I was just wondering if this forum is really doing anyone any good?!?!

Are you learning anything new, is it helpful in any way to you? I have been spending about 1 hour a day here (sometimes less) and I am just hoping it is a profitable use of my time. I know a few post, but are there others out there who are enjoying it but not posting? Is there anything I am doing you don't like? that you really like? I guess I would just like to know what direction you all would like this to go, and am looking for some feed-back from everyone. Not about me personally (not looking for compliments) but about the content and areas of discussion on the forum...Any help will be deeply appreciated.

Everyone is more than welcome to post some new questions. Any topics about children, families, money saving, animals, gardening, cooking etc... are welcome! No profanity, or off-color words, or jokes though!!!!

-- Melissa (cmnorris@1st.net), October 21, 2001

Answers

Melissa, I really enjoy this forum. I've learned a lot from the 'frugal' posts especially. I still post both here and on the Countryside forum (and read everything as well), but I like the attitude on this forum much better. Here I don't find the meaness that I sometimes see on Countryside.

-- Cheryl in KS (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), October 21, 2001.

Melissa,

I wholeheartly agree with the previous poster. I really enjoy this site. In fact, I seem to come here first and more often than the other forums. Even though I don't have small children at home anymore, I do very much enjoy most of the threads, especially the ones about saving money. That's my hobby.

Please keep up the good work. You're posting threads we just haven't thought of yet.

Wishing you enough.

P.S. I highly recommended this site to my daughter who has a 2 year old son.

-- Trevilians (aka Dianne in Mass) (Trevilians@mediaone.net), October 21, 2001.

Melissa, I have found many helpful hints here. As a near 40 Single Guy I need helpful ideas about cleaning and cooking and have found many here.

Even though that I am Single I still enjoy reading the Family and Children threads and have learned from them. I could have used a place like this when I had my Foster Son living here.

I still enjoy it over at Countryside but this fourm has a more easy going attitude.

Keep up the Good Work!

-- Mark in N.C. Fla. (deadgoatman@webtv.net), October 21, 2001.

. This forum is a bit more middle of the road than most, I have not heard a second opinion about anything, much less an opposing opinion. This is not natural for all people to be lilly white and nice about everything; its a bit dull as a matter of fact. That is why I post the stumpers; to bring a bit of livelyness here. The subject are mostly women issues, notice that only a handfull of threads are entered by men. I, myself am tired of the sick goat forum, and the we are right because God says so forum. I will add to this later, I have company just arrived.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), October 21, 2001.

Hello Melissa, Your forum is fine. It is a refreshing change from Backwoods Home, Countryside, and (UGH!) Mother Earth News. Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), October 21, 2001.

Melissa, I like your forum. I don't post much but I do read it. I like Countryside and go read there also BUT, I was thinking a few minutes ago when I wa reading that it's difficult to get a straight answer over there wihout someone making a big joke or being mean. It's OK with me though, I just ignore it, but there most be some hurt feelings sometimes.

-- Gloria in MD (mullinaxclan@webtv.net), October 21, 2001.

Mitch I do agree about the Men posting, and I am always glad to see you , Gary, Ernest, Mark, and JR posting, Sorry if I missed anyone! But these come to mind. I guess women are more generally interested in these types of issues.

As far as contoversy I can think of a few threads, like the TV and Halloween ones, especially where there were some basic disagreements, but people remained very civil.. I for one am tired of strife and controversy in the world, so if I would really disagree with anything I probably wouldn't say much.

The only things I have deleted (and yes there have been three items) have contained profanity which I have stated many, many times is absolutely not permitted. I didn't really dis-agree with what the people were saying, but it just broke one of the basic rules (no profanity). I did ask them to post again or to re-phrase the answer, but none did thus far. I don't want to start the whole censorship issue, which has been gone into in full length on other forums you probably visit. I don't want to censor you, I want you to censor yourselves!!!! So if a thread or an answer contains profanity it is gone, no second thoughts.

Thanks Mitch! I have noticed that when you post, you always have a relevent, intelligent point to make and I appreciate that!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), October 21, 2001.

I like this forum, as it gives us a chance to get a answer, the country side forum is moveing so fast, your question gets lost before it can be answered. I like to read something else beside sick goats. Keep up the good work, Great forum. God Bless Irene

-- Irene texas (tkorsborn@cs.com), October 21, 2001.

I also like the idea of stating opinions or asking questions without being blasted. It doesn't bother me at all that nobody's attacking anybody or making silly jokes about someone's question.

-- mary (marylgarcia@aol.com), October 21, 2001.

Hmmm.... For a forum named "Country Families", I think it is exactly what it should be. It has been very helpful for me, especially in saving money. I enjoy this site more because it isn't full of arguements. I do like the brain teasers posted by Mitch too. :o) Thanks!

-- notnow (notnow05@yahoo.com), October 21, 2001.

I really enjoy this forum as well, it allows me to hear the adult view of family life, and the concerns. I'm glad that people here are willing to share so much. And when we make each other laugh, that in itself is a job well done. Keep having fun, pressing on. NUMBER ONE FAN!!!

