......On Being A Moderater Here.......

[JJ]

Well I always saw being a member as a responsibility too as well as a lifeline and an enormously rewarding experience. Being a mod was a dream that meant and means a lot to me. Because I can do more.

But it also meant that what I said carried more weight in a way which was the biggest increase in responsibility for me. Approving posts and making the decisions necessary isn't that hard usually-though there are exceptions. I even went through a period when I became reluctant to share my pain and problems because it might make me seem less of an example -hard to put that in the right words but I'm sure many mods understand what I mean. It takes some adjusting to become a mod and remain a member as well sometimes.To accept that how we handle our pain and failings is also an example but beyond that to realize Laura's is still here to meet our needs as well as for us to meet the needs of others.

Love you all

Johnny

[Carolyn Marie]

It's been three years since I joined Laura's and the Mod team. Obviously, I haven't been active here in along time. Still, I always come back and check up on it. I'm grateful I had a chance to give back to Laura's as a mod.

It's wonderful to hear from you, Kyle. I'm glad to know that you drop in once in a while. I hope things are well with you, and that you're happy.

HUGS

Carolyn

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

It's great to see you her, Kyle.......I hope that you're happy , healthy and rich!

Huggs

Dee Jay

[~Nova~]

I even went through a period when I became reluctant to share my pain and problems because it might make me seem less of an example -hard to put that in the right words but I'm sure many mods understand what I mean.

Love you all

Johnny

I said this exact same thing after I posted in the suicide forum and the in the RLE. I felt that it was impossible for me to be a mod if I was such a wreck. How could I possibly help anyone else if I was hurting so bad?

As it worked out, I became human to a lot of others and it I turn opened a lot of channels. Talking thru my issues and their issues was a blessing in disguise. Instead of making me vulnerable and weak, it made me human and open. The members/mods accepted me unconditionally.It made me a better mod. I still can't hold a candle to some of the mods here, but I do what I can.

Great thread DJ. I wish more members would contribute. Maybe give us an idea of what they think we can do to help them.

[Guest KimberlyF]

Great thread DJ. I wish more members would contribute. Maybe give us an idea of what they think we can do to help them.

Oh I could give my 2 cents, but that's not what this thread is about.

(I'd like other mods to add to this if you will.....)

Donna Jean

[Guest John Chiv]

Kimberly,

I think Dee Jay meant that she did not want to speak for other mods and invited us to participate. That does not mean members should not speak up. If that is the feeling, let me assure you that I am interested in feedback. Dee Jay was just giving a little insight into what a mod does and that this is a volunteer position.

In my first post, I did not mention as others have said that it is a honor, but it is for me as well and one I do not take for granted. Nor do I consider myself better than anyone. Then again I do not want to speak for Dee Jay and I am sure she will respond to this when she can.

John

[Guest KimberlyF]

I am trying to understand the point. There is a mod forum that may have been best for this? And what do you think these posts do to others who may wonder why the admins don't see something special in them or become down because although they are told all are equals, theres a bunch of posts saying how being a mod has helped others with their transition. Is this thread showing a lot of empathy for the members here?

And no, this is not about me. I have never doubted nor do I need any more PMs from Mary Ellen to know where we stand. Others may not be as secure.

[Guest Robin Winter]

It's been three years since I joined Laura's and the Mod team. Obviously, I haven't been active here in along time. Still, I always come back and check up on it. I'm grateful I had a chance to give back to Laura's as a mod.

Hey hon, good to see you! We miss you!!! You're like...top geek at Lauras...lol

[Guest Donna Jean]

I am trying to understand the point. There is a mod forum that may have been best for this? And what do you think these posts do to others who may wonder why the admins don't see something special in them or become down because although they are told all are equals, theres a bunch of posts saying how being a mod has helped others with their transition. Is this thread showing a lot of empathy for the members here?

And no, this is not about me. I have never doubted nor do I need any more PMs from Mary Ellen to know where we stand. Others may not be as secure.

We do posts to thank the admins here on occasion....

We do posts to thank the members on occasion......

And I felt it was time to let the mods say a little about their job....

No, there was not a mod forum, where this would be better put I WANTED everyone to see and read it!

I put this in the general forum.

These mods do a lot of work here for free...nothing..nada....

...and they deserve a pat on the back once in a while ...

Please don't be upset, Kimberly.......I'm sorry that you don't get the point.....

Donna Jean

[Guest Elizabeth K]

My mouth open in wonder - I read through this and see some really good friends that I have not seen for a while!!

Good stuff!

