Feeling like an outsider...

wndrwmn67 · 09-07-2006, 06:15 PM

I know that everyone says that coming to this board helps keep them motivated, but what about those of us who post only to ever receive one or two replies? Call me crazy, but it seems that some of us post and our messages are viewed by so many, but only one or two respond. This makes me less likely to post. I am only like everyone else, looking for some encouragement from my peers. I am not writing this to complain...I just think it is something to keep in mind. I don't often post because I am still very new to this and quite frankly, not doing all too well. I hardly feel that I am someone to be giving advice, but when I see a thread where someone is new or it is something that I have experience with, I do post a message, even if it is a short one. Thank you.

pooticus · 09-07-2006, 06:20 PM

well some boards r more hoppin than others. at best and i do mean at best u get a 10% reply rate. and it goes down from there the more less u post. the main board, recipe help board, health board, other board, and challenges boards r the most active. u have the cc lounge which has it's own group of players and the cc which is slower. the playground is an animal but u have to be a member for so long before being able to post there and it is definitely a place where u need to get to know everyone and vice versa. so keep posting and don't take it personally...but this is a great place and very supportive. promise!

sugarless4life · 09-07-2006, 06:23 PM

I'm with ya, Deana!! You have my total support and encouragement!!

Betty

Tashi · 09-07-2006, 06:23 PM

Come join us on the Challenge board in the XX Away By Christmas Day challenge! We're a huge group and put up a new thread daily but we'd Love to have you join us

Personals aren't always done but everyone is very supportive and encouraging.

About replies, please try not to take it personally. I only respond to posts if I know the answer to a question and someone else hasn't already answered and I'm pretty sure that's the way it is for a lot of people.

wndrwmn67 · 09-07-2006, 06:30 PM

Thank you Tashi! That is exactly what I am going to do! See you there!

wndrwmn67 · 09-07-2006, 06:31 PM

And thank you too, Sugarless and Pooticus! I appreciate your support! I'm going to make this happen!

ixtapacheryl · 09-07-2006, 06:39 PM

Well let me

you - if I haven't done so before. I definitely will try to answer any of your questions (if I can) - but believe me I do not have all the answers....

Sometimes I will read other responses and they've already answered the question as I would have..... so I don't post.

Please don't feel slighted - even though I can certainly understand why you'd feel that way.

By the way you can always private message any one of us and we can reply directly .....

In what area are you having trouble with your WOE? Is there anyway we could help you?

hhhmom74 · 09-07-2006, 06:49 PM

I understand why you feel this way but please don't take it personally.

I will try to help you out in any way I can.

BlueBrooke · 09-07-2006, 06:58 PM

Hi, Deana --

I try not to just repeat what someone else has already said -- and I think there's a lot of others that feel that way, too. If I don't have much more than a "me too," I usually just nod and move on. Doesn't mean we aren't with you -- so from now on for YOU I will do a "me too!" LOL!

See you over at the Challenge -- lots of kewl folks over there.

tyler43836 · 09-07-2006, 08:06 PM

Don't be discouraged. Like others have said, if someone has already said what I was going to..I don't want to clutter things up with a 'me too' post. Don't let it get you down. You can do this!

SansSweets · 09-07-2006, 08:14 PM

Don't let it get you down, Deana!
I don't post often, so most folks here don't recognize my name at first glance even though I've been here since 2001. That might mean that those who only have a few minutes to post each day reply to the threads that a)interest them at one particular point in their journey and b) are posted by the names they know well.
Maybe I'm way off base, but that's the way I look at it and I don't take it personally. I try to get as much as I can from all of the posts here, not just the answers to mine.

Welcome and good luck to you!

sbinz1 · 09-07-2006, 08:43 PM

For the first couple of months I just read posts - never replied. I think they call us "lurkers". Some people are just shy, or don't think they have anything to add to the thread, or whatever their reasons are. Please don't take it personally.

Joining a challenge that suits your WOE is a great suggestion.

So is posting more details on what you're struggling with so you can get more specific help/support.

