I am about to give up

[G_j]

posting 'important' stories. Please excuse this little rant. I don't often do this.
Frankly I'm getting bored. Below are only a few of the stories I posted very recently to little interest. And yes, I kicked most of them myself a few times, it really didn't make much difference.

And yea, I'm 'whining'. I love DU but maybe I'm wasting my time and should just become a passive lurker. I can't give up visiting DU.
There are many, many people here posting vital information and if one visits often, they can catch these important posts before they die and hopfully give them a bump.

I know this is General Discussion. I mostly gave up writing my own stuff here after I spent many hours describing in detail the grueling battles we have had here with Wallmart developers, what happened when those very people tried to buy out our city council after a number of contentious council meetings where hundreds of citizens showed up to voice their opposition. I wrote about how we filed a lawsuit against the WM developers and then again how they attempted to sue us.
I wrote detailed updates, first hand accounts of one town's bitter struggle against Americas largest private employer and one of the world's largest corporations. I am not Will Pitt. I couldn't compete against the threads about idiot freepers and photos of Bush looking "drunk again?".
I kicked those threads, but they quickly died.
I pretty much stopped writing anything of much detail at that point.
I switched my energy to gleaning the web for compelling and important articles and news. Maybe I'm crazy, but it just seems to me it's becoming more and more futile.

end of rant.. peace

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Iraq now a transit route for Afghan heroin

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/4541387.st...

Lawless Iraq is 'key drug route'

Iraq's borders are hard to police

Drug smugglers exploiting internal chaos in Iraq have turned the country into a transit route for Afghan heroin, an influential drug agency says.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://bellaciao.org/en/article.php3?id_article=6026

Friday 13th May 2005 (09h42) :

The people vs. Bush’s war : Put the war on trial

TESTIMONY FROM: Pablo Paredes, Monica Benderman, Howard Zinn, Dr. Salam Ismael, Jo Wilding, Justin Alexander, Monique Dols, Dahr Jamail, Bill Davis

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
$50 billion more? What happened to the $82 billion we gave you 3 days ago?


from: http://legitgov.org/index.html#breaking_news

What happened to the $82 billion we just gave you three days ago? $50 billion more asked for Iraq, Afghan terror wars 13 May 2005 --The Senate Armed Services Committee has recommended a further $50 billion be set aside for Halliburton <'to fund U.S. military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and the U.S.-declared global war on The proposed new war spending for fiscal 2006, which starts Oct. 1, would push the cost of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and its aftermath toward $250 billion. Three days ago, Congress gave final approval for an $82 billion emergency war-spending bill... Even with such a large, emergency funding measure, the Pentagon has said more money would be needed as early as October. By 2010, war costs could top $500 billion, some experts have projected.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20050...

$50 billion more asked for Iraq, Afghan terror wars

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Conyers: The GOP's Attack On Voting Rights

The GOP's Attack On Voting Rights
by Rep. John Conyers Jr., TomPaine.com

The only election reform bill Republicans want to advance is one that does nothing—or takes us backwards.

http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050513/the_gops_atta...

May 13, 2005

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sr. Chinese Diplomat, Sr. Russian Lawmaker: Korea Nuke Crisis US Fault

http://www.truthout.org/docs_2005/051305Z.shtml

China Says US Impeded North Korea Arms Talks
By Joseph Kahn
The New York Times

Friday 13 May 2005
---
http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/05/12/korcrisiskosache...

Senior Russian Lawmaker Blames North Korea Nuclear Crisis on U.S.

Created: 12.05.2005 14:44 MSK (GMT +3), Updated: 14:44 MSK
MosNews

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Camp Delta : New details of abuse & sexual torture: Several interviews

I've included several interviews w/ Erik Saar:

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,6903,1479040,00.html

Soldier lifts lid on Camp Delta

For the first time, an army insider blows the whistle on human rights abuses at Guantánamo

---
From The 60 Minutes story:

'Sex-Up' Tactics At Gitmo?
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/04/28/60minutes/main691602.shtml

---
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4631899

Guantanamo Tactics, 'Inside the Wire'
by Terry Gross

Fresh Air from WHYY, May 5, 2005 · Former Army sergeant Erik Saar and journalist Viveca Novak, a correspondent for Time magazine. The two have collaborated on the new book, Inside the Wire: A Military Intelligence Soldier's Eyewitness Account of Life at Guantanamo. Saar spent six months at the terrorist detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, from December 2002 to June 2003. He was a military intelligence linguist, translating Arabic for guards and interrogators. During that time, he saw female guards use sexual interrogation tactics on detainees as well as other disturbing practices.

[Goldmund]

1. That's because these posts are so boring.

No personal drama and social intrigue. Blah!

I'm sharing your concern.

[G_j]

9. It was hard for me to post this

as I am not into preaching at people about what they should or shouldn't be interested in. I am just frustrated with the time it takes putting together posts. It is also the nature of a quickly moving forum that stuff gets lost.

It does occasionally irk me that Anne Coulter is more 'popular' a subject that Medea Benjamin or Sibel Edmonds though. :-)

[Goldmund]

14. Not only that...

But if you want a lot of posts, just post a thread that makes people think you MAY be a freeper, and others defend your freedom to say what you said.

Or post about what some freeptard said to you at the mall.

Or something about The Princess. :evilgrin:

I think there's an inherent problem with the whole thread-kicking system: I know for a fact that I myself will read an article like ones you posted and think about it all day and tell everyone I know about it. But it won't necessarily spark a comment right away, so I won't post in a thread like that. Yet I'll post in a stupid thread just because something pissed me off -- and kick it, while threads that are actually the very REASON I come to DU are sinking.

Maybe there could be a function to view threads sorted by the number of views? But then again, it would all depend on how provocative the thread title is. I don't know the solution to this problem.

[The Doctor.]

39. They tried to solve that with "the Greatest Page"...

But I don't grock the contrast.

I like a 'top ten ideas' list.

[jayfish]

79. When DU Switched Over To Its New Software...

last summer, there was a thread "views" counter that tallied how many people visited a thread. There were some tech. problems that got it removed though. I wouldn't mind seeing it make a comeback.

Jay

[nashville_brook]

106. i like the "views" idea --

meatier posts often don't get comments b/c they are by nature, meaty. not much left to say.

maybe break up GD into SUB-GDs with a freep-SUB, a daily whine-SUB and SUBs for important stuff.

