Aren't we your friends too?

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Originally posted by popcornbird
In general, I do have friends who are my age, or close to my age, and I do enjoy them too, but there is something about people older than me that I love. I think its because the friendship that forms with someone older than you is usually based on respect and understanding, while it is different with those the same age as you.

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I totally agree with this(although I do like the PTers around my age ;))

I also felt a bit bad about catnappers post about seperating us from adults, I would NEVER go in general if there were only teens, as I could easily go to some chat room full of teens which is not my thing, and I am not like alot of people my age, and most of the teens here aren't either.

I just hate being thought of as a "kid" here on PT as some people would say...

Wow, and I really do love and respect the young people here at PT! You know that you are all so dear to me, all of you! I would really hate to see it divided also, because, well I may not always respond, but I am reading and looking at all the great pictures these young people post!

I love you guys, all! There is not a young person here that I don't love and respect to the fullest! Please believe that!

Willie:)

Whew...I finally got to the end of this thread! Good points made all around. I also spend a lot of time posting in Cat General as cats are my passion, and I spend countless hours on the streets rescuing abandoned cats and kittens.(At my time and expense). I also don't hesitate to rescue other animals in need such as sea gulls, dogs, escaped pet birds etc. I also check the New Posts or Todays Active Threads and will read what catches my eye. I enjoy going to see Who's Online and check out what others are reading. I've made the silly mistake of not noting the date a thread was started and end up responding to threads from several years back. :rolleyes: Now I check the post date. I usually check out many different forums, but don't often have the time to do more than a quick skimming of topics. If I find a human interest story involving pets, or other topics, I'll often post them in the catagory most suitable to the story line. I was rather taken aback (aka insulted) when I was PMd by another poster asking "why I'm always posting news stories, people read newspapers". I for one don't, and many of the posted stories are from other countries! If people don't want to read or respond to them that's fine with me. If this person had stopped and done a search of the over thousand posts I've posted, 95% are about my rescues, my special needs cats etc. I have posted about my dogs as well, and don't feel insulted by the number of responses, as Karen said, look at the number of views. I accept that many of us are too busy in our lives to respond to each and every post. I know I am! Jan P.S I found this thread by seeing Who's Online, not from the Cat General link.;)

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Originally posted by bluekat
PCB and others who agree with her, I know what you mean by feeling excluded from the cat people. But I'm not saying that its completely wrong for some general related threads to be in Cat General only. I know some people only post in the cat side, and I see nothing wrong with that. If I only posted on the cat side, I would probably post threads that belong in general in cat general too. Because if you only post on the cat side, then you wouldn't feel as comfortable with the rest of PT that don't post there. And those people might not want to come over to general also, if they're only here because they love cats and only want a cat-related forum.
...
But I do have to agree that the cat side seems more friendly and close...I have never seen a thread there where people were fighting but I have seen a couple in the dog side.

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I completely agree. Some people simply don't have the time to post on all forums and they choose to come to the forum of their choice(be it dog, pet or cat). I know that (for the longest time) since I only had cats, I felt like I only belonged on the "cat side", so to speak. I couldn't relate to any of the dog, other pet threads, so I simply didn't go there.

I've noticed that some people are always only on the "dog side" too, so personally this topic goes both ways. If I can't relate to something, why spend the time when my time is limited?
I'll be honest in saying that I primarily spend all of my time on the "cat side" because that is where I've been since 2001 and that is where I feel comfortable. I do pop occasionally onto the dog side and pet general and general, but not quite as often. Doesn't mean I don't like those animals any less. I love every one, but I just don't have the time to post in every part of the forum. Now that I have a dog, I've looked a little more on the dog side, but since nobody knows me, I don't feel as welcome.

