Leaving the DU

[Popol Vuh]

It comes with disappointment that I feel it best that I leave the DU. I registered with the DU after a few months of enjoying what I read by its members. Unfortunately though it has become apparent that I have not been very well received during my stay. Most of my posts are either ignored or responded to with sarcasm. Even posts that are later responded to well when another member posts the same thing.

Don't misunderstand. I am not griping that others get responded to more than myself. I am just recognizing that my presence here is pretty much either ignored or for some reason a cause of irritation for others. And be that as it may, then its best that I leave the DU even though I would rather not.

[blue sky at night]

1. what......

you don't see any value other than how you are responded to? I think you are making the right decision for the wrong reason. Please reconsider, why does it matter...most folks are too lazy to even read a whole post, let alone respond.

[Lost-in-FL]

24. Specially the long ones...

And most of the time I'm ignored too but I vent.

[kentuck]

2. The way I handle that little dilemma...

is just keep posting until I find something that might interest the folks here. This is a very discriminating readership, albeit with its own biases, but if it is interesting and considered newsworthy, it will be responded to......most of the time. :)

[Bluzmann57]

3. Boy oh boy

Well, don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya. The large majority of my posts are ignored and I am a bit more conservative than a lot of 'em in here, but hell, I enjoy a good discussion as much as the next person. Have a good life. If your post is supposed to be sarcasm, then I guess I'm just an idiot who can't spot that type of thing. See ya.

[mitchtv]

4. don't be thin skinned

Just lurk if you don't fell like posting. DU is still a great place for news. Most of my posts get ignored- so what?

[calimary]

63. Hey, mine too. Don't let it get you down!

EVERYBODY here (well, maybe Will Pitt is an exception) gets ignored sometimes. It's just one of those things.

I, for one, could NOT leave DU, because there's just too much good info, links, research, etc. here that CLEARLY I could not find elsewhere. You're gonna see the truth about the war and the sneaky-ass government in the Washington Post or CNN??? THIS is the only place. It's like a lab, think-tank, and post-graduate school of politics. I'm way too addicted. Hope you'll change your mind and stay. Or just lurk. Wouldn't you have to, anyway, just to see what kind of response you finally got to this thread?

Cheers, in any case. I hope you'll stick around.

[skipos]

5. Only thing you want to get out of DU are reponses to your posts?

[yy4me]

6. Every member is valuable, do not abandon your spot.

If I abandoned everything in this life that I did where I was not recognized on an individual basis or deed, I would be isolated and very sad. We are a community of like souls, verbal or otherwise. Sometimes our comments are right-on with others, sometimes they are read and passed as valid but not something to get into a long dissertation about. Do not go, find clever subject lines, heartfelt and topical comments. You will be heard.

[Robbien]

7. Don't worry, it happens to all of us

Most days there isn't even one nibble to any of my comments and on other days I've been on the receiving end of some inappropriate responses which I feel are unwarranted.

I am aware of the thread and post which upset you today and understand your frustration. It was a bit curious.

[Name removed]

8. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[davidwparker]

LOL.

"Some of DU's best banned writers write over there, people like RichM"

A new ratings system for blogs ... who gets banned.

I hope the writer stays. Different blogs are for different things. This is a good message board site with whimsey. Like you get to see pictures of cats and things important to different writers. Important things, with a sense of humor.

Where else would you go to know the correct way to refer to * is, well, *.

[Epiphany4z]

9. aww hang around

I don't post replies as often as I could...because huked on foniks werked fer mee...lol and I am just waiting for day somebody points it out....I have enjoyed a few of your posts. DU is nice to a port in this storm...at least for me it is....you'll miss us...:-) or them or...hell just hang around with elections coming up it should get real fun...and there is no better place to find so much info...friends and family are amazed at how fast I can come put with articles and such....hee hee ..they think i am a godess...truth is I steal from Du...bahh haa haa

[seemslikeadream]

10. Oh Popol Vuh you shouldn't leave

I've been here for 4 years now and have over 16,000 posts, most of which have been ingored! I did do a good job the other day though, only got ingored by 91,000 people, picked up by Buzz Flash but I'm still here

2506 "I'm waiting to hear the words 'I was wrong' Dick Morris, 4/9/03
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x1469762


I post not for anyone other than myself, jah bless Popol Vuh

[Karenca]

11. Give me a break.....

So many of my posts were not answered---It was so bad for a while I use to think that I was a thread-killer, and when people saw my nam, they left.....THAT'S how many were ignored.

So what? I LOVE DU.

[lyonn]

55. Know the feeling, thread killer that is

Some post will get me fired up and just have to vent over the issue. It's called therapy.

[Yoda Yada]

12. Stay... and Learn.....

I thought you were from the Long Beach/ "Pee-dro" area. If you have any "longshoreman tenacity" in you.....you will stay and fight 'til the end. Take a break maybe....but come back and fight the fight.

