I Want to Hear from All DUer's, Regardless of Post Count.

[Le Taz Hot]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by REP (a host of the General Discussion forum).

We were all new at one time and just because someone has a low post count doesn't mean he/she is a troll. It's a guilty-until-proven-innocent scenario that is off-putting and certainly does not reflect the open tent we should be practicing here. Just my opinion. To all our new DU posters (except the trolls): WELCOME TO DU!

LTH

[liberal N proud]

1. When I see a low post count and it is negative to the campaign, I run suspect until proven otherwise

But I will also welcome new DUer's when they appear to be on the right track and posting Dem positive messages.

Its more about content than anything!

[malaise]

73. +1,000

[LWolf]

98. That makes me sad.

A decade ago, I thought DU was about left-wing/liberal discussions first, and partisan stuff second. That idealistic notion went extinct in '08, and the move to DU3, where "left-wing" was removed from the site's self-description, simply reinforced that.

The idea that Democratic candidates can't be criticized saddens me. It lessens DU.

The best Democrats are those that can analyze their party, including candidates and elections, and recognize, discuss, and address weaknesses as well as strengths. That's how to maintain the integrity of the party. Otherwise it's all propaganda, signifying a Democratic "Animal Farm."

[axollot]

109. Yes. I started to come here less after 08 when

Bush policies we kept going were a-ok because it was 'our' guy. That's never cool with me. An issue is an issue. Bad policy is bad policy. Our drug policy is one of those. I also understand we lost the majority and that politics is a down up game not a President down game change.

Cheers
Sandy

[Confusious]

2. Too true

Bullying the new kids.

[Unknown Beatle]

3. Thanks!

I just have one thing to say at the moment. Republicans are evil shit for brains morans.

[defacto7]

59. You pass.

[RKP5637]

76. Yep!!! n/t

[leeroysphitz]

100. You are clearly a paid right-wing operative out to ruin Democracy by disagreeing with

people on an internet message board.

[Mz Pip]

4. Someone posted that they thought

I was Sarah Palin a few years ago.

It can even happen to those of us who have been here for years.

I'm willing to cut people a bit of slack unless they are too friggin obvious.

[TDale313]

5. Not new, but tend to lurk,

Hence the low post count. Appreciate the reminder that not all of us who don't have thousands of posts are trolls. Some of us are just quiet

[tavernier]

23. And some of us have returned after sanity breaks.

Last edited Sat Oct 13, 2012, 11:07 AM - Edit history (1)

I was here through the bush/Kerry debacle, through Katrina (worked along with other DUers to assist members who had been devastated in that storm)... through the deaths of some of our more prominent members... but admittedly bush took a toll on me, and I was asked by my family to step back from politics for a while since I was starting to exhibit signs of a continuing depression. I remember discussing it with our own William Pitt at the time, since he was going through similar feelings of rage and frustration, and he encouraged me to take a break.

And so I did. I bagged up all of my political books... yes, I was buying every new book that popped up on the shelves... and settled down with some light fiction novels for a change. Actually, I started the Harry Potter series, something I'd wanted to read for a while, but could never get to. I started attending movies again... and would you believe that there are actually films out there that have nothing to do with politics? (sorry Michael Moore!) And gradually my blood pressure came down, AND I was even able to converse with friends at cocktail parties without blurting out "Karl Rove is Satan."

Of course my politics didn't change, but now I feel that I am much more in control. I really can watch a debate that doesn't go 100 % our way, shut off the telly, and go to sleep. Or when we crush the bad guys, like last night, I react to it with a very calm demeanor. ... .... Yeah, right! Well, I guess that is why I'm back. I just love that feeling when the good guys hit a grand slam!!

Anyway, I am here on a different name, mostly because I've misplaced and/or forgotten all my previous passwords, etc., and it was just easier to rejoin, but being sniffed at for a low post count doesn't bother me a smidgen. I know who I am. I'm a person who doesn't belong to any organized party. I'm a democrat.

Edit to correct name of hurricane to Katrina... sorry for offending any Kristina's out there. *wince*

[justice1]

24. Great post!!

I understand exactly where you are coming from... Sometimes I think people that are oblivious are happier, than we are. I wish I could be more like them.

