You don’t find people around here asking questions like a/s/l or r u gong to da mall? I’ve met posters on this board ranging from 15 years old to 80-something, and we all for the most part get along, respect each other and consider each other friends.
Glad you joined us for the ride! Hang on, it can be a little bumpy, but we’ll get there and do it in style!
Ah yes, the naive participation! I know that all too well from my own postings - as rare as they may be. Well, I am glad you decided to stop by again. Hopefully you´ll stick around