(I am logging off now...so don't take it personally.):hi:

[Minnesota Libra]

13. If success, or lack of it, at DU is based on how many posts are...........

...ignored or responded to angrily or sarcastically then I'd say over half of DU should be on their way out. Many of my posts are ignored or responded to sarcastically but I don't let it bother me, rather I just consider the source.

Anyway, Good luck in whatever you do and where ever you decide to hang out online.:hug:

[SmokingJacket]

14. Mine are mostly ignored, too. But so what?

You can't take it personally -- because there is no person: you're just a name.

I happen to enjoy reading and posting, even if a response is a kind of rare occurence! ;)

Actually, I've always read your posts -- obviously I don't always answer -- but your screen name intrigues me...

[jus_the_facts]

15. everyone feels this way sometimes....but quit if you must.....

....you'd be amazed how many times I've read others say the same thing you have...and I have felt the very same way m'self and said as much...yet here I am still typing away regardless... :hi:

"...sometimes the words of our enemies are never as loud as the silence from our friends." MLK

[Popol Vuh]

16. Thanks to those

who suggest that I reconsider and stay. But its not just the lack of response. If it were only just a lack of response, then I wouldn't see any issue. But its the critical manner in which I am most times responded to. It just looks as if I don't fit in here that's all.

I only have a high school education and writing has never been a strong-point with me. All my life I have always only been strong in math and science. That fit in well when I worked at McDonnell Douglas, but does nothing for me here.

My reason for leaving, as I mentioned, is not because others get responded to and I don't. But the manner in which I usually am responded to, if not ignored, is one that leads me to feel that I don't fit in. But yes, I do agree that the DU is a good source of information, and on that, I will continue to browse to see what's going on.

[Robbien]

21. You are right about the response to your video-link post today

It was curious.

Some responses to posts here are curious or inappropriate, but many are not.

Others in that thread appreciated your efforts to share the link. All participation is what makes up the fabric of this community.

[ginnyinWI]

26. you have a star; I suggest finding a small group here at DU

and get to know that small group. It will be more rewarding than jumping into the fray in GD and expecting too much. That's what I do.

[DemExpat]

30. Here's to DU Groups!

:toast:

:D

DemEx

[Blue_In_AK]

50. I was going to suggest the same thing...

I love my friends in the PhotoGroup. They're never mean to me. :)

[Lost-in-FL]

51. My friends at the Latino/Hispanic forum...

never poke fun of my spelling... I'm series!!!11!!! :)

[zeemike]

54. I have been here sense the beginning

And in all that time I have only had one post that made the greatest page, and then just barley.
But like you I have only a HS education and never did much writing.
but I tell you that practice makes perfect for sure and the practice here has done wonders for my writing and spelling especially.
But I have read this entire thread and normally I would have hit the back button and continued reading more threads. But does that mean that I ignored you?
Not really, it only means that I did not respond (in this case) because most of the others said all that I could have said anyway.
But hang in there just because there are no responses does not mean that you are not read.

[Nimrod2005]

64. If you're strong in math, please stay, we need you when vote counting

starts!

Need someone to analyze the statistics...

[Skittles]

81. WHO is treating you badly Popol ?

you want I should kick thier ass??? Please reconsider - this is big board and unless you are a conservative I can't see how you cannot find a place here - come on now, don't give up - and don't assume that because no one RESPONDS to your posts no one is READING THEM - I read TONS of stuff I don't necessarily respond to

[tavalon]

91. If that's the problem

go hang out in the Lounge for a while. GD is generally filled with pissy people. The Lounge is generally filled with mellower people. Every once in a while, it switches but in my years here, I've noticed that the Lounge is more often than not, calmer. The other thing is you can get your post count up and then people don't act as much like accusatory fools. It's dumb, but because so many freepers come to spread dissent, the oldtimers have come to suspect all low post count posters.

[RagAss]

17. Sheeesh...that's no reason to leave.....most of my posts sink like rocks..

keep churning them out......You'll even make the Greatest Page once and a while....

[Bobbieo]

28. I have mixed emotions about DU

I follow it mostly for the news but I find most of the DUers are mmuch more liberal than I am. Took the quiz the other day and find myself on the spot spot as Nelson Mandela - that may not be too good for the average Duer.

One thing that gets me are the nicknames which brings the group into the "clique' domain. We know who you mean - ha ha!!! Finally figured out that Pickles is for Laura Bush but who the hell is Tweety?

[Lost-in-FL]

32. Tweety = Chris Matthews from Hardball in MSNBC

[Bobbieo]

37. To Lost - in - FL

I'm way outta touch as I can't afford cable anymore.

[Lost-in-FL]

40. That is fine...

You are not missing anything important.

I think he's an idiot. Ask around, you'll see the responses.

