I constantly ask myself whether being an active member on here is good or bad. I sometimes wonder how some of your views of me change when I give honest opinions and get involved in debates. On all of the forums I've ever been on, I've really respected the admins, their decisions, the way they run the boards, just them as a person, in general. I haven't ever been active on a site where the admin was an active part of the community though. They're usually someone who either doesn't post at all or only posts big announcements and such.

I love being active on here. I started this site because I wanted a place to be able to freely talk and express myself and I wanted to provide the same for other people... not just about military related things. Of course we have that element here, but I wanted a place for myself and others to come to debate and express ourselves and just really be a part of a community where everyone can be themselves. I really don't want to be fakey fake and never post my real thoughts and opinions. I know I can be VERY opinionated and I do feel very passionate about a few particular subjects. When I debate, I TRY to be tactful. I know I've had my meltdowns like everyone else :lol but I try VERY hard to remain as unbiased as possible.

I think being so active on here does sometimes maybe puts people off though. I wonder if you lose respect for the site as whole, when you see the admin debating something that you really disagree with? If you're 100% prochoice and you see how prolife I am, does that effect the way you view the site? or does it make you lose respect for me? Or when I'm debating something you feel is completely wrong, does that make you want to be a part of the site any less?

I don't know, it's hard to put into words. I guess I just want to know if me being active on here makes anyone feel uncomfortable, or like I'm biased in situations that come up, or if anyone sometimes wishes that I weren't active :dunno

Nope. You're a person and you have opinions.

The site itself should not be judged by a few members.

i love that you're active on here, Brandi. I love that I can post questions and actually have you answer them. On a lot of other forums that isnt the case, you know? And I respect all of your opinions when you do debate. I like that you debate. It makes this site more personal and I like that.

I love that on this site, the admin/mods are actively involved, and I hardly ever notice that someone IS a mod/admin until I look at their sidebar. You're human, you're allowed to have differing opinions, and you're allowed to say what your opinions are.

On other sites where the admin aren't as active, you kind of resent them when they do their job because you feel like, "Who are you to all of a sudden pop in and tell me what I can/can't say or post? You're never even here and I don't even know who you are."

So I think it benefits the site that the admin/mods are out there posting and doing their "jobs" as a side thing instead of that being the only reason they're ever on.

I love the admin being active. It makes me really think that the admin believes in their site and has a reason for having it online. And, if I don't agree with someone who is an admin, I could care less UNLESS the admin start banning people because they disagree with them..which I doubt you ever will.

I think being active makes you HUMAN and there is nothing wrong with that. I couldn't imagine running a board and not participating.

I do think that being active poses the risk of people making up their minds about the whole board just because they don't like you, and even trying to hurt the whole board if they get mad at you personally, but I don't think that the SMALL risk that poses is worth what you would lose if you didn't participate at all.

I love that on this site, the admin/mods are actively involved, and I hardly ever notice that someone IS a mod/admin until I look at their sidebar. You're human, you're allowed to have differing opinions, and you're allowed to say what your opinions are.

On other sites where the admin aren't as active, you kind of resent them when they do their job because you feel like, "Who are you to all of a sudden pop in and tell me what I can/can't say or post? You're never even here and I don't even know who you are."

So I think it benefits the site that the admin/mods are out there posting and doing their "jobs" as a side thing instead of that being the only reason they're ever on.

Wow, that's a very interesting perspective that I had never thought of. Thanks for sharing that.

Like I said, prior to starting this site, I was never a part of any site where I actually knew the admins. There was usually a site owner, then an admin then mods, but only the mods were active. The admins and owners never were, so I really have not had the type of experience with being an active part of a community where the admins/owners are also active.

very interesting perspective though, for sure :yes

I love the admin being active. It makes me really think that the admin believes in their site and has a reason for having it online. And, if I don't agree with someone who is an admin, I could care less UNLESS the admin start banning people because they disagree with them..which I doubt you ever will.

ITA :yes

I hardly ever notice that someone IS a mod/admin until I look at their sidebar. You're human, you're allowed to have differing opinions, and you're allowed to say what your opinions are.



ITA :yes

On other sites where the admin aren't as active, you kind of resent them when they do their job because you feel like, "Who are you to all of a sudden pop in and tell me what I can/can't say or post? You're never even here and I don't even know who you are."

So I think it benefits the site that the admin/mods are out there posting and doing their "jobs" as a side thing instead of that being the only reason they're ever on.

:agree

I love you being active on here as well as all the mods. It wouldnt be the same if you just stopped posting.

I love that on this site, the admin/mods are actively involved, and I hardly ever notice that someone IS a mod/admin until I look at their sidebar. You're human, you're allowed to have differing opinions, and you're allowed to say what your opinions are.

On other sites where the admin aren't as active, you kind of resent them when they do their job because you feel like, "Who are you to all of a sudden pop in and tell me what I can/can't say or post? You're never even here and I don't even know who you are."

So I think it benefits the site that the admin/mods are out there posting and doing their "jobs" as a side thing instead of that being the only reason they're ever on.

