I'll tell you what . . .

[bigtree]

I'm completely worn down by what I do here.

I came home today, as usual, posted a few articles, and then, decided to write my own the instant I read Bush's radio address. It doesn't take much for me to start writing. What sucks is the way most of these are virtually ignored. I've tried forums other than GD but they are article graveyards. There's your article sitting there, not falling, but dead for all intents and purposes.

I like my stuff. It's great to be able to put all of your thoughts down right at the moment of aggravation and put them in article form. It's even better when you know someone's reading them.

You know, it's going to be hard to pull away, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to quit posting my own articles here. The way they get the bum's rush is extremely hurtful coming from the community which gets the most support (and time) from me. I'm practically wed to this site. There are no others.

So, it's back to posting other folk's stuff here. They can take it . . . I'm beat. I really feel like a sucker. I'm not part of the clique of folks who get a pageful of responses from a slight phrase or a post loaded with nothing but angst. I wrote this because I'm so damn frustrated. It feels, of course, like I'm still talking to myself, as I have been doing for the past three hours.

Once I post this . . .

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I am sorry, my dear bigtree........

I wish things were better for you.........I truly do.......:hug:

[bigtree]

2. Thanks Peggy

But, *I'm* just fine. My life is good.

[bigtree]

14. of course, I could use an appreciation thread and a portrait*

go Will!

[celtdem]

3. I understand

but I must say, it's better to be ignored than to be attacked. I've had that happen elsewhere and watched it happen here. I'm about at the point of stopping posting here and at some other sites. I might just read some books or something. Books don't accuse you of being a freeper because you are too private a person to include much info in your profile.

so, I get it. And I'm sorry.

[bigtree]

5. I remember 58 posts ago celtdem

thanks for your perspective.

I'm alright, just vanity getting me down. Needed to lay it out here and be done with it.

[celtdem]

12. I'm glad you did

It's get me thinking about some jerk on another site I was on. He figured out who I was based on my username (too close to my real name) and the city in my profile. And actually started calling me to harass me because of an argument on the site! Scared the shit out of me! So, I now don't use a name with any hints of my identity, and don't fill out profiles.

Just thinkin' of that. And how it's better to be ignored.

Ain't life sad?

[bigtree]

13. sad, yes

and, crazy :hi:

[auntAgonist]

4. I'm truly sorry you feel like a 'sucker' ..

I love reading peoples articles and thoughts, and I'm quite envious of how eloquent your posts and other's posts are.

I don't think you're 'talking to yourself' ... some folks just can't add to what you've written. You've done it so well.


:hug:

aA
kesha

[bigtree]

7. my wife says that

it's a nice thought (to feed my bloated vanity)

thanks kesha.

[auntAgonist]

15. you have a very intelligent wife then :) n/t

[Habibi]

6. You can't know the effect you're having.

Perhaps folks who don't post here much read your articles and go on to post *their* articles elsewhere that have taken much inspiration from yours. I won't tell you to please keep posting your own stuff--I'll only ask you to consider that what we are is the *sum* of what we do. If nothing else, consider that your writing is helping *you* to think, and for that reason alone, it is worthwhile.

[bigtree]

8. It does help me. Without the outlet I'd drive folks around me crazy

I do think it makes enough of a difference to continue writing them, perhaps just not here. I can't take the way the stuff just sits there while other stuff gets pushed and kicked. It's just maddening. I sit here and kick them up in what, many times, amounts to little more than a fool's errand.

Then there is that notion that the ideas are important enough to promote for the benefit of a possible singular reader who catches the spark. Yes, I think of this. But, I have to be happy in what I do. Mooning over an article of mine here all day is mentally exhausting (or incredibly exhilarating if it catches on). Probably better to use that energy elsewhere.

thanks Habibi

[Habibi]

11. Yes!

"ideas are important enough to promote for the benefit of a possible singular reader"!

Dearie, don't just grace DU with your thoughts! Go ahead and post them elsewhere--DU is vast and complicated and noisy--that's why we love it, eh? But it's not the be-all and end-all of political epiphanies.

Go forth and promulgate! I'm considering being more vocal myself--shy, nonconfrontational me! So you never know--you might inspire countless others. I for one will now be looking for your posts. Be blessed!

[buddhamama]

9. from my perspective

your needed here. i am sorry if i do not respond to your articles. i read an awful lot of stuff, on DU and elsewhere. i have been here a long time and sometimes feel i have nothing more to add to the conversation/debate/whatever...

i read and absorb, think, and analyze.

i ask that you please keep doing what you're doing.

[bigtree]

10. thanks buddhamama

nice of folks to come and talk it out with me.

such vanity . . .

[lizziegrace]

16. It's not vanity

we all need to know that what we do matters. It takes courage to put yourself and your thoughts out there for scrutiny.

[qnr]

17. Well, there is the fact that you're including it in your journal, so it is

likely to be seen by many people (even if they don't respond), rather than simply disappearing.

[Redstone]

18. Happens to all of us now and again. Whining won't help. I know,

I've tried it.

Tell you what: I'm a pretty good editor. PM me with links to some of your articles if you want an honest evaluation. (You won't want to hear this, but the problem may be with your articles, not with DU readers of those articles.)

That's a common problem with writers, including me. Our writing becomes like a child to us, and we tend to be very protective of it.

But if you want me to take the time to evaluate your writing, you'll need to promise that you'll take any criticism in the manner in which it's offered.

Of course, it may well be the case that others have posited here: That your writing is fine, and the lack of response is just that few people feel they have anything to add by responding.

Notwithstanding any of the above, my offer stands. If you'd like an evaluation by a professional, just let me know.

Deal?

Redstone

[bigtree]

19. thanks for the offer

I could use an editor . . . we all could use an editor.