[calimary]

117. Here's one response: he IS an idiot.

Blonde hair, VERY brown nose (with the smell of bush excrement on it).

[catmother]

39. here's the DU glossary

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=358x190

[Lost-in-FL]

42. Thanks for the link!!

Didn't know this was available.

[dalaigh lllama]

84. All you need to do is ask

I see someone already told you who Tweety is, but next time just ask. I've always found folks here more than willing to share -- usually gleefully -- the why's and wherefore's of DU speak. Some of my favorite threads are when newbies come aboard wondering why oh why DUers can't seem to be able to spell "moron" correctly. heh!

[krkaufman]

123. Apparently, because his head is shaped like Tweety's. n/t

[catmother]

18. well that's your choice. i looked at some of your posts and some

got more responses that others.

it happens to everyone. sometimes you'll get no responses, other times you'll get a lot. i don't post as much as i used to. i lurk and if something is of interest to me i'll post. but if it's not i'll just ignore it.

i started posting around the time that you did. i've learned a lot from DU. i've gotten into arguments with people. i've been flamed. but i know that i can get up in the middle of the night and post something like "i'm depressed, i'm going to kill myself" and i know that within minutes i will have people trying to help me out. of course, that would be in the DU lounge. but i have had so much help -- even down to how much to give as a wedding gift.

sometimes i stay away for days and even a week, but i always come back. lots of really intelligent people on these posts, also a lot of immature assholes. take what is of value and just leave the rest.

[globalvillage]

19. Join the club.

Seriously. There are a lot of forums here, you may find one that appeals to you. It's a great way to get to know other DUers with similar interests.
Besides, everyone has posts that sink into oblivion. C'est la vie. It's still the best political discussion board on the internets.

[Crunchy Frog]

20. I hope you don't quit.

I actually find more value in reading the very articulate posts of other people than I do in formulating my own. As for responses to my posts, I feel fortunate when someone sees enough value in something I've written to actually respond to it, but it's not something I count on, or the major reason I'm here. I've dealt with my share of dickheads on here too. This is the sort of place where you need a somewhat thick skin.

Best of luck whatever you decide though. :hi:

[pooja]

22. Not everyone agrees with everyone in here

There are differences of opinion and that's ok. There are times that I am attacked for saying something that may be more conservative. In general, I am tolerant of every opinion. I may not agree, but I enjoy the debate. I do feel at times that the threads become a bit attacking. Which I hope creates a sounding board for having to deal with the real world. Because in the real world we do have to deal with the GOP and the congress and the white house who seem to make decisions that help themselves and their rich friends and not the people.

So, I take the angry attacks and hope that my fellow duers aren't out their making the same attacking mistakes at a conserv. repubs. because people will not listen to reason when they feel attacked.

Good luck with what you decide to do. I am really new to Du myself, but it has been more positive than negative for me. Especially living with a Republican husband... still don't know why he loves Bush so much.

[Kahuna]

23. Man! I stopped opening threads YEARS ago because..

nobody ever posted to them. :shrug: Still, I enjoy immensely posting in other threads. So what's the biggie? :shrug:

[AtomicKitten]

25. Don't leave because of the reasons you've stated.

Take a break. Let your head air out. And don't look to DU to validate your worth. You'll have good days and bad days here. For the handful of negative people here, there are infinitely more positive, caring folks that put it all into perspective. Some people choose up sides depending on their opinion; don't let that get you down. If people cannot embrace much less consider other points of view, they've already surrendered. Don't you surrender by throwing in the towel. Your place here is worth no more or less than anyone else's. :)

[theoldman]

27. I guess I will be a little more harsh than the other guys.

I speak my mind and if others don't like it, tough titty. Maybe your posts are just not interesting. Whose fault is that? Maybe you have an ego problem?

[Thickasabrick]

36. bite me old man......hahahahaha

[theoldman]

95. My, aren't we sensitive.

[Thickasabrick]

114. Totally kiddin with ya!

:hi:

[murielm99]

29. Hey, I have had sarcastic responses,

and threads that died.

I have had people make fun of me.

I just take a break from DU and come back when things cool down.

Have you been here through primary season? You ain't seen nothin' if you missed that.

I think some people use the anonymity of being online to display a lack of manners that they would use display face-to-face.

Take a break. Then, come back. We need all types of Democrats here.

[Lost-in-FL]

47. I had locked threads!

Those are fun...:evilgrin:

[DemExpat]

31. Well, I have noticed your presence

and felt it to be valuable for DU.

I'd stick around and post anyway if I were you.

:hi:

DemEx

[Thickasabrick]

33. Dude! (or dudette) - I've been here since 2004 and you have

way more posts than I do. This place is so huge it's all I can do to read everything....much less post. You need to hang in there - we need as many people as possible to fight the malignant cancer that is the GOP. When someone posts a snide comment - hit them with one "snidier" and then remind them that if you wanted that sort of exchange you would join FreeRepublic!!!

