I haven't been back here long, but have noticed a lot has changed. There seems to be a lot of negativity going on in the forum. I do not like the atmosphere right now. It seems very harsh.
And, while I may be stepping on many toes here, I do not care, as this is an issue that needs to be talked about and not skirted around or even completely ignored, in order to actually do something about it. As that is the only way for it to get better.
I have made a post about it before, talking about how this forum feels right now, and another poster agreed, we both did. I hope people will listen to this one.
I have noticed this atmosphere too, hopefully things will get back to normal soon. I'm sick of people doing that to me too. Basically, we are all on edge because of one another, I think. Everyone should try to calm down. Understanding and talking about that there is this atmosphere right now is the first step to getting back to normal and to stop being so aggressive towards one another, to better the forum. Also, to stop trying to walk on egg shells with one another because people may be intimidated, as not to cause offense, so people feel more comfortable in their own opinions and letting them out. To become more tolerant and to feel like you can express yourselves without someone biting your head off for it. You shouldn't be afraid to do so, even if people become hostile towards you. It's not right to be afraid of offending someone accidentally. So I speak out. If people don't talk about it, understand, and be themselves, nothing will change. Looks like people are finally starting to talk about it, as it is a problem that needs sorting out.
I want this place to go beck to the way it was, more tolerant and friendly, a family atmosphere.
I have noticed a lot of hostility and harsh attitudes towards people who didn't even mean to cause harm in the first place, something innocent. People are turning on one another, are letting their stress out the people of this forum, I have also noticed that some people may be afraid to speak out about their own opinions because of this, and instead, become intimidated because they do not want to accidentally offend anyone. I have also noticed that people may decide to ignore some people and instead go talk to their friends when other people are also part of the discussion, and/or have valid arguments, points, great experiences and/or important information and more. And yes, it can't be avoided that it happens, that is just the way it is, I do not say you have to always do it, you cannot. But still, try sometimes. And of course, if they do not like something, they will all stick together and hound the other person, who may not have intended it to be harmful, as it is just their opinion, and if the other people have a right to say theirs, you have a right to say yours without people taking offense so easily to something, as your opinion is just as valid and important as theirs. While sticking together is good, it can be disastrous if the people who do that, decide to go after someone who has a different opinion to them which they do not like. People shouldn't be offended so easily if they do not like something, by all means, go after what they said, and say haw you view it, but try not to go after the person themselves. Even just trying to is a lot of help.
I have also noticed a lack of help for the new people. Yes, there is a lot of info, but not many people really help out that much when someone has a valid concern or just to help start push their new experiences in life. Not just that, but some people don't reply at all to a lot of topics and experiences of people. Just a bump post, or a :thumbup: is better than nothing. "Great experience" "amazing" "I don't know exactly what to say, but I like this post" "I agree" "Good post" etc. It's not nice to just ignore them. And some people cannot do it all on their own. Lack of discussion, especially when it concerns something that may be heavy or deep. No one really wants to say anything important. I do not mind just something fun, which I like, but there is a lot more I would like to discuss and learn too. Not just that, but there can be a lot of really important information in my posts, from my own experiences, things I have found out and learned, which I am telling as I am trying to help people. Stuff that is actually wisdom and knowledge. Stuff that I have understood the meaning of, and am trying to help others see it for themselves as to deepen their own experiences, with a more positive outcome. I feel like I may have to do it all, or a lot of it, which I just cannot do on my own. The people who are not that knew have to help the newer people, to make them feel comfortable, to learn. A responsibility. Yes, not everyone can do it all the time, and shouldn't feel chained down by this, but even just a little bit of help here and there will go a long way.
We, the ch members need to stick together, and become more responsible as to how this forum is perceived, seen, and to where the direction of this forum goes, as it is the members of this forum who make it what it is. And right now, we are cut throat at each other. Instead of that, have more understanding and tolerance for each other, so as not to go off at one another, and it is vitally important not get hating and intolerance of one anothers own self and thoughts and opinions confused with saying your own opinions, however harsh, even if some people are loud and you do not like what they say, that is not harming them, as you are not intending to. There is a difference, and people need to realize it, and have more understanding of others own experiences, which may be completely different or even controversial to your own, but no less valid as it is their own personal experiences and you cannot say that they did not have them, and that you are right and they are wrong. However, you can say that they are not yours so you don't believe in them, but respect the others own opinion and experiences.
Really try to make this forum something special, instead of not doing anything to help out, because the way this is going, I wouldn't be surprised if we are all putting off others from wanting to join, or have already put them off, and they have left as to not want to be in such an unwelcoming environment. I know that CH is like. This isn't it right now. And I think everyone will agree that it needs sorting out, that what i said isn't right. It is a problem.
I wouldn't be surprised if there is more going on that I haven't seen, but these are a few things.
In order for things to change in a positive way, people have to do it themselves. Cannot just ignore it. Nothing changes, nothing happens because no one talks about it, no one directly says anything. No one understands or even knows.
You are all free to re post and quote this message in other areas of the forum so that others can see this, or do your own post. As it is something the whole community needs to help out with and to understand. To stick together. For all of us to understand, to realize this, become passionate about it, and to help make it what is was, and even more better. If you like CH, feel for them and the community, you need to step up.
I do not know how others will perceive this post, but whatever they think, it is important not to ignore it. I am saying all this because no one else will. No one will come out and do it, no one will help, no one will actually talk about it. Everyone just hopes it will go away, or maybe do not care when it involves them all. Try to be aware of this, what is going on around you, and try to help out.
I am doing this because something has to be done, someone needs to help out, to say something. Apparently, it is me who tries to get the ball rolling. I feel I have to. And if a lot of people just ignore this like the other posts I made, I have made my point, it is very much valid.