Sharing picture of one of the first times we had a KT get togetherm, in Iowa

Oh I remember that photo! I so wanted to be there but could not get off work.

Party that wasn't my intent at all. The KT has evolved like everything else on the web. Having been here from day one I have seen it all...the good the bad and the ugly...it's just like any family. LOL I welcome new people to join, I cherish those that have past, and I encourage some to return to the fold.

Amazing Aunt Audrey, if I'm not mistaken, you were away from the KT for several years and came back a while ago, right? Of course, it's wonderful that you're back! But perhaps you just didn't see the gradual changes, as with everything in life. It is probably more obvious to you because of the gap in between.

When was "day one", AAA?

LOL Hell if I can remember. After the big HGTV explosion.

I saw the post and didn't recognize the name. A quick search suggests she hasn't been around for over 3 years. It's not a conversation if the intended recipient isn't listening.

I think it's very nice that you remember to offer birthday greetings but I don't think you should assume that all past participants are still present or that others who are here necessarily share your feelings. In that, I agree with party music

Suzie you are right. I didn't post..but I did lurk...not everyday tho.

I understand Snidely...but I do know they lurk! They have admitted it on other sites. I invite them to return.

Caroline I clicked on the link...your budgie was quite animated.

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I have been chastised (as in who cares?) for saying this, but I will say it again, for the new folks: I was one of the first 2,3,or,4 to sign up to the KT, when Spike set up the Kitchen Table. I had recently gotten my first PC, and found the Garden Party, where there was a message about the new site. Been here ever since, through thick and thin. Several of the comments here on this thread are very true. There were scammers a plenty, and actually I was responsible for realizing that one was a scam. And then there were the "mean girls." The KT at that time was truly a caring, and also a fun place to be. I remember the get-to-togethers, which I never went on because there was no one near me to go with, but the cyber trips were great fun also. As to the topic at hand, no, I didn't post on the Birthday Wish post. I never do if I don't know the person, who in some cases may even have passed on. Any looking back to the old days, has to mention Spike, whose intention was to have a clean, well monitored site, which it was, until some folks just couldn't resist trying to tear it down. I could go on, but I won't. Now we have what we have, where we can still keep in touch with those who have stuck with it, For me, personally, my age makes so many topics irrelevant that I SOB, in more ways than one.

Every so often (such as every couple of years) a thread pops up by someone commenting about how much more fun it was on the KT in "the old days" and not as much fun now, then there's the back and forth. I think it's impolite to anyone who has joined since "the old days"; seems exclusionary.

I've been around since 1999 or 2000 or something like that. It was a good place then; it was a good place in between, and it is a good place now. Good thing that there are new people coming on regularly. It keeps us growing.

I am a lurker, but I do post on here if I have something to say. I have been here since about 2000, and I enjoy reading more than I do posting. I think everyone has their own opinion, but if I do disagree, I certainly am not about to call someone out. I am also a little bit concerned about posting too much information on the internet anywhere.

There are so many people on the KT that are just amazing, and I really admire most of the posters. I learn something new and useful from all of you everyday.

I've been here awhile and always try to be non confrontational, I enjoy reading everyone's posts, but I don't post my birthday anywhere. I will tell my true age though, this year it's 69.

I will make an effort to be more fun from now on.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Party: You asked when 'day 1' was at the KT. Someone on here in the year 2005 wrote "I
"believe" the KT debuted September 11, 1998." Unfortunately, I didn't
copy/paste who posted it. Does anyone else know if this is correct?

Shirley

I remember the days when it was OK to post funny or silly things or have contests or do giveaways etc. without the fear of being chastised or made fun of or insulted. Queen for a day, talent shows, beauty contests, we talked about the embarrassing things that we did and we made fun of ourselves and just acted silly and goofy. We weren't too serious and we were just having lots of fun. I've had more laughs at the KT and met some of the nicest people. In those days, you could be more open without feeling like you were setting yourself up to be smacked down, I don't think we were just naïve, I think it was a gentler time here at the KT.

The girl who made us all of the fun gifs was Nikki in New Jersey. I still have my waving flamingo.

I think MarshaOK passed away a few years ago.

I think it looks selfish if lurkers are looking for birthday wishes. As others have said, why wish someone we don't even know a birthday wish??? It's meaningless.

Wasn't Nikki the one who had an abusive husband? A police officer maybe?

No, not that Nikki. Not sure who you're thinking of. The Nikki I'm referring to is also a Facebook friend of mine.

Hey Gadgets - It was 1998 or 1999; that was when I discovered the table, right after we got our first computer! There was something happening in the early 2000s or so when we had to re-register and make name changes.

Remember when we paid $15 a year to join the KT? A bargain at that price and I would have paid many times over. I remember several people paying memberships for others.

Aren't people much less likely to laugh at themselves these days? Such a shame.