[dandrhesse]

122. that's right, lots of us read articles, especially breaking news and have

no comment, that doesn't mean we didn't read it or appreciate it being posted. Some things really require no comment. It is information, good information and in fact if and article is well researched and has sources cited the more likely I would think that little or no comment would be made. Doesn't mean it isn't widely distributed or read

[SoCalDem]

29. I feel your angst too.. I am writing less and less

It always seems funny when a silly "nothing" post I make ends up with hundred of replies and one I really work on, gets a few.. Oh well..I guess we just never know:)

Hang in there..and repost stuff from time to time :)

[G_j]

32. that is funny

and I do have a good hearted laugh at that phenomenon from time to time.
Of course it is completely unrealistic to expect people to even have the time to read all the in-depth stuff. If I'm ever starting to wonder if people have me on ignore, I can post an off-the-cuff observation or sarcastic subject line, which I do sometimes.

[JanMichael]

76. Ditto. I've more or less stopped with what I feel are "meaningful" threads

since people do seem more interested in filth (or at least posting about it) as opposed to hard to digest political theory or socio-economics.

I think the overflow of religion themed flamewars sent me over the edge.

[G_j]

77. beating dead horses?

(what a terrible image!)

nevertheless...

:hi:

[leftchick]

59. I hear ya G j!

But please don't become a lurker! We have talked about this before and I agree it is disheartening. It is bizarre how the photo threads have become so popular. Except the ones I do showing the daily chaos in Iraq. ;)

I truly believe that yours and many other important threads that lack activity are vital to GD. Perhaps we should have an unwritten rule that if you read a thread that is important but can't add to it
(that happens often with me) ya kick it!

Don't leave me hanging here G j!


:loveya:

peace,
lc

[G_j]

69. wouldn't do that

to ya leftchick. :-)

Yep we have talked about this before. I often overlook boosting your important threads on Iraq also. And thanks again. Sometimes I wish we could some these threads on Iraq and 'glue' them. At this point I see very little difference between this and Vietnam. It a terrible badge of shame Bush has hoisted upon America.

Also, I like the phots etc. and think they belong, it is just that the competition can be difficult. Of course we do need a chance to laugh as well as cry.


:rofl: :cry:

[lonestarnot]

88. You can't stop! I depend on you!

[stevedeshazer]

120. With you 100%

Been here for three + years.

My posts on issues sink, but if I post a funny picture of a Bushie, I get hits.

If it bleeds, it leads.

[Dover]

55. A similar thing happens when big stories break, only to sink to the

back of major newspapers, if that. There is clearly NO interest by either political party OR the media to focus on any of these stories for more than a week before tossing it on the fire. Is there a pattern here? The result is a certain "outrage fatigue" (similar to battle fatigue) which is becoming very common and is effective in a feeling of citizen impotence to effect change of any kind. VERY successful technique, apparently.

There is no mechanism in our society right now to respond to the lies and lawlessness. Who will enforce our laws? Certainly not the politicians (with a few exceptions), the courts, the Pentagon, the CIA/FBI and other intelligence agencies, the Corporations, the police.....etc.

So please don't get your nose too out of joint if people have seemed to lose interest or are choosing their battles more carefully.

[Qanisqineq]

2. if it makes you feel any better

I would rather read any of those stories over stories about Bush looking drunk or "they are falling apart at the seams!!!!". Even though I mostly lurk in GD, I'd rather there were more things of substance to read.

[G_j]

25. I also am fond of GD

because this is where the 'energy' is. It also makes it harder to focus, the nature of the beast.

thanks for kind comment :-)

[grasswire]

3. for a while....

...DU had a feature where one could see how many people had visited a thread. The number was astronomically higher than the number of people who posted in the thread. That feature was turned off because of the bandwidth requirement, but you could see the same phenomenon if you visit freerepublic.com. Often a thread has more than a thousand page views and just a handful of posts.

So I don't think that post count is a measure of interest.

That said, I agree that far too many important stories get lost on GD and GD politic. I don't know what the answer is to that.

[Goldmund]

6. The problem is...

...that without posts, a thread sinks, and then doesn't get viewed any longer.

By the way, that's why I avoid posting poll threads. People just come in and vote, and the thread sinks.

I wonder what the admins would think about making poll threads kick after a vote.

[WHAT]

114. or, maybe...

there could be a kick function at the bottom of the opening post to indicate that you read it and found it meaningful/insightful. Such a function could indicate viewership without necessitating a "kick" response; in other words, it would be a populist "sticky".

I haven't gotten to the bottom of the thread, yet, so maybe someone else has mentioned this...

[paineinthearse]

20. Complimentary thought

DU runs on a democratic principle. Views do nothing to a post. It is only where there is a reply does it go to the top of the heap.

Bottom line, if you read a post of substance and interest, post a reply, even a short one, else it will head into the abyss.

[porkrind]

111. I think views do something for a post

Having people view the page and read about it is the whole point of a post. Even if nobody responds, a thousand people might have read it. I think it's worth it to write something up for a thousand views, don't you?

[Spiffarino]

137. I understand the idea, but it lacks something important

I, like many people, try to read most of the replies as they often contain additional important or interesting information. IMO, too many threads are inundated with meaningless replies. If it's a topic that requires more than a simple "thank you" or a kick, "me too" replies can really make a thread suck. As many have already said, some posts are so complete, they need little if any additional commentary.

I agree completely with the times-read idea. However, I would prefer being able to sort by the number of times a thread gets read, then allow the user to set it as a forum preference. I'm on a forum with that feature and it's a great way - though by no means perfect - to find the really good stuff.

[G_j]

26. yes and I'm

sure Skinner and many of us have thought about this many times.
There is so much amazing passion and energy here.
If one could harness it they could probably power a spaceship to Mars.

[lala_rawraw]

4. I read those... I just don't always comment...

I am sorry, I will try to comment more. Thank you for posting:D

[G_j]

30. thank you also

I am no better than anyone else about commenting.
& I read your posts often too.

[spooky3]

49. What she said goes for me too. Thanks, G_j.

[babylonsister]

5. Too much info at one time. Something that would really

bite someone would be better, not that your stories/truth are bad! One at a time, and blow it out!

[Goldmund]

7. He already tried one at a time, that's what he's saying

:)

[G_j]

15. actually

you gave me an idea.
It might work better to put together some compilation posts of compelling stories of the week or something. I know it's been done before, but it may be more practical.
:think:

[spindoctor]

8. Just keep 'm coming..

Lala is right. Stories like these don't always call for comment. You're providing a great public service.

Thanks

[G_j]

10. thanks

simple as that sounds, it is good to hear.