[Sebass1271]

89. Awesome post!

Ian also old but hardly ever post. I also forgot passwords and user names but I have been here since Al Gore and the 2000 debacle. When I found this site in 2000 I no longer feltvi was alone. I remember crying and hugging together when ak gore conceeded the election.

I seldom post here because most duers are Very smart and Iam not as quick to my feet and eloquent as you all are.

But I am here, reading, biting my nails, laughing, getting pissed off, and feeling proud of who we are as a party. Especially after watching Joe.

I may not post as much, but I exist.
I, like you, am Democrat.

[WilliamPitt]

96. ^^^ This ^^^

Breaks are good. So is not taking everything here so tremendously serious, like I used to.

[tavernier]

99. Thanks, Will...

I took your advice and it made a world of difference. I'm back now with renewed energy and hoping to be helpful where and when I can.

(used to be) KeysDisease

[axollot]

112. Good seeing you here Will!

Cheers
Sandy Auriene Sullivan

[DinahMoeHum]

102. Amen to that. I underwent a similar break myself. . .

. . .for medical reasons. . .

(If you are interested in the morbid details, you can always PM me. If you don't, I don't care)

[tavernier]

106. Ironically

my point count is not high enough yet to pm other members.



But I'll catch up with you some day.

[Voice for Peace]

45. +++++

[Carla in Sequim]

49. I'm in the same boat

I've been here since 2004. I moved to another state so I re-signed with a new user name. I have repeatedly asked adm to add my '1000+' posts to my new name but they will not respond to any of my emails.

They were quick to cash my $25.00 check last month but no response to my request along with the donation.
We are on a fixed income and it would mean a lot to hear from them.
I posted to the help forum as well.
Any suggestions?

[FedUpWithIt All]

6. Low post counts don't necessarily mean new either.

Some of us have been here for a long time, in one form or another.

[OldDem2012]

25. Bingo. nt.

[wakeoftheflood]

48. True.

Some times people just don't have anything to add to the conversation. I would much rather sit back and listen to a conversation than to try to have something meaningful too say about every topic.

[there_is_no_spoon]

103. Agreed

I have been lurking here far longer than my sign up date. I think I finally signed up when I was unable to gain access during the last election cycle. I am quiet and really enjoy reading the site, though some of the posters whose posts I truly enjoyed reading are no longer here or post sporadically now.

This is a great place to come to for laughs, too. DUer's had me in stitches during Romney's laughter-inducing European vacation.

And I can't tell you how many valuable links I've collected from DUers over the years from using green energy to finding the best MSNBC online links.

Thanks for this thread, Le Taz

[SweetieD]

7. Not sure how low my post count is but

I've been on DU since 2008. I'm also not sure if it was this screen name or another.

[Marie Marie]

8. All intelligent liberal discussion welcome.

Trollers, visit often - you might learn something. Just keep your right wing talking points to yourself cause we ain't buying your BS. Seriously, or we may have to Bidenize your asses.

[TDale313]

11. LOL at Bidenize n/t

[DisabledAmerican]

9. Threads are threads it's no biggy who hears from who

It just means were are back in high school again. I never got to sit at the popular kids table anyway I was always with the loners.

[Marie Marie]

13. Hey there DisAmer, come sit with me.

Don't know that I would call myself popular but I am a liberal Democrat DU-er and I think that makes me pretty f'ing cool. Big table here and always room for one more.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

10. Most of the time I DU on my phone.

No post count visible, no avatars. It's just me and the words they've posted.

If I take exception to someone's words, the last thing I'm thinking of is their post count or their 'DU birthday' to be frank.

I think posters using a low post count as a shield is as bad as using a high one as a validation.

Just my thoughts on this. It's what we say, and what that says about us that matters. Everything else is smoke in my opinion.

[xoom]

15. Exactly.

[PD Turk]

12. I'm a relatively new poster

But I'm a long time reader, I've been reading DU off and on since right after the '04 election

[DemocratSinceBirth]

14. Nice Strawman

"...just because someone has a low post count doesn't mean he/she is a troll."

[NBachers]

66. "Nice Strawman" - I don't understand what you mean by this comment and the text copy you enter

This may be some insider thing that I'm not part of, but I really don't comprehend the meaning of your post.

I'm not being snarky, I just don't get what you're trying to say.

Could you please elaborate, without being snide or insulting to me?

