[OldDave]

When I started reading and posting on TOTV again before the holidays, I was immediately reminded of why I stopped. While 95% of the folks here and kind, funny and occassionally really entertaining, it seems you couldn't make it through any thread without: "if you don't like it, don't live here," or "don't ever say anything negative".

Shortly after that things seemed to get dramatically better especially I noticed almost no personal attacks. It was mentioned there were new administrators and they were working hard to bring civility to the site, and were tossing out truly rude people. Doing such things as stopping the politics area because peope just couldn't seem to discuss differences without becoming hateful. (Now if we could only get the actual politicians to do that.)

Well I don't know if the Christmas spirit has worn off or what, but the last few days we seem to be at it again. The Brownwood thread has been the worst, although I just saw one about the country clubs not taking reservations that was getting pretty bad.

To me this is a site that encourages the exchange of ideas. People need to be able to express their ideas, sometimes negative. We're all entitled to our concerns and opinions. And many times people are just asking if others have experienced the same issues, i.e., Brownwood. But it seems very quickly one or two people jump on them and tell them they shouldn't ever be negative and just grateful to be here. Or worse the old, "we don't want you here if there is anything you don't like, go back where you came from."

You know it in no way hurts you to have someone dislike something you like. Their opinion is just as valid as yours or mine. To borrow the same attitude, if someone posts something you don't agree with, you could just take your opinion and go home, and resist posting at all on that thread. Honestly there is nothing in TV that reallys needs to be defended. It pretty much speaks for itself, and rather well, I think.


I just don't get it. I greatly enjoy this forum. For those of us wantabes and I think for others, it is great to be able to plan and think about tomorrow, without being jumped on by others that, for reasons I just cannot understand, are so terribly defensive.

Folks take a lead from our queen of the forum, Gracie. Learn to disagree without being rude or defensive. She stands by her guns, but she does it with charm and grace. (She how I worked Grace into that.)

I want to feel welcome even if I have the need to express a concern. Let's all play nice together.

Thanks,

Dave