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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by lostforwards on November 29, 2004, at 9:52:00
You know sometimes I get paranoid as I peruse the boards, as I do in life. Sometimes I wonder whether or not there are these massive undercurrents, and discreet "political" battles going on. Almost as if people tell you how they feel through the grapevine.
Of course I could all just be paranoid delusion, or a symptom of some personality disorder. I don't know. Regret drives me mad, I'm never stuck in a bottomless pit, but rather constantly obsessing over imaginary nets. You know, connecting the dots.
Sometimes I wonder if it's wise to read the undercurrents. I've seen some people do it, consciously or unconsciously, I'm not sure. I have see them do it. Those who are cast aside and rejected, their social status obvious and written cleanly on the board.
At times I wonder whether or not Bob is in fact doing some sort of a social experiment. Slowly assessing us and learning about human beings and social and cultural phenomenon.
Am I driving myself crazy or is this really just part of the game?
( I guess I'll have to figure out how to play it righ, eh? )
Posted by partlycloudy on November 29, 2004, at 10:42:24
In reply to threads, posted by lostforwards on November 29, 2004, at 9:52:00
I have had those thoughts before. I bet a lot of us have. I truly don't think this place is a social experiment on VLG Very Large Groups; but there are unmistakable dynamics when you have so many people together in a forum llike this.
For instance, I often feel that when I'm feeling "picked on", it hasn't been the poster's intention at all. At the same time, whenever I have felt vulnerable and senssitive, there is so much support instantly that I often cry in surprise and gratitude.
I think there are posters here who group together out of mutual interests, and that is a natural response. I think that since my self esteem is very low that I see currents and undercurrents that aren't there.
Take care, and it's nice to meet you!
Posted by fi on November 29, 2004, at 11:50:45
In reply to threads, posted by lostforwards on November 29, 2004, at 9:52:00
Personally, I really dont think there are undercurrents/hidden things going on. Or that Dr Bob is doing some stealthy social experiment After all, he is providing the 'venue' rather than being actively involved in the messages, apart from when people stray from the basic guidelines to keep these boards safe. I've never experienced him being anything other than benign and thoughtful.
There can be strong disagreements about how the site is run, but they are usually on Admin rather than here.
There are people who know each other and share interests, and I think this just develops over time. I know it can be difficult to get involved- its like arriving at a party where most people know each other and are already in the middle of a conversation. But there are probably also lots of quieter people who just drop by sometimes, so dont feel put off. And new folk get a warm welcome.
I used to be more involved, but now just come here occassionally (not least as I dont have easy computer access). So there are a lot of people/threads I dont know about, but that is OK.
It was pure chance that someone mentioned the Sound of Music sing-alongs just before I went to one (for the first time). So I got involved in that thread.
There can be strong disagreements about how the site is run, but they are usually on Admin rather than here.
There can be confusions and misunderstandings with some messages, just because there are so few words and we cant see each other. So its easy to misunderstand.
The one thing I would say is that its important to stay anonymous, as anyone with web access can read the posts. But it isnt at all difficult to stay anonymous- people manage not to drop in their email address by mistake, or their full(real) name.
So you dont need to be paranoid. Tho of course you may feel more comfortable being wary.
Fi
Posted by lostforwards on November 29, 2004, at 15:41:34
In reply to Re: threads, posted by partlycloudy on November 29, 2004, at 10:42:24
A lot of the times I've felt I was being picked on by another poster. I think sometimes people are looking at my posts the wrong way or think I have some other motive. Sometimes I do.. I'm trying to get "into" the thread, while offering whatever I can, as well as trying to be friendly.
What really freaks me out is odd coincidences which might not be coincidences but they probably are.
I too must have a low self-esteem. That or I'm suffering from delusional disorder or some other illness I don't know about yet.
it's nice to meet you too.
Posted by partlycloudy on November 29, 2004, at 15:51:21
In reply to Re: threads » partlycloudy, posted by lostforwards on November 29, 2004, at 15:41:34
I've been here about a year, and have been PBC'd four (or five?) times. What I'm learning is that sometimes expressing EXACTLY how I feel is the WORST way to do it, here on Babble.
No one can "read" your face. No one can see the tears streaming down it.Generally speaking, I tend to qualify all my responses as "what I have experienced" as opposed to "this is my opinion". That way if people think I am blowing smoke up their collective (insert recent banned word expressed here)'s, at least they understand that I'm speaking from a personal perspective.
Otherwise, I get into a lot of trouble. I cannot stand that anyone thinks ill of me - that's a huge source of anxiety for me. I want to be everyone's friend. It just isn't possible.I'd suggest, if you think that you're being singled out, that you address it directly here on the boards - in an extremely civil manner, of course - and if you don't get a straight answer, email Dr. Bob. It's his show, after all.
Posted by saw on November 29, 2004, at 23:47:38
In reply to Re: threads, posted by partlycloudy on November 29, 2004, at 15:51:21
You know, you really are very special. You just have this uncanny knack of always saying the right thing. (I know you mean it too).
You have deep insight into people and their natures.
I am too often, quite amazed, with your eloquence.
I am so blessed to be your friend.
Sabrina
Posted by partlycloudy on November 30, 2004, at 6:23:31
In reply to Re: threads » partlycloudy, posted by saw on November 29, 2004, at 23:47:38
This is the end of the thread.
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