Post: #1

This is not a Flounce thread per se, because it's obvious by my nickname... Been there done that.   It's more of "I would like to share an observation before I move on" thread.  I know what I'm about to say will make me a pariah here. But I thinks it's important enough to share for the sake of this forum, and new members that come along...

I was lucky enough to have found LOP, as an alternative to TOP.  It was a breath of fresh air compared to the hate-filled, Nazi tactics, I had seen.  And the vibe was cheerful and welcoming, though many topics that we all, as truth seekers discuss, aren't so cheerful. Besides the occasional trolls.  Debate on all sides seemed to at least attempt to be respectful.

Well after a computer crash, I had been away from the site for several months.  And when I returned, there had been a huge shift in the spirit of the place.  It had turned ugly and hateful.  :(

As a person with more conservative views, it has always been somewhat difficult being so outnumbered.  But it was tolerable being here before.  Yet when I returned, the animosity towards those who share my views, and especially those of faith, was so thick you could taste it!  And the majority of this animosity was coming from, and being instigated by long time, respected members of the forum. 

The whole "Religion Free" weekend then came about, which personally I viewed as supporting those who create much of the problem.  There seemed to be  no tolerance of views of people of Faith, but the Anti-faith views were allowed to continue.  During that time I began to realize that many caring, respectful, members of Faith were just no longer active.  And I could see why, when so many Anti-Faith threads were being spammed, by long time members, who openly admit to trolling.  And the tone of what these members were pushing, was so filled with anger, and animosity.  

Well that weekend worked in silencing many of faith here.  But it seemed to shift the animosity, hate, and spam, to other anti-conservative topics.  And again, all originating from the same group of long time, respected members.... 

Sitting and trying to figure out what changed and how things used to be, I thought about someone who used to be here, that though we had different views, was always classy, and welcoming.

Well this made a light bulb go off in my head, and I remembered a statement made by one of these members during a "Religion Free Weekend" debate....  That religious people on a forum had caused the suicide of his gay friend.  And I responded by saying as tragic as that is, and as wrong as they were, I can't imagine the members of faith, that I knew here, doing that.

And now after a little research I still believe that...

I was not here when she had passed away, and didn't know the story behind it.  But sadly now I do.

She was a friend to many, even myself.  She helped me through a time in my life 4 yrs ago when my Mom's death happened in a way that was extremely traumatic for those that were there.  She helped me realize I was suffering much like someone with PTSD would be.  And though the handful of people that were there, would never even speak about it, that I needed to sit down with my sisters and let it all out.

Quite honestly, I think if I would have held onto that, I wouldn't be here today.

And though our personal views differed, and at times would debate them. She was still always respectful, and most of all welcoming.  Welcoming to everyone!

That's why I can't understand this response of trolling, attacking, and making certain views unwelcome here...  Somehow in her honor?

She was nothing like that!  To me it's the complete opposite of who she was!

I remember a time when new people from the other place would come here... And they would actually be talked through their detox from TOP.  It would be made clear that things are not handled that way here.

Yet now, in what seems to be some type of revenge tactic, they are met here, with the exact same attitudes as there.  Only they are flown under a different flag, and push an opposing view.  But none the less the tactics are the same.  So instead of detoxing and changing how they present their ideas, they continue to carry themselves as if they were still there.  It's looking more and more like TOP.  And as it grows, if this revenge mission doesn't change, I see it turning into it's twin in looks and spirit.

In the spirit of who she was.  I do not see how that honors her memory. 

Maybe, as she pointed out to me, there might be a bit of PTSD going on.  I don't know.  But as an observer, who received the news and shock of it all in a different manner.  I see a huge change of the spirit here.  The welcoming, respectful spirit, that to me encompassed who she was.

So please don't automatically resort to being defensive, and just look at it with an open mind.  Or   
Automatically resort to. Oh no... Everything is fine here!  Sure my perspective may be wrong. But to have been here before, then to have missed the tragedy as it happened, and be here now.  The differences are glaring.

One thing about being without the net for a while, you realize how important it is to step away sometimes and take a break from doom and gloom.

I'm truly sorry if this brought up pain for anyone, it was not my intention.

Take care LOP,  I still love you guys!

Post: #2

Flountastic  Wrote:

This is not a Flounce thread per se, because it's obvious by my nickname... Been there done that.   It's more of "I would like to share an observation before I move on" thread.  I know what I'm about to say will make me a pariah here. But I thinks it's important enough to share for the sake of this forum, and new members that come along...

I was lucky enough to have found LOP, as an alternative to TOP.  It was a breath of fresh air compared to the hate-filled, Nazi tactics, I had seen.  And the vibe was cheerful and welcoming, though many topics that we all, as truth seekers discuss, aren't so cheerful. Besides the occasional trolls.  Debate on all sides seemed to at least attempt to be respectful.

Well after a computer crash, I had been away from the site for several months.  And when I returned, there had been a huge shift in the spirit of the place.  It had turned ugly and hateful.  :(

As a person with more conservative views, it has always been somewhat difficult being so outnumbered.  But it was tolerable being here before.  Yet when I returned, the animosity towards those who share my views, and especially those of faith, was so thick you could taste it!  And the majority of this animosity was coming from, and being instigated by long time, respected members of the forum. 