Folks that have been around here know I try my best to find good stuff. :-)

[BeHereNow]

16. Would it help you to know...

When I log in to DU, you are among several posters
that I look for first?
I don't always reply, but I read everything you post.
Sometimes there is just nothing to say-
but I will kick!
BHN

[G_j]

28. that is

a great compliment to me coming from you, because I always check your posts out also. thanks BHN! :-)

[BeHereNow]

31. Hey you-

Hope you know: :loveya:
If you ever need: :hug:
:pals:
:blush:
BHN

[G_j]

37. :-)

& you too
:loveya:
If you ever need: :hug:
:pals:
:blush:

[Karenina]

52. And you do an excellent job!

THANK YOU!!! I ALWAYS read your posts!!! :loveya:

[G_j]

74. and just between you & I... lol

you have saved many a post from the cobwebs.
I personally owe you a big heart-felt thanks!!!
:toast: :loveya:

[knowbody0]

11. i can only speak for myself

i read everything on this forum. i miss the enthusiasm we all had prior to the elections, and it truly seems like very important threads do indeed disappear, that there is a serious lack of dialog.
today's reality is horrific and i say it is time for all of us to take to the streets with our rage against the current administration. i believe it will come to that.
thank you for all of your work. i look forward to your posts, and hope that you do not give up.

[G_j]

35. I very much agree with you

I watched a documentary on Howard Zinn recently and also listened again to MLK's "Beyond Vietnam" speech. It really struck me that we could be putting ourselves more on the line, as in nonviolent civil disobedience and active resistance. I think the time has come to gather some courage and take more risks.

[Spiffarino]

138. Amen to that

It's time to get more involved in our fair mountain town. Heck, we still have Chainsaw Charlie in power...what better reason could we have to take to the streets than that miserable dirtbag?

And please don't stop. I'll make more of an effort to find your postings and give 'em a :kick:

[murielm99]

12. You are doing a great service to DU.

I read your threads, but I don't always comment.

I will try to say more in the future.

[ismnotwasm]

13. Please don't give up

I often don't reply to what I read because I don't know enough about the subject, or I'm pressed for time. I really not a very good on-line community person. (I mean I've been around for a little while, but can't get that ol' post count up.)Those links are very much what I'm interested in, I'll try and devote a little more time and attention, and at least "kick" the thread. I love DU too, even though I read far more than I post. You are doing far more work on this board than I am. I'm kind of computer illiterate, but not stupid so I don't really have an excuse.

[G_j]

21. part of the delema is that

I don't think anyone really needs to respond unless they feel compelled too. I think I'm just experiencing a frustration with everything and DU becomes an intense focal point. I read countless accounts of the creeping fascism, abuse, lies and terrible crimes and I secretly want lurkers to tune in and start to think about these things. That is why my post is a 'rant'.

Please don't take it personally. I know that there are people like you who deeply care about our world and country. Most of us wouldn't be here if we didn't.

[lebkuchen]

17. Consider yourself a DU historian

Those articles will come up on DU searches by those (to include reporters, me, or yourself) doing historical research/writing letters/fact checking, and so forth. Several are saved on posters' personal "favorites" or are forwarded to others.

DU used to have a count system, tallying the number of times a post had been opened. You'd be surprised at the number of reads vs. the lack of responses.

DU's archival system is worth the price of admission. Try to ignore response counts and think of your posts as additions to the DU Library of Congress.

[necso]

18. IMO, you shouldn't judge your posts

by the number of replies. Some considerably larger number of people are probably reading them. But there is so much shit going down that no one can open the door to discussion on everything important (which responding does -- at least to some degree -- and if you aren't prepared to ignore responders).

And I would bet that readers significantly outnumber (even occassional) participants generally.

I have found that the best way to use this board is to review (and keep up on) the main index. It doesn't take that much time if you just read thread titles to see what's new -- and only follow some subset.

But, yeah, there are an awful lot of light-weight and repetitive threads. However, considering how little it takes to become a thread-creator here, and how diverse people's motivations are for doing so, it would be difficult to do much about this.

(Although most of this reply duplicates another response, since you are looking for reassurance, I will post it anyway -- which I usually don't in that circumstance.)

[G_j]

40. I appreciate your input

on how you approach DU. It is interesting how various people view DU.
I've just started checking the greatest page first, which is something I often forget about.

[electricray]

19. Please don't give up

I am just getting started and I need posts like yours to give me the knowledge that I need to post intelligent, well-thought-out posts in the future.

[paineinthearse]

22. The front page phenomenon

I call it "the front page phenomenon". People will read and reply, but over several minutes it may go to page 2. What that occurs, it is hightly unlikely it will be seen again, sinking into oblivion.

That I why I sometimes "bottom" fish for posts by people I know to produce quality information and a zero or low response number.

Try it, you'll be surprised what you'll find on page 2 or 3 on n.

[SoCalDem]

36. Sometimes I START on the last page and work backwards

You can resurrect some good threads that way...:)

[shance]

23. You are a tremendous asset G-j***We thank you for it!!

I always look forward to your posts. You provide insight and enlightening thoughts and references.

I do know it gets difficult at times.

Please know there are many of us who value and appreciate your posts!!

Peace and hugs***

:)

[G_j]

41. Hi shance!

it's been awhile. It's really good to hear from you. I remember some very wise words that you have offered here. Glad you're still around.
Hope all is well with you.
peace and hugs

[Liberty Belle]

24. Please keep posting. I've read some of those threads and posted

at least two of those excerpts in a progressive newsletter that I publish, so this news was seen by all of my subscribers.

Let's all try to post comments or at least kick threads with important news, so they don't sink below the Michael Jackson and runaway bride threads.

[DrDebug]

45. I agree with you

The point is that important news and especially the stories about Iraq tend to disappear quickly from the page often with little or no reply.

That doesn't mean that they are not of any interest. I think they are very important, but it's usually the kinds of story where you can't really reply.

There is one just like that on LBN ( Diyala Governor Survives Baqouba Bomb Blasts That Kill 4 Iraqis, Injure 37 ). It is about to go to page 2 with 0 replies. The point is that I don't have an immediate reply either.

Anyway G_J I have read a lot of your posts and like many here I fullheartily agree that you make very valuable posts. I'll be the last to tell you what to do because I am not actively looking for news either, so I hardly ever start posts and it would be hypocritical of me to say that you are should be continue, but a lot of your posts were read even though I didn't reply.

[Lady Effingbroke]

27. Please don't give up!

The articles you post are very substantive and informative, and while I don't post very often, I do read many articles here and take the iformation away from DU to be used in daily life.

Keep up the good work! :pals:

[G_j]

46. Keep up the good work

you too!! :-)

[TreasonousBastard]

33. Your rant is well taken, and...

you're certainly not the first one to complain.

You have undoubtedly noticed that this thread has probably garnered more replies than those others combined. Amazing, isn't it.

I remember Sparosnare and GirlinContempt screaming about the same thing recently, and I'm sure there were others I didn't see. In both cases, the rant got more responses than the original posts.

Go figure...

Like the others who answered, I have no solution but the problem is obvious-- There's just so much traffic in GD that things sink all too fast, even if kicked. It takes a couple of hundred posts to keep a thread in view for more than a day or two. You notice that they increased the pages from 10 to 20 a while back, but it hasn't helped much.

The Greatest is a great idea, but it only catches a few of the good ones.

