Some of you may not have participated in forums where personal attacks, under the guise of "just kidding" or "dry sense of humor" were frequent and allowed. 

I have and it is not pleasant.  

That said, I just want you all to really appreciate what a great community this is.  The mods and facilitators do a terrific job of "policing" our community. When one of us starts down a path that is going to have a probable bad ending, the mods or facilitators step in and get us back on track very quickly.  And not just that, the members here are willing to get back on the right track right away! 

But it is not just the oversight.  The members here are supportive and helpful, as well.  I don't know if we are a unique mix, or the oversight to keep us on the right path has helped us to remain that way or... ?

This is a unique public forum, in that attacks, harrassement, and bullying do not happen.  Period.  For whatever the reason, THANK YOU all. 

Yesterday, I was told, in a different forum, that if one participates in internet forums then to expect an e-beating once in a while.  WHAT?????  THAT is the attitude that is all wrong.  And this is a forum that dh and I had PAID to become members of.    #@%$()(*%$#$@  

On behalf of the moderators, thank you for your kind words. It's the members that make a forum work, though, so thank you and all the other members here who are kind and thoughtful and such downright good people!

Dear Rolo, Yes, this Forum is one of the blessings of my life!  I so much enjoy my friendships with so many other posters here!  Thanks for having articulated for us all what wonderful part of our lives this Forum is!  Yours in Him, Deb

Ditto!  great to have a place where people know whats important in the long run! 

I know what you mean Rolo! I agree!

I agree too and also want to say Thanks.  : )    I had never joined a forum, or even lurked, before finding the DS site & forum.  I felt comfortable right away and jumped right in.  Since then, I've looked at some other forums, about gardening mostly, but still have not been compelled to join them.  This forum is great and I've gotten a lot of great ideas.

 Rolo,

I have had the experience of being attacked by a poster for insisting she be polite and I have seen posters become very agitated at being held to standards. It's refreshing to see someone say thank you for a supportive and polite community. It doesn't get that way without the cooperation of members and maintaining standards.

Perhaps manners, compassion and respect are becoming too outdated, particularly on the internet. This is indeed sad.

Me too, Me too.  I lurk at a couple other forums but refuse to join them because of some of the things I've seen happen.  I, too, feel like Deb, this forum and all my friends on it is a blessing to me and it is the first place I go when I sign on the net.  Thanks for making this a comfortable, informative place to share with folks that are like minded.

Shellia

I agree Brandy. I also believe that being frugal and respecting and conserving the things you have go along with social (or e-social) respect and manners. This is about the only message board I post on, because the people here are really trying to just live well with what they have and to help others do the same. Arguing with people (who post only for that purpose, I believe) is a waste of precious time. I too, thank you all for being polite and helpful.

jane b in Va.

I agree with all of you. This one is the best and most comfortable of the several forums I participate in. Each forum has its qualities, and this one is the kindness and helpfulness contributed and shared by all its members. Edey