That was Nikki in Niles. Sister to HeatherOnt, if I remember correctly.

I've been here for a number of years, and have missed the lack of birthday greetings.

And thank you to the one who wished that for me a couple of weeks ago ... I appreciated the replies.

I have felt a friendly feeling toward many here, and have regretted that some who were good company appear to have departed. I have met several face to face, individually or at a gathering, my first hosted by Dances, included cherryfizz and Monica PA, and have a special warm feeling when I see their posts.

I seldom used to offer good wishes for birthday for someone with whom I didn't feel some connection, feeling it to be of little value.

When I'm making posts, I try not to be too critical of the views and opinions of others and try to be considerate and respectful even when I offer varying opinions.

When I hear criticism, I try to consider whether there may be some validity to it, and in what way I should consider making changes in the way that I operate.

On the other hand ... it's my life, and I want to live it with integrity, and sometimes I heed my Dad's suggestion that one should let such things roll off of one like water off of a duck's back.

It isn't too often that I feel it important to be guided by another of Dad's aphorisms, "When you get kicked by a jackass ... consider where it comes from".

I like to see some fun in various aspects of daily life, on occasion, as well, and some time ago when I told a story and ended the thread with, "When you can put a smile on someone's face where there wasn't one before, it adds joy to the day" , several people agreed ... and one said, "Ole joyful strikes again!".

It pleases me when I can help to elicit a smile on the face of a few in the waiting room at the cancer centre.

I said to a major lady giving the radiation the other day that her face looked rather familiar ... that I thought that I may have met her somewhere earlier ... and she agreed that, yes, she that she thought there was a distinct possibility. I haven't asked the radiation folks whether they're known as "radiators" ... but am fixing to do so, soon. Did tell 'em the other day that I thought that I my ass had got addicted to toilet seats, as it didn't seem to want to pass 'em ... and it wasn't selective: it seemed as though any one'd do ... as long as it had a hole in the middle. One said that she'd never heard a story like that before ... but they all laughed a bit.

ole joyful

When I first signed up I had to pay the $15. Found this site by searching for something. I remember Nikki in Niles and the awful things going on in her life.

Oh, Joyful, I hope you are feeling well. You are a dear man, even though I've never met you. Yes, Suzi-that's who I was thinking of. Nikki in Niles. She was a very pretty girl and drew some beautiful pictures.

Oh yeah, I remember the $15 we had to pay to be a member. Worth every penny to me. I was even sent to the Tea Cups once. Anyone else?

I don't do the birthday greetings anymore, I also don't automatically "like" every post on Facebook. Those that know me know I wish them the best on their b'day and may take them out to lunch!

KathyG in MI

So many memories being brought up here. I remember having to pay $15 to post. If memory serves, you could read but not post without paying. I found the GW by searching for reviews on a Foodsaver. That took me to the cooking forum. I think the KT was just a 'baby' then. Been here ever since.

Caroline, thanks for confirming the approx start date.

Shirley

I've been here since 1999, things have changed and so have we. Nothing stays the same anymore. I wish it was like it used to be but its not. We haven't got the time, even with all the conveniences we have. Hurry, hurry, rush, rush, and where do we go? Even myself, I haven't been here like I used to. All I have it time, but not getting anything done. Just the changing times I guess, with a bit of lazy and old age.

I remember the $15. also, now that you mention it ... and one of the good souls here paid my tariff, being in a different currency and a border to cross. Thank you again to that generous person - if you're still around.

I got sent to Disney a few times, too - couldn't figure what was going on, in the beginning.

ole joyful

I don't remember where she lived but Bestrewn used to do lots of gifs for us. She called them "snags". Miss her lots.

I have officially been here for almost 12 years and lurked for a good while before I got the nerve to join in. This used to be a fun place and I read every post, every day. Now I might stop by every day but I don't post much anymore and I don't read many of the post It stopped being fun back when the "mean girls" joined and ruined it for a lot of people. Several of us moved on to other sites. I miss the KT of old.

9/11/98 sounds right. I was also here on day one, and left when it went "pay to play" and headed over to OHH and the KTT. I don't even know if either of those boards still exist: they were on ezboard and that's gone now.

I lurked here for a while, then was away for 4-5 years, I guess, before I remembered this place existed - and that was just because I was doing a search for something about selling a home and I ended up on the GardenWeb "buying and selling homes" forum.

I was there at HGTV..remember every one how to do different colors and making the lines move? Do you remember SkyHag, she was always very helpful. And Spike sending everyone to Disney..was it a ride on the merry go round. It was fun.. Oh, I was probably BugDust then..

