Though I have been a frequent poster here, I have only posted once in the past week and a half

[Atticus]

and that was a bit of humor that I posted hesitantly. This post is offered, not as a justification, but just as an explanation.

I find it increasingly difficult to post anything acceptable. Most of the OPs I have tapped out lately that really said what I thought needed saying have been scrapped by me---erased before posted.

I was not concerned that the post would violate the TOS. Been there/done that and I have survived.

I was not concerned that some would disagree. That's to be expected on any discussion board worth the name.

I am just tired---in general, to be sure--- but also tired of the nasty "edge" that seems to have grown more acceptable. This trend is by no means limited to DU, but this has been my home for a couple decades and here is where 98% of my political discussion occurs. Thus, to have my integrity or good faith questioned by those with whom I HOPE I agree about most issues has sort of "bled" me these past several months.

Before some begin typing "Don't let the door hit you in the ass!", I am not leaving. I am simply---for a while---stepping back; reducing my participation. I'm sure some will applaud that and some will say "Who cares?", but this explanation is offered to those who will do neither.

Stay safe. GOTV. "Do good work."

[ananda]

1. Thanks, Atticus. I have missed you.

I like your rants.

[AZ8theist]

95. I agree with you 100%.

[DemocraticPatriot]

30. WTF ?!

[redstatebluegirl]

39. Wow what a jerk.

[niyad]

90. Did I just miss a troll or something?

[question everything]

96. One of the rare occasions that I voted to hide a post

Glad that other jurors thought the same.

[redstatebluegirl]

118. I really enjoy your insight.

I do understand walking away for a while. I have done so myself for my mental health. Have a good break.

[The Unmitigated Gall]

42. Wow. Took all of three minutes to prove Atticus' point.

[Traildogbob]

54. I fully agree

Differing opinions are expected. But there has been some vial assery of late. GQP “I am right and fuck your opinion” is spreading like Covid. Differences of opinion can be voiced in respectful manner. Or at least used to be. Just my opinion. No need for death threats.

[Joinfortmill]

87. 👍

[Xoan]

48. Back atcha.

[Scrivener7]

3. Glad you're not leaving. Take care of yourself.

[Arkansas Granny]

4. Things can get pretty intense at times. Sometimes it's good to take a break and clear your head.

[Bettie]

5. I feel the same way lately

come back when you feel ready. I'll miss your posts.

[ProfessorGAC]

6. When You Come Back...

...i'll welcome it.

[hibbing]

7. I enjoy your posts, take care of yourself n/t

[MineralMan]

8. I recognize you, and have read plenty of your posts.

One thing about being a frequent DU poster and becoming recognized, though, is that a lot of other DUers recognize your screen name. That's a good thing, but it can also be a bad thing.

DU, like every other discussion forum on the Internet has multiple factions of posters and readers. The more you post, the more you are remembered for your posts and the more you either entertain or antagonize various of those factions.

If, like many frequent posters, you sometimes post controversial things, you will be remembered even more. Again, that's good and bad at the same time. The more you are remembered, the more often some will remember you for some post(s) you made years ago that infuriated them. In fact, some will remember you only for a few old posts and will call those up in their minds and will respond as though the same old discussion is still current.

It's not just DU. It's every discussion forum ever that has participants who have been active for years as frequent posters. In some cases, a disgruntled poster will even maintain lists of links to those old posts that pissed them off, for quick reference.

It's an odd thing, really. But, if you're going to be a frequent poster who sometimes posts controversially, it's going to happen. It's best just to ignore those disgruntled members who only pop into your threads to make some arcane reference to a post you made years ago. It's inevitable, and will happen to anyone who posts frequently about hot-button issues.

You just have to roll with it. Most others in such threads don't even recognize the sly references. You just have to ignore them.

[Stuart G]

9. pLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE COME BACK...(when you are ready)...yes, take a break, we all need that...

....PLEASE, PLEASE, AND PLEASE COME BACK.......WE NEED YOU

[LiberalLoner]

60. +1

[XanaDUer2]

10. stepping back is good sometimes. Come back when you're ready nt

[Maeve]

11. It has been an exhausting few years

Especially this past 18 months or so...

Recharge and return. You are missed when you are not posting.