I have been away for quite some time from PT, and I think it was primarily because there were so many threads about non-pet related topics all over the place...and it simply didn't interest me. I have come to Pet Talk to talk about pets, not to always gossip about totoally unrelated things. I do participate in some of the non-pet related topics, but not as much as I do the pet-related topics.
I guess it turned me off for awhile, so when I came back, I just stayed in the cat-related topics because that IS what interests me, ya know? I don't think any member of this forum is intentionally being rude by only being in one part of the forum, I just think they tend to stay where the topics interest them and where they feel comfortable, and I don't see a problem with that. I guess it's because I'm one of those people??!! :rolleyes: :confused:

I just post where I am interested but that doesn't mean I don't look and wish I had the energy to post elsewhere!- I do look at lots of other stuff but i have to keep going or I'd be on pet talk for hours! Right now I am focused on helping my mom's friend's friend find a home for her elderly dog and blind cat- so I will whip through everthing else and post only limited amounts- this one seemed definately worth it! I like doghouse and general and I seek out a lot but even when I'm not busy- I can't reply to everything I look at and am enjoying!! They are all great!

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I agree...I'm 27 and I feel like the 'outsider'. While I feel more comfortable on the cat side as opposed to general, I still have no good friends, no one to PM, no one to chat with on aim, no one to meet with..etc. Guess that's why I pretty much gave up on posting a lot anymore..just basically a lurker now.... Although when I do post something, I seem to get more of a response in Cat General.

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I feel the same way...so all I do is lurk around and just try to reply...I see no use in posting things that go on in my life if no one cares heck they don't even get alot of views....I have been here since January and haven't made one friend....but people say post more, reply more that doesn't matter I posted all the time when I first started and that didn't make a difference.....I'm done whining now so I'm going back to lurking now:D :o

Crystal, I think you are just the sweetest! I would love to see pictures of Katie. I see her in you siggy, so won't you please post some pictures of Katie?

Willie:)

I usually end up lurking on any forum I'm on...mostly because my big *virtual* mouth gets me into trouble :(. I got flamed when I first joined and became a hardcore lurker for fear of offending people. I don't like offending people *I don't like conflict in general* and I'm always afraid of doing that because I see things differently than others. I don't get a lot of negativity on the cat side *probibly because all I post are pix of Remus lol*. I try to post on topics that interest me but I try to keep things nutral. I look at every general forum and the Dog House every day because I enjoy reading all the great stories on here *and the Dog House gets mighty entertaining at times* I find myself lurking over in Cat more just because I have a kitty and I can relate more *also I get helpful advice, being a first time kitty owner I can sure use it sometimes!*

I don't know, I'll probibly end up staying around PT for a long time and posting on occasion. I've been here a while now and really only PM one person. I think that Pen Pal thing is a great idea for developing friendships and generally getting to know people. The getting to know is the hardest part I think, and I think thats why people tend to form cliques and stay on cirtain sides *cat, dog etc.*

DJ, I remember that, but you know I was never offended! It takes a lot to offend me, maybe because I'm old and too busy offending myself! LOL, but anyway, I have not even seen anything to get you in trouble over!

DJ, you are a fine addition to Pet Talk, and I really appreciate you!

Willie:)

QSL got flamed when she first joined in (I think) January too. I had already joined and upset bunyfoofoo (or fufu) and I had been urging QSL to join. She finally did. Then, right away, I stumbled across a thread that upset me and talked Jan into responding as she is the trapper/rescuer in our area but she got hell from everyone on the cat side. I apologized to her repeatedly and eventually it all quieted down, OBVIOUSLY! SO, to those of you who feel ignored, you're not. Jan had to keep at it to win everyones good graces and btw- I don't think I'm exactly "friends" with people here but that is not why I am here- I am here to learn, share, enjoy, exchange, giggle, give giggles if I can, and to prod jan into putting up horrible pictures with ending success stories! I also get caught up in silly arguments that I best stay out of (bunyfufu...bad start)
Well, point is, I don't think anyone need feel unwelcome but since some do, I'm glad it's been voice and maybe it will be recognized in future posts!

