Regarding these forums

greenspun.com : LUSENET : Freedom! self reliance : One Thread

Just kind of a fishing expedition here. Do you guys find this to be worthwhile? Is this really all just a cyber gossip column, or is it truly helpful? I don't want any patting on the back, just honest opinions on the worth and importance of this medium in general. Use a fake email if you want to, I don't care. Thanks.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), July 31, 2001

Answers

Its important to have a place to turn to where you know that reliable people will be able to help you with your homestead problems. If it just so happens that people gossip between emergencies then so be it.

My vote, B. truly helpful.

-- William in WI (gnarledmaw@lycos.com), July 31, 2001.


I've learned quite a lot on the forums, but I admit I also enjoy the associations.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), July 31, 2001.

Truly helpful. I am accepted here, I am understood, I fit in. I've learned so many wonderful things, things that get mentally filed away and will be there when I need them, from baking to birthing to ??? you name it. I've never thought of this as a gossip column, although sometimes I go to work and tell my friend Bea that "Doreen bought land in MO", or "Patty is trading a calf for a horse". She told me today that she loves hearing about it!!

When the sh*# hit the fan at CS, and your posts were deleted, I was so angry. When you invited me here, I was thrilled. Then when they deleted Hoot, wow, that was a kick in the head. I am very happy to be here, and I get more than you'll ever know from this forum.

-- Cathy in NY (hrnofplnty@yahoo.com), July 31, 2001.


Doreen,

I look forward to all the forums, I hurry in the morn. to get work done, and see whats cooking on the forums, I really like this one as I believe we can discuss other things besides goats, and hoot is here. I always have problems I like to bounce off all you wonderful people out there, and the answers are always good.I get so lonely, and its been a god sent for me.Love Irene

-- Irene texas (tkorsborn@cs.com), July 31, 2001.


Doreen! My $2 worth of advice! Yes this is a valuable tool for all who frequent this cyber cracker barrell. Yeah, some gossip does change hands but the outcome of the whole thing is more than I can describe. Many folks like to come here to visit. Some have already said so. Well, I'm probably the one who enjoys it the most. I get to proclaim Jesus Christ to friends I've made by the puter. I also get to visit, learn things and generally kinda keep track of what each of my friends are doin. NO, I don't think it's a gossip column at all. I'd rather say it's just a fine place for friends to meet and enjoy each others company. ole hoot. Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), July 31, 2001.


I think that newsgroups and message forums do serve a useful function. We all like to feel like we belong somewhere, that we really aren't as odd as we sometimes feel like we are around certain people/groups of people. Someplace where people respect and value your opinions, without any pre-conceived notions or prejudices. Think about it; does anybody here think everybody else is of the same race? Age group? Socio-economic 'class'? Where else could you go and have such diversity, and with all participants' suggestions and opinions based soley on the merit of their content, rather than on colour of skin, age, hair colour, country of origin, income level, political slant, clothing preference, etc.,etc.,etc.? An encyclopedia can present information, this medium allows the presenting, APPLICATION and the USEFULNESS of information as well, and from people who have the actual experiences, not from some so-called 'experts'.

Having said all that, I believe this particular forum does all these things, and does them quite well.

I like it here.

Please keep it.

-- StevenB (thicketyrowfarm@aol.com), July 31, 2001.


Hi Doreen. Yes, yes, yes! Even for some of us who don't post that often, this is a wonderful place to visit. So, although I don't have a clue as to what it takes 'mechanically' for you to put this thing together, thanks very much for doing it. Now, on to an aside: have any of you noticed how wonderful corn is anymore? I don't remember it being so sweet and delicious when I was a kid. Every year I go through the 'guilts' because I want MORE than one or two ears at a time. And there must be butter, for goodness sake! One high fat, high carb food, crying to be dressed up in pure fat! But, goes the rationale, the season is sooo short, and nothing tastes like fresh corn. Unless it's fresh tomatoes.(anyone for tomato and mayo sandwiches?) Stef.

-- Stef (sbrogers@csonline.net), July 31, 2001.

Yup..I like this forum alot...tonight for example, DH is out with the boys, and here I sit at the computer with the fence locked, four huge dogs lying all about the room and my loaded thing on the counter that I have a permit to carry, and none of you guys would find any of that odd. Good folks! God bless.

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), July 31, 2001.

Okay then. I just really don't want to have a gossip situation going. I do realize that people are people and they need to talk things through and all of that and that's fine, I just have received some mail that really made me sit back and re think things. Y'all brought up some aspects I hadn't considered, and I thank you. I'm not trying to control what people say, as I really don't have any desire to do that, but there seems to be a lot of room for misunderstanding on these forums and I just don't want to have a bunch of hurt feelings and bad "vibes" carryover and honestly, it makes me sad.

It's not too hard to do this as the software is pretty easy, easy enough that a computer illiterate like myself can even do it! I think I'll have a tomato and mayo sandwich (with my loaded thing sitting handy on the table) for lunch! God bless!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 01, 2001.


