I try not to think of Braintalk because it makes me angry and sad at the same time. For years, I poured my heart out over there. I was aware many of my posts were either controversial or possibly a trigger, so I did my best to keep it balanced. The people I interacted with knew I didn't mean to cause any harm or disturbance, and I'd be the first one to back off if it started to look that way.

I'm told I wasn't banned, but I'm STILL unable to log in - says my username is invalid (just checked). I have no desire to return because it REALLY ticks me off to have my posts edited/deleted - I'm not a child, and I know how to behave.

What angers me is the fact they decided to hide the Sanctuary for Spiritual Support from public view because of ME. Once again, kicked out of "church" - and it wasn't even a church! I was kicked out because I had a real problem at the time (suicidal friend) and needed real support (felt suicidal myself). Banning me and hiding the Sanctuary from public view was a real stab in the back for me.

I'm also angry about being banned because I can't access the Amyloidosis Forum (there isn't one here). I realize it's an extremely rare disease, but there's a spam post over there advertising Phentermine as a diet aid and appetite suppressant. That's the LAST thing we need! Heck, I haven't had a hunger pain in years and only pretend to have cravings just to satisfy my husband! One small cracker can fill me up for the day.

I like it here because people are allowed to express themselves freely but carry a mutual respect for each other. It gives us the opportunity to get to know each other, and ourselves, a little better.

I think it's funny the writer called DocJohn "opportunistic." I see him more as a guard who tossed us a life-saver.

Thank you ((John)) :hug:

(((((((((KathyM)))))))))

Maybe they could add a forum like that for you.

You've written such a well balanced post. I identify with the part about it making you (me) angry... and you're right. Why let it, just enjoy here.

(((((((((KathyM)))))))))))

:)

I have gone over a few times to "take the temperature" of things on the Forum Feedback there. And you can't log in without re-registering - after the CRASH, everyone had to re-register, so it's nothing personal.

Kind of admire those still hanging on waiting for things to change - but they're STILL waiting. Sheesh. John Lester had my admiration and loyalty too - I still think he's a brilliant guy. But he's moved on to the next new shiny toy in internet-based communities. And these poor souls are just sitting there, waiting for him to remember they exist. When and if he does.

Sad. :(

It feels much more secure here, where we're not all hanging on one man's availability and whims. Doc John has given us a great home, but it can run merrily along even if he takes a well-earned vacation. If there's a technical problem things don't grind to a screeching halt for months. And we haven't lost a single piece of data yet. Now THAT'S a website I can trust.

I have nothing but respect for JL, but NeuroWeb rocks!! Thanks Doc John!

beth

Hi beth...

this may be a bit nit picky....

but you don't sound grumpy...

:)

Well...grumpy 'bout some nasty business at my home forum, not here.

Consider yourself lucky, he he. :p

My moods have been known to change at a moment's notice, however. :rolleyes:

You know, it's a girl thang. :D

beth

im confused , what about all the post that people posted over there? Did this person buy all of those too?


mommy

dose anyone know?

Hi, Mommy,

I would have answered this earlier if I'd seen it. Sorry :o

What I was talking about when I wrote this message was that the domain name "Braintalk.org" was sold.

This does not mean the forums, it means the original name by which the forums were known when they were under the auspices of Massachusetts General Hospital.

When websites are around for a long time and use the same name that whole entire time, they develop what's called "goodwill". It's sort of their reputation. It's like the original Filene's and Filene's Basement that used to be in Boston, Massachusetts. Those businesses had a reputation. The owner of the businesses had a reputation. All of that means something. It means that they've built a customer base. It's means that they're well-known and reliable because they been around for a long time.

Domain names usually cost about $8.95 when you're first starting out.

Because John Lester let that domain name expire and let someone else pick it up, whomever bought it will try to take advantage of some of that goodwill.

The forums that were created by John Lester still exist: http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/search.php They're still entitled Braintalk Communities. But that braintalk.org address on the internet has been picked up by someone else. If you look above, you'll see that the domain name is now hastypastry.net which doesn't yet have a lot of goodwill attached to it. They're working on it. They're working on rebuilding the reputation. They're actually doing a pretty good job of it.

The thing that was so sad about this whole thing when I originally posted this was that internet "reputation" that was built was sold for not very much money. It's a shame. But, it doesn't affect the day-to-day running of the forums over there.

That's all. I hope I didn't confuse you or anyone else. People who've worked around computers understand how much a domain name is worth. It's the difference between Microsoft.com or IBM.com or Apple.com or fredspharmaceuticals.com <<-->> which of those have you ever heard of before ?? :D

Hugs.

Barb