Well, Jim, have all these posts changed your mind at all or precisely demonstrated your position? Tell me whether you see happening here exactly as your OP declares with this exception....many, many people expressed empathy and warmth at a surprising level.... in keeping with your genuinely open-hearted disclosure?
Kitty

Kitty : Earlier today I had indicated that I was going to bow out however I do not wish to ignore your question .
Yes , I have been pleasantly surprised at those who have been willing to really consider the intent of my question and its context .
Even more surprising has been the number of strongly supportive PMs I have received .
Many of the PMs were from women and men who identified themselves as retired lawyers , educators , engineers , business owners and business managers . Their comments were well constructed .
However the dominating theme was that these folks and I can only project many more are not willing to add to the discourse because of either their past treatment or their observation with respect to how they most likely treated .
Indeed some referred to this as site dominated by about 20 people who have formed their own " Club " and are not particularly open to the opinions of others and who often seem to be completely dismissive of the opinions and observations of those not in " The Club " .
I received 3 PMs that were quite sad from people who could really use this site for some emotional support and a chance to become a more frequent poster but each felt that they were gleefully abused by the " put down " / Sarcastic / Caustic personal attacks of others .
At the right time I will share a true story of what happened a few years ago to a very successful and close friend of mine who suffered the anonymous online attacks of cowards who enjoyed piling on . That tragedy is at the basis for my speaking out about the attacks on this site which are too often directed at the posters who are not members of the select few .

The other side of the coin is that some people ARE overly sensitive, and so often people mis-read a post. Very often I read a post, then read someone's response to that post and realize the responder didn't understand the other's post. Happens all the time. Guilty myself. I have answered a question just to then figure out that was NOT the question being asked. Even some of our most respected member do it. We're all human.

I don't mean this to sound mean, or hurtful, to anyone, but if a little cyber bullying on a public forum, when the bullier doesn't even know who you are, is a big problem, then perhaps one should explore other venues. There are many, many blog sites and forums pertaining to just about any support a person needs.

This thread might make a few people think about what they are saying and try to be kinder and gentler, but you can take it to the bank, very soon this will be forgotten and back to business as usual. It is a known fact that people will relay a negative experience many times more than a positive experience. It's not Villagers. It's human nature. Not fair? Nope, but who said life is fair?

Jim, there are a handful of wack job VERY frequent posters whose far too predictable posts I simply ignore since I recognize their screen names. You may want to do the same.

They seem to be unhappy people trying to spread their outlooks on life.

So nice to see so many people here in The Villages that are so caring and understanding. Thanks to Buffalo Jim, we have a better understanding, what some other people feel, who shy away from really giving their opinion, because of retaliation. This thread opened minds of good people, and gave them strength to respond. It would be so nice if we helped each other each day, and continue to bring smiles to everyone's face. Hopefully this thread will just do that. Being kinder to each other, will only make it to another "Beautiful Day in The Villages" each day.

You are right once more PapaLarry. There are far fewer days ahead than I have left behind and that is so for most of us. It isn't wise to waste them on being stressed or angry. There is already way too much trouble in the world.

I know you like to garden, and I like to draw and paint, many can sing or make music and some enjoy active sports while others enjoy their pets and quiet activities. There is a lot to do and lots of really great people to do it with. We had a gathering of girls this week, shared some wonderful food and not one nasty thing was said about anybody. We had a good share of laughs and had the most wonderful time. With that group, I could watch paint dry and love every second of it.

Was not aware you were privy to private messages sent to me from Talk Host and other administrators and moderators from before the sale. They did want fewer links from me and more opinions. I am a trained librarian so I like to try to back my opinions up with references. Never was very good at just shooting the bull.

And, if it was just a link I was making reference to the link would often disprove whatever the person was hyping. You did have to read the link though. I know a lot of people seemed to just ignore whatever links I put up.

Let uys not grow weary while doing good, as we reap in due season, if we do not lose heart. Galatians 5:13.

GOD said, love one another, as I have loved you.

We are all here to help one another as GOD knows, we all need help.

Questions and Answers:
1. Have there been some episodes of people being offended, YES.
2. Have there been people who have helped other people. YES.
3. Has there been episode of the printed word being misunderstood. YES.
4. Has there been people who have made close friends on TOTV. YES.
5. Are ther chiques on TOTV. NO Just people who have grown close to other people, and are like minded. You have to be on this site a long time, to know who you want to be friends with. Does everyone hang out constantly. NO
6. Has there been people who been on TOTV and left, because they were so negative, and positive people ignored them. YES
7. Do you some people try to infuse humor on threads, because there are people who are responding, to what they see as a verbal threat and the thread is getting out of hand. YES
8. Will the admin step in to avoid the personal attacks. YES.
9. Do some people feel protective of this site and TV, because they love it. YES
10. In general, have people learn a lot about living in TV. YES.

It tends to run in cycles, as there are always some people who hide behind there screen names, and stir the pot, to see if they will get someone to bite, at their arrogance. The people who have their pictures printed, are the one's who have nothing to hide and generally like what this site, brings to the community.

I think it's perfectly natural for newer people to be sensitive, as they have been reading this site for a long time before starting to post. I try to be repectful of these new posters as they are overcoming some form of timidity.

Nuff said......... I will get down from my soapbox.

Hey, I think you nailed it, 2B. Good post.

Developer
 

Jim,

I hope you get relief in the courts and get to see your daughter soon and often.

I appreciate your comments in support of the Developer.

In my opinion this is the best retirement location available that coincides with my desired lifestyle.

Each day I shake my head and am thankful there is such a place.

I would suspect the Developer or key staff do not spend anytime on this forum. They have other things to do to maintain this massive spot they have developed for us. They do an annual survey each year and use that to consider improvements in TV.

I do know that TV is not for everyone but there are so many that have made an investment here and taking full advantage of what it has to offer that it is mind boggling.

The statistics speak for themselves and while TV thrives others are struggling. There are many well thought procedures in place to insure TV will be maintained at the current level in perpetuity.

Life is Good

Nice try ! No I do not work for the Developer and I have never met the Developer but I would welcome the opportunity to meet him / them some time .

Successful business risk takers built this country .

DougB

Never stop!!!! You are my HERO

:bigbow:

FACT: I had a similar take and found it to be based on major national issues. Past owners made it very clear what podium was or was not allowed. I am happy to say that the current management/admin/monitors have me completely unaware of their gender/political preference/religion or even if they consume drugs or alcohol. :BigApplause:

I LOVE your last sentence.

I've often thought the same thing myself......that it might be the alcohol talking........and not the true thoughts of the poster. Seems that way.

You are spot on. Why would someone at our age want to tell a lie ?
Such as having spotted a coyote in their TV backyard.

Most people are simply relaying their own personal experiences and their own perceptions of a matter, based on their own life experience.

My pet peeve are know it alls who just don't get what others are trying to express.........plus statements taken out of context.

Good post dillywho...............I chalk many posts up to "second childhood".
People our age know to post truthfully.......we're not a standup comic act.