Jennifer CL

[jmarie]

You're the best!
Thank YOU!
Joyce:D

[Gecko]

Thank you from little ol' me too. That was totally uncalled for and everyone should be made to feel welcome.

[Vicanddi]

Hmmmm...I'm a little clueless about this thread. Musta missed something.

[HejazSunKat]

Originally posted by Vicanddi
Hmmmm...I'm a little clueless about this thread. Musta missed something.

See the now closed thread: '1 court, 2 court, 3 court, 4'

Another thank you to Jennifer for nipping that in the bud. Sorry it happened BoysWithAProbl.

[Mamasue]

I just read that thread and was very disturbed! What the heck is going on here? :mad: This BB, lately, has been out of control! What happened to the the BB that was respectful, appreciative and caring.

[Molli526]

I agree whole heartedly Sue. The tone of this BB has really changed, and not for the better.

[slknight]

Originally posted by Molli526
I agree whole heartedly Sue. The tone of this BB has really changed, and not for the better.

Yep. It's bugging me too. It's one of the reasons I stopped posting in November and December. And I know it's why many others have significantly cut back on their posting too.:( :(

[gabbyh]

Sue and Molli,

I so agree! I wasn't going to add my 2 cents to this, but over the past few months, things have been going "down hill":(

I know many of the regular posters that I really looked forward to reading what they have to say have gone, or don't post as much...now I can see why...I find myself checking other web-boards first:rolleyes:

~Gail

[Molli526]

Oh yes, it's why a lot of people aren't posting much (me included). I always wondered if the boards would always be as great as they were, I found out no. It's sad really.

[Mamasue]

Originally posted by Molli526
Oh yes, it's why a lot of people aren't posting much (me included). I always wondered if the boards would always be as great as they were, I found out no. It's sad really.

The thing is that we can continue to make it (BB) still great by being a little respectful of others. It is sometimes not easy to see that person because there is no expression to view and all you see is words, but they should be treated with respect. If it looks like its getting out hand, than let the moderator take care of it.

So, Molli girl...how ar you doing? Hello to Gail and Sue! ;)

[lindrusso]

I really, really hope that people will not stop posting because of some of the rude threads that have occured lately. If the "good guys" go away and stop posting, then the "bad guys" have won. How can the boards stay the nice, inviting place it has always been if the nice, inviting people stop participating? Not that I can't understand the need to step back when things get hairy, but I think that stepping back will cause more harm in the end.

I think we need to address this rudeness by POLITELY telling the poster we think they are being rude, by supporting the person who was been unjustly criticized and then by having the thread locked, if necessary - just as Joyce did.

If we stick to our guns, the trouble makers eventually get bored and ago away - probably to stir up trouble elsewhere. :rolleyes: Case in point - one of our troublemakers has not been around since the last big incident (and I'm sure we all anxiously await the next reincarnation :rolleyes: :D ).

The good things about this board are still here, but they can be harder to find if we all give up and stop participating. So, I say, fight it by posting MORE, not posting less. :D :)

Alysha

[SusanL]

I guess because I post in the early morning during the week, I miss many of these threads. But how harsh they have become! When I see them, I cringe. Having a difference of opinion is one thing, being rude is unacceptable.

[Abbey]

I too have noticed the change in this board, and have started posting and viewing less. The board has always been someplace fun and supportive to go to...in an otherwise hectic day. Now I find that the board is stressing me out at times...and I don't think any of us need more of that in our lives. I will say though, that there are wonderful, supportive, caring, and funny people on this board...but what is that phrase 'It only takes one bad apple to spoil the whole bunch'. I feel like a few 'bad apples' are spoiling this board for the rest of us. :(

[KCSoccer]

I frequent these boards because I want to fellowship with like-minded people who love to cook, eat and share ideas and recipes. I realize that among this group there are wildly different views on politics, religion, child-rearing, and everything else! So I tend to veer away from the off-topic subjects and stick mainly to food-related ones. When I want to discuss my “hot button” issues, there are other boards and websites that I frequent.

That’s not to say that I think this board should stick strictly to food-related subjects. I love the OT discussions –like the one on mascara; I found a new favorite mascara! But your own personal views should be shared here without offensive and intimidating language – with consideration for your fellow bb member. Or, as Grandma used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

I certainly hope that the current tone of some of the threads doesn’t run people off. I consider all of you my online friends, and even though we’ll probably never meet in person, you have enriched my life!

[Molli526]

Originally posted by Mamasue


So, Molli girl...how are you doing?