Hang in there!!!!!

[kiraboo]

34. No offense, but I've never noticed you.

You or about 89,599 of the posters here at DU. Why let that bother you?

[ldf]

35. hey! PV

a belated welcome! to du!

i reiterate all the things the others said about everyone ignoring my posts, etc.

however, i do believe one of the culprits is our success.

du has become hugh! seriesly!!11!!1! :-)

there are so many great threads that people want to respond to that it takes no time for the thread to drop off the front page.

i, probably like many others, rarely stray past the first page. mainly because i feel (rightly or wrongly) that if it is already on page 2 or higher, it is old, everyone has read it already, and i would just be dragging back the dead horse to beat a few more times.

of course that doesn't mesh with the assertion that due to sheer numbers of people responding EVERYTHING drops off the first page within minutes, but that is my dilemma.

i will admit that i am unfamiliar with your nickname, but that doesn't mean that you do not post well thought out responses.

so, stick around. anytime we lose one member, we are less because of it.

that is, of course, with the exception of the trolls. and those usually stick out like a (true) male gentile at a male jewish, nude spa.

and we usually take great fun in playing with them. (note my avatar :-) ) the gentiles and jews with affection, the trolls with great disdain.

but, we are all richer for our inclusion of like minds. we must work together.

i hope to see more of your posts.

edit for spelling

[Lost-in-FL]

38. The more posts you have the better it gets.

Lots of my posts are ignored. Since English is my second language every once in a while an asshole correct my spelling in a very diminishing manner. It used to bother me a lot but not anymore.

Find yourself a group. You really have to be 100% sure of what you think and be ready to defend yourself. You'll be surprise how much you will learn here.

[Kali]

41. I hang out on an other forum where

people frequently announce that they are leaving. I don't get it? Not you personally, but when one does that it's kind of like burning a bridge or at least damaging your credibility if you decide to come back. No need to announce it, just leave. Or if you are looking for sympathy, may I recommend the Lounge? All you have to do is go in there and say I need a hug, they will fall all over themselves to give you some cyber-support.

The responses to the post that others mentioned (about the Chavez video?) weren't that bad, the person that "jumped" on you actually had a legitimate issue. Maybe they could have asked nicer, but the point was still valid.

Announcing that you are leaving an internet forum? Why?

[Popol Vuh]

43. Errrrr... You guys / gals

Can't live with you and can't live without you.. :pals:

Ok, I guess what I'll do is take a short break. Believe me its needed. I mean with my own family thinking I am strange for telling them things like don't pay any attention to the "corporate" media, etc......along with others thinking the same. Its enough to get to you after a while. Then when I come here to post some things among who I see as like minded folks (I think you're all good folks by the way), and often what I post is sometimes received the way it is -- or ignored. Well......I think you know where I am coming from..


So.....................Ok I'll stay. Thanks for setting me straight. I just wish more people around me would wake the fuck up and see what's going on the way you DU'ers do.



:grouphug:

[ldf]

GRAT! PV

and i RARELY use capital letters (except to scream...)

:toast:

[Blue_In_AK]

52. There you go...

Welcome back. :)

[union_maid]

57. Glad you're staying

I don't post a whole lot and don't get a whole lot of replies when I do, but it doesn't bother me. Of course, I kind of hit and run myself, because I rarely have a big chunk of time all at once to persue a good debate. You can't please everyone anyway. Hang around, figure out which parts of DU are for you. Just Late Breaking News alone is invaluable.

[MuseRider]

Glad to hear you are going to stay.

I don't know you and I am not going to go look up your posts. I may or may not agree with you but I can surely learn from you.

I have been here a long time so I do have a group of people I consider my internet friends. We respond to each other but we also respond to everyone else. If you are talking about starting threads that is a different story. I rarely start them because I find they usually sink pretty quickly so mostly I involve myself in threads that other people smarter and more articulate than I am start. I too feel a little inadequate being articulate but after a while I have learned a bit and have enough confidence to join in. Learn Learn Learn then you can go out and do stuff you never thought you were capable of. It happened to me and if that can happen to me it can happen to anyone. Take a break, come back and jump in.

[Admiral Loinpresser]

73. PV, when you come back

from break: is the artwork yours? Interesting stuff.

[MODemocrat]

80. Wow, Popol Vuh, so glad you're staying with us

We need all the good DUers we can get; This is a great place to be; and we're making a difference IMHO.

:toast:

[Andromeda]

83. DU can be a hard place if you're sensitive.

Just ignore the jerks and respond to posts that you agree with. You may not get responses every time you post but you can be sure your posts are being read.

Just enjoy that fact that DU is a great place to vent and when you get things off your chest it feels good---even if some people disagree with you.

Speaking your mind is a positive thing, just as you've done today. Many of us know how you feel because we've all felt that way more than once.

Welcome back, PV, and don't give up on us yet.

