FYI - Interesting, But Sad, Commentary on Our Predecessors
 

Since this is part of our collective history, I thought everyone who 'started' at Braintalk.org would like to know the following (read the original to get the highlighting and the links):

From: http://counsellingresource.com/featu...raintalk-sold/

Barb

PS: I did want to add that I wrote to the Board of Trustees of HastryPastry.net a few months ago (one of them passed away over a year ago) and asked that they turn over the historical data (and the hastypastry forums) to DocJohn so that they we could rebuild the strength and the resources and the database. No response. No joy.

I pretty much figure that you will never get a response.
I remember when this happened -- ~~ quote~~ Yes, one of their main founders left for a primary existence in SecondLife, essentially never to be seen again at BrainTalk~~ end quote ~~
On the island i inhabit at secondlife, we speculated that that was the last braintalk would see of him.



on edit, i haven't been able to get into braintalk since yesterday. Is it gone AGAIN>??

Is this why I can't get on this afternoon?
 

Barb, I'm glad I saw this. I was on BT this morning,then shut my 'puter off to walk the dogs,came back & poof.....this was over an hour ago. Thank goodness I do have email addresses now for some of my cyber friends!

If this is another crash I'm bailing,and so will everyone else. I don't pretend to be computer literate,and I've been faithful to BT,but this is so frustrating! I didn't even know you could auction off a website! And there are some people really in need of support right now....I sure hope they come here. If this is a crash of some kind I guess I'll just have to share my words of wisdom here more often! (I found it too time consuming to be both places plus all the other forums I'm on).:confused:

Later,Buttons

I'm glad to see you here Buttons..please do stick around and share your words of wisdom. :)

I am also unable to "open" OBT.

Wow, I got goosebumps.

what is amazing is that I belong to a web master forum and many sites sell for over a million...

so I would guess that BrainTalk ruined it's possibilities with all the ill will it created when it banned so many people and still published their work (posts).

That site caused me so much pain and suffering.

I don't think it was worth what they got for it.

Thanks for the post.

Edited to add:

I think I posted something incorrect. I posted that the url went to web archive but that was the link from the article. I just can't get it at all now.

the only thing I don't like about that article is that it calls this site "opportunistic" -- I think this site was a gift.

And I was just thinking last evening about how differently it's run, the huge amount of care that goes into things here...

Thanks Alfie
 

My time on computer today is coming to a close.....am concerned about MamaSue, hopefully she's on here. She's dealing with a suicide in the family right now & I noticed your link-hopefully the word's out & she will find support here.

I'll be back tomorrow!
Buttons

P.S. Feel like everyone @ BT has just been sold down the drain for pennies! I did finally get a link showing......a big blank page!:mad:

For those that haven't been able to access "Braintalk" (AKA hasty-pastry) today:

The BrainTalk.org domain is a separate issue from what's happening over there today.

John Lester let the BrainTalk.org domain go about a year ago. That's when he started using the hastypastry.net domain (that's run out of hacker's den in Boston).

I can't swear, but, I think it's unavailable today due to maintenance. I wrote John Lester a couple of days ago and told him that the bot 'Yahoo! Slurp Spider' was running out of control. I have a 'feeling that he might be taking care of that now.

Barb

Buttons, that's why the person(s) that bought the domain name got so much money for it, because of the goodwill still attached to the name.

To make a website, you need three things: (1) a domain (which you purchase from a company that lets everyone in the world know where you are) and makes sure that no one else uses that same domain name; (2) a concept; and (3) a server (a place to physically locate all the content of your website).

John Lester gave up the BrainTalk.org domain and went over to the HastyPastry.net domain about a year ago.

Domains are pretty cheap, unless you're buying one that already exists and has goodwill attached to it.

Barb

((((((Karen))))))

I think it was a unfortunate choice of words. I admire someone who's got the BRAINS to see that there are hundreds-and-hundreds of people that need help and is willing to provide that help.

I agree that NeuroTalk is run differently (read "much better") and the care is obvious everywhere you step. I see many more people visiting other forums to offer support. People used to tend to stay in their 'home' forums. I think the visiting, initially, was happening because we were smaller when we started -- now it's because the CARING is spreading :hug:

Barb :hug:

Hi Buttons, yes, she is registered here. A lot of people concerned for her right now. Hopefully when she's feeling stronger she'll pop back here to read her messages.

Oh, so it isn't as dire as I'd thought.

Darn.:rolleyes:

$2000 isn't much good will.


What I loved when I thought it was the total demise of BT, was that I got banned for sticking up for Lavender when she got banned, and today, within 5 minutes of me finding this post on NeuroTalk, I got this email from Lavender:

And that is why I said goodbye to braintalk and made neurotalk my new home from the time NT started. Remember fool me once...I like it here and always have ...Sue

I didn't see this page before.

((((((((Moose))))))))


I really don't know what was auctioned today... I realized that after I read one of your later posts.

I'm sorry that I still feel so upset by BT. :(

I hope all is well with you, do you still have a swan family, was it a swan family? outside your windows?

I wish I was quick at finding things... I'd love to put that clip of President Bush here, where he says the fool me once thing... that is such a funny clip.

((((((((snoozie))))))))

Hi, ((((((Karen)))))) http://deephousepage.com/smilies/wavey.gif

No. We lost the female and the son to the wild animals -- fox?? coyote??

We've still got the male. I don't know why they haven't gotten a new female yet. It's been a couple of years. Swans ARE expensive ($500).

