I was typing this when
 

the thread closed.

I am me and that's all I am, I have no other screen name, believe it or not because I don't care. It's not a question of if I mind being known or not, it's what makes a forum effective or ineffective and stimulating. I feel that if everyone knows who everyone is you won't speak your piece because you would be afraid of hurting another's feelings and this site would be ineffective as demonstrated by the clique in the past. You know the saying "Hell has no fury like a woman scorned". You all start defending another poster because you know them. It would turn into one big rose colored welcome wagon.
I don't care what your opinion of me is but I might if I went to one of your get-together's. I don't know who villagegirl or villagegolfer are or who anyone else really is and I'll keep it that way. I've given out a bit of information about myself and if you ever do meet me you might put 2 & 2 together.

:bigbow:

I went back to the thread, now closed, that you are evidently speaking about and for the life of me I can't figure out what was the problem with the ensuing conversation and why it was so controversial. I'm a bit stumped, and it disturbs me.

Rich,

I don't know why it was closed but I opened this thread so I could respond to GG's question about our real identities in the "Yet another Michael Vick post" thread. I probably should have mentioned that in this thread.

Maybe admin would tell us why that thread was closed?

Sometimes they will close it while it is being reviewed by the ADMIN and the other moderators. They talk amongst themselves and make a decision. I have given plenty of information and even my location. But I had a scary situation a couple of years ago when I gave my real name on a forum. This guy tracked my location and without getting into details, I decided I would not make that mistake again.
I am now a true Villager and in a couple of weeks, I will celebrate my 1st year here. If by chance through a PM or e-mail I am willing to be friends but I feel very comfortable here in the Villages and I want to keep it that way.

I agree!
 

I don't want people to know who I am either.

There are some people on here that can be so rude and they scare me. They gang up on people and scare them to the point they don't want to come back to TOTV or comment for fear they might be chided. I know you guys don't know about that... But trust me when I say that for a female and some men, that can be quite scary! Why, I've seen people leave this site for long periods of time and when they do come back they don't make very many comments.

I miss them... I'll bet you guys do too... Huh??? Maybe we can all make this place a nice place to be so people won't be in fear of posting. What do you say fellas? Are you with me? I think we can do this! :a040:

I wouldn't normally click on any thread about Michael Vick because I think he is a disgusting human being. And I really don't see how anyone can "make light" of any situation where children or animals or the elderly or other vulnerable members of society are abused.

After reading the closed thread, prompted by George T's question in this thread, I see that it veered off into a discussion about using real identifies. Which I think is an interesting topic. I think the Admin clearly stated at one point that we should not be using real names. Anyway, I thought it was an interesting discussion and I, too, am wondering why Admin closed the thread.

Just to be clear it was GG's question not mine. I merely responded honestly.

GG I guess you really did stir things up as you stated.

I remember a past thread where our old friend and Administrator, Tony, chided those who hide behind pseudonyms in making comments, and praised those who don't, like our intrepid member bkcunningham, in particular.

People can choose to be anonymous,even if you allow a little or a LOT to be known about you, I really don't think it is wise to give your full name, your address, your telephone number.

But I so like to see a face or a kittie's face or a dog's face.

Quirky has such a sweet smile.

And...I agree with The Village Girl whoever she is, was, or will be, she is a savvy and witty person to be sure. Sometimes....Sometimes people hide behind their anonymity to be unkind, cutting, and unnecessarily rude. They don't come to gatherings just because they don't like people very much or they feel insecure about being accepted OR probably they are doing some other fun thing...at least that is my very humble opinion.

It is just plain silly to say that people are a clique when all they have done is respond to the warmth and the fairness in other people's posts.
There is a "right" way to post a conflicting opinion and a hurtful way.

The journalists who post on here may disagree but they don't use name calling ever....As opposed to lay people like me who can't help but say occasionally.

You ain't right. ;).

I find everyone on here to be open, honest, forthright, sometimes opinionated, but always leaning toward very friendly. Used to be problems with political when is was open for all and many, including me would get dragged in to difficult discussions. And there was a few who had such strong opinions that they would fall into the name calling and derogatory comments. And that still may be going on there. Politics seems to bring out the worst in people. I made a conscious decision not to go there. Keeps my BP lower and I get enough of that on the nightly news.

So all in all it's a great bunch of people. I have met several people on here and have never been disappointed by how open and friendly they are in person. Great forum, great people and nothing should change that.

That's good to hear! Thanks!!!:a040:

Couldn't have said it better myself! :highfive:

There isn't any right or wrong, just opinions. I call them like I see them. I don't have a pair of rose colored glasses. No beating around the bush. Some people need to know that they are idiots for doing certain unsafe things. I don't want to be in their line of fire. It's not because I'm an unhappy person, I'm actually very happy with my life, I'm just a realist. Some people just don't get it if you sugarcoat everything you say.

If you don't like my posts then put me on your ignore list and live in your perfect little gumdrop world.

Good post, 12ridehd, I totally agree. Most of my current circle of friends are people I met in 2007/2008 through TOTV. Some have departed now for Facebook, some have been banned, and some like Village 07, PTurner, GG, and Redwitch, are still interesting posters. TOTV members are indeed a great bunch of people.

I've started hanging out a lot in Political, which I always avoided. I actually love it there, some very intelligent posters, meaningful discussions, and I always learn something. I rarely post, but have always been treated with dignity. Yes, it's a little rough there and gets heated at time. But the Admins are great about keeping things sane. And now they have the red triangle feature where you can report a rude post, so I think the Forum is well policed.