[LittleGirl]

12. We're taking a vacation starting next week

I’m going offline while I stare at the ocean. Be safe all.

[Joinfortmill]

88. 👍

[Dem_in_Nebr.]

13. Do what you have to do

I, for one, will welcome you back!

[Mr.Bill]

14. I will miss you until your return

which I hope will be soon.

[BoomaofBandM]

15. I have disagreed with some here. I also at times disagree many in my life.

I even disagree with myself. I have trashed posts. I have put many on ignore, more now than in the past almost 3 years. I know, I am still an infant in DU land. I have never trashed one of your threads, I have never put you on ignore. I have enjoyed your rants. I wish you well and look forward to your return.

[mopinko]

16. ignore is your friend.

my list is pretty long. just because trolls post here doesnt mean i have to like it.
life's too short for useless arguments.

[redstatebluegirl]

40. So is mine.

[SWBTATTReg]

17. Be safe in your journeys, and when you do come back, we'll enjoy your companionship

and conversation once again. I, for one, have always enjoyed your thoughtful analysis on a wide range of topics, a major resource in my life and I'm sure that it is a major resource in others' lives too.

[hlthe2b]

18. I think most of us who have been here the longest have taken extended breaks periodically...

Not only because ...well, life...

but DU is cyclical and some are more conducive to cordial discussion and "news-gathering" than others.

And...we all get cranky. I know I do.

Enjoy some time to regroup and do what you need to do.

[gab13by13]

19. I always make sure I click on your posts,

we Democrats do not want to be like the GQPers who belong to a cult and parrot talking points. What makes the Democratic party great is about allowing rigorous debate on topics. Come back soon.

[Tree Lady]

27. Me too I read more than I post

Or I would have a high count being here since 2004.

I know we all have different opinions and I enjoy reading what people are thinking.

[underpants]

20. Don't let the door hit you in the ass!

Come on. You know I just had to.

Come back when your done saving all those people’s lives. ❤️

[bluesbassman]

21. I've been here since 2005, and have always found value in your posts and comments Atticus.

A couple years back I backed off from posting for similar reasons, and have just recently begun to post a little. I hope your downtime is brief, but I for one certainly understand and support your decision.

[GusBob]

22. I have been pondering this lately myself

DU has seemed to have become, in my opinion, "curmudgeonville" : humorless, overly sensitive, as well as less informative discussion-wise. reading comprehension has always been a problem and I have hides from attempts at humor as well.

As far as being a frequent poster, yes it could be reckoned that familiarity breeds contempt

I read your posts all the time

[SleeplessinSoCal]

36. Good points all. I have a theory.

The chaotic Kabul withdrawal, which of course caused us to go through a tr-ilevel hell - 1) observations on the ground 2) effort to tune out the politics 3) frustration that we went in at all.

Remember the expressions "Politics stops at the water's edge" and "Cheaters never prosper"? I call Not Any Nore. And it's driving us all nuts.

[chillfactor]

23. I will miss your posts

I don't post very often but I do enjoy reading yours. I know you have a tough, disheartening job so please rest up and come back when you are refreshed.

[Hortensis]

24. :) Enjoy. I know it feels good whenever I leave for a bit.

And then again when I return. In my case, the place is so busy that one notices except a few friends, and knowing that is also beneficial and grounding in its way. DU and DUers will always be here doing their thing when you want them again.

See you later, Atticus.

[NBachers]

25. You are someone I always click on when I see your name. Take care of yourself,

and I’ll Be glad to see you’re back when you return.

[rurallib]

67. Me Too

do what you need to do Atticus. We only get one life.

[FoxNewsSucks]

26. I always like your rants

usually thinking the same thing. Don't let the haters get to you.

Pissing off republicons, tRumphumpers, Dems who act like republicons or posters who defend Dems who act like republicons should be considered a badge of honor.

[FakeNoose]

28. I hear you my friend, and it's good to take a break now and then

For myself I've taken a 9-month break from Facebook, and I'm not sure if I'll ever go back.

People do argue and disagree here on DU, but the politeness and manners are evident also. I've have people apologize because they disagreed with me. The level of conversation is so much higher on DU compared to other boards, that's why I stay here.

But I do sometimes take a break for a week or two. I think we all do.

Just lurk for a while to keep your synapses firing, nobody will know.

