i'm going to address the "in crowd" thing first. i think that there are people online, who are the same way they are IRL...they are out there, with posts, questions, suggestions, support, etc,etc. some people are more conservative and tend to not jump right in. what is the saying, "fools jump in where angels fear to tread"...plus some of the posters here, came from another forum, so we already knew each other.

that being said, i have a suggestion for the posters. i've noticed that when someone new is welcomed into the community, not a lot of people acknowledge the "kudo/affirmation" thread for them. i'd really like it, if people did open up more and make the newbies feel at home. AND, before you know it, you'll be jumping around all over the forums, starting threads and kicking it! that's how it's done. the more active you are, the more attention you get.

Doc, the above was more of a general suggestion than something to "change" the forums. i do have one wish, i would like to see a forum where people could discuss topics of their choosing. i know that would be hard to "monitor", but i do agree with some people that there is a need for something a little "harder" than the hugs and such. NOT THAT THERE IS ANYTHING WRONG WITH HUGS!

Thank you, for giving us the opportunity to offer suggestions. Pat