A Shout Out to DUers Who Rarely Post

[MineralMan]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by Hassin Bin Sober (a host of the General Discussion forum).

Last edited Sun Jul 7, 2013, 02:45 PM - Edit history (1)

You are the unsung heroes of DU. You read what is posted here to learn more about current events and situations. You recommend posts that you find useful, informative, and reasonable. You may not post often, but you are DUers, nevertheless.

I encourage you to post now and then, particularly when a post stimulates either your approval or disapproval. Your voices need to be heard on DU, not just the voices of DUers who post and reply frequently. You are the bulk of DUers, and represent the vast majority of DUers. You are the audience for what DU has to offer. Let DU hear from you.

If you can't post, or find posting to be uncomfortable, please make good use of DU's DU Rec feature to support posts you find especially useful to you. That input will help, too.

Thanks!

Edit to add: For those who support DU financially, but don't post frequently, a special Shout Out to you, especially. I hope you'll find a way to continue to do that and to feel more welcome to post.

[MineralMan]

1. Shameless Self-Kick. nt

[7962]

186. I've always read more than posted, obviously

but one reason is how fast you get cursed for not being EXACTLY in line with who stared a thread. I even got kicked off completely one time a few years ago and to this day I have no idea why!!

[Left coast liberal]

2. Thanks! Been here since the beginning...

...yet still see my low post count?

I have been ignored and told to go "troll off" several times over the years.

But I still stop by and read and watch the hand wringing and still love DU despite it's foibles.

Old DU'ers jumping off the band wagon by adults behaving badly? Nothing new here.

My remedy? Take a break, pat your dog, hug your kid, live your life. Come back when you feel the power of your mouse and can click away from a post that starts to boil your blood.

For cripes sake, people! Chill the fuck out!

Rant off!

[MineralMan]

5. Thanks. I'm sorry you have been called a troll.

I understand that many people don't risk posting or replying because of that sort of thing. It's ugly.

[daschess1987]

153. That's why I normally don't post here.. And the OP is much appreciated!

I was all worked up about Sandy Hook. Republicans had been saying for years that we were going to take away their guns, and I reached the point where I said we should just do it. It couldn't be done anyway, so I don't know why people had to chew my ass and call me a troll because I reached my limit. I've got enough damned problems without arguing with the people on "my side."

[RavensChick]

190. This old DU'er still comes by to see how the kids are behaving,

and after reading a few threads I say, I'm done for the night.

My life has taken a very busy turn for the last few years but I check in every now and then. I'm only sorry the old crew is jumping ship but that's okay. If they feel the need to come back and see if things have chilled or not, so be it. As for me, I'm with you on that. We need a break sometimes, and even when there are topics posted we may or may not agree with, that's cool. That's why we still have the 1st Amendment. We can agree to disagree sometimes, but that's what make us unique.

Let the ranting commence!!

[mahina]

3. Thanks MM.

I don't post much anymore, and most DUers I had a community with here are gone. This post is appreciated.

[MineralMan]

8. Many long-time DUers are posting less and less,

and that is a shame, in my opinion.

Thank you!

[Nay]

20. True. I never posted a lot, but now I post (and read) much less. Maybe I'm just an old fart,

but I find it hard to tolerate some of the illiterate and illogical bullshit that passes for discourse. Add to that the influx of obvious RW disruptors, and I'm not around much.

[MineralMan]

26. Thank you for the posts you do make. I see that you

have posted more often than some, and that's great.

[Nay]

46. Well, I've been here about 10 years, so just my presence here for so long contributes to

my high(er) post count. I have just been finding myself less interested in many of the things being discussed, plus I value intelligent conversation over other forms. That's just me. I've been seeing too much propaganda catapulting, emo-driven nonsense, and blatant subject-changing.

[shraby]

92. I don't post much anymore cause I'm tired of being put down with false arguments.

I'm old enough to remember a lot of things and most times know from whence I speak. Disruptors disrupt poorly and degrade very good posts over nothing.
Sick of it, so sometimes I'll tune in lightly to another post, and mostly click the rec button. Find it terrible that I can't recommend a very good reply to a post, would like to be able to do that.

[MineralMan]

96. Me too. I'd often like to recommend a reply.

I try to post a thanks to the person replying, but don't always.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

4. I agree with this premise

[Whisp]

6. Shout, shout, let it all out.

[GoCubsGo]

7. Kicking again.

It will likely be the only "shout out" post I will recommend today, unless one appears for the Admins.

[MineralMan]

9. Thank you. Sometimes we forget what DU is for.

We shouldn't do that.

[GoCubsGo]

14. Exactly.

It's sad how divisive things have gotten her lately, and these individual "shout out" posts are just making it worse.

[MineralMan]

27. Thanks for your financial contribution, too!

[GoCubsGo]

33. You're welcome.

As meager as it was... Lately, I'm wishing I had that few bucks back, with all this divisiveness. Thank goodness for The Lounge.