[Andromeda]

85. Forgot to give you a hug!

:hug: :hug:

[Totally Committed]

44. Hang in there, PV!

TC

[ChipsAhoy]

45. I've come across some nastiness here

I don't understand why the rules don't apply to some, but apply to others. I think it's a shame that varying thoughts and views get trashed when we all have the same ultimate goal. It's not something I expected to see and deal with here - but I have.

Finally, I have also come across some very classy posters - those with an open mind and good manners. Thanks to those, they know who they are.

[Th1onein]

46. Listen, Popol

You can't take these things that seriously. Don't take it personally.

I have been ignored here for months and even years. I think there's some kind of conspiracy going on here to ignore me, quite frankly. I think there's a super secret group within a group here on DU and their whole modus operandi is to ignore people like you and me and make us feel like we don't belong. HEY! YOU SUPER SECRET GUYS! I KNOW YOU'RE OUT THERE! AND NOW POPOL DOES, TOO!

Watch, just watch, Popol! These suckers in the super secret group are gonna be coming out of their rat holes, ignoring us even MORE!

Those SONS-A-BITCHES!

[Popol Vuh]

56. OMG Th1onein

That was great!! Your post put a big smile on my face. :) :) :)

[Popol Vuh]

59. .

(Edit): Oops double post

[zanne]

48. Feeling Passive-Aggressive today?

Well, knock it off and grow a thicker skin. I'm so tired of people whining about how they're going to leave DU because they feel they're being ignored. Grow up.

[Catchawave]

49. Popai, hugs !

You're not leaving DU, sounds like DU left you.

It's always sad to see such hurt souls on DU :cry:

[snowbear]

53. Oh man... it's time for a good old fashioned DU Group Hug!

No more talk about leaving.. We're DU'ers.. we can handle anything!

~~ ~

[Catchawave]

60. Yeppers!

About 10,999 posts ago, I must've felt the same way as the OP....it shouldn't be this unwelcoming on DU :shrug:

And a Kick and Recommend, we need to stop eating our own :toast:

[applegrove]

58. DU is huge. With three new threads a minute.. nobody gets responded

to unless they have breaking news.. or breaking opinion or have build a reputation for leading threads.

If you wanted a place where you could shine.. go to a smaller forum. For sure. There are lots of them out there. Hope it works out well for you.

[Popol Vuh]

61. Thank you everybody

For setting me straight. :grouphug:

Right now I think I am going to go switch my monitor to my TV mode and kick-back and watch a video I found on google video about Hugo Chavez.

[Kingofalldems]

89. Don't worry--My other name is kingofallthreadkillers

Most of my posts aren't responded to either. Although one time I inspired someone to say that I am filled with hate (or something like that) for suggesting that the anti-Leopold people go to his site and complain---and not fill up these boards with it.

[zulchzulu]

62. Why announce?

Leave.

Nobody's holding you back from going elsewhere. I take DU breaks every now and then.

Come back when you're ready. Or not.

:hi:

[hashibabba]

70. I took a break

and I'd barely gotten here. But I came back today because I value DU for the great news and articulate posters. I don't really care if nobody answers me. And I'll probaby never be an OP.

But I think this place is a great deal overall and I'm looking forward to learning a lot more from all our posters.

[dogday]

65. It takes a while

Other posters get to know you... They start posting to your replys... Keep posting and having your post seen.. They come around, I promise they do :hi:

[Speck Tater]

66. I hold the title "Most ignored poster" and...

I'm afraid you'd have to go a long ways to take my crown.

[Auntie Bush]

99. Here's a diamond for your crown.

In the form of a message for your post. See! People do answer.

[Gregorian]

67. It's not about you. It's about US.

I mean U.S.

First, let me tell you what I've learned about forums on the net. They are comprised of heavies. If I post the best photograph I've ever taken on the photo forum I'm in, they all but laugh. These guys are amazing. And the same for the rest of the forums I'm in. That includes this place. I don't feel like I have much to offer here, but to be honest I'm here because I can't not be here. I'm addicted. The way I see it is, if you have a friend wandering around in your house, you don't need to pay attention. But if you have a criminal in your house, you are all eyes. That's what's going on here. Look, we all have something to offer. I try not to be too offensive, but my offerings are from the gut. Some here are journalists, and do great research. If nothing more than learning how these other people operate, it's worth being here. The more people we have on this forum, the better. And that's coming from someone who really hates sharing good stuff.

This forum is not about us, but about making our country function the way it was intended. We're nothing more than worker bees. The hive's at stake. Man your battle stations. Incoming Cheney!

[hyphenate]

68. I wouldn't leave

at least not until you have at least posted over 1000 posts.

