by Guest » Tue Jan 27, 2009 11:13 am
[quote1233069215=TopDog]But in all honesty, if it weren't for 5-15 members that actively post, this forum would be dead for all those new people that stumble across it for one reason or another. While the message may have gotten lost in this lengthy thread, I applaud BullRun for taking time to post lengthy insightful posts that attempt to help others, despite being in an LTR. So not only does he come back to just check in, he attempts to come back and contribute meaningful insight from his experiences. I know i've completely disappeared during LTRs from the community in the past, and the only reason I haven't now is because i've become actual real world friends with some from the community. I come back not because i'm looking to learn something more(if i do...great) but because i'm interested in seeing what others i actually KNOW IRL, are up too or have to say.
I actually feel more invested in the community due to the personal connections. In fact I wish i hadn't lurked so long.[/quote1233069215]
In all honesty, my original post was a bit harsh. I understand that and this is why this thread has been so active. Shit, playercool started a thread with essentially the same message before this one and that thread is all but dead (see 'Just Because I Can...' in the General section).
My thread had the same type of message, which is get involved, but was much more incendiary. I think the reason was the stronger language in my post versus in that in playercool's.
People don't react to warm and fuzzies.
I could talk about how important the Community has been to me. Some of the great friendships I've made. The journey I've made. And, the understanding that was reinforced by the Community that it's OK. It's OK to be who I am. It's OK to want more. The ideology of 'OK' is powerful. It allows you to walk through life without apology for who you are.
Anyway, I understood that some would read this and take exception. They would perceive it as a holier than thou, elitist post from an 'old timer.' I think that's a valid way to see the world. But, it's wrong. The guys on here that know me understand this.
If you're just reading these posts and never putting faces to the names, then you're missing out on a whole lot more than you'll ever fully understand.
Think of it this way. Remember your childhood friends? The people you surrounded yourself with while you were growing up. The connections you make with those people are so strong because you're all walking down the same path, embarking on the same journey. The friendships you make here as you develop into a PUA are similar to those that you had from your youth. Developing Inner Game, bedding women, improving your social savvy is just half of the value that our Community can offer. The other half are the friendships we forge along the way.
By not coming out and making an effort to network with other like-minded individuals, you're leaving a lot of value on the table.
Gentlemen, thank you for the comments. Thank you for the support and for the dissent. The thread got heated, which was disappointing because the original message was lost. But, I think this discussion was something that needed to be had and will more than likely be had again.
See you in the scene.