You are very welcome...The reason I posted this, about the lurkers, is because of an experience I had on FR several months ago, perhaps even a year ago...
The subject of the thread was about potty training the kiddies...now, to me anyway, with such a subject, one would have thought it would have just people giving their experiences, their thoughts, whatever on the subject...hardly seemed a subject where one could get bashed or flamed...boy, was I mistaken on that score...
When I posted my thoughts, and my experiences on this matter, boy did I get flamed...I was called names, and my fitness as a mom was even questioned...after I tried to explain myself, as best as I could, I still saw that I was getting nowhere...after being called a really, really nasty name, I just stated, that, being a lady, I was not going to get into this mudfest any longer, and left the thread...enough was really enough for me...
I was really quite disturbed, to find folks so very vicious on this particular subject...I figured it was just best to leave and forget it...but I received a ton of private Freepmail, from 'lurkers'...these lurkers obviously were signed up to FR(hence they were able to send me private Freepmail), but rarely, if ever posted...
The lurkers private FReepmail to me was encouraging...they said, that what I had stated, was also the way in which they had potty trained their own children, and found it to be the best way, and they were also rather shocked at how badly I was treated on that thread, and at the names I was called...I wished that they had been more supportive of me on the thread itself, but, perhaps, they just did not want to get into the fray...but in private Freepmail, they felt more confident, and it was encouraging to me, to realize, that what I had said, struck a chord with so many...
When I went back to see if any of these who had sent me private Freepmails, had ever posted on a thread on FR, I was amazed to find out that they had not posted...they were lurkers, here on FR to read and to learn..
So, I have always tried to remember that when I post anything...the lurkers are indeed out there...
And your articles on military matters, have been informative, and very helpful, and interesting...so even if a particular thread you might begin, dealing with military matters, does not draw a lot of posts, just remember there are those out there who are lurking, who are reading, who are learning, and who are grateful for your informative articles...they may not say a word to you, either on the thread, or in a private Freepmail, but they are there...
Some idiot accused me of being a troll for being like that.
Thank you for taking the time to expand on your previous comment.
I had actually been looking for a post by a fellow Freeper who had mentioned that he enjoys debating with a fellow Freeper who has liberal leanings. They may not agree he said, but, the debate was half the fun. That if this poster were no longer on FR, it would be a shame.
I think many of us can think of one or two who might fit the above description. There are intelligent and reverent democrats out there, it might at times seem tough to find one but they are out there, as passionate as us to fight the good fight.
To think a person posts a personal comment, regarding a event's in one's life only to met with folks flaming the thread. I just do not get it. If one disagree's, express them in a manner that we can all discuss. It seems half the enjoyment is the opportunity to have honest, colorful and respectful debate, whether it be on Bush, Clinton, De Lay, or how to raise one's kids.
I am so glad that the lurkers sent you a positive note. They are out there, I do not know the number's but they are out there and reading our threads to either entertain or more importantly educate.
So, good advice to think of who is reading your comments. It is not just us Freeper's there are many all over the world.
I think you handled yourself in a most respectful manner, we should be proud. Not all road blocks stop, sometimes there is a fork, if you only take the time to look beyond what you see.
Thanks good friend.