Don't give up - this place is really fantastic!

xfatchik · 09-07-2006, 08:59 PM

Deana

<---------------Big Yapper!

Heather150 · 09-07-2006, 09:04 PM

My advice (because I was a Bulletin Board Newbie once myself)....

Jump in, reply, and just keep at it. The more you're seen, the more people will remember you. I've been here for 3 years..and sometimes still feel out of the loop....but ya know what-I love posting and I love telling my opinion...and I love low carbing..so that's my story!!!

Welcome to the best board on the net...and just keep plugging away!!!!!
We can't get to know ya if you stay in the shadows!!!

DeliGirl · 09-07-2006, 09:49 PM

Here's a hug just cuz I feel like huggin' someone

Purple Sage · 09-07-2006, 10:14 PM

Don't get discouraged. The more you post the more response you will get. I too don't replay most of the time if it is going to be a Oh yeah, me too post. But if noone else has said it I will.

shelby7851 · 09-07-2006, 10:26 PM

hope to see you in the challenge!!

aussiesarah · 09-07-2006, 10:55 PM

It's kind of like going to a party when you don't know the people. Working the room can be difficult at first if you aren't comfortable with it, but if you just be yourself and talk to people, you start making friends.

I try to read as much as I can and answer if I think I can help.

Joining challenges is a great way to stay motivated and meet people. This Main Lobby is just one aspect of the board.

You are very welcome here

IrishIrish · 09-08-2006, 12:15 AM

While I'm not new to Atkins, I have been an infrequent poster to this board and am looking for a new home. So I understand how it is an adjustment to get used to a new board with different people (although I recognize some!). Like any message board, post and just check in with everyone and soon you will know people and people will know you. Ask questions of people that you see have similar weight loss goals or stats to you and people who share you same low carb approach. Personally, I tend to talk to people who have a lot of weight to lose since my journey will certainly be a way of eating for life, but will also be a long while until I get past OWL.

So, in the meantime, look for questions asked my new poster and greet them. The new people need reassurance, too, and you've been here longer than some of the new members!

Welcome. I've been doing Atkins since January 2004 so if I can answer questions or give you a nudge now and then, let me know!

Newbie1000 · 09-08-2006, 05:27 AM

If you get one or two responses that answer your question, that's what's important, not that everyone repeat the same information that was given in the responses.
Also make sure your post title has something about the topic in it. When someone puts in something like question? as the title, I skip it because my time is limited on here and I don't like opening posts that may already have answers to the primary question. I know a lot of other feel the same way.

Lehgrad · 09-08-2006, 05:55 AM

I don't really understand why people get so sensitive about this. Do you really think that we are targeting YOU as a person if you don't have a lot of replies? We don't even know you?!?! I am not 'new' but even if I get two replies I'm happy and I appreciate those responses.
Read the posts that get a lot of responses. They are either general questions that a lot of us can relate to or that everyone has a different answer/story for (ie, how did you gain the weight? or how many carbs a day to you eat? etc) or they are posted by a user that has been here for a long time... and... check out the # of times read vs # of posts on even the really 'popular' threads - it is a pretty high ratio for those threads too.
If you post something that has a specific answer attached to it... such as... how many carbs are in applesauce? You will get only a few responses since after one person gives you an answer there is no point in repeating it.

That is my scientific explanation.

critter34 · 09-08-2006, 06:53 AM

Dont worry I dont get a lot of responce when I post either, but I do usually get great answers to the questions that I ask and they have been so helpful to me.... hang in there and you can private message me anytime I may not have the answer but I will sure try my best to get it for you...

elyseelyse · 09-08-2006, 08:04 AM

Just keep posting and telling us about your journey and your goals. People read a lot more than they post. Sometimes I read something and do not post right then and there. Then when I am back later I remember I had something to say and post then. Just keep talking . . . . we are listening!!

panpan16 · 09-08-2006, 08:06 AM

Sorry if you've felt left out. I only have a limited time to post each day (since I"m supposed to be working, LOL!) and I have to admit that I tend to open the threads at the top first, just 'cause they're the ones I see. I don't always get to all the threads and I'm sure I miss out on reading and posting one threads I'm interested in.

