Long-time DU members with low post counts

[canetoad]

Check in here.

This thread was prompted by OregonBlue's recent thread in which a number of long time members who posted infrequently, made their presence known.

I for one, am tired of the almost instinctive antagonism towards those with less than the magical 1000 posts. Some folk like to read much and say little. While I understand that this does not make for a lively message board, it is not, in itself, a cause for suspicion, nor does it make their infrequent posts any less valid.

I wish that before jumping on a low count poster folk would take the trouble to check their membership date and maybe even read a few of their posts before making a hasty judgement.

[movonne]

1. You are right...

[canetoad]

4. Thanks for that

as someone who took well on four years to accumulate 1000 posts, I'd much rather read one well written comment a year than 999 'lols' and 'this is my 1000th post'.

[hfojvt]

156. true enough

but it does not look good when somebody was here for four years, has 412 posts and makes a 413th that reads something like "I am sorry I voted for Obama, he really sucks, blah, blah, blah, bailed out wall street but not mainstreet, hasn't prosecuted Bush war crimes, continues the war, hasn't ended DADT, etc., etc., etc."

First, they hardly ever post.
Second, when they do post, it is to complain about Obama or some other Democrat.

It just looks suspicious. Like they were a lurker who hardly ever stated what they believe in, but then come out with something that reads like "a list of talking points to anger and discourage progressives".

There definitely is a group of self-proclaimed progressives or leftists here who
1) are angry at the Obama administration, and are constantly finding new things to be angry about
2) are angry at the Democratic Party in general, from Pelosi to Reid to Baucus to Baldwin. The only 'good' Democrats can be counted on the fingers of one hand - Kucinich, Feingold, Boxer, Conyers, and Sanders - and the last one isn't even a Democrat.
3) they want others to be angry and discouraged too, and will berate and mock the cheerleaders who have drunk the kool-aid.

If it isn't an orchestrated plan to help Democrats to lose in 2010 it sure ought to be. Although I am of the opinion that a good portion of it is well-meaning leftists who are pulled under by a rip-tide of continuous complaints. That constant barrage tips their mind into looking for more shadows and also being generally dis-satisfied. It's like a pre-conception. Once a person has taken the red pill, they slip into a world where "Obama (and other Democrats) cannot be trusted/ are not on our side" and then everything gets sifted based on that pre-determined idea.

It's like being in a relationship where you firmly believe the other person is cheating on you. Then even if he/she says something actually innocent like "I am going to the store to get some hose clamps" you just 'know' that there is something else going on. So then you search the basement and find a couple of hose clamps. "Aha, you think, he lied about the trip to the store, because we already have hose clamps." And it gets to the point where there's nothing he/she can say or do that will exonerate them.

[lillypaddle]

171. Member since Oct. 2004

Recently received an email calling me a newbie - very derisive. If I don't have anything particularly insightful to say, I often will recommend a thread but don't post a "K&R" just to increase my post count.

on edit: meant to post to the original OP. Sorry, guess I'm just a newbie. :hi:

[BB1]

185. Same here.

I've been around, reading mostly, for the past six years. Just a couple of years ago I got round to signing up or in. Since I'm not a US American, I have little opinion on most subjects raised here, although I like to have myself enlightened by others's opinions.

[morillon]

224. Yep, I joined around then, too.

I donate fairly regularly and give away donor stars, but my post count is still sub-1000. My husband has a much higher post count. It's not that I'm not talkative or opinionated. Heh. I guess I burned out on message boards and Usenet a long, long time ago, and I just don't post much *anywhere* anymore. :-)

If I'm trying to assess the credibility of someone who's posting a message, I go by the content in that post and others they've made recently. I've done my share (well, maybe MORE than my share) of trolling -- during that time when I still posted a lot on Usenet and elsewhere -- and I'm usually accurate in spotting trolls. You just get an instinct for such things when you're immersed in that way of interacting. I've kinda lost interest in meme-farming. Like Han Solo said, "I prefer a straight fight to all this sneakin' around!"

[sagesnow]

208. Homeless Dissapointed Dem

I am a long time Democrat who has worked for Gore in 2000 and Kerry in 2004. I did vote for Obama in '08, because in the end, there was no other choice. From the beginning Obama was my last choice among the Democratic line up. He was inexperienced and he had voted for the Iraq war funding. Also, although his campaign slogans were CHANGE and HOPE his campaign never specifically said what CHANGE we should HOPE for(that I every heard). His right of Center administration policies do not surprise me, because a check of his voting record in 2008 put him to the right of Hillary Clinton. I still don't expect much from the Obama administration for U.S. workers. The Health Care debacle has shown us that he is not a Pro Choice Advocate and he does not want a Public Option in the Health Care Plan. Obviously he is in bed with Rahm Emmanuel's lobbyists and it will really hurt the Democratic party when young voters come to realize that Obama is just another Corporate Shill.
I don't post often if I don't have anything constructive to say I don't say it. I look to DU to tell me what really is going on in the political arena, not just be a Cheer Leading Center for the Dems in power. If DU does not have the ability to accept the growing number of disappointed Democrats, then many on the left will have to look elsewhere for honest political stories and opinions.

[Just-plain-Kathy]

256. Great post sagesnow ...I couldn't agree with you more. n/t

[hfojvt]

287. a good example of quickly jumping to negative conclusions

"The Health Care debacle has shown us that he is not a Pro Choice Advocate and he does not want a Public Option in the Health Care Plan. Obviously he is in bed with Rahm Emmanuel's lobbyists and it will really hurt the Democratic party when young voters come to realize that Obama is just another Corporate Shill."

I am not seeing any of those things at all. You act like Obama wrote and endorsed both Stupak and Nelson amendments, and that even though Stupak really changes nothing in regard to abortion (in spite of all the hype coming from the left about how it is the moral equivalent of over-turning Roe) that Obama should veto HCR because of those?

He doesn't want a public option? It seems to me that he tried to get a public option, but then dropped it when it became clear that it would not get through the Senate.

Again, it is not at all "obvious" that he is in bed with lobbyists, but some people are hoping that it will hurt the Democratic Party if they spread the message that you are so convinced of. Do you think that corporations wouldn't like another Bush in the White House? Would it help that if they help to spread the meme "Obama is just another Corporate Shill"?

I think it would and I think that phrase can be added to my collection of "talking points to discourage the left".

[leeroysphitz]

215. LOL

[liberalmike27]

237. Yep

Never a big fan of the "kick" or "yep," (as above) kind of post. It took me years to get to a thousand.

People who speak less sometimes are listened to more. Ever notice how folks that talk all the time are often ignored more than others?

[Posteritatis]

2. The garrison mindset is interesting here at times, isn't it?

I admit I find it sort of funny when someone's above the acceptable post limit only to get snarked at over their posts per year ratio or something similarly inane.

[Th1onein]

3. We should pay no attention to post counts, period.

Why can't we be uniformly polite to each other, even when we disagree? I, for one, am sick to death of the rude behavior I see so often here. This is the kind of crap I would expect to see of Republicans, not Democrats.

[canetoad]

8. I'm not saying it is totally irrelevant

Blatant advertising really annoys me and just yesterday I alerted on a 1 post person who seemed to have joined just to post links to a commercial site.

But yes, we are often rude and cruel to people who do not live up to the magical 1000 standard and I would like people to stop and think for a short while before posting snark and insults.

[mcablue]

5. What the rules say about calling out low-post members

Do not draw negative attention to the fact that someone is new, has a low post count, or recently became a member of Democratic Underground. Do not insinuate that because someone is new, they are a troll or disruptor.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules_detailed.html

[kas125]

159. People here don't pay any attention to that rule, although

they seem to be sticklers for all the other rules. Personally, all the snarky comments made to people with low post counts makes me less willing to post my own opinions and just come here to read the news and then leave without ever commenting on anything.

[valerief]

6. Maybe the ones making the hasty judgments, high counts or not, are the trolls. nt

[Joe Chi Minh]

66. Yep. they dived in real quick, as usual. Of course, it's inconceivable that the management

of a cell of operatives would have 'sleepers' available at all times to take up the cudgels, and, of course, their post-count could in no way be indicative.

[enlightenment]

7. It's just another way to label.

I suppose the next thing will be demanding to see people's voter registration and voting record - and demands that 'only' true, registered, and vetted members of the Democratic party be allowed to post.

[Morning Dew]

9. It took me from '03 until '08 to hit 1000 posts

most of that time I was on dial up and reading here was easier than posting here - that is, I couldn't always count on being able to post.


I guess a good rule of thumb is to address the post and not the poster. I've seen incredible insight from low count posters and incredible foolishness from high count posters.

[Point_n_click]

10. Amen and Happy Holidays to all DU

Thank you for pointing out that lurker does not mean troll.

[canetoad]

12. To you too

and thanks for chipping in, you are a perfect example of what I was trying to convey. :hi:

[kiva]

11. I haven't been here as long as many DUers, but

it took me almost two years to get to 1000 posts. It always irritated me that I got the 'aha, low post count, who cares what you think' attitude, but people who managed to get 1000 posts in less than a month were just fine.

[cayanne]

13. I'm one of those

and will continue to be one. I'm more of a reader but it is getting harder to get through the non news of whining, verbal put downs and general bullshit about recs and unrecs. In my opinion DU was much better of old. What I think DU shined at was in the research. There wasn't a better research place on the web than Du.

[canetoad]

15. You joined

just 5 days before I did :hi:

[Lost-in-FL]

18. +1, nt

[ornotna]

58. Amen sister

:thumbsup:

[breugel1]

67. low post

me naaaa

[Gregorian]

71. I'd like to see a discussion on this subject.

We have a very great potential. Whether or not it is being met I'm not sure. I don't believe it is. This is a virtual think tank.

Whining is important for personal reasons, but not very productive in terms of moving toward a goal.

[ILFightinDem]

110. What cayanne said

+1

This exactly mirrors my experience, as well. I've often been wondering of late why I exactly started following DU these many years ago (I lurked for years before I finally saw the need to post and create an ID of my own). Thanks to this poster for reminding me :)

[pengillian101]

129. Nail meet head.

Good to meet ya. I pretty much mostly hang out at C&B - we all get along.

"I'm more of a reader but it is getting harder to get through the non news of whining, verbal put downs and general bullshit about recs and unrecs. In my opinion DU was much better of old. What I think DU shined at was in the research. There wasn't a better research place on the web than Du."

[hisownpetard]

135. I'm with you on this one. The mean-spiritness so prevalent makes it almost impossible

to have a good give-and-take discussion, and I think it's a damn shame.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

191. I'm one also

Lurked for many years. More of a reader than a talker. Joined lately only to have an outlet for some feelings about the way the policies of this administration are headed.
I voted for Obama, supported him with actions and money. Still will support him. Tho, at times, I get a little disappointed with his decisions. I thought this would be a great
place to act as a sounding board for some of those disappointments, but the vile that has spewed forth almost caused me to reconsider.

