[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by brightspot01

I'm writing this because I'm sure some of you saw my name on Topix. FYI...I only used brightspot01 and never posted under a different alias. I am still a member of Topix, to this day, but only because I forgot about it and never cancelled. I joined in November, 2008 and my last post was on April 6, 2009...a total of 18 posts...an average of 2.5 a month...and almost 5 years ago.

I joined Topix because I was banned from TOTV and a new forum had been established, mainly for those of us who Talk Host had banned from TOTV. Our purpose was to promote the new site but that got detoured on Topix.

Once on Topix, another TOTV poster immediately got on and posted some negative posts. The alias used was changed often (even impersonating TOTV Talk Host) and I was certain I knew the poster. The poster called me a bully. I probably was because the poster was very negative, aggressive, and mean (mainly on TOTV). Sadly, I lowered to the level of the poster and became very defensive. I look back and know I could and should have handled the situation better but that is now water under the bridge and I regret it.

I'd like to explain why Talk Host banned me. JohnnyM was banned and he had been a very popular poster. In fact, he made many of us over into movie stars using a special program. Everyone seemed to love JohnnyM. However, Johnny could be a little outspoken so Talk Host banned him (I never knew the specifics). Once other posters noticed Johnny was no longer posting they asked where he was. I posted that he had been banned. That was my doom and Talk Host banned me. Talk Host sent me a PM and said it was no one else's business what happened to Johnny and was between him and Johnny only. Johnny had given me permission to post that he was banned but that made no difference to Talk Host. I was gone and HE NEVER WOULD REINSTATE ME NO MATTER HOW OFTEN I PLEADED.

As for other banned members...JustSusan was a relatively new member. She is a Village Artist and her work is now displayed at King's Gallery in Spanish Springs. She has been featured in The Daily Sun often. She is a nice, low-key, honest lady. Unfortunately, she decided to tell a story about a dream she had (I think it might have been in "Girl Talk" but I could be wrong.). Unfortunately it was about trains. At the time, Talk Host was trying to sell his home in Chatham and had a problem with the noisy trains that passed close to his home. Once she posted her dream train story, Talk Host banned her, even though she honestly did it without malice (not knowing about Talk Host's train problem because she wasn't on that often.)

I could tell you other "banned" stories but I won't because this could turn into a novel. However, I want to thank the new administrators for reinstating me under my original name. I rejoined TOTV under a new alias but it never felt right. I wrote the new administrator, explained my situation, and asked for a 2nd chance to reinstate myself under my original name. He granted me my request and I'm so grateful.

ABOUT GRACIE: If I feel this horrible about the posts on TOPIX then I can only imagine how horrible she feels. I am a sensitive lady and these posts on TOPIX would have devastated me. I can't blame her for her reaction. I want Gracie to know I wrote the Administrators of Topix regarding this degrading and bullying thread. If she would like to see what I said, I will be glad to copy and PM my statement (and request) to her.

Thank you for sharing this. I also went thru the process you did. Banning in those days had no fair or consistent method to it. It does now, so like you I regret some of what I posted in those days. Due to the way TOTV is monitored today, I have sent apologies out, forgave those that harassed me, built my bridge and have moved on.