View Full Version : Less Posting Is A Disappointment...
Tussiemussies
10-27-12, 4:57am
I came back to the forums after being on the old forums for many years. It's so disappointing to see that there is little posting compared to what we used to have. I would settle down at night and there would be 3 pages of posts to look at even after a day of checking in here and there.
There must be lurkers here snd there, since I notice if I post late at night some of my posts are read but there were no replies. What happened to a lot of the people that were on the original site?
Christine
I agree, Tussie, the level of participation we used to see (old forum) isn't here.
One area I've recognized where our new home has changed, is the age of a majority of our members. We have a mature crowd here. Aside from that, I am at a total loss Re: any real explanation that answers, why.
Wasn't this forum previously associated with a frugal site? As it's currently just hanging out there maybe there's not enough content to attract people for information gathering.
I never knew it in its former incarnation.
I'm a new member, in my 30's. I've started two threads, with little response (thanks to the two folks who did respond on one). It may be something related to what I'm doing, however, I try to pose a question to others on the board to chime in.
Have been on other forums, throughout the years. It's normal for participation to ebb and flow.. Just give it time.
I am at a total loss Re: any real explanation that answers, why.
I can only speak from my personal experience. I've started a number of threads that went no where. I guess other people just aren't interested in the same things I am. I keep trying, but I could see how for a more sensitive person, they would just give up and go elsewhere. Conversely, there are always people in any social group who have more to say, or people who steer the conversation to their pet topics. People who aren't interested in those topics just tend to drift away over time. This happens in face to face life too.
In at least one case, I was jumped on for starting a thread. Plenty of people put up threads that I'm not interested in, but I don't jump on the thread and tell them it was a stupid thread, or make counter arguments for the sake of arguing and the like. Just move on by if it doesn't interest you. I see this a lot in general, not just on threads I started. If you were at a party, and a lot of people were passionately discussing something that didn't interest you, would you be a wet blanket and make them feel bad for having the discussion? Then don't do it here. There are real people here, behind the anonymity of our screen names.
happystuff
10-27-12, 10:55am
I tend to agree with the person who mentioned about the ebb and flow of participation. Life changes and things happen. For me, I read daily, but my posting is off and on. Right now it is off because life is not good. There is nothing I can contribute that is good or helpful or inspiring or whatever, and the last thing I want to do is forever leave an internet mark of whining, anger, depression, etc.
And from another perspective, I also tend to pick and choose the threads I read based on the subject line/title. If something catches my attention, I'll open it and read. If it REALLY interests me, I'll post a reply. Otherwise I do tend to skip.
And finally, I like to think "reading" is also part of "participating". If I post a thread and nobody responds but lots of folks have read it, maybe they are at least thinking about it - so I don't consider it an "unsuccessful" thread... if you know what I mean.
Float On
10-27-12, 11:13am
It comes and goes.
At least I'm not afraid to post here - people would get downright snarky on the old board and had no problem calling people stupid or pointing out their typos, poor word choices, etc.
Now that I'm moving around a little better I'm ready to tackle some organizing things on that board in November. We haven't tracked our 'decluttering' in a few months so I'll start that again for sure.
I think, too, with the onset of the fall it will pick up again. Summer we are all so busy and enjoying time outdoors.
iris lily
10-27-12, 1:22pm
I think that reading is participating, too. Threads that get no responses DO get read. I read at least 3/4 of the posts here, and often more.
I;d like a plug for a clear thread title as well--if it is vague, I'm less likely to read it.
I read, but rarely post because most of the topics are not of interest to me.
The ones that do catch my attention, I read the answers, many of which will already have said the same thing I was thinking, so there's not point in saying "yeah, what she said",
Just as in real life, it's considered rude to say what you're thinking if what you're thinking is some variation of "Good God that was the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Are you sure you've thought this through?". In real life you just smile and act like you're paying attention. That's what's considered Polite. Same here I suppose.
