Ok Now Really?!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 9:38 am

Modern-day pen pals. Emphasis on pals. We help each other however & whenever we can.

sheryl_b · Post by **sheryl_b** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 9:43 am

Accountable wrote: Modern-day pen pals. Emphasis on pals. We help each other however & whenever we can.

I agree totally accountable............. this is modern day pen pals.............. no more need for pen n paper

:wah:

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 9:48 am

I've heard of international pen pals.

You & I have no history & virtually nothing in common, so yeh. Couple o' beers, couple o' laughs, maybe a picture to post.

FarRider & I have over 20 years of history in common, even though we've never met. We've shared stories & emotions few people do even face to face. If the gov't was trying to take his house through imminent domain, I'd fly all the way to Calli & stand back to back with him.

Different people are different.

pina · Post by **pina** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:30 am

You can call me sad if you like but I think and feel more for the people on here than I do for neighbours and work colleagues and so called friends that I have. I remember a neighbour of mine stopped speaking to me because I introduced her to my sister as a neighbour and not my friend.

It's not that I don't go out or make friends easy, I am very choosy who I make friends with, maybe I am a little anti social but I like it better this way.

One or two really good friends are better than lots of hanger on friends.

The strange thing I have found living in a different country is that every British person I meet talk to me and think that we are friends because we come from the same country, If they met me on a street in England they would walk passed, but here if they hear me speak English they come over and introduce themselves. :-2

Best friends are the ones you feel comfortable with and talk about anything with them.

Lil~Basco · Post by **Lil~Basco** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:38 am

moverguy wrote:

But even pen pals normally met once before they became pen pals
In my case Moverguy, I had a pen pal from Michigan for 25 years. She passed away a year ago at the ripe young age of 99. I had never met her face to face, yet I felt I knew her well, just from what she wrote in her letters. I miss her dearly. And now....her 67 yr old daughter is writing me because her mother loved the friendship we had and she now wants to keep it alive.

The folks here at Fg are the same way. You post, you read, and read, and a personality is attached to each and everyone of them. Folks here are real! FG is more than a chat room. It's a foundation builder for new and long lasting friendships.

computerchic8301 · Post by **computerchic8301** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:42 am

If someone was blind, how would they be able to see who they are talking to. What would be the difference on here. We are all blind on here. The only way to meet a friend is to talk or type. And for people like that are not able to get out of the house much and have no other adults to talk to for most of the day a place like this is a great getaway and keep me sane when I need to keep my cool. Although there are support lines out there and life line that people call, whats the different than here. At least here you can talk to the same people most of the time and if you call one of those line you might get some one that really doesn't care and just reading something off of the screen. Here on the other hand you can tell that people hear care and speak from their hearts. I know I do and I could name a few other names as well. If you think this is nothing but entertainment then why do you care or respond to anything. Entertainment is something you watch, not respond to.

the definition to entertainment is--

The act of entertaining.

The art or field of entertaining.

Something that amuses, pleases, or diverts, especially a performance or show.

The pleasure afforded by being entertained; amusement: The comedian performed for our entertainment

It doesn't say anything about responding.

To respond is to conversate, to conversate is to have comunication, and most of the time friends are the ones that have in depth conversations like the ones you find on here. Now tell me that what everybody says on here shouldn't mean a thing to anybody

Jives · Post by **Jives** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:46 am

moverguy wrote: To which I replied, BASICALLY knock it off and get off the computer and live, be a mom, go to the doctor kinda thing.

When I was new to forums, I had the same feeling. Why waste your life online, when you can go out and live for real?

But the longer I was online, the more I realized that, even with your close friends in real life, the thing that makes them your friends the most is communication.

After you've talked to someone for a while, maybe even a year, you begin to understand them. To know them. Especially the more gregarious ones who will actually tell you about their lives. (BTW that's how I define the regulars here, they are the ones who are not afraid to share, identity theives be damned!)

Are you all for real? Does a computer screen, and chat room, a forum really give people the sense of belonging?

Of course it does. Think about it, when was the last time you hugged your best friend? Most of the time, all you do when spending time with friends is talk, commiserate, occasionally fight, and give each other advice. Exactly the same thing that is going on here.

How can people let themselves believer that this is really anything other than a chat / entertainment medium? I MEAN REALLY?

Tell that to MominIowa with her medical problems, Peg and myself with our RA, Ladycop with her heart condition, Babyrider and her legal troubles, and any of the other posters who have received help, encouragement, and solice here. We'll all laugh at you.

Is the internet the next Whiskey, Cocaine, and Gambling addiction? We are SOCIAL, tribal and community organisms. Words like Ã¢â‚¬Å“lifelineÃ¢â‚¬ are too strong for a PC roomÃ¢â‚¬¦

When you call your mother on the phone, or call your sister. Do you see their face? Yet you still feel emotion. What's the difference?