emijan · 09-08-2006, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lehgrad

I don't really understand why people get so sensitive about this. Do you really think that we are targeting YOU as a person if you don't have a lot of replies? We don't even know you?!?! I am not 'new' but even if I get two replies I'm happy and I appreciate those responses.
Read the posts that get a lot of responses. They are either general questions that a lot of us can relate to or that everyone has a different answer/story for (ie, how did you gain the weight? or how many carbs a day to you eat? etc) or they are posted by a user that has been here for a long time... and... check out the # of times read vs # of posts on even the really 'popular' threads - it is a pretty high ratio for those threads too.
If you post something that has a specific answer attached to it... such as... how many carbs are in applesauce? You will get only a few responses since after one person gives you an answer there is no point in repeating it.

That is my scientific explanation.

Dito and....I feel that many times it is easier for newbies to just ask a question instead of taking the time (as they should and as I did and still do) and search the archives for an answer. The vetrans (and I admit I am not one of them) are mainly here to support US as they completed their wt loss journey and are doing it on their own time. There is so much info here that we should all try to look it up first that way when you ask a question that hasn't been asked it will be answered faster. JMHO

gettingstrength · 09-08-2006, 08:50 AM

JONAH'S GRANNY · 09-08-2006, 08:59 AM

I'm sorry but I know how you feel and I'm not a Newbie. I used to post a lot but don't much anymore. There are so many who have disappeared from the boards since I started in 2003 and many of those are probably people who got tired of being ignored. Seems like the boards go in cycles or groups of those who seem to post a lot and get a lot of response. Joining a Challenge Group will help a lot. Hang in there and WELCOME!

dort · 09-08-2006, 09:10 AM

I totally understand where you're coming from. I'm a newbie and have only posted a couple of times. I do feel like I'm not "part of the crowd" yet and people might think I'm asking dumb questions. When I did get one response to my first question, I felt like I had broken the ice. But, when my second question wasn't responded to at all, I felt neglected again. I guess we just have to keep asking and eventually somebody will jump in and try not to be too sensitive about it all.

09-07-2006, 06:15 PM	#1
wndrwmn67 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 354 Gallery: wndrwmn67 Stats: 272/261.5/??? Oy Vey!!! WOE: Weight Watchers Flex Start Date: Restart: January 28, 2008	Feeling like an outsider... I know that everyone says that coming to this board helps keep them motivated, but what about those of us who post only to ever receive one or two replies? Call me crazy, but it seems that some of us post and our messages are viewed by so many, but only one or two respond. This makes me less likely to post. I am only like everyone else, looking for some encouragement from my peers. I am not writing this to complain...I just think it is something to keep in mind. I don't often post because I am still very new to this and quite frankly, not doing all too well. I hardly feel that I am someone to be giving advice, but when I see a thread where someone is new or it is something that I have experience with, I do post a message, even if it is a short one. Thank you. __________________ Deana Don't dig your grave with your own knife and fork-English Proverb

09-07-2006, 06:20 PM	#2
pooticus Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: May 2004 Location: somewhere over the rainbow Posts: 15,930 Gallery: pooticus Stats: 314/284.2/150 WOE: PersonalPlan Start Date: Nov.20, 2007	well some boards r more hoppin than others. at best and i do mean at best u get a 10% reply rate. and it goes down from there the more less u post. the main board, recipe help board, health board, other board, and challenges boards r the most active. u have the cc lounge which has it's own group of players and the cc which is slower. the playground is an animal but u have to be a member for so long before being able to post there and it is definitely a place where u need to get to know everyone and vice versa. so keep posting and don't take it personally...but this is a great place and very supportive. promise! __________________ 10.20.07 314/314/150; 11.26.07 Surgery - Total Hysterectomy 07.16.08 314/268.4/150; 12.08.08 314/288.8/150 12.31.08 314/284.2/150 Join me on my journey at Weighty Matters and Straight Talk. You can also read about what goes in mah belleh each day at Today I Ate A(n). See ya there!

