posted March 11, 2015 10:43 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ami Anne:
I think safety is the main thing. People have to know they will not be ridiculed, pushed aside or made to feel there is a cliche that does not include them.

---

I would put ALL my money on this. Safety.

I don't post cause whatever I have put down has been invalidated and then I get told "oh, you don't know astrology."

REALLY? I have studied astrology for 21 years and have lots of experience in reading charts etc. My accuracy rate is high and I get told I know crap.

So it boils down to, I'm sick and tired of other people's ego, self righteousness etc.

So I really weight out if I want to post. Most of the time I'm ignored and feel highly invisible here.

So I sit and lurk. One day I may not come back.

I know positivity in a reply was asked of people posting in this thread.

I'm honest and will speak my mind at times.

posted March 11, 2015 10:59 AM            

If ANYONE feels unsafe, e mail me and I will help you!

My email address can be found by clicking on my name in any of the Forums I Mod.

Put it into your own e mail and then send it.

That is how I do it, anyway.

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted March 11, 2015 03:57 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ami Anne:
[b]I would put ALL my money on this. Safety.

If ANYONE feels unsafe, e mail me and I will help you!

My email address can be found by clicking on my name in any of the Forums I Mod.

Put it into your own e mail and then send it.

That is how I do it, anyway.

[/B]

---

posted March 11, 2015 04:34 PM            

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted March 11, 2015 04:41 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sagical:
I would put ALL my money on this. Safety.

I don't post cause whatever I have put down has been invalidated and then I get told "oh, you don't know astrology."

REALLY? I have studied astrology for 21 years and have lots of experience in reading charts etc. My accuracy rate is high and I get told I know crap.

So it boils down to, I'm sick and tired of other people's ego, self righteousness etc.

So I really weight out if I want to post. Most of the time I'm ignored and feel highly invisible here.

So I sit and lurk. One day I may not come back.

I know positivity in a reply was asked of people posting in this thread.

I'm honest and will speak my mind at times.

Some posts don't need any other replies cause most answers have been answered by everybody else.

---

posted March 13, 2015 09:42 PM            

A shout-out to Lexxigramer {{ }} who helped me sooo much in my beginning days.

I stuck pretty much to one thread, in Asteroids Astrology, until I was comfortable. Members would leave "links" that led me to visit the other parts of LL.

Buddies are important: Got comfy here while being playful and getting into rollicking trouble "Dancing" with You-Be-Fred?orGinger?-"Jovian" when I first joined here. We got into the 'song-swapping' thing in that thread, and it just blossomed from there for me.

Thanks to Jovian (and Pixie Jane) for their tech-help.

Our thread (in AA) went on for pages!, until it was basically crashed by a more-adversarial 'personality' who disrupted the sense of 'closeness' we had had there for such a long period of time. ... So, I understand and empathize with little 'cliques' that form...

There's a "fondness" for each other, and "bonding" that occurs, when sharing so much time, sorrow, or celebrations. It would be nice for us to remind ourselves to have more 'awareness' of newer people who may wish to feel included.

(Personally 'most' of you already know about my 'environment' problems here.... I am sad about dropping in, then suddenly having to leave for a while till things even-out... I've always thought that it's not fair to the discussion or group, for me to get intense then 'disappear'... )

I think 'honesty' is also important (in places I chose to post)-- When I edit my posts, I am careful not to 'hurt' the person I responded to by my altering context.

AND, I realize that some threads in 'certain' area are just 'having fun' like a sport to try to tease others, by altering their posts to make someone's comment look silly or reframed to give it a different meaning. (hehheh, I figured you out, SP! hey) ~~ but I guess that's something that newbies learn, eventually, after experience.

It took me a while to 'figure out' that other people can 'instantly' read your postings. I thought I could edit things before too many people would see my postings, and have it 'company ready' when they would come around to visit. *slaps stupid on forehead*

I sorta have it figured out now, that LL is a VERY frequented site, by persons not registered but who are interested in the line of ideas and thoughts some posters have. -- When you think you're 'all alone' with your thoughts? You're actually NOT. People read. Thousands read. People who are not registered... and it creeps me out to think about all the material I'd posted, then deleted, thinking that no one would 'notice' nor care one bit that I had anything important to say, or add to the evolving thoughts about issues in society.