[JDPriestly]

134. I think it is divisive because we face such important issues, issues that cross party lines.

I don't think it is the people, the individuals, it's the issues.

Thanks for posting.

[susanna]

10. I'm one of these folks.

Thank you for the thread. I'm here most days keeping up.

I needed the reminder about the Rec feature too! I always forget about it. I've been on here since the beginning of DU, and sometimes forget about it.

[MineralMan]

11. Thank you for sticking with DU!

You're the reason it's here.

[LiberalLoner]

12. Thank you. I rec and tweet frequently.

[MineralMan]

15. Thank you!

And thank you for financially supporting DU, too!

[Snotcicles]

13. A Whisper Out To Them. nt

[tnlurker]

16. Thanks Mineral Man

That describes me. I post infrequently and have been here for years. Your post are some of the ones I seek out and read nearly every day. I guess we are the silent majority of DU.

[MineralMan]

28. I appreciate that, and will continue to post.

You, and the others who read DU and provide financial support for it are truly the majority here, even if silent.

[old guy]

17. Thanks.

I try to read the posts on a thread and generally won't comment if my point has been made. No sense in making a post without adding something new to the conversation IMO.

[catzies]

18. Here since the beginning. Still read daily. Rec often, post a lot less than I used to.

I'd rather be quiet and lurk than post a "I'm outta here" here thread if my feelings get hurt by something/someone here.

DU remains a valuable resource for me even after all these years and all the fights.

[woofless]

19. I basically quit posting when I realized that all I was doing was stroking my own ego.

I'd post some thought out and insightful tidbit and then anxiously wait for validation. When I realized that all I was doing was making myself crazy because no one was responding, I just stopped. Now I only post if I don't care if I get a response. I never got the whole thing about high post count. I rely on DU daily. I get many links here to real information and news. The place is full of good people. Thanks to all of you. Even the jerks have something to teach you.

Woof

[Snotcicles]

23. I usually post when I'm hammered, it's the only way to ensure consistency. nt

[jazzimov]

52. LOL!

(me too.)

[awoke_in_2003]

88. DUzy. nt

[ctsnowman]

169. lol Love it.

[JimDandy]

41. Hey woof...

A Spokanite hometowner here... DU does have great info and it's a daily read for me also. Glad to see you're one of the ones who hit the rec button, too, even if you don't post. Many days, that's all I do here to contribute. Nice running into you.

[woofless]

43. It's cool over on this side.

You're cool over there.

Woof

[JDPriestly]

138. Don't worry if no one answers. People are reading your posts.

I get the same feeling. I posted and posted and no one answeredd.

Now, after I have posted a lot, I get more answers.

But you make a good point. We need to respond to each other's posts more.

Thanks for posting. You add to the conversation.

In my view, DU is not about stars, but about being part of the ongoing conversation and learning new things.

[JEB]

21. Lots of good information here.

As well as thoughtful and passionate opinions.

[ReRe]

22. K&R

Absolutely a big giant shout out to the silent DU members.

Also a big shout out to the folks who frequent DU every day who are NOT members!

[MineralMan]

30. Yes. We often forget about those who read DU, but aren't registered

members here. They are important to DU, too.

[ReRe]

44. I used to be one of them...

From the beginning of DU up until about 6 months ago, when I decided to open my big mouth.

[MineralMan]

45. Thank you for joining and participating! nt

[JimDandy]

24. Using the Rec button is the most important thing you can do

Last edited Sun Jul 7, 2013, 03:27 PM - Edit history (1)

other than post, if you are among the silent majority here on DU.

I've been here for 7+ years (lurked for an additional year) and am a low poster, but I hit the rec button every day I'm here as a way of adding my voice to the milieu.

Reccing gives the rest of us an idea of how the wind is blowing...so let's hear from you...you can do it...GO BLOW every time you're here!

[MineralMan]

48. Good point! Rec when you feel it. nt

[JimDandy]

70. By the way, your journal posting about your 50th reunion

was a great read! You sure know how to paint pictures with the written word.

[Ishoutandscream2]

25. Thank you

Oops, I posted.

[Rex]

29. There is so much to read on this site, that making a thread seem like a waste of time.

So many good authors and expert debaters.

[MineralMan]

32. There is, indeed, a lot worth reading on DU.

Thanks.

[Loki]

31. You talkin' to me?

Seriously though this has been my home is since Skinner, EarlG and Elad opened the doors. Helped me keep my sanity in those dark days after the selection and through all the highs and lows of the past 13 years. I don't say much here but the information gleaned from reading everyone's posts has helped me form a better argument with facts. Thanks for recognizing us Mineral Man. We are here.

[MineralMan]

35. Thank you! I know you're here, and think about all of the people

who are here to read every time I begin a new post. Thanks, too, for continuing to support DU financially. That's very important.

