Who Does & Doesn't Belong on This Forum?

Ravenlost · #21 01/10/08, 06:42 PM

I don't know if I belong here, or anywhere else for that matter, but I like it here so y'all are stuck with me!

LvDemWings · #22 01/10/08, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melissa

I agree Lisa. I do kind of have a live and let live attitude about most people. I figure even those who are not actively pursuing the homesteading lifestyle, will learn something here.

Not long ago, I was thinking about why this board is so important to me. I have a big, close family, I have plenty of friends, a great husband and children, a church that is very special to me. I am not a lonely person as far as people go, but in this place I find a community of people who want to be independent, who don't think it is strange to take garlic tablets if you are sick, homeschool children, question the government, eat real food, around here I appear to be normal! In real life, as Brady says, I am decidedly weird.... LOL

So if you want to be as weird as I am, if you want to learn how to look at the world in a different way, if you want to question the status quo, you belong here. If you aren't quite sure about all of that, but you are willing to take a stab at it anyways, you still belong here. If you think we are all a bunch of lunatics then you probably don't belong here. If you dream of a life of independence, if you care about the land, and the air, and the water, if you want to grow something, even if it's just a tomato plant or some lettuce in a pot, you belong here. If you love chickens, and freshly dug potatoes, and laying in a field watching the clouds go by, you belong here. If you have this overwhelming desire to live a life that matters, you belong here...

Melissa this is exactly why I am here. I rent in the city and am about as far away from being a homesteader as anyone could imagine BUT I do feel that is important to learn not only the new ways but the old ways as well to create a life of balance. My garden in the front flower bed might not exactly be traditional but so be it. My jars of home canned vegetable soup contain vegies from the farmers market.. so what. My baby steps may not lead me into a country setting, only time will tell, but I am a better person for all the helpfull hints and advice that is given here.

Wisconsin Ann · #23 01/10/08, 06:50 PM

Everybody "belongs" here. It's an open forum/board. People who have farms. those with just dreams. People with ideas on how to make life better for the homesteading thing.

What I got from Tracy's thread was the tremendous number of rants and vents and "what am I to do about my <insert problem with family here>?" threads on CF is getting to her..and obviously to others.

I have mostly stopped reading the CF threads because of all the "I hate my life" threads. I'll skim the threads, and read what looks interesting. Most of my time is spent on poultry, fabric, craft, survival, Homesteading Questions, soaping, a couple others that I lurk on, like rabbits and pigs.

Melissa has generously offered CF as a really open forum...any subject. Seems like what is at odds is there are a few people who simply use this forum as a...hmmm....well, as they would use a therapist, I guess. When it started, the CF was generally a family thing..."my daughter went to the prom!!" and "the FIL is giving us 20 acres!!

"; "how do I tell my MIL that we LIKE making our clothes?" questions...and has turned into something else.

there are some people who just like being negative. about everything. there are those who are always angry. If they choose to post here...then they can., as long as Melissa says they can. It's up to the individuals to decide whether or not to read and/or respond to such threads.

just my 2 cents worth, of course.

Callieslamb · #24 01/10/08, 06:50 PM

are those that stay. Those that are interested in the topics will stay and participate. Folks that find that this isn't their kind of place, will go elsewhere. We can't close this off to only like-minded people - that narrows our resources for learning. You just don't know who knows what these days. I say let them all in, if they are willing to be polite and keep on topic. And there are plenty of topics here!

**ladycat** · #25 01/10/08, 07:27 PM

I'm not a "true" homesteader, but I grew up in it. And I know how, even if I don't do much of it.

Mid Tn Mama · #26 01/10/08, 07:49 PM

One thing that has been consistently nice, I think, is that everyone is welcome--whereever they are on the homesteading spectrum. How do you like that term, "homesteading spectrum"?

When I found the board it was on the old lusenet Countryside forum, lived in the city and hoped for a different life. That board and this one taught us how to do things. There are so many really smart people here that have so many simple practical solutions to everyday things we do.

There are many folks, Melissa included, who have shared some wisdom for raising children or solving marriage problems or rejoicing in family members--and I truly enjoy and pause to think about what is said.

I've learned soooooo much and appreciate so many folks here for that.

As for the negativity? Well, why should anyone care what strangers say to you? What a waste of energy. Find it interesting and move on. Find and use the wisdom in between the posts you don't care for.

One thing that I've thought of is that some folks don't have people close to them to ask for advice, or they don't know if there are other viewpoints to consider. I hope they weigh the advice and don't blindly follow people they don't know.

