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.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
Yay! Nice to have you back here, Jonny. Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
Welcome back, Jonathon. Posted by Mike (Member # 55) on :
Excellent! It's good to see you back. Posted by Mormo (Member # 5799) on :
That's great, Jon Boy. I had missed you when I got home internet recently, glad you're going to post more regularly.
Morbo
Posted by tt&t (Member # 5600) on :
Yay! Welcome back. Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
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.
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
(hugs Jon Boy) We need more of you here, anyway. Thanks for coming back.
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
Jon Boy?
Never heard of him.
Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
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). Posted by JonnyNotSoBravo (Member # 5715) on :
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.
Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :
Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :
Pfft. You just came back 'cause after playing mafia with me you found yourself unable to resist my sharp wit and charm. Or not.
space opera
Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :
Jon, I wondered about that when I posted it, but I still couldn't restrain myself. Sigh. I don't know what's come over me to be so persnickety!
Ah well.
Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :
quote: And just a gentle warning to everyone else: "Jonny" is my most hated nickname ever.
OK, I hadn't a clue. But now, if I want to annoy you on purpose, I will know how. Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :
quote: "Jonny" is my most hated nickname ever.
Even over Pat?
Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :
I'm glad you decided to come back. But why would you ever want to break a Hatrack addiction? Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :
Glad you're back, Jon Boy!
(no one can stay away forever )
Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :
What about Pat Boy? Do you hate that one more?
Posted by Ralphie (Member # 1565) on :
Hey, man. Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :
Omigosh! I've missed you so much!
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Well, I am the one who registered the name Pat Boy, if you'll remember.
Ruth: You're such a dork.
Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :
Hooray!!!
Jon Boy is back!
Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :
I remember.
By the way, thanks for giving my post count the chance to overtake yours again.
Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :
Aaaaaaaaah!!! Yay!!! *bounces off walls* I MISSED YOU Jon Boy!!! Welcome back!
It's so good to see you again!!
Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :
Brinestone
Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :
Wow! You WERE gone a long time! I see your last post before this week was June 29 of last year!
Welcome back! I'm so glad you missed us and decided to return. You always have so much good information to contribute...
Farmgirl
Posted by mothertree (Member # 4999) on :
Good to see you Jon Boy. The Secret fraternal order of Linguists has your cloak and red pen waiting for you.
Posted by Jonathan Howard (Member # 6934) on :
quote: 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).
Excellent! That aides me a lot~!
I may be new here, but welcome back.
Posted by Hobbes (Member # 433) on :
quote:The Secret fraternal order of Linguists has your cloak and red pen waiting for you.
The dyslexic cabal here tried to start a program like that but after we wrote away for some shirts we never received our order.
Welcome back Jon Boy.
Hobbes
[ March 16, 2005, 10:28 AM: Message edited by: Hobbes ]
Posted by AntiCool (Member # 7386) on :
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Thanks, everyone. I had no idea I was so missed. Posted by Annie (Member # 295) on :
And there was much rejoicing.
*yay*
Posted by eslaine (Member # 5433) on :
!
Welcome back!
Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :
*hugs Jon Boy*
Hey, I'm minoring in Linguistics - we'll have lots of fun language stuff to talk about.
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