[mrs_p]

34. thanks!

I read DU about five times a day. I know it is a contentious crowd (and really hate fighting with people I can't talk with face to face) so rarely post these days. Plus, I usually have nothing to say that hasn't already been said. But, I love the site nonetheless and have learned so much over the years.

[MineralMan]

37. Thank you for taking the time to reply,

and for your continuing support of DU. For many posters on DU, there is always an awareness that there are many reading who may well not respond by replying. It is all of those readers who make posting on DU worthwhile.

[agent46]

36. Thanks. Been here since 2003 n/t

[MineralMan]

39. I joined much later than you did, and know that

DU has been an important resource for me since then.

[actslikeacarrot]

38. Thank you. Glad to be here. N/T

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

40. "Differences of opinion are what make horseraces." Mark Twain

They also make for an interesting message board. A series of "me too" can get pretty damned dull.

[MineralMan]

42. That is most definitely true. But, we should disagree agreeably,

too. We needn't see people we disagree with as enemies. That is almost never the case. A disagreement is just another opportunity to think.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

49. I tend to agree. But, sometimes passion is is misinterpreted as disagreeable.

If one posts and expects only applause then one should find another venue...or buy a dog.

[refrescanos]

74. good one

I' m going to keep what you said in mind.

[yends21012]

47. Thanks for the post.

I read DU everyday, but struggle to find words adequate to express what so many others do so well. I really appreciate all of the people who are able to capture the words and feelings that I too feel.

[MineralMan]

53. Thanks for reading! nt

[nevergiveup]

50. That is me.

I have been here since 2004 but don't post very often these days. I left for 3 months in 2007/2008 because I couldn't handle all the hatred surrounding the primary but other than that I have checked in almost every day. I don't post often partially because of old age but also because I am politically a pragmatic liberal and that doesn't go over very well on this site in today's political climate.

[Demonaut]

54. almost a year after me and 20 posts apart

[nevergiveup]

191. Wow!

I will stop posting for a few months so you can catch up

[MineralMan]

55. Thank you for continuing to come to DU,

and for your continuing financial support!

[Demonaut]

51. a decade and 3000 posts...active lurker

[MineralMan]

56. Kudos to you!

[denbot]

57. Shameless self shout out, 12years 3,400 posts

Though the posts I made while using the name puerco-bellies might not have transferred over when I reassumed my original denbot user name.

[MineralMan]

58. Thanks to another loyal star member! nt

[shanine]

59. Thanks MM

Last edited Sun Jul 7, 2013, 03:57 PM - Edit history (1)

I've been here everyday since I found the site in '04
This is the first year I've been without a star, will fix that soon. edited -used paypal today

[MineralMan]

61. No. Thank you! nt

[think]

60. Great post. K&R /nt

[MineralMan]

62. Well, it's time that all of the rest of the DUers get

a shout out, I think.

[think]

67. Very true. There are also many who post important information

and do not enter the fray that deserve a shout too.

Truthfully I can't say that I've been anywhere near that altruistic and there are times I regret it....

[MineralMan]

69. Yes. There are many DUers who post information

and go unsung for it.

[logosoco]

63. That is me for sure!

Not a day within the past 7 years has gone by without me checking DU. My family knows who I am talking about when I say "someone on the internet said..."
This place keeps me sane in a red state, and as I have been out of work for over five years, makes me feel connected. And it gives me adult voices to read when I spend my week days with my two grandsons, ages 5 and 3 1/2.
Often I don't post because, as another poster mentioned, my thoughts were already stated.
I would be lost without DU. Even the views I don't agree with 100%. It helps me know where I am and what I do think about things.

[MineralMan]

64. You are far from alone.

You are crucial to DU. Without readers, there would be no point in posting.

[unreadierLizard]

65. I don't post a lot

and when I do, I tend to get into fights with people more then I'd like.

But my belief in progressivism remains strong and I find the articles here very helpful to me.

[MineralMan]

66. Thanks for joining the conversation. nt

[unreadierLizard]

75. Thanks for making this thread, MM

I really do appreciate it.

I don't have much money but I'll see if I can move around my savings to throw a few bucks DU's way.

[AsahinaKimi]

68. This BUD is for you!

Always wanted to say that...

[MineralMan]

73. Thanks. I prefer Kirin, though, over Bud.

Just a personal preference.

[AsahinaKimi]

78. Good beer... but ya know...

I had to go with that classic old American commercial. None of the other beers seemed to have a slogan that fit!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

71. I seldom post on controversial threads

because I can't think of a bigger waste of time than getting into pointless arguments with strangers on the internet. So I've pretty much stayed away from threads about guns, Edward Snowden or the Zimmerman trial, though I read a few of these now and then, maybe just to get a feeling for the latest DU Zeitgeist. I don't post on them because I know that no matter what I say somebody will flame me, and I just don't need that. So I stick to topics that interest me and deal with facts more than inflammatory opinions, and cat threads in the Lounge.