MushCreek · #27 01/10/08, 08:02 PM

I thought about this long and hard before I decided to join this forum. We are not homesteaders now, and we'll likely never really reach that point, but we are developing our 7 acres in SC with an eye towards a homesteading lifestyle. I know how to build almost anything, I do all our home and vehicle repairs, I know how to garden, dry, preserve, bake, I can even run a sewing machine under duress. To be a true homesteader is increasingly difficult in this country; you either have to have land already, or have the wherewithal to buy it, and all the things that go with it. By the time we get to our rural property, we'll be pushing 60, and probably a little too far over the hill to really farm. But I plan to build my own house, to my own design, and enjoy rural living with no mortgage- too bad it took nearly a lifetime to get to that point. I have a lot more to learn here than I can contribute, but there are some areas I'm knowledgeable in, and I enjoy reading about others adventures as they find their way. The experiences of others give those of us just starting the strength and inspiration to keep plugging away at our goals.
Jay

fixer1958 · #28 01/10/08, 08:05 PM

There is a huge amount of information to be had on HT.

Everyone belongs for one reason or another.
If they don't, they leave, I guess. There are scraps now and then
but as you learn from others and know your verbal limits, it's all good.

I'll throw in my nonsense now and then and for the most part am invisible
or ignored. But it's an excellant site to learn from others and to bounce off ideas and get feedback.

Take the good with the bad and learn from it.
You couldn't get the same results without the diversity of the people here.

NickieL · #29 01/10/08, 08:10 PM

Sometimes I get the feeling that those of us not yet compleatly countryfied with a homestead are not that welcome here, especially lately with some of the topics....

Sometimes I feel like just leaving the forum because of this. But then I think of all the wonderful people who DO make those of us who are without loads of acreage feel like family, and promote learning and inspire us dreamers, I stay. The good far out numbers the bad.

Shygal · #30 01/10/08, 08:11 PM

Well i guess I dont belong here anymore, because due to circumstances, I no longer have my chickens, ducks, turkeys, garden, or even a home any more.

Ravenlost · #31 01/10/08, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickieL

Sometimes I get the feeling that those of us not yet compleatly countryfied with a homestead are not that welcome here, especially lately with some of the topics....

Sometimes I feel like just leaving the forum because of this. But then I think of all the wonderful people who DO make those of us who are without loads of acreage feel like family, and promote learning and inspire us dreamers, I stay. The good far out numbers the bad.

Considering the photos you posted of your garden, I'd say you not only belong here, you are an inspiration to every other "wannabe homesteader" here who lives on a limited plot of land. You rock girl!

MawKettle · #32 01/10/08, 08:38 PM

I'm going to stick my oar in and stir the water a bit because I've struggled with the concept of whether or not I "belong" here since I joined. I will say that I've had the most to say in CF (but I think that's because Melissa doesn't try to set the tone of the board by anything but example - and she posts about all facets of her life - not just the homesteading ones.) and I've never really felt afraid of posting here. I've never had an issue with the "breadth and depth of life" posts - because I've felt that they were the ones that actually allowed you to begin to get to know a person online.

I'll also preface this with the statement that I do not post often, but I read the board every single day.

I am not currently a "homesteader" - I live in suburbia. DH and I are (and have been for several years) trying to find some land where we can make a start. You need to understand that DH had lived on farms all his life - I'm the city gal. His enthusisam for the concept of striking out on our own infected me when we were dating. Its not just his dream - its our dream now.

My initial experience with HT got off to a bit of a rocky start. At the time I joined, I was going thru a really fearful time with my mother and her health. That resulted in a post or two, and maybe a PM or two that was maybe a bit preseumptuious (sp????) and probably had way TMI.

Not too long after that, I had the definably humiliating experience of having a thread locked in GC. I was mortified.

So, that curbed my posting activities significantly.

But I still read.

And I will tell you what this city slicker suburban gal has learned and gathered from HT:

1. Carla's Book. Bought it. Read it. And re-read it every chance I get. It's my "homesteading bible".

2. I now do all my own baking. Bread, biscuits, cakes - you name it. Weekly. Haven't spent a dime on baked goods in months.

3. This year, I will have a real garden (thanks to the folks that posted about the square foot method last week). In suburbia. And, gosh dangit, I will make pickles this year (using my grandmother's recipie) even if it kills me.

