A Different Perspective on Things

[Tishy]

When I joined SON and started posting, it was such a positive experience. For the most part, it still is. First, I appreciate all the things that the mods, the admins and the staff do to make this place sane. They can't see all that is going on but they do a damn good job of maintaining the peace. It might not always be agreeable to everyone, but I think that they do it to maintain the peace around here and they do an admirable job. I think they probably feel sh!t on a lot too. I think you all are doing a great job and I want to thank you.

That being said, there are problems here. I wasn't around in the beginning but I can imagine, from other posters saying, that it was a better place. I know when I came here, I felt welcomed. No one slammed me for my opinions. I lurked for a bit before posting, which is something I think everyone should do before joining a board. I respect everyone here and in return, I feel respected.

People are leaving here now. It's not as fun as it used to be. How can we, as a community fix this? Laying blame on one group doesn't work. We are all to blame. We here are a community whether you are the first poster here or the 1000th who joined. There should be no veterans and newbies here, personally I hate the term newbie because it is an alienating term. We should all respect each other, tolerate each other and try to get along.

Now, I am not saying, lets sit by the campfire and sing kumbaya. We all know that isn't going to work. There will always be people here that we don't like. We are adults here. Ignore the people you don't like. it's easy to say, but at least try it. If something offends you, hit the report button or PM the person. Let's take the fights off the boards. Not the discussions, but the name calling I am always right attitude. We all have different opinions. We need to have that atmosphere again where we can feel free to express ourselves and not fear being put down. Example, last night I posted a spoiler and Dusty pointed out that it was already posted. I didn't take offense, I thanked him and alerted myself that I had done it. (BTW Dusty, if you read this, please do your blog again, I so want to read it). I didn't feel put down upon because he did it, I felt he was helping me out.

I think we need to move on and forgive and forget. Let's as a community try to respect more, tolerate more, laugh more and move on. Respect is key here. I know that I love SON more than any other site I have ever been a member of and it is because of the staff and the posters. Maybe if we change little by little every day, people like King won't want to leave, and Andre and Steve will come back. I miss them and a lot of other people who are gone. Let's make it so that they don't want to leave. We can all do this. Think before you type.

Thanks to everyone. If this shouldn't be here, I am cool with it being deleted. This is just my say on things.

[Ryan]

I <3 you Tishy. I agree with everything you said.

[DaysFanJean]

Great post, Tishy Glad I stopped by here today and got to read it.

[Shawn]

Well said Tishy. This post makes me heart you more than ever.

[Sweet_VeeVee24]

Thanks for posting your thoughts and insight... I know I for one haven't been at all at my best, so I hope in time to move forward and return to how much fun I've been having in the past on the board; even if it means going back to basics for awhile...Once again, thanks, Tishy.

[bellcurve]

ITA!

[BingCherry]

There are not enough words or emoticons to show how much I agree with you, Tishy. I think we should all just start anew and make things the way they used to be and can be again.

[juniorz1]

Great Post Tishy! I'm not quite sure what went on yesterday.....since I slept most of the day off & on.

[Scott]

Tishy, your a genuine soul and everything you said was right on the money

[mateo22]

I'm jumping on this bandwagon and agreeing with fellow SONers, great, thought-provoking post Tishy!! I signed up back in the early summer of last year, played a round of Days Survivor, hosted by King, and fell in love with this place. Then school came along and kicked my butt for the first two semesters. Needless to say, I've got the time now and I'm here to stay! This place still has the potential to be the best out there. Let's all do our part to keep it the great community that we KNOW it can be.

[PhoenixRising05]

Great post Tishy.

I know I and others will take that to heart. We all need to think and just do our best to make this place the best it can be.

[Mason]

That's a great post, Tishy. I think a fresh start is what we all need.

[Marilyn_M]

Just some thoughts

First off, your entire post rocked Tishy and I agree with everything. I've been a member on this board for quite sometime and seen some of the drama that has gone on here. I find it rather sickening how (this is not directed at anyone in particular) some people cannot ever come to terms with some of the crap that they do but quick to point out someone else's faults. I do believe the term is called hypocrite. And then I've had to witness people hurting other people. Going around, slaming people in the slickest way but then when someone tries to come back at them they cry wolf. Treating who they call "friends" like absolute crap and then somehow getting praise for it . But the one thing that struck me the most in your post is RESPECT and I've seen a lack of it. I've always been taught treat people the way you would want to be treated because one day, it is going to come back on you, tenfold. You can't go around, call someone a friend and then treat them like utter crap the next day. That isn't right. I don't think it would hurt for ALL of us to sit down, examine ourselves and see how we treat one another at this board. No one should ever be an exemption. We make mistakes and thats okay because we are simply human. But I want things to get better here and I hope they will.

[Tishy]

Marilyn I agree with you. We need to examine ourselves and really think. All of us. From the very first members to anyone who signs up today.

I was hesitant to post my initial post but I thought what the hell. Let's all try and make this a better place. This way, people like Steve, Lee, and even posters that aren't that well known but still post occasionnaly won't leave. A friendly atmosphere all around.

[R!ck]

Excellent post Tishy!

I love you even more than I already did *hugs*