Kitty,

I think a lot of us are stuck on our own issues and can't see the big picture. I did just come from my session with T and he said (not related directly to this) that we forget everyone may have their own issues happening in their lives that make them react the way they do.

I understand more is yet to come and I understand why moderators and administrators need a forum of their own. They work behind the scenes and need to communicate privately about "stuff". I can also understand, as you said, that people are recognized for their achievements at work, at home, within the community. This recognition is done to make them feel special and that they have done something worthwhile to be recognized and set apart from others for. It's also a way to create incentive. I know I am annoyed by the fact that everyone at work gets the same raise, even though some of us work harder than others. I feel like my efforts, in that situation, are not recognized, because we are all treated the same.

But, this is different. It's excluding people for no appearant reason - yes, I will wait to see what else is coming. I have no personal interaction with Doc John so I cannot put an emotional tag on my thoughts here. I do appreciate what he has provided here - several members have literally saved my life, even if they don't know it. Psych Central has helped me grow in so many ways and allowed my "alters" to express when they haven't been able toanywhere else for 40 years. You can only imagine the psychological impact that has had on my life.

But, I'm asking everyone to understand that exclusion in this particular instance does make a person feel belittled for the efforts that they have been able to provide. Board members have their private meetings and no one likes secrecy. It makes them feel like something is being hiden from them. For me, this exclusion makes me feel like I have no been supportive and don't belong. Yes, my issues. But I feel they have substance, as does everyone else.

Tell me, since this forum is up and running, what do people in this club discuss? Do they talk about us? Yes, I'm sure the mods and admins talk about what goes on in the forums, for our safety. But please fill us in on what happens in this new forum? Are you sharing kudos and affirmations? Thinking of new ways to improve the site? Do you see what I'm getting at? What kind of issues exclude everyone else? If it's the cream of the crop that is allowed in - how are we supposed to feel? And wouldn't we all benefit from that kind of insight?

Respectfully,
Songbird