09-07-2006, 06:39 PM	#7
ixtapacheryl Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 5,932 Gallery: ixtapacheryl Stats: 183/147/130-135 - 5'7.5" WOE: '72 Atkins	Well let me you - if I haven't done so before. I definitely will try to answer any of your questions (if I can) - but believe me I do not have all the answers.... Sometimes I will read other responses and they've already answered the question as I would have..... so I don't post. Please don't feel slighted - even though I can certainly understand why you'd feel that way. By the way you can always private message any one of us and we can reply directly ..... In what area are you having trouble with your WOE? Is there anyway we could help you? __________________ "You will never find out what you can do until you do all you can to find out!" - John Maxwell

09-08-2006, 12:15 AM	#19
IrishIrish Junior LCF Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: New England Posts: 42 Gallery: IrishIrish Stats: 494/318/1?? WOE: Atkins - Extended Induction/OWL (1) Start Date: January 2004	Hi and Welcome! While I'm not new to Atkins, I have been an infrequent poster to this board and am looking for a new home. So I understand how it is an adjustment to get used to a new board with different people (although I recognize some!). Like any message board, post and just check in with everyone and soon you will know people and people will know you. Ask questions of people that you see have similar weight loss goals or stats to you and people who share you same low carb approach. Personally, I tend to talk to people who have a lot of weight to lose since my journey will certainly be a way of eating for life, but will also be a long while until I get past OWL. So, in the meantime, look for questions asked my new poster and greet them. The new people need reassurance, too, and you've been here longer than some of the new members! Welcome. I've been doing Atkins since January 2004 so if I can answer questions or give you a nudge now and then, let me know! __________________ I follow Atkins based on Dr. Atkins' New Diet Revolution, 2002 edition.

09-08-2006, 05:55 AM	#21
Lehgrad MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Boston Posts: 2,017 Gallery: Lehgrad Stats: 170/141/135, 5'5" WOE: IR Diet Start Date: June '04	I don't really understand why people get so sensitive about this. Do you really think that we are targeting YOU as a person if you don't have a lot of replies? We don't even know you?!?! I am not 'new' but even if I get two replies I'm happy and I appreciate those responses. Read the posts that get a lot of responses. They are either general questions that a lot of us can relate to or that everyone has a different answer/story for (ie, how did you gain the weight? or how many carbs a day to you eat? etc) or they are posted by a user that has been here for a long time... and... check out the # of times read vs # of posts on even the really 'popular' threads - it is a pretty high ratio for those threads too. If you post something that has a specific answer attached to it... such as... how many carbs are in applesauce? You will get only a few responses since after one person gives you an answer there is no point in repeating it. That is my scientific explanation. __________________ ~Vicki~ 27 y/o 1000 mg glucophage XR

09-07-2006, 06:23 PM	#3
sugarless4life Atkins Ambassador Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 9,967 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: sugarless4life Stats: 5'3 / 101 pounds / 53 yo /maintaining for 6 years WOE: Lost it with Atkins / RUNNING to keep it off! Start Date: January 19, 2002 - 7 YEARS ON ATKINS	I'm with ya, Deana!! You have my total support and encouragement!! Betty

09-07-2006, 06:23 PM	#4
Tashi MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,845 Gallery: Tashi Stats: 205/118 46 yrs. old WOE: Atkins to BFFM/Maintenance Start Date: 2/7/06	Come join us on the Challenge board in the XX Away By Christmas Day challenge! We're a huge group and put up a new thread daily but we'd Love to have you join us Personals aren't always done but everyone is very supportive and encouraging. About replies, please try not to take it personally. I only respond to posts if I know the answer to a question and someone else hasn't already answered and I'm pretty sure that's the way it is for a lot of people.

09-07-2006, 06:30 PM	#5
wndrwmn67 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 354 Gallery: wndrwmn67 Stats: 272/261.5/??? Oy Vey!!! WOE: Weight Watchers Flex Start Date: Restart: January 28, 2008	Thank you Tashi! That is exactly what I am going to do! See you there!