[DemocratSinceBirth]

83. I Hope I Am Never Disrespectful Or Insulting To Someone Who Is Respectful To Me.

More than happy to answer.

If your first posts out of the gate are designed to create despair among the members of the site you recently joined there is a high probability your intentions are bad.

[brush]

16. Post count

What's considered low? I've been visiting DU since the mid 2000s but just started serious posting in the last few months.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

18. As Long As You Don't Post The Sky Is Falling With Barely Concealed Glee YouWill Be Welcome Here,

With open arms...

[chknltl]

44. Posting about fallen bits of sky is....

...a job best left to us gleeless experts.

[TDale313]

64. lol. n/t

[DemocratSinceBirth]

85. I Am One Of The Biggest Cheerleaders For The President On This Board

I am very concerned but if and when I decide to share my concern with my fellow DUERS I will do my utmost best to do it in a way that lifts spirits and not dampens them.

[BainsBane]

17. Thank you! n/t

[Behind the Aegis]

19. You are correct.

There are some new posters who are simply new, with low post counts. There are some who are trolls. There are also sleeper trolls and long-time trolls. However, they don't make up a significant number of posters at all and while annoying, they really are few and far between.

[H2O Man]

21. Well said.

I agree 100%.

[2theleft]

20. Thanks!

I just joined, but have lurked for years. I am also a more naturally quiet person, but am an avid reader and can get riled up with the crazy right-wingers I experience day in and day out in my job in Big Bank/Corporate America. I have a teaparty loon who sits directly across from me. Sigh. You guys educate me every night on how to respond effectively to his complete crazy crap.

[defacto7]

62. Welcome!

post away....

[DearHeart]

22. Just because I have a low post count,

doesn't mean that I'm a troll. I'm a liberal and damned proud of it!! Always been a liberal, even before anyone else in my family switched from GOP to Dems. I just prefer to lurk and read other people's threads. I'm not confident enough in my ability to express my opinions clearly and deal with any arguments that might ensue if someone disagrees with me.

[Redlo Nosrep]

28. Well Said

I'm a total newbie but also prefer to lurk and read to learn, without entering the fray for now on hot-button topics.

Mostly because the level of discourse here on DU is usually so incisive and all-inclusive in dissecting the issue, that I would feel inadequate contributing in my own words what others have stated so much more effectively.

But I'll jump in as I get my courage up.

[appleannie1]

30. DearHeart, don't be afraid to post. If someone posts a snide remark in reply to something I have

said, I just scroll on past their childish rudeness. As liberals we don't HAVE to walk lockstep like a bunch of Nazi's. We are proud to voice our own thoughts and welcome different views as long as the end result is fairness for all.

[life long demo]

81. DearHeart, I know exactly how you feel

I remember I started reading posts in 2004 I was in such a funk about the election. But I kept coming back, reading and learning. I'm a strong old liberal Democrat but not a good communicator. I have learned so much from the posters here. I did end up in one tif here over the word democrat, but managed to work through it. But it's good to have these people to lean on and learn from.

[LP2K12]

26. I feel welcome here...

and I voted for Bush. I was a registered Republican until 2008 when I switched parties and voted for Obama. I still vote for Republicans, but I'm labeled as a Libertarian Democrat by all those random political quizzes and tests. While my post count may be low, I'm all for Obama.

[Turborama]

58. You're "all for Obama" but "still vote for Republicans"?

How does that work?

This conflict of statements requires further explanation, imo.

[Sebass1271]

87. You still vote republican even

Though you know in this site we have closed them for tge lying sack os shit most of them are?

So you are not a Democrat. A real Joe Biden type of democrat.

[Science Geek]

27. Hello!

I'm new to posting, but I've been reading the forums here on a daily basis since the site was brand new. I've really only missed reading for a few days due to power outages or being away from home without internet for more than a day. This site is one of the few things that got me through the Bush years with my sanity mostly intact and it's pretty addictive. I'm still not much of a poster, been here close to two weeks and don't even have original-post privileges yet, but that's fine as I really have not yet had occasion to post anything.

I read a awful lot of posts in GD and LBN every single day; I'm a news-junkie at heart and it's a great way to find important stories that may escape the radar of the major news outlets. I've been enlightened about hundreds of subjects that I simply never would have been exposed to if not for DU. Reading this site alone enables me to hold up my end of the conversation more often than not when talking with friends, relatives, etc... about current events.

