Has anyone noticed...

[finn's mom]

I'm actually a little bit ashamed of myself for even commenting on this thread. This thread started out pretty innocently, simply stating what this person saw (and a lot of people exaggerate that's something's been "a long time" when it's only been a couple months, young and old alike, it's not a crime) and how this person felt. If you feel that this thread is ridiculous, I just don't understand why it's necessary to post. Especially with the attitude and immaturity that some of the posts had. (And attitude, maturity or lack thereof is in the eyes of the beholder. I'm not pointing out anyone's posts in particular, but if, for a second you think I might be referring to your post...It might not a bad thing if my statement makes you think twice about your own presentation of words.)

People will always post this question. No one is going to have this feeling that Pet Talk is different than the way it used to be, and then, before posting, do a search to make sure the statement hasn't been made already. The question may be the same, but the people are different.

I try to think before I speak (or type), and ask myself these three questions. Are these words necessary? Are these words true? Are these words kind? Now, anyone who knows me at all, knows that I have a really hard time with only speaking things that are necessary, I'm quite the talker. But, I do try very hard to only speak the truth and to only speak kindly. You can still get your point across without negativity.

My answer to the question is that online forums are just like that. Even moreso than "real life." Many people admittedly act differently online, especially shy people who are able to open up in a cyber community as opposed to face to face with strangers. When you bring this many kinds of people, regardless of the common bond of loving pets, the dynamic is bound to be chaotic and unpredictable. Just find your niche. Find the people you feel connected to, and put your energy into them. Funnel any negative energy you might have into something more constructive. Turn off the computer, interact with your pet, go take photos, swim. Whatever it is. I will say this, though. Don't let any part of computer life overtake your life away from it. It's not worth it. If you are physically or mentally capable of separating computer life from your "real life", do that. Especially if and when you feel that this community isn't your "happy place" anymore.

Ok, that's way more than I expected to type. But, it is true and for the most part, it is kind. I'm off my soapbox, now.

[Pawsitive Thinking]

**sigh** I don't know *shakes head* young people these days..................

Great post Reggie, haven't laughed so much in ages

[moosmom]

I will not go into detail of all my feelings on the topic, for I do not really wish to fuel the embers into a full scale fire. So I shall leave it at that

That's my girl, MissZ!! Mature WAAAAAAYYY beyond your years!!

[gini]

I am not sure why I am reading this thread either..........but here I am with my two cents.

If you look for negatives in life - you will always find them...........

But if you look around - search other threads - you will find that Pet Talk is the same wonderful forum it has always been.

There are so many happy threads with fun things to read. There are some serious threads by people who are having a difficult time and the responses are heartwarming.

There are threads of loss and the outpouring of compassion and love is overwhelming.

This forum is what YOU make it.

All I can say is that through this forum I have made some lifetime friends that are a treasure to me and I wouldn't have missed it for anything.

Look for the positive - it's right here!