Seems when we are bashing a Republican, president or other, we can be civil towards each other. Mention your differences about a Democrat or Independent, the "Untactful Faucet"
turns on full blast. We should hold all our leaders to the same level of judgement, we should be able to intelligently criticize any decision.

Differences in opinion should be recognized and thoughtfully discussed, after all that is why we read and post here, correct?

Widely varying beliefs is what the Democrat party is all about, we are "real America" , different, yet the same, united because of our differences.
Open-minded and accepting.

I'll probably never get to the "Magic 1000" , many may not, but we all should listen, learn, maybe teach when possible.

[laughingliberal]

207. +1 nt

[Dappleganger]

199. I'm with you on this one.

[Kalun D]

304. Still here

""There wasn't a better research place on the web than Du.""

It's still here, you just have to dig a little deeper with the signal to noise ratio.

[parkia00]

14. Posting in a post

asking for someone like me to post in the post. :hi:

[ms.smiler]

16. Member since 2004. I read DU daily but rarely post

Happy Holidays

[tridim]

17. On the other hand, this excuse would make a perfect cover for disruptors.

I just want to know why some of these "long time lurkers" wait in the closet for years and then come out just to trash Democrats and the President on a Democratic forum?

Why would any long-time active DU'er not be skeptical?

[canetoad]

20. I've yet to see an example of that

Specifically a long time member (4 or 5 years) lurking that long to make one trashy post. I may be wrong, but that seems over the top and excessively suspicious thinking.

[tridim]

23. I ran into one two days ago.

Joined DU about 10 days ago, claimed he had been lurking since early in Bush's first term, and then proceeded to trash Democrats and the President relentlessly in his first dozen posts.

[canetoad]

42. Claiming to be a lurker for years

is not the same as having a verifiable joining date though.

[Mugweed]

184. Some people actually do read long before they register.

This does not make ALL of them trolls just because their first posts are not 100% positive about our administration.

[morillon]

284. I read DU for at least a couple of years before I joined.

I can't remember when I started reading. It was probably sometime in 2001, because back in the day I was reading EVERY anti-Bush, pro-Dem site on the 'net. I think I checked Buzzflash every few hours. I know I was reading DU before the November 2002 elections, when the voting machines gave Georgia to Chambliss.

But I just never got around to joining until the summer before Kerry "lost" to Bush. My husband has a post count in the 5 digits, and he joined then, too.

There are things Obama has done that I'm not 100% thrilled about, but on the whole, I'm very, very glad he is President. He hasn't even been in office a year, and yet we have people ready to pronounce his administration a failure. They're entitled to their opinions, of course. For me, it's too early to tell how some of his tactics and decisions will play out. I'm more of a quick-deciding, results-right-now person when it comes to my own life -- Aries are like that, times ten -- but I can appreciate the beauty of a good, long-term, multi-phase plan that takes months or even years to completely unfold. Although I don't have the patience for many projects like that in my own life, I can see the utility in them.

[dmr]

24. oh, yeah, I've seen that happen many times n/t

[NashVegas]

222. I Had About 30 of Them In My Ignore List Last Year

Joined 2002, less than 2k posts, and bringing nothing but piss and vinegar to the table for primary season.

[Posteritatis]

38. There's skeptical and there's paranoid

Low post count? General assumption is that they're a disruptor.

High post count spaced out too much? Same.

High post count in a short period? Same.

Acceptable post count and time period, but start saying the wrong things? Same.

It's ridiculous. If I'm going to be skeptical of someone it's going to be based on what they say and only that. I'm not stalkery enough to obsess over the mathematics of everyone's posting habits before deciding if they're reliable or not.

[janx]

70. You forgot long period with short posting history n/t

[morillon]

285. LOL!!!

Yeah, I'm with you on that. I judge solely on content. I don't care if someone has ten posts or ten thousand -- if they're acting like a troll, they're a troll in my book.

[Blasphemer]

84. There is no way a disruptor wouldn't have exposed themselves during the Primaries or Election

I have a hard time believing such a person, with that kind of intent, would do so now but hold their fire during the primaries or during the general election campaign. It wouldn't make much sense to me.

[Mugweed]

182. Maybe they feel it's time. It's not up to you or anyone else.

Maybe what you call "trash Democrats and the President" is them expressing extreme disappointment in the constant compromise to republicans and corporatocracy that they were so hopeful was not going to be a hallmark of this administration. Maybe it was just enough to finally make them decide it's time to chime in. Criticism and expression of disappointment does not suddenly make one anti-Democrat. Remember, the one thing that makes the progressives a better lot is that they DON'T all goosestep in the same direction unquestioningly (is that even a word?). I'm not here to support trolls but not everyone who has a different opinion than you, and perhaps expresses it in a harsh manner, is a troll.

[nannah]

271. your phrase,

"expressing extreme disappointment in the constant compromise to republicans and corporatocracy that they were so hopeful was not going to be a hallmark of this administration", sums up my feelings pretty well. although this week i read an excellent post on KOS by a poster called blatentliberal that gives a pragmatic look at the choices and decisions of Obama which makes his actions seem more reasonable. and regardless, what is the alternative.... more republican rape and pillage of our country?

[sufrommich]

278. God, I hate that word "disrupters",it's downright

Orwellian. A "disrupter" is in the eye of the beholder.

[juajen]

282. OTOH, you could be disrupter who has a long post count

to defray any interest in his loyalty to the Democratic Party. Anyone can be a lurker with nefarious purposes. I can't help but be suspicious of people with high post counts, knowing how hard it is to obtain that number of posts without being glued to your computer on a daily basis and having no other life. Just sayin'. See how easy it is to be a disrupter. Calling people out because of post count is just the same whether the posts are low or high.

[lillypaddle]

307. Maybe I'm mistaken

but I've seen more negative posts from 1000+ posters than low count folks.

[mcablue]

19. The alert button is the only way to report a disruptor. We have moderators, you know?

Are you saying that by now allowing attacks on newbies, DU management itself is giving disruptors an excuse?
If you do not know where the alert link is located, ask me.

[canetoad]

27. Yes, I do know DU has moderators

having been one myself.

You may wish to rethink you snarky, knee jerk reactions.

[uppityperson]

148. Posts like this make me think people don't read the message, only subject line

See, down here is the message. Perhaps you should read the OP's message back up in the OP since you seemed to have missed the point.

[west michigan]

21. spring of 01.....

still have not hit 1000. I like to check in to see what is happening and where we are at. I peek in almost daily.

[Ernesto]

31. Spring of '01 When SCOTUS turned the world to SHIT

My start time also! (now, almost 4000 posts)

[west michigan]

36. glad this place was here.

nothing else like it. Was a little cautious about signing up here at the time. Do you check in much ?

[Myrina]

22. Aye. Been here since 2004...

... actually have been here since March 2001 with another ID but decided during the hateful primaries of 2004 that it was time to retire that persona and fly under the radar for awhile. Don't say much unless I have something that I feel is worth saying, unlike some folks who have to report every fart and burp.

[elocs]

25. Like I said in another thread, I have seen people reach 1000 posts in a month.

Then there are those who can start a thread and pick up 20 or more posts in that one OP just making responses.

There is a lot of hasty judgment here based on post counts and there are those who seem overly anxious to maintain what is their definition of DU purity.

[Tuvok Obama]

26. Sorry I'm late. I was busy posting my ass off at Free Republic

:dunce:

[Thickasabrick]

48. LOL....awesome response - you should check in more often!! nt

[undergroundnomore]

219. ROLF

Did you use a lot of pictures so they understood what you were saying?

[Boxerfan]

28. I've been here since '04...Still under 500 by the counter!

I kinda think its a unfair way to judge the validity of ones posts. I don't think I've run across it personally. DU has always been my #1 place to vent & post my political thoughts. I have a pretty good run of making the greatests also. So I guess I just don't get posting till I'm motivated to do so by an issue-or watching C-span.


Just checking in...Boxer fan as in Barbara Boxer fan. I took that name after she ripped Condoliar a new one. But I also drive an old air cooled VW van-its motor is termed a "Boxer" design.So that applies also.

[west michigan]

30. Money is the root of all republicans !

That is funny...... I'm going to jot that down.

[Ernesto]

35. Right On!

My daily ride is a VW powered Porsche Speedster replica..... 2110 CC that "CAN get out of it's own way".

[Countdown_3_2_1]

29. By the time I show up, people have already said everythingh I was gonna say.

Not much to post after that.

[DarbyUSMC]

32. Years ago (it may be different now),

if you played cards on Yahoo, you got a rating after the first 20 games. The rating was pointless because it seemed the games were scripted and if you sat in the right seat, you would win. However, people didn't want to play with others who had no rating yet or a low rating so they would boot them off the table. I've been playing Euchre since I was six years old but that didn't matter when I was a newbie to Yahoo games. Woooo.

On DU I try not to post about what I know little about and definitely stay away from, for the most part, threads where people are bashing the poster and one another. I skim the posts about every day but as someone else said, often times whatever I might have contributed has already been said.

[mariema]

33. I have been here so long

I don't even remember how long it is.

I look in every day, it is just part of my routine after all these years. But I rarely post anything. I just don't have much to add. It seems that most of what I would want to say is usually already posted.

[shanine]

34. Very rarely post

but I'm on here a few hours every day.

[Grey]

37. I come here to get the facts

behind the "news". I'm also a little scared of the 700 club.

[timtom]

39. You've got my recommendation

[Political_Junkie]

40. Been here since 2003.

Only post when I feel like it. Don't mean a thing.

[nannah]

272. great sig line.

[Political_Junkie]

311. Thanks

:hi:

[yodoobo]

41. Some people think you get smarter if you sit around and post all day

and unless you've pounded the "post message" feeder bar 1,000 times, you are absolutely stupid

[denbot]

43. 2001 With less then 800 posts.

I had another account due to an ISP change around 2003 to 2008.

[Cybergata]

44. Joined shortly after creation of DU in 2001

Yet I'm sure I have under 1500 posts. I read the greatest page every day looking for news, toons and the best of D.U.

[EFerrari]

46. Hola, Cybergata! Long time no read!

:hi:

[Cybergata]

49. I'm always here lurking! ;-) n/t

[joe_sixpack]

45. I'd like to sign on more......

Don't have as much time, working two jobs. But I do enjoy reading when I can.

[Tony_FLADEM]

47. I've been a member since 2003 and still do not have 1000 posts

[blogslut]

50. My first 1000 posts are a blur to me now

There are times that I'm amazed I made it that far.

There's an old retail parable about the customer who never speaks up. They never tell you about their dissatisfaction. Then one day, they stop patronizing your business.

