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Neil in Vancouver
August 12th, 2006, 12:38 AM
I am struck by the number of posters who make a cruise decision that is usually irreversible, and then post a thread asking if they did the right thing. Am I missing something here? With the vast amount of info available on these boards, and the willingness of dozens of people to share their experience, it would seem to me that one should do things in the reverse order.

My own procedure is that once I've made a decision, I don't go looking for someone who got a better deal. That way I won't be disappointed or feel cheated when I find one.

Don't worry ! Be happy ! You'll enjoy the cuise more if you don't know how much the people in the next cabin paid.

Sprocket
August 12th, 2006, 01:32 AM
I think sometimes all the details can be a bit overwhelming for people.

There are so many decisions to make, cruise line, ship,cabin, itinerary, dining preference, dress codes, and probably many more I can't think of right now. And for many price is a factor.

Maybe some just need a little extra reassurance that they chose the perfect cruise.

Bev (in Mission)

kryos
August 12th, 2006, 01:36 AM
I am struck by the number of posters who make a cruise decision that is usually irreversible, and then post a thread asking if they did the right thing.
It's scarey ... especially if you are making the decision for many people ... like a family, a group, etc. A cruise is an expensive proposition, and it is normal to worry if you've picked the right ship, cruise line and itinerary. I guess people need some reassurance on that score ... especially if it is their first cruise.

I know that I thank God I only have to make these sorts of decisions for myself, or in concert with maybe one other person. At least, if I've made a mistake, I have only myself to pay the price. But I can only imagine choosing a cruise line and ship ... for an entire family group ... and have the whole thing turn out to be a bust. Man, would I feel horrible.

So, I don't fault anyone for requiring reassurance. It's called buyer's remourse and it's perfectly natural.

Blue skies ...

--rita

thomasale
August 12th, 2006, 05:18 AM
Boy is that the truth. I have spearheaded a few cruises for friends and family. I am (by default) doing it now for next summer. I have decide on Princess for Europe. It will be my first on Princess and on a new ship (Emerald). After mentioning this trip at a family reunion several have decided to join us. It will make for a great time but I am a little worried about all the things I don't know about and most I can't control.

Its' like when people don't know where they are going and they follow you...then when you get lost they want to blame you...hey aren't we all responsible for our own decisions?

Bramcruiser
August 12th, 2006, 06:41 AM
Its a double-edged sword. Sometimes people just want a bit of reassurance over something they thought they might have done well with. However, sometimes you get someone who ends up telling you that you should have done something else. I figure that I am no expert and can only give my personal opinions and that is what you'll be getting from other people really. I consider many on here more seasoned travellers but hardly experts either as what I seek may not exactly be someone else's cup of tea. Its interesting to hear other people's comments but I've learned a while back now that you know yourself best and that you do something that is right for you. You'll be getting some good advice and some that you will likely not pay much attention to.

Sure I think it makes more sense to ask first but I think its just human nature to constantly ask "Did I do the right thing?".

Bramcruiser
August 12th, 2006, 06:49 AM
You'll enjoy the cuise more if you don't know how much the people in the next cabin paid.

Now there is one quote I agree with. The same goes for airline travel. Fares just constantly change and if I get stuck with it higher than someone else is going to pay later on or had got hold of earlier I cannot sit there and worry about it. Just think though - some people have paid more. I booked the trip because I wanted it. Fares are sort of like Russian roulette. Some people love to watch the everchanging landscape but it would drive me nuts to constantly monitor it. I don't believe in throwing money out the window but if I book at a price point I'm happy with I am going to go and get on with enjoying the trip and all it has to offer. Sometimes it does make a difference to try to take advantage of a drop in price but if its small I can't be bothered.

hgatsawgrs
August 12th, 2006, 07:25 AM
It is also part of the internet phemon that while one expresses anxiety about the decision here in front of many, when describing the trip to friends the anxiety is not shown. Often people will describe a future trip and gloss over the name of the ship and line and just say- we are going on a cruise to.....

mountainmare
August 12th, 2006, 08:22 AM
I can relate to this post- purchase trauma. Notice that I'm posting on the HAL board, where right now I wish I belonged.
After many wonderful HAL cruises last June we booked Celebrity for our first Med trip coming up in 50 days. The itinerary was our driving force, along with the wisdom both from our TAs and on the boards here and from fellow travelers that the lines were very close.
Maybe the internet gives too many chances to vent, but after hearing about worn and dirty ships (HAL keeps there classic ships so nice), itinerary changes at the drop of a hat, poor cutomer service I was getting worried. Then the last straw is that last week they changed their wine policy so that NO WINE may be brought aboard, even if you are going to agree to a corking fee.
This normally would be a small annoyance, but we are going to Tuscany--home of great wine, and we cannot bring it back with us.
So I have a moment of why did I book this particular cruise feeling, which I've never had before. We are go with the flow people, and will have a great time, but I shouldn't be annoyed before I go.

