Do you tend to be different online then in real life? Do you struggle with saying too much or holding back? What things are worthwhile to you for others to share? What could you do without? Just curious.

Karlene

Karpet, if you have an essay in your head about a topic, we may be interested in your thoughts!

There was a big blow up here - I'm glad it has settled down again. I also saw that on another forum. I've been surprised to see 2 different times where someone created a whole on-line story, had a very dramatic circumstance occur, and then use it to defraud other members. That would really take a lot of time and effort to plan and execute a scheme like that. I know most are who they say they are.

I do like to talk about quilting since my only links to a quilting community is on-line, but who wants to hear a play-by-play of ideas, decisions, side-tracks, etc. as you work on each project, unless you are a talented writer, which I am not. So I mainly read. Even with the common interest of quilting, we still come at it from such different perspectives! And it's hard to not share what is going on in your life because I find that effects what I'm making, why, and how long it takes me :)

I do like to write and share what I know, so it's sometimes hard for me not to get too wordy. One thing I do like about this group is that everyone is very, very encouraging. You are all free with your praise and good, practical knowledge that I know is a great benefit to the many new quilters who find their way here. The fact that they stay is a testimony to that.

I like a few easy OT's here and there, like sharing your feelings about the local weather. I wouldn't like someone running their own personal soap opera thread, but I feel good when someone keeps us informed of major developments. Who are we if can't offer a word of support and bits of advice to our quilting buddies?

And I think I might like anybody's thread that detailed a play by play of every little hiccup and decision in making a quilt. As a matter of fact, I'll take this moment to make that very request of anyone willing to take the time. I'm so new to everything I'd give a lot to know a more experienced person's process. :)

I don't think I was here when when the off-topic thing got hot so I don't know what it was all about, but the Conversation page is a great place for anything like that. If you want everyone to see something there, I even think it's OK to post a notice on this Discussions side, with a subject line like "OT: Exercise Plan?". Then in the message part of the post something like "Go to the Conversation page for a discussion about exercise and weight loss." On the Florida Gardening Forum we use the Conversations page often for everything from hurricane discussions, to pet pictures, to health issues, to favorite books and TV shows.

Kate

I was here when the Great Forum War was in full swing (I've been here since the forum was created), and I hope never to see that happen again. I could write a novella about that, LOL, but I won't.

Coming here is a break from my business world & my family world. I have learned more about real quilting then I can express. I feel like I have a board of experts to ask questions and point me in the right direction. As a result, I have purchased books, supplies, and made cyber friends, some I may even meet in real life someday. I am even reading the Elm Creek novels (I am on #3) as a result of the Sylvia's Bridal Sampler posting.

I know I would not be pushing myself to learn different techniques if I was not reading and posting here. This forum has even influenced some of the classes I have taken, simply because of the excitement generated by someone's posting or project.

I absolutely agree that the OT stuff can get out of hand if allowed to. I ranted yesterday about the weather - my bad :-( It kept me from sewing, I'm behind in my blocks, and quilts, and yeah, technically the post should have been in conversations - but frankly I would not have seen it, because there is little activity there. If there was, I would check daily. (On the cooking forum, I know to check there everyday ). It's easy to pass threads if you don't like the subject. I have no problem posting in which ever area we are supposed to. If the moderators move the weather thread to conversations - no big deal to me.
It is nice to have some fluff sometimes - mine just happens to be the white, wet, flakey kind right now -(OT). And I appreciate the warm thoughts.

Karlene, I've always thought you were interesting.
patsy - Diary of a Mad Quilter - --I think a great idea!

This isn't real life; it's not like getting stuck in a face to face conversation. I never understood the complaints against off-topic posts. If something doesn't interest you, skip over it.

When I respond, I usually add some memory or story from my life that relates. You guys are certainly free to skip to the "meat" of the answer.

I like it here. Karpet, post away.

Dianne