4. An archive of information regarding virtually every facet of homesteading that I want to be a part of our place.

5. And for the first time in over two years, thanks to the frugal living tips on this site, I can happily report that I actually made all of the savings deposits I planned on in December and January (so far). THAT is a wonderful feeling.

So do I belong here? I hope so. I chose the user name "MawKettle" because I KNEW I was an idiot when it came to country living (making fun of myself is usually how I deal with areas in which I'm woefully inadaqute). Slowly, I'm learning, and I will continue to learn.

I think, in a large part due to HT, I won't starve my poor husband to death when we finally do make it to "our place".

Thanks HT - I owe ya one. Even if I'm not "hardcore" yet.

DocM · #33 01/10/08, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shygal

Well i guess I dont belong here anymore, because due to circumstances, I no longer have my chickens, ducks, turkeys, garden, or even a home any more.

Isn't it more likely that you need this forum all the more? A new start, you can do it over the way you want this time.

fellini123 · #34 01/10/08, 08:57 PM

Timely topic, I guess the powers that be, here in Homesteading Today fell that I do NOT belong. Everyday I am banned from more and more areas and from reading most topics.
It says my IP address has been banned. I dont think I have done anything. I have written and asked many many times, but never have I gotten any answer at all.
At first it was just General Chat and Admin, now it is most of the topics in the Family Forum, and today it was several topics in the goat forum. Soon I will not be able to get in anywhere.
Wish I know what to do about it?? Deleted my cache no change..... very depressed

Alice in Virginia

**ladycat** · #35 01/10/08, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fellini123

Timely topic, I guess the powers that be, here in Homesteading Today fell that I do NOT belong. Everyday I am banned from more and more areas and from reading most topics.
It says my IP address has been banned. I dont think I have done anything. I have written and asked many many times, but never have I gotten any answer at all.
At first it was just General Chat and Admin, now it is most of the topics in the Family Forum, and today it was several topics in the goat forum. Soon I will not be able to get in anywhere.
Wish I know what to do about it?? Deleted my cache no change..... very depressed

Alice in Virginia

That's a forum glitch or something.

MawKettle · #36 01/10/08, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fellini123

It says my IP address has been banned. I dont think I have done anything. I have written and asked many many times, but never have I gotten any answer at all.

Alice - I know that Angie posted about you and this issue in Admin....have you PM'ed Chuck or Dean with your IP address?

If you don't know what it is - pm me with whatever operating system you are using (Win 98, Win XP, etc), and I'll tell you how to find it.

Becca65 · #37 01/10/08, 09:12 PM

I live in the surburbs of the Detroit area, I've never been a homesteader.. But my grandparents were.. and Aunts and Uncles.
My parents grew up on farms, and i find it interesting and wonder what it would be like to own your own cows, sheep.. But i know we'd never move from here.
I post things once in awhile about my family or coworkers.. I've gotten some really good advice.
I enjoy reading what everyones having for dinner and i get some ideas, sometimes I get into a rut you know.
I think i'm guilty of posting threads that can be depressing, I guess I just watch to much news.. I'm trying to work on that though.
And I frequent GC also, I like that area because theres a little of everything there.
I don't know if i belong here, but I enjoy reading everyones posts

Karen · #38 01/10/08, 09:17 PM

You know, I never even thought about any one not belonging here. Any one who has the interest to even open the website that says "Homesteading" belongs because it is obviously of interest to them.

The day we sort out who does and doesn't belong here is the day we all need to get Ardie to make up a huge batch of cookies, along with a super-size quantity of ice cream from Dean! :baby04:

There are so many places of different interest on this site that I can't even think of someone who wouldn't belong here. We've got everything from homesteading, to cooking, to animals, to pets, to bees, to religion and politics, to woodworking, to survival, to health issues, to computer help. We've got veteran issues, shop issues, a singles group, and how to pour water out of your nose from one nostral through another with a thing called a neti pot. Hey we even know where to get comfortable bras!

We're no longer just for the homesteader or wanna-be-homesteaders. We've got something for everyone to learn and even more that we can learn from them!

LisaInN.Idaho · #39 01/10/08, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shygal

Well i guess I dont belong here anymore, because due to circumstances, I no longer have my chickens, ducks, turkeys, garden, or even a home any more.

That's ridiculous. You've been here forever and you belong here.
I hope things get better soon.

NickieL · #40 01/10/08, 09:20 PM

I thought this place was a place to share knowledge and help spread the 'forgotten skills' with those that don't have them....to be neighborly and to share....to create a communtiy from individuals from all walks of life...