(((((((SongBird))))))))))
I for one would love to read some of your stuff in the newsletter. and yes I understand the battle.

Maybe I don't see a problem with this because I have been in many on line support groups that have had private areas that are not readable but people who are not registered and logged in. PC was actually the first and only group that I have ever been on that did not have a private members area.

Im sorry you are uncomfortable with the idea that in order to gain access to the other forum it requires a submission to the newsletter or monetary support for the site. This is actually a standard proceedure with other non menber areas like NAMI for instance. To have access to their private boards you need to either volunteer some time to a local NAMI agency or a monetary fee. The survivors forum a person has to go through the registration process. Monetay support for the site right now is not a manditory thing but I can see it happening because the site keeps going down from lack of funds to run it. The Ross institute website has a private area as does ISSD and many other on line support groups. and each of those private access areas has some sort of requirement to fullfil in order to gain access to it. So for me this concept that Doc John has added here is just something that has always been done at other on line therapy and support groups. I am amazed that this did not happen sooner. It takes a lot of money to keep this site up and running and not once has Doc John ever said it was manditory to pay a registration fee for the use of this site like so many other sites have had to resort to to keep this place up and running. Those newsletters go out and people who read them donate their time and money to keep this place up and running and free to those that become members here. I personally think those that are willing to put themselves out there helping to keep this site up and running deserves an area that is private. and if it means that for me to gain access to the private forum I have to submit a poem that people can see anyway just by lurking and reading the creative corner then I'll do it. not only will my peom be published in the newsletter but it will actually help keep this place up and running for free for those that cant afford to register at other online support groups that are out there that are now and soon will be registration fee required support groups.

Take care (((((((SongBird)))))))))))