To be perfectly honest, I've never once gone into any of the cat forums ... because I don't have a cat. I'm allergic to cats, so I'm never going to own one. It's nothing personal, I just have no connection to or interest in cats.

I post in the dog forums because I have lots of dogs; I read and occasionally post in the pet general forum because I have birds, hamsters and a snake ... and I post in General and Dog House because I like to blab and debate.

So I can certainly understand if someone owns only cats, and has no interest in dogs or politics, that they would never leave the cat forums. I highly doubt it's anything personal on their part, either ... one posts and reads where ones interests lie, that's all. Most of us are incredibly busy, with school, work, kids, pets, etc. We have to use our precious free time wisely.

I wouldn't blow it out of proportion. I'm sure it's not a case of Dog People vs. Cat People or anything like that. We simply post where our interests lie.

I dont know what to say really. I mean I share my house with a main coon kitty, but I never post pics or story's about him. I have 4 times before and got a couple replies. but huh...

This is a odd post. I would infact like to meet some of the cat ppl. Jordan *wolfsoul* is now a "cat" person lol. and she is my best friend..

I just dont venture over to the cat side... I feel out of place.. :o

is it because you don't have a relationship with your kitty the way other cat owners on the cat side do? I mean- some cat owners really do feel akin to their cats like kids! (i do) so if you aren't getting that connection - I can see why you would feel "out of place".

I don't venture over to the cat side much because I don't have a cat. I'm going to get one when I have my own house someday, but for now I have a dog and guinea pig so I'm in PG and DG. The times I have been in CG I do feel out of place, possibly because I am younger then everyone else? (Thats how it seems, I'm 13 and I don't know any one else here that is.....)

I do understand about us playing favorites. I have posted pictures of Snowy or Taffy and have only gotten 1 or 2 replies, while someone who has posted something after me is up to 20. It could possibly be that I'm a 'newbie' and since I haven't been on PT for all that long not a lot of people know me. But sometimes it is upsetting to see Replies:0.

-Chrissy

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Even if people say "You should post more pix"
I do.. then only 3 or 4 people reply and they are always the same people (thank you!!!:D)

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I don't remember feeling unwelcome on the cat side even before I had a kitty. But on the dog side there have been times that I and others have posted pics of our dogs and we get a handful of replies. Other people can post hundreds of pics and get pages of replies and they post more often then we do and yes it does hurt feelings. I am not pointing fingers at the posters or the repliers but it is something that has been on my mind a lot. B/c if makes a person feel like "what is the point in posting, they don't care if I do or if I don't. " I don't know if it is b/c I have made some of the younger generation mad and that is why my threads don't get looked on the dog side or what. I say the younger generation b/c that is over half of Pettalk, especially the doggie side. I do know that I can count on my close friends to reply and see my threads. I don't know if that means I am part of a clique or not. But I do know that there are cliques that I don't belong too. I also realize that sometimes a thread will get put on the 2nd page rather quickly on a busy day. I have a bad habit of only looking at page one. I think that is why the time I posted about Keegan meeting Rocky, only one person replied and I had to bump it up and it got several more replies. But my feelings were hurt for a little bit even tho they probably shouldn't have been.
When I first joined I stuck to the dog side, then I got a kitty and the kitty side then I went to General. I usually check Dog General, Cat General and General.
I hope I haven't made even more people angry, but everyone else was being honest so I decided to also.

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Originally posted by leslie flenner
is it because you don't have a relationship with your kitty the way other cat owners on the cat side do? I mean- some cat owners really do feel akin to their cats like kids! (i do) so if you aren't getting that connection - I can see why you would feel "out of place".

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Well maybe if the cat that lives with me was mine then I would have more of a relationship with him, but he is my brothers.
I personally have never had luck with cats, they always ran away, got hit byu a car, got attacked by wild animals, or were stolen. Even the inside ones... :(.. So I dont really want to own them anymore, it is to painful to loos them.

I only have a short time here at work, and at home, that I'm able to post. I rarely go to anything but the cat side. I would really enjoy reading everything, but is impossible for me. I feel lucky to post as much as I do on the cat side. Sorry!

