First, I would like this discussion to be civil and respectful if possible. We can all act like adults if we choose to.
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1.What is it that you get out of replying/posting here on the forum?
I like to personally read and learn about other's viewpoints. I also have a bad habit on using a lot of smilies, so I'm sorry if that get's annoying
2.What is your opinion on how to treat others, and how they should treat you?
I treat everyone, pretty much the same as they treat me. I usually don't let myself get riled up, although I have been known to be a smart donkey sometimes.. LOL!
3. Do you think that there are some people here that take this site much more seriously, than it should be?
-Or-
Why you take this place seriously, what gets you riled up so bad that you actually get angry? (please no names, or insults.. just a simple yes or hypothetical will work)
I definitely think some do. It's like they smell blood when they reply. I am sure we've all been there one time or another and said something mean or out of the way, but there are a few that at times, I just wonder what is going on to make them act the way they do. I personally treat others as they treat me, at least most the time. I definitely try to. Otherwise, I try to ignore those that are preverbial pot-stirrers. Then again, we all mess up from time to time, and could all fit the "pot stirrer" category, at one time or another, I'm sure.
I don't see much joking around with each other, and when there is joking, sometimes it's misunderstood. I'm not saying that some issues are not passionate, because I know of a few subjects that I might get upset at if I was in a deep conversation/discussion, but some here take it to extremes (and not just the every now and then occurance).
I feel that everyone is (and should be) allowed their opinion and it should be respected as long as they are respectful. I also personally, try to always remember there is a person behind the monitor, and try to do my part to not spread discontent.
Although again, I can be a smart donkey,but it's usually when someone is being one to me first. Otherwise, I'm probably one of the nicest people you can know.
I also know others are not like me, but it would be interesting to read why others "Think" or "Do" take this place so seriously.
(Again, please no names, I'm not posting this in the intent to bash on anyone.)
4. What is the average age around here? I assume, blindly, that most are older than me, but maybe I'm way off the mark.
To add a little bit about myself here, I am 24 years old. I am married to a wonderful man and have a beautiful 2 year old son. Both of which take up most of my time. My spare time is spent online being an admin and just having "me" time.
5. If you lurk and read this forum, what keeps you from becoming a part of these discussions?
(I ask this to all, even guests-if they want to sign up to answer, that is)
I did this for quite awhile as a guest. I didn't immediately join for the fact that I couldn't add anything useful or fun to the discussions that I read. Eventually though, I found one that I wanted to reply to, and have been here ever since. Some days I reply, other days, not so much.
6. What do you want to see on here, that could change?
Not to get all hippy'fied here, but I'd really enjoy this place more, if people could (at least the majority of the time) be respectful to one another. I know that, Odds are, that may never happen, but it's a good thought.
Other than that, I think I would like to see a few more admins watching, so that arguements do not flare to the point of bashing.
7. Are you all locals?
I am.
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Okay, those are the ones off the top of my head that I thought to ask.
I thought to ask these for several reasons. One main reason, is so that maybe we all (at least us newer members) can get to know one another better or at least be able to see a little more depth to the people we absently minded put shortcomings on.
The second reason, is maybe this could also help with the Admins of this forum.
If you want to you can leave your opinion on how the admins may can improve upon this site.
We have done this at the family friendly site I help administrate for that has over 60,000 members. We only have 33 admins there, and none of us gets paid for our work. We do it, because we enjoy helping others and part of doing that, is understanding our members by an average post kind of like this.
We have had our problems there, but for the most part, everyone (even those that disagree) get along in a civil manner.
When I first saw my mom replying to this site, I thought it was most probably something that I wouldn't enjoy much. But after awhile of reading over her shoulder and then lurking, I thought, "What the heck, I'll join and just read
and lurk."...
Well, that turned out to work, eh? lol.. I actually thoroughly enjoy some of the intellectual stimulation that I get here, but (*yea I know there's always a but*) some people are just absolutely ruthless to each other, I think better understanding might help? It might not, but hey, it's worth a shot to me to at least get to know a few of you better. .
Also, you might see me trying to be mediator or peacekeeper often on here, if you do, it's a force of habit, I cannot help it. After 6 years of being an admin that comes out of me in just about every discussion where I see conflict. As a human though, I do fall short on that sometimes, Usually when it involves my mom, though (But only when she is in the right).
I definitely try to not step on any toes though, as I'm sure the admins here wouldn't like that too much.
I hope that this thread is a positive one and I look forward to reading all the answers you guys and gals give. I have to go make lunch for my lil' guy, but I will be back in a bit to read this.
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