[MineralMan]

76. I avoid the trial threads altogether.

We'll get an answer from the jury soon enough, and speculating has never interested me. I've stayed out of most of the Snowden threads, too, but have started a couple of them.

[Agschmid]

72. Kick!

Buy a star! Anything you can give I'm sure is helpful...

[MineralMan]

79. Yes! Star members help keep DU going.

Thanks!

[oregonjen]

77. I'm one of them...

I found this place through Will Pitt. I read his piece "Hell to Pay," and found DU through a link iirc, on his website. Been here ever since.

[MineralMan]

80. Thanks for being here! nt

[roody]

81. I used to post more, but due to

my own austerity measures, I only have a phone for Internet.

[MineralMan]

82. I understand that.

It's been a long time since I used a regular modem.

[CottonBear]

83. Hello everyone! I read DU daily,

however, I rarely post due the to demands of a very young child & work. I lurked from just after the beginning & joined a few years later. I lost my job of 16 years back in 2009. Due to lack of funds, I let my star membership lapse. However, things are good with my family. DU has helped to keep me informed, sane & frequently amused! Many of my old DU friends are not around anymore: Rubyduby in GA, Burythehatchet, MGKrebs & Ulysses among them. I've met up with them & the awesome Catwoman. I love her posts. I love DU! ps: I'm posting from my phone so sorry for any errors.

[tallahasseedem]

84. A big thank you...

from someone who does just that!

[MineralMan]

98. You are an important part of DU!

[MineralMan]

87. Thank you!

And thanks for being a star member.

[The Link]

86. Rec

[MineralMan]

91. Thanks for reccing for DU members. nt

[lordsummerisle]

89. Thanks

I don't post much either but I'm always on here reading...

[MineralMan]

93. You help make DU possible.

Keep reading!

[MirrorAshes]

90. I've got 1k posts in 9 years

But I still love this place, even if it goes a bit off the rails at times

[MineralMan]

94. At least it's not transporting crude oil!

[BensMom]

95. That's Me

I came here in 2002. I stop in for the real story. I read every day, seldom post.
Living in a red state, this place has been terrific.

Thanks to all!

[angstlessk]

97. Been here since the beginning also..but got booted cause I accused

Will Pitt et all of distracting us from being angry about the election of bush*

I was wrong of course, but did not think so at the time.

I read daily, post seldom, and recommend as I see fit...

[southmost]

99. this site is going off the deep end

[MineralMan]

101. Some people agree with you.

It's sort of the nature of the beast, though.

[Greybnk48]

100. Thanks for the shout out Mineral Man!

And right back atcha!

[MineralMan]

102. Thanks for being a loyal DUer! nt

[SunSeeker]

103. K & R

[MineralMan]

104. +100

[creon]

105. Little to say

I have little to say most of the time. What I think is very practical and down to earth.

I come here once or twice a week looking for useful information.

[MineralMan]

106. I'm glad you're finding useful information here.

Truly.

[creon]

171. You have to look

Reporting has never been that great ( there are no good old days of reporting) and finding reliable information is not easy.

[redstatebluegirl]

107. I have been coming here for a long time to read

and learn. Just joined a year or so ago, and as with some others, have been called a troll, a Democratic Organizer and worse. I honestly think it is getting worse. I support DU financially as much as I can, but am beginning to rethink that after the past few weeks of nastiness.

Many of the posters here, some of the more vocal ones at least, will not allow any disagreement without throwing insults, some of them very personal.

I also have some issues with the constant use of the "F" bomb, but I understand this could be generational...

[MineralMan]

110. The language on DU sometimes is pretty earthy, for sure.

I try not to do that, but sometimes slip up.

[Siwsan]

108. Thank you so much for the encouragement

Although I'm someone who frequently recommends, I'm not a frequent poster because I've gotten pretty discouraged, lately, and was just considering whether or not to stay with DU, both financially and participatory. Your kind and encouraging post has pretty much helped me decide to stay.

People - respectful discourse and disagreement makes for enlightening communication. Name calling, and disrespecting each other - well, we can see where that is getting us.

[MineralMan]

112. If I can influence you to stay, I'm glad to.

Thanks for recommending posts, too!

[ColesCountyDem]

109. I read, DU every day, rec often, but post seldom.

Thank you for your recognition that many, like myself, are also DU members.

[MineralMan]

113. There are far more members here who rarely post

than those who frequently post. We should never forget that.

[cry baby]

111. Thanks, MM. Been here since 2004. nt

[MineralMan]

114. Nine years is a long time.

Thanks!

