Posted by Racer on December 20, 2008, at 13:03:56
In reply to Re: I'd like to say thank you to many here » Racer, posted by SLS on December 20, 2008, at 8:39:09
Thank you to everyone who's taken the time to post on this thread.
Honestly, I find I don't miss being more of a poster here these days. In fact, as I've found more offline resources, I am grateful to be a deputy here -- because Babble means a lot to me, and being a deputy provides a way for me to remain connected to it. This seems the best of both worlds for me -- I get to be part of something I believe in, even though I may not need the poster role anymore. How great is that?
As for Babble, I've been here so long -- I think my first post was during the very first month this place existed! (I think Scott's was, too, for that matter ;-) ) I've watched it evolve, and its evolution has been fascinating and rewarding for me. What I see now is that it's taken on its own identity -- it has become something pretty amazing.
And do you all know what I think Babble is? It's not something that Dr Bob runs. It's not a collection of online bulletin boards. It's a collection of PEOPLE who POST here. The POSTERS here are what make Babble what it is. When I see posts suggesting Dr Bob shut this place down because he can't be here as often, I feel so very, very sad -- because Babble is not just what Dr Bob made it. Babble is what the people who post here have made it, and its evolution continues in directions we all influence.
I see that as a good thing -- and it's one of the reasons I support the civility guidelines. In my -- admittedly rather eccentric -- view, the guidelines prevent those of us with very strong "personalities" (in quotations because we only get the online personality, the written personality) from steamrolling over those more tentative, more timid, more reserved. The civility standards help keep Babble a dynamic community, with a variety of different perspectives. I've learned a lot here because I was willing to consider the validity of other views than my own. For that matter, as Scott said some time ago, I have learned a very great deal about more effective communication strategies specifically because I've had to consider the posting guidelines here.
I still consider Babble a truly precious community, really almost a miraculous entity. I'm very glad I've had a chance to be part of it, and I am grateful to be a deputy here, because it allows me to remain connected to it -- and to all of you. And by "all of you," I very certainly do include all the posters who disagree with me, as well as though who do.
Peace.
poster:Racer
thread:869567
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081003/msgs/869859.html