Dear Doreen,

I think you can gather from the above posts that your services to this forum are extremely valuable. There are probably people out there like me who really don't have a lot to contribute but very much enjoy the sense of community we find here. I can turn on the forums and be instantly in communication with people I've come to regard as friends and family. Just like most families, there are times of sharing information and instructions but also time for just being "chatty".

Thank you so much for all you do to keep this forum in good shape. I hope you know how very much appreciated it is.

Wishing you enough.

-- Trevilians (aka Dianne in Mass) (Trevilians@mediaone.net), August 01, 2001.



I just wanted to say that "chatty" is just absolutley fine. I don't mind silly conversation, light conversation or philosophical differences, I just don't like gossip...at all. And let me say also, that I haven't found people here to be gossipy, but that some room for that idea is given when there is the forum carryover from CS to here. Frankly, I dropped CS and have only been there to check archives and to view a few conversations when folks email me about it. Half of the time when there is fall out here, I don't have the slightest idea what has transpired...

Patty, *please* don't take this as being directed at you and your recent post. It has happened several times in the past as well and this is just an "in general" topic. I am thrilled to have you here!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 01, 2001.


It is truly helpful; I learn a whole lot from all of your perspectives and experiences. And so what if the topic gets a little muddled; it is the human interaction that keeps the information interesting. I mean if all I had to do was look it up in a book . . . just doesn't do it.

So yeah, my vote sez keep on keeping on.

-- j.r. guerra (jrguerra@boultinghousesimpson.com), August 01, 2001.


Doreen , you guys {most} here have known me for a long time .I was looking for an honest answer.Some times others see you differently than you see yourself .I would have posted on cs , but with so many new people I didn't feel I could get an honest answer.I have started posting here more after several reguests to do so .If it's a problem I will leave , no hard feelings.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), August 01, 2001.

Patty!!! NO!!!!! I tried to point out that YOU were not the problem at all. Please stay, you are more than welcome and I REALLY didn't mean for this to be directed at you. Not at all!!!

It's probably just the natural course of being an off shoot and this is more of a process that has to occur than anything else. I understand about wanting someone else's perspective on how you are perceived and you are certainly not negative, nor are you a gossip. You are helpful, friendly and oftentimes quite funny! I also must say that I find you to be one of the most forgiving people I have encountered on these boards.

Please, please, please don't take this as being only about your recent post, as it isn't. Actually, after the massive deletion shebang happened with me there, I went back and your comments and Rebekah's were in a large part a solidifying factor in me starting this forum. So you are kind of a founder whether you knew it or not!

I just was wondering if this was worhwhile, as obviously I thought it was very important, but I needed other people's perspectives on it as well....and I didn't intend to cause hurt to anyone at all...yet I did. Nutz. I'm sorry. Please stay and don't be offended by how much of a clutz I am.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 01, 2001.


Boy! Have a little computer meltdown and look at all the fun you miss!! I'm still on the library system for a few more days but had to comment here.

Patty, You are OK w/ me. Please stick around and help us that need your wisdom and good sense. I would've sent you a private e-mail but it's a big pain in the Keester here at the library, so I'm publically declaring my fidelity for you here. 'Nuff said.

Doreen, I like cyber gossip. Nobody else cares that I hatched 8 Guineas and 11 chicks recently, built a 20 x 20 "Palatial Poultry Palace" or blew the tire out on the Farmall! The hatching and the "palace" were both aided by stuff/tips I've picked up from the folks who come here. Gotta go my 1 hour is almost up, John

-- John (jsmengel@hotmail.com), August 01, 2001.



Doreen, Everyone else has already said it so well, so I will just say I agree with most all of the comments already given.

1) The forums are truly helpful, if not at the present moment, then sometime in the future. Often when I read about a problem someone's having and the advice they are given, eventually I find myself in the same situation and I already know what to do (or in some cases, what NOT to do, LOL!).

2) Yes, there is some gossip, but I really don't see that much that I consider true gossip - as in something that is said just to be nasty. Some of the "gossip" is just over-the-fence chat type stuff, not harmful, might even be helpful, and helps us get to know each other.

We don't live all that far out of town but dh & I tend to be rather reclusive, so those who post on this and the Christian Homesteader forum are my "friends and neighbors". I look to the forums for advice, encouragement, prayer support, latest news and political views, and just plain visiting once in awhile. It helps so much to be able to have like minded people available on a daily basis, I would HATE to lose my forum friends!

-- Lenette (kigervixen@webtv.net), August 01, 2001.


John, thanks for taking the time to respond, nice turn out on the incubation!! I have missed you, bro'.

Gossip is NOT just talking about whatever is happening in your day or in your life. It's talking about someone or group behind their backs without that party having the opportunity or invitation to address what ever it is that is being said about them.

I don't think there is a lot of gossiping going on here, nor have I considered any posts to be strictly classified as gossip, with a possible exception being one I started to be honest...ow. I didn't intend for it to be gossipy but that's how it was percieved. So perhaps that explains my sensitivity over the issue.