A lot of people here have long been suspicious of anyone with under 1000 posts. DU has been burned by too many people over the years who have been freep trolls and others like them who manage to worm their way into the trust of those who have been here for a while. It used to be that many such trolls made it to that magical number by concentrating on frivolous posts, and not really contributing to the real discussions. It's true--if someone hangs around the Lounge for most of their tenure here, they can reach 1000+ posts with little effort, and perhaps that is bad, because DUers are often very trusting. But I assure you--hanging in there, regardless of how many people might be derisive, is the best way to show your tenacity in the face of conflict.

Many of us get ignored often enough to drive us crazy! In fact, I pretty much think I was more invisible for my first 3 1/2 years on DU than I could have ever been known. It simply took a long time to gain credibility as a writer and to not worry in one way or another about whether I was getting through to people or not. I know I'm still not a "legend" or anything even close here, but at least I believe that I am not being completely ignored anymore!

Patience is the solution. The world was not created in one day (despite what the RRR believes!) and neither is your niche at DU. One must persevere and keep going forward if one is to find that point where you can feel at home here.

[formercia]

69. I've felt the same way many times.

We need diversity of thought. If I wanted a fixed mindset, the GOP would fit the bill. That's why i'm here.

[MODemocrat]

71. Popol Vuh, don't take the few responses to heart

I've been posting on this forum for several years now, and get very little response. It's exciting when you do get responses, but just the idea of having the privilege to post my thoughts, is rewarding enough to me. There are so many good posts in DU, and It keeps me updated on all the latest "going ons." to coin a phrase.

I gripe sometimes about something that hits a sour note with some on here, but they're never really irate with me for it. It's all about speaking our minds.

Hope you'll stay and keep joining in on the fun...

[PassingFair]

72. You had better leave soon.

You will NEVER survive a presidential election year.
If you think things are rough now, do yourself a
favor and GET OUT.

Too bad, though. We need STRONG UNION VOICES here on DU.

If you can face the fact that you are not the "Cat's Ass"
around here, and just another disembodied, typed opinion,
then stay and add to the collective voice which is DU.

:hi:

[Seabiscuit]

74. My experience: mostly vilified, mostly disliked, several cyber-enemies

and no real cyber-friends.

You know what? I don't give a rat's ass.

I'm not here to make friends. I'm not here to get to know the people behind their handles.

I'm here for the ideas. I don't even pay any attention to anyone's handle unless they happen so send me a PM (private message). And I can count those on two hands over 3 years.

And I've never met a DU'er in real life.

I would have to say that at least half the population of DU is so frustrated with the way things have been going that they've become cynical and somewhat nasty with their DU posts to other DU'ers. Mere discourse or disagreement isn't enough for them. They get personal. They hurl labels. They get childish. They ignore you.

But my experience has been that the other half is pretty decent, even though they'll mostly ignore you too. Maybe because they're like me - they're not trying to get to know you, they're just responding to what you wrote. Or not.

So, feel free to take a break. Come back and read what interests you. If you never feel like posting again, so what? It's still a good read in places at times.

[Mythsaje]

76. Hey, I recognize your handle...

I don't tend to follow posters around reading their posts, except for a specific few...NanceGreggs, for example.

But I feel neglected if my posts don't make it to the greatest page. LOL. And I've already learned that if I want lots of responses, say something that pisses people off. Otherwise you're lucky to get a dozen responses, even if you DO make it to the greatest page.

[Seabiscuit]

110. You nailed it.

I've only posted 3 threads that made it to the greatest pages, and 2 of them were intentionally designed as experiments to be really, really offensive.

For example, one of my most "successful" threads has been one of my latest, which has received 67 posts and as a poll, 122 votes. But NOT ONE recommendation for "Greatest Threads": http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=2690790&mesg_id=2690790

Thanks for the recognition. I'm honored to be included in your NanceGreggs "recognized" honor roll. But are you really, really, really sure you recognize my handle and my posts, or do you just remember the movie they made about me running around a bunch of horse tracks?

Much as I'd like to, I can't say the same about you. If you asked me at any time whose handles I recall I may be able to rattle off a handful. That's all.

[Mythsaje]

112. Nah...

I recognize a LOT of handles, to be honest.

[1monster]

75. Hmmm. I've been a member of DU since 2002 and thus far, I think

the most responses I've gotten on a thread was about thirty and a third of those were mine.

I've only gotten three reccomened this thread votes on my threads, and I posted a little philosophical ditty on cracked posts earlier this week and got only one respose.

Two days later, someone else posted the exact same thing and it got loads of resonses.

By your reasoning, I should have left years ago...

[Nictuku]

77. I'm with you

I have no expectations of my own contributions here, I am much more into the goldmine of information I can access here. Some things do not spark my interest, others do. A Wealth of information. I would advise to be lurker, with no expectations for any kind of ego massaging, but to view this site as an information resource. It works for me...

