Hello this is David Whitelaw. I saw in a post that people were concerned that this forum was dying. But yet when I ask questions I am called a lurker. Has it ever dawned on anyone here that I may have come seeking answers and am new to this forum. It is no wonder that people are afraid to join in a discussion. Is this actually a forum or has it become a members only club? This is all I have to say.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000

Answers

David: A "lurker" is one who reads the list frequently, but posts seldom. It is not a bad name, just a reference to the fact that the "lurker" is not one of the most frequent contributors. No offense is meant. I'm also a lurker. No biggie.

-- Liz (lizpavek@hotmail.com), January 24, 2000.

Hi David. "just because one is paranoid, does not mean that they are not out to get you."

Seems everyone in here is a little touchy. Post away and ignore idiotic responses. You will soon learn who to appreciate and read and who to ignore.

Welcome to the forum!

-- JoseMiami (caris@prodigy.net), January 24, 2000.

Thankyou both very much and I will continue in this forum. I have little technical knowledge but am long in common sense and courtesy.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

David, You may find this board a cross between 'road rage' and 'a nice neighborhood play ground'. There are goodies and badies everywhere. Just ignore the badies and have a good chat.

Looking forward to your common sense..and SENSE OF HUMOR, because you will need it with some of the people who post here!

Where do you hang yer hat? (generally speaking)

-- ..- (dit@dot.dash), January 24, 2000.

That would depend on weather your male or female. LOL

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Actually I'm from washington State.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Hi David,

Welcome!

I'm a lurker too, but I'm a lady lurker.

Come on in and join our circle of friendship.

-- Lurkess (Lurkess@Lurking.Net), January 24, 2000.

Thanyou very much for the welcome.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Welcome David

If lurking were a crime I'm afraid the majority of us would have been carted off to the pokey long ago :)

Just like in life,discard the trash and keep the treasure.

The one thing I might advise,don't use real email addy as you will be suceptable (sp?) to unwanted spam,virus attacks etc. by those who do not agree with your opinions.It is sad but true and it is quite a shame because it would be cool if we could afford to be more open. The few terrorist' and thought gestapo types have diminished our ability to be neighbors.

I have never been involved in any of the wars and my addy was picked up,sinse then I have recieved all kinds of bullsh?t,it's not worth it.

Again,sad but true.

-- Common Man (me@libertytree.com), January 24, 2000.

Hi, David!

I remember when I first started hanging out here... I lurked quietly for a while, then started posting. KAZAP!!! I was told in no uncertain terms that I was far too ignorant to have a valuable opinion. I think maybe it was JimmyBagaDonuts. I definitely felt insulted and outcast. After a while, though, I learned that there were a few who would blast you no matter what you said (unless you're agreeing with them). More than most would treat anyone with respect, so I toughed it out until I got to know who was who. You'll learn, too. Please don't let some of 'dese bums' turn you off.

I've read a couple of your remarks & posts, David, and you seem like an intelligent life form with good grounding as well as an open mind. Please stick around!

-- Arewyn (artemis31@email.msn.com), January 24, 2000.

David, what tribe? Live on the rez or off??

-- ..- (dit@dot.dash), January 24, 2000.

An American Indian responds to David: (I am not politically correct, sorry)

Welcome to the forum David. I am Oklahoma Cherokee (father's side) what is your tribe?

-- Charli (claypool@belatlantic.net), January 24, 2000.

I am a Colville. My people were from the San Poil Band of Indians before being placed on the Colville Indian reservation in Washington State. We were known as the Dream people. I was born and raised on the REZ. I now live off the REZ about 20 miles away.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

You are lucky to have been raised with your people. My Dad is so secretive. His Mother was full Cherokee and I think his Father at least part Creek but he will not provide any info. about his side of the family at all. Just little hints, but I hear that is typical. Is it your experience that family is secretive about your ancestors?

-- Charli (claypool@belatlantic.net), January 24, 2000.

David- i too am a `newbie` lurker. some are well, `who they are`...and it shows! but by far MOST of the fine people in this forum are of good stock. [STOCK? DID SOMEBODY SAY STOCK??..lol] welcome aboard this forum. by the way i too am of Cherokee blood, mothers side. i have read your earlier remarks and must say you may be JUST what this forum needs to get focused in the issues again and stop `brating`!

-- mutter (murmur@ya.com), January 24, 2000.

No my family is proud of where we came from. Most of us speak Salish as our first language and English as our second. We have many dancers in my family of which I am one. Thanks to our Elders we were able to maintain our culture. We feel beter than no one because we are after all human beings just like any other.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Thanks David, How did you happen to find this forum? Is it Y2K or news of the day? News hits here so fast, it's old news by the time the Newspeople get it.

-- Charli (claypool@belatlantic.net), January 24, 2000.

Hey David "Dream Guy", Hang around! (lurking or posting!)

-- jeile (tjfarrar@bellsouth.net), January 24, 2000.

Actually is is a combination of both Y2k and the somewhat dependable news you get on here. It sure beats the media.LOL And I plan on posting where ever I'm allowed to if that subject brings a question to my mind. I feel I am beter off than most city dwellers as I live in a very rural area. I have my own well and septic system along with a cellar full of food. What worries me now is the shortage of gasoline although we haven't seen it yet in my area. And yes I do have a generator that hooks into my home and I heat with wood.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Guess I better start proof reading my postings. LOL

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Welcome aboard, David!

I lurked for almost a whole year at another forum (Gary North's), then lurked here for a few months (it's actually getting harder to remember how long where), before I gathered the courage to actually start posting.

You'll find lots of wonderful people here; a few that you could do without, but in a way that's a small price to pay for the wild, fascinating ride you'll most likely have here.

-- eve (123@4567.com), January 24, 2000.

Aloha and welcome David!

Actually, things have gotten a great deal more civil during the past couple of weeks... (I guess all those pollies in the NE are out trying to find heating oil and diesel for their Mercedes...)

Not a private club...and much better when everyone feels able to participate.

-- Mad Monk (madmonk@hawaiian.net), January 24, 2000.

Hi David: Like Eve, I was a lurker at the G ary North site. I've been lurking here since rollover and have started posting recently. I respect all opinions thoughtfully and intelligently given.

-- Shoo (flyonthewalls@yahoo.com), January 24, 2000.

Hello again, David. I didn't know when I welcomed you on your first thread that we were neighbors (State Line)! Did you get answers to your questions about gasoline storage?

What kind of dancing do you do? My favorite is the Men's Traditional. I usually manage to make it to the Pow Wow's in Spokane and the Greyhound park. Made it once to the Wellpinit Pow Wow, and would like to go again. It sounds like I've probably seen you dance before...small world.

-- (RUOK@yesiam.com), January 24, 2000.

I am a men's traditional dancer and have danced at all three places.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Hi David!

Since you're new to all this you might be confused about the terminology. A "lurker" is perfectly okay because they mostly hang out in the background and just mind their own business. When they do decide to join the discussion they're generally polite and respectful. A "troll", however, is someone who is intentionally disruptive, rude, abusive and crude. Trolls, for obvious reasons, are not welcome.

LunaC

-- LunaC (LunaC@moon.com), January 24, 2000.

Thankyou for the welcome and the information.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 24, 2000.

Thankyou everyone for the welcome and the advice.

-- David Whitelaw (dande53484@aol.com), January 25, 2000.