LL is a place to have fun. And LL also has the potential to spread goodwill globally. Such a privilege....

I had a communication writing-technique I'd used that was like throwing paint on an artist's canvas, then forming the picture of my thoughts... I would throw a bunch of phrases, sentences, (basically) 'trigger' words, up on the screen then post it.
THEN later, I would go back in to Edit, to form and shape the paragraphs, etc.
And again, I'd go in once or twice more to finalize what I said.
In Poetry corner? oh my.... I would edit and edit and edit!! omg. I didn't think other people would be reading the words right away. ... but I guess they do, first time.

I was used to another website before joining LL, that had a 'print preview' feature available before posting anything. You could keep doing numerous edits, until you hit the Post.
(I don't have a writing-software package on this computer--- Basically, it's just 'internet'. I do all the composing in tiny printing in this little white box surrounded with pinks, lavenders, and yellow colors! BTW, I LOVE the LL Colors. It's "happy" and light. Other websites use the darker colors, and I've always felt soooo uncomfortable with that. The darker colors are more depressing (to me).

I've had a problem before with never being satisfied with what I wrote. Constant edits. I decided to give myself permission to just flow, and to express my words, and not be as-concerned as I used to be with it's perfection (grammar, etc.). I know I could do a better job. It's been a 'humbling' experience for me to go ahead and post imperfect writings. My main goal is to practice connecting with the world outside of me, in a way that can make a Difference. If I weren't able to edit, or feel that I couldn't change my post if suddenly I realized I 'misspoke', I would feel stifled (on one hand) or panicked (on the other hand). soooo, I thank everyone for letting me be sloppy sometimes (at least, I see it that way).

I want the Lurkers to feel that If they don't register and post because they are 'perfectionist'? -- Then please, don't let that hinder you... go ahead! Try?

And heck! I KNOW that some of you must have those dragon voice-to-print/type softwares?... dang! If I had one of those??? I could talk up a gemmy 'virtual' storm!!! I speak more eloquently than I write sometimes... (um, usually)-- depends on Neptune!!!! the brain-dissolver!! O neppy, gimme my brains back. Mercury got out of air and is now underwater!!! ugh.

I'd like to make a special mention for the general sense of safety and coziness of our LL Poetry and Creative Expressions corner-- Yellow Wax and the Ants. Pearlty, and a general small core of us, engage each other on a variety of levels on the creative works shared-- from deep philosophy, sharing depth-feelings, lyrics to songs, or just be light and playful. I've been very satisfied with my overall experience there, and I would like to encourage 'lurkers' to come join us there-- please add your talent or thoughts, or just *smile* if you like. .... We'd love to Invite you.

Recently I was trying to 'broaden' my internet experience by trying to sign up on some other forums and chat rooms. I've enjoyed listening in on community call-ins, free webinars (Carter Center is marvelous). ... But then there are those like earlier today. Totally maddening experience-- people these days seem to take for granted that 'everyone' knows how to sign up for things. There are NEW people to the internet now, gaining more interest (especially in the Elderly categories), who may need a contact-person. Today, I had a negative experience trying to make contact. I'd really love to start a yt account, even maybe fB, but I need some advice. *grrrr* (My rm is NOT a go-to person). .......

posted March 20, 2015 09:24 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Sagical:
I would put ALL my money on this. Safety.

...

So it boils down to, I'm sick and tired of other people's ego, self righteousness etc.

So I really weight out if I want to post. Most of the time I'm ignored and feel highly invisible here.

So I sit and lurk. One day I may not come back.

....

Some posts don't need any other replies cause most answers have been answered by everybody else.

---

I came across this thread looking for another thread. I'm normally not in this area.

I would second what this user is saying. Before I signed up, this site seems to lack a community vibe unless you are already "in" with certain people. There is definitely a lack of open arms feelings after reading some posts. It still makes me hesitant on posting sometimes.