Well,

I definetly know that I am not well liked here. So I'm kinda afraid to do posting now in fear of people acusing me of lying. I didn't really get off to a very good start.so umm. here i go.


I read some of the posts and noticed that people agree , well most, that the cat side people genrally get along easier. no one is judged by what pet they have. but what about the mistakes that they make? What if one person slips up once. the very first time? does it go unseen? To tell you the truth i am seriously scared to post and thread my ideas now. All because i messed up . I have made two good friends so far who have not judged me. maybe i can find more elswhere?

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Originally posted by popcornbird
what did we do to have the prayer requests for PT'ers that needed them hidden from us, just because the ones who needed prayers were cat people? I know that I have sadly missed out on praying for several members that were ill or had surgery, because their threads were in Cat General. :(

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This was from the very first post and I think its probably the most powerful part of it.

The power of PT prayer has been used by so many here - it is very appropriate to have it in the General thread. A cross-post in the animal specific section would also be ok.

Also, lets not get so hung up on ourselves here, what PCB mentions isn't a PetTalk issue, its a nettiquette issue. For ANY forum like this it is proper ettiquette to put posts in their correct category to assist the reader.

I posted a question in General just yesterday and while I didn't receive an overwhelming number of posts, the ones that I did receive were very thoughtful and appreciated.

(as for why there are more posts in Cats - its because we have a lot of time on our hands because our cats are ignoring us.;) )

K & L
There is no reason to apologize, you do what you can do. We all live very busy lives.

Harmanie, I don't understand what you mean as to you aren't very well liked here, I think that is the first post I have ever seen from you.

I have to agree with Staci, Harmanie I have not come across you before either, and I have been here a while now, maybe you did only post a couple of times and things went wrong, I don't know the reasons, but Just wanted to say, you should give us all another chance, we are a great lot of people who welcome new members with open arms, so don't be afraid no more, hope to see more posts of yours popping up soon ok.:)

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Originally posted by Harmanie
Well,

I definetly know that I am not well liked here. So I'm kinda afraid to do posting now in fear of people acusing me of lying. I didn't really get off to a very good start.so umm. here i go.


I read some of the posts and noticed that people agree , well most, that the cat side people genrally get along easier. no one is judged by what pet they have. but what about the mistakes that they make? What if one person slips up once. the very first time? does it go unseen? To tell you the truth i am seriously scared to post and thread my ideas now. All because i messed up . I have made two good friends so far who have not judged me. maybe i can find more elswhere?

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Harmanie, I read the posts that made you feel unwelcome. They were totally out of line, and I felt very bad for you. I think that we have dealt with so many people looking for trouble lately, that some people at Pet Talk are quick to judge.

I am very sorry that you got off to a rough start. I hope that you stick around at PT. It is a fun place and there are lots of great people here.

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Originally posted by catland
(as for why there are more posts in Cats - its because we have a lot of time on our hands because our cats are ignoring us.;) )

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**LOL**

Catland, you really got it right!!;) :D

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Originally posted by Kfamr
Catnapper, that just kind of made me feel bad. :( I guess I won't post about things going on in my life anymore.... I never saw any problems with you doing such. :(

I don't seee why there's such a need to be seperated by ages. We are all human... age is just a number we carry.

PCB.. please stop taking my thoughts.. it is scaring me. :p

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I agree. Catnapper, I think the whole "Older people dont want to hear about your personal life... and we dont want to hear your nagging" thing was a little harsh... Not to be rude or start a fight. But I think that when teens post about their personal life and are asking for advice, alot of the people replying with good advice are adults. And their advice is usually the best. I never found it a problem with other people posting about their lives.

If you dont want to hear "nagging" or "whining" from teens/kids... then ignore the post.:o

As for me... my best friend is 38 years old. And I am 14. (lmao) It may seem wierd... but we seem to connect better then I and my "kid" friends do!


