[PasDeDeux]

I am stunned at how many people on some sites not just this one cite online dictionaries and encyclopedias as opposed to actual life experiences...It is sad to see this as I feel many people do not take part in life outside the net.

[nothemama8]

Ohhhh don't think ppl have no out side life I'm here alot and operate a self-help support / workshop group, plus have a mental health support group involving the court system, many of the others here have other various projects IRL I'm sure
Merry Christmas
Angie

some people, unfortunately, haven't been taught the social skills that are required IRL and an online community is so much easier for many, many reasons. they might be homebound, painfully shy, scared of IRL, etc.

there was a time when, a two month period in 2005, that the only life i had was here because i am guessing that i had a nervous breakdown over some IRL situations that were out of my control. so, i believe at times, situational experiences may only allow online communication.

however, i do hope and pray that everyone of us gets healthy enough to do things other than type on a keyboard.......i know my life has improved immensely recently, meds and other stuff, and i'm getting out much, much more.

xoxoxo pat

[Perna]

In a sense, this is "real life" as much as any other. Hard to tell where the line is. I have a life but go to school online and buy many things I buy online; 3D advertising these days always has an URL and about 50% of homes have PCs/online access, etc. I've met IRL people I met first online. I don't use online dictionaries/encyclopedias but only because I'm a researcher so am accustomed to other means for information. In a great many ways it's easier to talk to someone online than in person; especially if you aren't living in a family situation or don't work, etc. I think overall the online experience is helpful to people and a valid piece of IRL.

[bipolar_bear]

Possibly some need to take small steps to have the strength to return to life outside the net. Please do not judge too harshly for there are many people that have life experiences which have brought them here. Be thankful that they have found such a place as this that they can interact with others and have a haven that is safe for them. The friendships that are made here are as real as those made outside this site. Please take care and appreciate your lifestyle which you seem to enjoy.

i do not believe that pasdedeux is "judging" people. i think she stated a very real concern and since this is a community where we can talk about things.......she posted it.

[bipolar_bear]

I am sorry if I misinterrupted your post and I certainly did not mean to come off harshly. Please take care and I encourage you to post your concerns at any time.

[Fuzzybear]

Post deleted by Fuzzybear

i have lots of feelings about the internet. it saddens me that we don't write letters very much any more. we e.mail. at least i do and i'm actually trying to get back to writing friends.

i'll never, ever forget dear KathyAnita telling me last summer to go buy paper plates and quit worrying about washing my dishes when i couldn't do more than crawl around and feed my animals and whine....... she saved my life that day.......and i've never seen her, except for her beautiful spirit here.and i miss her terribly.

i hate the part of the internet that sends spam and intrusive stuff through my e.mail. and i wish that i could shoot those popups....although i now have a program that has pretty much shut them down.

if not FOR the internet, i wouldn't have found PC and made some wonderful online and IRL friends.....and i still have hopes that most of us will be able to get out and about more........but for those who can't.....i send a ton of Christmas love and fayeroe sends slurpy airedale kisses and a tailwag from her cute boxer butt!!!

[bipolar_bear]

Please let it stand that I did not mean to come off creating hurt including PasDeDeux. Do not let this turn into a senseless taking of sides and creating havoc on the site. I have posted my apology and would like it respected for what it states a misinterpretation of what she was trying to say. I don't want to ask to have this post locked but will certainly do what I need to to protect everyone on the site.

[nothemama8]

hey bear you did nothing wrong that I see, lets just say Hurrah for the internet and leave it at that, besides how would all of us have become friends if we didn't come here

bipolar and angie ..........

[Fuzzybear]

Sorry... I wasn't trying to take sides, I guess I wasn't clear and was only stating my opinion.

Take care,
Fuzzy

no problemo......xoxoxo pat

[wisewoman]

I have "met" some very different people online. Many of these people are my friends. I learned about OCD when the internet was new and I had prodigy and paid 10 cents a minute to be on plus the monthly fee. I have had opportunities to extend love and kindness and have it extended to me as well. I am here for a short period about daily. It's cool to not feel so alone.

[nothemama8]

Fuzzy your fine, how else would I have found such a warm cave to party in

[PasDeDeux]

Oh my, I did not once say I am against the net. I make my living as a software consultant . I also did not mention anyone with any form of handicap. Why would anyone automatically think such a thing? Please read MY post again as it was written....and ((PAT)) THANK YOU for knowing my spirit and for pointing out I do not judge

BP BEAR no problem apology accepted and not even needed. I too am glad for the net not only because I make a good living due to it but I have also met some really remarkable people.

That being said, my concern is that so many people have shut out other ways to interact and gather information. I was out of state recently and needed a taxi to the airport because mine did not show up. One of the women I had worked with tried to GOOGLE the taxi company ..sigh...she could not find it. I looked at her and said...DO YOU HAVE A PHONEBOOK? DOH...then we were able to get a taxi
I almost missed my plane. I one of the last few people on the plane...This is ONE example.

Also, I often find it rude when people assume others do not know the meaning of a word and instead of waiting for the listener to say..I am not familiar with that word...they add a link to an online DICTIONARY We do not do this in person or in a handwritten letter. (PAT I miss them too) so why would anyone assume they need to do this online? It's a recent phenomena. It is as if they do not know this is both rude and presumptuous.

I am reminded of an old movie a Woody Allen Flick..I believe..where the main character watches so much TV that he begins to think other people are the size they are on his TV

pasdedeux, i once worked in a teen shelter where almost all of the girls thought they could star in "Coyote Ugly" because they had watched it so much.....they picked up the "affectations" and truly believed.

[Wants2Fly]

It's interesting to hear these observations from a software consultant who spend so much in online, pasdedeux. Food for thought.