This month I began my third year here on Open Salon. And sometimes, like this past week, it feels like I've been here forever!
A big, huggy thanks to those of you over the years who have taken the time to read, comment and rate me. And to share my experiences, both good and not so good. My long life has been filled with anecdotes of people and places, and I appreciate the chance to write about them.
I think I’ve managed to remain here while so many others have gone in part because I’ve paced myself. I write once a week or so, and I haven’t yet run out of things to say.
Also, I’m independent by nature, avoid groupthink and try to save my energy to write well, read selectively and comment constructively.
That said, with all the turmoil around here lately, I thought reposting the positives of OS would be appropriate. If nothing else, it reminds me why I’ve stayed so long.
We all have different reasons for being here, but in no particular order, I am here on OS because:
I want to create an accessible record of my existence.
I have stories to tell.
I like being associated with Salon, with the off chance of appearing there.
It keeps me out of trouble.
Writing gigs that offer pay have mostly dried up.
I guess I need some drama in my life.
When people ask what I do all day I have something plausible to tell them that’s associated with Joan Walsh.
OS brings me new Facebook friends.
It keeps my hands and mind occupied so I don’t eat all day.
It’s a great excuse to not exercise.
I have a day job to support me. (Sort of.)
I like getting read.
I like reading.
I enjoy feeling that I am in a community at the click of a mouse.
I have gained virtual (sometimes morphed into real) friends.
I hope to gain more friends, although some seem to stick with their comfort zone only.
Friends here do offer support.
I meet all sorts of interesting people I never would have the chance to meet in real life.
It gives me exposure for possible paid assignments (long shot, agreed -- but it's happened a couple of times).
Ageism is minimal here. I feel I am me, not older me.
I can deal with the mememe memes and flame wars by concentrating on other posts.
At this point I don’t expect anything but a platform and don't define myself by the editors, so I’m often pleasantly surprised.
I think of OS more as a friend with benefits than a jilting lover.
I can pick up breath-mint money from adsense.
I haven’t found a better fit for me on the web.
It’s a pretty safe place to rant and expose, and to get some wise feedback, good and bad.
I can read/post while watching junk TV, eating a turkey sandwich and talking on the phone.
I like seeing my writing published.
OS encourages me to write.
OS brings me to some great writing.
I need, really need to write.
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Comments
R
Happpppppy Anniversary!!
~r
standing up, clapping hands, and yelling bravo!
Thanks. I ID w some of these other reasons, too, and I'll say i dind it Easy as Pi to avoid these personality controversies...not saying I am in any way a better person than those who are in the back-forth, just saying it's better for me that I steer clear and here I have found it simple.
Rated.
Lezlie
Here's to being able to get your stuff read without having to endure the soul-crushing process of attempting to get published! Enthusiastically rated.
Thanks for being here...class act indeed!
BTW, you wrote "I can pick up breath-mint money from adsense." You must be making some serious money here. I only get to pick up breath mints from the floor. : )
R as always
R
You've made your bones in the print world, and if this isn't fun, why bother?
I've been pleasantly surprised (so far) by the friendly, civil responses I've gotten. When the trolls show up, I'm ready for them. But if it isn't fun and you're not learning, why do it? The middle school tantrumming is something I plan to stay very far away from. Had too much of that in the offline world.
Happy Year 3!
Thank you so much for this post. And I thank you equally for being the person you are. I admire your heart and intent so much. If it’s possible to walk your talk in the virtual world you certainly do just that.
Your posts are refreshing and your desire to encourage the best in others is a wonderful example to follow.
From the time I arrived here I have found your writing and your conduct to be things I could consistently count on with respect and joy.
I really enjoyed reading all of your reasons (though my writing will never earn me the breath mint money that yours does :) ) but found that this one especially stood out:
“I enjoy feeling that I am in a community at the click of a mouse.”
OS will always be what the members make it. I am grateful that you for one try so hard to make it a better place by all you contribute.
Rated and appreciated with respect.
Of all the reasons, that's probably the most important (although breath mint money should never be overlooked).
Glad you're still here, Lea. It wouldn't be as much fun if you weren't. Besides, who's going to take me to places I'll never see? (And you owe me one.)
May you have many more years on OS!
It's top of my list too.
Congratulations on your anniversary!
You're making so much more money than I am. I was hoping I could keep myself in Boon's Farm with my adsense money. What's your strategy?
I love that idea!
You counsel me?
I get in just trouble!
Ya fancy travels here?
I fears coming home!
You need a travel pal?
I will bum loons for Ya.
Loons are Canadian $1.
One dollar buys Ya love.
One dime and one nickel.
Ya can help bum wine doe.
If Ya got dime I get a nickel.
Buy Rhubarb and Blueberry.
Ay, wine makes old folk alive.
We can work out the details.
If Ya say `okay... I sets sails!
I'll bum a Dory Boat for two!
We can share elderberry too!
Wine.
Ya get a dime. I get one nickel.
We can write a Farmer/Fisher.
Write whopper fish stories too.
I knew You would agree. No go.
Please stay? Ah, me thirsty too.
It be one truly fancy world tour.
The tree of silence bears` Peace.
You seem sane and moon` Gaze.
You touched by a angel a`Insane.
You seem no crazier than`Farmer.
I'll build a wood Dory and `Ahoy!
It will be comfortable for ` Two!
You can row. I'll sip home`Brew!
Ya can bring a warm wool Blanket!
Congratulations on your anniversary.
Lots of stuff with which to agree here, but for me the clearest is simply that being an OS member prods me to write something.
There is no actual turmoil here. It is only virtual turmoil.
Just as I loved your son marrying you post (I had to say that, you might even know why ;).
Make sure you come back and say hi to all of us once your blush cools :D.
Rated for one of the best.
R
You have been a bright light shining through the fog during the several times when I thought about leaving, when OS seemed to be devolving into a sewer of discontent.
I don't write so much anymore, maybe once a week and often not that. It is not because I could not, it is because I have given up trying to keep up with the "blog concept" which assumes that you write down every thought or brain fart you might have regardless whether or not it adds anything but more clutter to the jetsam of junk already floating in cyber space.
That has adversely affected my readership, but, clever as I might think I am, I have learned by reading here the difference between putting words on paper and actually writing something worth putting on paper. You, dear lady, helped teach me that.
I salute you, value your friendship, and hope that we both will hang around here for a considerable time longer, writing when we think we have something of value to share with others.
Blessings, friend.
Monte
And Art James, always a thrill to see your work. Thank you!!
Much love to you and I look forward to our meeting. Somewhere - someday.
My third year starts on December 8th. I think I will just re-read this post on my anniversary.
Sane, too. :-)
http://open.salon.com/blog/fusuna/2010/08/30/shattered
Decided to try something more raw and heartfelt. Turned out that was my calling. I am now all about writing what my heart feels.
Cheers and thanks for your posts