[Choo-ChooAKA]

This is for when she gets back...

Soror Ideal,

I thank my lucky stars that there are people like you who are willing to VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME to act as moderators - otherwise, there would be no forums.

People say the Internet isn't that serious, etc., etc. and, when I leave my computer, I really don't think about any of the forums or the people on them too often (it's hard to think about people without a visual image) until I come back to it; the 'net has something of an unreal quality about it. However, my association with the people on this and other forums has led me to action outside the 'net. The positive interaction with Sorors and the enthusiasm of not only Sorors but Sisterfriends on the forum led me to reactivating with my local grad chapter last year and I'M SOOO HAPPY THAT I DID.

So why, with a full life outside the 'net, do I make time to log on? I think the internet gives us a better view of humanity, in general, and how closely we are all connected. Because we are given the opportunity to converse without preconceived notions that accompany appearance, we know each other only insofar as we are all human beings with at least one common interest (the D9). While some people look at the 'net as a chance for an alternative personality, I look at it as a chance to be who I really am.

I am a quiet person "out there." I'm rather reclusive and would sometimes much rather keep company with a book than with another human being. Keeping up that outer shell is a lot of work and face-to-face conversation can at times be emotionally draining. I, personally, have a very busy life outside the ‘net. I have two children, a husband, a classroom full of 18-20 year olds (9 months a year), an employer, friendships, and other loved ones who expect me to give them what they need. The ‘net is there when I want and need it and I am expected to give nothing; all I have to do is turn on my computer. My messages will wait for me until I return, and the forums will trot merrily on with or without me. It is a refuge where I have ‘net friends’ and associates who don’t expect anything but are there when I feel like enjoying their association without putting on airs or pretense. Maybe many people feel the same way? Probably.

I think many people who enjoy being on the 'net have this in common: we need the company of people and society, but find sometimes that being around people can be too demanding. The Internet is not a place to hide, it's just a place for entirely different types of friendships than we make off the 'net. My best friend is a "social butterfly" and spends hardly enough time on the internet to check her emails; it just doesn't mesh with her personality.

Soror Ideal, please don't take to heart any "get a life" posts. This is an important part of many of people’s lives and I’m thankful for people like you who incur the responsibility of moderating forums such as this one. Leave those haters in your dust and keep living your life my beautiful "ideal" Soror.

Hope Ethiopia was as "ideal" as you imagined.

Sisterly,
CG