[cry baby]

119. Yes...and I've read here almost every day...learned much! nt

[rhiannon55]

115. I joined DU 7 years ago, and as you can see from my post count

I don't post very often. I used to post a lot more often, but I got tired of the unnecessarily nasty comments of a few posters and gave up. Now I mostly read other people's posts and respond once in a while. I do recommend good OPs and serve on juries when asked, as well; I have also contributed financially when I could.

When more active posters call DU their "extended family", I'm kind of perplexed. My experience has been very different. Even when there are no nasty comments, my posts are often ignored, and I feel kind of invisible here.

Thanks for the shout out. People like you keep me coming back.

[MineralMan]

117. I hope you'll continue to read and sometimes participate.

It's all valuable.

[sibelian]

116. :)

good call, bro.

[MineralMan]

120. Thanks.

The thing is that I know that people who don't post do read. That's why I post. It's the only reason I post.

[HipChick]

118. Thanks MM..a shameless kick and shout out to You also..

[MineralMan]

121. Hey!

I see you there.

[cprompt]

122. Lurker extreme

I check DU easily 4-5 times a day but from post count you couldn't imagine I've been here since 2002

[MineralMan]

123. You're not alone. There are many who read regularly

but rarely post. Thanks.

[Snotcicles]

135. WOWzers, I feel honored having read this one. It's like witnessing a rare Panda birth or something.

just kidding

[cprompt]

174. Ha!

Ivebeen referred to as many things but a rare panda birth is a first well played

[A Little Weird]

124. As someone who lives in a red state

I was so relieved to find DU. I was always outnumbered and getting really discouraged - surrounded by fox news-viewing, hardcore right-wingers; I was beginning to think that everyone was going insane. It was so nice to find an online community full of liberal people!

I do see a lot of arguing going on that seems really unneeded. Misunderstandings blow up into major battles that seem to be over nothing. Instead of asking for clarification or calmly stating a difference of opinion, people often just jump right into attack mode and abandon the issue in favor of inane quips or personal attacks. I'm not much a fan of arguing in person or on the internet, so I just try to avoid some topics.

But even with its faults, I find DU to be a valuable site - full of news and info I just don't find in other places.

[MineralMan]

125. As someone who lives in a blue state,

I'm glad DU is here for you.

[MineralMan]

126. I have to leave my computer for today.

Thanks to everyone who comes to DU and who supports this website. I'll check back into the thread later on this evening!

[BumRushDaShow]

127. Thanks for the thread

Brings alot of levity to the kerfluffle.

DU's LBN is the best news source on the 'net!

[timdog44]

128. Been here for a while.

Got thoroughly throttled by the people who are getting the shout outs. Am on ignore by a number of them. Ignore is a total BS situation because no thought processes pass by. Some of the ones getting the shout outs have the most people ignoring them. So, you tell me, how to get across my opinions to people who ignore me, or worse are being ignored by over a hundred or more people. Insanity. No wonder no one learns anything. No wonder multiple threads go through with people saying the same thing over and over, ad nauseam. It is obvious that the people posting do not always read the posts as the things they say are the same others have said. That is what the recommend button is for. I do not profess to having the most intelligent things to say or to know, but I do my home work and have worked harder on the research I do here than I did for my nursing degree.

And if you mean support financially being a star member, I guess that is what the star is doing next to my name. And I have posted my name, and my town, and what I am interested in. Not many seem to do that. Hide behind anonymity. Easy then to say ignorant things and call people ignorant things. I am still here because I have found a few who seem to know what they are talking about and are willing to take the time to help educate, instead of calling some one a stupid poster or worse.

[Fla Dem]

129. Thank you MM. Coming up on my 10 year anniversary.

Never have posted much, only when I think I have something that will inform, delight, amuse or add value. But I check in with DU almost every day. I do recommend posts and serve on the jury. My little contributions to the community.

[Cracklin Charlie]

130. Thank You, MineralMan!

Reasons for my low post count:

1) Too little time online
2) Too many great writers at DU (not a complaint)!
3) Sheer multitude and diversity of posts everyday at DU. Must.Get.Through.Latest.Threads.


I Love Democratic Underground!

[OldHippieChick]

131. Thanks. I've actually been off and on here and

left for a while and forgot my logins, so had to start over. Haven't posted much lately. Not feeling the passion for some reason. 2012 wore me out.

[JDPriestly]

132. I would like to invite some of them to post.

I would like to hear from them.

I'm not here to just talk to myself or the old standards. I would like to hear more voices.

[MineralMan]

180. I would, too.

But each person has to work within his or her comfort level.

[Leith]

133. Thanks. Long Time Lurker

I read DU every day. I just don't usually feel the need to add my 2 cents, but I'm one of the family.

[HooptieWagon]

136. A big rec...DUers who seldom post contribute much more...

Than posters who start 128 same topic threads with many blue links to their other threads.