[Rainscents]

78. My tread gets ignored most of the times too...

I have learned over the past few years, you post something that might get DU's attention. I am still learning even now. I'm not good with arguing with people since, my english writing not very good, so I usually post stuff that, DU would agree with.... Like funny humors and world events. I find that, most DU like Poll treads, what don't you try posting one of those here? Especially, freeper polls. ;-)

[wiley]

79. Please Stay!

I really appreciate your posts.

[bigmonkey]

82. I second the need for Union voices.

Also, please keep in mind that the nature of this medium is conducive to folks reading what you have to say and not having the time to comment on it. You may be having a bigger effect than you think. I also recognize your nick, and it's not just because I've read the text either.

[otohara]

86. Oh Don't Leave

we're a snarky bunch - and don't take the post thing personally. it happens to the "best" of us and I'm talking about me, me, me, me, me....

[seabeyond]

87. looks to me you got tons of people talking to you, and you didnt address

a single one of them. bitch when you don't have it and then you get it and ignore all. oooooosh, and what does that say. that is funny.... lol lol

and another

bah hahahaha

i just crack me up

[Popol Vuh]

93. Hi seabeyond

No that is not true. I responded several times. You just managed not see them..

[seabeyond]

101. after i posted i saw

that you decided to stay. hey. i am working on 20k posts adn still a lot of times no reply. and a lot of time a single reply. generally dont get much more than that.... sometimes in starting a thread. but it is all good.

anyway, i left it cause i was just so darn funny, wink

[Popol Vuh]

106. No Worries seabeyond

It turned out to be a large thread...easy to miss someone's posts..

:)

[The Witch]

88. You know what I like about this thread?

The fact that when someone says "That's it, I'm fed up, I'm leaving" for whatever reason, we don't say "Well fine, don't let the door hitcha where the good Lord splitcha." We reach out and care. We're liberals. We understand that sometimes people need or want things that we can provide, and we want to give those things to them.

Of course, I say "we" having not responded to this thread yet, so I can hardly pat myself on the back, but... I am proud to consider myself part of such a caring, loving community. So consider this a pat on all y'all's back :)

[Popol Vuh]

94. Thanks

for the pat The Witch. :)

[Popol Vuh]

96. Again I would

like to thank those who cared to set me straight. I just got finished watching the whole video about Hugo Chavez I posted in another thread. A very good video I think.

Anyway, I'll try as some suggested and not let the frustration we've all had to endure these last several years get me down.

Again thanks for your encouragement. :pals:

[onja]

90. Don't leave

I'm new here. Don't know much about DU. But don't leave. You still find out a lot of stuff that you won't hear in the main-stream media. If you have to, just ignore the belligerent posters. But don't leave the knowledge. Come back to the light...

[banana republican]

92. If I had a dime for every post that was ignored

I could retire.

Wait a minute I am retired....

[closeupready]

97. Pardon me for hijacking your thread, but

I'm going to do the same thing. Politics can be fun, but I'm not enjoying it anymore, and I'm going to read some mysteries and Clive Cussler stuff for a while, and just take a break from it. It's not necessarily DU, but I'm letting the partisanship so common today bring me down, and that's not what I want in my life. Thanks, and good luck to you.

[Popol Vuh]

98. closeupready

I can totally relate to the "but I am not enjoying it anymore" part. I have put so much of my energy into trying to inform the people around me (which is often like trying to talk to a brick wall), that its become so un-enjoyable.

I hope you'll read what others have posted and come back soon. If you're like me, you really don't wish to leave. You're just full right now....

:hug:

[closeupready]

100. Thanks!

:hug: Yeah, I realize there's an ebb-and-flow to politics' appeal. For whatever reason, I am just at a low point right now, and can feel my emotions souring my personality and taking up too much of my time. I do need a break until I can pick back up again. :)

[AtomicKitten]

102. Hey Popol Vuh

You ignored my post upthread. :)

[Popol Vuh]

104. Hi AttomicKitten

:hi:

I tried to respond a few times to include all those who cared to encourage me not to leave. I read your post and it was one of the ones that convinced me to reconsider.

You're a sweetheart AtomicKitten, and by the way, I love San Fransisco. I go up there every year around March or April. I love living in Southern California, but San Fransisco has more people that I can relate with.. :)


:hug:

[AtomicKitten]

119. glad you reconsidered

I was brought up in So Cal. Don't miss the heat there, though. Which makes wicked cold SF a perfect match for me.

Don't let DU get you down. I mostly have good days, occasionally really bad ones which put me in a mood, so I can totally relate. I had intended on passing through but sort of dropped some roots here, and this place really is a community of people who give a damn about the world we share. Please feel free to PM me any time and especially when you need a hug or a kick in the pants or whatever will do the trick to help put things right in your world. :)

[omega minimo]

103. Don't go-- you have one of the best screen names

:hi:

[Popol Vuh]

105. Hi omega minimo

Thank you. I have decided to stay.. :)

[Catherine Vincent]

107. LOL!

You just want to be loved? :hi:

[guidod]

108. Come on Popol Vuh, lighten up...

...My posts rarely get answered as well. We all have different ideas and thoughts, that's what makes DU so special. The repukes think as one but not the dems, we all have diffeent ideas. DU was open with you when you first signed on, you have to have a thick skin and be able to take criticism.