Myself, I spend a lot more time in this place than I should, but only get to see a small percentage of the stuff flying through, and feel I have something worthwhile to say on only a few of those.

[Book Lover]

34. Post in Forums or Groups

There is tighter focus there. GD is like the front porch; everybody's here and the din can overwhelm.

[Digit]

38. I am guilty of that

I read a post and agree, but I don't add anything to the discussion. That is just the way it is.
My writing ability is not the best, so I don't always comment on posts I see....I may kick them tho.

[G2099]

42. The Reason May Be That . . .

People are giving up, more and more and resigning themselves to the fact that there is not much, we the powerless people can do.

It's sort of like peeps consider the subject matter just over their ability to do anything about or change so why bother reading about or discussing it?

But just the fact that the titles are there in the index makes a difference - it shows we are awake and aware and on the ball.

[G_j]

44. you are right

and I think I want to start thinking about what we can do to counteract the debilitating weight we are all feeling.
I've been finding myself turning to the writings of MLK and Howard Zinn (as well as a few others) one more time.
Perhaps it's time for less talk and more action after all.
:think:

[NJCher]

48. I strongly disagree with that

People here are not giving up--far from it.

I often read these compilations but often am overwhelmed at knowing where to start with the commentary. And I teach college writing!

So if a "professional" is often overwhelmed, think about what it's like for someone who, like Digit says above, doesn't have the best of writing skills.

I've posted first on some of these threads and when they sink, I have the same reaction as G_j. Why bother?

So yes, this really is a problem and I would like to see it addressed.


Cher

p.s. I get a laugh out of the "is bush drunk" photo threads, etc. We need the lighter stuff, considering the magnitude of what we're dealing with here. How, though, can we make it so that this material doesn't make the more substantive disappear?

[EFerrari]

50. I agree with you, Cher. We need both.

Maybe we should try to kick the threads that make us "think all day" -- where "kick" is code for "thanks". :)

[lostnfound]

82. I am NOT giving up. Like many, I am searching for ways to be effective

and when I'm not feeling creative, that sometimes means nothing more than getting informed and passing it on to others.

I never feel that it's enough but I have some little kernel of faith and hope that whispers to me to keep trying.

I take issue with your post though..you said "resigning themselves to the fact that there is not much, we the powerless people can do." Maybe you meant "resigning themselves to the MYTH that there is not much, we the powerless people can do"??
;)

[leftofthedial]

43. great subjects

I don't remember seeing them.

If I did see them, I'd be interested.

[EFerrari]

47. kick

:kick:

[Swamp Rat]

51. I read your posts

:)

[H2O Man]

66. Nice peace sign!

I also read them -- while I almost never read the threads about the nonsense that seems to often result in longer threads.

You can only take responsibility for yourself. Write the stories that you feel are important. Tell the truth to the best of your ability. That's your "job."

Never assume that having few responses translates into having few readers. I think it's natural to want our "own" threads to get good responses; I know that I do. But because that isn't the way it often works, we have to make one of three choices: to not post as often; to post about Ann Coulter and other nonsense; or to accept that we should continue to try our best to tell the truth on important subjects, and recognize that as our guide .... rather than what we believe is the response.

Keep up the good work.

[Swamp Rat]

115. Thanks

I especially appreciate your posts. You keep up the good work too!

Now let me do what I do: kick good posts with pics of Ann Coulter. :D

[H2O Man]

124. My face hurts

from laughing at that Ann Coulter!!!! Sometimes, when I think about how the corporate media has betrayed America .... I almost wish I were young enough (and fast enough) to go out and partake in a tad bit of monkey warfare .... graffiti, street art, pasting copies of the green Ann C here and there .... ah, if I were not an old man, I'd be running off a couple dozen copies right now!

[Swamp Rat]

126. LOL! My face hurt too! ... "monkey warfare!"

:rofl:

That's what I do: photo vandalism! :evilgrin:

Now that exams are over, I've been able to go back to "work." Here's my latest:

[H2O Man]

129. There's something about

making people laugh at a Bush or a Cheney that is magic: it lowers any level of respect for the target. Gosh, thinking about it reminds me of the YIPPIES! I think your artwork is something of a tribute to Abbie Hoffman, who knew the power of laughter could be used to our advantage.

[Swamp Rat]

132. "The power of laughter." Bingo!

That's our most effective weapon at the moment, at least for me. You are very kind to associate me with Abbie Hoffman... "you're a better man than I, Gunga Din."

[democrank]

53. Don`t give up.

I value your posts and glean vital information from them. In fact, once I sign in, I look to see what you`ve written. Like you, my mind is occupied with serious issues, so after reading about torture planes or two more Marines getting killed, it`s hard to transition to a post about some foolishness. Perhaps my frustration stems from wanting to do something constructive rather than sit back and let someone else worry about it.

It is frustrating to watch posts with valuable information sink like a ton of bricks in a matter of minutes, but that`s the system we have here. From now on, I`ll try harder to respond to your posts and others.

Thanks for what you do here.

[zippy890]

54. I read your posts - don't stop

:kick:

[Dover]

56. A similar thing happens when big stories break, only to sink to the

back of major newspapers, if they make it to print at all. With few exceptions, there is clearly NO interest by either political party OR the media to focus on any of these stories for more than a week before tossing it on the fire. Is there a pattern here? The result is "outrage fatigue" (similar to battle fatigue) which is becoming very effective in leaving citizens feeling impotent to effect change of any kind. VERY successful technique, apparently.

There are few mechanisms in our society right now to publicly respond to the lies and lawlessness. Who will enforce our laws? Certainly not the politicians (with a few exceptions), the courts, the Pentagon, the CIA/FBI and other intelligence agencies, the Corporations, the police.....etc.

So please don't get your nose too out of joint if people have seemed to lose interest or are choosing their battles more carefully. Your research is important nonetheless, and is probably read more than it is responded to, and even "collected" by those who are trying to put this puzzle together.

Giving up is not the answer. But perhaps we should all consider another means of responding to preserve our energies for the main battles and maintain a sense of empowerment.

[mopaul]

57. i appreciate your compilations.

the scandals are coming so fast and furious, who can keep up? but i appreciate your efforts.

[EFerrari]

58. I think this is purposeful

Like setting multiple fires to dilute the first responders' effectiveness.

[G_j]

72. mopaul, I love your posts

you help keep this place lively with your passion and you help put an honest human face onto this strange cyber meeting place.
I always check your posts out because they prompt some great discussions.

[sweetheart]

60. "give up" is the new meme projected by the repukes

Give up the filibuster and vote up or down.
Give up opposing the war, we're in for the long haul.
Give up caring, because you are "owned".
Give up, slave, and get back to the fields.

It is increasingly repeated here, this "give up" feeling, and you
are one of the sensitives who is catching this from the republican
malaise, like a virus spreading in the public common.

