What's Going On?

Katherine:
I'm loving your avatar.  I think it seems clicky, because a lot of the people on here have met one another or have relationships outside of the board.  So there are some "inside jokes."  I started my WLS journey about a year ago and found this avenue for support at the same time.  There are some very supportive people and more importantly informative people here.  So I hope that you continue to lurk and post when you feel comfortable.

Hi Lisa.

Thanks for your response. I guess that's what it is/was....lots of "inside jokes" and stuff, but it looks like things have "simmered down" a bit on that front, and the MD board is heading back in the direction of support and information.

I'm looking forward to becoming more active.

Katherine

Hi Katherine! 
It's great to see you come out of lurkdom!  I lurked too at first and my first avatar camoflaged my identity because I was a bit afraid of these internet communities and how it may affect my privacy since I didn't have much experience with them.  I post in the MD and the DS board and there are of course, like Andy said above, cliques in each board.  That's just the nature of life when there is a large group.  Think about back in school, or the office, or the neighborhood you live in.  Anywhere you go there are people that gravitate toward one another. 
I have felt the same way about the clique factor here in the past. I was turned off because many posts didn't seem to be about WLS and were more OT and about inside jokes etc.  I admit I did feel a bit left out, especially if my post was not replied to.  I decided just to be myself, not worry about it and post whenever I wanted to as well as not post when I wasn't interested.  
Eventually I came to see that because many the folks in our small state of MD genuinely have become friends both on and off the board it sometimes overflows onto the board.  I just don't take it personally, so I hope you don't either. All the get togethers are open to all and I have begun to make plans to attend, although I am anxious and shy about going to something alone to meet with people I have never met in person.  It is really nice to make friends that know what it's like to have WLS .
 I really hope you post here more because the more variety here, the better!  If it were only the same people every day we would all get bored out of our skulls! 

Hi Katherine,
Don't label yourself in any group honey although you know what they say about FRESH MEAT. hehehe KIDDING! I am a NEWBIE and I post whenever I get the chance. I am a super busy daycare owner and Mom to girls who run me crazy but I still try and post atleast once a day. I have not even had my surgery yet but I would hope that I can still be a strong support system for others. I am not in any "Clicks" on here because that was only cool in Jr High. LOL Everyone can fit in on these boards...girl IF I CAN...ANYONE CAN! But ya know there is something sexy about lurking hehehe Ok..too much coffee for me today. (((Hugs)))) After all that rambling I hope you snagged my point. ~Jilly~

Hey Katherine,

It's been my experience that most boards are "clicky" as you put it.  That is not a bad thing, however.  I moved down here from Pennsylvania about a month ago and hopped on this board and was welcomed with open arms.  I fully understood that there was a group of individuals that were the "clique" here, but I made it my business to introduce myself and become one of them.  There is nothing wrong with that.  It was the same way in PA.  That board is MUCH larger than the Maryland board, but they are all part of the clique.  It started out as a small group and everybody, through posts and personal meetings, became very personable with one another.  In fact, the group became so friendly and so large that we decided it wasn't good enough to just chit-chat on the PA board, so we started the PA Pilgrimage.  The PA Pilgrimage is a twice-yearly weekend getaway filled with support groups, guest speakers, venders and a whole lot more.  Very similar to an OH event, just on a smaller level.  Now, Pennsylvania has over 100 members of their "clique". 

I can see the same potential here, we just need the lurkers, such as yourself, to come out of the woodwork and join us.  It really is a very friendly and supportive bunch.  Please, don't be a stranger.  For this group to grow, we need people such as yourself to become regular contributers.  We certainly look forward to welcoming you with open arms.  Have a fantastic day!!!

Andy:
I agree with the lurkers becoming posters.  It is sometimes difficult to make that step.  Being the newbie to a group is intimidating to some.  But everyone has been totally supportive and welcoming since I've been here!

Hi Terri!
I also have gotten used to those familiar faces and posts, although sometimes it's nice to have a break in the "routine" to keep things fresh.  I really like it when a variety of people post here.  The more variety here, the better.  If it were only the same people every day we would all get bored out of our skulls with each other! 
I hope those familiar faces are back here sometime soon. I think you and I felt the same over the weekend and this morning.  The weekend was really slow on the board and I was missing everyone's input since I stayed home this weekend.  But it also gave me a wake up call that I've got to get away from the darn computer more and contact my friends and family on the weekends like I usually do.  Spending time on OH has become addictive for me while I was on vacation last week.  Now that I'm back to work tomorrow I might be posting less, but I will still log on most nights and weekends.  Love ya Terri,

(((Terri)))
What a great post and great feed-back from everyone! :-) Thanks for caring and being you.

~Heather

 Thanks everyone for your kind words and inspiration. Lord knows I am on here 'lurking' enough -- I should just take that next step and post!! You'll see more of me, and I hope I can provide help and support whenever possible.

Katherine