ANSalberg
August 12th, 2006, 10:08 AM
I agree with the general discussion on "Did I make the right decision?" BECAUSE what is the right decision for one may not be the right decision for someone else- EVEN someone in your own family, for example. We love cruising and found our own niche -aided by the best TA in the whole wide world about 15 years ago. We are retired now and cruising a lot. The most frequently asked questions BECOME almost challenges "Don't you get BORED" [Never] "How can you STAND only one day in a favorite place?" [ I can always come back] "Aren't the rooms DINKY?" [Not terribly; we're relatively tidy] and then they announce "Well- I went on a cruise one - and I didn't like it!" [ announcement] We have learned not to be drawn into some sort of debate -the kind where [honestly] NOBODY wins. We love cruising and its right for us- that's enough -I neither need to explain it or defend it.....And BTW -don't attack the amount of money we have to cruise WITH- while you are driving around in a RV that cost over $100,000 and gets 2 miles per gal of gas......OK; I'm off my CHARIOT now! ;-) [ and I'm getting ready to pack for my NEXT cruise!]

ANSalberg
August 12th, 2006, 10:09 AM
I agree with the general discussion on "Did I make the right decision?" BECAUSE what is the right decision for one may not be the right decision for someone else- EVEN someone in your own family, for example. We love cruising and found our own niche -aided by the best TA in the whole wide world about 15 years ago. We are retired now and cruising a lot. The most frequently asked questions BECOME almost challenges "Don't you get BORED" [Never] "How can you STAND only one day in a favorite place?" [ I can always come back] "Aren't the rooms DINKY?" [Not terribly; we're relatively tidy] and then they announce "Well- I went on a cruise one - and I didn't like it!" [ announcement] We have learned not to be drawn into some sort of debate -the kind where [honestly] NOBODY wins. We love cruising and its right for us- that's enough -I neither need to explain it or defend it.....And BTW -don't attack the amount of money we have to cruise WITH- while you are driving around in a RV that cost over $100,000 and gets 2 miles per gal of gas......OK; I'm off my CHARIOT now! ;-) [ and I'm getting ready to pack for my NEXT cruise!]

MercedMike
August 12th, 2006, 10:11 AM
My own procedure is that once I've made a decision, I don't go looking for someone who got a better deal. That way I won't be disappointed or feel cheated when I find one. Don't worry ! Be happy ! You'll enjoy the cuise more if you don't know how much the people in the next cabin paid.

LOL -- right on! We never ask our tablemates how much they paid. And if they ask us, I have a stock answer: "Well, we got such a good deal, that the cruise line made us promise we would not tell anybody about it!"

;)

jhannah
August 12th, 2006, 10:21 AM
There are some people who are prone to having "buyer's remorse." It happens at the end of any major purchase: car, furniture, cruise, etc. The deed is done and out come the feelings of "did I do the right thing?" They generally then need someone to reassure them that everything's okay.

lougee1043
August 12th, 2006, 11:42 AM
what about the ones who post where should i go on a cruise and what cruiseline should i take --with no info that might help us take a stab at a correct answer

sandytoesrose
August 12th, 2006, 12:42 PM
I think anyone who has found their way to the cruise boards should have enough information available to make the best choice for themselves. I wish I had discovered cruise boards before I booked my first cruise. I was careful, though, with selecting the right TA and found someone who would listen and understood my wants and needs. New cruisers are just looking for a little reassurance.

LAFFNVEGAS
August 12th, 2006, 12:51 PM
Personally I think it is human nature to have "BUYERS REMORSE" on any big ticket item if this is not something you do frequently. Just like buying a car or a house. To many a cruise is a dream of a life time that they have saved up for and want it to be perfect. Some of us like myself do it so frequently we have no second thoughts. I just think we need to put ourselves in their shoes. Many need the reassurance that will help them to relax and when it come time for the cruise they will have a great time. If not for boards like this helping many they may go on the cruise still scared they made a bad decision and in the end have a terrible time.