To me, this thread is very similar to some other threads that have been posted recently by individuals who make a point of presenting themselves as part of the "original KT" -- as if that makes them special -- and they are attempting to police the forum. They want to flaunt their self-importance, show how well-connected they once were, and emphasize that "new" people (anything after 'Day 1'!) are not part of their clique. They want to control who posts what / who does what... examples being: you *should* post birthday greetings to strangers, and you *should not* post to an old thread.

*THIS KIND OF POST* is what's not fun, AAA. You want a 'kitchen table' where everyone is welcome as long as they're all exactly like you.

Old threads are like old people: there is a wealth of valuable experience there. Additionally as someone more famous than me once said: "Those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it". Certainly if a topic doesn't interest you, you don't have to read it, but I often search for older threads when I have an issue that needs advice.

I totally agree with party music that all should feel welcome here. Everyone has stuff they can bring to the table as far as opinions, outlooks, experience and help.

I think this is a wake-up call for all. Be nice, and don't hide as a lurker. Can't quite believe the turn some people spin here.

I "believe" the old KT was around in 97-I came online then,and came to the KT with an old friend,who also no longer posts here.

My first official as a member thread I followed was Donna OH's sisters passing(Marilyn) Glenda will remember that one,I'm sure.

Heather in Ontarios sister is Holly.....I remember Gale,the sherrif,the bus trips we made all over and of course the chocolate.

and you're welcome,OJ... :)

I rest my case.

AAAudrey, I appreciate your post and clearly see that you came from a benign spirit by suggesting but not dictating. Others have chosen to see it differently but that's not the case. I, too, have many of your feelings. I miss the times we could laugh and feel joy for each other. That happens less frequently now. I'm not complaining. I enjoy this forum and love checking in every morning. I especially like Ole Joyful's messages, they always cheer me up. Let's just try always to be nice.

I loved all the "stuff" we learned how to do.....such as posting music, gifs (thanks to Bestlawn!), and moving gifs,etc. I just ran across some email from Joy, telling me how to to the midi things! I also remember the cookie exchange with Tahni, which was fairly early, before we were taken in. She did send me a package of homemade cookies, which, I believe was the very earliest swap in which I was involved. But I also remember sending shirts, etc. to someone whose trailer house had burned. The KT person posting about these people's loss never did do a follow-up, to the best of my knowledge. I've always been a bit curious about that, but it was a lesson learned.

Good grief I evidently hit some nerves. I definately don't feel superior nor would I want all to be like me. I feel just the opposite. I love our diferences! Feel that I have grown as a person from many here believe it or not. I kinda celebrate our diferences. I love the KT yes it has evolved, it had always welcomed new people that's the fun of it I think. I have been trying to find a better way to convey my "fun" remark so it doesn't sting anyone since it seems it has. I can't explain it. It was not just us posting, we interacted on a diferent level. I miss it. Simple enough. That shouldn't be wrong nor should it make anyone feel any kind of anger toward any that feel as I do. It doesn't mean I like the kt any less. Good grief. Being attacked for feeling a certain way just reminds me of what some called the meanies. It's not nessessary doesn't change anything. I hope new people continue to come...also that old timers would return.

There were crazier threads way back when, I think;

all those stories about people getting stuck in bathtubs, & beauty contests & just uproarious things that took a life of their own & got crazier with every post.

Maybe the new group just isn't as crazy as the "first generation"!

Don't worry about it, dear Audrey. You've been here long enough to know that some personalities just see the negative aspect and want others to do the same. It's just the way it is.

I remember the fireman's wife fiasco.....was that here or in the Garden Party (when it used to be a hoot)?

I was given a spin in the teacups once. It was after I had met Spike at a get-together, lol! I think I used a very mild curse word in a very benign way, tsk tsk.

I'm going to start a new thread about embarrassing moments. I recall laughing myself sick over some of the real life events of people in the Garden Party years ago.

Fireman's wife was at the KT. That was some story and it sure caused a lot of mud slinging between members.

Well "boss"....who were the birthdays you were sending out wishes for......

Was one of them ....ME...? If not....get busy...you forgot me...!!!

Mine was Monday....and I was busy all week with sick g-grands just didn't have time for much computering last week.....

Ya know I love ya anyway if ya didn't.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Hope the kids are better!

thank you.....

My daughter is raising the two grandkids and has a new job that she can't run home to take care of them during work time sooooo I get to do that now.....

not being used to it ....I got a little worn out last week 8^)

I don't post and check in much since I moved. Other things to do. I did drop out of the Christmas Card-even though I enjoyed it in the past Being by myself I do have to be more careful with everything., I did get lots of help from the Computer forum along with this. Yes I do remember the Fireman's wife and often wonder how she is doing with the little ones she was trying to raise and yes I do wonder if she was real or so, but I do know she posted on other forums. Miss the gal from Utah with all the ranch tales I do chip in occasionally with comments but not as much now. Hope all of you are having a great day and a good year. Our winter has been much warmer than usual this year.

Tale care