WE HONESTLY DONÃ¢â‚¬â„¢T KNOW A DARN THING ABOUT EACH OTHER?!?!?!?.

ROFL!! Sorry, I've spent an entire year with these people on an almost daily basis. I know reams about their personal lives, I understand their motives, I know their foibles and strengths. Heck, I understand them better than my own sister whom I only see about once a year.

After a certain amount of time, a poster here will do one of two things:

1. They will drift out of the forum, to find what they are looking for somewhere else...

2. Or they will stay and become a part of the cohort. A unit. A cohesive unit that understands and supports each other, a group that laughs together, cries together, argues and rejoices..... This unit has a name,

People call it a family.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:54 am

And then they send ya cool stuff, like a reprint of the 1942 Intructions for American Servicemen in Britain and the best writing pen in existence! (thanks again Bez :yh_flower)

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:55 am

These are my friend by any sence of the word "FRIEND."

The internet has allowed us to become friend with people all over the world on forums, what a lovely thing to do.

I look at it like the modern day pen pal as ACC does. High tech letter writting that is immediate, and just as fun as reading a letter and getting to know someone..

We are real people here really, the ones that come posing as something they aren't don't stay long.. :-6

firephoenix · Post by **firephoenix** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:00 am

I haven't been a member of this forum for very long and often find it difficult to get on it as my partner spends a fare bit of time on the bike forums :-5 or my son is on the computer for what ever reason, so I have not connected with anyone at the moment, saying that I may never connect with anyone but I find that you can get some sound advice from reading many of the posts, there are a lot of like minded people on this forum and a lot of not so like minded but the two compliment each other.

To me a friend is someone who will listen, and then give there honest oppinion without being judgemental and if that person is a cyber pen pal then so be it

, just because you have not met someone does not mean you can't connect with them.

IMHO I think people open up more on here than they would if they were face to face, basically the forum is a form of communication and there is no reason why you can't forge strong friendships through using it. It all depends on what you want to get out of it.

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:00 am

Wow! Just look at the interest this thread caused. There's 10 members and 2 guests on this single thread at the time I'm posting this.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:08 am

Let me tell you something MG, I received Xmas cards from around the world from

REAL people i've got to know on FG, i speak to LC on the phone (she has a husky voice to die for)

I consider each and every member as a mate & would gladly share real time with.

I worry, i smile, sorry to say i've even cried several times (Val :-4 ) but most of all

i've had some of the biggest belly laughs ever, just go with the flow.............

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:12 am

Accountable wrote: Wow! Just look at the interest this thread caused. There's 10 members and 2 guests on this single thread at the time I'm posting this.Whispers.. Quick everyone Pina's out of the arcade

jennyswan · Post by **jennyswan** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:15 am

I like this Forum tooo. The people are great and everybody is willing to lend and ear and some advice when needed. Nobody dislikes you just because you have different opinion and people don't judge you in regards of what you own. I look forward to coming on here to see what's going on with everyone. I really believe for some people this is a life link in a way.

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:16 am

Posting on a forum, chatroom or messaging someone takes away the physical first impression people have in physical contacts. People of all races and social status meet other people of different races and social status. You get to make friends with people that probaly wouldn't happen in ones own personnal day to day life.

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:17 am

Abbey, I tried to hold onto first place, but that Pina is just as competitive as me..:-5

Whispers.. Quick everyone Pina's out of the arcade

pina · Post by **pina** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:29 am

CARLA wrote: Abbey, I tried to hold onto first place, but that Pina is just as competitive as me..:-5

I'm on my way back in.

And no-one is as competetive as me.

jennyswan · Post by **jennyswan** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:29 am

I may never of had the experience of eating a Hershey bar or Twinkey had it not been for dear Floppy. I dont know whether to thank her or ask her to send me a diet plan . God bless all of you.

Anybody want to try anything Irish? If somebody always wanted to try a particular irish choccie bar or sweet I will gladly post it?

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:32 am

moverguy wrote: I responded and sent out a post last night in response to a member asking about medical for their child. The nature of the post, not the poster really pissed me off.

To which I replied, BASICALLY knock it off and get off the computer and live, be a mom, go to the doctor kinda thing.

This is a response I got, and fair and reasonable - and then it got me to thinking - - Are you all for real? Does a computer screen, and chat room, a forum really give people the sense of belonging?

BY BEZ: On the whole good advice....but please note....FG is an entertainment medium, but it is also a LIFELINE for many people who come here for friendship and support.

