As we post what we believe to be original post and thoughts, seldom do we give thought that someone perhaps many have already originated the same idea.
For example. There have been a rash of distraught very young new atheist that have come here for refuge and solace. They haven't explored the site fully and have ignored the support that is available with a simple click of the mouse. They have a common theme in their post. "I live with my parents, I'm lonely, I am afraid to say what I really feel, I don't know how to conduct myself being atheist when surrounded by theist, blah blah blah etc...!"
Maybe we should make the support bigger, or require every new member to visit the support area, before engaging in the other areas.
I see a trend. there are a number of people that come to realize that they are atheist and probably always have been, but now find themselves surrounded by unfriendly people or even in dangerous situations because they have come to their senses.
I am not annoyed or offended by these unoriginal post, but I am concerned. They really need support and help. I by myself can only offer limited suggestions as can any member hear. We might be able to relate having had the same situation in our lives and that can be comforting, but beyond that we can't really help much.
I guess I could create a list of websites that can specifically help, but let's face it I don't come on this site to be a counselor. I would be a poor one at best.
Any suggestions?
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I suppose that would be best but seeming as the SITE support seems to have all but abandoned updating the site functions, I don't rightly know HOW the hell we would get that implemented.
ZE DOUBLE POZT GLIGHC STRIGS AGARIN!!!!!!
(yes, that was entirely nessesary)
"As we post what we believe to be original post and thoughts, seldom do we give thought that someone perhaps many have already originated the same idea."
Who is this 'we' of whom you speak? Please don't include me in your 'we'. I prefer to speak for myself.
"There have been a rash of distraught very young new atheist that have come here for refuge and solace."
A rash? Really? A couple of posters equals a rash?
"They haven't explored the site fully and have ignored the support that is available with a simple click of the mouse."
How do you know this?
"They have a common theme in their post."
Perhaps that's because it is a common struggle.
"I see a trend."
A trend (as opposed to a rash)? I would disagree that a couple of posters in similar situations constitute a trend.
"They really need support and help."
With that, I agree.
"I by myself can only offer limited suggestions as can any member hear (sic). We might be able to relate having had the same situation in our lives and that can be comforting, but beyond that we can't really help much."
Comfort, I suspect, is frequently just the right medicine.
"...let's face it I don't come on this site to be a counselor. I would be a poor one at best."
Then don't counsel people.
"Any suggestions?"
See above.
Very well put, CyberLN. You cut straight to the chase and tell it how it is without being crude and insulting, and I very much admire that.
No one seems to have noticed the sarcasum I laced into my first comment.
CyberLN WAS rude and for no reason. My OP was to try and do something for people whom obviously have a need. But what I got in return was a hate rant about my original post.
My word how angry are you? For cryin' out loud your post is nothing if it isn't just an angry rant. Did I do something in particular that pissed you off?
Mykcbo4 : "For example. There have been a rash of distraught very young new atheist that have come here for refuge and solace. They haven't explored the site fully and have ignored the support that is available with a simple click of the mouse. They have a common theme in their post. "I live with my parents, I'm lonely, I am afraid to say what I really feel, I don't know how to conduct myself being atheist when surrounded by theist, blah blah blah etc...!"
Perhaps the phrase "blah,blah,blah etc....." comes off wrong ? You should not feel obliged to respond to these young folks or even older atheists that feel isolated. If people annoy you then perhaps you can leave it up to those that are sincere to respond.
I'm just going to lean on the "neutral" wall and watch this one play out.
I'm sincerely sorry if I had offended you by my post. Yes, I am afraid of what my family is going to do. I understand that searching the site is a wonderful option, and I have looked EVERYWHERE on this site, because it is a lovely website. I was not trying to offend you or seem "unoriginal". I just wanted to have someone to talk to because I don't have people at home that I can talk to about my values, morals, etc. They do not even know that I am on this site. I am afraid of how many people are leaving me because of my atheism. I came to my senses and realized that I shouldn't be ashamed to talk about science. In fact, the "coming out" situation randomly popped up into the conversation when I simply stated, "I don't believe in god." From there, I got yelled at and told that I was stupid and hated. This doesn't make me feel too well, but I guess, and this is a sad truth, that sometimes people have to leave for better people to come into one's life.