Frankly, Global Justice, i like to hear "your" thoughts much more than
the repeated news stories of MSM, however significant, or your take on
them. You have a penetrating and heartfelt insight that is so much
more empowering than the flat POV's of other writers, and increasingly,
the failure we have from MSM is 'no journalism'.

Rather the MSM just posits situations, "this happened", and is not
able to contribute any depth or comprehension, and that is where you
really make a difference.

As someone who most always writes my own essays, i empathize that it
seems a futile exercise. People are zoned out by the television, and
want their news to be entertaining, or have happy endings like in
the cinema... and writing is inevitably to be a bearer of bad news,
or news nobody wants to hear, and "hate the messenger" is part of
the republican meme.

Basically, you know you've posted a good one here on DU, when a wave
of hate comes back across the psychic airwaves. It means that, for
better or worse, persons are woken up a bit, if not to do anything
but slap down something, ignore it, or reply with "give up" apathy
that was not there in the original inspiration to discuss and awaken
knowledge through interaction.

By writing, our sensitive persons become objectified, and people are
ruthless with objects of entertainment. That energy rubs off, that i
often, when feeling those same feelings you mention, walk down to the
ocean and dip my hands in to the cold ocean, to feel the pure
vigour of the intensity of the earth, that it is she whom i owe my
life to, no matter what anyone on DU thinks about it. I will not
give up.

[DemonFighterLives]

65. What she/he said ^

Always enjoy your posts GJ. GD is a busy place and posters come in at different times. Someone coming in 12 hours later could find important threads 5 pages back.
I for one may not add the most profound things but will kick and add 2 cents to topics of interest.
It takes all 70,000 of us to make DU. I'm just here to add weight or width and breadth to the community.
:kick:
Hang in there brother undergrounder! :grouphug:

[G_j]

71. hey SH

as always, you have taken the time to express yourself in a thoughtful way. I always get something from reading your observations.
You have a way of penetrating a topic and offering the opportunity to look deeper or from a fresh angle. I sort of see you as our Zen master in residence. no kidding
Sure I know you may not technically be that, but then again maybe you are. :-) I don't always agree with you, but you get me thinking.
Thanks for the encouragement to write more.
I am a slow awkward typist, so I usually keep it short, but I think it is good for a lot of us to express more of our personal experience and POVs.

[unhappycamper]

61. 11 nominations for greatest. Pretty decent for a rant.

leftchick's "Perhaps we should have an unwritten rule that if you read a thread that is important but can't add to it (that happens often with me) ya kick it!" is a great idea. I'm trying to get out of the one liner habit - could a simple kick post be excluded from your post count?

Keep them cards and letters coming.

[Disturbed]

63. Yup, happens to me, as well.

I try to think of provacitive titles and something that will be different and interesting. Some go and some don't.

Don't give up. Keep workin' on it. ;0)

[mogster]

62. I always see your posts as important

And they are of great value, I think. Especially Sibel Edmonds updates.

I read your posts when I see them, but I'm not always answering (=kicking). I'll try to do that more often.

Apart from that, what you're describing is the biggest problem with the DU IMHO; that the posts disappear too quickly and kinda 'discourages' putting a lot of work into the writing.

Alas; it is the price to pay for being in a successful forum, no? :-)

[0007]

64. I hear you loud and clear.

I too am losing interest in posting because of the attitude of the board. Like another poster said, "when I work hard to post something worthwhile, only a few answer, and when I post something of nothing, hundreds of replies come in."

I'm up and down from day today. I'll still keep pugging because I like many folks that post here and YOU are one of them.

[EFerrari]

67. Sunday morning kick

:kick:

[oasis]

68. Please stay with it. Your efforts are important and appreciated. (eom)

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

70. They're not of the same importance as the "Runaway Bride", or

Michael Jackson and his wardrobe, or what Laura said on Oprah.

But, I look forward to, read, and frequently comment on your posts.

Stick with it, please, for those of us not dazzled by the Enquirer minded posters.

[many a good man]

73. People like you

are what make DU so great!

You provide an invaluable service. I apologize for not giving you (and people like you) more feedback and appreciation.

I lurk more than post and rarely start new threads. I am a parasite. I feed off the content you put so much work into compiling. You do it for free. You do it to spread illumination. You are making a tremendous positive contribution.

Maybe DU threads should post click counts so people can see the ones that draw a lot of interest, if not a lot of responses. I bet you're always near the top!

:kick:

[atommom]

75. It is frustrating... but don't stop posting the good stuff.

On a larger scale, that's what happened to MSM. They started pruning away the stuff that was too "heavy", too challenging, not sexy enough .... and you see what kind of dreck we were left with!

[spooky3]

78. Therapy/need for comfort vs. more troubling info

I hope this isn't a repeat of what someone else has said (I didn't see it in the replies but I may have missed something).

I thought more about this since yesterday and came up with this hypothesis. I think a lot of people come to DU for "therapy" or just to be reassured that they're not going crazy. Many who live in Red States may be surrounded by people whose views are so different from theirs, that they begin to question themselves. Those in Blue States are stunned and frustrated that people don't rise up in objection to the outrages the Rethugs push every day. Coming to DU lets us know that there are MANY people who think as we do (or are even more liberal/outraged/informed/sensible, etc.) and that social connection, and the clever and humorous lightweight posts, really help. Since we're surrounded by bad news in the media (or lack of good news), which drains the resolve, one has to have a lot of strength of mind and remaining mental energy to process the thought-provoking and informative posts, such as yours, telling us we don't know the half of it. So people may sometimes try to avoid having to confront this.

Just a thought.

[atommom]

81. Great observation! I do often come here for relief.

I live in Kansas, y'know. :banghead:

[spooky3]

96. thanks--and hang in there!

[salin]

80. as Peter Gabrielle's song says "Don't Give Up..."

Not around nearly as much - but don't stop posting the important stories. Please.

btw, I missed all that you wrote about your Wallmart struggles. But having read your recap ... I am dying to know... where does it stand? Were you all successful? Did you compile your writings on this - I would bet that as an "activism diary" there would be many - esp those in towns about to be best upon by Wallyworld that would find it very helpful.

[G_j]

85. ithe battle went on for a long time, we eventually lost round three

after two (City Council, Planning borad) victories.
It was one of the most emotional and contoversial issues ever to hit the city according to old timers.
The Supercenter opened a few months ago. I haven't had the heart to even drive by it.

Most of the posts are way back in the old DU archives, if i can remember how to find them.