I saw a news article about a female that lives at a farm out in the western part of the state. The farm owner takes care of Springfield swans in the winter. There was a question as to whether they had gotten the right swan back after one winter. I'm really tempted to write him and ask if he wants to arrange a 'marriage' for his swan :rolleyes:

We've got a family of Canada geese here too. They're not supposed to want to be around swans (but, I guess they didn't read that chapter in the book). They moved in two years ago. I kept telling the property manager that he had to do something to get them out of here before they nested. Last year they had 2 babies. This year, they had 4. The babies already look full-grown, but, they're not yet. The parents are molting now and won't be able to fly until the end of next month. They'll all leave together. We won't see the parents again until next spring.

I like the Canada geese because they're beautiful and because G-d made them. And I feel that we humans are responsible for their plight because we forced them to help us to hunt. On the other hand, I don't like them because they sit down right below my balcony and honk for hours and they "recycle" grass incredibly -- the grass goes in one end and come out not much later in a totally different form http://chocolate-moose.p5.org.uk/MIN...tinkgoaway.gif

There's a tree right outside my neighbor's apartment that's the gathering place for one particular kind of bird. They're small and brown. But, I can't see them really well (need new glasses :p ). Every morning from 4AM to 5AM and every night from 8PM to 9PM they chatter constantly (I guess they're discussing their day).

Sounds like I live in a zoo, doesn't it?? :D

Hugs. Glad to see you're back.

Barb

PS: I think all of us who remember BrainTalk from the beginning also remember the 'possibilities' and the 'opportunities' that have been lost.

Oh, I had no idea that the geese were so... so... hmmm.

I sure wish you would have the swan family.

yes! write to him about the marriage. It might work!!!!!

Birds are incredibly noisy...

I can't figure out if my neighbor has a parrot that mimics a whining dog at 1 a.m. most mornings... or if they have a dog that sounds a lot like a parrot...

so I understand about sound at sleeping times. :)

I had no idea that there was trade in swans... $500 is quite a lot.


My other neighbor has a dog that used to whine in the most pitiable way... all the time. Then one day there was quacking. They apparently got a duck... and after that the dog has hardly made any noise.

For the first few days I was afraid they were going to chop off the duck's head and then grille it up to scare the dog... they were always yelling at the dog, and apparently locking it out...

but so far duck and dog appear to have remained alive. :)

(((((((Barb))))))

The guy who runs the counseling resource website (who wrote this article) doesn't like me because he was kicked out of a professional organization that I helped found (ISMHO).

FWIW, we did see that braintalk.org was going up for auction and did try and bid on it. We dropped out when the price quickly went over $1000...

John

PS - We were previously in touch with one of the board members and tried to convince them of the same thing -- the importance of restoring that historical data. We volunteered to do so for them. But since it all has to go back to JL, no decision was made.

Well, DocJ, I sensed a negative tone immediately. If it's any consolation to you, the writer has no command of the language.:mad:

While I recognize revenue potential and its inevitable inluence, I very much appreciate the relative calm at NeuroTalk and that so many people take interest in supporting one another. It's difficult to think of any support system as fueled by revenue.

I find that there is a solid base of good people in this membership and I genuinely appreciate what you have done for all of us.

And I appreciate that you tried to convince them of the importance of restoring the historical data. Thank you Doc John.

All is not lost. The lines of communication are still open and if they ever do break "permanently," we will try our best to attain that data to provide the world access to it once again.

You took the words right out of mouth AMN. The tone was evident immediately.

I haven't even looked at OBT since moving to this new home. For me, it was like a good marriage turned really bad and divorce was imminent.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love this place.

Thanks for keeping us updated so we can help in anyway we can. :)

DocJohn, thank you always for doing your best...opportunity was there...sure! It was the oppotunity to help others, that was the opportunity you saw I've no doubt... I thank you for it.

KD

WOW! Where have I been? I didn't realize that all this was going on. Too wrapped up in my own troubles to notice I guess..<My Bad>:rolleyes:

I seem to have been stuck in the MS forum and haven't ventured out to the other forums here, for awhile.

AMN, why didn't you tell me what I've been missing.:p Didn't you know that it was your job to keep me "in the know" Hurumph!!

I had just posted over at the MS Forum about.. where is BT now..and then went to Social Chat and saw a link to here about BT.

If they lost the domain name Braintalk, then why have they still been using it? I don't know nuttin bout such things..duh!

I'm glad I finally found out where everyone was going when they wern't at the MS Forum. I'm not fast, but I'm cheap..LOL

I hope BT goes down the tube with their name. I am still interested in the old data base though and even the old old MGH data base. I'm a longtime member there.

Thanks Doc John for all you do to keep this wonderful place in tact and for Caring.

:grouphug:

bt is down again.
This is the message i got when i tried to get in there:

7/19/07, 3:00am Eastern Time We apologize for the downtime. BrainTalk Communities is experiencing some network issues, so the site will be offline until these can be resolved. We hope this will be completed shortly. Thanks for your patience! -David Hosobuchi

makes me sad that i went back there.

Well I have been in the hospital for a week and a half and am just reading to catch up.

Braintalk is back up and running well so that is not as bad as some think it was.

John Lester said a long time ago when he first left MGH that the name Braintalk was only going to be around till it ran out and then the site would be known as Hasty Pastry. This was because MGH uses the name Braintalk for it's own employees forum.

I think the person who wrote this took advantage of it being sold to get in a slight at John Grohol and Neurotalk.

Whoever he is he is not a very good writer nor given to not publishing that which is pure innuendo.

LOLOL! I think I know who it is!!! I think we all know. LOLOL

Here! Here!!!! http://health-boundaries-bite.com/im...ecelebrate.gif

And, why is it that I usually love dragons...
but this one reminds me of BrainTalk....

http://health-boundaries-bite.com/im...fBrainTalk.gif

Any ideas... :)

.

Thelma, I'm sorry that you are feeling scared.

I identify.

(((((((Thelma)))))))
.

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