Myself,
I think I understand what your saying and what DJ's intention was, of course, he will have to speak for himself.

It is still hurtful to people who have issues with feeling excluded from privelages all of their life. I am pretty sure that was not his intention. Yes, I could whip something up and submit for membership, but what about the people who are constantly feeling judge for what they write and feel? They will not contribute. I will not contribute for that reason - who would want to hear what I have to say and I am no expert - I am here to learn more about interacting with people and feeling safe enough to express myself. It's a huge battle.

And more importantly, I used to feel like I was a contributor because I do my best to support the people here by just being here. Giving a hug or a word or two of encouragement.

I think it's great that DJ is trying to find ways of improving the forum and meeting everyones needs. Maybe the post was just really poorly written - it happens to everyone. I was deleted yesterday for starting a post about this topic - I guess it was poorly written. I was just feeling so hurt and abandonded by someone who started this wonderful place and now feel like I'm not good enough to be here.

Songbird