Mycob, guess whom looks like a heartless prick now? Come on, guess.
You get three, and the first two don't count.
Lets get things straight. I am not in the least offended annoyed or anything because people are asking for advice when facing persecution because of their non belief. Quite the contrary. I guess I didn't make it clear that I am extremely concerned. I want to effect the best possible advice to these people. When I say "we" I AM assuming that we are all concerned for these people. I think that this site has provided some good information that should not be ignored. The resource button gives access to support groups, asylum, meet atheist in your city. These are valuable and should be utilized. I understand that the best that I can do is be sympathetic which is of little value. The resource button actually provides help. That is what I am emphasizing.
If all of you missed that, then I am guilty for presenting it wrong. For that I truly apologize.
I have no excuse. I do post on this site while I am working and I can't and pay full attention to how I am saying what I am saying. I can only keep clear what the point I want to make. Apparently I made the wrong point and it was not my attention. I didn't intend to insinuate that these people are whining. My point is that I have observed that there are increasingly more people who need immediate and effective support. That is my point. PEOPLE need immediate help and I know that I am not qualified to provide REAL support.
Again I apologize to everyone for MY mistake not for how you took it. I failed to communicate it correctly.
Again MY mistake. I own it. I am wrong and I regret the way I posted my OP.
Only when I could actually read and reread the over anger at my origin post and reread my original post could I see what I actually did wrong.
The one thing that I did right is get people to actually take a look at the problem that people really need support. An accident even though it was my original intention.
I deserve your rebuke and fully accept it without anger because as I reiterate I made a horrible mistake.
Please accept my sincere apology.
Your a good man mykcob4 !
Checked, reviewed, stamped, double checked, approved. Sent to the box office (the other people here) for further approval.
It hasnt been an easy transition for me either and posting my thoughts on this site has helped me deal with a lot of those situations. Its not any particular advice I sought but more just the support.
Religion means all to the people where I come from. its their sole identity. Infact the second question they ask a stranger after a cursory greeting is what religion and caste are you?
It really does get difficult. And considering my recent struggle with my family which I have posted in another thread you could understand my need for a place such as this.
I really do feel inspired by the struggles faced by others like andromeda and a little support is appreciated when I post of my experiences.
I realise you meant no harm in your post and merely wished to guide us to the support site but I just felt I needed to say what a few of us feel and why we really pour ourselves over this site.
I think Mycob and Andromeda have nothing to be sorry about. I won't address negative comments in detail as I think them too silly for words, but I agree with the first post. I think the best feature of this site is the support offered.
Perhaps moderators or admin could help here. Does this facility work...
http://www.atheistrepublic.com/support-group-for-atheists
and is it used? Some feedback on what the site is seen to have achieved would help.
I agree and disagree. I thank you for understanding the reason for my original post. I am guilty for not making that point clear and for framing my point to be easily misunderstood. Amdromeda has nothing to be sorry for.
Indeed you are a good man mykcob. A bit cranky at times, but I mean has any one of us NOT been cranky when surrounded by religitard- I mean nice but follish theists?
Update: Autocorrect, WHAT THE HELL IS "FOLLISH"?!
Official definition of "foll" is abbreviation for "follow". You have coined a new word we can define as " foolishness caused by faith or through being a follower" . Used in a sentence : "The extreme follishness of the faithful was evident once the kool-aid was served".
I believe I'll hang onto "Follish"©
If i may make a suggestion as i am one of the new people here. upon arrival i looked for a thread about introductions but gave up. Perhaps a Topic for introductions could be started by someone who is here regularly? If it is kept up to date by people introducing themselves maybe it will stay relevant. Maybe this is silly or been suggested already...
Also to add, I think every person is unique and has a unique experience and starting their own topic is a good way to get a feel for the people that are regular users. And Mykcob, you said you are not a Councillor but counselling is not always needed sometimes just knowing someone has read your post is enough to not feel alone. From what little i have seen the people here are kind and caring and sometimes that is enough.
Good idea Anne. People do start threads to introduce themselves and I think they're most welcome. I think such threads disappear sometimes down the page as more topics rapidly appear. I'm fairly new myself and am not here everyday. I suggest you just dive in. I did and nobody has told me off (yet :-)