Im with you in this thank you. Being New Im just learning what OS is like but so far I can see why it is so addicting. I like it here. I just do.

Hear, hear. There's much to praise, much to appreciate.

Nicely done. It's a great place to try new things. Even, dare I say, make friends. It's always nice to see your avatar.

I love the analogy to stand up. You put yourself out there and hope you don't bomb. And when you do, you just get out there and do it again! -r

Gracious as ever sheepdog. I agree with you.

writers like you make it worth coming back often.

How nice to see this.

A very kind, supportive piece. I have always treasured your comments. And you have always supported my workeven though I have not kept up with you. You are highly valued here and thanks for this piece.

OES - Well said. You are one of the reasons I enjoy this site so much.

Thank you for posting this. I love the analogy to stand up. I've only been on OS for a few months, and in that short time have really enjoyed what I've be able to read. There's a lot of great stuff that I wouldn't have otherwise found.

Amen, you wise canine!!

I agree completely! I don't think I would want co-workers to read my work.... which is why I never use my real name...They don't need to know my business even though I do put it out in the open, don't I! I love when you come by my place as I love visiting yours..

Agreed 100%, OE. In fact, my wife complains that sometimes I pay more attention to the people on OS than I do her (guilty as charged). Your intelligent, gentlemanly nature should be the standard. For a long time, I didn't show my posts to family and friends either, but now I'm shameless.

Nicely put, OE. I found myself nodding in agreement with everything you said. But then, I'm a soft touch for shaggy dogs.

You are a class act, my friend.
~R~

OS is so diverse. While you haven't found much to read here, seems like I've found some great stuff lately! I like it here, no matter how much I may protest at times. xox

a scholar and a gentleman, gracious as always, thank YOU!

So well put. Like Clarkk- nodded my head throughout. thumbs up(?)

Yep. Just between you and me. What are all these little pictures of other people doing here?

considering the amount of time i spend here every day, i'd say it's obvious how heartily i agree with you, sheepie. nice piece from a nice guy ... er, dog. ;

It's been my pleasure. Thanks to you as well.

Sweet sentiments from a sweet person! You're always there for us.

Amen, my Patriot brother in football. OS is a beautiful thing.

Whatever the faults here it beats most other sites and we should all keep aware of that. Imagine if OS were no longer around. We need to nurture it and ourselves within it.
Having had the privilege of meeting you, your sweet nature comes through authentically.

Yes it is fun to have the "freedom to fail" . Oops that was what an old CBS hatchet man said at my old publication before he fired everyone. Seriously, I hope so.

Great to see something positive out here in virtual land. Thansk Sheepdog. I'm touched that it's "just between you and me"

well said and I feel pretty much the same. it ain't perfect, but what is. and after a week of what seems like complaints (but really weren't), this is a nice way to let the eds know we appreciate their work.

yes, thank you OS! and than you for writing this

Here, here.

OES,
Thanks so much for your words. This sort of post is a welcome sight for me.

It’s a mark of a good soul to find what’s worthy and be grateful for it. Thank you for this reminder of how fortunate we are to have a place to post as well as many thoughtful members who will try to encourage us in our endeavors.

“To find fault is easy; to do better may be difficult.” —Plutarch

Rated and appreciated very much.

"I think writing here is a lot like doing stand up. You put yourself out there, and then you hope you don't bomb."

No kidding DAWG. I've dropped many a bomb. I resemble that remark. Still, as you have so astutely observed, OS over all is still to this day (despite what the "leaving in droves" contingent would have you believe) a wonderful place full of talented people pouring their hearts out for free, for the sake of being read and appreciated. Same as it ever was in other words.

You're welcome, you old dog.

I like this. OS is a very impressive place with some very impressive people.

Gentle gratitude speaks to the soul. I feel grateful that you share your work here with us.

zanelle -- For the record there is no 12 step program from OS addiction.

Kathy -- your words make a great life philosophy.

aim -- Someday you'll come out from behind that grave marker ;).

DensieW -- Exactly. TY

Dear Reader -- Thanks for the kind words from across the pond.

Brian -- I'm honoured by your kind words.

sophieh -- and how nice to hear from you.

Gary -- you are such a talented dude. I'm touched by your words.

Smithery -- And we all thought OutsideMyself was the reason you liked this site so much. Go figure.

Jenna -- Thanks. If you did stand up on radio...that is OS.

Ann -- there was no cleaning up after anyone on this post.

Lunchlady2 -- I think you're da bomb.

CC -- Well these posts are like our grandchildren in a way, aren't they? Someday i'll show them...but not yet.

Matt -- thanks for stopping by. This gets lost in the fast pace of life we all lead.

Unbreakable -- Thanks.

Robin -- xox

dianaani -- You are much too kind.

fernsy -- Thank you.

greenheron -- Don't we all want that level of intimacy with our reader?

Candace -- The sheepdog is a great avatar, if I do say so myself.

bobbot -- Thanks very much, Bob.

Deborah -- I try to be, but it's a job I recommend, highly.

jane -- Thanks.

Duane -- all that's left is for us to stand on the 50 yard line of Gillette Stadium or the new Meadowlands stadium , hold hands and sing Kumbaya. Imagine the press coverage we'd get? "Pats fan and Jets fan come together for Peace and Understanding."

Lea -- "I got Lea Lane in the backseat of a NYC cab" will be my epitaph. ;) Bill is a very lucky man. I wish you and him much happiness.

