VioletDolphin,
It's a fair enough question and so I'll try to give it a fair answer. I don't want this to go on and on as this board isn't about me but you did ask me a direct question. You already have my offline email so you can write me directly if I am unsuccessful in answering you this go 'round.
During that period, I began to wonder for a number of reasons if belonging to the various boards on Mind Control, UFOs, etc. was the right thing to do. I was also becoming concerned with my exposure in terms of discussing Programming issues and Mind Control and during that time, for whatever reason, tried to distance myself from these knowledge areas as these are sensitive topics. I also really wanted more normalcy. Also, because of my job and contacts in the 'Real World', some of which think this stuff is utter nonsense, I thought it was best to distance myself from controversial areas such as the NWO and Mind Control and UFOS etc. I actually slowed and eventually stopped participating on all boards during this time, including forums like ATS and the Mind Control forums - this isn't because of any 'argument' with members or issues @HCF, it was because I was wondering about the 'safety' and sanity of some of these boards and the impact on my emotions some of the discussions were having. Let me be very clear here: I did not leave because of any specific member on these boards although I did have a minor disagreement with someone at that time (just because two things occur at the same time doesn't mean one is the root cause of the other). This issue was, for the most part, manageable had I chosen to make the effort to do so and it was definitely not a forcing function for my very voluntary 'retirement' from the board.
Since that time, I've realized that the interests and issues still exist that prompted my original explorations in the first place and that probably what needs to happen is to strive for more balance and affirmation in querying these areas and for more positive communication and patience with other people. I feel this will yield positive rewards and negate some of the more negative risks and troubling exposures involving these areas. This is more than just an exercise. It has practical benefits.
However, my interest in these domains has been unceasing (UFOs, Mind Control, Aliens/ETs, Programming) and participating in the forums are my best option for visibility into the areas (nature abhors a vacuum) and I may actually be able to help others as well that share interests in these areas.
I think I have the right strategies in place to defuse conflicts and to facilitate problem resolution when possible as and if issues arise.
For purpose of thoroughness, I will briefly and this one time, comment on the situation with my leaving Expansions forums:
As far as Expansions membership goes, I was banned. At times I became frustrated with various issues that have already come up in other threads including some unresolved concerns with mixed messages that I have seen from a variety of parties involved and some very bad example setting by the leadership in some instances. All things considered (and that's saying something because one of my issues is that I have a temper, and can really be as 'mean as a rattlesnake' when I get mad and have said a few regrettable things. Some were provoked and some were just inappropriate, out-of-bounds and unsufficiently instigated to warrant the harshness and arrogance of certain statements I have made online and offline in private email exchanges with some people).
Thanks for directing your question my way. Sorry this took so long. I wanted to cover my bases and close the loop.
later,
- Michael
