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I felt compelled to post a thread today.
Some recent strange and unexplained things have occurred at another unnamed site that confirms my angst of no longer belonging there and certainly of feeling unwelcome at least.
Once upon a time, I spent a decade at an awesome Redskins site where I always felt a part of a family.
There was a nice mix of beliefs in the political area, and there was an even nicer environment of friendly debate on just about any topic. That place was also my go to for just about anything.
Then something changed.
I cant pinpoint it, but it was a definite and fundamental change in how some folks were treated.
The theme seemed to be that unless you held one very specific and popular political belief (or at least always acted as a second class citizen if you didn’t have those beliefs) then you are no longer welcome in the family .
A month or so ago, I discovered this site and it was like seeing a new dawn on the horizon.
Dare I even hope that a new “home” Might be found?
Admittedly, I tested the waters some by posting a somewhat controversial opinion that I know would have been attacked ad nauseum at the other place.
There, I would have had little chance to defend my perspective without fear of being banned or chastised.
I was so very pleased to see that things were different here!
I learned that even having a controversial or unpopular opinion can still mean a feeling of belonging. I learned that even when a disagreement arises with a popular poster or even a moderator, you are still respected and treated as a valued member of the board.
Once upon a time, I felt that positive energy in a different place. I now see that energy here and I am excited and doubly happy for the great personalities, intelligence, Kindness and respect that I yearn for again.
Thank you BGO for being a safe haven for me and showing me that I have value as a poster and that I can be welcome even if 100% of the board disagrees with an opinion of mine.
I feel like I’m belonging again and its nice.
Some recent strange and unexplained things have occurred at another unnamed site that confirms my angst of no longer belonging there and certainly of feeling unwelcome at least.
Once upon a time, I spent a decade at an awesome Redskins site where I always felt a part of a family.
There was a nice mix of beliefs in the political area, and there was an even nicer environment of friendly debate on just about any topic. That place was also my go to for just about anything.
Then something changed.
I cant pinpoint it, but it was a definite and fundamental change in how some folks were treated.
The theme seemed to be that unless you held one very specific and popular political belief (or at least always acted as a second class citizen if you didn’t have those beliefs) then you are no longer welcome in the family .
A month or so ago, I discovered this site and it was like seeing a new dawn on the horizon.
Dare I even hope that a new “home” Might be found?
Admittedly, I tested the waters some by posting a somewhat controversial opinion that I know would have been attacked ad nauseum at the other place.
There, I would have had little chance to defend my perspective without fear of being banned or chastised.
I was so very pleased to see that things were different here!
I learned that even having a controversial or unpopular opinion can still mean a feeling of belonging. I learned that even when a disagreement arises with a popular poster or even a moderator, you are still respected and treated as a valued member of the board.
Once upon a time, I felt that positive energy in a different place. I now see that energy here and I am excited and doubly happy for the great personalities, intelligence, Kindness and respect that I yearn for again.
Thank you BGO for being a safe haven for me and showing me that I have value as a poster and that I can be welcome even if 100% of the board disagrees with an opinion of mine.
I feel like I’m belonging again and its nice.