I wish you would reconsider, but if you don't "happy trails". :toast:

[snowbear]

109. that's not true guidod... I never ignore you....

.
.
.
.
.

p.s. Did you say something?

[guidod]

115. You're absolutely larissa!

I hang my head shame. :hide: :hi:

[Awsi Dooger]

111. Popul Vuh, I'll pretend I recognize the user name

And you can pretend you recognize mine.

That's the way it is around here.

The posts I put the most thought into seem to kill a thread. I've even gotten PMs from other DUers asking why no one responds to my posts. Inevitably, it seems the reponses are negative. I didn't understand that until I realized most of my posts are similar, posting primarily when I disagreed with the premise.

Find a good specialty forum, one that moves relatively slow with a dependable and friendly group.

Or if you're good at math and think 2004 was stolen by Diebold, go to Election Reform and battle there. You'll have a flock of cherishing backslappers automatically.

[Zorra]

113. Heck, I once posted the *Absolute Truth Of The Universe*, and

only got two responses.
:wow:
And the reason I got those two responses was because I kicked the thread up twice.
;)

[Major Hogwash]

116. You can never leave DU.

It's just like the Hotel California.

"You can check out anytime you want, but you can never leave."

Take a month off, go walk on the earth, listen to the running waters, chase the clouds, taste the wind, then come back refreshed and ready to post again.

Come to the rendevous next month in Wyoming.
We'll set you back on your life's course.

[AJ9000]

118. I've thought about leaving too after joining a short time ago.

One problem is ppl w/ alot of posts are elitists sometimes, and allowed by moderaters to get away w/ vulgar and abusive comments.

That is a disappointment as I was hoping for a little more civility than I see here.

One suggestion:

Do away w/ displaying how many posts ppl have. It has nothing to do w/ their real level of political knowledge, and would help remedy this silly arrogance some have about their "1000+" posts.

I only have a few posts here, yet have been fighting the good fight since 1984 when I voted against Reagan at the age of 18.

I don't want to sound pompous, but I think I've developed an understanding of what went wrong in this country politically over the last 25 years and am working on an article detailing what we can do about it.

Yet I'm considering just dropping out.

[snowbear]

121. No AJ9000!

You can't go too!

Hell, we just talked one guy into staying.. we can't talk two in one day into staying.. too exhausting!

Besides.. I'm not an "elitist". I had to look at your post just to spell it right!

[samsingh]

120. i think you should stay

sometimes we're just too busy to know better.

getting rid of the repugs from power is more important than other issues right now.

[RadiDem]

122. Don't go! I love your user name! I used to be Hunahpu

on other forums.

Stick around

[Javaman]

124. It appears to me that you are getting plenty of responses now. :)

Don't get discouraged. It took me a long time before I found my voice on here. I would say around message 1500 for me. :)

Hang in there.

[Douglas Carpenter]

125. aw come on....nobody pays attention to me either

:rant:

[RagingInMiami]

126. But my question is

When people respond to you sarcastically, do they use the little :sarcasm: sign?

If not, and you are able to determine that it is sarcasm anyway, you are way ahead of many DUers who can't recognize sarcasm unless it is spelled out for them.

Anyway, I took the time to search the archives for your posts to see what you're all about. Journalistic-research before I form any opinion. And you won me over by this post you made on May Day:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2601276#2601372

I would have responded myself to that thread, except I was photographing and marching in the immigration rally in NYC that day.

Just keep in mind that there are more than 90,000 registered members on DU so in many ways, it's like this oversized classroom where you tend to get ignored. So don't take it personal.

It's not like there is this huge conspiracy that takes place via PMs where the message gets sent out to ignore your threads as soon as you post them.

So as some DUers said on this thread, you might want to check out the DU groups. I spend a lot of time in the Photography Group and I can assure you that people in that group know me on a more personal level than those who just know me from GD.

And I'm now spending spending some time in the newly formed Latino/Hispanic Group where I'm already getting to know people I've known in GD for more for months on a more personal level.

Considering you live in Southern California, you might be familiar with the California forum. Have you guys had a DU Meetup recently? Those are always fun.

[mrgorth]

127. Try posting something about Wes Clark

that'll get responses.;)

[MediumBrownDog]

128. I hardly ever post....

as is evident from my post count, but this is my primary place for news. My energy comes from what I read, not any reaction or lack thereof to my infrequent posts. But I certainly understand if you are bummed because you take the time to do a thoughtful, researched, reasoned post and it gets zero responses. Been there, done that. But don't let it chase you off the site.