I agree and I LOVE that you don't micromanage us.

PLEASE don't go inactive. I love this site because everyone gets involved. Plus, when I see you post, you don't go, "Well Kiwijus is a worthless, fat, ugly white chick because she digs scrawny pale guys and is Catholic. And she's a bad wife because she lets her husband wear clothes from Hot Topic, and he's a bad airman for wearing them! Disgraces, both of them. I hope she chokes."

You could completely disagree with someone and make them feel like a better person for it, which is something I very rarely see. It's more like, "I respect your decision as an intelligent, mature adult to have an abortion, but I personall do not understand it. I could never go through the process, or 100 percent support it, but I don't think you're worthless, and I don't deem myself righteous enough to judge you."

So..yea. I really like that you get involved, and I respect your opinion (and honestly, the site) more for it. It shows me that you don't just care about the site, the domain name, and how it reflects back upon YOU, but you care about the women on here and don't think you're better than us.

PLEASE don't go inactive. I love this site because everyone gets involved. Plus, when I see you post, you don't go, "Well Kiwijus is a worthless, fat, ugly white chick because she digs scrawny pale guys and is Catholic. And she's a bad wife because she lets her husband wear clothes from Hot Topic, and he's a bad airman for wearing them! Disgraces, both of them. I hope she chokes."

You could completely disagree with someone and make them feel like a better person for it, which is something I very rarely see. It's more like, "I respect your decision as an intelligent, mature adult to have an abortion, but I personall do not understand it. I could never go through the process, or 100 percent support it, but I don't think you're worthless, and I don't deem myself righteous enough to judge you."

So..yea. I really like that you get involved, and I respect your opinion (and honestly, the site) more for it.

:spitdrink :hystericlaugh I think you should put that in your siggy. :rofl

I like the fact your active Brandi and if people don't always agree with your side your not all "well it's my board.....". I think Admin should play an active role, it keeps them involved on the real issues and if someone does not have their big girl panties on and runs and tells they got slapped in a post at least you were an active participant and know both sides.

i love that you're active on here, Brandi. I love that I can post questions and actually have you answer them. On a lot of other forums that isnt the case, you know? And I respect all of your opinions when you do debate. I like that you debate. It makes this site more personal and I like that.

I agree. And that goes for all admins in my opinion :D

I love that you are a part of it Brandi.

Nope. You're a person and you have opinions.

The site itself should not be judged by a few members.

:yes

brandi i love having you around. you seem to always be a voice of reason and calm even when things are getting crazy around here

Brandi, your comments and opinions are always full of insight and information and even if I don't agree it's always fun to hear what you have to say. You are NOT what this board is made of, but you do add to it and make it better and keep it available for all of us to be apart of!! We all make up what is the epitomy of SOS!

I don't think having an admin be active is negative at all for the board. You are unbaised and fair in your decisions for the board and honestly we're one hell of a democracy when it comes to things. We vote and majority decides what happens on the board, it's not your moderator gavel coming down and making all the decisions and for that I am grateful! You have provided a wonderful outlet and an immeasurable support for all of us!!! :hugs

Thank you!!!

Of all the boards I've seen, this is the best by far. On other sites, the admins are often unknown...and it just feels weird to think that someone you don't know at all is reading and possibly modifying your posts...and has access to your personal information. Your being active is great! I enjoy reading your posts and responses. And being active makes you seem more accessible...and human (instead of some robot computer thing ruling some random site...LOL!).

Eh...it's hard to explain. More simply put, :yourock!

I also love that the admins are active! What's the point of caring enough to start a site for something you care about and not being able to participate in that site!

Well, thank you for the responses - it's very reassuring. I wasn't looking for any ego stroking or anything like that, but I'm happy to know that you're all cool with me being on here and being a "normal" poster. I love interacting with everyone and I do love getting involved in some of the more serious debates and conversations. I have always worried that it may put some people off. So, this post is very reassuring and I really appreciate the insanely kind words that many of you have said. I didn't expect to hear many things like that so I'm a bit taken back.. I even teared up for a few minutes :loser and had to step away b/c I realized I am just being hormonal and emotional. Jason was like :wha

I think you being active on the board is a good thing. (L) And all the other mods.

Speaking of...where is Becca lately?

I think you being active on the board is a good thing. (L) And all the other mods.

Speaking of...where is Becca lately?

I talked to her earlier and she's around. I think she has been busy but she is around! :D

I love that on this site, the admin/mods are actively involved, and I hardly ever notice that someone IS a mod/admin until I look at their sidebar. You're human, you're allowed to have differing opinions, and you're allowed to say what your opinions are.

On other sites where the admin aren't as active, you kind of resent them when they do their job because you feel like, "Who are you to all of a sudden pop in and tell me what I can/can't say or post? You're never even here and I don't even know who you are."

So I think it benefits the site that the admin/mods are out there posting and doing their "jobs" as a side thing instead of that being the only reason they're ever on.

I agree.
I also agree with purplekittie...admins posting makes it much more personal and even welcoming. It shows you really care about the people on here.