09-07-2006, 06:31 PM	#6
wndrwmn67 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Illinois Posts: 354 Gallery: wndrwmn67 Stats: 272/261.5/??? Oy Vey!!! WOE: Weight Watchers Flex Start Date: Restart: January 28, 2008	And thank you too, Sugarless and Pooticus! I appreciate your support! I'm going to make this happen!

09-07-2006, 06:49 PM	#8
hhhmom74 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Illinois Posts: 14,389 Gallery: hhhmom74 Stats: 199.5/138/120 5'4" WOE: back to Atkins Start Date: 6/22/02 restarted 12/29/08	I understand why you feel this way but please don't take it personally. I will try to help you out in any way I can.

09-07-2006, 06:58 PM	#9
BlueBrooke MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,050 Gallery: BlueBrooke	Hi, Deana -- I try not to just repeat what someone else has already said -- and I think there's a lot of others that feel that way, too. If I don't have much more than a "me too," I usually just nod and move on. Doesn't mean we aren't with you -- so from now on for YOU I will do a "me too!" LOL! See you over at the Challenge -- lots of kewl folks over there.

09-07-2006, 08:06 PM	#10
tyler43836 Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: New York, NY Posts: 11,484 Blog Entries: 1 Gallery: tyler43836 Stats: ugh WOE: Atkins Start Date: Restart 3/31/08	Don't be discouraged. Like others have said, if someone has already said what I was going to..I don't want to clutter things up with a 'me too' post. Don't let it get you down. You can do this!

09-07-2006, 08:14 PM	#11
SansSweets Guest Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Washington Posts: 464 Gallery: SansSweets Stats: 188/178/150 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Re-induction 5-20-08	Don't let it get you down, Deana! I don't post often, so most folks here don't recognize my name at first glance even though I've been here since 2001. That might mean that those who only have a few minutes to post each day reply to the threads that a)interest them at one particular point in their journey and b) are posted by the names they know well. Maybe I'm way off base, but that's the way I look at it and I don't take it personally. I try to get as much as I can from all of the posts here, not just the answers to mine. Welcome and good luck to you!

09-07-2006, 08:43 PM	#12
sbinz1 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Big Island, HI Posts: 125 Gallery: sbinz1 Stats: 178/150.5/135 WOE: Atkins Start Date: April 17, 2006	For the first couple of months I just read posts - never replied. I think they call us "lurkers". Some people are just shy, or don't think they have anything to add to the thread, or whatever their reasons are. Please don't take it personally. Joining a challenge that suits your WOE is a great suggestion. So is posting more details on what you're struggling with so you can get more specific help/support. Don't give up - this place is really fantastic!

09-07-2006, 08:59 PM	#13
xfatchik Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Viva Las Vegas! Posts: 15,460 Gallery: xfatchik Stats: size 22/4/4 WOE: Atkins ( 126 lbs gone! ) Start Date: June 9, 2003	Deana <---------------Big Yapper!

09-07-2006, 09:04 PM	#14
Heather150 Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Indiana Posts: 8,939 Gallery: Heather150 Stats: 205/120 WOE: Atkins Start Date: Feb 28 2003	My advice (because I was a Bulletin Board Newbie once myself).... Jump in, reply, and just keep at it. The more you're seen, the more people will remember you. I've been here for 3 years..and sometimes still feel out of the loop....but ya know what-I love posting and I love telling my opinion...and I love low carbing..so that's my story!!! Welcome to the best board on the net...and just keep plugging away!!!!! We can't get to know ya if you stay in the shadows!!!

09-07-2006, 09:49 PM	#15
DeliGirl MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: BC Canada Posts: 1,083 Gallery: DeliGirl	Here's a hug just cuz I feel like huggin' someone

09-07-2006, 10:14 PM	#16
Purple Sage Blabbermouth!!! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 6,609 Gallery: Purple Sage Stats: 256/148/150 exercising now: 6-08, 159 WOE: Random, watcing calories and exercise Start Date: January 1, 2005	Don't get discouraged. The more you post the more response you will get. I too don't replay most of the time if it is going to be a Oh yeah, me too post. But if noone else has said it I will.

