BMichael, since you appear to be speaking at least in part to me, I will respond.

I'm not a writer. By that I mean, I don't *need* to write. I love words, and reading, and compelling stories. I don't mind critiquing other people's work, if asked.

I occasionally participate in the writing camps here, but that's it in terms of my own writing. I have nothing much to say, so what's the point of writing? Writing, like comedy, is hard.

I don't understand what you are trying to say. And I have never fainted in my life.

BMichael,You're trying to say "something," and I, for the life, of me, strain though I might, eager to decipher you message, cannot decode it. Ah, enlighten me. Spit it out. What do you want to say that hasn't been heard?

Bmichael - what's going on here? What is it you want to say that isn't being heard? I'm confused.

That's cool, Carol...

Can I have a kudo, please?

Thus spake BMichael.

It is, I believe, an entreaty to others in the group to become active - to post work, comment on work, offer ideas for discussion. We are over a hundred members strong but fewer than a dozen actively participate.

And I for one get tired of the "sound" of my own voice.

Second BMichael's motion!

Thank you for the reference to the rant I wrote that seems to have initiated your interest. I sent your Dove Bar to the message board, but it melted on the way, causing that horrible down day for TBD. They are still wiping the vanilla drippings from the bottom of the server! Robin, from what I understand, licked off all the chocolate coating which cured the server but gave her a tummy ache.

I agree with your take on things here. They are like that everywhere I have posted writing. Remember when I spoke about critical mass? This board gets as many responses as any group on TBD and more thoughtful answers than 90% of them. Only the FUBAR relationship board gets more issues and answers! I love posting responses there. It keeps my clinical acuity sharp!

TBD itself does not have critical mass. If this were a fishing vessel at sea, I would pun that it had not yet found its porpoise. They have lots of money to buy some honey but if you can tell me what kinds of members they seek, I'll ship you a case of Dove Bars!

I see everything from semi-literate lonely hearts who seem to have escaped from Jerry Springer's zoo to intelligent and articulate people who love the art of conversation. It has members who are here to earn their slice of the American Pie by selling everything from herbal remedies to cure cancer to seminars that will get you a job ... even if you are psychotic and wear aluminum foil on your head to stop the transmissions from Mars. There are also honest and skilled business people and health and mental health professionals who offer great advice at no cost to offset that.

So, what you are asking for is only a small part of an overall problem.

If those dozen of us keep working - call it the ideal number for a live writing group. More will join as more arrive and feel comfortable. A few more comment than post so it isn't all hopeless. I also have had private comments from a number of people who have read some of the little articles and vignettes I post to let me know that there are readers out there who are trying to learn about writing in their own manner.

The only way to get the band heard is through repetition and turning up the volume. When I am in the other areas of TBD, I look for opportunities to plug this group. I also have referred it to a number of people I know in the real world or in other programs.

Online writing groups often have thousands of members to get twenty active ones and a few more who post occasionally. Online does not stimulate much personal involvement unless you are a deep participant like the dozen you refer to. I sometimes worry that we are seen as elitist and perhaps not inviting enough to others to join in the fray.