Alright Friends-it's too hot to sleep. I don't have to work (away from home)tomorrow, so I'm up late thinking. Here's my question: Why do you post. Not just why do you post here, but why do you post at all. Why not watch the (mamma, cover the children's eyes ! ) 'tube'. Or read a book. Or talk on the phone. Or cozy up to dh or dw. Or do a project. Or visit with a 'real' person, as opposed to a 'virtual' one. What is it about staring at this screen and waiting for those little black marks to appear on the white background that is sooooo addictive? seductive? appealing? comforting? I have my own opinion(s), but would rather hear from you first. Stef

-- Stef (sbrogers@erie.net), July 24, 2001

Answers

Well, I'll take a whack at this question. I'm a person who enjoys being alone. Even as a child, I'd shut myself in my room with my cats and a book. I'm not shy, I just don't enjoy most people. We have nothing in common. (I personally know just 3 people who have farm animals, grow some of their food, bake bread, make soap, etc. All of them live an hour away, so regular contact isn't possible. I'd love to spend time with them.)

I currently work 2 jobs, in an effort to finish paying off my debts and have enough savings for my future plans. I don't have TV.

Two years ago, I sat at this computer and typed in "homesteading". CS came up, and I clicked on the forum, and found lots of people with whom I share interests and goals. I've learned sooo much from these like-minded folks, and I think I've been able to offer some valid information, as well. I've made friends here. No, we haven't met face to face. I bought 5 acres in MO, and am moving there next May. When I tell people in "real life", they think I've lost my mind. Why would I want to do a foolish thing like that? My friends on this forum understand. They offer advice and encouragement, and I'm greatful for the opportunity to interact with people like me. Someday, I hope we can do it in person. For now, this is great.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), July 24, 2001.

Sorry, but I gotta clarify something.......it was hard to answer without specifically addressing why I post to this forum. I've only ever posted here and at CS, nowhere else.

One other thing......I spend my days surrounded by women who discuss things like getting their hair frosted, the fabulous deal they got on their new lilac-colored sandles, what winery or restaurant they'll go to next weekend, etc.. Nothing wrong with that, but I can't really participate, I nod my head and smile. At the same time, I'm thinking about how thrilled I am with my new grain-mill, and I know that you guys understand how I feel.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), July 24, 2001.

I have posted at CS, and it's spin offs, Vicki's Goat Shed and BWH one time.

Like Cathy, I'm not really shy, but I am introverted, and I do certainly have the hermit mentality! I like animals way better than MOST people as they are really honest. It's not that I don't LIKE people, I just generally feel better when they aren't around too much. None of my real world friends understand this homesteading thing very much at all. They think it's anywhere from quaint to crazy. I have a friend who gardens that lives in Oregon. My parents, and my brother understand and are doing something similar, but that's it.

Also, I threw out the tube, I still read a lot, although I am falling behind in it because of this, don't have the snuggle up factor, and this "interaction" has offered both practical, friendly, and thought provoking discourse. The thought provoking stuff is pretty hard to come by in my day to day real life. My best friend collects toys....lots and lots of toys....The girl that works for me likes wrasslin' and People magazine. I do love both of these people, but I make their heads hurt and they aren't afraid to tell me so.::::smile::::

So yeah, it's addictive, can't say it's necessarily seductive or appealing in any way other than a mentally stimulating fashion. Yes, it has been a comfort, as well as a pain. Plus, I started this place, and am the moderator, so I feel somewhat responsible.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), July 24, 2001.

Total extrovert here who for the first time in 53 years cannot walk/drive fast enough (or at all somedays) to leave the farm and go find folks to talk to..drives me nuts! I found CS forum almost 3 years ago now (wow) when we were planning to move from the burbs to rural America and there were so many things I needed to know. I gained so much knowledge from homesteading folks (still do), and was able to give some in return that I find it truly enjoyable. I have friends here in AL now, and they too are busy with their goats and hens and pigs and crops that we just do not have the time that I would like to socialize. I ADORE people..all kinds and shapes and cultures, etc. I miss not working (well, not ALL the time)and being able to talk face-to-face, but this forum and the Christian Homesteader's Forum makes life in the boonies quite nice! God bless.