09-07-2006, 10:26 PM	#17
shelby7851 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Illinois Posts: 887 Gallery: shelby7851 Stats: 246/226/199(mini) Start Date: 3/1/07 (again)	hope to see you in the challenge!!

09-07-2006, 10:55 PM	#18
aussiesarah MAJOR LCF POSTER! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 1,624 Gallery: aussiesarah Stats: Back from my pregnancy! 107/101/75kg WOE: Healthy Start Date: May 11, 2006	It's kind of like going to a party when you don't know the people. Working the room can be difficult at first if you aren't comfortable with it, but if you just be yourself and talk to people, you start making friends. I try to read as much as I can and answer if I think I can help. Joining challenges is a great way to stay motivated and meet people. This Main Lobby is just one aspect of the board. You are very welcome here

09-08-2006, 05:27 AM	#20
Newbie1000 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Deep South Posts: 169 Gallery: Newbie1000 WOE: Atkins	If you get one or two responses that answer your question, that's what's important, not that everyone repeat the same information that was given in the responses. Also make sure your post title has something about the topic in it. When someone puts in something like question? as the title, I skip it because my time is limited on here and I don't like opening posts that may already have answers to the primary question. I know a lot of other feel the same way.

09-08-2006, 06:53 AM	#22
critter34 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Judsonia, Ar. Posts: 480 Gallery: critter34 Stats: 40 pounds and holding WOE: no starch, no sugars Start Date: started January 2004/ restarted June 5, 2006	Dont worry I dont get a lot of responce when I post either, but I do usually get great answers to the questions that I ask and they have been so helpful to me.... hang in there and you can private message me anytime I may not have the answer but I will sure try my best to get it for you...

09-08-2006, 08:04 AM	#23
elyseelyse Way too much time on my hands! Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Just north of the Peoples Republic of Cambridge Posts: 12,884 Gallery: elyseelyse Stats: Still too much....grrrrrr.... WOE: Counting calories w/ a LC emphasis Start Date: Sept 2005	Just keep posting and telling us about your journey and your goals. People read a lot more than they post. Sometimes I read something and do not post right then and there. Then when I am back later I remember I had something to say and post then. Just keep talking . . . . we are listening!!

09-08-2006, 08:06 AM	#24
panpan16 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 466 Gallery: panpan16 Stats: 160/127/130 5'5" WOE: Atkins OWL (6th rung) Start Date: July 22, 2006	Sorry if you've felt left out. I only have a limited time to post each day (since I"m supposed to be working, LOL!) and I have to admit that I tend to open the threads at the top first, just 'cause they're the ones I see. I don't always get to all the threads and I'm sure I miss out on reading and posting one threads I'm interested in.

09-08-2006, 08:50 AM	#26
gettingstrength Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Tennessee Posts: 9,523 Gallery: gettingstrength Stats: 184 / 170 / ? WOE: atkins Start Date: 6 / 1 / 2002

09-08-2006, 08:59 AM	#27
JONAH'S GRANNY Big Yapper!!!! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 7,657 Gallery: JONAH'S GRANNY Stats: Not telling WOE: Lower Carb Start Date: 01/03/2008/Originally 2003	I'm sorry but I know how you feel and I'm not a Newbie. I used to post a lot but don't much anymore. There are so many who have disappeared from the boards since I started in 2003 and many of those are probably people who got tired of being ignored. Seems like the boards go in cycles or groups of those who seem to post a lot and get a lot of response. Joining a Challenge Group will help a lot. Hang in there and WELCOME!

09-08-2006, 09:10 AM	#28
dort Junior LCF Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 16 Gallery: dort WOE: low/moderate carbs Start Date: 08/01/06	I totally understand where you're coming from. I'm a newbie and have only posted a couple of times. I do feel like I'm not "part of the crowd" yet and people might think I'm asking dumb questions. When I did get one response to my first question, I felt like I had broken the ice. But, when my second question wasn't responded to at all, I felt neglected again. I guess we just have to keep asking and eventually somebody will jump in and try not to be too sensitive about it all.