[mahina]

112. You are keeping the network alive.

People come here for different reasons and as we (the market) shape what it is, we define ourselves and can limit or increase our capacity to create change.
By making your thoughtful informative posts you are shaping this vehicle. My feeling is that some of the really popular uses for this board are actually destructive to its utility as an organizing tool. Some of those uses would be equally at home in an apolitical environment, it's not about growing our democratic base or educating or providing tools, but filling other social needs.
Less of your work here and other posts with the same focus will change the vehicle. That would be unfortunate.
If you take a look at the deafening silence in the Hawaii forum for all calls to action you'll see the same...the vehicle has to remain in gear, whether anyone is driving it or not. Fortunately we are on the ground too!
Good luck, I'll try to respond when reading your posts though they are often gone when I cruise through due to the time difference. Your point made I guess.
Aloha!

[bleedingheart]

83. Please keep posting them...!!!

I do read them all and if anything I am sorry that I don't kick or bump em...

[Beam Me Up]

84. G_j just so you know: I appreciate your posts and what you are saying.

Although I do post now and then (I have my own bevy of interests), for the most part I just lurk and read. I don't think I'm unusual in this regard. I'm very busy with two part time jobs AND a real life.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT when people post important stories and then kick them themselves if need be, at least for two or three days, so they continue to make the rounds.

Please don't give up. One thing I've noticed is that if I ASK people to nominate a thread, the thread is more likely to get nominated. I'm not sure why this is--as if people don't think to do it themselves. I've occasionally even seen threads with more nominations than posts!

BMU

[lostnfound]

86. I love your threads and your posts. Please don't give up:

For your threads, it's true that:
1/3 of the time I've heard of it already on DemocracyNow! etc.
1/3 of the time I never even get to see the thread because it has slipped to page 10 so fast (which is one reason I suggested a special grouping for the hot topic of the day, to weed out the excesses of Pope-commentary, Gannon-commentary, etc.) which is frustrating.
But 1/3 of the time I read them and get a lot from them.

PS I knew a "GJ" on another nonpolitical forum who was a favorite of mine. There's a sense of justice that comes through loud and clear from both of you. A desire for Global Justice.

If you tremble with indignation at every injustice... then you are a comrade of mine. -- Ernesto Che Guevara

[mmonk]

87. I've put up posts

that have largely gone ignored. What's the big deal? We've all gone through that.

[prairierose]

89. GJ, I am another who often reads but...

does not reply. I agree that sometimes the speed of this forum makes discussion difficult. I also wonder about the fatigue factor. I have found recently that I read much here and I actually rely on DU to point me to important stories but rarely post any reply. Partly because I am still thinking about the story and partly because it seems that so much of the time, I am too tired to respond in a coherent way.

I want to thank you for posting important stories and I would like to second the idea that your "fighting the wallmart behemoth" stories might be very useful for others.

Please keep up the good work.

[glitch]

90. You should talk to Hatrack. Day after day really important environmental

posts with few responses. Doesn't mean we don't read them, but it's horror overload and word response won't do the topics justice, IMO. I think that's why the easy topics get the huge responses too.

Naomi Klein has a great article on the shock and awe techniques (in our case, it's information, not bombs) they are using on us, to keep us stunned in horror. Blast so many outrages at us at once and we are frozen like deer in headlights.
http://www.thenation.com/doc.mhtml?i=20050530&s=klein
And so we respond to the easier topics, when we can.

[G_j]

97. absolutely!

Hatrack rocks!

Environmental issues probably scare me more than all the others and thus I am very much guilty of not reponding to them myself.

a huge belated THANK YOU to Hatrack!!!!

[crispini]

91. Regarding writing your own stuff:

I think that your Wal-Mart series sounds great, and I think that original content like that is one of the best things about the web. But what you might want to do for your original content is get a blog. It's really easy, just go to blogspot.com. Then all of your original content is kept together for your own history's sake. Right now, for example, if I wanted to read your Wal-Mart series I would probably have a hard time finding them in the archives. But if you put them in a blog then they would be all in one place. Also you can still post them on DU but also post them on your blog and post a link to the blog so people get the backstory. That way you have built a great reference that would be easily findable, readable, and of great use to future activists!

Just my two cents, please don't give up! :hug:

[Vinca]

92. Maybe it would help if there was something added to the site

that would tell a writer how many times a post has been read. Just because a topic isn't responded to, doesn't mean it hasn't had an impact. Sometimes I'm just in the mood for reading and thinking, other times I throw in my 2 cents. There are so many posts and posters on DU that things move faster than any other site I've been on. My only bit of advice for people posting is to edit your writing and make the blurb as short and sweet as you can. It's not a laziness thing for most readers, it's time constraints.

[solinvictus]

93. I can understand your frustration..

At times, it seems there's too much personal drama here that overwhelms the fact that this is supposed to be a political message board. For instance, all the recent drama in The Lounge drew over 500 messages because a moderator felt forced to ban some popular members due to their actions. I understand that this site is driven by personalities, but that level of concern over a moderator decision borders on the absurd.

If you want to start a dead thread here, address any issue of economics, class, or income disparity. I have to agree with Jan Michael that there seems to be little concern for these issues here, but I think that may reflect the fact that DU is indeed a reflection of America as a whole. A history professor of mine once told me that if I ever wanted to be published, write a book about Hitler. I think the same rule applies here ; if you want a long thread, post about Bush being drunk, Laura being stoned, or Cheney being evil or barring that start some personal drama. I don't even pretend to have an answer, but I understand the frustration. My time here has waned over the past month for many of the same reasons.

[sendero]

94. I've thought about this problem....

... there a lots of threads that I read but feel no need to comment on.

Here's a feature idea, I'm sure the admins love those :)

Down with the Edit Reply Alert links there should be a Kick link.

When you read a thread and think it is important but don't really have anything to add, just click Kick.

Clicking Kick will have the same effect as adding a post to thread position. And, to prevent tomfoolery, the thread display will include, at the bottom, a Kicked by Username for each Kick click.

See, simple :)

[dweller]

102. have you posted this in ATA ....doh!

i mean sent to the admins?

this is a terrific idea.

:kick:

dp

[sendero]

131. I think...

.... ATA is history.

Thanks for the compliment. At the risk of belaboring a point, I think it's a good idea also. But there is a simple objection that someone might have that I'd like to pre-empt :)

And that would be, "well, if a user likes a thread there is nothing stopping him/her from adding a 'kick' reply".

That is true, but the beauty of a Kick link is that it not only makes it trivially easy to kick a thread, it practically prompts you to.

Because see, IMHO the problem is that lots of times we read a great post, think it is important news, but have nothing really to say. The "idea" of kicking a thread doesn't necessarily occur to us.

Maybe if we see a Kick link, it will :)

[dweller]

134. and I agree

:)

:kick:

dp

[Amonester]

95. Never Give Up Hope! Work For It If You Can!

Heroic WWII Vets Asked Us To Never Forget What The Criminal Liars Did!

Please don't ever 'give up' because every single second counts.