One other thing to mention is that after all these years many people have sorted out their 'journey' and just aren't that excited about things/topics/alternatives any more. If you've been 'living simply' for years already it's just life, not a Great New Thing I Must Talk About. (insert shrug smiley here)
I still read here and enjoy some of the regular posters.
Thanks,
Cecilia
awakenedsoul
10-27-12, 2:21pm
I don't post that often right now because my house is on the market. I'm busy with that, and I try not to spend more than an hour a day on line. I enjoy reading the posts. I'm spending more time in the real world than the Internet.
I read a lot of the threads but I don't always post because I have nothing to contribute to the discussion. Or I get to the discussion late and find that someone else has already made the point I wanted to make.
Also, there is so much more to look at online than there used to be. I also check facebook and several interesting blogs. And then there's real life. There's only so much time in a day.
I must say, though, that it was really nice when this forum used to be connected to a website. I'd read their newsletter and then come here for the complete experience.
Like many people here, I am an introvert.
If I have nothing to add to a conversation, I don't say anything.
I agree with the point above that many of us have been on the simple living path for a long time, and we've figured out a lot of the questions we once had. I was reading a magazine a few days ago and realized how far I had come when I found a thorough, well-considered article on simple living and found absolutely nothing new in it - in fact, thought I could have written a better article.
Some of the threads that get the most posts are the dailies where people report on frugal activities, cooking, etc. This makes sense; these are things that even those who've been around for a long time are still doing. Also, I don't recall seeing any inquiries for assistance on aspects of SL that have gone unanswered. I don't know what else can be expected?
goldensmom
10-27-12, 4:28pm
I’m not as involved as in the past for several reasons:
1. I don’t check in as often because I am busy elsewhere.
2. There is a technical glitz when I post a comment. I sign in, compose the comment, press submit and am taken back to the sign in screen. This can happen 4-5 times so I give up.
3. I have also posted with no follow up comments.
4. I came here for information and enjoy the light hearted opinion threads but as of late some of the opinion threads have become rude and snarky. As an adult, I should be able just to not go into those threads but like a moth to a candle flame, there I am. I try not to post an opinion but sometimes just can’t help myself. So, if any of my comments have offended anyone, I apologize and will try to grow up and be nice like my mother taught me to be or just say ‘no’ to opening the thread.
I don't know when these forums started, but I've been here, in several incarnations, since sometime in the late '90s. (Yeah, things could get a little heated in the old days -- I miss those "discussions" :~).) I don't post a lot anymore because I don't seem to have anything to offer. I do still read and learn, however, and there's lots of new stuff and ways of doing things out there. I subscribe to several other online "frugal" sites too. But I enjoy the people here and I have no plans to leave.
CeciliaW said: "One other thing to mention is that after all these years many people have sorted out their 'journey' and just aren't that excited about things/topics/alternatives any more. If you've been 'living simply' for years already it's just life, not a Great New Thing I Must Talk About. (insert shrug smiley here)" -- there's some truth here, but for me there's nothing to be smug about. I love to learn new things, and this is definitely a good place.
Thanks all! :+1:
I don't know what this means, but it's weird and I want to use it: !pow!
HappyHiker
10-27-12, 5:08pm
I really enjoy this forum. Maybe it's not as active as days of yore, but I always find kindred spirits in this forum. Sometimes I post to hear your opinions on something that's on my mind.
Though I have dear friends, I don't see them in face time as often as a thought/discussion point takes hold. Seems I always get interesting/valuable/andr food for thought commentary here.
I value my Simple Living friends quite a bit! You're all so cool and/or feisty! Leaned a lot along the way.
I
CeciliaW said: "One other thing to mention is that after all these years many people have sorted out their 'journey' and just aren't that excited about things/topics/alternatives any more. If you've been 'living simply' for years already it's just life, not a Great New Thing I Must Talk About. (insert shrug smiley here)" -- there's some truth here, but for me there's nothing to be smug about. I love to learn new things, and this is definitely a good place.
I typed sHrug smiley, not smug. I couldn't think of another gesture for 'either way works'.