Neil in Vancouver
August 12th, 2006, 02:14 PM
Many need the reassurance that will help them to relax and when it come time for the cruise they will have a great time.

Fair enough, but how do they feel when the answer they get suggests they didn't make the right decision?

Tinknock50
August 12th, 2006, 02:14 PM
Personally I think it is human nature to have "BUYERS REMORSE" on any big ticket item if this is not something you do frequently. Just like buying a car or a house. To many a cruise is a dream of a life time that they have saved up for and want it to be perfect. Some of us like myself do it so frequently we have no second thoughts. I just think we need to put ourselves in their shoes. Many need the reassurance that will help them to relax and when it come time for the cruise they will have a great time. If not for boards like this helping many they may go on the cruise still scared they made a bad decision and in the end have a terrible time.

Agree completely Lisa.

Another thing I would like to add, if a little off topic. I often wonder how many Lurkers or those just checking these boards out are discouraged from posting for fear of being shot down or flamed. I really enjoy helping people experience and enjoy cruising as much as I do. I also like to hear from newbies as they experience cruising for the first time. There really should be no such thing as a stupid question or concern here.

If someone needs re-assurance, lets help them out......or if you think they have made a mistake, gently help them there too.

As much as I like hearing from the "old timers" and regulars, I would still like to see some fresh viewpoints on the subject we all love. Lets work to not make this a "private club" and encourage as much posting as possible.:)

LAFFNVEGAS
August 12th, 2006, 02:26 PM
Fair enough, but how do they feel when the answer they get suggests they didn't make the right decision?

First off, I really think the members of this board are really pretty friendly and like Sean said we try to help out the new members. I do not think that too many get answers that are blasting them for making wrong decisions but maybe suggesting an alternative. We were all new here at one point. If anything we may just help to guide them to make a good decision for themselves. I too enjoy hearing from new cruisers. It is often very refreshing. I find that I sometimes forget things because we may frequent HAL so much and reading a cruise thru new eyes makes me remember why I love cruising.:)

love2relax
August 12th, 2006, 02:51 PM
I agree with Sean that we shouldn't make people feel bad who are trying to get a little bit of reassurance for possible buyer's remorse. Sometimes people have to make a quick decision about a cabin upgrade or a deal that seems really too good to pass up, but then they start to think about all of the "what ifs", especially when they're making decisions for other people. I must admit that since this thread was posted last night right after I posted one looking for some reassurance, that I feel it was indirectly aimed towards me. As an example, in my case, my TA had HAL on the phone; and I had to make a decision without seeing a map of the ship. I had a small computer printout, but even with my glasses and two magnifying glasses I couldn't read the numbers on the cabins. I needed a little reassurance and thank goodness that Grannynurse was kind enough to help me out. Thanks to all of you who helped me feel better than I did when I read the first post in this thread.

2bout2c
August 12th, 2006, 03:25 PM
LOL -- right on! We never ask our tablemates how much they paid. And if they ask us, I have a stock answer: "Well, we got such a good deal, that the cruise line made us promise we would not tell anybody about it!"

;)I love your answer. I usually say if I told you one of us would be upset.

Tinknock50
August 12th, 2006, 03:51 PM
I agree with Sean that we shouldn't make people feel bad who are trying to get a little bit of reassurance for possible buyer's remorse. Sometimes people have to make a quick decision about a cabin upgrade or a deal that seems really too good to pass up, but then they start to think about all of the "what ifs", especially when they're making decisions for other people. I must admit that since this thread was posted last night right after I posted one looking for some reassurance, that I feel it was indirectly aimed towards me. As an example, in my case, my TA had HAL on the phone; and I had to make a decision without seeing a map of the ship. I had a small computer printout, but even with my glasses and two magnifying glasses I couldn't read the numbers on the cabins. I needed a little reassurance and thank goodness that Grannynurse was kind enough to help me out. Thanks to all of you who helped me feel better than I did when I read the first post in this thread.

Thats exactly what I worry about, Mary. People such as yourself may just say "I don't need this grief" and just leave and we never hear from them again. I like to see as many people post as possible and want folks such as you to stay.:)

Maybe "flame" or "shot down" are too strong words for what I mean. But, I have personally experienced sarcastic replies to a question about something I always wondered about cruising. This person is one of the regulars here and implied that I should have thought about it before I posted such a stupid question. Eventually, another poster came up with a very complete answer to my question and I was grateful for that.
Sometimes you just have to hang in there until someone nice comes along.:)
But I just wonder how many are discouraged from posting in the first place when they see answers like that.

