posted
As you probably know, I've been gone from Hatrack for several months now. There were several reasons for my sabbatical, and I think at the time it was the right decision. Hatrack seemed different to me, and I was enjoying it less and less.
However, that didn't stop me from checking it frequently and posting frequently, too. I was worn out from all of the political and religious discussions (I have a rather low tolerance for arguing and contention), so I tried to stay away from them. But in doing so, I think I turned into white noise—just a bunch of posts that didn't really mean much. I was feeling out-of-touch and frustrated, so I decided I needed to take a break. A really long one.
And I had my own forum (along with Sakeriver, Madowl, and others) where I felt comfortable and at home. I didn't feel like I had to post all the time, and I was surrounded by a smaller, more intimate group. It seemed like a pretty good arrangement.
But as time went on, I felt like something was missing. I wasn't involved in Hatrack anymore, so I missed out on lots of things. But I still wanted to know about all the get-togethers and things like that, which I realized seemed rather hypocritical; I wanted the benefits of knowing what was going on and hanging out with everyone in real life, but I didn't want to have to be part of the community anymore.
And anyway, there have been times when I've seen a thread and have had the urge to reply, but I've stopped myself—and why? Just because I'd decided not to post anymore? I began to have a harder and harder time justifying my self-exile. After all, Ruth still manages to post over here without letting things get out of control. Why couldn't I do the same?
I started to realize that my sabbatical had served its purpose. I had taken a nice, long break and broken my addiction. I've had a lot of time to evaluate Hatrack and my relationship to it and to the people here. By continuing my self-exile, I would only be hurting myself by denying myself a part in such a great community.
Now, I heard there was a thread about language stuff somewhere. I think I'm going to have to go check that out.
Posts: 9945 | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
Welcome back, Jonny Boy. I remember you from way back, but it's all kinda hazy. . . I was gone for a year and a bit myself due to no internet and living in the middle of outer darkness. Anyway, welcome.
Posts: 8355 | Registered: Apr 2003
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posted
Icarus: That's not what you said last night.
And just a gentle warning to everyone else: "Jonny" is my most hated nickname ever. But thanks for the warm welcome (or re-welcome, I suppose). Posts: 9945 | Registered: Sep 2002
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posted
Your post was spelling-error-free and well-written. I liked how you broke up the paragraphs and hyphenated "out-of-touch".
I'm glad you're back! We should ressurect the ask-Jon-Boy thread so we can pepper you with more questions.
Posts: 1423 | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Good to see you Jon Boy. The Secret fraternal order of Linguists has your cloak and red pen waiting for you.
Posts: 2010 | Registered: Apr 2003
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