I am feeling good! Thanks! I am definitely showing and yesterday Ray was able to feel the baby move for the first time. Up until then, he could only listen to my belly. This kid has some powerful kicks and punches! :)

[ellery]

Originally posted by lindrusso

If we stick to our guns, the trouble makers eventually get bored and ago away - probably to stir up trouble elsewhere. :rolleyes: Case in point - one of our troublemakers has not been around since the last big incident (and I'm sure we all anxiously await the next reincarnation :rolleyes: :D ).

:D :)

Alysha [/B]

I think that is an excellent point, however, I'm thinking that they simply reincarnate in a different form. I was recently zinged by someone who recently created an identity (I looked them up), never posts (seems to prefer to PM their venom), doesn't accept emails, etc. I wonder if our scoundrels just rename themselves and continue their mischief. Is there anything to be done about this?

I know the answer is probably "no", but geez...

:rolleyes:

Leah

[boisewinesnob]

Originally posted by KCSoccer
I frequent these boards because I want to fellowship with like-minded people who love to cook, eat and share ideas and recipes. I realize that among this group there are wildly different views on politics, religion, child-rearing, and everything else!

But your own personal views should be shared here without offensive and intimidating language – with consideration for your fellow bb member. Or, as Grandma used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”

I certainly hope that the current tone of some of the threads doesn’t run people off. I consider all of you my online friends, and even though we’ll probably never meet in person, you have enriched my life!

I love your post KCSoccer!
This board has really turned me off lately, but when I think about it, it's only a few posts that have angered me or made me feel bad. I still like to come here because there are great people here, too :).
Recently I was totally bashed on a thread....told indirectly that I should mind my own business and that "catty women (like me :confused: ) who had nothing better to do...are hated...". Nice, huh?

Now if I notice a thread title indicates it could be religious/political...I just don't read it. I have some other "hot button" issues that I stay away from as well because I get tired of defending myself.

Joyce, I think you are great for coming to the defense of someone who was being humiliated by some small know-it-all. :)

[Gina O]

I too will come out of hiding to say that there have been several reasons that I have not posted in a few months, but a primary one is simply that I felt a great deal of the warmth, caring and respect I previously felt from the BB is a lot less pervasive. And, while I have great intellectual curiosity regarding others points of view on social and political topics, it is supremely difficult for passionate people to express their views in a way as not to offend someone. I have made the mistake of reading many of these threads and they consistantly make me sad because I see such closed-mindedness.

I hope all here are well, I do think of friends here often, and skim through the threads on a regular basis to check up on your lives. Gina

[Mamasue]

Alysha and KCSoccer.....you said it perfectly! Thank you ;)

Abbey.....yes, lets all continue to make it a fun and supportive place that it has been!

Molli....I wish I could see your little belly. I loved carrying and just wait until you are closer to your time....the baby will be kicking like crazy. Take care. ;)

Alysha....just wanted to additionally say that I am thinking and praying for you, DH and family. Keep your spirits high!

[Kayla]

Originally posted by Gina O
...I felt a great deal of the warmth, caring and respect I previously felt from the BB is a lot less pervasive...

Here ya go! Let's send some of this around... ;) :

WARMTH, CARING and RESPECT!!! (multiplied by the number of members on this - still - lovely BB)

[Kayla]

I just wanted to say remember to take a look at all the wonderful threads that are going on right now in the 'Other Stuff' forum.

We have our birthday wishes started by Sue...

...there's sunshine, and gratitude, happy women and their stories, fun quizzes, invitations to picnics (at which, mind you, I will be in spirit), klatches, ideas... etc...

Let's not let a few 'gone-bad' threads deter us from our second happy (albeit online) home!

:D

Cheers,
Kayla

[Molli526]

Maybe I will be brave and post a picture.

[Escher]

Relevant terms of use policy, for everyone's perusal:

You will not post any messages that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws. You agree not to post messages that are defamatory, inaccurate, abusive, harassing, obscene, sexually inappropriate, threatening, and/or invasive of another person’s privacy, or that otherwise violate applicable state, federal, or international laws. You agree not to post copyrighted material unless the copyright is your own. You agree not to post messages containing product advertisements or other commercial solicitations.


hmmmm.....

[Wendy w]

Originally posted by Kayla
I just wanted to say remember to take a look at all the wonderful threads that are going on right now in the 'Other Stuff' forum.

We have our birthday wishes started by Sue...

...there's sunshine, and gratitude, happy women and their stories, fun quizzes, invitations to picnics (at which, mind you, I will be in spirit), klatches, ideas... etc...