[Bombero1956]

137. Thanks Mineral Man

I joined here just after Shrub took office (and I do mean took). At the risk of starting a flame war I find DU no different than society in general with groups of people posting and replying only to people they are friends with, in other words cliques. At first it bothered me but after a while I realized that I didn't have time to care about what other people think about me by not replying and I have a life away from this board so tough titty on them if they ignore me.

[Polly Hennessey]

139. Rarely Post

Thank you. Been here since 2003. Also, give monthly. Learn lots from all of you.

[MineralMan]

182. Thank you for all the support.

[Sognefjord]

140. Thanks!

Many thousand thanks.

[MineralMan]

183. Mange tusen takk!

[calikid]

141. Thank you MM for the shout,

and THANK YOU for All that you do.

[stlsaxman]

142. Nice to be thought of now and then... thank you!

[johnp3907]

143. Thanks!

I don't say much around here because I have no desire to get into the kind of banging your head against the wall type arguments I see online. I come here not so much for debate as for opinions and information from other Democrats. I actually found DU during the run-up to the 2012 election, when I couldn't take the shrill anti-Obama-ism of the liberal sites I frequented. Funnily enough, one of the main irritants on those sites was Glenn Greenwald, and lately it's been feeling like he's followed me here!

[Texano78704]

144. Yay!

Thank you!

[Shrek]

145. Here since 2002

I rarely have anything to say that hasn't already been posted by someone else.

Lots of good stuff to read and ponder, though.

[Lifelong Protester]

146. Let's see if I can be the last poster again!

I read things, and recommend posts, every day, but often get discouraged from posting a reply because of the snarky responses or mis-interpretations of what I type. However, I find a great deal of value in reading here, and have learned the value of a good argument with FACTS by reading here. And I try to sharpen my 'word skills' by typing a few replies, such as this one.

I see myself as above average politically involved; I'm surprised to find out that outside of the computer, I run into people who are so poorly informed about the issues.

So I'm glad to be here, but wish I could find a 'real' community of folks like the folks I read here.

[FailureToCommunicate]

147. Thanks MM! 'All God's children got a place in DU, some post low and some

post higher'

I may not be wiser, but I've gotten wicked smaater since joining DU, on timely or obscure issues alike.

Great online bunch here, and you're near the top in my opinion.

[DEMTough]

148. Been Here a Year and 4 Days, Mostly Lurking

I avoid posting often unless if it really hits a nerve: i.e. Issues that affect youth, since I'm a young person myself.

It's mostly the possibility of troll accusations that scare me off, that, and that I'm painfully shy.

[NEOhiodemocrat]

149. I am definitely a low poster

Been here since sometime in 2004. I was following Buzzflash and decided to check out some other websites. Came to DU and I was hooked; I bet for the first four or five years I was on DU at least 4-5 times a day reading posts and getting informed. In fact I would call my senator or representative right after a vote and their office would not even know about it yet. DU gave me quite an education and was so on top of the news I was addicted! I still log on at least once a day and read the top stories. There are some posters who have really influenced me. Obama Steve, Cally, Hippygirl. May not even have their names right, but I always read their posts I also appreciate the people who leave links, such a big help in following up on a topic. In some ways DU seems less informative lately, but still one of my main check in points. I don't really know why I am such a lousy poster, except early on I posted in a Vietnam thread and got called a liar etc., sort of turned me off on posting. But I do recommend those posts I especially enjoy. And I am with others who wish they could recommend individual replies. We have some very astute posters!

[earthbone]

150. Posting,or lack of.

My posts tend to be somewhat incoherent but I will try harder.
I will post more art work for fellow DUers enjoyment though.

[unionthug777]

151. that's me

wasn't real political until wormy walker became the governor. protested in Madison, found out about DU and now I come on here daily.

[devils chaplain]

152. Thank you, kind sir. n/m

[Alkene]

154. n/t

[GentryDixon]

155. That's me.

I am a low poster, but have contributed since I decided to join. I lurked for about a year before joining in 2008.

I got beat up early on for silly stuff, and so I got gun-shy. I do enjoy posting in Pets and The Lounge, but General Discussion is often too brutal for me. I am a sensitive soul.

I must say, once I wade past the hysteria, I am able to learn a great deal from the great minds that is DU.

DU is my homepage, and because I am an insomniac, I am scrolling through all hours of the night on my tablet. Wonderful invention!

Thank you MineralMan for recognizing us

[MineralMan]

184. Thank you.

I hope you will post more often.

[mattclearing]

156. Thanks.

Can't spend all my time on DU, but despite recent flamewars and rabble-rousers, it still gets the job done.

[Utopian Leftist]

157. Thank you,

I don't have time to read through these threads beyond the OP, except occasionally when a topic really really inspires me in some way. So I worry that, compared to the brilliantly intelligent folks who regularly post at DU, my opinion could come across as uneducated, or worse my comment might be redundant or copy someone else's.