I only have time to get on the forum on the weekend. I read a lot of the posts, but like others have mentioned, any point I would like to make has already been made by someone else. So I am guilty of lurking, and not posting. I really enjoy reading the daily frugals, cook at home challenge, etc.
Someone mentioned that certain posters can make snarky remarks. I see this especially in the public policy forum. It is just such a turnoff; downright offensive sometimes, that I don't even want to read anywhere I've seen that particular person post something. I wish some people could tone it down a bit.
I will try to make an effort to post more. As a matter of fact, I think I'll head over to the food and frugals forums right now.
If a thread has any political overtones about it, I simply skip the whole thread as same old, same old.
I like that threads including mine ask questions that need answers or perspectives and the answers/input do come. Perhaps not a lot of posts but enough to satisfy so threads won't be long.
I think that the diversity of topics has been good and enjoyable.
I believe that posters have been more thoughtful about posting personal info and should be careful as info could circulate forever.
The food, frugal and family forum threads usually get a good response and shared insights.
Perhaps rather than stating that something is missing somehow, we could suggest topics that would interest us. If I see too many new topics at once, I have to choose which to open and explore so perhaps new topics could be introduced gradually.
During the week, I have limited time -- I usually try to check in in the morning when I'm having my coffee (typically between 4:30-5:15 am my time), but mostly just read because I have limited time and energy at that point. If I am not totally swamped at work, I'll try to check in at lunch, and usually have time for a post or two if there are topics that are particularly compelling or where I feel my input would be beneficial. Then I'll check in again in the evening -- that is probably when I do the bulk of my posts.
Like others, I do more reading than posting these days. I've got a full time job, two school aged kids, and a spouse that really should be getting more of my time. He actually is not happy with the amount of time I spend here as is. So I am trying to be sensitive to that.
For me, the more philosophical/big picture posts, the requests for help with budgeting/financial decisions, as well as the "daily challenges" type posts are what tend to attract my attention and those are the places I am most likely to post a response. As this post shows, I am not a "+1" "I agree" or "great post" kind of poster -- plenty of posts I read and enjoy, but I just don't typically have the habit of posting those kinds of short responses. If it isn't worth a paragraph outlining my take on things, I usually just read and move on.
lhamo
catherine
10-27-12, 9:18pm
From this I gather that a lot of us are "listeners" and just because we don't raise our hands all the time doesn't mean we aren't getting a lot from what we're reading...
As an introvert, I know I'm lax in returning posts or validating posts, but I sure wouldn't want the posts to slow down or stop!
Tussiemussies
10-28-12, 1:48am
I noticed that over 400 people read this thread. We need you all to share threads about what you are interested in.
Would encourage all the lurkers to start posting about anything they want, we need to keep our numbers up to keep the boards running and to have enough people donating to the board. (Even though I do have to get a check out, don't mean to be a hypocrite here.)
Appreciate everyone's post as it helped me to understand more...
Yossarian
10-28-12, 11:05am
I came back to the forums after being on the old forums for many years. .... What happened to a lot of the people that were on the original site?
There have been a couple of big shifts over the years. Back in the 90s there were some very interesting personalities and some of the discussions were, well, out there. I liked having a window into a world that was different from mine and participation was my voyeuristic indulgence of some thoughts that I haven't done much with IRL.
The last version wasn't as eclectic or rollicking, but it preserved enough of the original cast (at least in the early years) that it was still worth following. Things seemed to perk up often enough to keep the ventilator plugged in.
I think the analogy I used before we moved here was it was like moving Mardi Gras to Minneapolis. Probably end up being better run, but the attraction was never the efficiency, it was the flavor and flaunting that you just don't seem to get other places. Kudos to the people who kept this alive and have done a good job running it since the move, but sadly over the years we have just lost some of the spices and unusual ingredients that used to make our gumbo unique.
Not to sound as though I'm getting touchy, even though I am (in my own way), but I believe one area of contention with our new home, is burnout.
A few, a handful, ten, twenty... can't continue to keep the show fresh and alive, so while I agree that it's acceptable to have a limited following who only read and peruse, do keep in mind (from the standpoint of preservation), that if all the reading and perusing continues, even those who have dedicated themselves to being a controlling part of this forum, will eventually step away from, and off to the side of any/all involvement.