Even the spambots likes my posts.

Lisa -- Thanks so much...means a lot.

snarkychaser -- The hatchetman sounds like a guy who lights up a room by leaving it. thanks very much.

Trilogy -- As it should be.

FM -- We'll see how many EPs I get after this post. (I"M JOKING)

Bonnie -- thanks for mentioning that post. I was dumbstruck by what I saw that day.

Sandra -- I always enjoy it when you stop by. thanks.

Stacey -- where where?

Stellaa -- You are one of the most fairminded bloggers here. Thanks.

Dennis -- This is only place in the world where I would encounter someone quoting Plutarch after reading my writing. It doesn't happen on my day job nor do I expect it too.

I agree, this is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to write and be read. We need to be significantly appreciative of what we have here, it is the human condition to try to improve or make things better, but sincerely, I do appreciate the opportunity it has provided me to practice my writing and to learn. R.

AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

You are very gracious.

You're a great playmate and I like that about you. ::pat pat::

Great Post and I agree 100%. Every time I push the publish button, my stomach does a double take. I never know if something is garbage or OK, until I see the comments. I also try and welcome some new people everyday, because it is really hard to break in here. And I thank the OS Staff, for a job that should pay a lot more than it does!

I'll be here to read and write for a while! Thanks OS and thanks OE.

This is no shaggy dog story, OE. OS has been one of the things keeping me going during the few months I've been involved. There are many people here to like, even love.
Lezlie

Thanks. You have been one of the welcoming ones for me.

OE--you are a very generous responder and a lovely voice here. I have had to cut WAY down on my OS time and though it's necessary I do miss all those whose work I love. R

OE: You put this so well into words, which is why you are popular here! Blessings...

I too, am relatively new to Open Salon. I don't write a lot, but read as much as time allows. I'm often in awe of what people put up here.

I also don't much share what's here with others in my real life. It's a bit of entertainment just for me.

I watched the complaints over the last few days and decided it wasn't worth my while to completely figure out what they were all about. I've been in other online communities, and those spats seem to have a regular frequency. They can get quite nasty, and I normally avoid them.

I like it when respected regulars like you take the time to put things into perspective. It helps everyone, but maybe the newbies even more.

Amen, Sheepie.

OE, you have always been one of my favs! I don't post much lately either, but I sneak on here and read every so often. There are good writers here who often inspire me, and that includes me! Thanks for all your wonderful comments on my posts. I'm glad you are a part of my OS experience!

OE, I'm totally in agreement about OS. The editors do a great job here for a pittance. I've been reading a lot more than posting for a while (job and life in general have been crazy-busy). But I've always come to this place, primarily to enjoy the efforts of so many talented writers (like you!). It's rarely dull at Open Salon, and there isn't a day that I haven't read something informative, toucing, funny, thought-proviking, sometimes maddening.

Now that I have more time I hope to do more writing and reading here. Looking forward to discovering new writers.

Yeah, I'm feeling the same way this morning, especially because my long struggle to write honestly and, especially openly, is played out here in the company of some incredibly fine writers. not to mention swell people...

Yesterday, I spent one lovely hour reading on the site, going to places my friends recommended or commented, making new friends, uncovering some wonderful prose. This is what's worth focusing on, friends.
(whoa, kinda mushy this morning...)

I always wince and take a breath when I make a posting. What will they think? Will anyone read it? Will it bomb? I appreciate this forum, and everyone here has been very gracious in accepting a "newbie" like me. All have been helpful. Great Post.

My wife's girlfriends found my stuff and ratted me out to her. And here I thought the internet was private.

It's a pleasure and an honor to read your words, A. I'm glad you're here; it makes OS a much, much better place. Big hugs.

Your appreciative and kind attitude add to the good energy here. And the adorable photo of that precious dog staring at me makes me smile every time :)

I'm proud to not only share my stuff with family and friends because of the work I do, but I hope by sharing with them, they'll come here and get addicted, too.

OS is a vibrant community of interesting people. Not all of them are nice (some are down-right assholes), but the ones who have opened their arms to me are pretty awesome. I've been happily making friends the past several weeks, even though I started last September. I had a job that kept me away from everything. Now that I'm looking for a new job (and unemployed), I'm finding so much on here that I just want to share with the world.

It feels like when someone launches an arrow at me, one of the old-timers or good-hearts (often one-in-the-same) puts up a shield and jumps to my defense. It feels good to be here.

I found this post on the cover.


{[R]}

Writing here is like stand up - absolutely!

Very sweet as always, Sheepie. I love it when you remind us, in your humble and non-preachy way, to appreciate what we have. I share your deep appreciation for this space, and for what everyone gives in creating it and keeping it going in a largely very positive and enriching fashion. And you are one of the reasons that I think that. thanks for being here!

(And I know what you mean about putting stuff here you don't share with others. Friends and family tell me they learn more about me by reading my blog than talking to me!)

Good to know I'm not the only one stayin' low. Mentioned it once about 17 months ago.Let it go.
Cheaper than a shrink and if I want to avoid something I can.Not like real life much in that regard.
Now if you don't mind, my cat wants to get her leash on and cruise the gardens out back. Not as trustworthy as a sheepdog.

Wait, are we like your mistresses? You keep us as a secret even from the best of your friends??? YOU BASTARD....;D

Just kidding, we love you too, but we keep ya a secret, we don't want everyone coming around to check out the best sheep dog since, well, there isn't a better one!! Good dawg!!!

Rated.