But I am here every day hitting the Rec button on anything that I believe needs attention.

[elfin]

158. Been here over a decade - site has changed, but still follow

Been jumped on for what I thought were innocuous posts, but still here.

I suspect some trolls are posing as extremist lefties to irritate the pragmatic progressives among us and cause further division. There were always disagreements, but now the tone is much harsher.

Obviously, I am not a purist, but then I am a geezer, who left radicalism back in the 60's for the more productive ways to actually get someone elected and get done what is possible in a hostile climate.

[Snotcicles]

162. you are the bomb. nt

[elfin]

165. Thanks for the explosive affirmation. Eom

[Dr Hobbitstein]

159. I've been a lurker since 2003.

Didn't register until 2005. Forgot what I used to login as, and I was using my college email address, so I made a new account more recently (as I lurked more than post). These days, I mostly still lurk... Every now and again, however, a post really gets to me, or makes me laugh... And I tend to post on those.

I've always come here for news. Well, since I've cared about news that is (I was 23 in 2003). Wish I could afford to donate, but I've barely got enough to make ends meet in my own life (working musician and all)... Thanks for the shout.

[beveeheart]

160. Thanks, MM

I lurked for years before I joined and don't post very much now that I am a member. But I do use the Rec feature to support those of you who make sense/align with what I believe. And I am very grateful for all those who provide the "useful, informative, reasonable" AND entertaining posts.

[Chakab]

161. Thanks

I've been a lurker since Bush was reelected. In spite of the fact that don't post very often, I've tried to make regular donations to DU over the years. Without sites like this, I would have gone insane during the mid 2000s.

[MissV]

163. Thanks

I read DU daily and enjoy the lively conversations.

[secondwind]

164. Thank you , MM...

[deurbano]

166. I also joined in 2002... but have regularly visited since a little after this maddening day:

January 21, 2001. My toddler son (pictured here at the Inauguration protest in San Francisco) will be fifteen in a month and a half!

My family and I went to a couple of DU meet-ups in San Francisco, but I haven't posted much (obviously), so other members have welcomed me to DU quite a few times through the years! (Which is nice.) About half my posts have been in the last 90 days since school is out and the recent developments that have been generating so much interest/controversy here (and around the world) are related to some deep, longtime concerns of mine.

[savebigbird]

167. WOOT WOOT!

I joined because I needed a release from all of the right-wing talking points constantly being reiterated in my area. It's really interesting to read what people have to say here.

[Logical]

168. Kicking!

[Brooks614]

170. OK then......this will be the first

of probably not too many. But nice to have the opportunity to at least say hello. Have lurked for 3 years and been a member about a year.

[Cali_Democrat]

192. Somebody gave you your very own shout out thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023195163

[Granny M]

172. Thanks, MineralMan.

I'm one of the quiet ones, but I love it here. Like someone mentioned above, there are some difficult issues that we're facing now, and disagreements arise.

I hope DU is here for a long time.

[missingthebigdog]

173. Thanks for this

Been here forever, read almost everything, but rarely post unless I feel like I have a different angle than everyone else who is posting.
I am occasionally disappointed in some of the behavior I see, but DU is a refuge in a world that seems increasingly hostile to my viewpoints.

[MineralMan]

185. You really have been here for a long time.

Thank you.

[lenegal]

175. Rarely post but read often

And have been snarked at because of very low post count. Been around lurking since 2004. Whatever floats their boats. Still reading and lurking.

[DearHeart]

176. Thanks for the nice post! Lurked here since 2003, joined a couple of years ago...

posted some, then things started to change; now I rarely post. Tired of the snarky comments, the name calling, the people who try to silence other's opinions, and those who try and make others feel less intelligent than themselves. I myself, was getting snarky and too angry and decided my BP is more important. I'll still read and rec, but I don't have a thick enough skin to post much anymore.

[life long demo]

177. Hey, thanks from me and obviously a lot of others here

Been here since early 2006, but don't post a lot (obviously). But I can remember when I first started with DU I got pounded when I used the word Democrat and was pulverized for not using the word Democratic. Took me a while to get over that. Way over it now. Thanks for noticing us.

[vankuria]

178. Thank-you!

I've been a member for several years but rarely post, I'm just here everyday because this is where I come to get my news and the varying opinions from a liberal perspective. It's where I learn, grow and nurture my liberal ideals.

I'm very thankful to all the posters who provide their unique perspective to the DU community.

[emmadoggy]

179. Thanks, MineralMan.

I'm in this group. I've been here since 2006. I stop in basically every day, sometimes multiple times a day, and have been known to spend hours at a time here.

I have learned SO much from DU. I generally don't get involved in contentious threads, though I read them because I learn from all the varying opinions. I also feel much less knowledgeable than many people here so I prefer to not make a dunce of myself by making a stupid comment and getting called on the carpet for it, lol. I do, however, use the rec button a lot.

