Personal information on this site...

[NotGolfer]

I just wanted to bring something up that's been said plenty of times before on this site. People...it's probably not a good idea to post your personal information when you type in a message. Such as your phone # and e-mail. You can ask folks to "personal message" you which is a better way to make contact. I see this kind of thing over and over again. One can never be too careful!!!

[Floridagal]

I agree with you 100%. To much personal information given out is not a good idea.

[JohnN]

absolutely right..

[graciegirl]

I just wanted to bring something up that's been said plenty of times before on this site. People...it's probably not a good idea to post your personal information when you type in a message. Such as your phone # and e-mail. You can ask folks to "personal message" you which is a better way to make contact. I see this kind of thing over and over again. One can never be too careful!!!

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.

[swimdawg]

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.

First of all, you are right. It is very wise not to give out info.

I'm leary of anyone who would write a letter anonymously...and accuse you of things that are not true. It is cowardly to me. HOW DO YOU KNOW ANYTHING IN THEIR LETTER IS TRUE?

TV is not a Stepford Wives Community. It's the real deal...with real people...the good, the bad...and the ugly (those who write anonymous letters).

I have done a lot of research on retirement communities. There is no other place like TV....in the WORLD.

There will be unhappy people....no matter where you go. There is no utopia.

You do have a positive attitude. I...for one...am so grateful for that positive attitude. You do not see TV thru rose colored glasses. You see it thru the eyes of GracieGirl....a wonderful person who loves TV.

Carry on......and Thank You Gracie!

[downeaster]

Well said NotGolfer. It doesn't hurt to post a reminder once in a while.

[downeaster]

I am so sorry Gracie. You have made no secret of how you love this place. That should not be interpreted as seeing it through rose colored glasses. It is a shame someone has to be so cruel and write such a letter. It makes no sense and I can't help but think that individual is looking for someone to blame for their own failings.

I know this has made you very sad but for that one unpleasant person there are many, many here who think the world of you.

Thank you for sharing your delight in living here with us.

[Carla B]

I agree with Swimdawg. I love Graciegirl's enthusiasm. She has nothing to gain by promoting this place, except for the pleasure of sharing that enthusiasm with others. Excuse me, those of us who buy here are decades past the age of reason and should be able to take responsibility for whatever decisions we make, good or bad.

I'm sorry that happened to you. I've been a member of this site for four years and I'm so grateful that you are still willing to post when others have dropped out.

[dillywho]

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.

Hang in there, Gracie. Just realize that this is just a very unhappy person that has a need to take it out on someone who is definitely their complete opposite. Just remember that the rest of us, especially those of us who have the privilege of knowing you personally, know how you truly do love this place. You have the rare gift of expression, true compassion for others, and gratitude for all your blessings. We need more posters like you, not less. This forum would not be the same without you and TV would not be the same, either.

[Ebsmom]

Gracie you are the spice of the TOTV.. Please let your wit, humor and honest admiration of how you feel continue. I am looking forward to comments from all who have been "Frogs" for awhile and those that are just beginning their journey. Thanks to all who make this site what it is...Extremely Informative!
Ebsmom~

[skyguy79]

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.Gracie, I thought I remembered someone who used the "rose colored glasses" phrase in a response to you in the past, so I did a little searching to see if I could find where I saw it. I did find it in a post from last year, but I'm not going to mention the name of the person who used the phrase, especially since I can't say it's the same person that wrote the letter. There may have been more instances of it, but I didn't feel that I need look any further since it was exactly who I suspected. I can tell you though that you will not be surprised as to who it was. Ironically you just happen to mention the name to me just yesterday when we came by to visit the kitties!

[Bettiboop]

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.

Goodness GG! I don't think you have anything to apologize for. We are all adults and responsible for making our own decisions. It certainly is no secret that you love your life in The Villages, and I only hope that I will be just as happy there someday, but I certainly won't be blaming you (or anyone else) if it ends up not a good match for me.

[jackz]

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.

Gracie,
In my opinion you see the WORLD through rose colored glasses and I for one am glad you do.

Your upbeat attitude about life is something to envy and you owe no one an apology.

[Taltarzac725]

Gracie,
In my opinion you see the WORLD through rose colored glasses and I for one am glad you do.

Your upbeat attitude about life is something to envy and you owe no one an apology.

Yes, keep up the cheerleading for the Villages and TOTV, graciegirl. I cannot see how anyone can blame one poster for some bad decision he or she made to move here.

There are many pluses and minuses to the Villages. Like me being a Democrat and under 55 for instance. I have to be very careful just whom I talk to about politics in the Villages. Much like a Republican might have to be in some of the blue states like Massachusetts.