Let's not let a few 'gone-bad' threads deter us from our second happy (albeit online) home!

:D

Cheers,
Kayla

Hear! Hear!

Molli, you should post a picture, that would be lovely. Nice to see you back, Gina. Hope all is well with you.

[Mamasue]

Originally posted by Molli526
Maybe I will be brave and post a picture.

Oh, Please and make it with curls! :D

[SandyM]

Originally posted by Mamasue


Oh, Please and make it with curls! :D

*snort*

We do love those curles, Mol. ;) :D

[Molli526]

Nope straight hair :)

[Molli526]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid104/p9c27b796bbc71480fd848baf13cd8c67/f98eb78c.jpg

[yorkshirepud]

Wow Molli, you look fantastic. You're really starting to show now and you look beautiful to boot. I see you have 'the glow'! :)

[Kayla]

Hi Molli :)

You're so pretty and look absolutely fantastic... best wishes to you and the bun (in the oven ;))

Kayla

[Molli526]

:o Thanks :o

[KimKelly]

Molli... you do indeed look wonderful! Congratulations. This time is so fun - I know you are enjoying it. I haven't really followed the threads, so do you know if it is a boy or girl?

Kim

[Molli526]

We didn't find out -although lately I have been leaning towards a boy.

[SusanL]

Molli you look beautiful, I haven't been following the Baby threads, boy or girl if you know?

[Kayaksoup]

You look great:)

[Mamasue]

Oh, Molly.....curls or no curls, you look marvelous!! Yes...you do have a glow! ;) Enjoy every minute! Hugs to ya.

[gabbyh]

Yup...you have a beautiful glow Molli! Lookin' great:D

...and nice to see you back, Gina:cool:

~Gail

[ErinM]

Adele's right you definitely have the glow! You look GREAT!!!

[gertdog]

Hello glowing Molli and baby! :) You look lovely.

As for the original topic of this thread... this is the only BB I frequent, and I too have often been upset by the turns recent threads have taken. But I wholeheartedly believe in Alysha's approach- please, everyone, keep posting- that's the way we'll keep this BB as a welcoming and interesting community.

[Vicanddi]

Molli you look beautiful, and so happy! Thanks for sharing your picture. It's always nice to put a face to a name. We should probably do that more often, don't you think?

[Vicanddi]

Here's a picture of DH and I (Vic and Di), trying to add to the positive spirit of this thread! Hope you can see it :rolleyes:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid104/pae1769af6c33bf90e1181460658aa4a6/f98e7972.jpg

[Kayaksoup]

ooh, pictures. I want to play. but I will cheat. Here is little me. Because I don't have any recent pics of me in the computer. My mom made me a disc recently with old scanned pics and mailed it to me. Lets see if this works....
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid104/pb79dba0d8977999c3fd376be13edc572/f98e578d.jpg

[Escher]

like a charm! Adorable!

[Kayaksoup]

Now, If I could just make it smaller....that is a HUGE picture. It wasn't that big on my computer.:o

[Vicanddi]

That's an adorable picture! Anyone else wanna play? :)

[LonghornGal]

Here's me out on the town! I'm a NASCAR driver in another life...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid104/p0530beece527cfa274551e0c5fa3024f/f98db921.jpg

-Kristin

[kima]

I am one of those who just doesn't get the enjoyment from the BB like I use to. I hesitate to say anything because I do no like to draw attention to myself (this is not a pity party!!!). When I come here now and think about posting I get a knot in my stomach (a small one but still....).
I know I am not alone in these feelings. I won't disappear al together but I won't be around like I use to either. It's good to take a step back sometimes and focus on other things- I do value all the wonderful people here and all the great recipes and advice. There is far more good than "bad" here and there always will be I am sure.


:) Love the cute pictures! Thanks for posting them.

[LonghornGal]

Everything in life has its ebbs and flows - just like the tides. At times, the BB will be important to each of us, and at other times other things are priorities. Each new wave of people brings new insights and ideas, but also changes the balance of how things "are". Those dynamics are what make life interesting.

We all have our comfort zones, occasionally the boundaries of those zones are tested and may break.

BB's as an entity are evolving very quickly. We're in the middle of a board that is transitioning from an "informational" to a "relational" system (if you want more info I have a paper you can read). Relational boards tend to have more extremes in points of view, and more emotions expressed. Purely informational boards tend to stick to facts and figures - hard data.

Those who speak up through the transitional phase have the biggest influence on the future dynamic of the boards by being able to shape the norms. By contrast, if many people depart during the transitional phase, then the board reverts back to an informational state until the level of interpersonal knowledge and relationships builds up to the point that relational pressures hit the "boiling point" again.