How can people let themselves believer that this is really anything other than a chat / entertainment medium? I MEAN REALLY? If you are neighbors, meet, chat and have looked into each others eyes, and know that you have gazed upon that soul, heard that voice Ã¢â‚¬“

Is the internet the next Whiskey, Cocaine, and Gambling addiction? We are SOCIAL, tribal and community organisms. Words like Ã¢â‚¬Å“lifelineÃ¢â‚¬ are too strong for a PC roomÃ¢â‚¬¦ WE HONESTLY DONÃ¢â‚¬â„¢T KNOW A DARN THING ABOUT EACH OTHER?!?!?!? For those whom have never met, face to face and have seen and held one another with their own senses.

Blimey....I'm flattered that a little ol' comment by 'yours truly' has generated its' own thread.

This is MY side of things. I have NO friends outside of work...don't ask me why, it's just happened some how. I had friends before I was married, but let them fall by the wayside. I have friends at work that I sometimes socialise with and there are maybe 1 or 2 that I have confided in from time to time.

Finding FG was an accident (Back in August '05) and I didn't post much initially. I was very naive about Forums but there were a couple of people that PMd me and 'wised me up' so to speak.

I have 'spoken' to people here about things in my life that I kept to myself previously. Why ???? I read between the lines and found some people that I KNOW truly care, have shared experiences and I trust.

When people have been in dire need, I have felt incredibly frustrated that I couldn't get in the car and go and physically show them that I cared.

I know I'm not 'worldly wise'. I'm naive, I am very suspicious of people (hence no friends) but the 'main characters' here are genuine, great people....pals. mentors and ....yes councellors when needed. We have shared interests too.

When Minks comes to the UK in May, she is going to get a FG Brits welcome party....proof I think of the genuine feelings we have for each other...in normal circumstances...a pack of wild horses wouldn't drag me to London on my own.

Hope my ramblings make sense guys and gals and please forgive me if I haven't 'named names' but wrote 'main characters' instead...you know who you are :-4

jennyswan · Post by **jennyswan** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:37 am

Jenny I would like you to post me a crate of Guinness please

It would be cheaper if I fly with Ryan air and bring it rather then posting it!

venus · Post by **venus** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:40 am

Whilst posting on this forum l've been angry,sad,nervous, inflamed, sickened, laughed so hard l had to take a pee break and touched (no not in the head!)

There are folks on here that l despite disagreeing with their opinions and not understanding some of their ways or thoughts, l do respect them and they me, why!!!

because we have a bond, we all come on fg for many reasons. To see snooze and nomads banter, to let the special ladies,Minks,Floopy,Abbey,pina,bez,chonsi,LC,mom,the list is endless.

Alsao to say hi to the guys,Far,Acc,openmind,jives,wolverine once again the list could go on...

We all chat argue laugh and cru together because we are FRIENDS:-4

love you lot (really, no really):rolleyes:

venus · Post by **venus** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:42 am

We dont always just communicate on here, some of us email, phone etc too...

We send cards,gifts and when some one is in need we are there with advice or ashoulder...

Now Mover take a seat and tell aunty v all about it, lm a goddess dont you know l can do anything;)

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:45 am

Forgot to say...I've exchanged gifts, postcards and christmas cards from the folks here. Received more Birthday wishes than I've had in my entire life, found the joy of music again from the 'What are you listening to now' thread, seen photos of nearly everyone hear, plus their pets, gardens, children, cars, motorbikes, holiday snaps.

I've been given techy advice on my computer and I've learned 1 million ways of using butter. I know what everyone does for a living or in their retirement and I know that most people here are a b****y sight better than me at arcade games

And that's just for starters !!!

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:45 am

jennyswan wrote: Anybody want to try anything Irish? If somebody always wanted to try a particular irish choccie bar or sweet I will gladly post it? :DCan i have a Dr Galbally please?

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:47 am

moverguy wrote: Makes perfect sense, but do you think that some folks (a measurable number) think or take if for more than that?

I mean until I come up to S.A. and buy you a pint or or five, you are not anyone other than a chat guy - right? Realistically - no offense chief.

When and if we share a beer, swap some stories and meet face to face we are really nothing - - in this chat room other than pen pals

But even pen pals normally met once before they became pen pals

Here is my take,

First off we all came in here not knowing anyone. Some of us have people on here who will only ever be *typed words* aquaintances (sorry for my spelling) these are the folks we merely "read" Some of us have come on here and have genuinely made friends with, and keep in touch with, maybe even talked on the phone with and likely will eventually meet. And a blessed few have actually met in person, and have maintained a grand friendship. I for one, will have the opportunity to meet one online friend whom I have known for near 3 years in May, as well I hope to catch up with a few of my new FG friends in May as well. Each of us have different levels of how far we take our FG. But on a whole in here, this is a great "life line" we are not addicts, we come to meet our friends.

As for this comment

But even pen pals normally met once before they became pen pals[/ You could not be further frome the truth.

NO. And I can speak from experience here. I had over the course of 20+ years pen pals from all over the world (over 50 people I wrote too).... I never met a one. To date as a result of the net, I have met 3 pals in person, as well as have been dating my BF for almost 2 years.

