Why Even Bother?

[mikael3]

I noticed long ago on a gardening site that I used to frequent, that my comments were routinely ignored.  I thought I was writing interesting things.  But I also know that, unfortunately, something about me is very off-putting in real life, so I started to think that my strangeness was appearing in my writing as well.  At the time, I tried not to let it bother me, but one day, someone wrote a 1-sentence post about how it had rained the night before, and she got over 50 responses within the day.  Who knows why.  Maybe everyone was eager for rain and she just hit on a timely topic.  But little by little, I stopped going to that site and I certainly stopped posting.  I harbor no ill will about it.  It just wasn’t fun any more.  So I can understand TwinTubber.

 

I’m glad that on this site I get some responses and a few check marks.  But I still know I’m kind of ‘off’, so I’m aware that plenty of things I write will be ignored or—much worse—resented.  One plea I frequently make is that we remember that these are internet postings that often seem mean or cruel when they’re meant to be funny or silly or ironic.  I try not to take offense, no matter how bad it sounds, and I hope others can do the same with my posts.

 

[daveamkrayoguy]

I lost touch with a certain Music Forum that I belong--or belong-ED to: www/amcorner.com...

 

But that was mainly that the forum had gone Hi-Tech, and I was expected to upgrade & install an App through Insta-Gram, and when I did, it seemed as though I kept getting asked for my User Name & Password multiple times, and then told that they were both already in use, and set up a new account to be told the same, so I then gave up...

 

I think I wanted it to be rub the old fashioned way, right down to it being "Closed for Software Updates" when they were needed... (Was it to save the Webmaster some work?)

 

It was hard to go to this Website in the new method, which was otherwise just horrifyingly slow--and even registered a complaint about it, just for it to be ignored...

 

Thank God that I can still log onto www.automaticwasher.org in the Old School Way...

 

 

-- Dave

 

[kevin313]

I'm a member on a few different forums in addition to AW, and sometimes my posts don't get very many responses. But it's okay because sometimes a post might only have a few responses but it may also have hundreds of views. While I don't reply to threads with great frequency, I do read most of the posts in the Super forum, and enjoy looking at the poster's thoughts, observations, photos, or whatever it is that they are sharing. I just may not feel like I have anything to add other than what has already been said, but I was glad to see the post.

Hope you reconsider and continue to take part in AW!!

 

[ea56]

I've been following this thread with interest. I first discovered aw.org by accident in 2010 when I was google searching for why my Whirlpool Cabiro wasn't spinning sometimes. I followed aw.org for over 2 yrs. before I took the leap and joined. I don't particitpate in any other social media or blogs, no Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, ect. I was eager to join aw.org because I've had a lifelong interest in all appliances, washers especially. And also, it was pretty clear than there were many Gay men on this website, so there were two common bonds. I was totally green to the concept of posting. In fact I didn't even understand what the like check box was for until I read danemodsandy's post several mo. back when he left aw.org. Now that I do know about it I always like a post whenever it speaks to me.

I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that it is important to me as well as most human beings to have a sense of belonging. There is an old guard on aw.org that supports each other and these members usually get lots of likes. I completely understand the feeling of camaraderie among the original members and I thank you one and all for starting this website and keeping it going, it is a wonderful website. But I can also understand how the OP felt when he posted his thoughts. I too sometimes get the feeling that my posts are a deadend. But reading some of the thoughtful posts to this thread I have a better understanding of why sometimes my posts seem to be ignored. I however do think that we all need to be polite to other members and make an effort to not post words that may offend. I need to remind myself of this too. My Father taught me that if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all, a good rule to live by. Now I'll get off my soapbox. I sincerely hope thay my words won't be taken the wrong way.
Eddie[this post was last edited: 6/9/2016-14:20]

 

[robbinsandmyers]

In defense.......

Of Twintubber, I sometimes also dont replies to some of my posts be it machines or other topics but dont resent it. I just chalk it up to being new here and people will open up to me in time. However when I was working on some real issues with my A407 when first joining here ( Ive since given up and will run the wheels off it until I find a much better condition model or better ) a few members gladly chimed in with help but a few offered to help with sending printed matter in the mail and suddenly dropped off the face of the Earth even after repeated emails. So its a double edged sword I think. I wish I could offer advice here when people post but alas, I only know small engines, diesel cars, old fans and phonos but offer what I can on what I know. Oh well rant over.

 

[washer111]

Once Again...

This stupidity about "filling in your profile" comes up.

If a person wishes not to disclose that much information about themselves, that is up to them. They should not be treated any less than anyone else for choosing to do so, just assuming someone doesn't want a reply because they prefer anonymity is one of the most backwards excuses I've ever heard.

This is the INTERNET, and identity theft runs rampant these days. Being selective in what you post online about yourself is not a bad thing.

Overall, there is no way of telling if the person is even truthful in the details they provide, anyway.

The whole reason we have "usernames" is they are meant to be the means of addressing people, instead of using real names. This has NEVER been an issue on any other forum I've visited. Say what you will, but its a very "selective" attitude to take and something I've grown to resent in about 4 years posting here.

This "cliquey" attitude is what drives me away, and no doubt what TwinTubber might have been feeling, too.

 

[lordkenmore]

Another point with profile: has it always been empty? Or did it get emptied just before OP left?

 

[luxflairguy]

I can't believe I've been a member for 10 years! In those years, I've contributed where I feel I have information to share and have learned a lot from all of you. I've shut down a few threads and stirred up a new member. But!
When in February 2016 I shared with you all that my partner of 30 years had suddenly died, the outpouring of support from this group-people I've never meet, made a world of difference for me! 48 members sent messages of support and encouragement. It meant as much to me as the cards and letters I'd received in the mail from friends far and near. I've printed out all the pages of thoughts from this group and have them in the book along with the mailings.
AW is one big brotherhood--OK,, I won't forget the girls!! The more you participate, share and get known here, the more we can participate in YOUR interests! Me, I love ranges and have shared lots of my range catalogs with the group and then there's the vacuums!
Don't give up! It's the motto I've taken to heart since Lynn died and it's what get's me through the day! Greg

 

[combo52]

AW Friends

Greg, that was great to hear about the number of members that offered condolences after Lynn died.

 

Like most things in life the more you put in the more you receive back.

 

I hope I get to meet you sometime.

 

[mayfan69]

Lack of profile detail

Actually, I'm with John on this one and judging by the likes on his comment, I'd say quite a few other members are too.

Sure, be anonymous and don't let others know who are etc, but personally, I think it 'humanises' someone you may never get to meet in the 'real world' by knowing a bit about them and especially their first name at the very least.

I rarely comment on other's posts when there's a blank profile, much like a lot of  'dating' apps: you message me without anything on your profile, then don't expect much of a response.

 

Anyway, we all have busy lives and can't comment on everything we see here, plus I've become facebook friends with a lot of members and also message them via apps and also ring a couple of international members now and then, because I've got to know them personally.

 

Leon