I do feel the level of discourse has degraded quite a bit since the first couple of years I was here, but it is still a tremendous resource and haven for we lefties, so I'm not going anywhere.

Thanks for the post, MineralMan!

[NMDemDist2]

181. I think i fit in that category these days

still a star member, still do a couple juries a day usually but rarely post.

When i was AZDemDist6 i was a lot more active.....

[MineralMan]

187. Thank you, everyone who posted

in this thread. I could not reply to everyone, but I read every post. I knew that many great DUers were out there. Thank you all for taking the time to check in! You have made my day.

[korak]

188. Thank you so much, MM

Ten years a member, but a lurker until some of the really scary attitudes got to me recently......

[Paka]

189. Merci MineralMan

I'm a latecomer to the DU scene. Until 2009 I didn't have independent internet access, only in cyber cafes. I was grateful to find the site and it has helped me survive two election cycles. I come for the news, and stay for the comments. Retired and living outside the country for all the obvious budget reasons, DU lets me still keep contact with the country that helped to form and develop me.

[phylny]

193. Feb 24, 2004

That's the day I joined. Yet, my post count is low. I doubt many other people who post here "know" me, nor would anybody miss me if I left. But I'm here, supporting the site financially, and I read daily.

I post when I have something to say, and I along with others, I'm sure, appreciate the shout out. I think it's silly and rather sophomoric for people to equate post count with having the "right" to have your opinion heard. My post count is lower because I work almost full time, and sometimes I need to take a break from DU and politics.

[calimary]

194. Great thread, MineralMan! Thanks for starting it!

They also serve who only lurk and read.

[BDavinciNY]

195. Thanks MineralMan

I don't post on DU often but I do read a lot of the posts on DU all the time. Sometimes DUers can be very passionate about the topics discussed here and sometimes it feels like a free-for-all bashfest. Besides that It's a good place talk to people here and just state your views here.

[lucca18]

196. Thank You MineralMan

I read the DU on and off all day, every day.

[longime demolurker]

197. A longtime lurker here...

Being just a lurker, I don't want to be critical but I can hardly recognize DU anymore!

Some of stuff posted here make me wonder if DU has been infiltrated by the cons or toilet paper people!

What the hell has happened to DU?

[Pennie109]

198. I like to lurk & learn.

There is a wide variety of opinions here. Good site, DU!

[Shiraz]

199. You are right:

Have been a member since 9/01 right after 911. I usually only post when I have some helpful advice for parents with disabled children. I read here faithfully and pass on articles to face book , this place has made me a much more enlightened person for good or bad.

[all american girl]

200. I've been lurking here from about 2004 and I think I have, what, between 200-300 posts.

I may be a sad poster, but I have learn so much from all of you over the years.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!



After I posted, I realize that I have over 300 posts Damn I'm good

[Bosso 63]

201. The DU has been my Home page since 2004,

and this might be the year I get to 1000 posts !

[Sky Masterson]

202. I rarely post

Not because I have nothing to say, but because I'm growing to old to argue.

[erinlough]

204. I'm with you!

I come here every day, but in 8+ years I haven't found many topics I want to post to. The fact that I'm older does make arguing less and less fun.

[donco]

203. I have been

around for a while and seldom post.Liked it better when we had mods though.Lotta whiners lately.SAD.

[txwhitedove]

205. K&R. The quiet ones thank you.

[Garion_55]

206. thats prolly me. registered '01..12 years

not sure how many posts i have but not many. lets see lol

[Garion_55]

207. im on my way to 420!

sweet

[ms.smiler]

208. I read DU daily but rarely post. DU has been invaluable to me.

It was here that I learned about securitized mortgages and foreclosure fraud. I found a great deal of information and resources here and plunged into years of research.

With that newfound knowledge and understanding, I hired an attorney and filed a lawsuit and am engaged in a delightful battle with banksters. The legal landscape changes nearly daily in this battle and I’m in the middle of an exciting change of course.

I’m anxious to share an update on DU about my situation but that likely can’t happen for a month or so. Hopefully, I’m making a difference and someone will learn something from me and my experience.

I think I take after my father who was a quiet man and often said, “you don’t learn anything when your mouth is open.”

I found DU shortly after the site went live. I read here a few years before I started to feel like a freeloader. It had become my primary source for news and information so I became a member and donated.

[virgdem]

209. Thanks for the shout out...

I've been a member since 2002, but rarely post. I get most of my news and political info from DU and post mostly in the pets forum (an avowed animal lover here). I've seen how political arguments can turn very ugly, so I avoid those situations, hence, the low post count. On occasion, I do add my two cents where it is warranted, but we are just as important to DU as those with high post counts. Thanks again for the recognition!

[rwheeler31]

211. Thank you.