Hi All,
I have decided to take some 'time out' from the forum as I have recently found it so upsetting at times as to have made me feel ill - which I don't need. I will check in now and then just to see if there is news of Carole as she is a dear friend. Jacee, as my 'best friend' (no hurt meant to others, but we joined at same time and have built up a good relationship) I will contact you weekly or similar by PM so as to keep in touch. Take care all,
Lots of Love, Vanessa x
Again, I can only agree with Van; what was a friendly site, felt safe and had trusted friends now feels unsafe and adversarial. I will also not be posting regularly any more, though will give news of Carole when I can. Good luck to Stitch, Ann, Knitty and others whose company I have very much enjoyed, though this will probably be another thread which is removed without consultation or explanation to the people who have started it or contributed to it. This is a very, very sad time for me.
Jacee
xx 
Same for me. Thanks to all who have made me so welcome and for your encouragement. In the short time that I've been here, I thought I had made true friends and hope we can all get back together later.
Eddy, I hope you're okay. As Vanessa said, this kind of thing can make you ill and I hope you don't allow it to. These people think it's just a game, part of 'the argument culture' which has been imported to this country, like some kind of cyber-virus.
Jacee and Van - I shall think of you every day when I get out of breath on these 'goddam machines'!
Stitch
i just want to say thanks to you all for helping me
Van and Jacee
I agree as well. I hardly post as I have always been a little shy about it all. That doesn't mean I don't check on you guys and really appreciate the way you have both been helping and inspiring people. Your exercise routine was brilliant Van!
None of us need the stress and if it is winding you up then you are wise to take a break.
I can't see the new person who seems to run this site now (V) !!! inspiring me or actually caring about me at all the way you guys did.
I will never forget how you two helped me with my questions and I really hope you do post from time to time. And I really do want to know how Carole is getting on.
Take care and catch up soon xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Like Flossie1 I have been a little shy. But I must speak out and say it is stupid to let one person ruin such a lovely forum, especially one who seems to be very short on manners respect and knowledge and judges every one else according to her own very limited experiences. This is so sad. I do hope that the people who run this site get this sorted out.
Maryann
Dear Flossie and Maryann,
Thank you for your support and encouragement. I can assure you we have no intention of letting anyone ruin this lovely Forum. Do keep in mind that one of the plus points of this forum IS that it is open and freely accessible to all. While it may sometimes feel like a downside that folks can comment and say what they like without registering with the site, we have to balance any niggling negatives with the overall positives.
The laissez faire ethos that we enjoy here encourages the free exchange of ideas and opinions. If we wish to criticize or raise issues regarding current treatments or practices, we may. If we wish to comment on current research , we may. If we have certain opinions of our own about what may or may not improve our lives or our prognosis we may express these freely without fear of curtailment or reprimand in anyway. Here we understand that COPD does not affect the ability to think for oneself and so we are not constantly 'nannied' or corrected by those who understand our condition less well than we do.
Keep in mind also that those who do choose to register are able to stay in contact behind the scenes by means of PM or e mail, so we are still communicating freely, if not publicly. However, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that posting publicly is most rewarding, particularly when something we say is of use to others, or attracts someone new to join.
So fear not Flossie, Maryann and those others who have e mailed us, we are not about to let anything ruin this lovely forum. And do remember, this is anyone and everyone's forum equally, so if you or a loved one have COPD and have never posted here before , or have been watching from the sidelines,............ come on in, we would love to have your company!
Best Wishes, Vanessa.
Two things I find a bit strange -
1. Why can't it be like some other forums where you can read the posts but ONLY post if you are registered?
I did send this suggestion to the mods but have heard nothing back.
2. I don't know how much the mods monitor the site because I have asked to join the 'usergroup' and my application is still 'pending'.
Oh well as Van says we can still keep in touch with each other - which is a godsend when we are perhaps stuck in the house because of the cold weather.
Ann x
[quote:587c15a37c=\"annsco\"]Two things I find a bit strange -
1. Why can't it be like some other forums where you can read the posts but ONLY post if you are registered?
I did send this suggestion to the mods but have heard nothing back.
2. I don't know how much the mods monitor the site because I have asked to join the 'usergroup' and my application is still 'pending'.
Oh well as Van says we can still keep in touch with each other - which is a godsend when we are perhaps stuck in the house because of the cold weather.