I think there are a lot of DU members like that. Members who aren't vocal but are here, reading, learning and donating. They save their words for when it matters and they expend their energies for when it counts. It is wrong to judge people by how noisy they aren't.

[Peacetrain]

55. Hi blogslut!!!

I have been wondering where you were :hi:

[robdogbucky]

51. Not that it matters

I lurked here since around the inception of these forums. At the turn of the century CNN used to have community message boards. It was the time of the Chandra Levy event and the end of the Clinton era. Then came the selection of 2000. Still I lurked on CNN's boards because it was the most interesting of the political message boards at the time. Salon's political message board section was pretty active but was very clique-ish, seemingly not as large and diverse as CNN's, and many of the originators at Salon dominated the discussions there. I did meet one of the column writers on Salon on a plane flight in about 1999 who warned me about Joe LIEberman though. He had grown up with him in Connecticut and said he is driven by an all-consuming desire to be president at all cost. In essence that he should not be trusted.

It was either there or the CNN boards, before they abruptly vanished (that is an interesting topic in its own right) where I found a link to DU that someone had posted. It was after the selection but before 9/11. That was the first notion I had of this place and I have come here every day since. Those were the days around here. I recall such memorable posters as Kephra and Ductapefatwah, whose writings were always worth reading. Then came the B*** years and we all know what transpired, as well as through the '04 selections, and on into the primaries and election of 2008.

I finally came out of the closet in 2008, but have received the "You're a newbie, what do you know," as a convenience to some that disagreed with something I posted. I really don't care. I know there are professional trolls here and I have seen things like someone with the holier than thou 1000 post count not know who RimJob was or what the BBV scandal or Bev Harris and Andy Stevenson were all about.

I only post when I think I have something newsworthy to post that I did not see on here already, or to add to someone's inquiry or to augment the record where there is apparent mis-understanding.

The internet can be great, but it can also be a collosal waste of time. That is up to the users.


Just my dos centavos

robdogbucky

[pengillian101]

147. Thanks for that insightful post.

"I only post when I think I have something newsworthy to post that I did not see on here already, or to add to someone's inquiry or to augment the record where there is apparent mis-understanding.

The internet can be great, but it can also be a collosal waste of time. That is up to the users."

It's fun just to hang out at DU's Cooking and Baking group. Nothing serious there, except good food.

:hi:

[Enthusiast]

196. I remember those CNN community

message boards. I was so new to the internet that I did not understand how to participate. I did write an e-mail to CNN expressing my dismay when they were abruptly terminated. I received a surprisingly snarky reply.

[juajen]

288. You left out Jeff Matson and the "Bush Follies"!

Those were the days, and, honestly, LBN has never been the same since Keph died, and precious Andy Stephenson and the fund drive to save his life. We older DUers have some real memories of this place, and I believe we should be considered the elders on this board and respected a hell of a lot more, whatever the post count is. Perhaps Skinner should automatically give early year posters a star just for sticking around and contributing to the greatness of this board. Perhaps it should be a platinum star?

[raouldukelives]

52. Check

:hi:

[erinlough]

53. Member since 2005, lurker from 2001

I rarely post anywhere but the lounge, pets forum and mac forum. I do read every day. Sometimes I agree. sometimes I don't but I am always entertained. I remember asking the fantastic lounge lizards to help me get to 1000 and they did! bless their strange souls. The lounge is still my favorite escape place here.

[tbyg52]

54. Perhaps I could be an honorary low-post-count member?

The only reason I'm above 1,000 is that I did the Election Reform news for over a year.... ;->

And I sure agree about the knee-jerk reactions.

[winyanstaz]

56. I came in for years before I ever made a post...

Even though I have only posted a lot in the last couple of years...I have been coming in since DU started.

[ET Racer]

57. I'm one.

I lurked for almost 3 years before joining in the fracas. I don't come by too often with more than a few minutes to browse. Usually spend some time on Sundays while doing laundry.

[lins the liberal]

59. 2001

I've been here since the middle of 2001. Seldom post, but I'm here every day reading.

[TCJ70]

60. I don't know if two years is a long time but...

...I haven't even broken 1,000 posts yet. I'm close, but not quite there yet.

[BooScout]

61. Checking in here.....

I generally post on discussions that interest me. A high post count to me usually makes me think someone needs to get out a bit more.

[TheUnspeakable]

62. been here since '04

I read every day- only post when I have something to say or a point of view that hasn't already been
stated. I always thought the thread count bias was silly.

[Dream Girl]

63. Been here since 2004...

[DramaOnHwy61]

64. mainly lurking... not enough time.

[Major Hogwash]

65. I had a girlfriend before I came to DU, now I got a bumper sticker, a t-shirt, and 5000 posts.

Yet we still can't start sex threads!!!

[Alkene]

68. I Lurk, Therefore I Am- nt

[onpatrol98]

77. Ditto

Simply...ditto

[bvar22]

69. I have more concern about posters ....

...who have been at DU less than a year, but have multi-thousand posts.
Something ain't right with THAT.

My wife has been a member of DU since 2001, but has less than 30 posts.
She is NOT one to waste posts on the trivial, or waste time arguing with a cement head.
When she DOES post, you better listen, because she is serious, and her position is well thought out.

[hulka38]

72. I fit the description. TY for the support.

4 out 5 on this thread have 1000+. Maybe they're in the low 1000's

[Gman]

73. Shoot 'em all. Let God sort 'em out

It's the DU way

[BulletproofLandshark]

74. Right here.

I mostly prefer to check DU for news and occasionally post on the Sports forum, but I've been here since 2003.

[WileEcoyote]

75. It is cliqueish here

the reason i don't post much. However D/U is one of the major sources of information I use to write posts on other forums with a less hostile attitude to their fellows.

So as a source of news or opinion D/U is great, but a fair amount of members are here ego driven prix.

Advice? Don't expect D/U to be a warm source of friends. Just use the excellent videos, topics and other news to spread elsewhere. Like the TYT episodes and such.

[Quantess]

76. ...are like elusive rare birds, whose sightings are something to appreciate

if for no other reason than they don't post very often. :hi:

(edited for commas)

[Autumn Colors]

78. Checking in & K&R

I stop in and read every day, but don't post much. I often don't even bother logging in if I'm just reading.

[Blue State Blues]

79. I hit 500 this week. At my rate, in 5 years I'll hit 1000 n/t

[WilliamPitt]

80. You've been here a long time

I am glad to see your name again.

:toast:

[Colorado Liberal]

81. Member since 2006

Seriously low post count here... I check in every day, but rarely have the time to post...

[Blasphemer]

82. It took more years to get over 1000... a good chunk of that within the past 6 months or so

I never even pay attention to post counts unless the person is an obvious troll/freeper.

[jdadd]

83. Been here since 2005

Just don't comment much,I sure like to read....:hi:

[A Brand New World]

85. Checking in! I've been a member for close to 7 years I think.

My post count is still quite low. I read daily and post rarely. It seems as if the times I have posted, there is always someone quick to jump down your throat so I don't post. I'd rather just read and learn.

[Cleita]

86. Before there were recs and unrecs and post count was your actual

post count, not 1000+, that was the m/o here at DU especially reading their posts first to know where they were coming from before you attacked. Most newbies got a hearty welcome unless they were really obvious trolls. I think I had done three posts when I got a great welcome and some of those great DUers are still around. They don't post a whole lot anymore though.

[PacerLJ35]

87. Standard tactic of those who can't come up with a decent discussion...

If you don't like what they are saying, then tar and feather 'em. Tell everyone "look everybody, ignore the good ideas/information/discussion this guy/gal is bringing, and forgive me for not having much else to add...but this person has only posted a few times! OMG, they are sooooo unqualified to speak here! Am I right? Right?"

One of the reasons why I hung up my DU hat once before, that and the "you must be a super-secret government propaganda operative"...please. I know you feel DU is very popular, but most people I know have no idea this message board exists. Sigh...again, when you start seeing the conspiracies and mudslinging finger pointing like "you don't have enough posts to be relevant", then you know they don't have much else to go on.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

88. I'm checking in

Been here for years.... Post when I feel moved, which isn't often.

[rgbecker]

89. Is there a way to tell when we started with DU? Seems like....

its been part of my life for years....But who knows, maybe just a couple of years....can't remember, but its great fun and I recommend it to everyone I meet.

[bigwillq]

94. If you activate your profile

you should be able to see a join date.
Go to "Options" and then "Edit your preferences" and it will ask if you want to "hide your profile, "yes" or "no".

[mirrera]

90. Believe me the magical 1000 does not get you much trust... n/t

[MzShellG]

91. Absolutely....

I've been a loyal DU member for years. Used to read it every day until it started going downhill with all the hate. This used to be a place that I really enjoyed. Now, not so much. But rarely posted.

[katusha]

92. we are the salt

if we post too much we will lose our saltiness, and what is salt that has lost its saltiness?

[azygous]

93. Not sure my number of posts

so I'm posting to see my total. I'm a daily visitor, but post only when I'm strongly compelled. I never considered my post total, or anyone's, to be an issue. Everyone will get above the magic 1000 some day. And everyone had to start out with a low number at some point.

The insignificant things some people focus on is a constant source of amazement.

[Forkboy]

95. Good thread. Now I know who not to trust yet.

:hide:

I kid. :)

[shanine]

251. Funny

:hi:

Just wanted to get another post in.

[LearnedHand]

96. Been here since EARLY 2003; reader since 2001

Have low post count. I'm like the others; I read almost every day but don't often start OPs. Mostly, that's because I have a day job, and by the time I get home, everything that's interesting news has already been posted by our DU eagle eyes.

:thumbsup:

[Skelly]

97. long time lurker

before I joined. Still rarely post.

[bkozumplik]

98. Every little comment counts

Once in a while I'll make a comment and then see the particular verbage I used echoed in other people's later posts on the same thread. Coincidence probably most of the time, but I'd like to think I contribute, even if its incredibly microscopically.

[FreeJoe]

99. I'm here

I'm a relatively libertarian Dem. I disagree with a lot of what I see here, but I like to read it to better understand.

[utopian]

100. I've been here a long time

But I've been in the 700 club since the 2004 election.

I still occasionally come out of my spider hole, but less and less often.

The current tone on DU makes me disinclined to post, not because people argue. I relish that. It's the personal attacks and name calling I can't stand.

[justinaforjustice]

101. Lurked Since 2004 JK Disaster, Joined Thereafter, First Posted in 2006.

Just looked at the number of posts I've made since 2004 -- under 500. I don't think I've ever paid attention to anyone else's number either.

