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Community or not? (re-engagement)

Westie

Entry posted by Westie

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So, something happened that has made me re-evaluate a few things.

 

When I first came to GA, It was because of Mark Arbour's stories. As I became a member I became active in chat, and then the forums. Between the Soapbox and MA's forum, I was if not prolific, then certainly visible. I even tried writing my own story - until I realised how painful reliving old memories can be. The story is still there, unfinished - its appallingly bad (honest, take a look, you wont get past the first few para's).

 

I even met the guy I'm going to spend the rest of my life with on here. This year, Paya moved 1200 miles to be with me here in London (I moved a measly 200 miles). Thats a powerful commitment, and one that all started right here.

 

But as time filled up my day, I withdrew from forums. I withdrew from chat. I stopped updating this blog so often. I didn't write any more fiction. After the move to GA Stories, I didn't even write any reviews.

 

So, why am I here now. Basically, because I participate in the Soapbox, and because I read Mark Arbour's stories still, and contribute in his forum.

 

And then this Sunday, the soapbox closed. In the end, it was anti-climactic. It was sudden, it was clearly final, and we seem to be in a place where we all say goodbye to an old friend, rather than rallying against a perceived injustice.

 

But what now? If I want to read and appreciate Mark's stories, I can do that from his group. I don't need GA for that. So, at this point, GA is no longer important in my life. Now - just to be clear - this isn't one of those "dramatic, prissy, drama "look at me" queen" posts announcing I'm leaving. We have seen those far to many times for them to gain any credibility - and to be honest there are people out there who can do the "pay me some attention" exit far better than I can.

 

So.... what is the point of my blog entry?

 

Well, I'm glad you asked (or rather, glad I asked myself). Because Myr made the point quite well in his announcement closing the soapbox. This site is a story site. Theres literally TONS to do here. Even without the soapbox, there is still a vibrant community here. And this site MEANS something to me. it helped me when I came out, I found the love of my life here, and I found comfort in who I am here (sooner than I did in the real world, at any rate).

 

So, rather like a relationship, I conclude that actually, what is lacking here is hard work and effort on my part. I'm no lonbger engaged with the GA community. I don't go into chat. I don't read stories (excepting MA). I don't leave reviews (even for MA). I don't write stories. I don't keep up my blog. The key thing here is that "I don't".

 

So, if we are not a little early for new years resolutions, this is how I am going to solve the dilemma:

  1. I am going to write .... something. I don't know what.
  2. I am going to complete a review. Starting with one for each of the CAP/Bridgemont stories that I have abused so much
  3. I am going to read.... something different/new. I am quite picky. I like high quality work, and I like stories/series that are obscenely long. We're talking the length of a large novel. recommendations welcome.
  4. I am going to update my blog more frequently (what do you mean "oh no"?).
  5. I am going to step into forums that are not soapbox or Mark Arbour related
  6. I am going to go into chat and get better acquainted with newer members
  7. I am going to the next GA European Meet
  8. I am going to rewrite and complete my existing story

 

and anything else that comes to mind. So this is the opposite of the "I'm leaving GA because I got an Ouchie" tale. This is more of a... "comeback". And in true, Cher style (like any good homo), It's gonna be like I've never been away...

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10 Comments

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layla

layla 4,379

Posted

You know, you just touched on something very important for me, the "don'ts" I was sitting here, kind of feeling sorry for myself because for the past two mornings i;ve been out freezing my tail feathers off in the woods learning to deer hunt (and failing) and I was kicking myself for failing. But reading what you wrote about the 'don'ts' actually made me feel pretty good about myself for trying. It was something I'd always wanted to do, and at least i can say i'm trying, rather than sitting back thinking about trying. Thank you for your words.

MikeL

MikeL 2,842

Posted

Glad you are staying and getting more active. Hope to see you in chat.

Marzipan

Marzipan 968

Posted

I took a lenghty breather from GA for various reasons. I've been trying to come back and be more active, BUT (and it is a really big but) I don't feel invested enough. Maybe one day I'll feel spontaneously inspired to make a full return but right now it just isn't happening.

 

Have fun and hope you succeed with your plan!

Westie

Westie 888

Posted

I took a lenghty breather from GA for various reasons. I've been trying to come back and be more active, BUT (and it is a really big but) I don't feel invested enough. Maybe one day I'll feel spontaneously inspired to make a full return but right now it just isn't happening.

 

Have fun and hope you succeed with your plan!

 

 

Well, what I didnt make clear here I guess is that I have tried (and failed) before.... fo I guess in many ways this is the last chance saloon for me

  • Site Administrator
Cia

Cia 59,531

Posted

  • Site Administrator

I'm so glad you're not leaving Westie. I know we used to talk a lot, but real life can make it hard to stay active with 'online life'. I don't always get to keep up with the things I'd prefer to be doing on here. I often start with stories and then lose track of them as they continue posting but move out of my mod queue. I try to be as active in the public side of GA as I can, because the site means something to me. Without that element I would stick with all the behind the scenes stuff only.

 

Recommendations on longer stories, see that's where I'm somewhat useless. I've lost track of what's finished or not, since I am so often involved in the beginning of author's journeys here on GA. I believe that Sean Halford just finished a very long novel 'Stronger than Lions' that is popular. A contemporary, young adult type of story-similar to a few of Mark's.

 

Do remember that GA Stories search is completely custom. You can include genre, length, status ... in your search at the same time to narrow down the field to the types of stories you prefer. Just use the 'title' search features without a title. ;)

Mark Arbour

Mark Arbour 100,541

Posted

This post is a reason one of my big fantasies is a threesome with you and Paya. ;-)

 

I love how you take things that could be annoying, or negative, and just roll with them and come back with your positive attitude. It's a gift, and it's refreshing.

Westie

Westie 888

Posted

This post is a reason one of my big fantasies is a threesome with you and Paya. ;-)

 

Bah. You say that to all the guys ;)

joann414

joann414 4,135

Posted

:) Glad you are staying!
Toast

Toast 1,951

Posted

Sometimes knowing there is a place you are welcome is all the reason needed.

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