Ann x
Hi All,
Alas I have asked to join the 'usergroup' but all I get is membership pending as well. However I appreciate the views of members and non-members. This enables me to make more informed decisions as to the way forward for my situation when consulting with my Doctor and nursing staff. At present I am not under the care of a Chest Consultant and I dont expect my Doctor or Nursing Practitioner to be an expert or necessarily up to date with all information re COPD. If I dont know what is happening re progression in research and medical treatments I cannot assume that my Doctor does either. Thankfully I have a great Doctor who I can discuss things with and one who is open to discuss new treatments and therapies, not like the one who told a friend of mine to find himself a new Doc because he asked about a new treatment he thought might be of benefit to him. Thank you everybody for your comments re use of oxygen. I would appreciate more comments from others re the same.
Regards,
Robert. Alias (Waterman) Dog, Budgies, Fish, Frogs and I forgot Carole Sea monkeys LOL
Dear Van and Ann (and all registered members)
I am so pleased that you acknowledge that this is an \"anyone and everyone's forum equally\" that is to say, for any one with COPD or with friends or family of the same.
Guests and Registered members equally.
I think it's great that Guests including Flossie and Maryann are able to post here.
What I find unacceptable is when people are not kindly and caring towards everyone equally.
Be Happy, think kindly, share and care always, for no one knows what another member truly has experienced or has gone through in life and just because opinions and experiences differ it does not mean that one opinion or experience has to be right and another wrong.
Take care all, keep warm and breathe good.
V
[quote:9b1885db1f=\"vanessalee\"]Dear Flossie and Maryann,
Thank you for your support and encouragement. I can assure you we have no intention of letting anyone ruin this lovely Forum. Do keep in mind that one of the plus points of this forum IS that it is open and freely accessible to all. While it may sometimes feel like a downside that folks can comment and say what they like without registering with the site, we have to balance any niggling negatives with the overall positives.
The laissez faire ethos that we enjoy here encourages the free exchange of ideas and opinions. If we wish to criticize or raise issues regarding current treatments or practices, we may. If we wish to comment on current research , we may. If we have certain opinions of our own about what may or may not improve our lives or our prognosis we may express these freely without fear of curtailment or reprimand in anyway. Here we understand that COPD does not affect the ability to think for oneself and so we are not constantly 'nannied' or corrected by those who understand our condition less well than we do.
Keep in mind also that those who do choose to register are able to stay in contact behind the scenes by means of PM or e mail, so we are still communicating freely, if not publicly. However, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that posting publicly is most rewarding, particularly when something we say is of use to others, or attracts someone new to join.
So fear not Flossie, Maryann and those others who have e mailed us, we are not about to let anything ruin this lovely forum. And do remember, this is anyone and everyone's forum equally, so if you or a loved one have COPD and have never posted here before , or have been watching from the sidelines,............ come on in, we would love to have your company!
Best Wishes, Vanessa.
Hi Vanessa,
Great to hear you. As you know I am new to this site and I am not aware of everything that has been going on (nor do I feel that I need to know) but I do concur with all of what you are saying to Flossie and Maryann. I have received much help and understanding about COPD from yourself and from all of those who have posted. God bless.
Regards,
Robert. Thinking of changing my login name to African Frog or Sea monkey. What does everybody think? LOL
\"Dear Van and Ann (and all registered members) I am so pleased that you acknowledge that this is an \"anyone and everyone's forum equally\" that is to say, for any one with COPD or with friends or family of the same. Guests and Registered members equally.
I think it's great that Guests including Flossie and Maryann are able to post here. What I find unacceptable is when people are not kindly and caring towards everyone equally.
Be Happy, think kindly, share and care always, for no one knows what another member truly has experienced or has gone through in life and just because opinions and experiences differ it does not mean that one opinion or experience has to be right and another wrong.
Take care all, keep warm and breathe good.
V\"
Hello V
I think you will find that, guest or registered member, people who come with open hearts and minds are always welcome. To share experiences, to ask for advice, to say how frightened one feels, or to chat about holidays and the weather, it does not really matter. Someone made the point that what counts is having respect and using manners. My mother taught me when I was very young that life is like a bank account - meaning we tend to be able to draw out only what we have put in. If I felt that I did not get the respect I deserved I would look at what messages I was giving out and reflect on matters. As I have stated before, we have no real set rules, but we do need to get along with others or we may find others do not want to get along with us.