[Luna_Chick]

102. I'm another one

Longtime lurkin' member, right here. :D :hi:

And glad to see this thread. Just because not all of us are constantly posting doesn't mean we're not around here and out there giving a damn. Seems a shame that those with lower post counts are given less credibility than some others who are beyond the 1000 post count but don't always do much more more than start hundreds of "I just cut my toenails, ask me anything" threads.

Edited for spelling.

[ldf]

103. i have a low post count for a reason (since 2001)

although i do log on daily, i don't have extended periods of time to spend sitting here posting. maybe an hour or two. i seldom can get through the front pages of latest breaking and general discussion, in that time.

i do frequently post short retorts, maybe even snarks. i'm human.

but i do put a lot of thought into my longer posts, taking 30 minutes or hour, to compose one. i keep re-reading them and think of something else. i usually have to just pick a point and stop.

but i usually post them and don't come back on for a day. if they are already off the front page i figure everyone who is interested has seen, read, and responded, if they so feel. i would never drag a post back to the front page just to defend my position. i'm pretty confident in my position, so a back and forth is not going to do much. and some of my positions may surprise, and not fit the hardcore liberal mold...

although i was very happy to find du, i have found that even though i would categorize myself as a hardcore liberal, i am certainly not of the cookie cutter variety liberal. i have come to my opinions over many years. i'm not incapable of changing, but my beliefs are strong.

i HAVE come to realize that post count is completely irrelevant, since many can rake up a huge number in a few days. but it is also pretty obvious, at least to me, what they are doing.

we have quite a few of the enemy amongst us. freepers, repubs, corporate trolls, blue dog supporters, and even dlc'ers. all of them want to dilute the strength of du. and they want to do it for a reason.

hopefully du will continue to be a place of thought, discussion, planning and purpose.

otherwise, they will, once again, have won.

and that is my main beef. WE HAVE GOT TO QUIT LETTING THEM WIN. and that must start with our global democratic strategy, and with our so-called democratic leaders.

we either stand for principles, or we stand for selling out just to win. there are some issues where there is absolutely no room for compromise. i would like to count myself in the former group that is true to the principles of the democratic party of the past, rather than the latter, which apparently are for sale to the highest corporate bidder.

we have, or we thought we had, the most advantageous opportunity ever presented to us to address many issues that have been simmering for the last eight years. and we may have already lost that opportunity. THAT is why so many here are at our wit's ends.

the question is, do we still have the opportunity? or are we already "whistlin' past the graveyard?" thanks to those freepers, repubs, bluedogs and dlc'ers...



YMMV

:shrug:

[ILFightinDem]

117. Prolly longer than 'last eight years'

I agreed with pretty much everything you said, except for the 'eight years' part. I tend to think one or more of the following...
a) Thirty years (circa Raygun)
b) "in my lifetime" (those my age and younger...I'm mid-40's)
c) "ever" (although we've had similar (& even greater) supermajority status earlier in the century, IIRC).


And now I've posted twice in the same thread, for once... :o

[HomerRamone]

104. Hey, I spend too much time on the Internets

and I have OTHER sites I read, some even not political, believe it or not ~(_8^(|)

[bigmonkey]

105. Still not to 1000 posts here.

I actually don't know when I joined. I could swear that it was just after the 2000 election, is that possible? It was before the Great Reworking, or whatever the major upgrade was that disrupted the continuity of the site.

Anyway, yes, just because you have a low number of posts is not a reason for suspicion. Heck, with all the money sloshing around the world for nefarious political actions, you could make a case that anyone over 1000 posts here is bribery bait.

[sense]

106. Low post numbers could

simply mean they only post on subjects they know something about, instead of jumping in where perhaps they should have just read and learned.

Individuals. We all are.

[quarbis]

107. low count not necessarily a bad thing.

I have belonged since 2000 or 02 I can't remember.
I post only when I have something to say.
I don't get K&R.  Builds up your post but doesn't really
tell much about your beliefs.
 

[MrMickeysMom]

108. I am suspect of anyone who would rush to big post counts, anyway...

... after hitting the 1,000th post, it was less climatic to say, and more encouraging DO. So I did...

I think it is better to have run (local govt) and won that based on values discussed on DU than to rush to comment on DU.

[insidejoke]

109. I Post Infrequently...

...but I visit nearly every day. The few posts I've made have mostly gotten really polite responses from others. I suppose that I use DU mostly to stay informed as to progressive thoughts and opinions on various topic, so unless I feel especially knowledgeable in an area I like to observe more than anything. That also gives me an opportunity to assess my own feelings and opinions privately. All in all, I think there's a lot of great thought, insight, and debate on DU, but I also think there's a lot of "the right's primary strategy is to debase itself to gut reaction and character assassination, so it's OK for us to do it, too" and that sorta thing puts me off a lot.

(Plus, I was in law school for most of the past three years. That can take a big chunk out of your "say something insightful" time.)

[tabasco]

111. I don't give a shit how many post somebody's got.

If they say stupid shit, I'm gonna tell 'em.

[quiller4]

112. I've been around since 2005 and just made it to that "magic" number.

[JNelson6563]

113. Hear, hear!

While I have many posts, I can see how one can be here for years and have few. Of course the posts I've got these kids nowadays rack up in their first three months so what do I know? ;-)

Cheers to all--high post count, low post count, cheers to every damn one o' ya! :toast:

Julie

[Gemini Cat]

114. July 2003

I have a few more than 2000. Big deal.
Does that make me more or less a Democrat?

[1awake]

115. Been a member for over two years and haven't hit 1000 yet,

But I'm not much for typing out every thought that crosses my mind. Much of the time I find myself content simply siting here and taking in others thoughts and experiences.

[Gamey]

116. Check!

The really great threads are the ones where most of the spectrum is presented before I ever have a chance to respond. A lot of times not posting simply means I'm singing with the choir.

[jules1962]

118. thank you so much

This needed to be said.

[Doris32r]

119. I was 32 when I became a member :)

hence the 32 in my name...I am now 36! Really I don't respond because 1. my computer at work is monitored so even though it is okay to goof off during break or lunch, I know it is still monitored so I never log on to personal sites so I can't comment. And 2. generally someone has already given a response that I agree with :) so I don't comment.

I probably should be more sociable though :)

[Stargazer09]

120. Hi!

I've been a registered member since 2004, although I was a lurker for a while before then.

:hi:

[proReality]

121. Self delete

[sagetea]

122. I'm checking in!

I read everyday, post very little!

Ho
Sage

[pitchforksandtorches]

123. IRAN BANS SANTA

TEHRAN – President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad of Iran has declared Santa Claus a “Public Enemy” of Iran.
In a statement to the people he said that no violation of Iran’s borders would be tolerated. “We cannot allow this Christian figure to enter our lands without permission, to enter our homes, and force Western culture onto our impressionable young children! This is a Crusader with a sleigh! The people of Iran will be protected from this invader! If he enters our borders he will be shot down on sight!”
http://weeklyworldnews.com/politics/14676/iran-bans-santa/

[trusty elf]

170. Osanta bin Hidin'

:crazy:

[NikolaC]

124. Thanks for saying this

I agree with you, not everyone with a low post count is a troll. I have only been a member of DU for a couple of years, but I lurked off and on a little while before I joined. As you can see, I have yet to hit the magical 1000 posts, mainly because I prefer to read the posts. I rarely post OPs because I have a bad habit of nitpicking everything that I write. I do remember some members being very welcoming when I first started posting here and have seen members do that for other newbies as well so it is not everyone who is suspicious of the new posters :-).

[Mosaic]

125. Love the forum

It's one of my top 5 sites, but I post at blogs most of the time. Adding all my posts over the past 5 years would be well over 1000, that's what counts to me.

[ROFF]

131. As a Canadian

I feel that I am interfering if I post to much. I have never K&R'd, unreced twice but do rec quite often.

I live in Saskatchewan, home of medicare in Canada but I think that the most important legislation that the US needs is campaign finance reform. It would return your congress critters to work for the public instead of the largest campaign contributors. Then HCR would be easy.

[mackdaddy]

126. I only post if I truly have something of value to add ...

Just because you have posted a lot, does not mean you have added a lot to anything other than your post count.

[pleah]

127. K&R

[Divine Discontent]

128. and in turn, I'm sure the lower post count users appreciate the people who provide things for them

to read and think about. I know I do. I'm only a moderate user (12000 posts in 5 years). But yeah, it's wise to check if someone has 100 posts before assuming they are new.

[Utopian Leftist]

130. I've been reading here

since 2004.

I rarely have time to read an entire thread. And I feel I must, if I'm to respond without repeating what someone else has already said. When I have a strong feeling about something and thoughts or ideas that no one else has expressed, then I speak up.

And sometimes I'm just too damn stoned (legally, here in Cali) to pay that much attention.

I think the country is still too divided for major reform to occur. Until we progressives start selling our world-view the same way the conservatives do: to the lowest common denominator (like Grayson does), we will sadly not prevail in changing the direction far enough to the left.

And Joe Lieberman is dogshit. Dog. Shit. (In case no one has said THAT in the last ten minutes, lol.)

[jonmiller74]

132. I've been coming to DU for a while but joined only recently. I don't

post much because I usually have very little to add to the discussion.

[Stinky The Clown]

133. I have far less trust in new members with high post counts acquired in a few days

But mostly actions speak loudest.

[DesertDiamond]

134. Thank you for defending us! :-)

[MyUncle]

136. Thank YOU!. I don't say much at parties either.

I learn way more when I am listening than talking, when I am reading than writing and when I am watching than being watched.

Mahalo, Aloha and Happy New Year.

[zeos3]

137. Good Post.

I lurked here for a couple of years before I actually became a member. I was content reading the news stories and opinions. I can't remember what it was that made me register to post a comment but I was compelled to voice an opinion on whatever it was.

I've been a member for 4 years or so and still haven't reached 1000 posts.

[SnohoDem]

138. Joined in July 03

and I've visited DU almost every day since, but rarely even log in.

DU looks 'lively' enough without my input.

[Bear down under]

139. How long before you qualify as 'long term"?

I've been registered since February 2006, which is a few weeks short of four years, though have been reading since mid-2004.

I post when feel I can make a contribution to a discussion that interests me -- but there are three things that limit my posts.

The first is that most of the discussions don't greatly interest me. That isn't meant as a criticism: after all, this is a US-based board and its chief subject of interest is American politics, the partisan details of which are mostly of limited interest to a foreigner.

Second, the time-zone differences mean that many a discussion that does interest me has been up and running for a while before I see it, and by the time I do someone has already made the point I would have done.

Third, it takes time to compose a worthwhile post, and I already spend too much time on the internet as it is.

That said, I do find myself visting less than I used to. It's partly that American politics aren't (from my point of view) very interesting at the moment, but partly that the tone of the discussions has grown a good deal more combative than it used to be.

