Rec or Unrec this Thread based on popularity!

[boppers]

Alternately, you could not waste the time on writing about being "popular", and invest the time in feeding someone who is hungry, sheltering someone who is homeless, comforting somebody who needs it, or fighting for the powerless.

I don't care if I'm popular on DU, or if this thread sinks, I care about making a difference in the world.

edit: fix subject line (double word)

[Contrary1]

1. I figure this is as good a time as any...

First, I happen to agree with you.

As far as the Unrec feature goes, I won't be using it. And not for any reasons I have seen mentioned so far.

Years ago, when I was undergoing treatment for cancer, I joined an online support group. Someone replied to a post I had made in a nasty, uncalled for manner. This is going to sound trivial, but I cried off and on about it for days. Normally that type of thing wouldn't have bothered me, but I was particularly vulnerable when that person posted, and the last thing I needed was negativity.

I guess my point is that none of us really know what frame of mind a poster is in. What they think is important may not amount to much of anything to me. It mattered to them, whether I agree with it or not.

I have seen the arguments back and forth on this subject. Good points made on both sides. It's just not something that I will be utilizing.

[boppers]

2. Use it, or don't, whatever.

Are you still in touch with the group you mentioned? I'm always shocked about how much I can positively offer support groups, simply by being there, and not judging people.

[Contrary1]

3. No. I unsubscribed shortly after that.

It was a bit cliquey, if that is even a word. Support groups can be of great help to those in need. But folks really need to be careful with their words.

Like you mentioned, it is not the place for judgment. Being there for those who need you is what counts.

[Divine Discontent]

4. yep, we hardly can imagine the effect we have on just 'being there' to help out

with just listening to those in need, maybe giving them a tidbit of info they didn't think of in trying to fix/cope with their sitch, and maybe a cool beverage or a bite to eat. I know when I visit a siblings chronic illness group, they are very happy to see me.

And as for popularity, we know what that gets us after 'school' is out, right? nothing. You can be super unknown and do great things, and super popular/known and do great things - but you can't do much if you're worried about being popular!

:hug:

[boppers]

5. The kings of change aren't the figure-heads, or Icons.

The leader is not the army.

Rosa Parks didn't change busing, Rosa Parks and every woman after her who said "ah, HELL NO" did.

Sometimes the foot soldiers need to be reminded that we are the warriors on the front lines, that giving a cracker can be a defiant act, and that a single hug can change the world.

Worrying about a website rating feature seems a tad trivial, in comparison.