Me and writing.

William: I think the way you write is perfect. Keen observations of the world around you, warm, heartfelt, and always a kind word. We actually need more that write the way you do than anything else!

Just remember what happened when you were absent for a short time, MANY noticed you were gone and missed you.

Thanks for the kind words, Shannon. I know that my ability as a writer does not compare with the real writers.

William, this is a good. Write about what you feel passionate about.

I appreciate that, Candy. I just don't have the ideas for a story. Plus I have other drawbacks.

Just think of yourself as having a lively, comfortable conversation with a friend. (Because you are.) What ever would be on your mind, observations, fears, humorous thoughts, etc. you would feel relieved just having a chance to let it all hang out. You have a very active mind, all you have to do is just let it speak through you. You always have something to say. As for vocabulary, I don't think you have to drill yourself or anything like that, all you have to do is just enjoy being around words and they will stick to you.

William, there are different kinds of writers, as there are different kinds of personalities. I think your personal style is great! I feel like I know you by your writing. If were all wrote the same, it would be a boing world! My advice: Keep doing what you are doing

Thanks Olga. I don't have trouble writing short articles about something that has happened or expressing my opinion about something. I just have my doubts about going any farther. I talking about writing stories or novels or most anything that I have not already been doing and I don't think that real writer think much of what I have been writing.

I appreciate that Connie. I just don't know how much what I have been doing really contributes. Sometimes I have a hard time thinking of something to write about.

olga and connie really have great advice, just the fact that you acknowledge you want to be a better writer is a first step in your awareness! everything always gets better when people become aware!! don't give up!! practice, practice, practice! write in a journal and keep your topics all varied! another tip, buy a handheld dictionary/thesaurus and keep it handy.
=0)

Thank you for the advice, Marea. I'm sure it is good advice.

William! STOP PUTTING YORSELF DOWN! You are talking about someone I have come care about. If you keep saying you don't do this or that good enough then you won't be able to do it good enough.

Writing takes a LOT of effort, a LOT of rewording and revising. Some of the articles I have published though short they may be I spent many long hours going over again and again. Changing this, rewording that, looking in a Thesaurus for a better word, searching for words I use too often.

First drafts are always rough drafts, and sometimes the first 100 drafts are pretty rough too. Be patient, take your time, go over it and redo things as many times as it takes until YOU are satisfied.

You do just fine William or else you would not have left such a mark on so many people here so stop picking on yourself!

WOW!!!! awesome advice Clay. Think I might take you up on that $0.02 cent that you are offering....
William, I dont think unless you are a real awful writer, i dont think gatherer's will be to harsh on you.
hop

Clay, I appreciate the advice. I have read a lot all of my life but mostly westerns and detetive and spy books. Probably the wrong king for this. My nest biggest problem is finding something to write about. Every time I try to think of something my mind seems to go blank. Thanks for your input.

Debra, I don't know if I would have that much patience. If I can come up with an idea to write on I just might give it a try. Thanks for the advice.

Hop, that information will be helpful if I start writing more seriously. Thanks.

William, I was told that I should write about what I know best....and that is what I try to do. Whether I do a good job or not (of course, I care) at least it is getting words on paper and writing. I had never thought to write about anything until my son fanagled a writing job for me out of the blue. When I questioned my ability to do it he said, just write like you talk and that should work....and it seems it has.

William, when you write about something that happened to you or something you witnessed, the content is lways entertaining or very touching

So do what Clay suggests. Read a lot and write a lot
And listen to Debra...........stop putting yourself down!

Sonia, your advice and comments are always welcome. I can do like you say. I was thinking of writing something more that just what I have seen and experienced.

As you get more comfortable with writing about what you know, maybe it will spur you on to write fiction later on.

You are probably right, Sonia. Maybe if I write longer articles it will help.

Sounds like you are being critical of yourself again. No one would expect you to not be yourself, so write what you feel comfortable with. We do improve our skills by practicing and doing some of the great suggestions mentioned. Don't worry what others say or think. Be yourself.

I appreciate that, Val.

There are as many different types of writing as there are writers themselves. You have your own unique style. Gather is an excelent place to practice.

I agee with Clay that one of the best ways to increase your vocabulary is to read. I think my vocabulary is quite large and I love to read. What you wrote in your article above is very good in my opinion. Write about what you love and what interests you. I have written in my journal for years and also have been paid for my writing. Just keep on writing a bit each day. I think fiction is very hard; I tend to only write true things or opinion pieces. Write about where you live, what you do, how your life is going. Tell us your opinion about current events or what kind of pets you have. We all have a lot to say! Sometimes too much. Criticism, if given in a kind way, can be very helpful. None of us writes perfectly. Just keep writing.