Tinknock50
August 12th, 2006, 03:54 PM
LOL -- right on! We never ask our tablemates how much they paid. And if they ask us, I have a stock answer: "Well, we got such a good deal, that the cruise line made us promise we would not tell anybody about it!"

;)

Or how about "I could tell you , but then I would have to kill you":) LOL

hammybee
August 12th, 2006, 06:15 PM
[QUOTE=mountainmare]I can relate to this post- purchase trauma.

Then the last straw is that last week they changed their wine policy so that NO WINE may be brought aboard, even if you are going to agree to a corking fee.
This normally would be a small annoyance, but we are going to Tuscany--home of great wine, and we cannot bring it back with us.
__________________________________________________ ____________
First off, I love your definition (PPS) although I am lucky to have not yet suffered from it.

Are you certain that X will not allow you to bring aboard, purchased wine, to take home, as opposed to being consumed, while onboard?

serendipity1499
August 12th, 2006, 07:39 PM
I love your answer. I usually say if I told you one of us would be upset.

We usually say we don't remember, but I love my friends answer.. If anyone asks her a personal question, such as when our Hairdresser asked her how old I was..

Her answer was: "If I told you I'd have to kill you!" ;)

SDHALFAN
August 12th, 2006, 08:27 PM
Thats exactly what I worry about, Mary. People such as yourself may just say "I don't need this grief" and just leave and we never hear from them again. I like to see as many people post as possible and want folks such as you to stay.:)

Maybe "flame" or "shot down" are too strong words for what I mean. But, I have personally experienced sarcastic replies to a question about something I always wondered about cruising. This person is one of the regulars here and implied that I should have thought about it before I posted such a stupid question. Eventually, another poster came up with a very complete answer to my question and I was grateful for that.
Sometimes you just have to hang in there until someone nice comes along.:)
But I just wonder how many are discouraged from posting in the first place when they see answers like that.



No, believe me, "flame" or "shot down" are not too strong words to use. Some people, even some "regulars" can get downright snippy and nasty and, quite frankly there is no justifiable reason for that. Happily, the vast majority of posters on this board are kind, extremely helpful and eager to answer questions and share their knowledge.

There was a young lady who posted here recently giving us some information that she believed to be correct but which was questioned by some old-timers on the HAL board. To say that she was excoriated by some would be an understatement. However, a couple of us tried to reassure her that almost of us are in the "hot-seat" at one time or another - heck, Even Rev Neal has had his share of "flaming", but then he has God on his side and he always comes out fighting, in the most polite manner!:D Sadly, she left in tears and probably will not be back. That's too bad since she seemed genuinely thrilled to find this board and honestly thought that she was doing us a favor by reporting what she thought to be true. It wasn't but it could have been handled in a much more gentle manner than it was.

When I first found CC several years ago, being a seasoned cruiser but a novice to boards such as CC, I sided with someone who was supposedly a "troll". Talk about "flaming": I was so upset but there was one kind soul who came to my defense and asked "why are you people always trying to discourage new posters?" I left the CC board for a couple of years but then after getting a new computer and new user name, and the fact that my husband had recently died and I was new to "solo" cruising, I logged on again seeking advice about what would be a whole new way of cruising for me. I came back only to find a much kinder and gentler poster on the HAL boards. I have to say that almost everyone on this board handles questions or statements with the class that one would expect from a HAL cruiser, but there are exceptions even among the regulars, and I think that they, the regulars, are the ones who need to re-examine their thoughts before posting so hastily.

It's great to see new people posting here, asking questions (there truly is no stupid question), seeking advice, etc. and we as seasoned HAL cruisers should do our best to help them instead of frightening them away.

Valerie (standing by, clad in a Kevlar Vest, and waiting for the flaming to start):)

hammybee
August 12th, 2006, 09:30 PM
Noticed earleir today, on another cc board, a seasoned poster offer a newbi $1.00 to shut up on one of the most commonly posted threads. I think the going rate on HAL is $5.00

Tinknock50
August 12th, 2006, 09:35 PM
Noticed earleir today, on another cc board, a seasoned poster offer a newbi $1.00 to shut up on one of the most commonly posted threads. I think the going rate on HAL is $5.00

Cool....could I change my name and get $5.00 to shut up?

