Before I go off on a semi-rant, I want to say that this is directed at no one. I have so much stress, tension, and depression built up that I have to release it someohow.

One of my friends, who visits the boards frequently, suggested that I bring this to everyone's attention. These are my personal views.

I know a lot of you know each other personally, as friends, relatives, or what not, and even then, some of you don't. I have visited these boards frequently for almost two years, way back in 2000. One thing that I feel I have not achieved is respect. Before you make a statement how everyone here is treated equally, I want to say that I am talking about a different sort of respect. I feel that my ego is being suffocated, drowned by the disappreciation I am receiving. I usually reply to comments, statements, or ideas with a positive outlook on the situation, I try to make my words productive. Yet, I also feel abused how I am not recognized as I see some of you are. I know when I post a question, it is answered, but my ideas are something else. If you look up member #129 on the search engine, go through, and look, you'll see that there are numerous posts that have been ignored. Not to mention how many of my own are the last posts in that specific archive.

This has been going on for some time, this tension, but I try to be honest to the fact that no one on here is out to get me. No one enjoys seeing another miserable. Not until recently have I realized that I need to bring this out. The event would be the recent addition to our topic icons. I know people have seen my poll, since about 20 people voted "yes" for a Choc icon. Yet, after it was made, I received no recognition. I am not trying to complain that I need acknowledgement for every action, but a simple "Great idea" would help every now and then. I cannot hold one single person responsible, no one except myself. Perhaps I spend too much time on here, and not enough time with friends and family, but I enjoy being here, and at the same time I don't. I want to conclude this by saying I wish I could have a better experience than the one I am having now. We are all friends, so why not treat other as such?

[ 10-22-2002, 12:39 AM: Message edited by: Nanobyte ]

<font color = aqua> I understand what you're saying Nanobyte, but, well...isn't it all kind of pointless if you have to ask for recognition? I find more often than not my posts are the last of a thread, but I don't take it personally. I just assume no one else had anything more to add. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] Life is too short to get hung up on the little things. ;) </font>

Yes, I know, but why post when there is no response? Like I said, I don't like to complain, and I don't really want to ask for recognition, I'm just saying the lack of it is like an indirected insult. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy being here, and I enjoy talking to everyone on here, but sometimes I feel I am less of a person. I don't know, I just had to bring this out since it was hurting me to hold it in.

It's because you hang around (reply too) the wrong crowd, namely ME :D When you reply to my jokes it's the kiss of death ;)

Oh, it's not you John. I enjoy reading your jokes to the fullest.

Nanobyte, I think part of the problem is that you seem a little anonymous (at least to me). You've been here a long time, but in all honesty, there isn't a single thing I can say about you; I can't point out one characteristic or trait you have, because I know so little of you. I'm not exactly a newbie here either, and I'm reasonably familiar with a lot of people and how they post, but you seem to be an exception. Maybe you could try opening up a little more, giving us more of a look into your life? If you need to, post threads on what's going on, or just write a quick note in the cafe to tell us how it's going. Also, you could try talking to some other forum members through MSN or AOL messenger; this is a great way of getting to know people, and this way you could get the recognition and appreciation you want when you post. One thing is for sure though; you're not being ignored or neglected on purpose. We all make threads that get zero replies, and it's nothing personal, just a bit of a flopped topic at worst. Things like this are often coincedental though, and so certainly not worth worrying about. I hope you feel better soon [img]smile.gif[/img]

And by the way, the Choc topic icon was an awesome idea [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] [img]smile.gif[/img]

I do understand Nanobyte. Although I think that I'm fairly well known around here (at least I was under the name Aviendha), I still get a little bit upset when people don't respond to my posts. I guess I want to seem funny or smart or whatever, and when no-one replies, I feel like people don't think that.

I started a thread very similar to this one in the Books and Movies section, asking why nobody ever responds to my movie reviews. Quite a few people have since told me that they do read them and enjoy them, but don't feel they have anything to add and so don't respond.

I've also noticed on another forum that I occassionally visit, that they have a counter on the amount of people that have viewed a thread, and a seperate one for how many have responded. This way, I know that maybe 30 people have read my thread, even though only 2 have responded. It's not a bad idea, and at least let's me know that I'm not completely wasting my time. Maybe Ziroc can implement this some time.

Anyway, don't feel bad, I know how you feel, and value your posts just as much as anyone else's.

Ben.

I'm not so sure there Nanobyte, I'm not the Crustiest of the old Coots for nothing ;) Don't feel like you're a thread killer, I'm sure I'm in the running for that record :D

Seriously, there is such a wide range of people here at EG, not everybody has the same tastes, likes, interests, customs, or time zones. Lots of times people don't reply because they don't log on everyday and they forget what threads they were discusing.

Thanx for the tip Arledrian. Perhaps I am secluding myself too much. I have been recently trying to open myself up. Let me give a little info here:

</font>

• I was born on the first of November in 1985</font>
• I have two older sisters, one younger, and one older brother; the oldest being 27 and the youngest 11</font>
• For the first ten years of my life I lived in Upstate NY, of course my parents tell me we lived in WV for a while</font>
• After my grandmother died (father's side), we moved to Mooresville, just north of Charlotte, NC, which was almost seven years ago</font>
• I'm in the 11th grade now, some of the classes I'm taking are Latin, English 1023H (Honors), Chemistry, and AP US History (supposed college course)</font>
• I can post my grades, but those are optional [img]tongue.gif[/img]</font>
• Let's see, I turn 17 soon, but I cannot drive, I just got my permit in August, and don't get my license until a year after (drive after 9 in Feb. 2004)</font>
• I have a job as well, work at a sign shop making $6 an hour, around $130 every fifteen days</font>
• I've been saving up for a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, saved $1700 in close to 7 months, I'm still 6K short</font>
• I DO NOT have a girlfriend, but that doesn't affect me that much</font>
• Oh yea, I plan on becoming a game designer, comp. software programer, and am leaning towards Appalachian State</font>
• My email is melonollie@hotmail.com and AIM screenname is Melonollie</font>
• I like skate and snowboarding (got into both just recently), CRPG's, spending time with my family, occasional reading, PnP D&D</font>

Well, that's all I can think of. Just ask, and I'll post more.

[ 10-21-2002, 01:27 AM: Message edited by: Nanobyte ]

<font color="lawngreen" face="trebuchet MS"> I can say that I completely agree that the Choc idea was great Nanobyte :D </font>