Lurkers Unite!

Hi, my name is Meghan and on the main message board I'm 70% lurker and 30% poster.

I'm also the one that was originally flamed for my response to Heidi.

Her harsh words almost made me stop posting here altogether.

Then I got p*ssed off.  I respond when I feel I can bring something to the party, otherwise I do things I don't normally do in person, I shut up.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for letting me and all the other lurkers out there know that we are not alone in our motives and feelings.  I get so much from OH and when I am able, I return what I can.

I do not agree with Flaming... I believe that if there is a difference of opinion, that it be stated as diplomatically as possible. We are all adults here and should be treated with respect. I do not stand for sugar coating responses, but if someone comes on here and asks MY opinion on something, I will let them know that this is what I think. So before anyone takes an opposite view just to get a reaction,  GET OFF THE PEDESTAL BEFORE YOU FALL AND BUST SOMETHING!! But I digress.... everyone has a right to their opinions. everyone has a right to post or not post. WE ARE NOT BAD PEOPLE because we dont! I just want to get along, but it has become more difficult when the people you look up to are using you for a kicking toy...

I'm a lurker....If it was not for the OH message boards I would not have started my journey to obtain WLS. I do lots of reading and watch from the distance. There are times I want to post something but opt out of hitting the submit button. I will try to come out of lurking even if it is just to wish someone well or say I understand. Thank to everyone here on the OH boards for making people feel loved and welcomed. 

I too am a lurker.  I'm still in the process of fighting ins. for surgery, so I don't have the experience or knowledge to reply to most posts.  I do, however, come to this site on a near daily basis to find answers to my own questions and read posts to gain knowledge on things I'm sure will come up after my surgery.  As has been said before, each person is different.  Some are more "jump in and get involved" others prefer the "watch and listen" approach.  One is not better than the other, they are just different methods of doing things. My one huge problem with this board since day one has been all of the snide and cruel remarks to postings and the "better than thou" attitude of some.  I know that a very small percentage of people do this.  But to someone who is new to the board......it's a huge turn-off. I don't know, maybe my parents raised me differently.  I always follow the "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all rule".  I see no logic in flaming matches and posting wars.  It's childish and a waste of everyone's time..........just my 2 cents. That being said....I love this site!  I have learned so much here.  I love the fact that I get "real life" aspects of WLS and I'm not just getting the stale medical jargon that so many Dr's give.  It's a great place and thanks for letting me be a part of it!

Great post!  It's certainly got the lurkers out,  Hi Everyone! 

I am new here and have been reading/lurking avidly. I don't post because I am a total babe in the woods with this. I have asked a couple of questions and gotten responses. Besides the fact when I post, because I am new it some time takes an hour or more for a moderator to approve it and by then who cares what I said. Sarah I may lurk but I still love and care about all of you. Even if we don't know each other.

Hi Sarah, The first 5 days all new member posts are moderated by the system.  We do try to get them up quickly as possible, usually within a few hours.  We are glad to have you here.  Amy

Thank you for the clarification and the welcome : ) Sarah

I don't post if my response would be redundant.. I help when I can. I pray, and Thank God and I don't always post saying I did or I do.. I don't say often enough tho'..that I appreciate this site and all the support offered here! THANK YOU!!

 I'm 50/50, I do lurk but I also try to make sure I reply to the post looking for support.