I for one am feeling the burn-out as of lately, and I've had many an offline conversation with other members who are feeling the same.
Re: burnout... me and burnout, don't get along... I always end up on the loosing end of burnout.
Anyone else feeling the same?
ApatheticNoMore
10-28-12, 1:12pm
It probably doesn't help that it seems half of on this ahem internet forum is always making pledges to give up or severely limit internet. Do internet, don't do internet, it's really none of my business, but it kind of a catch 22.
rosarugosa
10-28-12, 3:28pm
TussieMussies: Do you know whether that means that 400 distinct individuals read the thread? Because I know that many of us look at the same thread multiple times, so than number might (or might not) be misleading. There are a few threads (e.g. frugals) that I typically view at least twice a day, but I don't post every time.
ANM: I'm one of those who is working on limiting my time online, but I still feel that time here is well spent for the most part. When I find myself reading multiple pages of a thread on something like homemade baby food though, I've got to admit that I'm wasting my time or procrastinating from the things I need to do since I don't have or even know any babies! So I'm just trying to optimize the balance between online and offline time, and spend the online time on things that truly have value and aren't just time-wasters. I also think it is a virtue to say nothing if I don't have anything of value to say :)
Times change.
I also started on the old boards in late 90's,back when they still had live chat w/guest posters.
Back then we didn't have near the options we have today.Look at all the blogs and social networking sites that are now available. I spend time at MMM and ERE like others here have mentioned.
Say I have a question on gardening or chickens.I find I get more responses from Homesteadingtoday forum members than I would get from here.So I rarely visit the gardening and farming forum here.
These forums I still hold dear because they were the first for me,but like many others I have broadened my list of resources.
Do want to say that I very much appreciate all who participate, however, I do not believe for a simple living second, that we have a single soul involved on this forum who doesn't have anything to say, anything to add, or have nothing of any value to put forth. (NOT FOR A SECOND).
I dibble-and-dabble in nearly every single thread, even threads I know nothing about, because even casting an idea forth or adding a few cents to someone's thoughts, helps make this place a more enjoyable one, and it costs nothing other than a small portion of ones time.
A small investment for a big return.
Simplemind
10-29-12, 11:08am
As Yossarian mentioned, we had some interesting and thoughtful personalities in the old forums. I looked forward to reading the posts back in the day when I knew there would be some meat to them and enjoyed the in depth responses. I am always interested in simplicty and frugality so I check in on the posts that catch my eye. On the other hand I have found too many posts on this new site that seem to be thrown out just to have something going on the board. I used to find each topic had something interesting and now I scroll past many.
catherine
10-29-12, 11:26am
I am SO happy New Road Map Foundation "adopted" us, but do you think we lost something when Dave was the "entree" to the boards? I used to love the quarterly newsletters and the book "store".. That's how I got into the boards.
I love NRM, but the focus is a little less broad--very specific to YMOYL financial principles, so we may be missing out on all those people who are looking for a more holistic view of simple living.
I wonder if there's anything we could do from a search engine optimization POV to attract more people?
Originally posted by Simplemind.
we had some interesting and thoughtful personalities in the old forums.Last time I checked, we still had a healthy count of interesting and thoughtful personalities.
Originally posted by Simplemind.
On the other hand I have found too many posts on this new site that seem to be thrown out just to have something going on the board.What a defeating and deflating thing to say. I see our community as one that harvests an endless wealth of knowledge and experience, but more importantly, what one member may classify as being simple fill, the same can't be said about other members, and for every member taking the initiative to kick-start a new thread or entry, I like to think of each and every one of those started threads and conversations as someone else's hobby-horse/interest, and at the end of the day, that's what keeps this forum alive.
puglogic
10-29-12, 11:54am
Interesting responses to this thread, especially the criticisms of now versus before.
