Mickey.........you took the words right out of my mouth and the thoughts right out of my head........if that is possible.

We also met the very nicest people when we were there, who stopped to chat, sat with us.......everyone had "time" to show kindness and give friendly advice or tell their story of moving to TV. We will always remember that kindness.

Now, TOTV does pass the time for us in the cold frozen tundra of
the north or rainy periods such as we've been in recently...........or for those, who are taking a break while "downsizing" our family sized homes to put on the market prior to relocating to TV....down the road......

But, often I wonder, "With all the activities, and all the golf, and all the wonderful things, indoors and out.........why is everyone on TOTV chatting?"

I guess because at our ages, we all need a rest now and then......
Not to mention, a challenge for our brains........so many folks on TOTV have words of wisdom to share......from years of living and experiencing life. That's the part I enjoy.

I think if you voice a complaint on a discussion board you should be prepared that people will discuss and not everyone will agree with your point of view.

Agreed - the problem is not discussion or different points of view - the problem is when the OP starts getting blasted for their thoughts or opinions.:cus:

I'll tell you something I have noticed. I'm sure you have noticed that there are one or two people on this website who are extremely popular. They have lots of friends on their friends list. So you post a "complaint" and if they are the first to reply negatively, all of their friends take it as a signal to pile on.
And once a thread has a negative bias, it often tends to stay that way.

Possible Reasons:

1) They see this board as a sales tool and think that negative complaints will hinder sales.

2) Politics: You might not fit their idea of what they think you should be. So they set about teaching you a lesson.

3) They have nothing better to do and think it's fun to give someone a hard time.

4) They can't think for themselves so they follow a ring-leader who has some ax to grind, whatever that might be.

This post is, IMHO, exactly the problem that is being discussed here. If someone has a different opinion than another poster, they are labeled, accused of ulterior motives, giving others a hard time and being ringleaders when they are stating their OWN beliefs. This isn't a podium for only the OP's point of view, it is a for opposing points of view and discussion. Why would someone post on a forum if they only wanted to hear their own opinion or rant?

The OP, Warren, said that in his experience he recalls people suggesting that the complainer should move if he doesn't like it in The Villages. That's what we're talking about. We are not simply talking about a different opinion.

I simply added some of my own observations, and I stand by them. Just because you haven't had the same experiences doesn't mean they're not valid. You should respect my observations and not tell me that my post is part of the problem.

Numerous members of TV community seem to feel that a question about their beloved community is an attack. That is not the case and it is shameful of them to assume such a defensive posture. Many posters on this forum believe that this is Utopia. They are totally unrealistic to the extent that they cannot even handle inquiries that they feel are intimidating. It's a great place to live but an unrelenting loyalty to the TV is simply unrealistic. I for one am getting a bit fed up with those Villagers who simply don't understand that there is another perspective that they refuse to acknowledge. I could go on and on with example after example all of which would go in one of their ears and out the other. What's wrong with a bit of intelligent dissent. It's not perfect folks and there is nothing wrong with challenging and meaningful questions.

Hehe... excellent! Get there at 3:30 and get a 11:40 tee...hehe...and your slapping the ball around at 4:30 like when will it end!!

Much better control of things here...good luck!

PL, that was my observation of your post. But only your observation should be respected? I didn't ask you not to stand by your post, I explained why I found your post to be problematic.

Quite honestly I haven't noticed this - some individuals love it - some hate it, but I have never seen a gang mentality going on here. Just sayin!

My thoughts
 

I always thank everyone who responds to my postings. Thanks Peachie !! There have been times were I set the stage and asked my posting be a vehicle for "discussion". Is there any time discussion is counter productive, I don't think so. What happened to my post was not a discussion but an all out attack by several responders. During the attack, what usually happens is that the responders usually lose the subject of the orginal post and soon everyone is out in left field so to speak and are commenting about a far different subject..

once again due to the actions of a very few, people are "scared" to post. Visit but don't post? OP's being attacked???

This is TOTV where the issue raised is caused by a very, very, VERY few posters here. And it always winds up as though it were a general condition.

Most of the commentary in this thread and several similar prior threads sound like it used to when folks were saying the exact same thing about the political forum. See where that went!?

btk