[katezbox]

Originally Posted by tony

Actually I don't see anything wrong with the topic coming up again.

It is good to let people discuss something, even though others have heard of it before. I'm sure they will ultimately learn that it has been discussed earlier, too, but generally, I don't want to stifle well-meaning newcomers.

Tony,

I hear you - but what frequently happens is that topics members are bored with get ignored. To me, that is far more rude that to suggest a thread search.

k

[tony]

I would really hope we don't ignore any newcomer especially. I think we all remember when we were newcomers.

Honestly, though, I don't think I have ever seen anybody ignored here when he or she asked a question.

Suggesting the thread search is not a bad thing, for certain. The wording should be careful and impart a welcoming tone, not a "we've talked about that before. go look."

I hope I explained what I mean, and did it nicely. Without being able to wave my hands around, and raise my eyebrows, it is hard to make it clear.

[chuckinca]

Originally Posted by ajdeck

We checked there also, great houses but, as you will find out, not a very friendly area. People have moved there from SCS and TV and make sure you talk to them after a year.

We stayed there and were outsiders for sure, and as my mother-in-law says "three of my friends are sorry they moved there"

They make all the retired scrooges move into Stonecrest, Spruce Creek, Spruce Creek South, Oakland Hills, Orange Blossom, Blue Parrot, Water Oak, Harbor Hills, Plantation, Top of the World, Marion Oaks, and Stone Creek.


.

[Boomer]

I have been around here for about a buzillion posts (sometimes I am dismayed by that) and maybe I have seen it all. Maybe not. But I would never say to someone new that something has been discussed. I would never say that I did not want it to be discussed again. And I would never just order somebody, "Do a search."

Sure seems a lot like slamming the door in somebody's face. A little "us and them" sounding it seems to me.

I might helpfully deliver a thread to them. Or politely direct them on how to do a search. Or maybe provide a link. I would try to answer if I knew the answer. I might even like to talk about it again.

Manners? Screenside manner? Whatever. Maybe it is just that I have absolutely no desire to become the world's oldest living hall monitor. Just not in my job description I guess.

(Toldya I should not type after midnight.)

And Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to all you new kids on the block. Ask away. It's OK.

Goodnight Boomer

[katezbox]

Originally Posted by tony

I would really hope we don't ignore any newcomer especially. I think we all remember when we were newcomers.

Honestly, though, I don't think I have ever seen anybody ignored here when he or she asked a question.

Suggesting the thread search is not a bad thing, for certain. The wording should be careful and impart a welcoming tone, not a "we've talked about that before. go look."

I hope I explained what I mean, and did it nicely. Without being able to wave my hands around, and raise my eyebrows, it is hard to make it clear.

Tony,

You are right (IMHO) that the 'tone" (no pun intended) is important. When a new thread is initiated I think folks reply, but when, in the middle of a thread someone asks a not totally related question, people do not always reply.

Newbies are important to keep the forum fresh - but I think many of the "seniors" may drift away if the same topics keep being raised when there is really nothing new to say about them.

k

PS - I was a newbie not too long ago - and this is the first forum I ever posted on. People made me feel welcome.

[tony]

Your first forum? Wow. Thanks for landing here. I'm glad you stayed.

I've heard others say this is their first forum, too. That is so nice to hear that people feel welcome.

Now, wasn't that a self-serving hijack?

I hope somebody will push this thread back on topic to help the original poster decide if The Villages is the right place. Wasn't that the original topic?

[darylj2000]

We love the villages every thing about it and when our house sells in Iowa we will be moing to the villages. Hopefully to a CYV

[Russ_Boston]

Daryl - have you vistied TV or other FLA communites yet?

[Dirigo]

Originally Posted by katezbox

I was a newbie not too long ago - and this is the first forum I ever posted on. People made me feel welcome.

Me too...my first (and only) forum!

Dirigo

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by katezbox

Tony,

Newbies are important to keep the forum fresh - but I think many of the "seniors" may drift away if the same topics keep being raised when there is really nothing new to say about them.

I think Kate's comment above is very perceptive. And although it is off topic, sometimes threads meander into interesting side territories.

I agree that newbies are important to keep the forum fresh. Obviously we all started as newbies and were grateful for all information received. In the past year or two, we exchanged recommendations, discussed issues, made many friends. And some have drifted away, some continue to post.

