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.

Wow George T
 

sorry, but I have been on this forum long before you....and, even though people have been nice, I have always found this forum to be very effective. IMHO.

~~~~~~~
Now, Mr. Positive, "GeorgeT", were you being a bit sarcastic when you said in early November that you "were looking forward to meeting all your friends at Crispers?" Just curious.

It was a nice gathering with a lot of good people. Free popcorn was given out to all.....compliments of our friends, B 'n B. :popcorn:

You might have actually had a good time. :)

The Truth
 

I’m new here and I know that I’m running the risk of being put on some hate lists, but I feel compelled to write this.

You are entitled to your opinion but you are not entitled to have other people care about your opinion.

That’s the problem with today’s discourse. People who express abrasive opinions will say that they are only telling “the truth.” What they really mean is that they enjoy being controversial or on the edge.

Being a pain in the backside doesn’t necessarily mean that you have honesty on your side or that you are, in some way, smarter than everyone else.

I can see how you could make that mistake though. In today’s world, the loudest people get noticed, the strangest behavior gets press time, and the more out there you are, the more you think you have a unique point of view.

Do you want the truth? The truth is that ancient beliefs didn’t survive this long without being, well, true. Look to the past and you’ll find the truth and the truth will set you free.

People don't abuse animals, no matter what the culture. People don't abuse each other, no matter what the advantage to themselves. Treat others the way you expect to be treated. Pretty simple stuff!

Okay, those of you who don’t agree can block me. Thanks for listening.

Now, is there a chance to organize a Roaring 20's Party one of these days?

Don't really follow all that you have said. You said ancient beliefs didn't survive this long without being true? Does this mean the earth is flat? I do not understand.

My dear aunt Jane said a couple of things a LOT....that always stuck with me.

"If you must tell people to go to Hell, try to make them look forward to the trip."

And..."Don't be crude like oil, be refined like sugar."

And..."You can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear."

And.."Try NOT to criticize, condemn or complain, just Describe what is happening".....but maybe that was Dale Carnegie.



OH...and George. My gumdrop world is pretty much like anybody elses. Troubles and sorrow have visited my world, just the same as most everyone I know. We didn't live all these decades, ANY OF US, and not have disaster strike, fear ride with us, hearts be broken, suffer losses and sadness...and sometimes repeatedly.

I have far fewer years ahead of me than I do behind me and I have been dropped in this lovely place. The glass is MORE than half full here, seems to me. I try to think of each moment here...that THIS moment could be, should be, one of the happiest in my life.

Some real gems in there!
 

Thanks for this post! I tend to think they are ones who will try to pound a square peg into a round hole. And when that doesn't work, their solution is to get a bigger hammer.

I don't know if I'd call it sarcasm as much as lying. I think people got that because no said "Great George, it will be good to meet you"

I don't know of any hate list. I would never associate the "H" word with a person. I might say I hate tofu but that would be it.

Just like me, you're entitled to your opinion. I am an optimist but also a realist. Yes, I get emotional when I see an accident waiting to happen like the Red Barron and I won't retract anything I said.

Your aunt Jane sounds like a wise woman. I'm glad she was around to straighten you out and steer you in the right direction. I wish I had someone in my life like that. I had to figure it out on my own and it's still a WIP.

Oh, I didn't see any response from you on my first post of this thread that you actually started. Why is that?

Good morning GeorgeT! I too had to figure it out on my own and I guess we are all works in progress until the end. Someone once said to me, words that soak into your ears are whispered and not yelled (coincidentally, a friend of mine just a few days ago sent me words of wisdom she came across and that was one of them). I believe in second chances because everything that happened in my life made me the person I am today...and I like the person I am today! I am by far not perfect...but who is? I will be glad to meet you...if I ever get down there! :)

Hello GeorgeT - I think that Gracie did answer your original post, in Post #10 of this same thread. Just MHO.

Dear George T

I've been reading your posts and find you to be a troubled person. You seem to be a victim that enjoys the attention you get by crying foul.

Your response to Gracie was rude, crude and exactly what you claim others do to you. It's been my experience, when I encounter problems with other people, usually I have a part in the dynamics of the relationship. That form of thinking may be too deep for you to handle.

Many years ago I realized that I am completely responsible for my life. Taking responsibility for myself has led me to a life of freedom, I'm not going to worry about what you think of me either. It's important what I think of myself.

I also want you to know that I think Gracie rocks. Gracie approaches life from a place of not being a darn victim. I'm looking forward to meeting her and giving her a big California hug.

Most of the people on this forum are simply humans trying to get through this life on earth with some dignity, integrity and humanness. I try to look at the similarities in people and not the differences, that seems to work for me.

Could you please tell me what was rude and crude? Please be specific so I don't make the same mistake twice.

Rudeness
 

"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! "


AMEN ALLELULIA!!! I have felt this way for a long time. I especiallyfelt this way after people made so much fun of a friend who was trying to set up a women's golf group. She is a very nice person and some of us were very rude.
It seems that this site is supposed to be based on fun, freindship, and information.. As such a forum it was working for me and I bet for many of you.
They say you can never go Home again, but I am hoping we can!!!!

I agree with you, and I think a lot of people would love to see a reduction in rudeness. But - I have learned in my 37 years in corporate life that behavioral feedback, especially criticism, is most valuable when it is specific, helpful in spirit, and delivered in a private setting such as a PM. It's very possible that people sometimes don't understand what is coming across as rude. Just another perspective.

You know what. I've been thinking about your post and you're the one that's been rude and crude. And yes, I am troubled, troubled by people like you that make judgements and assumptions. Oh and thanks for letting me know that you think GG rocks since I value your opinion so much.

Wow!
 

Ummmmmm.....is there a full moon? Some of the threads/posts that I've been reading over the last few days have been CRAZY:loco: and not in a good way. Learning a lot about people. I thought living in TV would make people cheerful, for the most part anyway. I guess anybody can have an off day....but an off week? :sigh: Very discouraging.

Nope. It's just that some of our lovely ladies here keep walking into a set-up.
Then they fall prey to what I like to call, "Flip-flop and confuse 'em"
(This baloney is an age old sport for some.)

The vast majority of posters here are valuable, fun and genuine. I LIKE 'em!

You know that a little tact goes along ways. That was not called for.:ohdear:

Beginning and ending.......
 

[QUOTE=GeorgeT;399827]the thread closed.

Personally, I think this thread should close the way it started....."closing this thread".....IMHO.

[quote=swimdawg;400312]Yeah, it seems to have run its course and isn't going anywhere. Just the usual back and forth.