I do not always vote by party having voted for Bush back in 2000. I am just saying, people should be able to get enough information on the Internet to make their own decisions. Moving is a much more critical decision than whom you vote for, but there are plenty of very good resources on the Internet about voting and moving plans.

[skyguy79]

Yes, keep up the cheerleading for the Villages and TOTV, graciegirl. I cannot see how anyone can blame one poster for some bad decision he or she made to move here.

There are many pluses and minuses to the Villages. Like me being a Democrat and under 55 for instance. I have to be very careful just whom I talk to about politics in the Villages. Much like a Republican might have to be in some of the blue states like Massachusetts.

I do not always vote by party having voted for Bush back in 2000. I am just saying, people should be able to get enough information on the Internet to make their own decisions. Moving is a much more critical decision than whom you vote for, but there are plenty of very good resources on the Internet about voting and moving plans.T, as a Republican, a number of thoughts went through my mind as a result of your post, some negative, some positive, but none that I will discuss here for obvious reasons. However, as for your post, in it's entirity, I only have one thing to say... excellent... excellent; I loved it! Thank you!
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc57/jdmlight/thsmiley_two_thumbs_up.gif

[BmoreGal]

I love your posts, Gracie. Always so positvie, witty, and genuine.

There will always be people who relish their misery, and who want to rain on the parade of the "happy" people.

I do agree, that we must be very careful with our personal information. There are those who hide in the shadows of the anonymity of a blog such as this to spread hate, fear, and digruntled views.

Keep up the post, Gracie.... LOVE THEM!!

[Mudder]

What bothers me the most Gracie is that it must be a fellow TOTVer. I'm very upset about it, but choose to just move on and enjoy the view theu our rose colored glasses. Know you will too.

[CaptJohn]

80,000 plus happy people.
A few disgrundled are the ones with the problems. It's good they moved away to allow the space for more happy ones who truly want to be there.
Skyguy did good research. Question probably solved.
I don't see any glasses on Gracie's latest posted image.
Time to go back to the happy place! :laugh:

[JoeC1947]

My wife has a pair of those rose colored glasses and I adore her for it. There's nothing wrong with being an optimist and seeing the glass as half full, the world be a much better place. That being said, personal information should never be posted in a public place, that includes facebook, twitter and everywhere else. Most pessimistic people are harmless and just want to hear themselves talk and there is no better place to do it on then on a public forum however, we all know that there are some sick people out there, just look at the news.

My wife and I just got some free business cards from vista print and now I am reluctant to give them out as like Gracie said they include our full address, phone number and email too.

Gracie, I don't really know you but if I got a letter like you did I would at the very least go down to the police station and let them know.

[RichieB]

Skyguy did good research. Question probably solved.


Good work, Skyguy. Glad to hear it.

Keep on posting, Gracie, and fellow TOTV'ers. This a great place to chat and exchange ideas.

[Bill-n-Brillo]

You know, I kinda like rose colored glasses.

Bill :)

[skyguy79]

You know, I kinda like rose colored glasses.

Bill :)I think most of us do Bill. I'll bet though that the perp likes those silver colored glasses. You know, the kind where they can look into them and see their own image! http://cdn1.iconfinder.com/data/icons/CrystalClear/22x22/actions/kopete008.png

[Happinow]

Gracie, people who do things like this person did to you is trying to make themselves feel better by making you feel bad! Maybe TV is not for everyone, but there are darn few who don't like it. Why is it so bad to praise where you live? There aren't many places (or any places) that offer the lifestyle that TV does so why not toot it's horn? Don't anyone ever feel guilty about loving who you are and loving where you live.

As for those cards you hand out, maybe you should change them with only your name on them and an email? Perhaps an address is TMI for some, just to be on the safe side.

I love TV as well and nobody is going to change my mind about it. Let's keep our positive attitudes and let the poopy people go back to where they came from!

[skyguy79]

Gracie, people who do things like this person did to you is trying to make themselves feel better by making you feel bad! Maybe TV is not for everyone, but there are darn few who don't like it. Why is it so bad to praise where you live? There aren't many places (or any places) that offer the lifestyle that TV does so why not toot it's horn? Don't anyone ever feel guilty about loving who you are and loving where you live.

As for those cards you hand out, maybe you should change them with only your name on them and an email? Perhaps an address is TMI for some, just to be on the safe side.

I love TV as well and nobody is going to change my mind about it. Let's keep our positive attitudes and let the poopy people go back to where they came from!Just one comment. Unless you don't provide your last name on those cards, most of us can be located through the name at one of the three assessors websites!

[Posh 08]

I agree. I received an anonymous letter today from someone who reads TOTV. I passed out cards at Crispers with my address. I don't know who wrote it but the writer feels that I do not portray The Villages accurately and I am too positive about this place and the Morses and I am causing people to move here who are later disappointed. They feel I may be a paid blogger. They have moved back to their home state from The Villages recently.

