and for the time being I will visit each day...but if the data is not retrieved...well..then I reconsider.

I had almost 10 good years there, but in the past there were promises, that were broken... about lost data.
Turned off that old server with no warning so we could not save stuff etc.

What ever happened to back-ups? That is what they are for. We were told
in the past that back-ups are done regularly. (my son says Macs have auto
back up easily done)... so why isn't our data on a back up drive?

If the old posts do not return...well, I might reconsider.

Many other BB's have 'crashed', lots/most info lost. At least one board was down for 6 months and all lost. It's a crap shoot..if One board or another works...they can both work as it's the same basic program. It's how the Board responds to our needs and grows to meet them in ever so many ways. Lets look and see if THIS board -meaning the board members and administrators...actually read and took to heart the input of many long-deprived and frustrated members. [BI[/B] for one, would like to see an 'institutionaliztion; of this board to ensure it's primary issue of access for folks w/neuro problems. Many of them overlap...few other boards are so universal in approaches..
The jury is out on my part...to me, it is up to this non-profit to grow change and respond to it's constituency in a way to either instituitonalize itself OR not. How it takes criticism elsewhere and uses US the USERS to grow and mature or not...well, it's UP to THEM not US!

I view it as a WISYWIG [what you see is what you get] Situation for the interim.. where I go and post is, so far, free choice. BUTIf I were asked to aid in any way, I WOULD!!! without reservation! - j

Okay, I read through this link, concerns well expressed.

What on earth is Brigadoon? Or Second Life? Do I even need to know?

I too gave contribution(s) directly to John Lester (via paypal I think?) to upgrade servers, etc., after the flood, and I thought I was contributing to the upkeep of BrainTalk.

Obviously I'm out of the loop on this, and with the forum archives gone I don't know how to catch up.

There is nothing stopping you from using both...its not a boxed in either or situation.....Ill look at both when I have time, maybe post a reply or two.....but I really dont like the tone there that much, it reminds me of Catholic School in the 60's. Many of us , myself included , have felt desperate at times about their medical problems or maybe application for workers comp or social security or ability to work. In my opinion we know we have problems and we already know we need to talk to people in the same boat, there is no need for the constant reminders of who has unilateral, unlimited power over the site.

--needs to be bathed in sunlight as much as possible, and I invited JL to do so:

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/...read.php?t=218

--as I feel the responses, if any, will greatly determine the fate of both Braintalk and this board.

(I did notice that there have been many views, but no responses as of yet.)

The only reason I happen to know what Second Life is, is because my son happens to be addicted to it. Plays it night and day and even makes virtual money and sells it on other websites for real money.

Second Life is a virtual world with graphics that go through the roof.
You can join for free, create your own avatar, buy and sell real estate and even have naughty romps in this world.

You can visit casinos in Second Life. You can fly in Second Life. The graphics are absolutely out of this world and the members take it very seriously. This is no nintendo game, believe me.

so just go to www.secondlife.com and you'll see for yourself.

It's not for me though, I'd rather sit outside with friends and chat.
I go on the computer but I don't live on the computer like my son and others do. This is a real addicting way of life, believe me.

mel

p.s.

Now here is where this gets very interesting. I went to google and typed in Brigadoon. One of the links sent me to here and I copied and pasted this:
=------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All of the Authors on this blog are participants in Project Brigadoon. This Blog is a place where they can publically share their thoughts, experiences and feelings. About Brigadoon, Second Life, Asperger's Syndrome/Autism, or anything else. This Blog is also a place where the general public can interact with participants in Brigadoon by posting comments.

-John Lester
President, BrainTalk Communities, Inc.
Founder, Project Brigadoon
Second Life name: John Protoype

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GUESS WHAT MY SON FRANK WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AT AGE 21????? ASPERGERS DISORDER.

He plays Second Life, 20 hours a day. When he's not gambling, that is.
Wow, I went from not ever hearing about such a thing as Aspergers Disorder, to finding out that the guy who ran Braintalks is now on Second Life.

What an interesting mixed-up world we live in!!!!
mel

Thanks, Mel, I too googled "Brigadoon" but I didn't get the hit for the Brigadoon project. I found the website after reading your post, and googling for "Brigadoon Project." Interesting.

Second Life -- not for me. I have enough trouble managing my first life!

And a nephew introduced me to the Sims, even buying me a program as a gift -- I failed miserably. No interest, gave it away.

I remember when your son was diagnosed and how it explained some things for you and Alan.

Thanks for helping me find this information.

I just went to the Brigadoon website and copied and pasted the following!!!
Those of you who have donated to Braintalks will REALLY find this most interesting!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Donating to support Brigadoon
Project Brigadoon is financially supported by Braintalk Communities Inc. However, we would like to give people who wish to directly contribute to Project Brigadoon the ability to make donations online.

Therefore, we've just added a donation button to the Brigadoon blog (in the left column on this page). This will give people interested in contributing to Brigadoon the ability to donate online using Paypal or a credit card.

I am using BrainTalk Communities Inc. as the organization to receive and process the funds. Since BrainTalk Communities is a non-profit organization, all donations are fully tax deductible, and all donations made through the "donate" button on this Brigadoon blog will be used *exclusively* for Project Brigadoon.

All donations to Project Brigadoon will be used to help pay monthly land rental fees, as well as to potentially purchase more land as the members of Brigadoon grow.

Thank you for your generosity and support. By donating to Project Brigadoon, you will be helping a group of people dealing with Asperger's Syndrome and Autism to become more independent and confident in themselves. Thank you.


-John Lester (Second Life name: John Prototype)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


well, well well.

comments anyone??????

mel

If no timely updates were forthcoming while braintalk was out for three months, I wouldnt hold my breath about it becoming more open to scrutiny, or suggestions or changes. I think they will let the grumbling go on a short while and then the bannings will begin.

The other projects of JL are what non-profits call 'umbrella-ed' under BT. That means that while they are under that 'umbrella' of one non-profit, they must maintain separate accounts & bookkeeping while or until their own non-profit status is established...usually a period of 3 full accounting/tax years.

After that, individual non-profit status can be established or not...meaning the smaller organizations can continue to use the 'umbrella'..I don't think there is any time restriction. BUT, THE BOOKS HAVE TO BE CLEARLY SEPARATE, and usually- fees are paid for the admin support. Does this help? - j