[Grasswire2]

29. I always look to your posts for thoughtful and interesting conversation, Atticus.

It's clear that some people come here just to fight or stir us up.

And some gang up on others for any of a variety of reasons.

Cliques even gang alert at times.

But there is a core group, and I consider you part of that group.

It is uncomfortable to think, when feeling an urge to write a comment, that someone is immediately going to jump on you for it. I don't like it, either. It feels like the way I used to feel when living with a critical, sour narcissist.

But the more the solid people leave, the more the mean people are emboldened. We never know what their true motive is. Many are agitators, clearly.

[Crunchy Frog]

31. I don't blame you, and definitely understand where you're coming from. I have personnaly found

that being very liberal with the ignore button has made being on DU a far more tolerable experience, at a time when I'm already stressed out to the max.

[Paladin]

32. Come back full strength, and soon. (nt)

[left-of-center2012]

33. "the nasty "edge" that seems to have grown more acceptable"

I agree.
I've thought of posting a similar thread, but shied away as I felt I'd just be attacked.

There seems to have been a decline in civility here the past few months.
Some comments to threads I have posted seem to want to bait me into an argument.
My 'ignore' list grows.

[live love laugh]

101. 💯

[DemocraticPatriot]

34. I always think of 'Atticus Finch' when I see your username,

and that's whom I visualize when reading your posts. lol


Come back soon!

[Cozmo]

38. Yeah, yeah, me too. I always read Atticus' posts

[The Unmitigated Gall]

64. Me three.

The suit, the glasses, hair a little out of place.

[Snackshack]

35. Take care of you 1st.

Do what you gotta do for you. I have been posting on and off here since 06. DU goes thru it’s phases. Sometime the general disposition is good and other times it not.

At the end of the day DU is just another site on the internet. Don’t let it get you down.

[LudwigPastorius]

37. Are you not alerting on the nasty posts?

Surely, that would help stem them.

[malaise]

41. For the record

Last edited Tue Sep 21, 2021, 09:56 AM - Edit history (1)

I love your posts

[Pepsidog]

97. Atticus and Malaise two of my favorite posters. Return soon Atticus.

[malaise]

111. Awwwwwwwwwwwww

[marble falls]

43. Be careful you don't take DU and the anonymous thousands of us DUers too seriously ...

... but stepping back once in a while is good, too.

What always occurs to me is that when I come back is I am ALWAYS pleased with how civil this place almost always is.

We're all always trying to find our way here, and I've always felt you were part of it

[AllaN01Bear]

45. i enjoy your posts

i come here to stay insane. if i go sane ,who knows what might happen. camr after the gore v bush debachle and been here ever since . take care of yourself.

[CaptainTruth]

46. I have always enjoyed your posts.

In this OP you said "I find it increasingly difficult to post anything acceptable."

IMHO one of the purposes of this forum is for us to post our thoughts, opinions, frustrations, joys, etc, & I would say that your thoughts & opinions are always acceptable. I would encourage you to not hold back on expressing yourself out of concern that some might find your comments unacceptable.

That being said, do what you need to do for your own mental health. A break can be a good thing. I also have been feeling tired lately & have had a bit of that "edge" in my attitude. In my case I think it's mainly because I've lost patience with anti-vaxxers & what they're doing to our country & that has caused me, to some extent, to lose patience with everything & everyone in general. I apologize to you & everyone else on DU if I said anything that offended you.

I look forward to more of your posts in the future.

[Ilsa]

47. I like your OPs; don't stay away too long. Your voice is needed here. nt

[NewHendoLib]

49. I understand completely and am right there with you.

[captain queeg]

50. Yeah sometimes taking a break is good.

Also once I discovered the ignore button that helps, but I’ve only used it couple times. Nowadays I do t usually formally ignore but certainly do ignore some posts.

[Karadeniz]

51. I have always read and enjoyed your posts! Never noticed snarky comments... shame on them! One

can disagree without being snide.

[Hekate]

52. You are right: there is a nasty "edge," and some downright ugly threads w/ many contributors...

It’s …disturbing. Times are hard: we’ve got Joe, but Trumpism remains. But my point about the ugliness of some of these very long threads is this: at what point do we become “them”?