The whole "Religion Free" weekend then came about, which personally I viewed as supporting those who create much of the problem.  There seemed to be  no tolerance of views of people of Faith, but the Anti-faith views were allowed to continue.  During that time I began to realize that many caring, respectful, members of Faith were just no longer active.  And I could see why, when so many Anti-Faith threads were being spammed, by long time members, who openly admit to trolling.  And the tone of what these members were pushing, was so filled with anger, and animosity.  

Well that weekend worked in silencing many of faith here.  But it seemed to shift the animosity, hate, and spam, to other anti-conservative topics.  And again, all originating from the same group of long time, respected members.... 

Sitting and trying to figure out what changed and how things used to be, I thought about someone who used to be here, that though we had different views, was always classy, and welcoming.

Well this made a light bulb go off in my head, and I remembered a statement made by one of these members during a "Religion Free Weekend" debate....  That religious people on a forum had caused the suicide of his gay friend.  And I responded by saying as tragic as that is, and as wrong as they were, I can't imagine the members of faith, that I knew here, doing that.

And now after a little research I still believe that...

I was not here when she had passed away, and didn't know the story behind it.  But sadly now I do.

She was a friend to many, even myself.  She helped me through a time in my life 4 yrs ago when my Mom's death happened in a way that was extremely traumatic for those that were there.  She helped me realize I was suffering much like someone with PTSD would be.  And though the handful of people that were there, would never even speak about it, that I needed to sit down with my sisters and let it all out.

Quite honestly, I think if I would have held onto that, I wouldn't be here today.

And though our personal views differed, and at times would debate them. She was still always respectful, and most of all welcoming.  Welcoming to everyone!

That's why I can't understand this response of trolling, attacking, and making certain views unwelcome here...  Somehow in her honor?

She was nothing like that!  To me it's the complete opposite of who she was!

I remember a time when new people from the other place would come here... And they would actually be talked through their detox from TOP.  It would be made clear that things are not handled that way here.

Yet now, in what seems to be some type of revenge tactic, they are met here, with the exact same attitudes as there.  Only they are flown under a different flag, and push an opposing view.  But none the less the tactics are the same.  So instead of detoxing and changing how they present their ideas, they continue to carry themselves as if they were still there.  It's looking more and more like TOP.  And as it grows, if this revenge mission doesn't change, I see it turning into it's twin in looks and spirit.

In the spirit of who she was.  I do not see how that honors her memory. 

Maybe, as she pointed out to me, there might be a bit of PTSD going on.  I don't know.  But as an observer, who received the news and shock of it all in a different manner.  I see a huge change of the spirit here.  The welcoming, respectful spirit, that to me encompassed who she was.

So please don't automatically resort to being defensive, and just look at it with an open mind.  Or   
Automatically resort to. Oh no... Everything is fine here!  Sure my perspective may be wrong. But to have been here before, then to have missed the tragedy as it happened, and be here now.  The differences are glaring.

One thing about being without the net for a while, you realize how important it is to step away sometimes and take a break from doom and gloom.

I'm truly sorry if this brought up pain for anyone, it was not my intention.

Take care LOP,  I still love you guys!

What ever need to be done, achieved, overall.. we will be still be here for you.. just remember that..

Post: #3

I stuttered sorry.. you caught me off guard..



We are only a click away.. whatever scenario..

Post: #4

Too long, didn't read. Welcome to the internet, grow thicker skin or GTFO.

Post: #5

LoP Guest  Wrote:

Too long, didn't read. Welcome to the internet, grow thicker skin or GTFO.

Post: #6

Imagine how us originals feel since the intolerant right marched in after being banned elsewhere. What you are feeling is what we felt when some of the more aggressive posters that share your philosophy and dogma brought. Some of us flounced, others stayed b/c of this, some are still away, some too far to return.

Post: #7

Forget the negs and appreciate the povs.. why feel the way they feel when simply ignored, can greatly achieve you a more positive out put on the people who care.. simples!

Post: #8

Some people take the net waaaay too seriously

Post: #9

a good leader brings people together to accomplish the task at hand.

obama has done nothing but divide this country and breed hate.

enough said.

Post: #10

In all fairness for info:
Joined: 12-29-2011


You're not exactly a vet yet. Not hoping you leave, place needs membership. Seriously though....

Post: #11

LoP Guest  Wrote:

a good leader brings people together to accomplish the task at hand.

obama has done nothing but divide this country and breed hate.

enough said.

Check please.

Post: #12

LoP Guest  Wrote:

Some people take the net waaaay too seriously

You take a's waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to seriously!

Post: #13

This op put WAY too much effort into posting on an internet forum.

Post: #14

LoP Guest  Wrote:

LoP Guest  Wrote:

a good leader brings people together to accomplish the task at hand.

obama has done nothing but divide this country and breed hate.

enough said.

Check please.

The cheque is literally in the post, no really it's there..


Oh it bounced again!!

Post: #15

LoP Guest  Wrote:

This op put WAY too much effort into posting on an internet forum.

The OP is talking about something very real that's happened here

As for putting in too much effort, that's the essence of building a successful forum. EFFORT

If no one makes an effort in composing a post, whats the point?