I'll tell you what I told my students when the complained about increasing vocabulary....one word a day used in 3 sentances will start you on the road to a better vocabulary and if you are at a loss for words, there are some great calendars out there that have a "word of the day" on them...I have used them for years and they are priceless! And BTW, I enjoy your writing and find it refreshing...don't worry about what some people say, there are always those out there in the world that like to be negative and put down others...it isn't necessary but it happens. :-)

I did not expect so many comments and all encouraging, I'm overwhelmed. There are too many to answer individually. I want you all to know that I really appreciate it. I will see what I can do. Thank you.

William, I enjoy your writing. You make me smile at least once a day. If I have a short amount of time to read on Gather, I always read your articles first. WHY? You are a real person, and you appear to be a very kind man.
I am not a great writer, but I really enjoy reading. It has been two months, and I still do not have enough points for a gift card. I read too much, and very rarely write anything. I enjoy your personal stories, they give me a glimpse into your life, and I enjoy that.

Stephanie, you don't know how good you make me feel. Thank you oh so much.

See, William????

Right on, Sonia. You are a pretty smart person.

You never knew you had such a large audience did you? And also an appreciative one. Good luck with continuing your writing.

Clare, I was not expecting this type of response. There are a lot of very nice people on Gather who offer encouragement and help. There is no way to express how much I appreciate these people.

William, When I read what you write I feel as if you are speaking to me. You write very casually and simply and that's fine. Just keep doing the best you can to write clearly. It is refreshing to see someone motivated to become better at writing after discovering how satisfying it is to write and get responses. You know the old saying, "practice makes perfect." Every word, sentence and story I write is practice for the next one. The same is true for you.

Donna, I always look forward to your comments. I guess this is because you helped explain some things that helped me earlier and because I know you are a good writer. You even sent me a message once, if I recall right, with some good advice. Thank you.

Thanks William, yes, shortly after you joined Gather, I did send you a private message to explain some things. It's nice that you remember that and appreciate it.

Since our first few conversations I have held the utmost respect for you, Donna. I like the way you handle things. You can explain things in such a way as to not get someone upset. The way I am writing this you might get upset with my writing ability though.

William, thank you very much. It's nice of you to say that.
(Just relax on your insecurity about writing abilities, you are doing fine.)

You sound just like me.

Hi William. I enjoy your articles - especially the ones where you tell little stories about your life. Not everyone is a creative writer but we all have something to share and we can all improve our skills by reading and writing.

I'll be looking forward to reading whatever you write next.

I just spoke the truth, Donna. Thanks.

Thank you, Deanna.

I appreciate that, Linda.

You are doing very well, William. Everyday I notice two or three of your articles among the most discussed. I think it is your candor and humility that appeals to people. Though some people are very fastidious about grammar and spellings, it need not deter you. Gather has a place for people with different levels of accomplishments. You may take whatever helpful suggestions offered by the readers and ignore the harsh critique. After all, it is the practice that makes a person perfect. Intensive reading, of course, widens the vocabulary.

I appreciate this very much, Dolphi. I never check my article ratings but I don't think the ones that are rated high are the ones where I try to do a better job.

William, I can really understand what you are saying. I know that I don't have what it takes to be classified as "a writer", but I am who I am. I feel that writing is an artform. I have seen stuff that is considered ar that I would throw in the trash, but other people pay thousands of dollars for it. So I write for me. It is a way of expressing who I am spelling errors and grammatical errors and all. I saw a poem today that was superb, but one of the comments on this poem pointed out ever grammatical error the writer had made. The commenter even went so far as to suggest revising it because the writer didn't use the possesive tense of a word. I am sorry but that truly offended me. This writer is an excellent writer, who like the rest of us is not perfect.
So to hell with those that think they are perfect. I do the best that I can and so do you. Your writing is great.
As for coming up wth ideas I have some odd suggestions. I will send them to you in a message just in case you don't check back here for anymore comments.

I just joined Gather.com today and I must say I'm disappointed by this mutual pat-on-the-back society. Writers who can't write aren't writers. Period. Me? I have a 422,000 novel and an illustrated children's book I'm trying to sell. I may get an agent next week, or go the POD route on both if I have to. But please, don't complain you're a writer with A) no ideas, B) no vocabulary. That's practically the entire craft, chum. See my article on this subject here: http://www.absolutewrite.com/freelance_writing/writers_spew.htm
and my novel's first 7000 words here:
http://www.authorlink.com/writers/detail/734

Scott, I don't know about your writing skills but you have an ego. I am not interested in reading your articles and don't care if you read mine or not.