I hope things are all clear here, and that no feelings are terribly hurt. It wasn't my intention to do so. Thanks to everyone for your views and for taking the time to share your knowledge and selves on this little piece of cyber space.

It IS good to know that there are like minded people around. Whew..."we are not alone"...Speaking of that, does anyone know the movie with Rowdy Roddy Pieper where he puts these glasses on and it shows all the subliminal messages, aliens and all that??? I can't for the life of me think of the name of the movie, but I saw it once a million years ago and I REALLY want to see it again. Any help?

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 01, 2001.


Hey Doreen! Yeppie! I know the name of that movie too. I must've saw it a bazillion times too, more or less. The name? I donno! Slept since then. ole hoot. Matt.24:44

-- hoot (hoot@pcinetwork.com), August 01, 2001.

Doreen, we loved that movie! I didn't know anyone else saw it though. LOL! If you hadn't asked I could have told you the name, that's the way my brain (doesn't) work! When my husband comes home he will know the name. I'll get back to you. Wonder if it's on video anywhere. BTW, I love this forum, as I've said before. Y'all have been a great source of info for me and I've never felt like it was gossip.

-- Deena in GA (dsmj55@aol.com), August 02, 2001.

Per "Rowdy Roddy Pipers Film Vault"...

They Live (1988)

Piper stars as jobless and homeless construction worker John Nada, who discovers that the world is being controlled by some really ugly aliens who can only be seen through special sunglasses. Nada teams up with his buddy Frank (Keith David) to put an end to the alien mind control.

This movie is a cult classic with a huge following. It features a ten-minute fight scene between Piper and David that was actually only supposed to last ten seconds. The two convinced director John Carpenter to let them duke it out for real, only faking blows to the face. "They Live" also contains Roddy's most famous cinematic line, "I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass...and I'm all out of bubble gum."

-- William in WI (gnarledmaw@lycos.com), August 02, 2001.


Yeah!!!! Thank you William!!! Now I will get on the phone and find out who has it. I LOVED that movie and only saw it once. Many thanks!

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 02, 2001.

Hi Doreen,

Yes, this is very worth while. I have gotten a ton of great information that I would probably not have known where else to ask. I am pretty much a lurker. A lot of times other people ask questions and respond to things that are of interest to me so I don't need to post very often. I like gardening and goats, chickens and Pyrenees dogs.

I truly enjoy Hoot and his posts, I am thankful that he has a place here, and find the opinions of others to be stimulating and challanging. A group of people are always going to have difference of opinion and the folks on this forum respect one another and I like that. Someone sent this to me the other day and I would like to pass it on...

Five simple rules to be happy -

1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less.

Thanks, this is a good thing.

-- Kathy (jubilant@ncweb.com), August 02, 2001.


Thanks Doreen , I am staying until you get sick of me.I was having a bad week so maybe I have been a little down .Thanks for the lift

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@slic.com), August 02, 2001.

I don't know if I'm welcome here, but I'll take a chance.

Doreen, this is the third time I've visited here and I want to share a bit of wisdom that I've sent to Ken and with Dave!

"You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time!"

-- Ardie from WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), August 03, 2001.


Doreen, yes, I really do think that this is an important and worthwhile endeavor. Without this forum, most of the people who left C-side would have just left, and not had another place to visit. I have been so busy and overwhelmed with various things that I haven't had time to post much, but as the days grow shorter and winter comes, that should change. I don't think we do a whole lot of gossiping here, and I haven't seen much backbiting either. the exception here would be what goes on with the C-side forum. But I don't really have a personal problem with Ken or Dave, I just don't care for the changes that occured with the forum. We do appreciate this forum, please keep up the good work!

-- Rebekah (daniel@itss.net), August 03, 2001.

Great!

Glad things are straight, Patty...stuff will work out.

And Ardie, you sure are welcome!...but PLEASE do not refer to me in the same sentence as Ken and Dave...please???? ;}...'preciate it! If you sense some bitterness, yes, it's still there, but I forgive them, just don't want to be grouped with 'em. The only rules here are in the "about" link at the top of the page, and I don't think you would violate any of the two rules at all! God bless.

-- Doreen (bisquit@here.com), August 03, 2001.


Doreen, A quick "thumbs up" ...please don't pull the plug!!..I don't post much ...but I enjoy reading all the chitter/banter/chatter...I'm also big enough to not respond to everything that I might not agree with!.....wish others could/would do the same......a .03 cent opinion!

-- Jim-mi (hartalteng@voyager.net), August 04, 2001.

Doreen, I enjoy your forum and the people who have gathered here. I also enjoy other forums including Cs. I am not ashamed, neither will I stop visiting them. The internet is a big place and there is room for all. I look for others thoughts and they can read mine. It is called exchanging information. I disregard that which I disagree with and I expect others to do the same. But I will defend to the death the right for any one to think as they please, no matter what forum they're on or not on. God bless and keep on keeping on.

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net), August 07, 2001.

This is a great forum, and wherever Hoot is is a good place to be!

-- Melissa (cmnorris@1st.net), August 08, 2001.

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