Truthfully, I'm not here for flaunting, flashy, edgy, picking a fight or having a rousing good argument. There are enough other boards out there where that happens, where the "I'm right and here's why" crowd hangs out, and I'm grateful that there's not any more of it here than there is.
I'm here to talk about simple living. I come to learn from everyone, ask questions, talk about simple methods, share recipes, rub elbows with kindred spirits, talk through problems, get support.
I get all that and more here. I find seriously smart, funny, compassionate, interesting people abound on this board (even those I don't always agree with), and I love it.
Just my two cents.
I'm also interested in search engine optimization (to help in being found by more people) and would love to have people make a concerted effort to share the community with others they know who would benefit from being here. Growing the community brings in fresh ideas, fresh hands.
Originally posted by Puglogic.
I'm here to talk about simple living. I come to learn from everyone, ask questions, talk about simple methods, share recipes, rub elbows with kindred spirits, talk through problems, get support.And isn't that what it's all about. :) I'm here for the same, and I'd venture to say that a good number of others are, too.
My philosophy is, there is no question, no post, and no thread, that is too trivial to ask/inquire about around here!
Simplemind. While I appreciate that we all can't feel and think the same, how about helping us better the forum by putting forth something constructive in the way of advancing this community further along on the success scale.
treehugger
10-29-12, 12:42pm
Threads complaining about this place being "better in the old days" crop up pretty regularly (like they do on every internet forum, and even in lots of real-life gathering places; nostalgic myopia is pretty universal it seems). When I see them, I always feel compelled to post that I enjoy it here and I think we have great participation. I also always feel the need to reach out to our lurkers (I used to be one) and say that we are glad you are reading, even if you don't want to post. Of course, I would never say that people shouldn't be allowed to complain about Simple Living Forums, because I don't hold with censorship, but I guess I just prefer to think positively, celebrate the good, leave the rest alone, and enjoy what we do have. I never posted on the old forums (only lurked), but something about the move to our new home made me feel instantly comfortable and welcome, and that hasn't changed.
Happy to be here,
Kara
Simplemind
10-29-12, 1:13pm
Sigh...................... not surprised at your response Mrs M. I am not saying there are not interesting people on this board. I am saying that we lost many I enjoyed from the old forum.
This board has room for all sorts of opinions and tastes. It is OK that I don't find some as interesting. It is OK that I scroll past a lot of them. It is OK that I contributed how I interact with these forums differently than I did the old one. I have started posts that have gone somewhere and some that haven't. That is OK too. I was speaking only for my own tastes and nobody else. I don't believe anybody here hangs on my every word and will take to their bed if I pass a post with no comment.
I don't understand why my thoughts cause you to raise up your hackles in defense of what needs no defense. I am here after all these years because there are still people that I enjoy in this forum and look forward to discovering new people and ideas. I don't equate strength, vibrancy and interest with mutual admiration. What I don't enjoy in a post and keep to myself will never dilute the enjoyable experience of anybody else.
Wildflower
10-30-12, 5:11am
I think there will be much more conversation here with winter closing in. I know how much I thoroughly enjoy coming here on a bitterly cold day with a cup of hot tea in hand. It's a comforting feeling, like being with old friends. :)
I have been here off and on for many years, and yes we had some interesting folks back then. Also some really argumentative ones! Does anyone recall the guy who was so interested in naked living and kept on telling women they did not need bras? I would get worked up about some of those folks and kinda carry it too long.
In any case I know it is quieter however I feel safer posting, especially about any personal things now. I am not sure why I kept posting in certain areas but it was really negative for long enough that I left and came back with a new name and stopped posting in that area for a very long time. It seems we are better monitored, not about what we say so much as how we say it here. It has felt much more respectful than the old days IMHO
IshbelRobertson
10-30-12, 7:42am
I think all internet sites wax and wane. Old members grow bored or simply have too much else going on in their lives. Other sites become battlegrounds and that means views become polarised and causes people to leave. We cannot force people either to read or participate. All we can do is ensure that WE like what we have!
