Stinky, you are such a thoughtful, considerate person.

I read OA's thread, and as was stated therein, I think it's just a matter of the written word being incapable of conveying the full intent of our meaning. I really don't think anyone intended to be hurtful in any way - particularly knowing what I know of the "players" involved ... they are all consistently kind and thoughtful as well.

I say let's just do the cyber version of "group hug" and get back to the business of enjoying one another's company here.

It was the normal way for a thread to evolve ... just like in a real life conversation. As for the OP ... it sounded like she left the building after reading Allison's post.

Sadly the thread did get a bit of a negative vibe (as happens all too often), and I am guilty of addressing Allison's response and not responding to the original poster. For that I am sorry and hope they do come back to post.

tina

I do believe there was a bit of miscommunication within the thread. I did perceive a negative tone where there might not have been one intended.

I still believe that any moderating including fyi's are better left to the moderators of the forum and perhaps sending a pm might be a better avenue.

Auntjen, thank you for the kind words! Sending you a hug back!

Natal, I respectfully disagree! Fortunately I don't have too many real life conversations like that. I am aware that there are conversations that "evolve" in that manner, but they aren't considerate or rewarding ones, imo!

If I just ramble on & on, following my own train of thought, disregarding what someone just said to me, is that assisting the "evolution" of the conversation? To me that's narcissistic babbling! Something I'm certainly guilty of, but hopefully more attuned to, less inclined toward, and appropriately apologetic for, as I age!

There was a time when Allison and others left this forum to start up their own - bahrr, or something like that.

From time to time, certain of the "leavers" return back, and more regularly lately. Others don't post here anymore, or if they do they don't use the old names.

On the other forum, and this was some years ago, I read threads that ridiculed certain threads on GW, and certain posters.

There is now a private forum on that board, called the hen house. I don't know if they are still making fun/critiquing the GW posters.

I have been a bit prickly and confused about certain contributers ever since that happened.

Of course, I am the prickly, confusable type. Otherwise
none of this would phase me in the least.

Tina and Htnspz, thanks for your replies and for sharing your awareness of the negative "vibes." As we take a closer look at how we discuss things we show we care about how to elevate the tone & emphasis of our communication. That's healthy, don't you think?

To me that's narcissistic babbling!

I think you're reading too much into things ... making a mountain out of a molehill. And starting a whole new thread to continue this discussion? Hmmm....

Jamies, LOL! "Of course, I am the prickly, confusable type. Otherwise none of this would phase me in the least."

May I put that on a tee shirt or a bumper sticker?

stinky- what thread was that? i dont think I read it and am curious.

Jamies -I don't know the background of posters leaving and BAHRR starting, but it is not exclusive. I have posted there occasionally and anyone is invited to join the hen house also. I haven't gone there in some time but assume it's the same. There's nothing wrong with someone posting on more than one forum. I personally don't have the time, but hey, I have a blog addiction!! LOL I'm not sure why you would bring up BAHRR, but as I said, I wasn't around when people left, started, etc., etc., etc.

Yes, Stinky I do think it is healthy.

tina

Btw, shouldn't this thread have been posted on the Conversations side?

stinky-gardner..my thoughts exactly, and as you stated >>
'What bothers me, is how this person's
entire thread became dedicated to the subject.'

Having known OA for yrs, and knowing what her intent was, this bothered me to see what was taking place. I responded to it on her thread, and will Repeat what I said here >>

'Gee Ladies...I'm marveling over the responces here on OA's post...
Seems like 'Much Ado About Nothing' !!
Without even checking out what she was referring to, you all jumped to conclusions and went On & On about Rules and such.
OA is a LONG time GW member and a Favorite Poster on Holiday.
I'm afraid you missed her innocent message with unfriendly messages of your own.'

Stinky-gardner, even though as you said, Allison meant no harm...I totally agree that there is a need to be a little more mindful of the interests & needs of the other person.
This was a perfect example of just the opposite, and I believe hurtful and rude.
I'm hoping that your thread brings awareness towards someone new who ventures in...Whether looking for advice or is happy to add something of interest, and can do so without the feeling of rejection.
jane

Okay, Natal, maybe "narcissistic babbling" was a bit harsh, but when *I* get too involved in my own interests and concerns during conversation, that's how I'd describe myself...as a narcissistic babbler. Also, indeed, you are correct, I am prone toward making mountains out of molehills. That's one of my more difficult-to-erase character flaws. Guess I take "the unexamined life is not worth living" thing too far at times.

Cooperbailey, I am referring to Oldalgebra's thread, "A Picture Only I Could Love." I started a thread for people to discuss matters other than the picture only she could love here. (Actually, it's a very lovable picture!)

Tina-thanks!

Slinkey, nice hearing from you. I appreciate your point of view. You are a supportive friend to OA. It's obvious that you wanted her "voice" to be heard as it got lost in the crowd. Nice of you to speak up for her.

So so sorry I ever posted on the other thread. I'm going to post once to this one and move on.

I didn't PM the person - I don't do that sort of thing. I deeply regret warning her. Won't EVER do it again.

Jamies, fyi GW members left the Building forum and started another when (at least one person) someone was sent to ride the teacups. Also, it is an unwritten rule (there) to not discuss GW threads - we do not bash. We're too busy discussing weddings, babies, cancer, deaths, and our daily lives to bring GW into our "home."

I have made life long and best friends via GW that I travel with and/or to see, so in the end joining was a good thing.

I'm not sure why this thread was started, but I'm done and won't return to pour water (or gas) on the fire, so I would appreciate it if everyone would leave me out of it from here on out. This sort of crap is what makes people leave GW in the first place.

Allison, I suppose you won't read this, but I want to say that I'm sorry that you seem angry and hurt. You seem to be taking this very personally.

You wanted to help. You didn't mean to do any harm as I clearly stated. I don't think that I or anyone here or on the other thread, perceive that about you. How the conversation "evolved" was much bigger than you. What happened is not your fault! Why should you regret anything? Things went the way they did...can't we discuss and learn something from it?

I wanted to respond to a remark made about you on the other thread, but not by using the OP's space! I also wanted to offer a place for further discussion that was not using the OP's thread for that discussion. Plain and simple. That's why I started this thread. I simply didn't want to use her space anymore for the expression of thoughts unrelated to her post.

I missed the original thread, and just went back to read it. I love Jen's idea to let's all have a cyber group hug and then get back to decorating. I've known OA for quite a while now, over on the Holidays forum, and we've emailed back and forth a bit. She is flat-out one of the nicest, kindest, funniest and talented people I know and would never knowingly break any rules. But, reading your kind words here on this follow-up thread, I think we're all on the same page about that, too. It was just a big misunderstanding all around. I just hope that OA hasn't been "scared off" from this forum, as her humor and talent would be much appreciated here.
OA, please come back and play . . . you're my "funnest" cyber friend and this forum needs you ;^D
Lynn