Happy to meet you, Scott. I read the excerpt at Authorlink - nice work. Many of us came here believing Gather was a writer's site and have been as disappointed as you are to find the mutual-admiration society and people who criticize us for caring about good writing. A group of us have campaigned strongly to return this site to what we believed it should be and are met with constant insults and criticism from new people who have little interest in reading and learning so they "publish" daily diaries, one-line, mindless "games", links to grocery coupons, and insults to anyone who takes pride in their work or this site. I'm happy to see you here, but warn you up front - admitting you care about writing might be dangerous to your popularity.

Sandy, I have always admired you. If people have done you wrong, I am sorry. I do believe that there are not many who are that bad. I do appreciate you reading my article.

JoFIN, excuse me for probably getting the name wrong. I appreciate your advice and thoughts. It is great that there are people here like you who try to help. I hope your story is coming along well. Thank you.

William, I think your writing skills are more than adequate, better than many writers on Gather. Improving your vocabulary is not so time consuming as you think! Reading, by itself, is very good for the vocabulary. An online thesaurus can also be a really good friend in this pursuit. I recommend thesaurus.com (an affiliate of dictionary.com). I use it all the time when I am Gathering, because I do a lot of tech writing for my job, and it seems to deprive me of adjectives and adverbs.

As for a lack of creativity in subject matter, the old adage about "write what you know" is still great advice. Sometimes I like to play little mental "what if" games to come up with an idea. For example, My Front Yard Trees was the result of the thought "what if trees could wander around like stray animals, and plant themselves whereever they pleased?"

Thank you, William. I am happy to this article expressing an interest in the writing process. I think a huge misconception around here is that people think they have to publish an "article" a day (or five or seven, in some minds), so they "publish" anything instead of taking the time to work on something worth publishing. Writers spend many hours behind the scenes, thinking, drafting, researching, rewriting, editing, and then publish a finished product. Expecting to sit down at the computer, log into Gather, open the publishing page, and type an article hot-off-the-press is an unreasonable goal for most people. My advice is to wait until something moves you enough to write about it, make some notes, think about it for hours/days/months, add to those notes, consider how it might be presented so that it entertains or enlightens others, and then get out the dictionary, thesaurus, grammar book, and polish it until it shines. Then, when you publish that article, you will feel like a writer, because that is what writers do. It's much more than hitting keys or shaping words with a pen on paper.

I own a number of books with writing exercises that give me ideas. If you want to join my group Writing Tips, I will start publishing some exercises that might give you ideas - if people let me know you are interested.

"Happy to meet you, Scott. I read the excerpt at Authorlink - nice work. Many of us came here believing Gather was a writer's site and have been as disappointed as you are to find the mutual-admiration society and people who criticize us for caring about good writing. A group of us have campaigned strongly to return this site to what we believed it should be and are met with constant insults and criticism from new people who have little interest in reading and learning so they "publish" daily diaries, one-line, mindless "games", links to grocery coupons, and insults to anyone who takes pride in their work or this site. I'm happy to see you here, but warn you up front - admitting you care about writing might be dangerous to your popularity. "

Sandy, I find it ironic that you spent last evening making several silly comments on an "article" that was nothing more than a cut and paste copy of a silly private message that some of the members here had received. Funny how you don't see in yourself the very things that you criticize others for Sandy. This is hypocrisy at its finest!

By the way, why aren't you critizing your new friend Scott Baker? Why don't you ask him what a "422,000 novel" is? Is it because he declares himself to be a writer like you do?

".....to what 'we' believed it 'should' be....." Oh, will it ever end......?

oh you guys!

Well William. I second what John said. "On writing" by Stephen King is a great book for the aspiring writer, plus a very interesting read. There are tons of other such books out there to help you with your writing. Shouldn't be hard to find them. And like John said; read read read. Then read some more.

Have fun with it!

Another point in the "irony" is that I received the same email, clicked to block the sender, and did not copy the letter to create my own article. And I said what I had to say about it in someone else's comment section instead of creating another article to post my comment, the way William has here.

And I agree, John. You may speak for me any time, since you have taken the time to know me well, I know you to always be honest, and you respect my opinions enough to recognize them even when you don't agree with them.. and then there's this little matter to consider:
.

