Well Larc, frankly I think I come here in large part just to socialize and shoot the breeze. I suppose for some of my interests it doesn't have to be this forum, but there is something about having that common background..
Personally, I had been inactive for some time when I found this board, and I guess part of it was just curiosity because the worst of the withdrawal and depression had been over for some time. For me it's been rather educational because I'm someone who didn't see a lot of the disturbing things that went on. Though I did have a clue that it happend, I never experienced it first hand or was very close to those who had such experiences. (that I know of anyway)
As I read Larc's message it occurred to me that another question which we might ask is not so much why we are here, or what our intentions are for being here, but what the result of being here tends to be for each of us. I do find it interesting to discuss both witness and non-witness related topics, but sometimes (often, actually) it does seem like I'm spending too much time online and not being productive. I can only imagine that some information I share might be helpful to others, but the fact is I don't really know unless I get some feedback on it.
I guess I'm a lot better about not paying attention to offensive messages now, because I really don't read those threads, I don't have time to read everything here anyways. To the timid ones who are afraid of being trashed by some of the bolder and perhaps more articulate and outspoken members - I say so what? It's not like they know where you live and can track you down. Another thing is we really only know each other by the messages that we post, unless you also happen to know someone personally, it's really just words. There's no reason to take it personally because most will not know you as a person anyway. There may be a whole other side of the person that we don't know about from the posts they make, even if they're already a Jedi member or something.
I guess when you get right down to it, some are not here to help others. I believe I've heard a few members say so for that matter. In some cases the posts of some outspoken ones may be very disturbing for those who are still active or are newly out, but in the end it may prove to be helpful because atleast it's been said - and if nothing else it is informative even if you don't agree with it. I really think the key is to not take things too seriously. Though it is nice to connect with others on a personal level, (I'm fully aware that it happens online all the time) generally speaking it's just people talking. I imagine that I'll be around even if most of the messages are just emotional personal attacks, frankly I may not even be aware of it. (is it already that way?) I'll go with the few threads which I'm interested in.
"It is not so much that you use your mind wrongly--you usually don't use it at all. It uses you. This is the disease." -Eckhart Tolle, The Power of Now
