Upon reflection ...

I think the fracas of the last few days can be redeemed if we reflect on what transpired and what we can learn from it. I am offering a couple "lessons learned" (or take-aways as they are called in some organizations) 1) We managed to flush out a few shills that were in deep cover in our midst. When considering what a persons writes, examine it from several angles. What's this person's interests/motives in the discussion. What is not being disclosed is every bit as revealing as it what is being said. Always retain a bit of disbelief when making first contact with a person's ideas . (And yes, even mine) 2) Money does not talk, it screams until it gets its way. Never underestimate the power of economic realities. SM appears to have done so, and the dollar simply held the whip aloft and she quickly kowtowed to it. This ark of support floats on a current of money or at least the prospects of a decent ROI. 3) While we on the Grad Board may have feasted on the carnage, I suspect that the whole matter will change precious little for us. Most of us are long past (if we were ever) being enamored with WLS Super Stars. I don't want to be a Carnie Wilson or even a SM; I want to be the best ME I can be. Be your own hero if one is necessary. What lessons did you learn from the dust-up? Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

What lesson did I learn? Not really a lesson, more like a refresher course on trusting my intuition when it comes to people. Michele

i learned that all the saints on the main board turned into sinners themselves!..for all the support that they can give one another i never in my life saw such a lynch mob if they could of tarred and feathered her they would of. me personally i dont want to be anybody but me. ive always gone to the beat of a differnt drummer...over the 4 years i have exchanged e mails with many people .have gotten bashed..grew titanuim ovaries..im a tuff old broad.ive survived more things in my life than strangers on a message board insulting me .. btw..you are one of my heros and dear friend JoAnn:

i learned that Susan maria is not the person I held in such high regard. I have learned that some people would rather have a few (900) adoring followers and be upheld with a cult like worship than how she treats the other 299,000. I have learned to spend my money more wisely in the future. i have NOT learned to keep my mouth shut when I object strongly to what is going on, no matter how many emails I get from Amy Williams telling me to be quiet.

If Amy sends you some cosmetics in the mail, be sure to check each tube of lipstick for SuperGlue. You just can't trust anyone anymore. (Just kidding, Moderators) Nowhere Man/PH/Jay

Jay, Don't give me any ideas. Amy

Taffy, I thought for sure you would keep quiet about this, We may all have to visit you at "yorkietalk.com!" Be nice to Amy now! She's got to be busy as an accountant at tax time During all of this poo-slinging. I feel bad for her during all of this. She's catching the most crap And I believe in my soul that she has Had nothing to do with SM's crude or this site's complicity In it coming from the Advertising Division of OH. See You round the boards (briefly just as the threads pull) Best Wishes- Dx

I.m sure Amy was just doing her job and as always, she was very sweet and nice when she told me to shut up. LOL, no she didn't really say it that way. It just didn't sit too well with me last night. HUGSS TAFFY. Hey, i think I will change my message board name to that. I like that. Thanks DX

Delores, the post below- http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_grads/postdetail/17436.html?vc=0 Being pulled no doubt, even now.... Best Wishes- Dx

I am a true ditzy tonight. was this link supposed to mean something to me that I am missing. Or, have you gotten me confused with someone else you were trying to enlighten? I read the thread when it was posted. only thing new is the last couple of posts. My, my, what a woman's hormones will do. Thank goodness, I am too old to have raging hormones. Shuttin up now that i've told my age.