Gwen don't feel bad. Katheria you shouldn't either. I wasn't familiar with the rules when I first came here. I was so worried about what I included in my first trade and felt terrible when the person I traded with sent me at least twice the amount that I sent them. lol I just think that many of us that used to post a lot of offers have cut back because of things that have happened such as what Poisondartfrog mentioned. I should have clarified when I said that I was annoyed by those who responded to all offers. I don't understand why someone, not a newbie, would reply to everything that was offered regardless what it was. For a newbie it's a way of building up a stash to use for trade and is understandable but not a member that's been here for long time. The most annoying to me are the people that respond but don't follow thru and it's been happening more and more lately. If you change your mind about an offer just let the person know that you changed your mind and no longer want it. That's no big deal and is just common courtesy. Karen I take the emailing cold as someone asking for plants or seeds that I haven't offered but just talked about in a post. I have no problem if someone asks me where I got something or if I'd be interested in trading. I've occasionally contacted someone regarding a plant they've posted about just because I thought it was interesting. Another thing that bothers me are the people that come here, respond to a bunch of offers then just disappear after they've gotten what they wanted. I see this mainly on plant specific forums. When I post an offer on the brug forum I open it only to people that regularly post. As for trade lists I don't have any posted because there's too many items and it changes too often but I do try to remember to let that be known when I post or respond to an offer. I just reread what I've written. I sound like a bi*ch. lol Really, I'm not : )

Not to be too analytical but having read about her life IMO it's a wonder she's alive at all or not living in a padded room. My own fairly adventurous life looks like a yawn in comparison. This woman is a survivor. I find there is much to like in this home and think it would be very interesting to have a conversation with a person who decorates like this. I don't think because she decorates in this way she is necessarily lonely, extremely dysfunctional, or any of the other labels mentioned. I think we are living in a strange time of home decor and consumerism. Mass-produced things that cost too much are valued as long as the current style is not violated. Seems there is a line that should not be crossed. I can't wait to see how some people are decorating 20 years from now. In examining the pics closely I was amazed to see the the wall shelf in her bedroom appears to be old, dented, and repainted none to skillfully. Lovely old piece which many probably wouldn't appreciate. I think these rooms are less "decorated" than collected. We all speak of trying for the "collected" look - well, this is one person's version. It looks well-loved, comfortable, endlessly fascinating, and welcoming to me. BTW for the person who wondered about the German Shepherd, the caption on the pic says that a pug mother did not survive the birth so the Shepherd raised them. Takes a caring owner to facilitate that. Her talent for needlepoint is also amazing. Not too many would needlepoint an entire rug. Another thot I had when reading here is that lots of shoes are OK but lots of pugs or tschotschkes are not. ;-) What's the difference? Pal, I'd love to see your candlesticks, the most I ever do is about 6 on a tray! I'd hate to be thot a minimalist, better find more! :-D

I only used the term 'Lurker' because that is what Texasporch used about herself. I think of the term lurker the same way as reader, internet speaking. There isn't any difference in my mind. Stalker is different. I've been stalked on the internet and have received police involved death threats. That is a whole other situation that involves the ($$) work I do. Here, we can be more flexible on terms used, right? But the readers/lurkers just think they have nothing to contribute. In reality, they can change up everything (for the better). Just sayin'. UDKM is the perfect example. There must be more of you out there, so chime in! We need new blood.

You submit a request through their FAQs. They did respond when I was having trouble with my account, but I sent one a week ago because I stopped getting emails for likes and comments on my threads. They never responded. I don't think Houzz is as interested in devoting resources to the GW forum when there's so much else on this website than little old us.