Who Does & Doesn't Belong on This Forum?
 

I hope this thread doesn't get too negative, and get locked. I promise I am not posting it to make trouble -- I genuinely want to know everyone's consensus about who does and doesn't belong on Homesteading Today.

Why? Mostly because of Tracy's thread about "changing tone" but also because this sentiment crops up often. I know I feel a little defensive when it comes up, though I try not to, and I'm sure I'm not alone.

The general answer I know I'll get is "everyone belongs as long as they don't make trouble" but let's take it deeper than that. One would think that if someone came to the forum and found an absence of like-minded people, they'd just lose interest and drift away. Right?

Now, here's why I think I belong. Please feel free to tell me if you think I'm wrong and I will shut up and go play somewhere else. Seriously, I mean it, I'm not pouting, honest.

I am not a homesteader in the traditional sense. I do not own a farm or any kind of acreage. I own 1.25 acres in suburban SW Ohio in an area that *feels* rural, but isn't, relative to many of you. We have a lot of small farms in the area, but I wouldn't call it "farm country," not like other places. In fact, though in the past I've dreamed about having acreage, the truth is I wouldn't know what to do with it. I didn't grow up that way.

But, I do try to live a lot of the homesteading IDEALS. I moved here so I could have a big garden, chickens, and all kinds of fruit trees and berry bushes. I cook a lot from scratch, I can our produce, and I try to be frugal. I sew clothes and quilts, I crochet, and I believe in old-fashioned family values.

While I don't raise animals or crops for a living, I did choose my career field partly because it allows me to be home, be flexible, be a good mom and wife, and participate in those wonderful homestead-esque activities I wouldn't have time for otherwise. (at least in theory. :))

I have learned so much from being here, and have been inspired by HT. I honestly might not have moved from my last house - on a small 1/3 acre lot in a crowded area - if I wasn't spending time on HT. I know I wouldn't have the chickens. I might not have had the courage to try many of the things I've done in the last year or so.

I do belong to other online groups. There's one for moms of kids born in 2/96, a writer's group for moms, and I get a lot of support and friendship from those. There are other bbs-type boards like this one I frequent, though not as often. I love HT because most people here are so articulate and wise! And even those of you who think you and I have nothing in common might be surprised by how much we do have in common after all.

Now I'd like to hear from others why you belong here, if you are not a hard-core homesteader. And I would also like to hear from the "real homesteaders" what they think of all this.

Be honest, but be nice. :)

I am here for a lot of the same reasons, I don't know everything there is to know about gardening, canning, cooking, goats, chickens, drying foods and a lot of other things that I think I can learn from folks here.

For me..everyone has a role.. If I have a question about gardening, I wouldn't think a person who doesn't have a garden yet would answer... however, they may tag on a question of their own. The same goes with any topic, really. I wouldn't answer a computer question or a quilting question because I do not quilt, nor do I know how.
For those that are still urban and waiting for their homesteads, they have some sage advice or a nifty comment here or there too.
I really don't mind anyone who appreciates the concept of homesteading and "doing for self" and are interested in learning about such things.. or even those that have an appreciation for a gentler way of life..
but then, I try to stay off GC where the non homestead-y stuff goes down..
As long as people are nice and friendly, I am a happy gal.

I think everyone belongs. There has to be some civility but beyond that the more opinions the merrier. Being surrounded by like thinking people may be comforting but it is also boring. Of course most conservative Christians like myself are very open minded, as opposed to those narrow minded Godless liberals. Im only kidding, they're not Godless, just spiritually confused.

Uh-oh. :rolleyes:

Everyone's definition of "homesteading" is different though. I try to be as self sufficient as possible, by raising a majority of my own food and leaving a small footprint on the planet. I try to reuse as much as possible, do stuff for myself when I am able, and make do without a lot of "toys" that many city people can't seem to live without.I am also, most likely by comparison to other members here, considered very affluent. So, am I still a homesteader? A few have made comments that I am not. Apparently you have to be "poor" to be a "real homesteader".

Homesteading died out when the last wave of homesteaders developed their own 'steads via hard work and endurance when Alaska opened up. The rest of us sods are more conventional and had to buy our way into the country. Maybe some of us were lucky and inherited their spreads. Some of us are still dreaming of the move and making do with a small city lot. A lot of us have to follow the rules set by our county as far as construction and even keeping livestock. That limits some of us in our endeavors. I prefer to find common ground when I read posts, but I also won't stand for blatant ignorance, racism, sexism, abuse, and outright discrimination. That said, I'd still stand up for the worst examples of human kind to have the right to their say - just don't expect me not to call 'em on it.

At least on this forum (families), the moderator has a brain. I can't say the same of all forums. I simply don't post on those. I ignore a lot of people, and I don't care if others don't. I suggest that more people grow a thicker skin when it comes to the internet.

ummmm just a reminder, be nice :)

Sorry, just can't let a good opportunity to give the pot a stir pass me by. :baby04:

All belong, some just need a lesson on where to post and how to be appropriate and respectful.
And need to know the definition of sarcasm is "to tare flesh".

I've got a laughable 1/4 acre close to the banks of the Big Darby Creek. Smack dab in the middle of farm country in this township. We also own a run down house and 1 acre just up the road a bit. I grew up in farm country and have always had farming in my blood. Grandma and Grandpa had 120 acres in Preble County, Ohio. We had cows and chickens. Grandpa farmed and Grandma had a big garden and huge strawberry patch. Most of our food came from the farm, even down to what the cows ate.

