Originally Posted By SuzieQ <<But I am way more aware when that new person does come in to not make them feel like an "outsider".>> That's a mighty big claim and highly insulting.
Originally Posted By trailsend When I said: >>Well, I feel that way. Especially in some threads.<< I was answering your question if I felt a part of LP. Yes, in some threads. >>How to you propose we prevent you feeling that way? Please offer me a solution because I am at a loss.<< Well, let me see. Here's how. When I post my opinion anywhere, you could always back me up and agree with me !!! *BIG 'OL SMILE FROM ME HERE* I'm kidding!!! Seriously, don't be at a loss. I feel closer to you just talking this out! One of these days, I'll tell you a big, gigantic blooper I made here on LP. Hey, that could probably be a good topic. LP Bloopers!
Originally Posted By trailsend >>>That's a mighty big claim and highly insulting.<<<< Please, absolutely did not mean for it to be insulting at all. Please. I'm not getting my thoughts to you very well, and I apologize. Never meant to insult you at all.
Originally Posted By trailsend Reading that over again, SuzieQ, I absolutely did not mean for that to sound like "I am more aware and you (SuzieQ) are not". Yikes ~ it is so hard sometimes to type the right words! Sorry, please don't take it that way, OK?
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I get really frustrated because some people don't seem to understand that in a group as huge as LP, there are going to be smaller groups. It can't be helped! How do you have dinner for 200? By dividing them into smaller groups at individual tables. Each table group now has a separate set of memories. Have a group of loonies that want to get up before dawn for DL's birthday? You get "The 4:30's". That group has memories and jokes we don't share. So, LP itself creates "cliques". "Clique" has such a nasty tone to it. It's like saying just because a group of people have gotten to know each other well, they don't welcome anyone else. And that's (word I can't use here on LP, but involves bovine droppings). We can't all be a part of everything. It simply isn't possible no matter how hard it is to accept. My second LP July Meet was a lot more enjoyable once I figured out I couldn't do everything that was planned, LOL! Much less stressful, but I don't 'get' everything on the boards now. If I want to know I usually ask. I've never had someone tell me to mind my own business!
Originally Posted By trailsend I'm trying to cook dinner and keep coming back here thinking of something correct to say. I should have phrased that comment this way: "When a new person does come in, I remember how I felt as a newbie." Hopefully, that statement would not have been so offensive to you. Gee, I am so sorry. You haven't answered, so obviously you are very upset with me.
Originally Posted By trailsend Well, LOL ~ I do LOVE yard sales and I would love to feed the ducks!! If that's the punishment, I'll take it!
Originally Posted By Mrs Nurmi >>Do you and other LPer's not have your little jokes now? I know I've read some that I don't get and that's fine. But what about the new person who doesn't understand and feels you are cliquish?<< Oi. Having been another 6 year LPer, I really feel I must comment on this one. Honestly. You can only rehash a joke so many times until it becomes completely irrelevant and unintelligible. With the turnaround on LP (coming *and* going), sometimes it is just not possible to explain an 'insider' kind of joke. I LOVE mele's post (as I usually do!). Jump in there. Ask about the inside joke if you want to, but think of it this way: We all have best friends, good friends, acquaintances, and, oh let's call them 'friends to be' (strangers). LP is a HUGE community filled to the brim with any number of combinations of those groups. Some of us are great friends, see each other outside of LP, and our lives carry on and cross over onto the boards. I would never expect anyone to apologize for that! It takes all sorts to make a community whole. Everyone has a role, no matter how small. Trailsend (and again, I'm using you as an example only, it could be anyone), if I remember correctly, you are very active in your church. If you had a new member come into your congregation and join the women's group that you and your best friend started, I'm sure it wouldn't even occur to you to try and explain every little thing that had gone on in the group since its inception - the idea would be staggering, and if they felt uncomfortable you would more than likely try to find out how to make them feel more welcome - but you wouldn't make apologies for the fact that you had a prior relationship with this group. You'd explain what you could and move on. As they came to the group more often, and shared their experiences with you, they would develop a new connection. But that still doesn't replace the 'insider' stuff that was there before she joined. History is history. It can only be explained if you weren't there, it can't be re-experienced.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ No, I understand and thank you for your explanation. I was too busy typing my missive, LOL, and didn't see your post for a few minutes. Put that way it isn't insulting. Hopefully, we all remember what it is like to be new to a community. You had a baptism by fire going into WE first! My hiney is still scorched from my first posts there, lol
Originally Posted By Rebekah Hi Captain. Thanks for reminding me what's so great about this place. I appreciated it. It came at a great time...I often read the boards when I'm down as a little pick me up. Seeing others having fun can do wonders to the heart (not nearly as time-consuming as a trip to a nearby theme park) Rebekah.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Bringing this full circle to get back on topic, I had an email that made me realize this really is what LP is all about and what makes it so great. We all care enough to explain, hash it out, and make things good with each other.
Originally Posted By trailsend Well, thank you, Mrs. Nurmi. Point well taken. I had to chuckle at this point though: >>>I'm sure it wouldn't even occur to you to try and explain every little thing that had gone on in the group since its inception <<< I talk a lot, Mrs. Nurmi and would probably try to do just this!!! LOL! Thank you for such a gracious comment.
Originally Posted By trailsend >>clique hug?<< Nuut, you meanie beanie. HA! >>>We all care enough to explain, hash it out, and make things good with each other.<<< Exactly! Whew! I might can eat that dinner now I've been trying to cook. SuzieQ ~ you and I have history!! YAY!
