Need a minute to vent about the forum, & advice/links for all newbies inside

I posted more above directly to Lori - might give more insight.

Thanks for the kind words - as I said 'afraid' is too strong a word.  I chose to not live in a fear a long long time ago, however....of course I HAVE fears that I struggle with and I find that sometimes there is not an air on ths board which leaves one wanting to be vulnerable and post fears. 

As a vet here, I have to tell you that I've always though that you were well-spoken and well-prepared for this surgery.  I was really impressed by the interview you had with Dr. Pomp and the posts you made on it.  I thought then, as I do now, "that girl's going to do reeeeeallly well."

I think what separates you, and others like you, from the few noobs that have been doing their own part in sowing the discord around here, is that you did your homework.  You haven't come here trying to suck the forum dry.  On the contrary - you shared some excellent insights from the very beginning, way before your actual surgery.  You've been an active member, contributing support here.  You've given more than you've taken.

I think that anyone posting here needs to recognize that they have to pay in as well as take out from the forum.  You build credit - and credibility - by your actions on the forum.  You've got plenty, chicklet.  Say what you want to say.  You've earned the right.

Thanks.  You make me feel all funny in my tummy.  heehee

I agree that it would be fantastic if we all took responsiblity.  I dunno how to make that happen though?

One of the best quotes I ever heard was this:    Courage isn't fearlessness.   It's the ability to feel the fear and do it anyway.


Oooh I love that! I'm feeling real courageous these days!

Just my $.02...which won't even buy us DSers a candybar!!

Like you and the majority of the vets on here, my time is very precious. I've found myself skipping over "I'm approved" posts and "OT my dog died" posts. Not because I don't care...but because the 3 minutes it takes for me to repond could be better used answering a "why did you choose the DS?" post. So, when I open post after post from the same person who asks the same questions from yesterday (like "I have lost weight in the past 10 minutes...is my DS broken?"), it gets a little frustrating.

And like you, I come on here for more than support. I come here for laughs, entertainment, curiosity and advice. I always have. As a preop, I came here for education. I came here to learn from those who already walked a mile in the shoes I was about to fill. At times, I was so excited, I posted. But most times, I simply read and soaked up the wisdom of others. While the OH search feature sucks...it's a great place to start.

And, also like you, I read the profiles of those on here. The frequent posters were always my main targets because they had a lot of good information to share. LeeAnn was my favorite. Val and you were close behind.

Anyway...I think the tone around here is just sheer frustration. Had these *few* people straggled in apart, it wouldn't have caused such a ruckus. I think having the DS board dive-bombed the way it has been the past couple weeks just ruffled feathers. And, like most things, this too will pass. Our board is constantly evolving.

Your newbie advice is priceless. I hope everyone appreciates it...and USES it!!

Want! (The toaster... really!)

Lori.....thank you so much for your post and the links you included for us newbies.  Despite researching at least 3 hours a day every day for 4.5 months leading up to my surgery, there was no way to find out every little thing and I am grateful that I have received wonderful responses from the folks on here.

Mickie

That toaster is too dang cute for words!  OMG I want one.  :)

I want a bumpersticker that says," I'm so bad even Lori Black has blocked me."

(yeah sure, like my other car really is a Rolls...)