When I first joined the old boards, I was harrassed and bullied by a woman from another European country (or so she claimed) who was rabidly anti-British and never missed an opportunity to sneer at me or my stated views. I even reported her a couple of times, but was told that 'such was life' or similar.... However, I perservered and the boards are still here!
I am a typical thrifty Scot - but that doesn't mean I buy cheap clothing or feel I have to frequent second-hand stores or wear unfashionable clothes - which I used to feel were more or less mandatory on the old boards. I am not about to apologise for what I buy or what I like, it's my dosh and as long as I keep on track with savings and other outgoings, then I'll spend MY cash on what I like!
End of reasoned and considered rant!
It probably doesn't help that it seems half of on this ahem internet forum is always making pledges to give up or severely limit internet. Do internet, don't do internet, it's really none of my business, but it kind of a catch 22.
That one always cracks me up.
On the other hand I have found too many posts on this new site that seem to be thrown out just to have something going on the board.
I see a lot of that, too. As tempting as it gets to toss out the old "wise men talk when they have something to say, fools when they have to say something" line, I don't think that's exactly right here. Some posters treat this forum like real life, simply chatting about anything that pops into their mind. Nothing wrong with that. The rest of us, who presumably aren't into small talk (small type?), can simply scroll on by. There is some credibility to the thought that activity breeds more activity even if the first round isn't as deep and insightful as some might like.
Truthfully, I'm not here for flaunting, flashy, edgy, picking a fight or having a rousing good argument. There are enough other boards out there where that happens, where the "I'm right and here's why" crowd hangs out, and I'm grateful that there's not any more of it here than there is.
I'm here to talk about simple living. I come to learn from everyone, ask questions, talk about simple methods, share recipes, rub elbows with kindred spirits, talk through problems, get support.
I know this will come as a complete shock, but once in a while I like to stir the pot just to get a discussion going. :0! Pug, you and I often have to lean over a fence to talk to each other, but I have always been able to learn something in those conversations (thank you, btw). What I appreciate about this forum is that with few exceptions the more intense topics can be openly and gracefully discussed and 'simpler' questions can be answered by people with a great deal of insight and willingness. If we have to wade through some fluff to get there I say its worth it, that's just how life works.
puglogic
10-30-12, 10:27am
I know this will come as a complete shock, but once in a while I like to stir the pot just to get a discussion going.
Really? Y'think? :~)
I appreciate you, Gregg, and I appreciate all of our differences here. Oh, well, there are a couple of folks whose heels are SO far dug into their own positions, and seem to get their jollies being critical of other viewpoints, that I do a lot of eye-rolling there, but don't we have those people IRL too? Mostly it makes me irritated that their self-indulgent chest-beating may be frightening off people who are simply trying to express their opinions. But again, it's just like the rest of life....we have to learn to deal with all types. I find this group a lot more diplomatic than many other boards.
Would still love to see more people, more new faces, but am unsure whether the board owners or mods would want that. I assume they already have their hands full?
ToomuchStuff
10-30-12, 11:29am
When was the old board established, and when did it end (transfer)? From the current names and join dates, it doesn't appear to be long ago (if some are old members as they claim/I have no evidence one way or another).
I would expect some ebb and flow, between those who achieve their goals and move on (maybe simplify to the point of not needing the net at home), those who leave due to personal comments (the snark fest between two members here, who both are covering different aspects of burnout), life getting in the way (change of values/time verses what is important), etc.
I don't know who had the old board, but it was certainly a targeted audience (better for grabbing search engines). That was how I found this place (old post linked, which went to the defunct site, which led here). But this isn't the only site and I would expect some were/are members of both, and may prefer one over another. That doesn't even cover those that come and stay for a little while (just glean what they need and incorporate into their idea's) or those that avoid all the religion/politics bs that I have seen kill boards. (prefer to have to opt in to those sections of the boards, personally)
I have been here off and on for many years, and yes we had some interesting folks back then. Also some really argumentative ones! Does anyone recall the guy who was so interested in naked living and kept on telling women they did not need bras? I would get worked up about some of those folks and kinda carry it too long.