I haven't had a personal issue with anyone but reading some things did stop me from signing up when I first came across this site.

Some of my thoughts before posting:

Do my posts even matter?

Am I going to be ridiculed because I'm that one oddball that [insert random topic] does or does not apply to?

posted March 21, 2015 12:09 PM            

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted March 21, 2015 12:09 PM            

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted March 22, 2015 12:39 PM            

I am a Mod in the Beginner's Forum.

I will make it my personal pledge to try to make it safe for everyone and if you have a problem, write to me and I will try to help.

My only hard thing is that I am not there as much as I would like, due to having quite a bit of professional work.

However, this Forum may have had one fight in it's entire existence.

Also, the Brown Owl is the same way.

It has had 2 fights in it's entire history.

I will be there as much as I can, but you can, always, write me if you are having a problem and need help

I have been at LL for 6-7 years.

I have learned many lessons from screwing up, which we all have to do.

You don't have to be perfect to be part of this community.

Fights won't kill you and you will emerge stronger because that is life, anywhere lol

However, I want to make you feel safe, as you work your way into this community.

Come and say Hi!

xxxx

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted April 01, 2015 09:31 AM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by geminigal2805:
Hi Randall,
I visit the same jeweller, hotel, restaurant, etc... because I get email wishes on my birthdays and other important days from them. I know I would like to check a different jeweller or a hotel but those emails do make a difference.
And birthday wishes should be where the most number of people interact like astrology 2.0 Almost all of us would like to get wished by more people than by a selected few (especially when we are new to a forum). I remember someone collected my dob but I didnt get a birthday wish on this forum lol.
Instead of two or three mods for beginner's forum I would prefer more mods/opinions. Somehow we feel left out.

---

posted April 01, 2015 09:00 PM            

As in any community, it takes time for someone to become part of it.

Stay with us and in time, I think these feelings will change!

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted April 01, 2015 09:13 PM            

Love your post Mirage!

posted April 05, 2015 07:42 PM            

Encourage any and all comments and acknowledge all responses... even if it is just for a comment that says "Hi" or for having the courage to ask a simple question

Eventually they will become more comfortable and join, hopefully.

----------------------------------------

I know, it's hard to keep up with so many forums, so many threads, so many different conversations and so many members as it is. Perhaps more Mods could help keep track of newer members.

I for one, have been focusing more on the topics than on the people here. I'm trying to change that. (Ha, I'm a bit scattered with Mercury in Sag. and I think a Virgo Mercury would give me a better memory and a greater sense of order. Half the time I can't remember where I post, so when I'm expected to follow up I honestly can't remember, so it's not on purpose.)

posted April 05, 2015 10:58 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Pearlty:

"LL is a place to have fun. And LL also has the potential to spread goodwill globally. Such a privilege.... "

Love your post Mirage!

---

Thanks Pearlty and Randall!

Geminigal! ... I've noticed that about birthdays at LL. Gemmies (especially 'early' ones like you, and me) who were born close to holidays, school breaks, and vacation times tend to get missed or forgotten.

Some 'little sections' of people will post greetings away from our core "front page" here... So these can get missed.

We have had several birthday calendars that were bumped for reminders. New people could add their info, and the OP would 'edit' their data into the list. (Some of the managers of those lists are gone, or changed name.)

Sometimes key people get sick, or very very busy and things/dates slide by. Life Happens!

It's nice when the whole community comes to our "front page" Lindaland Central 2.0 -- to at least do Birthday visits here. It's a kind and friendly thing to honor members of the community we 'share space with' with at least a -- even when you don't know that person yet.

posted April 05, 2015 11:00 PM            

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.

posted April 07, 2015 01:28 PM            

quote:

---

Originally posted by Ami Anne:
Thank you, PS. It is such a privilege to be a part of LL. It helped me climb up from a horribly dark place and I want to give back for all it gave to me.

---

posted April 07, 2015 07:22 PM            

------------------
Want to Read Simple, Fun,Sexy Articles on Astrology? Check Me Out, DUDE.