It's not an addiction, it is a social gathering.

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:50 am

pina wrote: I'm on my way back in.

And no-one is as competetive as me.

You are NOT kidding Pina....is there anything you haven't tried yet ?

I'm waiting for a kids arcade to open...might have half a chance then......on the other hand, the kids all beat me anyway *sigh* back to the jigsaw. Oh NO....there's a time limit arrrh !

CARLA · Post by **CARLA** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:56 am

We shall see my dear PINA.. I have been called relentless in my competitive nature, I play to win.. I'm fair, a good sport, but my need to win is up there with yours I think...:-4 That's why my old body is so beat up.. I will sacrafice myself for the game..

scarry huh..!!

I'm on my way back in.

And no-one is as competetive as me.

jennyswan · Post by **jennyswan** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:58 am

Can i have a Dr Galbally please?

I will check if he is on sale?

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:58 am

Bez wrote: Blimey....I'm flattered that a little ol' comment by 'yours truly' has generated its' own thread.

This is MY side of things. I have NO friends outside of work...don't ask me why, it's just happened some how. I had friends before I was married, but let them fall by the wayside. I have friends at work that I sometimes socialise with and there are maybe 1 or 2 that I have confided in from time to time.

Finding FG was an accident (Back in August '05) and I didn't post much initially. I was very naive about Forums but there were a couple of people that PMd me and 'wised me up' so to speak.

I have 'spoken' to people here about things in my life that I kept to myself previously. Why ???? I read between the lines and found some people that I KNOW truly care, have shared experiences and I trust.

When people have been in dire need, I have felt incredibly frustrated that I couldn't get in the car and go and physically show them that I cared.

I know I'm not 'worldly wise'. I'm naive, I am very suspicious of people (hence no friends) but the 'main characters' here are genuine, great people....pals. mentors and ....yes councellors when needed. We have shared interests too.

When Minks comes to the UK in May, she is going to get a FG Brits welcome party....proof I think of the genuine feelings we have for each other...in normal circumstances...a pack of wild horses wouldn't drag me to London on my own.

Hope my ramblings make sense guys and gals and please forgive me if I haven't 'named names' but wrote 'main characters' instead...you know who you are :-4

Oooo Bez sweetie I feel so honored.

See Moverguy, it's about friends. I rest my case.

venus · Post by **venus** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:04 pm

Yeah Minks it will be one good party, l shall be there with a huge banner saying lm glad the judge let you off, uhm oops no sorry that should read, Welcome Minks we love ya!

Oohh a night out in west london, china town, theatre huh huh what do ya think!!

minks · Post by **minks** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:06 pm

venus wrote: Yeah Minks it will be one good party, l shall be there with a huge banner saying lm glad the judge let you off, uhm oops no sorry that should read, Welcome Minks we love ya!

Oohh a night out in west london, china town, theatre huh huh what do ya think!!

Ahahahaha nice work girl, a big sign like that could land me back in Canada eh. SOme visit that would be.

Oooo now that sounds lovely the theatre OMG I have to bring $$$$

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:14 pm

minks wrote: Oooo Bez sweetie I feel so honored.

See Moverguy, it's about friends. I rest my case.
ditto dat!!!

venus · Post by **venus** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:18 pm

a proper garden night out, for those who can make it and those who cant we will take pictures xx

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:22 pm

Absolutely! Thats the plan. We have'nt got past the meet up at the sundial though. Any thoughts on the 'afters'?

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:24 pm

Ghee, I think of the regulars here as my real friends-I've talked to some on the phone, written to some, we help each other out like family.

One day during a real emergency, I had no one at home to help me, and couldn't think of a soul to call. (I live 3,000 miles from my family!) I got on line and asked Far-the man with answers-and he helped me unplug that dangerous situation, and brought peace of mind to my daughter and me.

Maybe when you are here a longer time, moverguy, you will feel the same way.

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 12:51 pm

I'm with you there, chonsi. My family is an ocean away. My forum mates have ALWAYS been there for me. And if they need me, and I'm not on, they know my phone number. And as for meeting them, well I've met more than one! Funny...I married one too! Best thing I ever did in my life!! And another is on her way in May!

Accountable · Post by **Accountable** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:00 pm

moverguy wrote: SO WHAT YOU HAVE REALLY PROVEN is this:

You all call each other, you would go and defend each other from imminent domain seizure and that means that you are all exceptions as you have indeed used your senses to evaluate, and connect with your colleagues, friends and family as it were beyond a mere COMPUTER SCREEN!

You are all a reall bunch of heaping piled high good guys - and gals!

Nice Show
You too will be assimilated. :wah:

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon Jan 16, 2006 1:04 pm

:wah: Moverguy is catching on..........................