I cannot tell you how sad it made me. They asked me to put "I SEE THE VILLAGES THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES" on all of my posts.

To the person who wrote that letter. You are wrong about me being paid. My posts are sincere. I truly love this place. I am so sorry that anything I said has led to disappointment on your part.

I do see this place through rose colored glasses. I look at it through the eyes of someone who is older and is enjoying every beautiful day given to me.

The letter worries me, because my address is known to someone who I do not know and to someone who doesn't like me and someone who felt strongly enough to write a pretty long letter about it.

So please keep your information to yourself. Be safe.

So sorry about this. The person that wrote you didn't do their homework before moving to TV. Now they are looking to put blame on you and not themselves. Takes a sick person to write a letter like you describe. I read most threads. I'm researching TV. A pro/con list is helpful.

[redwitch]

Wonder why they even bothered coming to Crisper's given how they felt and what could have possibly been the reason for writing such a letter? I won't even discuss the cowardice and ugliness of someone doing it anonymously.

Gracie, you know I don't always agree with your viewpoint of the developer but that has nothing to do with TV in my mind and, yes, I do think you see TV through beautiful, happy rose-colored glasses and I'm glad you do. TV is not perfect -- no place on earth is (well, maybe Yosemite without the people) -- but it is the best at what it is and I'm glad I found it and, more importantly, I'm glad I found you in TV.

As to the original point of this thread, I totally agree. This is a public forum -- not everyone who reads it is necessarily interested in living in TV. Some might just be using this as a scouting expedition to find out when you're going on vacation. Don't post your street name or house number even if looking for possible friends/neighbors. Wait til you're here and meet them up close and in person. Selling something? Great, but don't post your address or phone number. Ask people to contact you via PMs or your email address. Give your cards to people you meet and like or even for business purposes but don't just randomly pass them out at group gatherings (sorry, Gracie, sweetie).

[CarGuys]

Anyone can find bad in any place if you look hard enough for it. And I guess the people who wrote you were home sick or fustrated with the new life?

I think you can be both cheerful and positive and concerned and careful.

You are a good person that has made many of us feel welcome and at home here. And Henry is a lucky MAN!

We were both in education and we know today there are those that will shoot you in the back rather than face you with concerns.

Ruth and I appreciate your candor, hospitality and positive spirit.

See you in July

H

[keithwand]

Gracie; so how much does the job pay? Just kidding.

You and this site are a wealth of info and isn't it nice you and others are proud to live where you do and be a part of TOTV.

Maybe I'll have the pleasure of meeting a bunch of you in the future at one of your get togethers.

[lanabanana73]

I have been accused of being "too happy" at times during my life and I just tell people that I decided long ago, "If I'm going to be alive, I'm going to be HAPPY about it!" and make the best of every day with which I have been blessed. I enjoy sharing things that bring me pleasure, just as you Gracie, enjoy sharing the joy you have found at TV. No one would read this message board if it was filled with curmudgeons. Who wants to hang out with cranks all the time?

I love coming to these boards to feel the enthusiasm of those who participate here. I appreciate everyone sharing their feelings and experiences. Gracie....you just keep right on, keepin' on!!!!

Hugs!

[Indydealmaker]

Hang in there, G.
2050

[RichieB]

Hang in there, G.
2050

I LOVE IT !! :coolsmiley:

[ariel]

So sorry this happened; such a cowardly thing to do. The world would be a better place if more people had the ability to focus on the positive in their world rather than the negative. Sure, nothing is perfect, but there is so much positive to be appreciated every day. What's the saying...better to light one candle than to curse the darkness?

[duffysmom]

I find it hard to believe that someone would move to TV because they read an anonymous blog about how great TV is without doing their own research. To say that a person is reponsible for misleading people is rediculous when all they are doing is sharing their own experience. Some people like chocolate and others like vanilla. There is a certain percentage of the population who cannot take responsability for their own actions and play the blame game. TV is like an adjustable wrench it will fit any kind of nut. Sorry for the cliches but I couldn't resist. shrug:

[jsw14]

I find it hard to believe that someone would move to TV because they read an anonymous blog about how great TV is without doing their own research. To say that a person is reponsible for misleading people is rediculous when all they are doing is sharing their own experience. Some people like chocolate and others like vanilla. There is a certain percentage of the population who cannot take responsability for their own actions and play the blame game. TV is like an adjustable wrench it will fit any kind of nut. Sorry for the cliches but I couldn't resist. shrug:

Well Said> Duffy> Do ur Homework ppl.........