Lizzie

[Guest Sarah Michelle]

I may not be on as much as I used to be but I try to pop in every now and then to check on everyone. I just recently started back to replying to a couple posts. I would like to think of what I do as Paying It Forward for all the help that I received. I may leave for a while but I will never leave for good as I owe too much to this site to leave it behind me.

[Guest John Chiv]

Sarah,

Glad you are here.

John

[Guest KimberlyF]

I am trying to understand the point. There is a mod forum that may have been best for this? And what do you think these posts do to others who may wonder why the admins don't see something special in them or become down because although they are told all are equals, theres a bunch of posts saying how being a mod has helped others with their transition. Is this thread showing a lot of empathy for the members here?

And no, this is not about me. I have never doubted nor do I need any more PMs from Mary Ellen to know where we stand. Others may not be as secure.

We do posts to thank the admins here on occasion....

We do posts to thank the members on occasion......

And I felt it was time to let the mods say a little about their job....

No, there was not a mod forum, where this would be better put I WANTED everyone to see and read it!

I put this in the general forum.

These mods do a lot of work here for free...nothing..nada....

...and they deserve a pat on the back once in a while ...

Please don't be upset, Kimberly.......I'm sorry that you don't get the point.....

Donna Jean

I'm far from upset. I'm on my way home to my kids. The highlight of my day. Speaking of which, that's a job I volunteered for that I work 24/7 and I can't walk away for a few days If I feel burned out. Even having a child with autism and numerous therapies a week I wouldn't trade it for anything. My kids always ask around the holidays what they can get me and I always tell them honestly they're gift enough.

I do get the point. I just can't relate and wonder how it may influence the people the mods say they are here to help. I've just seen numerous threads started by members themselves thanking mods in the time I've been here and I wonder how much outside validation others need? If I'm shoveling the old neighbor's sidewalk, I'm doing it because I can and she can't. I don't expect anything from her. If she says thanks, it's appreciated. I wouldn't start a petition on the block to thank people who shovel other people's sidewalks.

[~Nova~]

Kim,

I made sure I included the members, I specifically put it in my post, asking for input, and you are, thank you.

When I first read the thread I thought the same thing, wow, a tread patting ourselves on the back, then I realized that what DJ was saying is that the mods are here for the members and she wanted everyone to know that we are here, for the members.

I feel bad that you feel like we are gloating or worse. I can assure you, we are not.

[Guest Shari]

Let's face it, the Mods keep it all working for the rest of us. I hope they stay here so we can come and go as we please knowing we can always come home when we need to.

If that's a pat on the back, it's well deserved.

Hugs,

Shari

[JJ]

Thanks Shari. While we aren't looking for pats on the back it's always a nice feeling.

I think what we are doing is trying to share why we are here and how we feel about it.

Being able to give back and being able to help is really what counts for me. More than words can express

Johnny

[MaryEllen]

The moderators work hard behind the scenes and do deserve recognition. Thank you all for your kind words

MaryEllen

[Guest John Chiv]

Jenny C, thank you.

Shari, you are a dear. We maybe mods but we are also members and keeping this place working benefits all of us. We all need this place and we get back so much from the members. When you hurt, we feel the pain, when you celebrate, we are happy. We all started out as members and whether you are a mod or a member, everyone here contributes. We may do a little more housekeeping but getting to know someone like you Shari makes it all worthwhile.

My fellow mods are a pretty amazing bunch, except the one who ate the last cookie left here on the welcome table! That was for our newest member! Okay who ate it?

John

[Guest Robin Winter]

That was probably me...

[Guest John Chiv]

Shilo,

Now you are just going to have to use the EZ bake oven to make more. Those are the rules, eat the last cookie, make the next batch.

John

[Guest Robin Winter]

I think the cookie lovers would stuff me in a burlap sack and drown me if I tried to feed them EZ bake cookies...they're about the size of a nickel lol.

[Guest John Chiv]

Tell them they are samples while we fix the next batch, diversion Shilo, diversion!

John

[Guest Robin Winter]

I could probably make a proper batch of cookies in the same amount of time lol. Those ez bake ovens are great fun, but efficient they are not.

Incidentally, my specialty is shortbread, in several varieties. I hope that's ok. Beware if you have peanut allergies.

[Sally]

Just wait until they have to use florescent bulbs.

OK, nice way to remind me that I haven't been around dispensing cookies and cocoa very much lately.

Here, I brought two batches - double chocolate chip and snicker doodles - enjoy.

The cookies and cocoa came about as a way of helping the new members to relax and feel welcomed so that they could open up - a lot of this is very private for most of us.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest John Chiv]

Sally,

Shortbread, chocolate chip and cocoa. Clearly the lady mods have it under control. Now to go look for that newest member.

John