You have been around here for a while. His name was Billy Barebutt.He was a very interesting charactor.
Would still love to see more people, more new faces, but am unsure whether the board owners or mods would want that. I assume they already have their hands full?
Most of the mod duties fall more along the lines of locking down spam and dealing with technical glitches. Fortunately everyone on the staff is more knowledgeable in that regard than I am so it works pretty well. I don't think anyone would have a problem drawing in some fresh blood. It's basically a question of marketing: how do we reach potential members? If anyone has ideas you might start a dedicated thread to post them. Remember, it has to be totally guerilla marketing...we have no budget for this.
And yea, I do kind of miss some of the old characters. Billy Barebutt had some interesting ideas. I personally support his position on bra use. :moon:
flowerseverywhere
10-30-12, 1:52pm
I for one had to take a break from posting and reading do to a cross country move and frankly it did me some good. I am ready to come back now and share some of the things I learned about decluttering, frugals that got us to retire early and move to start a new life.
I find that there are some truly interesting and helpful posters here, and a few critical or know it alls that can really put a damper on things. The key I think it to take what is useful and leave the rest, and ignore those that you find are ignorant or rude. Staying out of the political forum during this election has been helpful. It is truly a hateful and disgraceful election on both sides and it harms the simple living light hearted side of me.
I haven't read all the posts in this thread, so maybe I'm repeating what's already been said.
I know I'm guilty of this too, but I think alot of our talk isn't really about simple living. But I think that happens when you get comfortable with a group of people. Its just natural that you start talking about other things.
But my guess would be if people wanted a hard-core simple living forum, I'm not sure they'd spend much time here. I hope I don't offend anyone.
I'm happy with this place, but I'm not as hard core as some.
And yea, I do kind of miss some of the old characters. Billy Barebutt had some interesting ideas. I personally support his position on bra use. :moon:
seeee you do like to stir the pot. I got on his case every time that came up. See it is easier to chase down women when they can't run fast because they are trying to not flop around or hurt themselve. Maybe it is just the 'substantial' women, but still. My brother used to wait until I was in PJS and had my bra off to chase and torture me (okay not real torture). When i had a bra on he could not catch me, haha.
I think I wandered off somewhere, but Billy was always worth reading. Maybe I should develop a more eccentric character to liven up the boards huh
I don't think anyone would have a problem drawing in some fresh blood. It's basically a question of marketing: how do we reach potential members? If anyone has ideas you might start a dedicated thread to post them. Remember, it has to be totally guerilla marketing...we have no budget for this.
I have a lot of contacts in social media in frugal living, simple living, sustainable living, etc. Maybe I could drop a hint every now and then to check out this valuable resource.
awakenedsoul
10-30-12, 10:20pm
I love this forum and think it's great. I think if you feel resentful and or burnt out, you should honor those feelings. I don't post that often, but I do contribute financially. I try to be generous that way.
I think comparing is a negative pattern. Nobody likes to be compared. It's like a put down.
That Billy Barebutt sounds hysterical. The first thing I do when I get home is take off my bra and put on an apron. But, I'm an A cup, so it's no big deal.
I think we have plenty of posters and plenty of posts. I'm not going to be able to post a lot, so I'm sorry if that disappoints or offends anyone. I thought it was okay to just read and enjoy. I hope there's enough money for the budget.
I don't think it works to pressure people. Sorry that some are unhappy with this forum. I think it's one of the best I've read...
Alas, where is Billy Bare Butt when you need him? Probably nekkid sunbathing on a tropical beach somewhere :moon:.
I try to respond to as many posts as I can but with limited internet time (by choice - yes, I'm one of THOSE people who crack Gregg up:laff:) I can't respond or even read many of them. I also try to start threads on topics that interest me or I'm curious about whenever I can. But because I don't do alot of the frugal or self-sufficancy stuff that other do here, I don't have much to say that would be of interest to others. But I still like to read the posts and still learn alot from them. And other then working out my housing/travel issues, I have reached the rest of my personal simple living lifestyle and financial goals and don't really want to change much.
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