The English language is not my natural language, and the act of reading takes me longer in time. However, I appreciate all your posts as well as everybody else's here, even if I don't always have enough Internet time to see them all or reply to them, sometimes I will be lurking to the other pages under Page 1.


AMERICAN REVOLUTION 'O5
http://www.dougwallace.com

(below 6,000 visitors...since January...well, better 5,500 than 100...although 60,000,000 would be better...Never Give Up Hope, though)


:thumbsup:

[Turn CO Blue]

98. I have a few thoughts on this...

which I will post separately to keep your thread kicked.

[Turn CO Blue]

99. Thought 1 - Please don't give up...

N.G.U. (Class Warrior)

As others above in the thread have stated, we may post in the more trivial threads because it's easier or because someone provoked a comment - but most of us come here to read the more "serious" stuff. DU'ers ARE reading threads (we all spend too much time here!), and are highly concerned with fact-gathering and the downward spiral of the country, thanks to the RWingnuts and the BFEE.

I came across this today, which may lift your spririts a little (it did mine):

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes, it is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow".

- Anonymous

tcb

[Turn CO Blue]

100. Thought 2 - A new trend maybe? Instead of "Kick" in the

Subject line, when it's an important or cerebral thread, and you can't post due to:

- don't have the time
- don't know enough about the subject to comment intelligently
- don't feel inclined for whatever reason

Please take a nanosecond longer to write:
"Important Thread, Kick" or
"Serious Thread, Kick" or
"Deserves more exposure" or
"This blows my mind"

instead of just "Kick"

----
tcb

[Turn CO Blue]

101. Thought 3 - Obvious one - readers should Recommend it

Even if DU'ers don't have time to post to a thread that leaves them "thinking all day", in addition to a quick kick -- I will try to remember to Recommend "important" or "cerebral threads" for the Greatest Page.

I've seen so much stuff from the Lounge wind up on the Greatest, that surely these more serious threads deserve to be there. At least on the Greatest, these types of threads have 24 hours of more exposure and a better chance of not dropping like stones. A few hours later (since out-of-sight is often out-of-mind) - some readers may have collected their thoughts on the topic enough to provide some commentary for discussion.

[nashville_brook]

107. i likey -- gives folks more info

[Maclilly]

103. I may not have posted but

I did read these. Thanks for your posts, I do learn a lot from all who post important information.

[earth mom]

104. Here's a KICK for your thread!

I agree with others that sometimes a thread doesn't require a reply even though it is a thread of extreme importance. I vow to start kicking more important threads such as yours-and hey, it'll get me to 1000 posts all the faster too-LOL!

I also wanted to add that I often get annoyed with myself for wasting time loading and reading a useless high post thread that's more often than not a drama ridden pile just because curiosity got the best of me! I would much prefer a page view tally vs. a post view tally-who needs more drama in their life? ;)

[TeeYiYi]

105. The number of views should affect thread status . . .

Viewing a thread should kick it to the top. Or every other view, whatever. Two views = one kick. In many cases, the number of views determines the true value of a thread.

TYY

[ElsewheresDaughter]

108. G_j DON"T ever stop, i read ALL your post but seldom reply to others

either....they are some of the most important post on DU

DON"T EVER GIVE UP
KEEP FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT!

PAX

[Mythsaje]

109. There's just SO much stuff

I understand your frustration, honestly. I haven't been here long, but I scurry around trying to keep abreast of all the different things that there are to learn about.

The Iraq thing doesn't surprise me. The Afghanistan/heroin situation just proves to me that the War On (Some) Drugs is just a politico-corporate boondoggle to justify an ever-increasing evisceration of the Constitution and our personal liberties. The fact that production has increased by so much in Afghanistan since we took out the Taliban reminds me of Bush Sr. venture into S. America in the eighties--ostensibly to do damage to the cocaine production--which accomplished next to nothing but to provide good press for their WOSD efforts.

The Edmonds thing is of serious concern, but just another example of where this government's activities don't live up to the hype. Security breaches of this magnitude being ignored and covered up are enough to make some people truly wonder where their priorities are, and what nefarious purposes work behind the scenes.

They're bankrupting the U.S., but at least their corporate sponsors are making money.

Like I said...so much stuff to keep abreast of.

[mistertrickster]

110. DU is the best site on the web to get a lot of opinions and personal

observations, as well as a "filter" that highlights a lot of important news stories.

But in my experience, it hasn't been that good as a vehicle for activism. This is no fault of the admin, IMHO. It's just an easy place to moan and complain and feel like maybe you're doing something without having to do much of anything.

I've also noticed that the threads that really light up are the ones that DEAL WITH DU ITSELF, like who got banned or whether we should criticise Democratic candidates or not, or whether the Lounge has a ruling clique or not, etc.

I've pretty much stopped starting threads because if threads don't result in tangible tactics used to change our nation's course, I don't see a lot of value in them at this point.

The last thread I started was "what have you done to make GW's life a living hell today?" I got maybe a half dozen very good response but then it died, heigh ho.

There are progressive organizations in every community, as well as the local democrats. If we're not out there doing something (ANYTHING) in addition to posting at DU, then we should be.

[understandinglife]

113. I read every one of your posts. You make a solid contribution to the ....

... value of this site. Please do not stop.

Thank you.


www.missionnotaccomplished.us - Be it MNA Day 3 or 8 or 15 or .... the day will come when 10s of millions of Americans and others stop their typical activities for 24 hours and urge 10 times that many to join should another MNA Day be required. On that glorious day America will have begun truly to be "America," again.

[Blue_In_AK]

116. G_j, I too read your posts.

Sometimes things I read are just so profound and disturbing that there's nothing I can add. But you can be sure I do take them to heart.

[FizzFuzz]

117. I will make an effort to kick if something's important, too

sometimes I don't kick when I think that only saying "kick" seems shallow.

Sometimes I get a little stuck on whether I can think of something Deep and Trenchant or Insightful to add. If I can't, then I say nothing, letting my ego run the show.

Or, often actually, I feel overwhelmed and really only have the energy for silliness that doesn't ask me to think too hard.

I'll start kicking more even if it's just to say this is important.

:hi:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

118. It bothers me, too

Some dumb thread in the Lounge or comments on whatever fluff CNN (Contains No News) is shilling for attract huge numbers of replies. Note the number of Runaway Bride threads when that story broke.

It's hard for DUers to escape being influenced by the constant blathering on the tube.

[WHAT]

119. I appreciate what you have to say...

I read a lot of stuff I don't comment on because I'm looking for a response from someone with more expertise than I have to give me some insight into the situation.

Your first news about Afghan drugs elicited a response and interest by me because I came to DU to look for some comments about the South America and Middle East get together...and found nothing! Now, I'm a pretty common person and usually find thoughts occupying my attention reflected by other people, so, I was looking to clarify my own ideas. My first thought was...oh great (sigh) now we have the middle east/south america...oil/drugs...body/mind connection making alliances...that's a win/win situation...for them. And nobody has anything to say about it.