I believe that Scott means he has written a 422,000 -WORD novel, in which case, if it is his first, he will have a very difficult time selling it . . . unless he self-publishes or e-publishes, as many writers with . . . healthy egos tend to do.

William, Clay gave the best advice and the same advice I'd give . . . to be a better writer, be a better reader. If you stretch your mind with literature, your writing skills will inevitably improve. I keep a running vocabulary list on the back cover of books I read, and look up the words I don't know. To expand your vocabulary double-quick, read Huxley, TC Boyle, Thomas Berger, John Barth, or anything written before 1910.

I appreciate all of the good advice given by everyone. I am sorry for any controversy. I hate to disagree with Sandy, who I have always admired. Sandy, if you are still around, there is a little box in you comment with a red X in it. I think it means a picture or something was put there which I can't see for some reason.

Sandy said

"A group of us have campaigned strongly to return this site to what we believed it should be and are met with constant insults and criticism from new people who have little interest in reading and learning so they "publish" daily diaries, one-line, mindless "games", links to grocery coupons, and insults to anyone who takes pride in their work or this site."

Sandy, my point is that you are constantly spouting off about the wasted space on Gather, all the fluff and stuff articles that annoy you so. You criticize others but you don't see yourself committing the same crimes. What about your article about your "cyber stalker", you know, the one where you posted a bunch of quotes and links and a copy of his icon photo? Do you think your "Free Audrey's Boobs" was some kind of literary masterpiece? You don't see that as a ridiculous waste of space? No of course you don't. The rules for you differ from the rules you try to lay down for everyone else here.

You have a serious problem with "new people" that you really need to get over. You do not own this site just because you've been here longer! I don't see anything anywhere that says senority gives you any special powers over the rest of us.

Hey, everybody. Try to find something nice to say. It's a great day and the weekend is about to start. Be Happy.

Sorry William and John, but Sandy is way out of line far too often.

John, I can say the same about you.

Moggy. Please just chill.

Sandy isn't trying to exercise special powers over anyone and she is always very gracious to new people who come to the site as long as they show a modicum of intelligence and a desire to gather as the site was intended.

Gather is unique, very different from myspace and any other community site out there. Those of us who found Gather early on were so pleased with the format. It is hard to just sit back and let so much crap seep in.

You're stance on this is very polarized. Nothing is absolute. Noone is against having fun. I hope everyone has as much fun as they possibly can on this site. On the other hand, why wouldn't a site for writers want to encourage (dare I say it) writing?

I usually stay out of these petty arguments, but I really hate how everyone seems to want to gang up on Sandy. There are a ton of people who stand behind her. She is not alone.

I think both of you believe what you say. I'll bet if you could get together over a cup of coffee you would like each other. How about calling a truce?