I’ve been trashing threads steadily. In the past couple of years I’ve been alerting MIRT as never before.

Take a break. Do something good for yourself. The “real world” needs you whole and healthy, and so do we. Take as long as you need, Atticus. We’ll still be here.

[femmedem]

107. +1

There is a core group of contributors here who not only share information and valuable perspectives, but will also stand up against bullying. You're one of the best, Hekate.

[3catwoman3]

53. May your sabbatical be rejuvenating...

…and may we be welcoming you back sooner rather than later.

[Woodwizard]

57. Understand completely.

There are some on that just post a nasty reply or troll, a few of them have high post counts but never start a post of their own. I come here mainly to see the latest news, have visited the site since the shrub got elected.

It is not just here just about every forum I belong to over time has the same going on.

[ancianita]

55. Totally with ya, love ya, and look forward to your return. Stay well, rested and enjoy your days.

[Ohiya]

56. I always enjoy your posts.

I definitely understand not wanting to post. I rarely post.

[cate94]

58. I'm sorry you feel the need to step back.

I always appreciate your perspective and you frequently say what I am thinking. As you might have noticed, I am not much of a writer as evidenced by my post count, but I am an avid reader of DU. I’ll miss your writing.

[mountain grammy]

59. I read nearly all of your posts

and will be looking forward to you coming back full time.

[NQAS]

61. I know the feeling. . .

But I'm a fan. You are one of a handful of posters to whom my instantaneous response is, yeah, that's exactly what I should have written.

For all of its benefits - and I have also been here for a couple of decades - it can be stressful. Sometimes you just need a break. The space time continuum will not shred. My comments and posts have not changed a damn thing. Nor have the other 60 million or so posts. But it's good to know that there are others out there who share my world view. But that echo chamber thing also has a price. It reinforces anxiety and stress, and increases fear that things are not really going to get that much better. So, maybe it's not a bad thing to step back, focus on the good things in our lives - family, hobbies, pets, doing good work.

[hunter]

62. Sometimes your posts irritate the hell out of me.

If I haven't responded to them it's not because I'm finding it difficult to post anything acceptable, it's simply that my politics are practical even as my own political ideologies are radical.

Thanks for everything you've brought to the table here, and hopefully everything you will bring.

[MiHale]

63. Stepping back is good to do every once and awhile...

I enjoy reading your posts. People seem to be on a hair trigger lately. Answered many posts then just moved on without posting.
Enjoy your break.

[godsentme]

65. I love your posts and hope you'll come back around.

[SallyHemmings]

66. Glad you are safe

Breaks are underrated.


TFG, the pandemic, the MSM, and life can be exhausting.


Get some rest.

[ffr]

68. Get back on here ya bum! Your posts save me hours of original thought

Because you say it way better than most of us can.

Take a breather. Reflect. Come back. You'll be doing us a huge favor.

[packman]

69. Packman here - feel the same

Seems like every other post gets an alert abuse claim.. Frankly, it seems as if their is a group targeting certain posters. While I enjoy reading and posting, like the above, it seems like my integrity and good faith in the aims and goals of DU is being questioned.

[RainCaster]

70. I'm with you...

There have been a number of genuine a-holes responding here recently. My serenity has been far better off just watching Rachel and ignoring what DU has become. Take your time, and return when ready.

[emmaverybo]

71. Will miss your compassion, common sense, and your articulate opinions. NT

[pwb]

72. Sometimes we all get jumped by groups and say the

wrong thing. Our progressive wing sometimes jumps to remedies without deep thought. IMO. I have ignored my share for many reasons. Some are recent joiners, some dumb asses, some that post often clog things up and run down some good post that people take lots of time writing. Update your jury list with people like the ones you write of.

We are a tough party made up of strong Union hard working people. We are not afraid. President Biden could call on the Unions to squash these tiny revolutions. Pukes are the weak not us. Hey Atticus, it don't mean nothin. You are welcome now or then. Peace, pwb

[plimsoll]

73. I've never posted here that much. Mostly because it feels like you either need to pile on,

or "f*ck off" a lot of the time.

I also don't like what happens when I respond in kind. Someone commented earlier that the GOP has been coarsening the discussion. It's true, when you feel that the only response left is to be rude back it's time to leave.