Carly

Carly I think you are being a tad harsh on catnapper here, she is a lovely person, and I think maybe her comments were taking a bit out of context, perhaps we should give her the chance to explain exactly what she meant., however after re-reading her post I can see why offence could be taken.

Personally I just love hearing about everyone's lifes, their ups and downs, their joys,even their sorrows, not so much of the sorrows, but at least we can offer support and love in those situations.

Age does not even come into it, Everyone has something happening in their lives , they may wish to share, and that is what PT General is all about, so for those of you who felt offended please let her explain and know that I certainly donot feel that way at all, and I am sure many others share my views.

P.S I would just like to add I have posted in Dog General for the first time ever, regarding something I thought was important, everyone is so out-raged about the dogs being poisoned in Greece, but yet when it comes down to it only one person answered and said they would send a letter to the PM of Greece,and only 24 views, so I say put your money where your mouth is. I am really disappointed. This to me is the only way we can get the attention of the Government and protest, it might just work.

Well said, Carole. Kim is a very loving person, and from what I have seen, she is very sweet and very understanding to the young people here. She really is being misunderstood. I have see her react with all, and she is just the sweetest person. Please don't be too harsh on her.

Willie:)

I agree. Kim has three teens herself, so she can't possibly hate kids! I think you all are misunderstanding her.

I think maybe Kim's Choice of words could have been better, but I am certain she would be horrified if she thought she had upset anyone, so let us let Kim speak for herself and re-address the matter perhaps and explain to those who feel offended.

I take back what I said about KIm, and was meaning to post this sooner. She apologized to me Via-PM and let me know she wasn't talking about me at all. :)

My goodness! I DO seem to be misunderstood - GREATLY misunderstood!

I'll try to elaborate... sorry if I was curt before. I meant that there might *possibly* be a second general. One general for EVERYONE, another more like a "club" for the teens to go and really let their hair down and have fun. They could pass along jokes that only they'd get, talk about their music, pass along dating tips, etc. Then they could come to general and post their stories, ask for homework help, ask for prayers, etc.

I think it would be more fun for the younger ones, and enhance their PT experience. I think it would make things easier on the folks that find these types of posts intimidating, therefore enhancing the older population's PT experience.

I wasn't trying to create a young side and an older side. Not at all! I think the younger folk have a big influence on PT and I don't want that to go away. But I know that I am not the only one who gets annoyed when I see a post that I'd label as a "senseless post that wastes my time"... but at the same time I know that post means something real and important to the person posting. Why not have them post that somewhere where they'll have others who relate? Does that make sense? I know I want a place where I can go and get understanding and comisseration. Why couldn't we offer the younger population a place that offers them more substance on PT?

I don't want to hurt ANYONE'S feelings. I think the younger folk need to look at their posts. Are they always "real" posts, or are they "I'm bored, so I'll post something" posts? There's nothing wrong with that in concept, so long as the majority of those reading those types of posts are receptive to those posts. Hence, my concept of the addition of a new board under the general heading for the younger set. I'd personally be excited at the concept of a place to call my own on a board as large as this! I could talk about the teacher out to get me, the cute guy three seats over in science class, and the unfair set of circumstances that led to my horrendous perm :p But then when I would have a serous topic like needing prayers for a family member, or post my latest artwork, I'd put it in general to share with everyone!

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Originally posted by catnapper
One general for EVERYONE, another more like a "club" for the teens to go and really let their hair down and have fun. They could pass along jokes that only they'd get, talk about their music, pass along dating tips, etc. Then they could come to general and post their stories, ask for homework help, ask for prayers, etc. .....

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I, personally, think that is a very good idea.

I agree with the idea for a teen general- there a definately a need for it!
Carole- I too am disappointed by lack of responses re: writing to prime minister but jan has started thread on dog house and moosmom posted site with info (i tried with info jan sent me but it didn't show up right so moosmom did it right!) Anyone here who would like to advocate for the now gone dogs in Athens, go to dog house!