That would only be for 12 hours at a time, however.

sirgonealot
August 13th, 2006, 12:52 AM
I have never had a tablemate ask me what I paid for a cruise.

Bramcruiser
August 13th, 2006, 07:04 AM
But I just wonder how many are discouraged from posting in the first place when they see answers like that.

I think there are a number but I would hate to want to guess at just how many. It's probably less that we think but it still happens. I know I've been flamed and I've seen it happen on all the cruise line boards including HAL where everyone tends to self-congratulates each other for being civilized.

Some people do get ticked off by the same old questions being asked time and time again and unfortunately say something rather sarcastic or uncalled for. I don't think most who post the type of responses you speak of are trying to be mean but I wonder at times if anything should be said at all.

Still, Tinknock50, I think you are correct in that some people just have to wait around long enough and discouragement becomes encouragement as you will almost always get some good answers to help you out of your hole. I think that its a two way streak however and instantaneously reacting to a bad response only makes the matter worse for yourself as one will not give the time to see what the board is truly about. Still, we tend to go with first impressions so I know a bad response can throw anyone off.

But hey, we are not here to beat up each other on the HAL site. :)

Krazy Kruizers
August 13th, 2006, 09:37 AM
Have been following this thread with great interest.

We have been asked by table mates what we paid for our suite - I do not answer them - just one of the reasons why we prefer a table for 2.

I don't post much anymore - as someone said, you get tired of being shot down or flamed.

Host Walt
August 13th, 2006, 10:09 AM
I think sometimes all the details can be a bit overwhelming for people.

There are so many decisions to make, cruise line, ship,cabin, itinerary, dining preference, dress codes, and probably many more I can't think of right now. And for many price is a factor.

Maybe some just need a little extra reassurance that they chose the perfect cruise.

Bev (in Mission)

That's right, but it's more than that.

If you were in a class play in school, or were part of a major holiday production at church, you will remember the psychological reactions you had when it was over. You thought about the little things you wish you had done differently or the big things that went wrong.

Or that big project for school or work that tooks weeks to finish, but once you submitted it your head was swimming with questions and ideas that were too late to include.

But, in both cases, one thing was for sure. It was too late to do anything about it.

IMO, that's the same phenomenon that is at play here.

A cruise is usually complicated and many on Cruise Critic enjoy addressing all the details very carefully (just see the questions we get about virtually everything) so that once the nbooking is final and all that's left is taking the trip, there's a natural tendency for the planning portion of the brain to keep on working, even though its job is done.

lougee1043
August 13th, 2006, 12:02 PM
i too never discuss price --price - religion and sex should never be discussed at the dinner table unless you are at a table for 2 and sitting with your wife or girlfriend/boyfriend

middle-aged mom
August 13th, 2006, 02:11 PM
i too never discuss price --price - religion and sex should never be discussed at the dinner table unless you are at a table for 2 and sitting with your wife or girlfriend/boyfriend

Lougee, may I discuss sex with my husband at a table for two? Presuming, of course, that I am sharing the table with him.;)

(Please forgive me, Lougee. I tried to resist, but being the weak-minded, lowbrow creature that I am, I couldn't. My apologies for being off-topic, too.:o)

lougee1043
August 13th, 2006, 02:16 PM
Lougee, may I discuss sex with my husband at a table for two? Presuming, of course, that I am sharing the table with him.
(Please forgive me, Lougee. I tried to resist, but being the weak-minded, lowbrow creature that I am, I couldn't. My apologies for being off-topic, too.)

dont know why i left husbands out --purely unintentional -- your comment was no more off topic then my post which brought your comment about--so feel free to talk dirty to the dh but not until the soup has been served and eaten --after all we dont want him scalding himself

jagsfan
August 13th, 2006, 02:41 PM
My first cruise was in inside upper and lower on the Royale, in 1984 when the
Premier line first started it.......loved every minute of our cruise on that old
refurbished ship. One of my last cruises was a suite on QM2, loved every
minute on that brand new ship. No matter how much research one does, or
how many people one asks, the bottom line is what the individual wants and
needs. There is something magical to be found on every cruise if you look for
it.

thomasale
August 13th, 2006, 05:37 PM
Have been following this thread with great interest.

We have been asked by table mates what we paid for our suite - I do not answer them - just one of the reasons why we prefer a table for 2.