I start to write plenty of the time, I post about 1% of what I write. The right can be solid because they will demand conformity. That's harder or impossible to achieve on left, and ideological purity should scare the hell out of all of us. We have a coalition, but some of us seem to have forgotten that.

[Harker]

74. For a few, DU stands for Damned Unfriendly.

Hope you'll heal up and come back as outspoken as ever.

[DFW]

75. I know what you mean. A lot of yin and yang.

There IS plenty of nasty stuff. People piling on you for some perceived slight, or due to your responding to some post that was meant as bait to make you vulnerable to getting pounced upon. There are plenty of posts I just don't respond to for that very reason. There are a LOT of good people on here, but there are the inevitable lonely souls who need to take out their grievances with the world on posters they find on an internet board because there are no repercussions, or, if there are, they can just click them away. It is a fact that "Get a Life" is not enforceable in a court of law. If you know any German, or have a German-English dictionary, look up the word "streitsüchtig." Some people are literally that. I guess "chip on their shoulder" comes closest to a translation.

But don't think that's only here. I have met members of Congress that I was all ready to hate and they, much to my frustration, turned out to be nice people. Worse yet, I have met ones that I totally agreed with and admired, was all ready to have a great kumbayah session with, and they turned out to be assholes or phonies. You can't imagine how frustrating THAT is!! Luckily, that hasn't happened in quite a few years.

If it any consolation, figure the people who are systematically being mean to you--or anyone else, for that matter--are probably lonely, unhappy, and wish they could have a tenth of the emotional stability you have. When I run into that, I try to let it slide, or pull off a Jen Psaki move (she is the master, I am the lowly peon by comparison). Count me as one of those who will neither applaud nor say, "who cares?" I'm not here constantly, but I care. But I know, too: that and fifty cents............

[hamsterjill]

76. Totally feel the same.

It’s gotten worse than I’ve ever seen it. Same people most of the time, many acting in concert it feels like. Maybe I’m imagining it…

I find I post less and pick and choose what I read. There are definitely some agendas being forced of late. Pity, too, because that does very little for unity.

[proud patriot]

77. I too have stepped back

been a long long time for me ..

all my best Atticus

[Piasladic]

78. Ah.. you can't stay away...

fifty bucks says you post before midnight tomorrow.

BTW, I thoroughly like your Covid wine tasting test- I too am nervous.

[Wicked Blue]

79. I love your posts, Atticus

Come back soon!

[BigmanPigman]

80. I am empathetic

and have noticed exactly what you have mentioned.

[MissMillie]

81. come back soon

I enjoy your posts.

[Demsrule86]

82. I think it is less nasty than say during the primary and OMG...2016 was a nightmare. I enjoy

your posts and I like arguing...we can discuss (argue) without being uncivil right? Any way you add much to this board and I am relieved you are staying...post an OP...let's roll!

[drmeow]

83. You've just explained quite well

why my post count is so low despite being here for 14 years

[MustLoveBeagles]

84. I've seen some of what you describe

When I see this I rarely step in as I don't like confrontations. Most of the time I end up ignoring or trashing those threads. I still find it amazing that I even post at all. I lurked for years to afraid to speak up.

I can't say I've agreed with every post you've made, but it's clear you've always put a lot thought into them. I respect that and you. I'm truly sorry you've been feeling beaten down lately. Take all the time you need to recharge your batteries. Everyone needs a break once and awhile. I look forward to your return.

[Evolve Dammit]

85. Hope to see you soon Atticus. We all need some down time. Love your last line.

[Joinfortmill]

86. I hear you.

[niyad]

89. I would say "get your butt back in here right now", but I understand that somtimes we

just have to take a break, for our physical and emotional well-being. That being sai, I hope it is a short one. You are valued, and needed.

[intheflow]

91. Ah, yes! DU burnout is real.

I stepped waaaaay back during the run up to the 2016 election. Between the infighting over Bernie and Hillary, and the folks who made fun of Trump, dismissing out of hand the possibility he might win... man, I really stepped back, for 2-3 years. I've never been able to find another place like DU, though, for thoughtful discussion amidst the detritus, and so -- here I am again.

Wishing you a health-full break. See ya 'round the funny pages at times.

Until then, stay safe. GOTV. "Make good trouble."

