Ways you've changed since you started reading/posting at a2k

I used to cook over mesquite briquets till roger gave me a host of ****.

Ive become sloppier in my writing since A2K is mostly a first darft world.

Ive been painting more ever since SHEPAINTS got me going again

Ive learned to keep a journal

Im waay more open to movies suggestions cause of many of you.

Ive gotten less tolerant of utter bullshit like the kind H2O, gunga, spendi and ANUS peddle.

Ive tried other boards whenever 2K gets relly boring like it often does around the US summer and the holidays.

Ive become less tolerant of gun nuts they seem to be stuck in one groove

((((shepaints))))

I second that motion.

Did you change any of your takes on any of your opinions?

This is sort of not fair as people like me post about our general interests more often than you do, rosborne - so I am just throwing this out.

well, I think I read ros posts as much as anyone and he will extend his opinions in areas that interest him.

Why I like him, yes, not that he could know that, but, rosborne, have you changed on anything?

A2K has made me more tolerant of views different than my own. I am less self-righteous.

I've changed a lot since joining A2K/Abuzz, but I'm not sure how much of it is due to A2K or simply to me changing over (a long) time.

As a result of A2K, I've gained some answers to a few things which I didn't know before, but I don't think I've changed my basic viewpoint on most (or any) things. But my positions were very well considered and backed up long before A2K so it may not be surprising that not much has changed. I don't think many of my basic viewpoints changed much after 25 years of age (and that was long before I joined A2K).

One thing I've noticed from discussions on A2K is that I'm less tolerant of utter bullshit. I'm also far more cynical of much of the information available on the Internet (and A2K). Lots of people are frauds and lots of information is simply garbage.

One thing that I've learned from A2K is that there are many people out there that are worth listening to, some for a different viewpoint, some for valuable knowledge, and some just for sheer fun. But there are also many who are not worthy of attention. There is far too much information available in the world today (and in A2K specifically) to devote attention to every flashy light and buzzy noise that floats by.

When I got a computer, I was intimidated by the whole process. Abuzz caught my attention for the interesting people on there. I was insecure throughout the whole experience, but hung in, until some good friendships began to develop. During this time, I began working at an apartment complex. Whereas I had been shy, to a point of morbidity, in that situation, I was forced to face people and deal with them. Between Abuzz/A2K, and that situation, I began to come out of a shell. I have learned to relax and deal with people these days, although I will put persons on ignore when they make my on line experience unpleasant.

Off the top of my head, on the run....

I read a lot more than I post these days. I don't feel the need to contribute to some threads which I find really interesting (like I used to) when I know heaps less about the subject than the contributing posters.

I used to become very upset by rudeness, overt & unnecessary aggression & personal insults. When directed at me or at other posters. Now I tend to just thumb down such comments & move on a lot more easily.

Ditto with posters who attempt to deliberately derail a thread discussion by continual trollish posts which have little to do with the intended discussion. I rarely read their posts anymore. I already know what to expect!

I'm finding it much easier to walk away from threads I've initially been very involved in when they go completely off the rails.

I'm much more selective about which threads I read or participate in now. For example, some posters (like boomerang & quite a few others I could name) are always good value & have thoughtful, interesting things to say & I'll always check out their threads & comments. On the other hand, I think I know just about everything I need to know about the oppression of white men by "feminists", so there's no need to explore any further.

I'll probably think of more things to say later, but this will do for now .....

I'm somewhat shorter.

Snort.

You may be shorter, but not dumber.

Have you gotten wittier or just more free with expressing it?
To me, you seem more free.

Interesting thread, Osso. I don't know what to say. I began in 2002, I think, after a stint with Abuzz. I think I preach less than before, but I can still be very boring, as shown by the lack of responses I get to my "mystical" stuff.
Nevertheless, I'll continue because of the great opportunity to put ideas into words. A2K is wonderful for that.

I always read what you post, JL.
Your posts to the art threads, your "mystical" posts, your jokes ....
You are not in the least bit boring.
Quite the opposite.

You know I'm a fan, JL - I think of you as a key poster on a2k and as a dear friend besides. However, I pretty much understand nothing you say (that's my way) - which you have long known - except about art. Well, that is slightly kidding, I do understand sometimes, but as a generality, that's true.

I know you are careful with your choices of words, and your precision is a kind of sculpture.

If anything, I think you have gotten more precise, but I'm not the one to say that (see above).

I love your posts, jl. I just don't have the right stuff to reply most of the time.

Id say more to JL but Im afraid that Buddhism is catching

I'm wrinklier, greyer and 50% wiser.