When I realized that the people in my life although dearly loved by me...did not want to talk "deep and intimate" like I did or did not share the interests that I wanted to talk about...I wanted to find people who did want those things. I found my husband on a Forum...and I figured I had nothing to lose in looking for a Forum to talk about those other things I needed too...which those I loved just weren't able to offer me. So in my opinion Forums can be a really good thing...as long as you don't expect them to meet all your needs. You may have to join a few to get the best results for what you are looking for...but as strange as it may seem people will take the time to chat on a Forum more than they will often chat face to face. Why? Maybe it is because they can chat when they want or have the time to do so...instead of when the other person wants...which may not be convenient for them. For me I wanted to deep discuss many things...while others just want to skim the surface. And I also wanted to talk to those who were going through some of the same things I am going through as a more mature person. This is one of my favorite things about @Ken Anderson's Forum for us Seniors. And yes, sometimes I would like to discuss things that really don't seem to be open for discussion here without causing more problems than they are worth. This is a great place for us Seniors and I'm glad some of you were sweet enough to lead me here. Forums are imperfect places with imperfect people...but they are places you can speak your mind and learn if you fit there or not....here is the best place I have ever fit. I'm thankful I have found this place and appreciate being able to be myself here in so many ways.
@Babs Hunt You "found" your husband on a forum? That is a wonderful testimonial supporting the usefulness and value of the Internet, decrying the vile and demeaning values voiced about it often. I have had wonderful friends crop-up while being a member of various forums. My wife & I drove down to Mississippi from Missouri to meet one, a young man working as an Electrician at a Nissan Assembly Plant. I had helped him evaluate a technical problem they were having. He met us for lunch, wonderful guy, had we gone ahead and retired there, he and his wife likely would have been at the top of our list of friends. As things turned out, we retired into a new area devoid of previous contacts, no new friends, our closest neighbor lives in CA, and only comes here occasionally. Frank
For me it's a welcome distraction for what ails me The people here are special to me and I'm so thankful to know them Better than medicine you are x
They're a distraction but not as crazy as I used to be about them. Now, I can take them or leave them. I'm on a couple, some I just read and some are small and private. Still occcasionally read the one I'm banned on but it's very boring lately.
I found this forum thru a member of another forum who joined this one. "Thank You" to the lady that told me about this forum! It is just plain nice to discuss things with folks on here. Some folks don't agree with a Thread/Reply, while others do and that's ok. One thing for sure, a person should (has to?) know which Threads to reply to and which not to. It can be tough trying to decide to, or not to, reply to a certain Thread, or some ones reply, because the decision can be good or bad or both. I'm on a couple of boating forums as well. I can ask questions about "boating"/power boats from those that have been boating for many more years than we have.
I agree about posting views, Ive learned it's best not to on here unless you agree. I just avoid these posts now, there's no point in getting aggravated when nobody will change their mind anyway.....I've never changed my views because of a post on here so why should others? I guess my passion is gone, I have other forums for that.
I think I spoke of that at one point in the forum but I don't mind doing it again, maybe later today. I'll probably have different answers than I gave last time anyhow, since there was no one reason. My wife and I met in a forum, also. We were both working for the Open Directory Project, a directory now known as DMOZ, which had a private forum for editors and staff to discuss directory issues, but which also had an area where we could discuss off-topic stuff, so we knew one another for years before meeting, and found that we actually were who we seemed to be in the forum, and have been married for seventeen years now. In fact, we both now work for another web directory.
I've met lots of guys on forums, @Gary McNeill being one that I've kept up the friendship with over 10 years. Also falcon. He's visited me numerous times way back when, after my husband died. Also still talk to 3 other Canadian men that I've known for 10 years. Since I'm not looking for a husband, that's not my goal online....just good friends that I can trust.
Steven and I knew each other for almost 3 years on the Family Life Christian Forum before we finally met face to face. Although we both were who we seemed to be also...there were a couple of surprises too. Our going on 13 years of marriage now has been an adventure I wouldn't have missed for the world!
One of the great things (for us, that is) that my wife and I had in common when we met, we were both "marriage minded". We met thru a Personal Ad I had placed in a local magazine.
That's good, Babs...for you. I was blessed with one perfect for me husband and I've found that I won't settle or can't settle on anybody else. Just the way I am. I did try with my ex but I just didn't love him like I loved my husband.....And that always will be the case I think.
I totally understand. If ever lost my wife, there would be no woman that could replace her. I would never marry again. She is, and always will be, the "love of my life"!!