Linda, ======================== Here's an example. I get an email notice that someone posted to the thread. I click the link. It takes me to page 1 of the thread. I scroll to the bottom and click page 5. Sometimes, page 1 loads again. Aaargh. I click page 5 again. Then it loads. =========================== That same exact thing happens to me EVERY time. With that said, I still think that, as Gary so eloquently stated, their are "lurkers". I think most people are afraid to express their views.

Not all lurkers are afraid to post their views :-) Some do not feel they have anything to add. Gary, Linda, and crew do a good job of covering the topic and then some. I just do not have much to say here. I have no experience with Autosurfers or the like. The PayPal Randomizer was the first of that kind I have ever joined. I did it as a favor to a friend and out of curiosity to see how these things work. All I have added are smart remarks. They have a tendancy to get ignored which is fine. Better that than flamed LOL

David, =================== Not all lurkers are afraid to post their views Some do not feel they have anything to add. Gary, Linda, and crew do a good job of covering the topic and then some. ==================== That's a very valid point, but I think it is also true that many people are afraid to express their point of view, espcially if it doesn't agree with previous posts. I, myself, have visited may forums where I just read the thread without posting a comment. As a "newbie" I don't always have anything to add to the "conversation". ====================== All I have added are smart remarks. They have a tendancy to get ignored which is fine. Better that than flamed LOL ============================= I, for one, am always up for a smart remark : ) Just in case you have noticed : )

Hi Heather, You make an excellent point. ========================== "That's a very valid point, but I think it is also true that many people are afraid to express their point of view, espcially if it doesn't agree with previous posts." ========================== I can understand that. I think it is all in the way that a "disagreement" is made. I always try to "play the ball." When you start "playing the man or the woman" then you are bound to get a nasty reaction. Nobody likes to be attacked. Name calling, other than "my little dove" or some such other endearing term (see below for my latest offering), is the sign of a weak point of view. A name caller with abusive comments attempts to defend a pathetic position by assuming a Godzilla persona - disagree with me and you will get smashed. Ho-hum, how puerile. Is that intelligent? I think not. So, my little "pecan pie" (like that?) never be afraid to put a point of view. Even if others disagree vehemently at least you will grow by having the courage to express yourself. And if you do it without resorting to gutter tactics (NOT that you do!) then you will be respected for it. I respect every person who puts a point of view - even if I disagree with it - so long as they state their case in a mature manner. After all, we all live our own lives, we all have our own life experiences and what may be right for one may not necessarily be right for others. Incidentally, Heather, I checked your profile and saw the title under the picture of you and your "hubby" as you call him - "Me and my man!" I loved it. It said so much more than the four words themselves. I think it's wonderful that you show such affection. Gary Simpson

Gary, I think that part of the problem expressing a point of view online is the fact that it is virtually impossible to guage the "tone" of the post unless you are familiar with the person. ================ I respect every person who puts a point of view - even if I disagree with it - so long as they state their case in a mature manner. After all, we all live our own lives, we all have our own life experiences and what may be right for one may not necessarily be right for others. ================= I couldn't agree with you more. Even if you feel you have learned a lesson by the actual point of view, you are learning something about the person whose view is being expressed, and I am almost overly interested in people and why and how they think. ================= Incidentally, Heather, I checked your profile and saw the title under the picture of you and your "hubby" as you call him - "Me and my man!" I loved it. It said so much more than the four words themselves. I think it's wonderful that you show such affection. ================= Thank you. We have been together since I was 16 and we've gone through a lot together. Even on our toughest days, I don't know what I'd do without him...well, I know what I'd do without him for a couple of hours, but, you know what I mean. : ) He is a very good man, an excellent daddy and a very hard worker. Sometimes too much of a hard worker, but I really can't complain. P.S. Can we switch "pecan pie" to "apple pie"? : )