[hlthe2b]

92. Oops my earlier post somehow did go through. Atticus, all of us who have been around all this time-

decades now, have taken time off to rejuvenate or to shrug off the not infrequent cycles of... I'll just say "craziness."

Enjoy some time to refocus on some other things and then head on back. We'll be here (eventually, at least... )

[DownriverDem]

93. I'm tired too.

I agree about the tone out there. I find it depressing. My rant of being tired is related to our lack of votes. Without the votes the Dems can't get their agenda passed. When the votes are close, the games begin more than ever. Sadly, too many folks give up then just when we need them to step up. Hang in there.

[cilla4progress]

94. Well that's

unfortunate!

[PatrickforB]

98. Well...I don't say 'who cares,' and I don't feel like you should leave. I like your posts,

generally. Oh, you are angry about so many things, and so am I. So are many of us here.

You've had some righteous rants - I haven't always agreed with your assertions, but most times I do.

So don't be leaving just yet...

One last thought: There are a whole bunch of people on DU. Most don't really post much, but they all read posts here from time to time. Who know, Atticus, but what something you have said on here has made a substantial difference in someone's life? To my mind, that is the only really worthy goal in life - to live in such a way that your little corner of the universe is a better place because you have lived. I'm better because of some of the people on here, who have taught me a great deal. You are one of those people.

[gldstwmn]

99. I had some concerns myself recently.

There were days when I wondered who is actually posting here these days. I recognize so few posters from when I originally joined under my old screen name in 2003. There was a very clear objective back then. Things seem a bit more scattered these days. But I stepped back and came back and it's okay. I hope it's gets better for you too.

[live love laugh]

100. I understand completely. You are not alone. nt

[Bluesaph]

102. I agree

I’ve been here for about 18 years and some people are easily agitated and quick to report nonsense. It’s getting worse.

[Raine]

103. I've noticed the ugly edge too

I post less myself because of it. Even reading posts here is difficult anymore because of the meaness and lack of empathy showing.

[applegrove]

104. Come back when you can.

[alwaysinasnit]

105. Every time I see a post with your moniker, I always take a peek. Thank you for sharing

your thoughts, and even more, your sense of humor. Recharge your batteries and come back when you're ready.

[femmedem]

106. I had some discussions via DU mail with someone doing the same, for the same reason.

The person reached out to talk about a mental health issue, and instead of being supportive or empathetic, the first person who responded replied in a cutting, holier-than-thou manner. I knew at the time that it would hurt a vulnerable member of this community, and sure enough, that person has nearly stopped posting, and the few posts they made have not been self-revealing.

We're all human beings living through a stressful, anxiety-provoking time. None of us want to come here to participate in discussion only to be attacked, shamed or vilified.

I'll miss your posts, Atticus. I often don't read through all the responses so I didn't know it has been happening to you too. You absolutely don't deserve it.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

108. I am currently serving a suspension of my Facebook account.

I told a puerile arsehole that he was a puerile arsehole. This was deemed "bullying". This is my second such suspension. The first was because I took exception to another bully for her lying. I had told her that she regularly called people names, and her response was, "You are the liar. I never call people nasty names." I replied, "You just called me a liar, so your statement that you don't call people names is itself a lie." This was also deemed "bullying".

[BornADemocrat]

109. Agreed

Nobody will recognize me, and that's just fine. It's just not been worth it to post much this past year or two.

[BornADemocrat]

110. Agreed

Nobody will recognize me, and that's just fine. It's just not been worth it to post much this past year or two.

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

113. Sorry to hear that. I really appreciate your posts.

You stay safe and do good work as well, Atticus.

[ShazamIam]

114. I agree, I have been surprised that there seems to be a bubble dominating the site that is

relentless in not allowing discussions outside of a narrow political boundary. Most of all I was surprised that some pretty nasty comments directed one user to another are allowed to stand while others are removed?

[malthaussen]

115. You're definitely more appreciated than not.

Alas, the trolls and bots are relentless.

-- Mal

[MLAA]

116. I will miss your posts.

[H2O Man]

117. Recommended.

I always enjoy and respect your contributions here. I also post less frequently, in part because of the very reasons you note, and partly because there are other options for more meaningful conversations than those found on tweets or bumper stickers.