It can be hurtful

[BOBS DAD]

I don't know how long I've been a member... but it has been longer than the beginning of February (I think, maybe not), I am only now beginning to recognize names and associate with their pets, interests, etc.. I try to view the public profiles so I can know a little bit more about the people and their posts. I think people won't post a reply sometimes if they feel it can be misconstrued or simply they don't know what to say. But they still enjoy browsing. I personally don't like it when people intentionally bump their posts... I like to let them run their course. Also, I love my Bob, but I try to control myself from posting too many photos or always talking about him exclusively. I do agree with you that we should give what we get (I think the Beatles said something like that). If people have responded to me and my posts, then I try to make a point to respond to as many others, if not more.

Truth be told, some posts are simply more interesting than others. Also, back to one of my original points. It is hard for say, an older man (me - 47), a father and a family man to sometimes know what's appropriate to younger members (teens and young adults). With so much internet luring going on (I worry about it with my own kids - 20, 17 & 12), it's hard to know if it is OK to be too cozy. Sometimes I want to say, Happy Birthday, your profile picture is very cute, I used to work in Minnesota, etc., etc., in response to interesting publicly posted info. But then, I say, "better not", might be misconstrued as a pervert trying to lure someone.

So, I think patience is key! The longer you, I and others are members, the more we will see of each other and the more comfortable we will become. I can tell this from viewing (but not always posting replys) the interaction between some of the longer PT members!!!

[finn's mom]

I can see how it would bother you but try to remember that people aren't trying to single you out by not replying, even if they've viewed what you've posted. So, keep in mind that sometimes threads like this can be hurtful to people who view and don't reply, because you are singling out that group of people who do just that, even if you're not pinpointing one particular person or naming names...it goes both ways. And, as someone else said, this is the internet, keep that in mind also. I can't vouche for other's reasons for not replying, but, I can almost guarantee that it's not anything against you personally. And, also, keep in mind, this is not a popularity contest. It's about quality, not quantity. You will have better friends out of this whole situation if you just don't worry so much about numbers of any kind. Good luck and welcome to Pet Talk.