My 2 cents. :)

--Kristin

[kima]

Wow- that is interesting stuff Kristin.
My reasons don't quite fit in that theory- I enjoy many of the so called controversial threads and no topic is taboo for me (I may not post on them but they don't bother me). What I mean to say is I don't mind if the BB changes but some of the stuff going on is just too childish and pointless.... and when I find myself actually caring what a stranger thinks of me I know I have the problem- I mean much as I like most people here they aren't my RL friends if you know what I mean. It's a matter of me putting the BB into it's proper perspective. And you are right everything has an ebb and a flow. I have no anger or anything remotely like that. I just don't have that "fire in the belly"- it was probably inevitable but was accelerated by some comments.
(but now I am going on- so I'll stop and leave it at that).
Your insight is much appreciated.

[colleency]

Originally posted by kima
I just don't have that "fire in the belly"-

I recommend some hot peppers. Habeneros are really hot, especially dried with the seeds left intact. :p :D Seriously, I hope you are able to regain the good feelings. I had a couple of days where the board left me really angry, hurt, and upset. But the good stuff still outweighs the bad. (Although I probably shouldn't post from work so much. :o ) I really enjoy hearing what you have to say, Kima.

Everyone else: those pictures are so cute!

Molli, you are one of those women who look truly beautiful when they are pregnant. You're adorable!

Kayaksoup, what a cutie!

[Gecko]

Molli - love the photo. You have the "glow" but I just love your smile - it is a nowingly satisfied look that I think pregnancy brings to you - contented? I don't know exactly how to descibe it, but it is beautiful.

I too kept thinking about the cruel things people have been saying lately. There is a nice way to say something, and there is the way that it has been said here on occasion. I think we have to all remember to play nicely. It reminds me of what I try to tell my daughters when they have little disagreements with their friends at school - you don't have to be best friends with everyone, but you do have to respect them, and treat them in the manner that you would like to be treated. It is the same here. Of course we are going to find people that we just "click" with, and become friends - other times we might find that we have different views and don't agree at all. This does not mean that this persons feelings are not valid. We are all entitled to our opinions, and we are all entitled to not agree - but we should always show respect and find a way to agree to disagree.

[cniles]

I don't have anything new to say on the subject - many of you have said it very eloquently! I truly love it here - I find the warmth and welcoming nature of everyone so nice.

The pictures are great!! Dianne it's nice to put a face with a name!!! And Molli - you're a beautiful mom to be!!!:p Kristin - love the racecar!! Your dog didn't get to drive?!!

[LonghornGal]

That photo was pre-dog. :) But I'm sure he'd be as good as a driver as some of the other folks I was racing with!

--K

[Vicanddi]

I enjoy seeing pictures of the BB'ers....always nice to put a face with the name. Loved yours Kristin, now I have an idea what you look like!

Anyone else want to play? I find this part a lot of fun, and more the tone I enjoy on the BB.

[jjsooner73]

While we're posting pictures, I'll play, but like kayaksoup, this is one of me as a child. If you look closely, you might see the big fat teardrop on my cheek. I was mad because I was wearing a dress--I was quite a tomboy (as the scars on my legs show).
The picture I'm holding is of my mom in the same dress. :D

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid104/pe1821a7c7ce638ddc9be049fd5c6c5b2/f98afc5c.jpg

[jjsooner73]

And as to the board lately, I have somewhat taken a break...but am still around just not as much.
Lots of reasons...some similar to what others expressed, others are more personal.
Interesting theories, Kristin!

Molli, you look great!

[pilgrim719]

Originally posted by jjsooner73
If you look closely, you might see the big fat teardrop on my cheek. I was mad because I was wearing a dress--I was quite a tomboy (as the scars on my legs show).


Cute picture! The background info on it made me laugh because there is a picture taken of me at the wedding of some family member when I was around 10 years old, and my eyes are red and puffy from crying because I had to wear a DRESS to the wedding!! I was also a tomboy and never wore dresses, or even the color pink, unless I absolutely had to!

Kari

[Vicanddi]

Jennifer, that picture is too precious. Thanks for sharing! I was a tomboy when I was little as well, and my mom had a hard time getting me into dresses. I had 3 older brothers and I followed them just about everywhere. They didn't wear dresses, so why should I? (That was my reasoning THEN!)

As far as the tone of the BB, I try to just focus on the positive aspects and participate in those conversations, and mostly stay on the food board, which is my great love :)