I feel sorry for you Sandy I really do. You are an angry bitter person lashing out at everyone that doesn't share your opinion, it's "you are with me, or against me" with you.
You have been whining about the content here since I joined back on Feb 8th, and it goes back in time from there. You yourself have been here since Dec 19th , a total of less than two months longer than me, and yet continue to give a false impression it has been a "real" writers' site longer than it has in reality, if ever.
You harp on useless insulting articles yet partake in them yourself. You decry the multiple commenting to drive up points as if they were coming from your own pocket, but do the same as well. Shameless self promotion was disgusting to you, and yet every chance you get you put links to your own articles and pimp yourself as much as anyone.
You demean articles (i.e., I Quit) on leaving Gather as a means of gaining support, back slapping, and a means of seeking self satisfaction and even that perhaps Munchausen's symptoms are at play. You cry about freedom of speech, but only if it agrees with YOUR speech, YOUR truth alone. You praise your own honesty to the point of vanity but lie to yourself constantly through hypocrisy in actions. You purposely spit ire at articles you could just as easily avoid, but claim they are in the way, and ruining Gather. You know full well how to get at what you want, because in an instant you prove it if needed in making a point.
You've complained that people dont read you work, or rate you properly, and then blame the less talented as the reason, never looking at yourself as a possible cause. You blame Gather for conspiracies, the government, other members, as the root of all that is wrong here. Yet you are the most negative person I know here Sandy. Others have come and gone that do worse for a short time, but you continue, unyielding in many a sly way. You drop names, leave little innuendos here and there, then show your teeth as it pleases, dropping connections and groups as so much extra coinage in a purse...
You constantly remind people how hard you work, the hours applied, and insist others do the same or they aren't worthy. Thinking that in some way if everybody did that, your work will be more appreciated. You have much talent Sandy, but it is YOU that are the problem, YOU are why they aren't read more except by your loyal friends, not the writing itself. I for one mostly tolerate you only because of those skills and can't speak for all, but I bet many like me don't respect you much as a person. It doesn't take long for members seeking community to figure you out, and eventually try to avoid you for the most part, leaving you to your minority following in extreme thought.
So Gather is not a "pure" writer's site as to "your" liking, and we who have been here a while already know, and agree to a point at times. However, after all these months, do you really believe you are going to change it to what you think it should be by your actions as they are? Don't you think Gather would have stepped up by now to help change it "supposedly" back for good authors only by now? Now they have polls, and a group to spark conversation from them. Is that up to par with you, since it is not much different than other member's attempts at doing the same? Although there will always be improvement needed, I don't think Gather shares your vision in reality, but seeks global diversity in content. It is not the market they are obviously pursuing alone, and demeaning those that join by that marketing improves nothing. Gather continues to to promote at FOX, CNN, Starbucks, Bzzz(?) etc., and asks you to invite co-workers, friends, and family, knowing full well they all can't be as good as you. If you must lash out, do it to Gather, because if anything it is at the root of your disappointment, not members.
You carry a chip on your shoulder so huge the weight must be killing you. Perhaps it's time to lose it, or walk the talk of your article on quitting, if nothing else than for your own peace of mind. If you do the Community will miss your writing, but not your attitude, it's just sad that you don't concentrate on that to make it stronger in content, so that those that don't have your passion for writing, can exercise theirs in reading, and sharing their own diverse passions.
I'm going to feel rotten about this for days, and hate feeling I have to do it, but picking on William was just too much, as well as insinuating he can't be a good writer some day and still be well liked by those that enjoy his humanity. It's simply not true.
My apologies to all for lowering myself to make this kind of comment.

Out of respect for William and his article, I'll not respond to that.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Thanks Scott. I appreciate everyone of you reading the article. I did not mean to be the cause of any fussing.

Howdy William! A couple things I was going to suggest to you. Have you ever tried writing out your dreams? Often I have vivid dreams that seem to stick with me after I wake up. Maybe you could use some of the ideas you've already got in your head. As well, another simple thing you can try can be found on the Internet. Heck even right here on Gather. Find an image and spend some time observing it. The try and write out the picture in detail. Sometimes it doesn't take imagination, just plain old observation. You might even consider taking an online class in creative writing. Above all don't get discouraged and keep at it.

Thanks for the suggestions, Travis. I appreciate them. It is so seldom that I can remember a dream. Some things will surely come to mind. Right now what writing I do is talking about thing that I remember from the past of that I have been told. Trying to keep up with reading articles keeps me occupied a lot. I still have one of yours I want to take some time with whenever I get the chance. Thanks again for the suggestions.

Time heals, thanks for your observations. I hate to see something like this. I have a feeling they are both probably nice people who could be friends if they got to know each other. I hope we don't see a lot of this.

It all depends on what side of the argument you've been on with Sandy to understand where everyone is coming from. William is right, everyone is going to believe what they say and there are always 2 sides to the story.

You are so right, Robin. Thank you.

I hope your name can holds true, Time Heals. I understand both sides. I just wish they would learn to live with each other.

Excellent posts John S. and Moggy!!!!

It is more than two sides and one needs to go back through many articles and comments to see how this evolved. I suggest that anyone that takes a particular side, please examine thoroughly the history of the individuals involved. I've been here a long time, and I understand why John S. reached this point.

I have seen some excellent arguments pro and con on issues that I wish had not come up. I would like to see Gather as a place where there were no "sides" to take. For now can we please keep from arguing and try to say nice things.

I appreciate your advice, Audrey. That seems to be the way most of the better writers think. I have read a lot all of my life, but I was reading for the pleasure of reading and never paid attention to style or punctuation or anything like that. Thanks again.

Greetings, William -- you might not remember me, but we 'met' when you first joined. You've come a long way since then. At first you shared e-mails and jokes that caught your fancy, and some of the comments you received were critical of this, because it was not your own content, but merely something you shared. Remember? We e-mailed.

Not long afterward, you shared a personal story about your pet. You wrote from the heart that time, and the response was warm and welcoming. At that moment, you found your literary 'voice.'