I don't believe that anything I've thought of hasn't been thought of by somebody else because I read a lot for the comfort of knowing other people think the same thing and I'm not so weird. That's mainly why I read posts and don't respond. I do read your posts so don't give-up. There just needs to be a way to "float" relevant posts without being swamped by the bologna...and, hey, I like bologna, too.

[Wizard777]

121. Peace!

That was a great rant! Let go of the great weight these wars foreign and domestic have placed upon you. Don't ever let go of the GOOD work you do. If you do you will never make it to the Peace you seek. You will be stuck in serfdom. I would really hate to see you there. I don't like to be a hateful man. So hang in there!

[senseandsensibility]

123. Don't lose heart and don't give up.

I, too, have felt the sting when I try to put something substantial together and it is ignored. Unlike you, however, I am even more easily discouraged, and probably more lazy. After just a couple of attempts, I gave up. Now I'll just post off the top of my head, or when inspiration strikes, and without putting a huge amount of thought into it. I seem to get a little more response that way.

One thread I started was about a local Dem picnic that took hours to organize and was a very successful grassroots activity in my area. I thought it was a big deal. The point of the thread was to encourage others to organize similar activities in their communities. I think such personal events could be the antidote to "liberal bashing" in the media. Ours was extremely powerful. The thread was completely ignored. And when I say completely, I mean completely. Not one response.

I'm probably too sensitive, but it really bothered me. Another thread I started that was totally ignored was about workers' rights , and it was on Labor Day, no less. So my point is, you're not alone. It's not personal. Keep posting, and I will look for your threads.

[expatriate]

125. I tend to fail to post too

Firstly, I tend to read an entire thread before posting, and if someone has already said what I intended to say, I don't post. Thus, my dreaded "low post count". I've been around DU for quite a while, but don't post a lot, for fear of being redundant in threads.

I also tend to think about what I'm going to post, often waiting a while after I have read through a thread - and sometimes this means that I just can't find the thread again, as GD moves so quickly.

I have read many of your threads and appreciate the time and effort they take - and I agree, a lot of energy is expended here on how drunk Bush looks in a photo, or how sexy Condoleeza Rice is. I will be sure to post in your threads, only if to say "good work". It is frustrating to feel as if your efforts are just drifting by while trivia gets a lot of attention.

[William Bloode]

127. Anybody notice the irony?

Poster complains about posting good serious stuff and gets no posts/views. Then said poster make a thread with a touch of personal drama and gets a nice big thread.

Bravo!

I don't want to sound mean, nor am i saying you planned it, just kinda pointing it out.

[oblivious]

141. Ahem. Yup. I noticed. But it shows people care about each other at least.

[KoKo]

128. I feel the same way. People would rather spend time in the Lounge venting

and complaining about "flame wars" in GD and GDP Forums.

It doesn't matter much what we post because if it isn't "Reality TV" or a "human interest story" it goes off to archives.

Why bother...I don't know.

In past times if someone posted what I did, or you did, I would have been the first to encourage them to "Stand Up...Keep Fighting...we have a CHANCE!"

but, I'm sick of it too. Posting with few replies while some "fight over personalities in the Lounge get's 800 responses."

Why bother. Let it all be a Lounge. I'm sick of it, too. One can only do so much. Look at the folks who are still working on "Verified Voting/Paper Trail Recountable Ballot," over there in "Elections Forum." There are very few replies over there to keep it all going.

It's not DU's fault about this...or the folks who have escaped to the Lounge because they no longer believe in anything but themselves and need to have support.

It's the fault of our OWN PARTY which allows only the Black/Progressive Caucus led by brave John Conyers and Henry Waxman to be our voice and our leaders (Where the HELL are the REST OF THEM?). And only those 89 folks who signed Conyers letter to Bush about he and Blair's lies about Iraq deserve any of our money or attention here. In the Senate I give it to Kennedy, Byrd and Boxer. Biden is a bloviator who really owes everything to the Bushies but he always is like the "Silver Tongued Devil" who grandstands when others should be out there.

I'm tired of it.

[Swamp Rat]

130. I've read your posts for years...

... since I lurked back in 2001. If you are tired of it, stop for a while, but don't please don't assume others don't appreciate yor efforts.

:hi:

[latebloomer]

133. kick

Thanks for all you do, g_j!

[Tinoire]

135. G_j - Don't EVER Stop! I read your posts whenever I see them!

And I apologize but these last couple of weeks, I've been very busy and was trying to take a rest from all the recent madness because it made DU a less attractive place- you had to sort through so much garbage to find the good stuff.

Your posts are such an excellent contribution to this forum and I'd miss them tremendously if they disappeared! A lot of times I read stuff here and don't comment- just bookmark for later use- but you've made me see the error of my ways. In the future, I'll, at the very least, respond with a post that says "book-marked".

Thank you for all you do!

[nolabels]

140. Tinoire your a trooper as well but maybe a suggestive out...........

like maybe C_j should take some time off and reflect how much farther ahead all this work has made others. Without all the bloggers, posters and just plain lurkers on the net, this world would already be a much scarier place. This is a team effort and others have been good at taking up a lot slack when others ease off. The marathon we are running might last the rest of our lives but it is what we can do, so we do it

[ultraist]

136. Keep up the good work G_J!

:kick:

[oblivious]

139. I read your threads, but comment on a tiny fraction of what I read.

You shouldn't stop. What you do is important. Similarly, I almost always read Darker's threads about international issues, but rarely comment. I hope he/she doesn't stop just because not many people comment.

One weird thing about DU is that people generally make a speech to the larger audience rather than hold a conversation with an individual. So there's a relatively low level of real one-on-one interaction. It's like it's just not done. Inappropriate or something. I found that strange at first.

[grace0418]

142. I saw a Jen Sorensen comic the other day that may

explain part of the problem. I'll try to post it. Anyway, I think a big problem is that there are just sooooooooooooooooo many insanely horrible, completely outrageous, right-wing-world-takeover stories out there lately that it makes your head spin. I know some people object to the notion that we might be "giving up" but I think that may be exactly what is happening. Maybe we're not giving up completely (we're not Bushbots just yet), but sometimes I feel what some have called "outrage fatigue" setting in, and I don't think I'm alone. Don't get me wrong, I'm completely horrified and disgusted by everything going on in BushCoLand, but sometimes I just can't even bring myself to comment on all of it anymore. The best I can muster is a crude joke about the latest picture of him making an ass of himself...AGAIN.

But please, don't stop posting what you're posting. I DO read it, I just don't always comment because the whole thing has me feeling speechless with disgust.

Here's the comic: