I LOVE Internet forums. ADORE, ADORE, ADORE! When internet forums were just starting to come about- my mom met a bunch of wonderful women from all across the country and ended up walking the Portland Marathon together- AND were featured on the Oprah show!
A couple years ago I joined forums on The Knot. I met my best friend and she was actually the maid of honor in my wedding. Can you imagine? My maid of honor was someone that I met on the internet?
I think the internet is a powerful tool. That being said,
deblosingit, I've seen forums turn for the negative. That's actually exactly why I left my board on The Knot. Girls were beginning to get mean- I tried to stop them and couldn't, so the only decision I could make was to leave. I don't support that type of behavior. I know people's weight loss decisions can be quite controversial, but I think my role is only to support and if need be- encourage to seek medical assistance if I think it's borderline unhealthy.
But you really hit the nail on the head with this one:
Quote:
Originally Posted by deblosingit
Would participating in the forum more actively have helped me? I don't know, but maybe I could have helped someone else.
I like to think that perhaps my journey and positivity might help others.
Bunny, SRosa- I don't want to pressure you to join in if you aren't comfortable, but your mere presence is supportive. Even if you don't have anything new to add- Even if it is just, "Ditto! Rock on, sister!" I just wanted you to know that you are special.
Lurkers are special. I like to think that I have dozens of anonymous cheerleaders urging me forward. Daily checking in on me. Wanting to see me reach their goals. And likewise- I'm hoping the same thing for them. When I see those "views" begin to creep up, I'm wishing that those lurkers are one step closer to their goal.
But of course, it would be easier to support you if I knew who you were.