I thought I'd sign-up for an account mostly because I've been in a writing mood for some reason for about the last year even giving a go at writing some short fiction (privately) just for the enjoyment of doing so. So far, my fiction is pretty sucktastic, but I still have the urge to write, like writer's un-block or something; it's a nice, quiet, relaxing activity if nothing else.

[redwhiteblue]

35. Post 27 byredwhiteblue

I am a strong lifelong Democrat and I do not post often because I have nothing important to say. I post when I think I have something that is interesting and maybe helpful to someone. I do love to read other opinions and I read most. (Unfortunately, I skip the ones that use such awful language.)

[Spitfire of ATJ]

29. I kinda came in with a bang....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002815391

[Permanut]

31. Maybe it's just me, but I'm not seeing a lot of "guilt by post count"

I'm seeing some very astute analysis of content, and I've learned a lot from you guys about how to spot the trolls. Plus, sometimes they are fun, until the Domino's guy arrives.

[iloveObama12]

32. Don't Post Much But When I Do I Make My Point

Obama 2012/Biden 2012

[SheilaT]

33. It is true that we were all new once.

I was new twice, because I decided to change my screen name a couple of years in to my time here. But in '04 and '08 we had this very same problem of trolls popping up in the last couple of months before the election.

[trailmonkee]

34. Ya, like we can trust someone with only 12,778 posts... it's only 30k and up in my book...

of course,

thanks for the nice post btw

[Le Taz Hot]

65. LOL!

I STILL get accused of being a troll from time to time.

[Godless in Seattle]

36. Thank you

I guess I'm "suspect" because I've racked up 100 posts in one week. Fact is, I'm unemployed, and I like this site.

[Left coast liberal]

38. Yeah! So, I have been here since 2004 and only have 900...

...That would take you just a couple of weeks.

[Godless in Seattle]

40. Oh, man!

Does this mean I gotta post another 800 times in the next 14 days??? Talk about pressure!

[Left coast liberal]

37. Nicely put. And, I would add...

I have been here from the beginning but I lurk and read and haven't really posted much.

It is a little hard to break into the circle.

Some of us of prolific/excessive at times writers and some of us spare a few comments here and there.

We are all DU.

[ANOIS]

39. I pop in several times a day, but

only have a few posts, as you can see. Have been lurking for a long time.

There certainly are a lot of clever & smart people here!

[Voice for Peace]

41. thank you! nice reminder.

innocent until proven ridiculous..

(with special thanks to Joe Biden)

[rowdyjesus]

42. Long time lurking.

I am embarrassed to tell you all how much time I spend on DU and it is my primary source of political news. I've been intimidated by the treatment of some of the new posters, and have stayed silent for fear I might be called something vile, like a Republican, and the shame would haunt me to my grave. Thanks for the welcome and for luring lots of fellow quiet people out to share in the fun.

[IrishEyes]

43. I've been here for years.

I just don't post a lot of stuff.

[Cracklin Charlie]

46. Me, too.

I have enough trouble finding time to read the headlines.

I do understand why people would be suspicious of low post counters, though, so it doesn't really hurt my feelings. Trolls can be very disruptive to a good discussion. It's good to be wary.

[harmonicon]

47. Shouldn't this be in a different forum? (nt)

[obxhead]

50. I received a warm welcome in 2005

Through the years I've been a part of controversial arguments, made posts in poor tastes, and cheered and supported D's.

Over the last month though, I've been hounded by one long time DUer that has fought tooth and nail to discourage people from supporting Cantors opponent.

DU has changed in a lot of ways over the years. Some good, some bad.

It's been a hard year imo, but I honor the thread.

[TheBluestEye]

51. My post count is frighteningly low, but...

I have been registered here for years. I am just more of a lurker by nature.

[drmeow]

52. A low post count

does not mean a new comer, either. I was a lurker for a while before I posted and even now I don't have the kind of post count you'd expect from someone whose been posting for 5+ years (and I don't know how long before then).

[AverageJoe90]

53. Received a very warm welcome in 2011.

First found you guys in 2010 and haven't regretted it since.

