I am new to this forum stuff and before about a week ago, I had no idea there is a forum now for just about everything. I just did a google search for a special ed teacher forum and a few came up. I went in, took a look around, and was shocked to see how rude and obnoxious some of the posters were to each other! Having only been on the ADDForum and experiencing the kind, supportive group of people that post here, I just couldn't believe how bad it was on several other forums I looked at. Naturally I came running back here where it is safe and friendly. It's a true credit to the admin, moderators, and members of this forum that we have it so good here.

Hey Jackers

Know what you mean. When I was attempting to find myself (before I knew about the ADD) I thought it could be a midlife crisis and joined a MLC forum. Boy was that a depressing place. A good bit of the people were left behind wives, constantly bashing their EXs and men in general. While I did learn somethings like I was depressed and started looking for more answers, eventually I ended up here.

I really like it here too. I feel like many of you I have known for years. I guess its why we feel safe and at home here.

Anyway, Welcome back home!

I am new to this forum stuff and before about a week ago, I had no idea there is a forum now for just about everything. I just did a google search for a special ed teacher forum and a few came up. I went in, took a look around, and was shocked to see how rude and obnoxious some of the posters were to each other! Having only been on the ADDForum and experiencing the kind, supportive group of people that post here, I just couldn't believe how bad it was on several other forums I looked at. Naturally I came running back here where it is safe and friendly. It's a true credit to the admin, moderators, and members of this forum that we have it so good here.

Welcome to the forum!!! For my part I'm sorry to anybody/everybody for the times that I've appeared rude and obnoxious, I have some very strong convictions and controversial beliefs and it can be hard to exercise self-restraint sometimes, but I've toned it down a bit since I want to be helpful, not hurtful. Also my sense of humor is cynical and ironic and some people don't get it or don't understand the tongue-in-cheek stuff (thinking I'm always serious). I'm sure that makes me look like a jerk too. But hey, that's me. A lot of ADDers probably are the same way.

After that blurb, I agree that this is a great site. Thank you to the admins, moderators, and old-timers who helped put this space together for us. http://www.addforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon7.gif

I have a very sarcastic sense of humor that doesn't always translate well in writing too. It's tricky sometimes when you don't have facial expressions and body language to help convey your true message.

But even the posts I've read that disagree with another's point or challenge someone on an issue are, in my opinion, done with respect and care here. Kudos to us all!

it's like herding cats around here!
........we almost lost one boys! LOL!

t's like herding cats around here!
........we almost lost one boys! LOL!

Herding cats my momma does it twice a day - she opens a can of fish smelling cat food and yells here kitty kitty kitty . . .even the neighborers cats will follow her



Compliment appreciated Lord knows we need some positive to off set the negative. I just got here from there (http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=597440#post597440)

...Just got back from reading that thread...what the f*ck was that! LMAO... I'm sorry but that was a really bizarre thread! What was he talking about...the blood references...being psychotic...oh lawd, talk about "creepin' me out"!

I'm just like you, jackers, only it's been a few months since I discovered the "forums" phenomenon. Since my major malfunctions are depression and anxiety, I looked for those first - and I gotta tell ya, depression forums are REALLY depressing! And at the anxiety forums I just didn't feel like I fit in - buncha college kids who've recently developed panic attacks or social anxiety. A "social anxiety forum" is a bit of an oxymoron as it is. Everyone wants to talk about their problems but no one is talking to each other!

Anyhow. I agree. ADDF is the best place on earth that I've found. People who I relate to (uncannily) and who are always there to share in a positive way and offer support and suggestions. Bravo all!

it's like herding cats around here!
........we almost lost one boys! LOL!Herding Cats is one of my all time favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8

Holy crap! That was hysterical! How'd you find that...did ya just google cat herder? LMAO

Holy crap! That was hysterical! How'd you find that...did ya just google cat herder? LMAOI work for a school district and once a year a day is held for all district employees to get together. One year the superintendent chose Herding Cats as a motivational video to kick start the day. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. :D

It's even better if you love cats. :p

...Just got back from reading that thread...what the f*ck was that! LMAO... I'm sorry but that was a really bizarre thread! What was he talking about...the blood references...being psychotic...oh lawd, talk about "creepin' me out"!

Huh? What thread, what are you talking about?

This one

http://www.addforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=597440#post597440

Hope you stick around jackers ;) good post

I agree with you some forums I've checked out have been horrible. This one is easily the best I've seen, although I haven't seen too many :P

I've searched a much larger health forum owned buy a big corporation to find answers and to be honest their database is nearly devoid of useful knowledge.
They have policies that encourage a large number of people to make a few posts and leave. And guess what those posts are more likely questions than answers.

Last time I was their I could not quote a scientific study. I would have to phrase it like it came from no where or it was my personal experience.
Thus there is no references to anything. Totally useless site.