-- jillian (sweetunes483@yahoo.com), October 21, 2001.

I love it.I don't get to town much and some days this is my only contact with adults. I posted on CSM and recieved alot of mean spirited gossips trying to persecute me and didn't even listen to what I had wrote.I just like being able to express ideas and thoughts without worring if someones going to be mean. I think you have done a great job, I have learned alot and I started asking and giving here.Sometimes I ramble but everyone is nice.Thanks everyone and keep up the good work!

-- Micheale from SE Kansas (mbfrye@totelcsi.net), October 21, 2001.

I really like this forum. My Mom (Trevilians) pointed me towards this site a few days ago and I have lurked a bit, but am looking forward to posting. I am especially interested in frugal living and anything that pertains to young children. I am a SAHM to a 2 year old and try not to look at srteching a dollar as a chore but a challenge! I think it's FUN!

Keep up the good work Melissa, I'll jump right in!!

Amy

-- Amy (amya@cstone.net), October 21, 2001.

Melissa, sometimes I only have a couple of minutes to check out my favorite spots on the computer and this spot is number one on my list. It has a lot of good information and a lot of fun areas to check out also. The time you spend taking care of this forum is well spent and you are doing a great job. As from reading the previous posts I see the others agree. It is so nice to see a forum where noone is getting into a nit-picking contest because they have disagreed about something. If there is a disagreement I' am sure it will be a polite say-so, especially since all of us are made different and think differently and difference of opinion can give us all a different outlook on a subject. Thanks again Melissa you are appreciated. Jenn

-- Jenn (normaj3@countrylife.net), October 21, 2001.

I think it's great and yes I'm getting something positive out of it, sometime I only have time to look.

-- Carol in Tx (cwaldrop@peoplescom.net), October 21, 2001.

I'm enjoying myself. I'll stay as long as y'all let me. Sometimes the topics don't pertain, because the kids are long grown and gone, but it's fun to think back to those days and how I did things. And sometimes this ol' grandma's opinion or advise might be needed. I'm not all that old, at 54, but it's light years away from someone raising toddlers. And Mitch, I like your brain teasers. I've even gotten a couple of them right. A couple I didn't even understand after you explained them. I've missed that braincell, it was one of my favorites.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), October 21, 2001.

I LOVE this forum because I STRONGLY believe that Family and home is important-and I think more people will start to realize that. Anyway- I love being able to chat about things that concern me with out people putting me down. Your doing a fantastic job! thanks!!!!!

-- Kelly in Ky (Kelly @yahoo.com), October 21, 2001.

I like it just the way it is..have no need for bickering with anyone about anything....if this is "dull" than I guess I prefer "dull".

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), October 21, 2001.

I enjoy both this forum and CS. Comparing then is a waste of time as they both have distinct personalities. I have only had one mild disagreement over there and I ignore the rest. This one is fun cause, as a older woman, I hope I can help the younger women and mothers. You know...been there, did that!! I also enjoy recipes and all the interesting tips that are posted. On the CS forum, I've learned so much about livestock and what I wouldn't have the ability to raise myself as I am disabled. It has been a wonderful source of information. God bless!

-- Ardie from WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), October 21, 2001.

Melissa! From an old hillbilly's point of view---don't change a thing! I like it just fine! If I wanted to argue I'd go somewhere else. Somebody already said something about the family being important. Almighty God ordained the family and it's place in this life is just below Him. I appreciate your work keeping this forum up and running. I also applaud your rules regarding profanity etc. There is enough of that already in the world to go around. I prefer NOT to hear it or read it.

So from an old ex-heathen who "done it all" and "said it all" it's nice and refreshing to have a site like this. Keep up the good work! old hoot, the hillbilly, gibson. Matt.24:44

-- "old " hoot gibson (hoot@pcinetwork.com), October 21, 2001.

Hoot!!! OH, no... I can't believe I forgot to mention you when I was talking about men posting!!!! I guess you are just in a class by yourself! SORRY, I knew I should not have mentioned names because I would forget someone!!!

-- Melissa (me@home.net), October 21, 2001.

I like the homey atmosphere here. Home is supposed to be a haven, where one can rest safely from the storms of the outside life. That's what this place is. We have had differences here, but they have been nicely handled. There is no stress here. I like that. I wish the guys would post more; maybe one of them will start a thread and get a discussion going. Well, I know Hoot and Mitch have. Gary, we never did hear from you about the rhythm thing.

-- Cathy N. (keeper8@attcanada.ca), October 21, 2001.

Hey Melissa! Don't worry about forgettin the old hillbilly! LOL. I'm kinda a recluse anyhoo---well according to Lil Dumplin! "How can you stay at the farm all the time?" I tell'r "no problemo Lil Dumpy"! As long as ole Calvin don't start argue'n with me and I can always be right-we'll continue stayin outta town!!!

In all seriousness---! I don't want folks to honor me or keep their eyes on me. I'm a nobody that was saved by His Grace 40 years ago. I am just a big dummy but the message I bring is the most important in the entire world. It can mean the difference between heaven or hell! I do want all to read what He has to say---I'm just the messanger for Him. Glory to His name!