[Indep2992]

54. Hi, I'm new!

Just joined a few days ago! Thanks for the welcome. This place is great! I'm not a troll; I'm just new.

[Shrike47]

55. I'm not only quiet but

I'm 'typing' on my IPad with one finger. Dedicated leftie but lousy one-finger typist. Been lurking for years but afraid to post until I retired. (Got reamed at work awhile back for a letter to the editor. After that, REALLY cautious.)

Anyway, loves me DU.

[Lilma]

56. New and not new

I joined DU during the "Bush" years under a different name. After that terrible reign of terror I had to quit for a while. But I am back!! I mostly read a lot and copy good stories and cartoons and send to friends. They have actually come here and one has posted. As you can see, I have only posted once so far under my new name. Usually someone else has already said what I am thinking, so I stay quiet. I guess you could call me a lurker. I want Obama to win with all my heart and soul.
I am looking forward to the debate Monday and will have my refreshments ready. And I don't want to read a lot of nay saying after the debate. Obama won the first one.

[mecherosegarden]

57. I've been here since 2008

Actually since : Sat Oct 11, 2008, 03:47 PM

As I said on another post, I am not a troll. My major is in Psychology and not in English . English is my second language , and my writing skills are not very good . Still have problems with "in" and "on" . However, if you want to talk to a person who is non-judgmental, who uses empathy to understand her clients ,and who knows how to listen.... then , I am here. Meanwhile, I rather read. I've seen the grammar's police in action .

[fingrinn]

60. OMG

Im watching the bile on faux news labeling Biden as a bully and untruthful and i want to throw something at the TV.
Only problem is im NOT American or live in America.

I really piss myself laughing where on their website they are pushing "Media Bias"
they have lost the plot.

[BiminiTwisted]

61. 10K run through my I-4 Corridor, FL neighborhood. Two Romney signs, and one Obama.

I just don't think many are really engaged yet.

[bermudat]

63. I have been a member of DU since 2001

I check the site multiple times a day even when at work. Only recently

broke 1000 posts. So don't be hatin.

[world wide wally]

67. My top ten posts

I'll post them as soon as I get up to 10.
In the meantime... Barack & Roll!

[MFM008]

68. im sort of new

and am no troll. I like it here.

[CabCurious]

69. thanks

Quite a few times I gave up on this place due to the attack comments and trolling.

It's nice to remember that it should be inclusive and not just about the ideology of the most aggressive and loudest vets.

[coldwaterintheface]

70. Personally I enjoy the paranoia of some in regards to low post count

It reveals how silly people can be about a web site that encourages people to post opinion about politics and then some get upset if the low post count posters opinion does not agree with the high post count posters opinion.


The paranoia will do nothing but create an echo chamber.

[flyguyjake]

71. I've been pushed down in the sand box

A few times. Get back up and throw some more punches.

[21 December 2012]

72. cool thread!

indeed

[sunwyn]

74. Been here for years...just don't post much

[coldwaterintheface]

75. Then you must be a Pub Sleeper!

A Master Stroke of Genius from RimJob!
We are on to you now!!!!!!

[Flying Squirrel]

77. I'm a troll

An "obvious RW troll." I even got PPR'd for it (Thanks for havin' my back, Skinner!) Would've enjoyed gazing upon my own tombstone, but alas, no pizza anymore.

[hauweg]

78. I'm not a troll. Thanks :)

[rogrot]

79. Why worry about trolls? nt

If you're going to worry, then what's the threshold no. of posts above which you can stop worrying? I'm worried that I might be under it and if the no. is, say, 500, then I'm in big trouble. I'll have to sit here for a week posting crap. I thought Republicans were the paranoid ones.

[MrYikes]

80. You asked me to post so here I am. nt

[jdadd]

82. I lurked from 93, didn't post till May 95

I love this Place....I just don't have a lot to say. I think I got my first welcome from "Newyawker 99" (don't know if that's spelled correctly)

[Donkees]

84. This is the first welcome I've received. :)

Thank you to all for creating this site. I've lurked on and off for years.


GOTV for an Obama/Biden LANDSLIDE Victory!

[Bluenorthwest]

86. It is content, not count, that matters. So some with high post counts are duplicitous

and some with very low post counts are honest true. The number, high or low, does not indicate anything about the nature of the poster, their words do that, not the post count.