Jacee
PS Lovely to hear from you again Flossie. Welcome Maryann
Well said jacee. Manners cost nothing. My mum used to say if I was at odds with the world then I should think what was most likely, if I was wrong or if everyone else was.
Maryann :D
And thanks for the welcome.
Be Happy all and think kindly - makes ya feel a whole lot better and I really do believe is excellent for your health too :D
Have a fun filled day.
V
Are we ever going to be able to read what Eddy said last Friday, or are his views not valid ones????????
:choc: fa
[quote:d4b71d7398=\"waterman\"][quote:d4b71d7398=\"vanessalee\"]Dear Flossie and Maryann,
Thank you for your support and encouragement. I can assure you we have no intention of letting anyone ruin this lovely Forum. Do keep in mind that one of the plus points of this forum IS that it is open and freely accessible to all. While it may sometimes feel like a downside that folks can comment and say what they like without registering with the site, we have to balance any niggling negatives with the overall positives.
The laissez faire ethos that we enjoy here encourages the free exchange of ideas and opinions. If we wish to criticize or raise issues regarding current treatments or practices, we may. If we wish to comment on current research , we may. If we have certain opinions of our own about what may or may not improve our lives or our prognosis we may express these freely without fear of curtailment or reprimand in anyway. Here we understand that COPD does not affect the ability to think for oneself and so we are not constantly 'nannied' or corrected by those who understand our condition less well than we do.
Keep in mind also that those who do choose to register are able to stay in contact behind the scenes by means of PM or e mail, so we are still communicating freely, if not publicly. However, I am sure I speak for all of us when I say that posting publicly is most rewarding, particularly when something we say is of use to others, or attracts someone new to join.
So fear not Flossie, Maryann and those others who have e mailed us, we are not about to let anything ruin this lovely forum. And do remember, this is anyone and everyone's forum equally, so if you or a loved one have COPD and have never posted here before , or have been watching from the sidelines,............ come on in, we would love to have your company!
Best Wishes, Vanessa.
Hi Vanessa,
Great to hear you. As you know I am new to this site and I am not aware of everything that has been going on (nor do I feel that I need to know) but I do concur with all of what you are saying to Flossie and Maryann. I have received much help and understanding about COPD from yourself and from all of those who have posted. God bless.
Regards,
Robert. Thinking of changing my login name to African Frog or Sea monkey. What does everybody think? LOL
eddy... responded to robert, in a friendly manner, to keep his original profile name as anybody not registered can post dodgy stuff etc. as a guest...threads have been destroyed and totally deleted as a consequence of such activity...eddy mentioned a particular name which anybody can use.....ie...if I come on as fred bloggs guest...and stir up genuine people to respond with questions as to ulterior motives.... thread can be and has been destroyed
Think maybe there wouldn't be any problem if people just......
[quote:21afe757b6=\"eddy\"]eddy... responded to robert, in a friendly manner, to keep his original profile name as anybody not registered can post dodgy stuff etc. as a guest...threads have been destroyed and totally deleted as a consequence of such activity...eddy mentioned a particular name which anybody can use.....ie...if I come on as fred bloggs guest...and stir up genuine people to respond with questions as to ulterior motives.... thread can be and has been destroyed
Hi eddy, lovely to hear from you. Glad there are some males around as I know you like to chat to a man, though I can't think why!! Your right to point out the dangers of unregistered posting. I think it is much better when we each know who we are talking to, even if that is a nickname, but I am probably a little old fashioned. However, registering also means you take responsibility for your posts and can be barred from the site should you cause trouble.
As far as deleted posts go, there seem to have been an awful lot lately, not just posts but entire threads have disappeared, like the one I initiated asking for IT help and advice. I was completely unable to work out what was wrong with that one.
Lots of people on here have been unsettled lately and I was angry that Vanessa had been upset and felt ill because of it. However, until the site feels safe again, I can only suggest that people are careful which posts they respond to, to try and prevent the upsurge in feelings which results from hurtful comments.
Jacee
x
Greets to all
I think the only reason why comments or posts get removed are when people are not communicating in a kind and friendly manner. That is the only reason I believe. Of course persistence in bringing unkindly comment is not going to achieve a pleasant environment for any one and will mean more problems for the forum, I'm sure non of us want that.
The forum can only be helpful to people if people are helpful in a kind and caring manner. I don't think anyone bringing any bad feeling onto the forum is going to achieve that.
V