Participation...

[sdowell]

Let me encourage all of you here on PD to participate in the discussions, and start new topics of your own.

I realize that it's very easy to just sit back and read what other people have posted (lurking), but that really doesn't help build the kind of online community that we'd all like to see.

I'd like to make this challenge to everyone here on PD...
Commit yourself to making at least one post a week. Add your comments to an existing topic, or else start a brand new topic of your own. But make at least one post each week.

There are 60 members of this forum. If each of us would commit to participating even just once a week, I think it would be a dramatic difference to the quality of this community.

Your fellow Deist,

Steve

[Bearcub]

I agree with Steve, that it would be good for more people to not just lurk, but post as well. It makes the forum more enjoyable to post and see your posts answered.

Having said that, I can understand why many people don't post. For one, it takes longer to post something, than to simply read some posts. Especially for those that don't type very well. Some people just don't have the time.

Another reason, that concerns me more, is that many people are afraid of how their post will be recieved. When we post something on the a forum, it is there for the whole world to judge. And many people do not want to be judged by the whole world, or even by those on this forum. This concerns me, as it seems that having an opinion is now considered to be wrong by some. To those that don't like my opinions I say, "Tough nuts." That is your problem if you allow yourself to be offended by some guy's opinion that you don't even know.

Still another reason, that people may not post, is that they may feel that they have nothing novel to say. To them I would point out, neither do I.

As there are many Deists, that live as closet Deists, that don't want others to know that they are Deists. In many cases, there are very valid reasons for them not wanting those close to them to know that they believe in Deism. Sure they could post with an anonymous name, but if someone happens to look over their shoulder while doing so, their secret could come out. I understand their fears, and don't begrudge the fact that they don't post.

The last reason that I can think of, is that some don't feel that they are Deist enough to post. We can be pretty intimidating with quotes from obscure authors, and talking about new theories in science. Well, it does not take a degree in literature or science for people to post that they had an enjoyable day at the park. Or to ask how to express love for their parents. This forum is intended to be an on-line community of fellow Deists, with fellowship in mind. So, don't allow yourself to be intimidated by the high-and-mighty sounding BS to keep you from posting. Trust me, God made it so everyone has something that they know more about than most if not all others.

In summary, don't let the fact that people may disagree with you keep you from posting. And if you don't post for some reason, I at least will understand that there are reasons for you not posting.

[paine_wwweb_r]

Another reason, that concerns me more, is that many people are afraid of how their post will be recieved. When we post something on the a forum, it is there for the whole world to judge. And many people do not want to be judged by the whole world, or even by those on this forum. This concerns me, as it seems that having an opinion is now considered to be wrong by some. To those that don't like my opinions I say, "Tough nuts." That is your problem if you allow yourself to be offended by some guy's opinion that you don't even know.

This is a good point. A member of a band I'm in started a Yahoo group for the band, and there were arguments beginning within the first few posts. I, in my diplomatic way, had to jump in and remind people that being right (or labelling someone else wrong) is not the point of most of these groups. The point is to discuss things.

Right and wrong can be determined later, if that is necessary.

I am very good friends with people with whom I disagree 100% about issues such as politics and religion. It is extremely shallow to let these things interfere with a friendship if you really want the friendship.

I feel a certain friendship with the members of this group, even though I know none of the members here personally.

So while we might want to challenge issues that are brought up in posts, I'd be the first to say that I don't think anyone is wrong for believing most of the things they say on these boards, especially when it comes to issues of spirituality.

There's no way to confirm what's true anyway, so why judge?


PW

[Davidium]

Let me encourage all of you here on PD to participate in the discussions, and start new topics of your own.

And then again, there are those of us who seem incapable of reading a thread without feeling a need to jump in! I have to temper myself and only post when I feel I have something to contribute....

Why? Because I fear that some are intimidated by those members who post all the time...

I am posting this to re-assure these people, those of us who are regular posters want nothing more than to have more and more different perspectives to discuss with! Though we post alot, we want to read your posts more. I have to admit that there are times I find myself skimming posts from some of the other regulars here, because I am familliar with many of their positions...

But the posts from people who I know less, now those are the ones I read with fascination..... for their new perspecives are the first and primary reason why I enjoy these forums....

David

[sdowell]

Absolutely David!
I'm thrilled when I see a post from a new poster. I want to see more of those!

(BTW... To M-Squared... Welcome to PD! And THANKS for jumping right in to the discussions! I hope to continue hearing from you.)

~Steve