Thanks again sis for lettin me "preach" to my old bypassed hearts content! He's coming soon and I want my old hillbilly brane cleaned out of all He has given me to post. old hoot. Matt.24:44

-- "old " hoot gibson (hoot@pcinetwork.com), October 21, 2001.

Melissa, I am a lurker, I love to read your forum. IM 53, so all of my kids are gone, but do have grandkids. I like the frugal hints, receips, also enjoy reading about the younger families. Don't change anything, its fine just the way it is. I also lurk on CSM, posted there one time and that was enough, too much fighting and bickering over there. God Bless

-- Jean (zinnias4you@yahoo.com), October 21, 2001.

Melissa~ I, like many of the above, make this my first stop when I hop on the computer! I have even begun checking it before my e-mail, which is saying a lot! I think that the questions and discussions have been great and there seems to be a good mix of people posting and answering. Many times I will think of a question, get on and there it is. Just goes to show that a lot of us here are very like-minded. And Hoot, I love to read when you post about being saved by God's Grace. It is a message we should all be sharing constantly, but I find I often get caught up in "ME"!

-- Ivy in NW AR (balch84@cox-internet.com), October 21, 2001.

I go to this site first, as well. Don't change a thing, please.

I hope my joking around isn't to annoying to people. I don't mean any harm at all, but hope to bring a smile to ya'll faces.

I do agree on the importance of family and the Lord in our lives. Love, Jennifer =)

-- Jennifer (none@none.com), October 21, 2001.

Melissa, the forum is fine. Really depends on the participants and their tastes alot anyway. I don't post on CS as a matter of prinicple. Can't stand the commisars and anti-God bias. I read the Freedom/Reliance, Doreen's forum, and another, and scand CS. Used to post on BHM a fair amount but you've got to register and I haven't felt compelled to post. Again, the forum is fine.

-- carlos (clb@dixienet.com), October 22, 2001.

For the most part the forum is fine if a little lily white as Mitch said. When a post is deleted due to a word that one person found unacceptable and is not profanity I begin to question my place here. Then again, I am still here and if I wish to stay I must abide by the arbitrary decisions.

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), October 22, 2001.

Alison, I have replied to your questioning of my judgment on the other thread you posted. As to the "lily-whiteness", that is exactly what I was aiming for. There are many, many other forums that aren't (trust me, I spent several hours going through practically every Lusenet Forum on the board and there aren't many like this one) I like lilies! I don't consider it a bad thing to want to preserve a little bit of innocence and kindness in the world.

Now I am a practical person. I know there are many horrible, horrible things happening in this world today. I've lived through my share of nightmares, and I just don't want to focus on bad or negative issues. Can't we discuss families, gardening, cooking etc... in a kind way and still have fun??

If anyone wants to know what Alison, or anyone else said that I deleted, e-mail and I will tell you, or e-mail her and let her tell you. Then you can decide in your own mind if you felt it was appropriate for a FAMILY forum. Everyone has a choice to post or not!! You don't have to read or post either one of course, but if you decide to, I will not allow any profanity, any mean-natured, sarcastic jabs, any off-color jokes or comments.

-- Melissa (me@home.net), October 22, 2001.

I was not on the computer all day yesterday. Since it was the Lords' day, I tried to spend as much of it with Him as I could. I'm not saying it is sinful to be on the computer on Sundays, I just happened to need to spend more time with Him yesterday! ANyway, I LOVE this lily-white forum and for those who don't, no one is making you stay! It is so refreshing to know you can come here and not be exposed to all the foul language you get on some forums and on TV. It is possible to say something and get your point across without all that. Call it lily-white or whatever you want, it is refreshing. Melissa, don't change a thing!

-- Barb in Ky. (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), October 22, 2001.

I would love to discuss gardening, farming and many other things that pertain to country families. I have been supportive and proud to be a prt of this forum. If anyone is getting mean its those who feel themselves a bit holier than those around them. This forum is rapidly become about anything but Country living families and is becoming more and more about religion. I am not against religion, innocence, lilies or anything. I just felt you were getting a little too strict and puritan. I will take my leave!

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), October 22, 2001.

WOW! I am really at a loss to even answer that.

The very first post on this forum made it vey clear that religious posts were allowed and encouraged. I really don't feel "holier than thou". As many have said before, if religion is a deep part of your life (and as a congregation elder, I'm sure it is to you Alison) it is difficult to just shut it off, and turn it back on at will.

I always try to give a practical, common-sense response to any questions I answer. I make many mistakes each day and I have written about them on several threads.

I don't see the forum becoming more and more religious to the exclusion of other topics. In the last few days alone there have been many money saving threads, (food, laundry, household), many threads about family life, cooking, and general family life.

I have discussed with some people via e-mail, what types of things to post and reached compromises with all of them. I don't really understand what the trouble is with keeping the forum a nice, pleasant place???

-- Melissa (me@home.net), October 22, 2001.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with this forum or the way you are running it. Shrug it off and keep going, honey. You're doing a great job. You can't be all things to all people.

-- melina b. (goatgalmjb1@hotmail.com), October 22, 2001.