Can't we all just get along?

[Guest guest]

I am dismayed and sad about the conversations on this list. During the

year that I've been an active member of this list you have all helped

me get insurance that covered my surgery (no longer available), helped

me prepare for surgery, supported me through the procedure, nurtured me

during my recovery, and provided me with many wonderful friends.

Over this year I've seen disagreements and the occasional flame war.

I've seen a few trolls pass through and get everyone upset. The

problems have always passed pretty quickly as we got back to the

life-saving business of supporting each other.

Ever since the Deb/Dr. Ren situation became an issue this list has

devolved into an ongoing argument about that and now about other

issues. Even Magruder and Walter Lindstrom are now being

attacked and I find it absolutely stunning. These are people who have

always been the voices of calm and reason, they have literally helped

to save many of our lives with their work.

I see less and less support, more and more arguing. I keep thinking it

will stop like it has in the past. But sadly it hasn't. Perhaps it is

time for this to be a fully moderated list. I've stuck around to offer

support to pre-ops like others gave to me. Perhaps it's time for me to

move on and find other ways to give back.

I'm tired of sifting through all the hate to find the people who need

help.

H

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

:

I agree with you totally. Between the political issues and the Deb/Ren

issues and the attacks on the moderator there is no room for to give members

help. I seriously considered the no mail route this weekend. I am a member

that posts privately to many members in response to their questions. I feel

that this is my obligation as a post-op.

The terrible part is one of the most blatant pot stirrer has not chosen

which surgery to have or seen a surgeon and really puts down DS so I wonder

if they are really interested in help or just enjoy the attention of being

the antagonist. I know that sentence sounds very cynical, but most serous

pre-ops are here for information and support. They are not here to

continually discuss the misfortune of one patient or trashing of her doctor,

or recently the endless discussion, what can only be categorized as a

political issue. I support the patients bill of rights but if I want to

debate it I do not come to a WLS list to do so. When the person's chain

was yanked by the moderator because the subject matter had moved so far off

the list's focus then they started a " lets stop censorship campaign " The

are appropriate forums for every discussion. Restricting topics in an open

forum is not censorship it is a way to keep order and target the information

you give and receive. These posts only lead to endless OT discussions and

the pre-ops who are often shy about seeking advice (as I was) are fleeing.

In addition the post-op that could give them advice are fleeing too. I am

going to watch the posts over the next few days.

I too am sadden by the lists tone. Although I feel that I no longer have a

place here, my respect, appreciation and loyalty to keeps me

here.............................for now.

Kathie

Can't we all just get along?

> I am dismayed and sad about the conversations on this list. During the

> year that I've been an active member of this list you have all helped

> me get insurance that covered my surgery (no longer available), helped

> me prepare for surgery, supported me through the procedure, nurtured me

> during my recovery, and provided me with many wonderful friends.

>

> Over this year I've seen disagreements and the occasional flame war.

> I've seen a few trolls pass through and get everyone upset. The

> problems have always passed pretty quickly as we got back to the

> life-saving business of supporting each other.

>

> Ever since the Deb/Dr. Ren situation became an issue this list has

> devolved into an ongoing argument about that and now about other

> issues. Even Magruder and Walter Lindstrom are now being

> attacked and I find it absolutely stunning. These are people who have

> always been the voices of calm and reason, they have literally helped

> to save many of our lives with their work.

>

> I see less and less support, more and more arguing. I keep thinking it

> will stop like it has in the past. But sadly it hasn't. Perhaps it is

> time for this to be a fully moderated list. I've stuck around to offer

> support to pre-ops like others gave to me. Perhaps it's time for me to

> move on and find other ways to give back.

>

> I'm tired of sifting through all the hate to find the people who need

> help.

>

> H

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

As someone who doesn't post a lot, and who is really here for support and

information I find I must agree with here. It's like a shift occurred

after the Deb thing.

Can we please focus on why we're here. I know it would help me -- and lots

of other pre-ops -- a lot. We're really here to help and to be helped,

aren't we.

Blessings and peace to all,

Robyn

Can't we all just get along?

> I am dismayed and sad about the conversations on this list. During the

> year that I've been an active member of this list you have all helped

> me get insurance that covered my surgery (no longer available), helped

> me prepare for surgery, supported me through the procedure, nurtured me

> during my recovery, and provided me with many wonderful friends.

>

> Over this year I've seen disagreements and the occasional flame war.

> I've seen a few trolls pass through and get everyone upset. The

> problems have always passed pretty quickly as we got back to the

> life-saving business of supporting each other.

>

> Ever since the Deb/Dr. Ren situation became an issue this list has

> devolved into an ongoing argument about that and now about other

> issues. Even Magruder and Walter Lindstrom are now being

> attacked and I find it absolutely stunning. These are people who have

> always been the voices of calm and reason, they have literally helped

> to save many of our lives with their work.

>

> I see less and less support, more and more arguing. I keep thinking it

> will stop like it has in the past. But sadly it hasn't. Perhaps it is

> time for this to be a fully moderated list. I've stuck around to offer

> support to pre-ops like others gave to me. Perhaps it's time for me to

> move on and find other ways to give back.

>

> I'm tired of sifting through all the hate to find the people who need

> help.

>

> H

>

> __________________________________________________

>