Right now I've got a few rabbits, a too big flock of ducks, pigeons, kind of small garden, and a berry patch. I'm learning how to preserve food (canning, dehydrating, freezing) and trying to supply food for my family that is better than what can be bought in the store. IMO, that is what homesteading is about; providing for your family and setting back for the future. The less dependent we are on big corporations, the better off we are.

I do still dream of having a 20 to 40 acre farm somewhere out in the country. I would have maples, fruit trees, brambles, small cornfields, a big sunflower patch, a freshwater prawn pond, woods, meadows, hay field, room for the ducks, and a big herb patch. Maybe even a market garden. Gee, my dream farm is already too small.

Guess, I am kinda like Doc. We purchased our land and built the house and buildings. We have a pretty nice place. I love the idea of being as self-sufficient as possible. Soon, I will have my chickens and a couple goats back and plan on a beef, a milk cow and a pig this year.

I am working full time so we can pay off our place in 10 years rather than another 20. I like my garden and fruit trees, bushes etc That being said, there are some on the different boards I just always skip over ( I have nobody on my ignore list) because I have too many times read something that totally stresses me out. Usually, it is someone attacking someone else just relentlessly. I try to stay away from GC because it always seems to be negative. Personally, I cannot understand why some people are on here but continue to just say whatever hurtful, deragatory, mean thing they want to. If you want free speech, great I am all for it. But perhaps you should have your own forum to do it in. This one has rules. (That is a period)

I don't really think about who does or doesn't belong. I assume everyone does.
I live way out in the boonies and I'm just happy to have some kind of social life that doesn't entail driving a million miles. :)
The great thing about this place is that even a lot of the people I assume I won't like, and even a lot of the ones I've strongly disagreed with, grow on me.
I think most everyone has a place here.

Homesteading is a frame of mind and not a location or physical area. It's mostly about taking pleasure in doing for yourself.

I feel I belong here because I only have a couple months of "normal life" left until I hit the homestead, and I need a lot of help. A wife and 3 children would qualify me for the Family part. I try to keep my mouth shut and do a lot of reading.

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...

Your post describes my thoughts. DH and I hold full time jobs and expect to do so until retirement. My goats, ducks, and geese are lawn ornaments only. By that definition alone, I imagine that many here would describe me as a dilettante. Still, we're looking for a better way of life, one that might ask more of us but less of the environment. We'd like to be more self-sufficient, more aware of our impact on the earth, and better stewards of our community. I've already learned so much after 2 years "out here" that I sometimes have a hard time remembering why certain things were important to me before.

So, HT can call us wannabees if you like. Everyone starts off somewhere...and goodness knows our minivan driving, suburban soccer family friends think we're nuts.

I think a lot of people here have homesteading hearts (like the OP) but because of various circumstances are not able to commit to a "true" homesteading lifestyle at this time. I don't think that anyone should have that held against them.

Personally, I have only just moved to the country after living in a rural subdivision and even though (other than a garden) I was not able to follow the homesteading lifestyle as much as I would have liked to, I still considered myself a homesteader due to having a homesteading heart. I did can the garden bounty, by the way, and make pickles, if that counts.

One day I hope that I will have some chickens and sheep and other assorted critters. I'm sure that lots of people who live in tract homes and subdivisions and even urban environments feel the same way. I think that it is the most important thing. YMMV

Donsgal

We had 12 acres clear out in the middle of nowhere. We sold four because we needed the money for schoolin' and such.

So, if anyone wants to be a "real homesteader" we still have eight acres, a 2000 sq. ft. house and a 30x40-foot metal utility building. There's even a 55-horse tractor that could be part of the deal. We'll throw in the deer and the coyotes for free.

We now live on the edge of a suburb on 1.5 acres because we were spending more time in our vehicles than we were at home. And I'm starting over with a sort of homesteadyish place. A garden will have to be put in. The barn is set up for horses and not a workshop so a smaller shed might have to be expanded.

But, it's not going to be a real homesteader's homestead. There's too many folks around and the city is too near.

So, I guess the main reason I'm still here is because when I talk to potatoes, they sometimes answer back.

Oh, because I really like everyone, almost without exception, here. And I don't usually get involved in the ling personal rants or pity fests because, frankly, beyond SSS, I don't have much more to offer.

And this won't be my last property. When the children are grown and career allows, I know I'll find myself out in the middle of my own little world.

Edayna,

I came to HT to pick up a little knowledge, originally, and even though I am still very, very, new here, I can say with complete and total conviction, that being here has changed my life. Okay, maybe the italics are a little much but...

DH and I have a wonderful homestead, twenty acres in a rural suburb, and heads full of dreams. It is because (or maybe with the help of?) of everyone here that I am saving money, planning for animals, and living a more simple life. I guess, well, I know that part of me was always there, but I have *actually* found folks who want to, or are doing the same thing. It makes me feel like I'm not just a little tree hugger from Massachusetts, and helps me deal with the rest of the "anti" homestead folks I work with.

There are so, so many different people here, from all kind of families, homesteads, and spiritual backrounds. And also many different, confrontational, and refreshing opinions. I just can't get that in the world I live in day to day!

To sort of answer your other question - I do think that most folks do belong here. But for others, well, time, their own path, and possibly a little help from our moderators sort of weed out those that find this way of life isn't for them.

I, for one, am sure glad that HT is a big part of mine.

I am building our house. I manage nearly 150 acres of woodlot. We have goats and chickens. I sell organic produce at a local Farmer's Market.

I am doing 'it'.

:)

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!

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.

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. :shrug:

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

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.

I think those that belong
 

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.
:shrug:

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!

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. :hobbyhors

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.

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.

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.

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 :)

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! :dance:

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!

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

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...