[needledriver]

140. Joined DU in 18 Nov 2004

But had a, um, lapse in membership that it took me a while to work my way out of. I have been a productive, donating member since 2007. Even had a couple of Greatest Page posts and a Duzy.

[Johnny Harpo]

141. Same For Me

I don't really remember exactly when I joined. I read once in a while or when my significant other comes across something that sets her off, but I just don't post much.
That said for the limited posts I have, I did get a DUzy once.
This is and alwaus will be the greatest place to get the real and vetted news.
DU can vet something faster then anything...kind of makes you wonder why the Govt can't find out about some nominee's back taxes, girlfriends etc.

[TheModernTerrorist]

142. Been here for 5 or 6 years now

But rarely post.
...Always come here for my news though :-)

[No Passaran]

143. I don't have many posts, but I've been here since DU started

Throw in multiple tours of Iraq and you can guess the reason

[No Passaran]

144. What thread is that?

[canetoad]

149. This one

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x7326412

[bermudat]

145. Member since 2002 and still haven't broken the magical 1000 posts.

[MadHound]

146. Nice post,

I've been here a while, and while my post count isn't terribly low, I remember when it was and what it was like.

My thought has always been that it doesn't matter what a member's post count is, but rather the substance of their postings.

[Chipster]

150. Read frequently, post rarely

That about wraps it up. Like to read the articles and opinions, have a few fav authors I follow.

[FreeCajun]

151. Especially with a name like the one I picked ... from a red state?

[Marlana]

152. I'm one! Been reading DU since 2001, member since 2005.

I spend a lot of time on here, I just rarely post. I've never been good at participating in discussions online, I'm a much better speaker than writer and have a hard time getting my point across so I tend to stay pretty quiet.

[MattSh]

153. 50 months here...

<<--- That many posts.

[SydneyBristow]

154. Been here since 06

Was a lurker for the first year, and now am slowly getting into posting, but I have read almost every day!

Syd

[MikeH]

155. I just recently made my 1000th post here

I joined DU in April 2002 and made my first post in May 2002, and have just recently (this past September) made my 1000th post here. It took me just a little less than 7 1/2 years to make 1000 posts.

I am by nature not an outgoing person, and am more of an introvert than an extrovert. This is true both in real life and in a discussion board like this. I am particularly not given to small talk or banter of the kind seen in the DU lounge, again either in a place like the lounge or in real life.

And I am not particularly good at keeping up with the latest in current happenings and with understanding the implications of current happenings as they happen. That being the case I normally don't comment in threads about current happenings, though I try to read them, or at least some of them, just to get a basic understanding of what is going on, and of things that I know affect me. I am glad that there are other people who are good at presenting and analyzing current happenings and their implications.

I normally don't post something unless I have something definite to say.

Sometimes when I do have something to say about something that is of particular interest or importance to me I need to take time to think about what I want to say and how to say it. It often happens, particularly for Big Forum threads, that by the time I have been able to think about what I have wanted to say the thread is archived. I have sometimes posted in a thread a few days or a week after the last previous post in the thread was made.

I go through times I am posting fairly often and other times when I hardly post at all. I have been taking classes at my local community college for the past couple of years, including this past semester. Often I have been busy with class work, which has taken precedence over posting here on DU (as of course it should). Right now I have a month before the next semester starts; I might or might not (but more likely will) be taking one or more classes again next semester. I have also started working on a project recently that will hopefully be turning into a job.

[Babel_17]

157. Check :)

[Elwood P Dowd]

158. This is my 7th year on DU and my 8th year if you count lurking and just reading

the posts. In all these years I only have about 5,000 posts. A friend of mine who joined this site long before me has almost none, but he reads the site religiously and knows everything happening on DU.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

160. I haven't been very long but post frequently.

I just seem to have an opinion on everything and can't help expressing it.

I would sure like to hear from all of you more often. This is just such a
great place to get a pulse on the issues and how folks are feeling about
the direction of the country.

[BlueCollar]

161. relatively low post count here..n't

[Oldtimeralso]

162. 4Years 11 Months Today...

and still not to 1000, close but no cigar. Long time lurker (think I got here from post on Salon board) Made the greatest page twice and three Duzys, I think. Held a full time + at least one and sometimes two part time jobs until two years ago when I was medically disqualified from my full time job and led to a disability, wore my body out and was thrown out a year before I was due to retire. This event gave me time to post.

[bigpenguin]

163. What?

I have been on here for quite a while - in fact, I have to post this and then check to see, but I'm pretty sure it's been over 5 years.

i don't post a lot. Why? Because I like to read other opinions, see what people are saying, and see if it fits in with how I'm thinking. I don't feel like I have a ton to add to what's being said, but if I have something to say, I'll post.

Remember, it's not the size of your post number, it's what you say with each post that counts.

[bigpenguin]

164. there

what do you know - it's been seven years, and these two posts still don't bring me to 100. Guess I'm not a valid member here. Well, maybe in 63 more years I'll have reached that important 1000+ mark...

[Lorax]

165. Checking in

Only 298 posts since 2005. I guess I'm just suspicious.

Or maybe I like to listen (or read) more than I speak. Maybe I'm here to learn and not to act like an expert on everything. Maybe I'm kinda busy and don't have time to respond to every inane thing I see.

[nannah]

281. love your sig line

both my adult children teach special ed: my son teaches 5th and 6th; my daughter teaches early intervention preschool. i worked in special ed in the mid late 70's. what do you teach? how is the texas system?

[davidpdx]

166. I've been here since Feb 2008 and still have less then 1000 posts

Oh shit, no that's not right. :hide:

[rpannier]

167. Low post numbers might mean people have lives outside of DU

Oh, the HORRORS!!!!
Quick! Someone pass me my smelling salts.
I think I'm getting the vapors.

[farren]

168. I found DU in early 2001...

but didn't join right away; I can't remember when I actually joined, but it was a long time ago. I read it nearly every day, but I don't write much, because usually by the time I think of something relevant to say someone else has said it much more eloquently than I can.

[zoff]

169. I don't remember when I joined,

but I haven't been accused of being a troll. Yet. I've been criticized and that's ok by me.

That said, it is good practice to read prior posts to understand where members stand.

[Simeon Salus]

172. Since Rudy considered running for a third term...

...in November 2001.

Just because I don't post a lot doesn't mean I don't value these forums. Through these forums I first read of the impending mortgage crisis (in 2002).

[Wink]

173. I've been here since the beginning of DU

I don't post too often but when I do usually someone "welcomes me to du". I don't get mad because it's kinda funny. In my defense I have written numerous articles here and have hand several dozen letters to the editor printed in all kinds of papers. Each one ripping republicans for their idiotic policies.

[Speed8098]

174. Readalot & Postalittle

When DU was young I posted much more than I do now. I guess I just don't have the fortitude to try and sway people anymore. It's a bitch trying to fight the propaganda that's produced ad-nauseum........by both sides, moreso from the right, but our guys spout the bullshit too.

[greenbird]

175. I rarely post

but read every day since discovering DU last year. I must say that the nastiness and personal attacks of many responses make me think long and hard before posting anything . . .

[tallahasseedem]

176. Started reading in 2004, joined in 2005...

I read DU everyday, but rarely post unless I feel I have something to add that hasn't already been said (which is rare).

[RTBerry]

177. Registered Nov 12th 2004

Thank you for the topic. Seeing others held in suspicion (sometimes with open hostility) because of their low post counts has deterred me from greater participation. But I see it as but one symptom.

I think there's a segment of folk who identify themselves as progressives/liberals who, because of their spiritual beliefs and personal inclinations, find open antagonism off-putting. Perusing the spiritual sub-forums, one can't help but notice the low levels of activity there; and this may be directly attributable to an unintended screening process that occurs in the more visible forums, where the atmosphere is more rough and tumble.

Perhaps this is reflective of the evolution of political "journalism" we've witnessed over the last few years. It seems that shouting and confrontation has increasingly displaced reasoned debate and in-depth analysis, with the result that the mainstream news looks more and more like professional wrestling. It may be part of a broader cultural development.

In any event, it is usually safer to read than to post, if by posting one risks ridicule and hostility.

[Ferretherder]

178. I'm right there with ya'!...

...as evidenced by my post count - and the fact that I've been here since just after the first selection!

...oh well...

[bushalert]

179. COUNT me in!

I joined DU in 2003, got suspended on the night of the Kerry / Shrub election for saying it didn’t look good for Kerry and got re-instated a couple of months ago, after begging for forgiveness (and contributing $10 for a cool DU bumper sticker, which I proudly sport on my car). I am politically far-left and love DU for the Breaking News section. However, I get a little bored with the "preaching to the choir" mentality, that I find on this and other political blogs. I find most posts are irrelevant, as mine usually are, so I don't usually bother posting. But I frequent the Breaking News section almost daily and REALLY appreciate the efforts made at keeping things moving here.

[stilpist]

180. I don't check in here as often as I used to.

Seldom more than once a day.
I read, I ponder, I learn. Once in a while I'll throw in a comment, but not often. Outside, I try to do a little here and there to make the world a better place, but it's tough. Humans are not particularly nice animals. And more and more I think that this experiment that has been the U.S. is over. I'm still a Democrat, because I think that it's the only chance we've got. But I sure do wish it was a liberal party.

[Lemonwurst]

181. DU is where I start my news search

Been on DU since probably 2001, switched my username a year or two after that, and as much as I can, have contributed to all the quarterly drives.

But not often do I feel the need to comment. It takes me some time to think out my point of view. And by that time, some other poster has usually pretty much nailed it.

However, I find that in general, the contributors to this forum are intelligent and thoughtful. I appreciate the links to major papers, overseas articles, science trends and all the factual references provided that make this more than just a partisan forum. It has become my de facto launching pad for getting my daily news. I grew up in an era where news was considered a necessary and serious public service, so what passes for news reporting today on the MSM is completely useless to me. This and similar websites facilitate what has become a 10-year (and probably lifetime) boycott of typical news media, and my wife and I are much better off for it. May the MSM rot in consumer-abandonment hell...

By the way, I have no problem with the impassioned screeds, concern trolls, unrec'ing of posts and whatever else seems to irk many of the population here. It's healthy to disagree, to become angry, elated, depressed, suspicious - even to change course on your own opinion. That's good therapy, and really cheap now thanks to the internet.

Last thing: many of you have a wonderful sense of humor. That alone speaks volumes about the overall character of we who would be deemed liberals. And maybe that's one of the pillars of personality that isn't really shared by the other side. From what I can see, there really is no humor in the typical conservative point of view. It's so flat, so 2-dimensional, so absent of nuance, a world totally gray and frightened. For us, it's fun and exciting to consider what might be, as opposed to what is and always was. Yet humor is often the only armor against the unknown, and I believe liberals wear it proudly.