See! I actually am a nice guy! :)

Hey nice guy Kelly - did ya know they have an Odessa Texas too - it is in west Texas next to Midland Texas. Every time I get lost looking for Midland I end up in Odessa. . . . .that is how I know I am lost - My ADD doctors office is in Midland I have the phone number memorized because I have called to tell them I am lost soo many times {only been seeing him sense 1993} -

Don't know why my brain will remember the darn phone number but the directions TO his office slide out of my memory like greasy fries on a flat plate


Maybe we just found a cool spot on the interenet to be lost in together - :D Getting lost is better with company unless my husband is part of that company He freaks out when he gets lost because he isn't used to it like I am . . . .:o

Forums can be put up on the internet by almost anybody, but a forum and a handful of users doesn't make a thing a true community. Communities only occur when they foster a certain tolerance for, and inclusion of, diversity. When a community also values a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, then we see the sort of growing, vibrant community that we have here.

No one goes where they are not welcome, nor stays where they are not nourished.

When I had the first inkling I had ADHD, I began looking for communities. I found a good number of forums, but they were like ghost towns. Sad places where the last post had been made months ago, a tentative voice asking for help, no reply ever made. Can you imagine!

This community grows because it's doing something right. Thank you Jackers for bringing this up.

This is a good place, a good community.

Peace.

Forums can be put up on the internet by almost anybody, but a forum and a handful of users doesn't make a thing a true community. Communities only occur when they foster a certain tolerance for, and inclusion of, diversity. When a community also values a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, then we see the sort of growing, vibrant community that we have here.

Diversity tolerance - what an excellent point made - I would have thanked you three times but the system only allowed me to do it once

The same diversity tolerance that is necessary for this community is equally necessary for our "real life" communities to experience growth - where there is intolerance of personal differences one finds stagnation and stench -

As inconvenient as being ADD is I believe it is part of that necessary diversity that strengthens our species. This doesn't mean it is superior it is merely a difference than can be a pain in the butt for those of us who have it and those who live with us - I am NOT saying we shouldn't treat it so we can function in our present day society - however being ADD is not some thing I am ashamed of either and necessary diversity is why.


Another area that I believe helps to promote growth here is structure - along the line of social expectations - I would love it if all groups can complete with written guidelines as to what is acceptable and what isn't Social rules I could refer to at any time . This isn't necessarily a popular part of forum life but I have found structure provided by our guidelines to be very beneficial.

Last of all - the willingness of administration to allow and even discuss the negatives as well as the positives. Yea the creeps me out thread is sort of a downer but this is life and complaining weather for just cause or simply out of frustration is a part of life. I admire this administrations willingness not only allow it but to discuss issues with unhappy members.

Some times it results in a change like the bar thingies and other times it does not like the rep system - but the venting is allowed . . . until recently I did not appreciate this willingness to tolerate negative as well as positive feed back until I became a member of another community that doesn't allow for any negative site feed back - I wonder how their staff knows what the community at large feels - yes staff there can be PMed but that isn't the same as a group discussion.

I am thankful it is a different kind of community which doesn't have the supportive and educational burden this one has because without members being allowed to be open about their feelings - it wouldn't happen. I do enjoy positive feed back however I also realize the negative is necessary and can even be productive if the proper motivation is behind it and respect for others is maintained.

cat herding...that was one of the superbowl commercials years ago!

cat herding...that was one of the superbowl commercials years ago!Don't tell my husband I said this, but the commercials are the best part of any sporting event. :rolleyes:

I had a bad experience on another forum. I was participating mostly in the parent section and seemed to be helping with information and encouragement. I quit for several months to retire and move. When I returned the moderator had changed and I saw her threatening to ban someone for asking for websites. I tried to communicate with her and got a rather bizarre response fulls of red fonts of different sizes regarding posting web sites that have any commercial connections. OK, I tried to follow this and posted in a message the help4adhd site which has no commercial content. I was banned. I tried again to communicate with her and my mail was not read.

I feel that getting good accurate information on ADHD is the single most important thing a parent or individual can do.Not having knowledge of the disorder is the biggest obstacle to dealing with it. I cannot in any way see that it is ethical to withhold information from people asking for help understanding this rather complex disorder.

The addforum site seems so far to be quite useful both in giving emotional support as well as getting the needed information to individuals dealing with ADHD.

I am posting as someone who has raised an ADHD child and has done a lot of research on the disorder. Wordy as my posts tend to be, I hope my experience gives me something to share. I salute those who put out the effort and work to keep this going. It is needed.



Dizfriz

Dizfriz, it's a case of their loss and our gain? :D

Don't tell my husband I said this, but the commercials are the best part of any sporting event. :rolleyes:
I agree, I played football but can't stand watching it on T.V, besides...who can watch football when your team is the Detroit Lions? I had tickets last year, just received them and set them on my dashboard of my car. I decided to make a *quick* run inside the gas-station to get a soda, thinking that since it would be fast I could leave my doors unlocked-and wouldn't you know it?!? I came back and someone left 2 more tickets on my dash!

I too came here after being let down by moderators who stood by and allow a couple of people to ask me lots of personal questions about my condition and when I avoided answering them I was called a fraud. I wasn’t feeling very strong at the time or this wouldn’t have upset me as much as it did. I practically fell into this board late one night. I was sitting with tears rolling down my face. My first few posts read like verbal diaria but I’m glad I stayed. I have been up and down over the last few months, and I received some amazing support and comforting words. So much so that Thank you isn’t enough.