We are all pet lovers, regardless of age.

While I understand your intentions Kim, I just think the *majority* of our teens are treasures and I feel that we shouldn't separate ourselves anymore that we already are. If I don't want to read a post that doesn't interest me, or is by one of the few immature PTers, I just don't read it.

I like us all as one big family, hanging out in the family room. :)

JMO

Well I have done my bit, I just hope others follow, its all very well to say you are horrified then stick your head in the sand.

I must say I am still disappointed that only one person responded, so much for my experience on the Dog side. For those of you on the cat side who feel left out or excluded, I guess I know how you feel, It wasn't that I was even welcomed , just competely ignored.

Kim I think your idea is quite good, maybe it could work, depends on how everyone feels, I guess we can always venture to either if we wish.

Sorry if I was too harsh.

I understand way better what you were saying Catnapper.

I know that EVERYONE on PT is a wonderful person!

I don't really understand why 'kids' (under 18? under 21?) feel so stygmatized by the word 'kids'. You are! It isn't anything to be ashamed of, depressed over, or to take offense at. Face it. You are kids. Others are adults. Some of us are 'old'. Whatever. There is, usually, a certain perspective that comes from age and experience. Not all the time, but, probably most of the time. Yes, we all know REALLY mature 15 year olds, and REALLY immature 40 year olds. (of which I am not one, as I am not 40...he he he).

This is from where I was making my earlier statment about 'clutter' (Robilee). Kids are usually the ones that are doing the "I am bored"..."I hate school"...."My parents are horrible"...or some other eye grabbing title. I stay in Cat most of the time because I know these people better, and am more likely to be interested in what they are posting about, and have come to rely on their titles as accurate. When time is at a premium, I have to resort to this sort of action. I cannot read all threads. I am not interested in all threads. So, when I want to pop on for 10 minutes, and maximize my PT time...I go to Cats. I can count on that to get me what I need, usually. I would welcome a more 'teen' oriented General. Why? It saves me time reviewing the threads, candidly. I am more apt to pop over to General when I don't have to review five pages of 'clutter'. Does that mean I am right? No. It is my opinion. I didn't create this board, and intend to stay here. I modify my behavior by staying in Cats. (This thread was sent to me by someone to see...I don't know that I would have looked at it, otherwise).

I post where I want to post, trying to maintain the topics/categories appropriately. Do I always? No. Do I get upset when others don't? No, I don't even know if I notice it. I don't want there to be 'rules' on whom I connect with, where I connect with, etc. If someone doesn't feel loved here, I suggest they look inward, not outward, for responsibility.

I don't understand though.
There's many adults who make threads "My husband and I are.." "I just got married" "I'm going to get married" "I'm selling my house" "I can't stand my child's teacher" And so on... What's the difference between their threads and the younger people's threads? Yes, I do see some of these threads as annoying and clutter, BUT... not EVERYONE does. No one's making anyone to click on it, and no one's making you read them. It's not hard to scroll past a few of them.

I do not see the point for a "teen general" It will only seperate us more than we already are.

I have made a few threads about my parents.. a few about my school.. and so on. I feel horrible now as if these are not wanted and i'm not allowed to vent about things here anymore. You have no clue how nice it is to vent to PT'ers and recieve loving words of encouragement. It really feels like someone's there and someone care when it *feels* like in real life no one does.


I'm not saying that anyones pointing these fingers at me or anything like that, but I can imagine what others my age feel right now.


I'm not ashamed of being a kid (well, seeing actions of some of my peers I am) but I do dislike when we are seperated or put into catagories. We are human beings too, believe it or not.

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Originally posted by Kfamr
I have made a few threads about my parents.. a few about my school.. and so on. I feel horrible now as if these are not wanted and i'm not allowed to vent about things here anymore.

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I know. I see your point. And, I can only assure you I am NOT directing these comments towards you. I am telling you how I feel, right or wrong. I don't think that changes anything though, does it?