[peacetalksforall]

206. What you say here about humor is so true. It is one of the ways to

ferret out independent trolls, paid 'don't go there' naysayers, thought and view disruptors.

"Last thing: many of you have a wonderful sense of humor. That alone speaks volumes about the overall character of we who would be deemed liberals. And maybe that's one of the pillars of personality that isn't really shared by the other side. From what I can see, there really is no humor in the typical conservative point of view. It's so flat, so 2-dimensional, so absent of nuance, a world totally gray and frightened. For us, it's fun and exciting to consider what might be, as opposed to what is and always was. Yet humor is often the only armor against the unknown, and I believe liberals wear it proudly. " Lemonwurst

Thanks. Enjoyed the rest of what you said, also.

This has been an insightful thread.

[Paper Roses]

183. If you switch user names for any reason except amnesty, you

forfeit your post count. I've been around a long time but for personal reasons, I asked to please allow a change of name. Because I had to use the same e-mail address, the former name was deactivated. It really bothered me to see the years and post counts vanish but it was for the best.

[negativenihil]

186. I've been around since around 2004

if i recall correctly.

[connecticut yankee]

187. It took me seven years

from 2001 to 2008.

I won't post unless I feel I have something worthwhile to add to the discussion.

[bigscott]

188. thanks

it is especially irritating when some with 1000+ posts reply to their own posts everytime someone else comments.

I hope all my DU friends have a healthy and happy New Year

Peace

[Sedona]

189. started lurking in 2002-03

I think I stumbled onto a DU link through a message board on Air America"s site

[BAPhill]

190. What? I'm some sort of closet conservative?

Get real!

[Highway61]

192. Thank you.

is all I have to say. I lurked here for years, joined in 2007 and I don't post all that much.
I was told in the beginning to have a thick skin...boy, was that some seriously good advice. I didn't see Oregonblue's thread, however, but I will read it now.
I can see there are a lot of good people on this board, more than a few insensitive posters and WAY too many (as of late) abrasive and caustic meat heads with the attention span of a gnat (a.k.a. Freepers.)
Thanks for this thread, long over due and proud that my post count is what it is. I didn't join to win a popularity contest but to open, expand and share views.

[logosoco]

193. I can't really remember when I "joined" up here...

or even how I found this place. But I am really glad I did. I could not have made it through the hell that bush/cheney brought to our country if it was not for DU.
It seems like when I post in a thread, the thread dies. This happens in real life a lot, when I say something, the conversation dies. So, I don't chime in much. But I am reading all the time. And laughing a lot!!!!!

Here's to a new decade that I hope will be great for all of us. We need it because the last one realllllllllly sucked. (Except for becoming a grandma to two great boys).

Peace!

[Shrek]

194. I joined in 2002

Most of the time when I find a thread of interest, anything I might have to add has already been expressed by someone else.

I still visit a couple of times a day and I enjoy reading the forums.

[Magleetis]

195. Low poster here

This site is a great resource for information. I don't type well and my written english skills are marginal. I'm working on it.

[MsLeopard]

197. Been here since

January 2001. You can see I don't post much, but I love this place and have supported it for nearly a decade now.

[NinetySix]

198. Over 1000, but...

...only 1212 since 2003.

I also read much, post little.

I've always wondered, when looking at poster's profiles, how in the world you can get over 1000 posts since, say, last June. It took me until about '06 or '07 to get 1000, and I'm not much over that now.

I do worry about the civility of this forum. When reading, I often find myself more inclined to alert than post anymore. There's a hell of a lot more vitriol, particularly of the petty variety, that goes on display here than there ever was back during the dark days of 2003. It's divisive, and we have to consciously decide whether we are an integral community anymore. A lot of long-timers have already long since left, but as for myself, I'm content to lurk for the valuable stories that get posted here.

[DailyGrind51]

200. Maybe, they are actually walking their talk?

Perhaps, instead of spending their time posting, they are attending town hall meetings, canvassing their neighborhoods, writing "letters to the editor", and contacting legislators' offices?

[Technodaoist]

201. Quality over quanitity

Ive been attacked for my low post count, and all it does is show the ignorance, impatience, and intolerance of the attacker.

If you think 1000 posts actually means anything other than the fact 1000 posts have been made, then you lack the level of intelligence in a person I'd want to debate anyway.

"I wish that before jumping on a low count poster folk would take the trouble to check their membership date and maybe even read a few of their posts before making a hasty judgement." I, too, tried to make that point to my attackers. A couple understood and actually relented. Most would rather react than research - a common problem that knows no political stripe.

It's called projection. Don't blame me for my posting habits if you feel you haven't posted enough.

The only other option is youre an agent blogvacteur, and your argument is menat to sow confusion and dissent.

Either way, kiss my <1000 posts ass.

[NashVegas]

202. I Really Don't Care If Your Feelings Are Hurt

Every primary season, I see posters who have been here for 3->6 years and have less than 2k posts under their belts suddenly jump in to do one thing: insult and belittle people who have a different candidate from you.

To put it more bluntly, as another did: most longtime, low-count posters come in to disrupt and don't do much else.

80% of the worst forum spammers during primary season are low-count posters who use DU as a campaign tool, and don't give a flying fuck what they do to the community of posters who contribute and build the site to what it is the other 2 & 1/2 years per cycle.

[Technodaoist]

204. I don't care that you don't care

What a lame excuse to be a knee-jerk reactionary.

If you "know" this, then attacking every person that could be guilty regardless of their guilt is very logical... Why not verbally assault everyone with a car? Some of them speed, some of the drive drunk, and some are narrow-minded short-sighted asses - but you'd never attack your own would you?

Trolls should be ignored. I'm sorry I broke my own rule on you.

You seem to care enough to post about how much you didn't care. I'll say it again. Kiss my <1000 posts ass.

[NashVegas]

221. Yes, I Know

"I don't really post, and I'm sorry to say when I do it's usually a snarky reply..."

If the foo shits ...

[Technodaoist]

229. Thank you.

For doing your research. I appreciate the fact you actually followed up.

And for selecting the information that supports your argument.

Did you read the whole thread? Do you know why I said that? Or did you simply pull a partial post while avoiding other posts in the same thread (or even the REST of that post). I doubt it - you don't care. Apprently full disclosure in a post simply means you get attacked for that disclosure.

You've validated the points being made in this thread better than any other post thus far. Congratulations.

[Goldstein1984]

203. Thank you...

I've been on DU for just over two weeks, and my first week I received the following reply to one of my posts: "Right, Noob. You won't make 1000 posts." The DUer who wrote that was recently terminated as a disruptor.

Having experienced the discrimination, and having seen some fantastic posts from "noobs," I decided never to just a DUer by the post count.

[Lady President]

205. Lurk Daily, Post Rarely

I'm another one who has been lurking since 2001 and posting rarely since about 2003.

As someone who is dyslexic, it makes me nervous to post. I spend so much effort trying to make sure that everything is spelled correctly and there are not syntac errors that it's not worth it. In real life, I'm very outgoing and have met quite a few wonderful DUers. Online I'm content to lurk unless I have something valid to say.

[Highway61]

274. Post what you want

and SAY what you want. I was and am still in your shoes. If the spelling police come to visit...SCREW them...they weren't paying attention to what you had to say anyway. My dad had an old saying...."get a new car and NO ONE will say a word about it...but put a good dent into it and they come out of the wood work.....hey what happened to your car?????" Nuff said? You sound like good people...glad your here.

[Betty Karlson]

209. Kicked and recommended. N/T

[Ranting_Wacko]

210. K&R

I don't speak unless I have something worth saying and am thankful for the wisdom to know how rare those occasions are. :)

[PatSeg]

211. I used to come here and just read for a long time

before I finally signed up in January 2004 and that was only to respond to a particular post. I didn't get interactive until the primaries and everyone assumed I was new. Fortunately I only encountered one rude person and I have to say it was a real turnoff. That is why I make it a point to welcome anyone who I perceive as new. I have to wonder how many members have been put off by some of the rude behavior and didn't return.

Thanks for your post. It is something that needed to be said.

[donco6]

212. True.

Something that might help would be to have a journal posting and a few things in your profile. That always gets me suspicious when I see nothing there.

[chemp]

213. I.ve been here sine 2001

Followed a link to the Top ten conservative idiots. The first one.
This site in my news source. I only post when i have something to contribute, or interest is sufficiently piqued.

The number of times I have been "Welcomed" or accused of being a troll almost equals my post count.
But I can't be a troll, can I? I spell my words correctly. :eyes:

<edited to correct spelling>:rofl:

[OBrien]

234. same here....

and contribute$. Don't post much sometimes because I assume I'll be called a troll.

[OBrien]

235. same here....

and contribute$. Don't post much sometimes because I assume I'll be called a troll.

[M_A]

214. mostly a reader

I only comment when I feel I have something really important that I want to share. Most of the time someone else here or on one of the many other liberal blogs I frequent beats me to it. Some people come to blogs to argue with others, when I thread sinks to petty I move on to another. there is a lot of aggression and rude partisan gamesmanship that prevails on several of these blogs, some of us don't get off on that crap so we just keep quiet and look for the threads dominated by the civil liberal posters.

[DukeDevil]

216. I love this place!

I have been on DU and reading for several years. If post counts included posts read as well as authored, I would be in the millions :) I guess I don't feel the need to post because what I would say often gets posted before I get to the conversation.

[Big Muff]

217. I'm just a reader...

Hi :hi:

I think this is my 5th post. Been a member since 2003 but I've been reading DU basically after it started up...after the whole Bush/Gore thing. I was very upset. I like to check DU because I think DU is a good source of important news that is missed in much of the MSM but I don't post often because I think arguing on the internet is needlessly infuriating.

Anyway, please don't welcome me...I been here longer than you. :)

[undergroundnomore]

218. I have a low post count

Then again I am working a full-time job and caring for a very sick family member who is in his late 70's. I am lucky to have a few minutes to myself and when I do I try to sneak over here to read the posts on the DU. I learn so much. Often I don't post because I am lucky to have time to get on here to read let alone to post. Many times I just don't feel I have the ability to make a post that is anywhere near as well written as the original thread. There are many times that when I do post it's to ask questions about points in the original post that I want clarified.

Is it better I post a bunch of posts that say "kick" or "rec" to bring up my forum count or wait until I have something to say that is more important? Even in "real life" I am not a person who tends to talk much to people I don't know. I am the kind of girl who hides in the corner in a gathering because I feel so socially awkward. While it's easier to post things on the web I still wonder if people are judging me harshly.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate the DU. I could never pay you all back for all the information I have gained by coming here. I hate to think that I am suspect because my post count is low.

[Locrian]

220. I just never hit it at the right time

By the time I see something, and figure out what I want to say - the thread is dead.
Kinda the same in real life! Always late to the party....

Been here a long time - only reason I have any number of posts.