So now you've hit a plateau: you moved beyond the borrowed stuff, you've written original content.... and now you're worried you haven't -- what? Written the Iliad? Don't be unreasonably hard on yourself; most of us will never achieve more than 'adequate' status in the Grand Scheme of Things. C'est la vie. You have made real progress, and rather than defend your right to write badly -- you have chosen to improve yourself as a writer. Bravo! Keep working toward your goal, but take it one step at a time.

Define, for yourself, what the next step is.

If you aspire to better writing, take Clay's advice and *read more* -- read Clay's articles, Sandy's articles, and Birdie's articles if you wish to write good fiction. They create masterpieces. If you wish to write nonfiction, start by reading some texts on your subject and getting some firsthand experience where possible. There will come a time when the words leap to mind -- when you are well-versed in your subject and have your own thoughts or observations to share. It's up to you to push yourself along.

If I were to recommend a book for inspiration, it would be Ray Bradbury's Zen in the Art of Writing. Lnk to Ray Bradbury's book
It was Bradbury, more than any other writer, who opened up all the possibilities of the universe for me, through his stories.

Hi William! I smiled when I read your article and even nodded several times in recognization -- what's that word??? how do I spell it??? why isn't spell check coming up with any alternatives that look evenly remotely like the word I'm thinking of??? I think you're a great writer. Good writing comes in different kinds of voices and one of my very favorite styles is the "down home" style that you naturally possess. I remember my college writing professor telling us that we shouldn't seek out "big words" when a more common, every day word will do. It sounds stylized and cold and what's that word? oh yeah, pedantic (thanks dictionary!). So, don't change a thing! Have a great weekend.

Dannielle, it seems like years and can't be more than a couple of months. I really appreciate your advice. In some ways I have a lot of time and in others I never seem to have enough. Soon I am going to have to decide how and where to spend my time and I really don't know. It seems it will be a long process to become a good writer and I have to decide to take the time or not. I know I can improve by reading and writing, but it is hard to take the time needed. Depending on the time it takes and my health, which is good now but I'm getting older, I might not have the time.

I did not mean to ramble on so. It is good to hear from You. Thanks.

I appreciate that Jennifer. I just read a comment on someone else's article and could not understand what was being said because of words I did not understand. Thank you for the kind words.

As a point of interest . . . I learned a great deal about style from writing out Lewis Carroll's books "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass" in longhand when I was about six years old. The Victorians really are splendid examples of classic style. And for some reason, writing out someone else's perfectly-constructed sentence gives a great deal of insight into how it is put together. It is perhaps a bit of a tedious exercise, but it yields immediate and extraordinary results.

Thank you for your suggestion, David. I am brain dead tonight and don't know what to do. I like writing and some of the people like the way I write now, but I know it should be a lot better. I have been very pleasantly surprised at the encouragement and willingness to help that has come in. It looks like I have three choices. I can quit writing. I can continue as I am and might get a little better. I can spend a lot of time reading and practicing and get better. Right now I am going to publish an article or two and go to bed. At least one and probably two which I post will be written by me. Thank you again for your suggestion.

John S, Thank you, thank you, thank you!

William, depending on the type of writing that you are pursuing, here's one way to get ideas, write brief articles, improve your skills, and get paid while doing it. Take a look and if you have any questions, just let me know.

The best thing about what you wrote here is simply that you wrote it. Writers write.

Barefoot, Thank you. I don't have time to check the link this minute but I will as soon as I can. I appreciate your help.

JOHN A--The main point is this: Gather.com has changed from when it first started. To attract more people, they've opened the flood gates and allowed *drivel* or senseless writing or whatever anyone wants to call it. To lash out on the newbies who "don't know any better" is pointless. That's like punishing your child for not saying the alphabet correctly when you haven't taught it to them in the first place. If there are problems with the way that Gather has gone in the past few months, then the problems should be taken out on Gather and not the newbies. If those problems are not resolved, then you can either A. leave or B. put up with it.

Just know that I'm not directing this at YOU, but "you" in general. You just happened to be the last one to comment on this type of thing.

Thank you, Robin. I hope and pray that we can get along on Gather. You have made some good points.

William--that will never happen. It's a good thought, though.

I believe thing are improving, Robin. I don't read their articles so I don't know what they say. I have not heard of much lately. When it was bad I would get messages sometimes telling me about the goings on.

Well, just be you William. You have a lot of people on here that think highly of you, so don't let anyone steal your joy. Keep your head up man. You're an all-around wonderful guy.

I really appreciate that, Robin. I will follow your advice. Thanks.