[undeterred]

88. Me too!

And to those of you who alert on people with low post count so the rest of us are jurors:

STOP WASTING MY TIME.

[lynintenn]

90. I have been here since Bush Kerry

After the election and the one in 2000 I got discouraged with politics and decided I needed to give it a break for my own sanity. I was an Obama delegate from the 8th district in Tennessee in 2008. I am more of a lurker than a poster but I have voted for every democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter. I became politically aware when Robert Kennedy ran. I still watch his speeches and Teddy's eulogy to him when I need inspiration and I still cry . On election night 1968 I gave birth to my first son and named him Robert. I am a Obama supporter and a card carrying member of the Democrat party.
The discouraging post I have seen here and also at Daily Kos really upset me and make me question many posters credibility. Call me paranoid but because of 2000, I know the republicans would do or say anything to keep this man out of White House. Obviously they are here to discourage us.

[Zero Division]

91. Long-Time Lurker here

I've been reading here almost daily and posting once in a blue moon since about the start of the Iraq War. DU is a haven for sharing thoughts without having to get into useless, drawn-out debates with all those right wingers that will never change their minds regardless of the facts.

[titaniumsalute]

92. I have less than 1,000 posts

But I had to change my account back in 2008. Forgotten passwords, old emails, etc. It was just easier to start over. I thought. But I started posted stuff with my new account and immediately was called a troll. It was during the 2008 election season so it was heightened anxiety levels like now.

I was kind of taken by surprise and spent more time defending myself than discussing things. I realized then that new people may not feel welcomed at all which is a bad thing.

[lynne]

93. Thank you!

Been here 8 years - 3 elections - but not a fast and furious poster. Learned quickly in the game NOT to express an opinion that isn't held by the majority or you'll get trounced. Sometimes just better to listen and learn around here.

[Le Taz Hot]

94. Kick for the morning crew.

Btw, I've been pleasantly surprised at the number of posters who have replied to this thread who have been here a LONG time yet have a low post count. More people "lurk" at DU than I knew. I learned something.

[WilliamPitt]

95. Newbie troll here.

[Le Taz Hot]

108. Well, we KNEW that!

[jackbenimble]

97. I'm new.

I despise rethuglicans. But although a Pew quiz says I am a liberal's liberal, I do have a few conservative views that hopefully wont get me labeled as a troll should I decide to opine about them. It sure is nice to have a place to post where the folks aren't all crazy.

[a kennedy]

101. Hello, and um, it's me....I started that "other" post count thread.....

[Le Taz Hot]

104. Dontcha just love

the First Amendment?

[juajen]

105. Here you go!

Don't pick on a poster for disagreeing, or for low posts. Usually, it is quite obvious after a few posts what their agenda is, but sometimes they are very coy and get away with a lot before exposing themselves, and sometimes they stay on forever without being exposed. When it is obvious, then, alert. But, not before, for this is DU, and we are the party of Big Tent.

[axollot]

107. Low post count doesn't mean we are new either!

Hello, hello been around here since 02. Though it says registered before March 03 (or it did). Anyway. I don't post as often but read a lot of news here. I rec posts often and DU is a homepage.

Cheers
Sandy

[OhZone]

110. Allo, Salut!

Sunt eu, un haiduc!

[4_TN_TITANS]

111. to have been here since 2004

I guess I've got a low post count, but I appreciate everyone. Eventho some of the surrounding counties are strong Dem it can be kinda lonely here in TN. Thank-you all...

[ellenfl]

113. troll is as troll does.

i try to read posts with an understanding that tone can be so subjective in the written word. something that 'sounds'-to-be troll, may just be awkward wording on the part of the poster. that said, rw talking points, most if which are easily identifiable (now that ed, rachel, et al are playing clips of them), scream 'troll'. there's nothing wrong with criticizing dem lawmakers, although i tend to refrain from doing so, but i think that doing so using rw language informs me as to the poster's sensibilities. personally, i have come across very few identifiable trolls since i joined just after dubya got re-elected.

as for negative posts, constructive criticism is fine, but criticism for criticism's sake is unnecessary, imo.

ellen fl

[REP]

114. This is better suited to Meta

... or Help & Welcome (if edited a bit ). Please consider reposting.

Locking.