(now watch this thread die)


But I love this site. My major source of news (at least a starting point).

[undergroundnomore]

223. Aren't lurkers different than trolls?

Can't you be a lurker who comes to read forum posts without being a troll? Isn't trolling a contact sport?

Like I said in a previous post, I'm caring for a very ill family member. Right at this moment, my fil is finally asleep after a very difficult night. the dishes are in the sink calling me to get them done. the house definitely needs clean but then again I spent a great deal of time yesterday cleaning up vomit. After I get through with this post I will probably check my email and then try to get some sleep. does that make me a bad person? Like I said I come here to try to find some sanity in my little world which keeps getting smaller and smaller as I spend more time as a caregiver to an elderly relative.

Thanks for understanding.

[Johnny ramone]

239. I've lurked for years before registering.

So yes I understand to a certain degree,having health problems myself.Take care.

[undergroundnomore]

302. thank you

I appreciate your response. It is people like you that make me come back to the DU over and over. Thank you.

[juajen]

291. Bless your heart!

My husband died in August from a disease and complications from surgery in 1984; so, I was actually his caregiver for 25 years. There is a special place we caregivers go to to get added strength. I hope yours is always DU or whatever it takes for you to know that you are a special, loving person who God. or whoever you believe in. decides is strong enough to care for very special souls.

[undergroundnomore]

301. thank you

While I do get a break when I work, when I am home (and I am home during the holidays)his care falls to me. There are good days for my father-in-law and there are bad days. Sadly the bad days are becoming more frequent.

Even though my husband does help with his father's care you can tell this is taking a toll on him. Sometimes I feel like we have no moments alone together as a couple and if we do then one or the other of us is tired and frustrated.

My husband's brother is overseas so he cannot help with his father's care. Friends eventually drop by the wayside. They might email you or call you but you no longer have the time or energy to devote to doing all those little things that keep a friendship as close as it once was.

For me, sneaking on the DU is a touchstone. I can actually keep up with what is going on in the "real world", the world outside of work and being a caregiver. I wish I could spend more time on the DU but generally I have to spend just a few minutes here and there.

I am sorry for your loss. I know and understand that it isn't easy. Just a few years ago we provided my mother-in-law with hospice care. When she died it was devastating. We took his father in to live with us but he has gone downhill since the loss of his wife.

Thank you for your response. I can't tell you how much it meant to me.

[footinmouth]

225. Checking in

I've been around since August '04 and just don't have all that much to say. I mostly read and hate to jump in the middle.

[HuskiesHowls]

226. It gets boring, reading the OP 50 times,

stated in slightly different words and phrases. Some of these threads run into several hundred replies, and I, for one, don't have unlimited time to spend here, so therefore don't reply, because my point has probably been made by someone else.

I'm aware of my own shortcomings, and lack of knowledge in many areas, so don't comment, unless I can add something new and interesting. I don't care to reply, just to agree or to repeat what someone else has said, as I see that as being the same as "yes you did, no I didn't, yes you did..." type of conversation.

As someone else stated earlier in this thread, I come here to find out whats going on in the world of politics--or what people here THINK is going on. I make up my own mind. The posts made by some people, I read in their entirety, others I just skim past. I've learned in the long, long time I've been here that some posts, by some people, aren't worth spending time on. And I know that there are people who will skim past my posts--its not a big deal.

If something local happens that I feel others may not be aware of, and may be of interest to them....I'll start a post. Its rare, as most news is well covered here, so, rather than start a copycat post, or just add my "me, too"....I don't post.

In the end, for me, it comes down to a few reasons I don't post: I have other things to do in my life besides sitting in front of the computer; someone else has already stated something very close to my views; most things occurring in politics are well covered.

[TripleKatPad]

227. Frequent reader/Infrequent poster here

I'm a reader not a poster. I found DU sometime after the start of the second GWB tour of hell. Became a member in 2007 because I wanted to financially support a site I read every day.

I didn't feel compelled to post until I had an interesting experience with a freeper and my Obama bumper sticker before the election.

I am the type who likes to read, digest, ruminate before expressing my opinion, and only if I think I have something worthy of sharing. If then.

[Prism]

228. Been here almost since the beginning

I used to mainly read DU when living abroad, just to keep in touch with American politics. I was an infrequent lurker though and eventually forgot my log-in name. Created a new one in 2005 and posted maybe 250 posts until the primaries. By June or so, I had about 400 posts. Then the DOMA incident happened, and I've been irritated and disappointed enough with this administration to suddenly have an opinion on just about everything.

This probably won't last. Message boards are more an addiction than a productive use of time. I'll probably slink off back into silence before long. The dynamic here for this administration is pretty settled now, and I'm finding it less and less appealing to bang my head against the same dozen or two posters who plaster crap all over this place as if they were some kind of fecal contractors.

[Mark D.]

230. A Couple Of Years

Low post count. I only reply when I feel I have enough to offer to a thread. I'm definitely a Liberal, and differ from what some see as the standard protocol on only a few things. But I do speak my mind. We should, not everyone is 'Liberal' in the same way. I will be objective and give credit where its due. Example: I can't stand anything Limbaugh, Hannity and Beck says. Except for ONE TIME, Beck tore into how Goldman Sachs has had a large hand in the US Treasury Dept.. His rant, easily found on YouTube with a chalk board showing their 'web' was very much in line with what Matt Taibbi or Thom Hartmann have been talking about (both I will agree with pretty much ALL of the time).

Example: I think Lou Dobbs has gotten too FOX (FAUX) News friendly, but let's be honest, go back a few years. This guy was talking about the exporting of US jobs. He sounded more like RFK Jr. back then vs. Billow Riley now. My disappointment is his getting too far off defending the middle class like he once did. I digress. I have learned to expect that variance in people. I can talk to a fellow Liberal for hours and only disagree on a few out of hundreds of subjects. It doesn't mean I'm 'on the other side'. I respect those, for example, who see this health car reform as at least a step forward, though I think it is mainly a giveaway to health 'insurers', and it does not stop their greed.

They mean well, when they support this reform. I just don't agree and will respectfully debate them. We're still on the same team. But those with a few rare posts, I most notice the problem with often have very few, maybe single digit, and their views are not slightly off like the above health reform debate, but outright anti-Liberal, like what you'd hear from a Freeper. In those cases, it's not hard to figure out who they are. But the solution to this is simple & always should be. Debate them on the merits of what they say, not the numbers. I don't care if a nimrod has 10 or 1000 posts, if he defends the corporate minded GOP platform on something, that's the only red flag that I will need.

[juajen]

293. Your take on Lou Dobbs is very interesting.

In years past, I would never miss his show. I believe he will run for President against whoever the dem candidate is as an independent. He will give someone a run for their money, IMHO.

I am not always in sync with him, though. I feel he has drifted more to the right in recent years and I am more cautious when listening to him. But, I always listen. He would be a mesmerizing candidate.

[blockhead]

231. Kick!

:evilgrin:

[eggplant]

232. I've got a long way to go

But oh well, it's never been a problem for me.

[immune]

233. Better a low count poster than a no count poster :)

Joined up last week after reading DU for some time and have only participated on one thread so far.

There are so many opposing attitudes and beliefs posted on DU that I'm not sure exactly whose ideology I'm supposed to mirror in order to be perceived as having valid ideas. I agree with the stated opinions of many here, which is why I joined in the first place, but not all and I insist on the right to be "negative" toward certain viewpoints if I believe its called for. However, if being in lock step with any given mindset is crucial to membership, particularly being the political party athiest that I have become after so many years of watching the two opposing wings of the vulture eating our lunch, I'd best be heading on down the forum trail in search of open minds.

To explain further where I'm coming from so no one has any reason to question my "trollishness", as cynical as I've become in my six decades of life, I was holding out some cautious hopes that Obama might actually be able to turn this thing around. Now I'm completely immune.

[OneMoreDemocrat]

236. Good post....

I've actually been a member since 2003, and under two different names hit the magic 1,000 post
mark. Changing names (at least for me) was good 'cause it allowed me to join conversations and
not have people judge what I was saying based on who they thought I was and what they were sure
were my political leanings. Kinda refreshing; got into far fewer arguments.

In the last couple of years I do far more reading than posting so my current handle only has
around 500 posts.

Anyhow, I appreciate your posting this.

[Pamela Troy]

238. I've not only been on since 2001

I've been posting pieces to DU since 2001 -- but since the earlier pieces were posted as articles rather than thread posts, they aren't included in my post count. Thus, I've occasionally gotten angry responses from DUers accusing me of being a newbie or a "troll."

It's ridiculous.

[aintitfunny]

240. Under 1K and been here for 6 years.. I think

Been a long time.. that much I know.

[rtassi]

241. Around since '03 Post when I feel like I can make a substantive contribution n/t

[Unca Jim]

242. I am also not a "Yep" poster.

I only post when I have something to say, and I often don't because I don't have the time.

I love DU and I use it for a (biased but still valid) news source and sounding board.

I contribute too, and I joined sometime after Bush stole the 2000 election.


Honestly, I often don't post because of how I've been abused here in the past.

[carolinayellowdog]

243. Almost eight years and under 2000 posts

Some of us are here for the information but too intimidated by the rancor to post much.

[NightHawk63]

244. Been around DU for a long time.

Just don't feel the need to chime in too often. If you actually knew me, you'd see that I'm not much different in person. :)

[Randomthought]

245. Thank you

I'm one of those people.

[Black Adder]

246. Stop talking about me..

:P

[astral]

247. I check post counts sometime

if I want to click on a link someone has left. This is because the rare times my computer has been virus-infected it was 999.9% of the time from clicking on a link on a message board.

So does that mean that someone with more than 1000 posts is more trustworthy than someone with less than 1000 posts? Kind of hypocritical, isn't it, yet I am saying this is what goes through MY head. I only got over 1000 posts recently too, I think it was just two or three months ago.

When I came Democratic Underground, I read the title of the forum as a place where things are practiced in s DEMOCRATIC MANNER; I did not read it as a place where loyal registered Democrats post. I do not have a party affiliation and was not too sure Obama was a great choice for President, however, he was better than the alternative.

Does that mean I don't belong here? I don't know! I like coming here and sometimes get my head bashed in from posting the wrong opinion on the wrong forum, but I just get up and get a cup of coffee and remind myself it's only a message board . . . . it's only a message board . . . it's only a message board . . .

But I do love the Lounge and the LOLCATS and all the crazy off-the-wall things people can talk about.

This thread was a good reality check for me. Thanks! (Now to go to my profile to find out how many posts I have . . . . )

: P

[NeoGreen]

248. k&r n/t

[COLGATE4]

249. Super K&R

I have been on DU since 2000 but rarely posted. Now that I have retired I have more time to read at leisure and respond, as is the case with many DU'ers I suspect.