And while newbies are very important, it is true that senior members may get bored and leave TOTV if the same topics keep being rehashed. For instance, "What is a bond" is an extremely interesting thread for a new members, but very boring for a senior member. And I totally understand the post by Russ Boston about Leisureville.

I don't know that answer to this issue, but I sure think it deserves some discussion.

[senior citizen]

...

[Russ_Boston]

As I said earlier - my take on it is that TV is not for you. It is very difficult to overcome a lot of negatives (even if they exist only in your frame of reference) and move away from something you enjoy and are comfortable with.

Maybe just a nice vacation or two each year would do the trick?

Good luck in any final decision you make.

Russ

[senior citizen]

...

[LELANDJANE]

I think you've made the right decision for you.
Good luck

[Alex]

Originally Posted by senior citizen

I would like to thank all of the very friendly folks in this forum, especially the lady from Connecticut, who seemed to have the most understanding of "why" I was asking certain questions (prior to a lifestyle visit) regarding various issues of living in a sub tropical climate after having done so in the past & relocated back to New England from both seacoasts of Florida. In the back of my mind, I was wondering if perhaps central Florida might be different.

Well, as of yesterday, my dear husband notified me that his retirement clock shows 638 days till his retirement; 509 days until he begins shutting down his business......which should take several months; then prepping our home for sale. He has a "plan" which will have us buying our retirement home in midcoast Maine. Our winters may be spent in Florida when the cold dreary days get to us. Now that glorious spring has sprung up here, that's all fine with me.

It isn't all about his boat and lack of convenient body of water........but mostly that we are so ingrained with the Yankee "Live Free or Die" philosophy of independence, I do believe that we would find it extremely difficult to be stifled in speech. Being politically correct (and I'm not talking politics) can get very old fast. We've always been the "honest plain speaking" type........and appreciate that in others. Perhaps I used the wrong words when I "joked" about the cheerleaders at TV........and I can understand that the ones who did not adjust well (whether to the intense sunshine and intense heat & humidity, the "critters" since I won't say what type I found out about, the density and the crime in the "rest of Florida......not in TV, but in the state in general", we just don't want to make another costly mistake.

I think TV would be a lovely place, as would other retirement communities for a month or so getaway...........but I know in my heart........we would not adjust. New Englanders are a more private sort and an adult Disney World might be nice for a spell, but not for 365 days a year. This is only the conclusion we've come to. My husband also has an intolerance to the heat, which I have to keep in mind.

I deleted all my own posts the past few days (after I figured it out) as I believe a lot of my questions were taken out of context when answered. I didn't think I was being that negative. Florida has many good attributes or there wouldn't be so many people moving there. We know that; we are not stupid. We also know that when the long dreary cold snowy icy winter gets to people, they think of balmy Florida. It's natural.

In deleting my own posts, I noticed some critical information which I had been trying to research.........and the "mom" who kept writing about the problem in TV was now BANNED. So much for free speech. All I can say in closing is how can an adult senior citizen make an educated choice to even come for the "lifestyle visit", which we had planned to do all along.........when their serious, not frivilous questions are considered negative. It's expensive to move long distance nowadays. The properties may indeed be cheaper down there, but the moving costs are not, not to mention buying new furniture. So, in trying to determine if we should even "think" of Florida again as a retirement zone..........the general tone of too many rules, regulations, restrictions made it seem like the town of Stepford all over again. A few only on this forum made me feel that way. I'm sure this will be deleted or banned.......but just want you to know we have finally decided. We will be living in a small village of 1,500 down to earth folks.
We have a beautiful home in a residential area now..........just want to be by the water so he can enjoy whatever years God gives him "on his boat".

When we moved to New England 40 years ago, we left a suburb in the greater New Jersey/ New York metro region because of the density and were fortunate to raise our children in small town America (no malls, no highways, no crime). Guess it rubbed off on us too well............so all I was trying to do was weigh the pros and cons of trying Florida once again as we did have many happy vacations there........but two long distance round trip relocations, in error. Happy Spring to all and again, thank you.

The best response I received was from a realtor in Ocala who in answer to my query on the "critters" was very very honest and told me the truth but also softened that truth with the fact that they were here before us (or their ancestors were) and we have to cohabit together;-) At least now I know they are not just on the barrier islands.
We were not being naive in asking these questions.........as it would impact on our lives in retirement. Again, I do appreciate all the sincere responses I did receive. You are all great.

Very well said. You sound like a very intelligent person. I thank you for your thoughts. Have a great life!