[Schaumburger]

I agree with Swimdawg. I love Graciegirl's enthusiasm. She has nothing to gain by promoting this place, except for the pleasure of sharing that enthusiasm with others. Excuse me, those of us who buy here are decades past the age of reason and should be able to take responsibility for whatever decisions we make, good or bad.

I'm sorry that happened to you. I've been a member of this site for four years and I'm so grateful that you are still willing to post when others have dropped out.

:agree: with Carla B. Graciegirl is a wonderful, hospitable ambassador for TV. People who are considering buying in TV should have enought life experience behind them to do research on what for many is a long distance move. And if they don't consider all the pros and cons of a long distance move, shame on them. Keep posting Gracie!

[lovsthosebigdogs]

If anyone is stupid enough to purchase a home and give up a life based on JUST message boards, well, you are wearing your OWN rose colored glasses doing that. No one can get the feel of a place without being there or at least visiting. Everyone who moves down HOPES to love it and be happy. Will EVERYONE? Maybe not, but then they have to make the move that is good for them and not stay, or stay and try to make the best of it. Any change is traumatic and more so as we age I think. But happiness is a choice and you have to find the things that make life better. They don't find you. The person that wrote the letter to you, Gracie, was just postponing their own feelings of responsibility in the move they made. Eventually, if they are tru to themselves, they will have to take a good hard look and see that THEY chose to live here. You didn't choose the house or make them do it. You have no responsibility in this. You aren't involved in their choice at all. I'm sorry this scary thing happened to you. It would have been VERY upsetting to me if I got such a letter.

[NotGolfer]

Back to the original post...of posting "personal information" on here. It happened again today with folks posting their phone numbers. Ppl..you can PM (personal message) the poster on here w/o letting the world see your info.

[wendyquat]

Please don't let one bad apple spoil the whole barrel! We've been here fulltime almost a year. There are some things I don't like but that will be true everywhere you live! The positives far outweigh the negatives and we absolutely LOVE Gracie!

[swimdawg]

If anyone is stupid enough to purchase a home and give up a life based on JUST message boards, well, you are wearing your OWN rose colored glasses doing that. No one can get the feel of a place without being there or at least visiting. Everyone who moves down HOPES to love it and be happy. Will EVERYONE? Maybe not, but then they have to make the move that is good for them and not stay, or stay and try to make the best of it. Any change is traumatic and more so as we age I think. But happiness is a choice and you have to find the things that make life better. They don't find you. The person that wrote the letter to you, Gracie, was just postponing their own feelings of responsibility in the move they made. Eventually, if they are tru to themselves, they will have to take a good hard look and see that THEY chose to live here. You didn't choose the house or make them do it. You have no responsibility in this. You aren't involved in their choice at all. I'm sorry this scary thing happened to you. It would have been VERY upsetting to me if I got such a letter.

Oh wow! What a great post. I love every word that you wrote!

I gave that Swimdawg Post of the Day Award to someone who was truly deserving. But....I have a couple spares in my back pocket and you certainly deserve it for this post!

And great advice from NotGolfer,too. We do have to realize that these posts and the info written goes out to the WORLD. I remember Googling something that had nothing to do with TV and much to my surprise, TOTV posts came up. So...be careful with personal info given out.

[Pturner]

I find it hard to believe that someone would move to TV because they read an anonymous blog about how great TV is without doing their own research. To say that a person is reponsible for misleading people is rediculous when all they are doing is sharing their own experience. Some people like chocolate and others like vanilla. There is a certain percentage of the population who cannot take responsability for their own actions and play the blame game. TV is like an adjustable wrench it will fit any kind of nut. Sorry for the cliches but I couldn't resist. shrug:

:BigApplause:
If anyone is stupid enough to purchase a home and give up a life based on JUST message boards, well, you are wearing your OWN rose colored glasses doing that. No one can get the feel of a place without being there or at least visiting. Everyone who moves down HOPES to love it and be happy. Will EVERYONE? Maybe not, but then they have to make the move that is good for them and not stay, or stay and try to make the best of it. Any change is traumatic and more so as we age I think. But happiness is a choice and you have to find the things that make life better. They don't find you. The person that wrote the letter to you, Gracie, was just postponing their own feelings of responsibility in the move they made. Eventually, if they are tru to themselves, they will have to take a good hard look and see that THEY chose to live here. You didn't choose the house or make them do it. You have no responsibility in this. You aren't involved in their choice at all. I'm sorry this scary thing happened to you. It would have been VERY upsetting to me if I got such a letter.

:BigApplause:

Gracie, the letter you received is appalling. However, it reflects only on the writer, not on you. To paraphrase an expression, miserable is as miserable does.

I love your positive, enthusiastic, grateful, honest self. Thanks for sharing it with us.