I, personally, have never thought that about you. I see you as a regular person just like the rest of the us -- the only difference with you is the simple fact that you are the owner of this site. To me that means you create and delegate the rules. In any issue, discussion, debate, whatever comes up on the board, you are entitled to your opinion and entitled to voice that opinion just as much as anyone else on this board.

I think you are an intelligent person with mature views and opinions on matters. I think even if you weren't an admin of this board you would be just as welcomed and appreciated as you are now, being an admin.

I don't think you should disappear or start showing up any less. :)

Well, thank you for the responses - it's very reassuring. I wasn't looking for any ego stroking or anything like that, but I'm happy to know that you're all cool with me being on here and being a "normal" poster. I love interacting with everyone and I do love getting involved in some of the more serious debates and conversations. I have always worried that it may put some people off. So, this post is very reassuring and I really appreciate the insanely kind words that many of you have said. I didn't expect to hear many things like that so I'm a bit taken back.. I even teared up for a few minutes :loser and had to step away b/c I realized I am just being hormonal and emotional. Jason was like :wha



awww!!!! :D I'm glad you are reassured!!! We don't want you to crawl under a rock and just watch us have all the fun!!!

Brandi I have often wondered the same thing myself. I think its good that you are active. I think when an admin is not active it leads to bad things, look at the way IDOB is going down the crapper lately. Thats because she is gone and her 2 super mods are running the place with their own personal beefs they are banning people left and right. If I were an admin I'd be pissed to walk in on that kind of scene. I think being there is the best way to be in control of the board .

i like hearing everyone's opinions. most of the boards i'm on have admin that actively post. however, on some of those boards i think people feel like they're "policed" and can't say anything negative or disagree with the mods/admin.

from what i've seen here, you don't take differing opinions as an attack against you or the site and you don't go around banning/penalizing people just because they say something you don't like/agree with. it's nice to be able to express yourself without having to worry about pissing off a mod and getting banned or something :D

:hugehug

You being active on here, honestly, makes this community 100x better than other ones. Usually the admin is aloof and hard to reach. Some bigger force. And yeah, you respect that, but you don't feel like you can come to them with anything.

You... You always act in a way that inspires respect, but you're human too, and it's really nice to have that human interaction with you.

I remember when I first joined, and you welcomed me with a really wonderful little message on my newbie post, and I was like "WOW!" when I realized you were THE admin. I was all "she's amazingly cool!"

And, I'm absolutely pro-choice, and it doesn't make me lose respect for you to realize that you're absolutely pro-life. Differences happen. I'm impressed that you are willing to share, and respect your opinions just like I would anyone else in the general posting capacity.

In the admin capacity - when you post admin stuff though, you're official, and it shows.

I think you can and should continue being both an admin and a wonderfully active community member. We can't afford to lose you as either!!

i love that you're active on here. :)

The fact that you are an active admin makes you A LOT more approachable and personable. I feel as if if I had a problem on the board I could talk to you about it, and I also know about the admin/owner of this board which makes it a lot more unique!

You're being active is pretty much awesome, is what I'm trying to say :).

The fact that you are an active admin makes you A LOT more approachable and personable. I feel as if if I had a problem on the board I could talk to you about it, and I also know about the admin/owner of this board which makes it a lot more unique!

You're being active is pretty much awesome, is what I'm trying to say :).

:yes

Nope. You're a person and you have opinions.

The site itself should not be judged by a few members.

I love the admin being active. It makes me really think that the admin believes in their site and has a reason for having it online. And, if I don't agree with someone who is an admin, I could care less UNLESS the admin start banning people because they disagree with them..which I doubt you ever will.

:yes I agree!

I think you being active on the board is a good thing. (L) And all the other mods.

Speaking of...where is Becca lately?


I'm here :) I took a little bit of time off - but I appreciate those of you that noticed I was gone :lol

Had a bit of a baby scare, but everything seems to be ok, and nothing else really new with me...

:)

And yeah if y'all didn't want your admins active on the site I believe I would be absolutely screwed. So, way to be supportive :D :yes :thumbsup

You want honest opinions, right???

I think that the admins on this board offer just as valuable insight as every other member. BUT, I do see that other members tend to lean towards admins and kiss their ass. It would be a shame if people didn't post their own opinions because they didn't want to differ from the Admins.....

That being said, I think that Should be active on the boards, and that members should remember that the Admins are just people too, no better, no worse.

I love that the admins are active. Like everyone else said Brandi, you are SOS and it wouldn't be the same if you stopped being active. I personally started coming to this board because of you. I think that you are unbias when it comes to the boards, and in debates you state your opinion just like anyone else.

It's opposite for me. I've never belonged to a support site where admin wasn't an active member. I "knew" the admin of all the support sites I've belonged to. So it just seems natural to me here. I prefer to know who is "censoring" me and watching things and such.

Brandi girl, you worry to much. You should most definitely be an active part of the community/site you've built. We love having you be apart of it and wouldn't want it any other way. We (L) ya!!

Same goes for the other admins...I'm glad they are active on the boards. Its all apart of what makes SOS so great.! :yes