Empathy, Compassion, and "Walking in Another's Shoes" on A2K

I think, even then, I bumbled around abit....
(Sorry)

caribou- It is funny. A2K has communities within a community. For instance, I only glanced once at the Marlboro thread, and only recognized a few names on that thread.

I will be found on the religion, relationships and medical threads, as well as a few others. Once in awhile, I will attempt a remark on the politics thread, though I usually find the testosterone level there a bit daunting.

I think that is true for many members, who tend to favor a few of the forums, and have little to say on others.

Good grief... I leave for a little while, come back and all heck has broken loose. There's a narc at a2k? WTF? With a name like, just for example, TryingToHelp, one has to wonder if that isn't more ironic governmental "newspeak."

As the good Lord E mentioned, some of us have become more circumspect in providing personal information. On the other hand, there are few I respect more in this rarified cyber world than Walter, who is totally upfront about who he is. It must feel very freeing.

I've read the thread that Dys started and saw there were parts deleted -- for example, quotes referred to that are no longer there. Good. Not allowing editing and deletions except by the hall monitors makes this forum too much like the real world.

Hey does anybody remember Prometheus (or Promie- I don't remember which) from Abuzz? That was me. I think I also started posting as Snood for awhile. The only one I clearly remember from back then is Slappy Doo Hoo.

Caribou I find you to be a charming and delightful new member. I had a sex dream about you this morning.

Snood I can't believe you don't remember me from the abuzz days. I am truly distraught and hurt.

Thanks for the history on the old site, P. I've gathered together info through the time I've been here, but never realized it had been started by the NY times.


I also agree with learning the culture of the site before posting. I snooped for over a week before I posted.

I'm a little hurt too, Snood.

I don't think everyone has to figure out the culture first -- I appreciate those who come in and are THEMSELVES from day one, without "fitting in" necessarily. I think that's separate from just acting like an idiot.

Every board I've been on (albeit it hasn't been that many) has this 'problem'... it's the oldies vs the newbies. Some new people are welcomed right away, some have to work at it, and some never really fit in. There's nothing wrong with that - it's simply the way it is. A rational person would simply confine themselves to interacting with those they relate to.

These boards are simply a microcosm of life. A person doesn't always fit in or 'relate' with others in every other aspect of their life. Why would anyone expect a chat board to be any different?

You don't like everyone in real life, and you won't like everyone on a board. And vice versa, of course. Some people just get up your nose and what's wrong with that?

I don't see any bullying going on here and no more bickering than anywhere else. People here tend to call it as they see it, and isn't that a good thing? When a person doesn't like how they're being treated, they can opt out... not click on certain threads, read but not engage in the discussion, stay away for a while... whatever... it's up to them.

What this particular board has to offer is its extensive membership. Imagine encountering this many people in real life on a daily basis. There's something or somebody here to titillate, interest, engage you every single day.

And that's "a good thing".

I'd like to add some perspective from a newbies point. When I first posted here I just dove right in with my question at hand. It was something that was sitting very heavy with me and I didn't know who to talk to about it. My plan was to get some advice and see if there were others in my position and then move on. I didn't try to get a feel for other members first. Then as I read responses to my issue, which I truely respected and yes there were some wiseass remarks, I began to like the conversations. I definitely feel that a lot of my initial responses to other threads were ignored and I thought about leaving.
Now I've been here for awhile and plan on hanging around. I just hope that my input is half as valued as the input I received.

Sorry my memory is so crappy about some things. I think I just remember Slappy because he worked so hard at being outrageous.

The NYT group aquired Abuzz in (July?) 1999, and since that time was closely connected to the NYT as well as to the Boston Globe (I liked the "Globe-look" of it better :wink: ).

Snood- I must admit that Slappy has mellowed over the years. I find him often quite amusing. I don't think that I would have said that in the Abuzz days.

nope

Snood - I would be crushed to think you don't remember me, 'cept you probably remember me as a Thumper avatared "squinney all happy with herself."

I've changed a little over the years. That's probably why.

Yeah. otherwise you'd remember me.

Slappy's still the same.

So... Caribou's a giiiirl?

ehBeth - a woman of few words. Love it.

I've only read the first and last two pages of this thread. Frankly, I've found refuge in my anonymity, but where I do open up it is to the intelligent and civil friends I've made via A2K. I find that the best way for us to deal with disruptive jerks is to SHUN them. That's what cohesive communities generally do regarding those who violate the norms of social decency.

Of all the accounts I've seen, I think fishin's was spot on (back on page 2, or so) and his was apparently before he went off to see what the fuss was about.

"me" on page 2 of this thread - after I'd read the series of threads

I'm standing by it - and my endorsement of what the FMan said.


(in re fishin's post, I'm guessing I'm of a very different mind about who the 'poker' is than most on this thread)

I don't think we ever addressed the shoe part of the title.

Having grown up inhereting my older sisters already well worn shoes and boots, my feet are a mess.

Sympathy and empathy - I've plenty of that. But don't force my foot into anothers shoes. Mine are uncomfortable enough.