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), July 24, 2001.

make that "two years ago"..yet another senior moment friends....sigh

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), July 24, 2001.

Because you guys are the only ones that don't think I'm nuts !

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), July 24, 2001.

First off, I like the discussion groups, but the other reasons are these. I work odd shifts and find it difficult to socialize or do anything but work with my worms during night hours when the rest of the house is asleep and I can't sleep and the forums are accessible at all hours, write technical pieces and do research as a hobby and entertainment and the net is a big help for this, like to learn new things and if you think I'm waking my "she bear" up after shes hybernating for the night, think again (she learned me that you don't run a power drill even in the garage when she's sleeping. I was lucky she calmed down before I needed the services of a proctologist :>). I'll wait till she wakes up as the sweet little teddy bear I married in the morning. Then we act like teenagers again and maybe work our gardens.

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), July 25, 2001.

T.V.'s fattening. (really, most folks eat while watching the tube) We can discuss things here that we might otherwise avoid talking about face to face. (not me, course everyone around here knows my opinions, lol)

Exchanging ideas, and tips is fun.

Next.

-- Kenneth in N.C. (wizardsplace13@hotmail.com), July 25, 2001.

You're right, Patty, when it comes to homesteading, you've always been a wealth of knowledge. Oftentimes, family can't really appreciate what goes into pulling off this lifestyle. I do appreciate everything you've gone thru. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to "meet" you in real life, since you're about 4 hours away from me. I remember when I got the back issue of CS mag and saw the letter you had written, before you had moved onto your land. Now look at you!! I certainly don't think you're nuts, I look at you as an example of what a person can do when you have clear goals.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), July 25, 2001.

I was actaully asked to come to the Countryside Forum to answer goat questions. I did stay doing that for awhile, it wasn't until I branched out and disagreed with somebody's post were they sorry that they invited me. So yes I did start out doing the forums for the goats, now really do it for the fun, business contacts, and have to admit love a little of the smart controversies. I do miss the chatty flavor the forum started with. Vicki

-- Vicki McGaugh (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), July 25, 2001.

Vicki , I love you ! You are better than any vet I met .You have helped so much and thanks again .Cathy ,I did'nt think anyone would remember thanks .You will be there someday soon too .

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), July 25, 2001.

Stef! I post because it's a way to witness for Jesus Christ. I could never have the number of folks readin/listenin to me by any other means--within my reach. I only post what He asks me to although He lets me choose the words etc. It's an honor to have this opportunity to help spread the Gospel! I also post because if I've got anything worthwile in my ole brain that might help somebody else in their daily struggles of life then I've accomplished what I want.

I love talkin to other people [reminds me of Ham Radio] and pik'n their brains. I find everybodys life interesting. ole hoot. Matt.24:44

-- ole hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), July 25, 2001.

I post because I hope my input will help you as much as your posts help me. Seriously, I have learned SO much information and get different perspectives on life, it is unreal. Thanks for the anwers and questions. And Thank You Doreen, for moderating and putting up with us weirdos. Have a good one people

-- j.r. guerra (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), July 26, 2001.

I can totally relate to Cathy about the women and the hair!!! I am excited over how many jars are canned, how much wood we've got cut and some new soap recipes. I love this lady that works for me but she's so happy over her $60 hair cut & dye...I can't tell she's done anything to her hair!!! I REALLY enjoy the forums for all that I've learned and tried...I have some new trees I started (that I didn't know I could start) and this is SUCCESS for me! DW

-- DW (djwallace@ctos.com), July 29, 2001.

ditto on the "you guys are on my wavelength" thing. Also, I tend not to converse fluently verbally. I do much better typing out my contribution, seeing it in print, and assessing it for worth, before subjecting others to it. In groups, I tend not to be a smooth conversationalist. My mouth has grown in the shape of my foot, from over(mis)use.

-- daffodyllady (daffodyllady@yahoo.com), July 30, 2001.

I post because know one else understands the way I like to live my life. Most think I'm "slightly off in the head" because I can, garden, raise animals, and like to stay on the farm instead of heading off to the Mall all the time.

I feel connected with people like all of you...

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy Rohan (KincoraFarm@aol.com), July 30, 2001.