[bagimin]

250. I plan to croak

before I hit 1000.

[LNM]

252. Checking in. I've lurked since 2002, joined in 2004

I figure I learn more by reading than posting.

[dickthegrouch]

253. As a child I was taught

To "think before you speak, and then don't speak"

It was good advice for a long time.

Then Silence = Death became my mantra

Today, I like to think I have reached a happy medium :)

[Johnny Harpo]

254. 1000+ Posts Equals Instant Credibility?...Just Like....

being a US Senator makes one instantly smart?

[Amerigo Vespucci]

255. Some people here simply like climbing up someone else's a**. It's sport for them, and they suck.

It's that simple. I've been here a while and have a high post count to go with it. I have people coming after a piece of me now and then. I just put them on ignore and go back to what I was doing before I heard the pathetic cries of "baby wants bottle."

:patriot:

[Fla_Democrat]

257. Yo

:hi:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=user_profiles&u_id=109768

[gelinas]

258. checking in

I have been a member since 2/2006, but have only a handful of posts. I don't post just to post; there are so many useless posts on DU, and I don't need to add to them. I have a job, family, kids, etc., and sometimes go for weeks without logging on. I have some down time today, and am scanning the forum for insightful info and arguments. But when I have to read thru 20 or 30 posts to find that one post with a good argument, spending time here is sometimes tedious.

[teewrex]

259. True that, I don't post very often because that is just the way I am but

I love to check in at least once to day to stay informed. I also steer anyone here who I think would benefit from and enjoy this site.

[poiuytsister]

260. Thank you for this, Canetoad!

i have been here for several years but do not feel the need to post just for the hell of it, especially since there are usually a ton of replies by the time I get logged on at night there is nothing new to add. Frankly I am just writing here to see how many posts I have. And btw, just to prove me wrong, if anybody is reading thru all of these replies, please respond to mine -- I am curious. thx.

[gordontron]

261. Yes. so true nt

[nannah]

262. that would be me

working and a busy family life. member since 2002. read du almost daily. especially appreciate jackpine radical, will pitt, kpete, hatrack, and many others. antiwar activist since 1960's; kucinich delegate; war tax resister in 60's and 70's. and trying to hold onto some belief that obama is being pragmatic rather than a sellout to the corporations.

in the 60's in boston, i helped get the Shea Bill passed and authored a chapter in john well's book, "the people vs presidential war" and helped start the group "boston war tax resistance".

now i help people access health care when they are sick as a social worker for the state of WA. i was always told, actions speak louder than words.

[TuxedoKat]

263. I became a member in 2008

I've been here about 18 months. Have 700+ posts.

The ones that make me suspicious sometimes are when they have 200+ posts or more in less than a two week
time period.

[patrice]

264. That's not I, but you are right anyway.

[mantis49]

265. Member since 2002.

I, too, am here every day. I come to read and learn.

I joined during the drum beat to war in Iraq and was furious but had trouble finding like-minded people who shared my outrage. I think it may have saved my marriage, too, because I was angry that my husband didn't share my opinion about the war and we would have long contentious arguments. I do have to say that eventually he came around on that issue after I stopped attacking him and began informing him using information gathered from sources that DU members referenced. He's also finally coming to believe that W was the worst president ever.

[SalviaBlue]

266. I come here almost every day.

Been a member since 2005. I don't post very often.

[udbcrzy2]

267. Here's one

I'm not a real long-timer, but I do come here often and do not post. I donate when I can
which is tough in this economy. I enjoy reading the news and what others have to say. I
do a lot of recommending. Unrecommeding no, not much of that.

[subterranean]

268. K&R

Just trying to get my post count up!

[Name removed]

269. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pocoloco]

270. You have aroused my curiosity canetoad,

where can one find his membership date?

[canetoad]

298. Go to My DU

and activate your profile. Then, next to a poster's name there is a little index-card-like icon. Click this to see your own or another poster's profile.

[juajen]

273. I don't post nearly as much as I used to. I've gotten more cynical

and don't feel that the cynicism is productive. I had plenty to say about Obama's inexperience, and everyone knows just by my avatar that I was a HRC supporter. I have accepted his presidency, however, and hope that his good outweighs the bad. Honestly, nobody's perfect, and I am trying to give him every bit of optimism that I have left. It is sometimes very difficult to do that; but, I hope he improves with time as I have.

I ignore idiots who post on here a lot and keep up with how new people are. Where would we be without new people joining us? More politeness on this board would be a very good thing. In the meantime, don't rock my boat. Drowning is not pleasant, and my post count is nobody's concern but my own.

[sufrommich]

275. Perhaps everybody posting here should cut the

melodrama. It's a political forum on the internets.

[aquamarina]

276. Been here since 2002 - and still trying to get to 1000.

[Saboburns]

277. I think you're talkng about me

500 posts in 6 years.

[firehorse]

279. lurked for several years

I found out I had a full blood sister about 13 years ago. One of the things we both share in common (must be in our genes) is an interest in lefty politics and political forums. This is her "home" political site and when I learned of it from her, I became a regular lurker. In terms of posting though, I mainly posted at my "home" political sites. But those got over taken by libertarians and I got tired of the daily boxing matches as a "socialist" minority. Eventually the political sites where I regularly posted, closed. But I have always been lurking here since my sister told me about the place about years ago. And I have my favorite posters that I read.

I came out of lurkdom and signed up, in the fever and frenzy right after Obama got elected. The photos moved me to tears and I had to speak up. Today I'm too cynical to post much or someone else has already expressed in depth what I would say anyway, so I'm here, but mostly in silence.

[morillon]

289. My sister posts here, too.

She's as dedicated a liberal as has ever lived, and yet her DU post count is well within the range many consider the domain of trolls. She's so busy all year long that she doesn't have time to post here or anywhere else.

[Moochy]

280. Trolls! so many of them!

All in one thread!!!
:yoiks:

Just kidding! Happy Holidays, all ye lurkers! :hi:

[nonsequitur]

283. Checking in

I'm not a long time member and my post count is low. I read the the boards every day. I have a time consuming job, a family, and I don't have time to log in post as often as I would like to. The past 3 months are my busiest months of the year. Hopefully, I will have more time now.

[4sanity]

286. Long time reader, infrequent poster

Quite some time ago I posted my feelings about post-count, 700 club, etc.and was severely reprimanded by the moderater in the form of a personal e-mail, which I thought was rude at best. I still think how many posts you have has absolutely nothing to do with the relevance of your post. I felt so strongly about it that I left for a while and was almost afraid to express my views on this site, which by the way, I enjoy very much. After Bartcop and Buzzflash, it is my daily read. Happy New Year to all my DU friends.

[debannbull]

290. been here much longer than my few posts suggest

working two jobs keeps me just a teenie bit busy.

[debannbull]

292. been here much longer than my few posts suggest

working two jobs keeps me just a teenie bit busy

[skip fox]

294. They read and think. And think.

And their posts are thus informed.

[skip fox]

295. They read and think. And think.

And their posts are thus informed.

[debannbull]

296. membership date question:

How do I find out when i joined? It was 2003 or 3 I believe....

[debannbull]

297. Never mind, found it. 2003.

[Spirochete]

299. I consider myself low-post

Been here almost since DU started, and have what? 3500 posts? I just figure I'll learn a lot more reading than I will writing.

[Tippy]

300. I think DU has lively message board......

Sometimes even a little to lively for me...I've been a member since 2002 considering my start date my post count is relatively low....But you see I have some medical problems and it has become harder over the years to type....always hitting the wrong keys...Also eyes are not getting any younger...as for those who come to derail DU...they have no idea what they are up against...

[grattsl]

303. As they say on sports radio, "Long time, first time"

This is my first post. I had to register to write this, and I hope it is worth it. I don't blog, I don't do the message boards and I normally don't take the time to read many of the comments. I do use DU as a (one of many) source for news. I stumbled on DU because of the Top 10 Conservative Idiots (I think this was back when I was supporting Dean, before Kerry had the nomination) and must say EarlG ROCKS! I volunteered for (as well as donated to) President Obama, and Senator Hagen (NC) in the last campaign. I received the Presidents holiday card that the DNC sent out. I am a registered Democrat. I have to say this only because I don't know if I am a Democrat anymore, but I don't think it is me that made a change. I still stand for the same things, but I'm not sure my party does. This pains me, for in all of my adult life, I never had to question my party the way I have to today. This party, today's Democratic party is losing me, and doing it fast. I don't think I'm alone in this. I won't go Republican, I'm convinced they are wrong (if not evil), but I can't see what is happening now as being any better. What I see is each party fracturing and it may not be a bad thing. This may be the start of four parties in America, and I'm OK with that. My anger at my party is real, and you can yell and scream at how wrong I am, but I don't like how things are going. I feel betrayed by those in leadership. I can tell you that if things don't change the Democratic party will not get my time, my money, or my vote in the future. I am starting to think a new party may be a good thing, and two new parties even better. I do know this is not what I signed up for. I didn't vote for status quo. I'm still waiting for the "Change I can Believe in" and I hope it comes fast. I still want health care reform, but don't see what has happened thus far in congress (mainly the Senate) as doing any good, and it may do harm. I want investigations into the last administration. If they broke they law they should be punished - end of question. I want to be proud of my GOVERNMENT, but right now I am ashamed. I'm ashamed because I helped to put them in power. It is hard to admit when you are wrong, right now I think I was wrong. I sure hope I wasn't, but it looks like this Democratic Party does not deserve my support anymore. I would like nothing more than for them to get it right, but I have lost faith that they will. If I offended anyone I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. I just thought some others may feel the same way. If you don't agree with me, cool, but if you lose future elections, and the Democratic party is out of power, this may well be why it happened.

[myrna minx]

305. Excellent thread.

:hi: to all of our long time Duer friends.

[Hoosier]

306. aye aye

I've been here since early '01, though my profile says '04 --- whatever...I think I got caught up in a server update or something.
I visit DU numerous times daily, just rarely ever post.
Peace.

[kgnu_fan]

308. I have been "here" since Bush Presidency was imposed upon us

I only became "a registered member" during the last election because I felt some hope and wanted to participate ... But usually I do not have much to say. For me, LBN, political video, editorial etc are so useful. I learn a lot from DU everyday....!!!

[Tripmann]

309. Member since May '04 with 350 posts

I try to post only if I've something useful to add to the discussion. Guess it doesn't happen very often ;-)

[cycleberg]

310. read alot and hardly post

I started reading DU early 2001, joined in 2002. I used to read here all the time but don't so much lately. I really wish it wasn't so hard over these last several years to find decent discussions without all the flaming and snarking. Still DU is the best place to research. The reason I don't post is because - by the time I have my thoughts together and ready to reply, someone else already said it twice and better. o. well.