OT: Suggestion for posters

Well I wanted to wait to see what everyone else has to say about this post before I said something. I don't think it is right for someone to come here telling us how to run our (Marchers) board when that person don't even have a date or know if she will or will ever have weight loss surgery. I think that this board is ran great. Like they said before each post have a topic and if you are not interested in the topic then it is your choice not to read it. We are all pre-ops and being that is great support for me. We all are in a way still in the womb, we are learning and unlike the main board we have not had surgery and don't think what we know is the right or only way to see things. I'm sorry if I'm wrong for the things I have said.

BRAVO!!! I'm fairly new to this board and am relieved to find a place that I can just sit back and read and laugh and cherish the joy the Marchers have about being sooooo close to a new life. If the original post was from a fellow Marcher than it would have more credibility in my mind. I didn't even realize it wasn't until I read this last reply. Someone just starting out is not in the same frame of mind that the Marchers are in. As the saying goes - There's a time and place for everything. As Marchers this is our time and our place. All are more than welcome to read and join in, but I don't agree with the criticism. No offense meant, so I hope none is taken.

No offense taken whatsoever. GW

Joann, You are not wrong and you have a perfect right to your opinion. If there are those of you have no issue with this board and you're happy here, then I'm elated! My point is, it's just netiquette to use the "OT" designation because it isn't always clear which posts are about what. I don't need the chit-chat, some of you like it, and that's absolutely fine. I'm happy you like things as they are, but I do believe my suggestion would only help to make things run more smoothly here. GW

Hi everyone, I just finished reading this post in full and I want to add my 2 cents, I love comming here to relax! I am so stressed by the end of my day, which i am sure we all are in one way or another, and i find it comforting to hear "personal triumphs" or acomplishments, failed attempts at a certain thing, like kicking the habit! Or saying good-bye to food! We all have hopes and dreams and concerns and screams even, it what it is all about! I dont think we should have any guidelines as to what to say or how to post it, Just to save someone some time... I think if your really concerned about oneanother you will take the time to skip through the daily posts till you find something that "interests that particular individual". I do alotta skipping here, crying here, laughing here but most of all I relax here so lets lighten up a lil!I enjoy all of you, no matter what you post!!!!! I believe we all share a "certain Bond together" no matter how we post! just my oppinion guys! Mary

Hi Mary, I appreciated your "2 cents" and I enjoyed your post. Great luck with your new life, GW

Georgetta, What would you consider to be "OT" ? Quite frankly, the support that is given here to those who take the time to post is quite On-Topic if you ask me. We (meaning the people who take the time to post and not just lurk -- not that there's not a place for that) have formed quite a family. It may not be jump in your face on-topic such as how much protein should you eat after surgery, but as we are all preops and are equally inexperienced with this, the best thing we can do is support one another through all our ups and downs and that is exactly what we do. I posted recently about passing my psych exam and looking on to my pulmonary testing next week (this is not a meet and potatoes type post, but to me it was relavant to the subject, I just wanted support and cheers) -- would this be considered on or off topic to you. You are wanting to prescreen so as not to waste your precious time in your research which I guess is completely understandable, but you might be missing the point of our board here which is complete support for all who venture in. Sometimes, we (the people who post) get carried away with our Tom-foolery, but there is genuine concern and love here. There are no elite and we all care for one another and offer support whenever it is asked. If you have seen our recent posts, there are a lot of prayer requests, surgical support, emotional support, etc. is this on or off topic as it does not address issues directly related to education of WLS? I just want clarification as to what types of posts you would like to see OT added to it. As to things running more smoothly around here, I was not aware that there was a problem until two lurkers addressed us in a not so nice way. Sorry that we have offended, but how were we (being those of us who post) to know there were some out there that were disgusted with the way this board is run. I hope that you find what you are looking for. Whitney

Ok everyone group ((((HUG)))) Peace Misty

Wow! I'm so stunned by the thread of this message that I'm not even sure where to start. I usually just react without thinking things through but I'm going to try not to do that here because you do NOT want to hear what my FIRST thoughts were. This is a Weight Loss Surgery SUPPORT Message Board. There is nothing that I know of that says that this board has to be strictly about WLS. We are here to support each other in everything, not just the surgery. That means every aspect of our lives. If we are having problems with our children. We can discuss that here. If we are having fears about the surgery. We can discuss that here. If we have a question about the surgery or the process of getting approved. We can discuss that here. If we need prayers for ANYTHING. We can ask for that here. If we want someone to cheer with us for ANY reason, we have that here. We are here to SUPPORT each other. That means in having fun too. I agree with everything everyone else has said. This is a great board! We all care about each other here and we are like family. If you want to be a part of that....GREAT...if not...that is YOUR choice. I do not think that we have to change this board because of one or two people's opinions. You critized Kelley for saying WE in her message. Well, guess what? WE do like it here and WE are the ones who have been posting here and WE are the ones who are having surgery in March. Now, I have been to the Kansas board because I am from Kansas. There is very little going on there. Right now, with my surgery being so close, the joking that we do here along WITH the serious issues, helps the time to pass a little quicker and more pleasant. I get more replys on my posts about serious issues than I do any other board. Why is that????? BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT EACH OTHER!!! I also agree with the statement made to you that if you have a question about WLS ASK IT!!!! We have answered all serious queries to the best of our ability and we will answer your questions too. There is NO reason you need to come in here being critical, YES critical when you haven't even attempted to post a question or find out what you want to know from us. I realize that you had a suggestion in your post but if YOU will go back and read it, it is full of criticism on how YOU think we are using bad "netiquette". The last think I would like to point out is this. You mentioned the other person who posted a disgruntlement on how we post on this site. If you will read the entire thread and later threads you will find that she not only changed her tune BUT she also has joined us and has been embraced by us. I don't think that the MASS of us need to change the way we run this board for ONE person who doesn't even have a surgery date. This board is for people having surgery in March 2004. Are you or are you not in that category???? If you are not, then I don't see that you have any say so whatsoever in how us MARCHERS post here. No offense meant, but that is my honest opinion. Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary (a/k/a CCQC) March Elevener and PROUD to be a Marcher in Newpouch, USA Offishal Assistant Paper Monkey and Secretary Extaordinaire AND Offishal Keeper of the Marcher Title Duty Roster My Angel ==> Amber W. My Angellette ==> Joann B.

Thank you so very much Carrie! Kelley