I don't post much anymore - as someone said, you get tired of being shot down or flamed.
20 thousand posts your fingers must be down to the nub...:)

NancyIL
August 13th, 2006, 06:10 PM
I am extremely good at second-guessing myself, especially when it comes to making travel plans. I obsessed over booking our first Alaska cruise, and did in fact switch ships/cruiselines after reading that "so and so does Alaska so much better" than the cruiseline I initially booked. Guess I'll find out in 10 months!

The posts that concern me most are from people who haven't done their homework to learn about the ports they will be visiting. That seems to happen fairly regularly on the Alaska board. They wait until the last minute to ask what there is to do in, say...Ketchikan. You might be able to wing it in the Caribbean, but Alaskan port excursions tend to be a lot pricier, so there's more potential for disappointment.

peeps
August 15th, 2006, 09:47 AM
I have been out of town and just read this post. I wanted to respond, because I have found this board to be so helpful. I am one who needed some last minute encouragement and I asked for only positive replies to help me get over the last minute jitters. I appreciated every person who took the time to make a positive remark. I have often wondered why people want to critique someone else's post. I'm thinking if the question bores you or irrtitates you, just don't respond or spend time thinking about it. So, hurray for all you kind people who are so patient and willing to share your thoughts and experiences. Heaven knows we need more kindness in this world!

Tinknock50
August 15th, 2006, 10:48 AM
I have been out of town and just read this post. I wanted to respond, because I have found this board to be so helpful. I am one who needed some last minute encouragement and I asked for only positive replies to help me get over the last minute jitters. I appreciated every person who took the time to make a positive remark. I have often wondered why people want to critique someone else's post. I'm thinking if the question bores you or irrtitates you, just don't respond or spend time thinking about it. So, hurray for all you kind people who are so patient and willing to share your thoughts and experiences. Heaven knows we need more kindness in this world!

Too true.:)

Frogs
August 15th, 2006, 11:34 AM
We were one of those that booked a cruise with HAL for the first time and thought that maybe it was a mistake after booking. It was a quick decision but wanted to cruise again that we took the bite. I then logged back on to CC and started to monitor the HAL site. I must admit that I began to wonder if we were too young to be on HAL after reading these threads and wondered if I had made a mistake - thank goodness I have a good TA that reassured me. I also was concerned about the type of people who cruise on HAL because of those who "flame" you when you post. When I got back on earlier this year it was real bad - people were in bad moods here. I put it into perspective and reminded myself that this is just a small sampling of the people that are on the ship. There will be those that criticize everyone who inconveniences them and those that go with the flow and just enjoy the cruise (regardless of whether or not they wear jeans in the dinning room ;) ). Honestly, I find that I can purchase a big ticket item and have no regret but turn around and purchase a $50 (or less) item and regret it and ask for confirmation from my husband or someone else that can tell me that the purchase was a good thing. What triggers regret is different for each person.

I have enjoyed what I have read here and found everyone to be very helpful but I resist posting much in the fear that I will be flamed for something I say or ask. I can understand why people leave the boards or at least quit posting. Some of the new posters have really been attacked for just trying to learn as much as they can about cruising from the ‘experts’ and join this very unique community that exists here on the HAL board. I had even desired to become one of the ‘in’ posters but I decided that 1) I didn’t have any experience to post; and 2) I didn’t want to take the chance and be attacked and called a ‘troll’ since I didn’t have any credibility and history with the HAL board.

I use what I read on this site to better my cruise experience as well as how I treat others through my written communication. I am more cognizant of what I write when replying - which is why this reply is in it's 10th (or more) rewrite to avoid 'flaming' anyone. My desire when I post is to enhance my cruising experience or help someone enjoy theirs even more - and even get into a little 'chat' like this one from time to time and take the risk :eek:.

Thank you to everyone on this board! I have learned from each and everyone of you in one way or another. Hopefully I will be able to cruise more and have the chance to cruise with many of you in the future! To be able to cruise is absolutely a blessing and this community just makes it even more so!

Blessings!

jhannah
August 15th, 2006, 12:15 PM
Kim, keep posting! In any segment of society there are always a few (and thankfully it is just a few) who don't understand the proper way to respond to people ... who are blunt to a fault, becoming brusque. Please deflect hurtful comments and focus on those who genuinely try to be helpful (most posters here.) We all have differing views of things. Sometimes those views are strong. But diversity of opinion is an important component of a free society, and helps us make informed decisions. I certainly disagree strongly with opinions of some who post here, but I try to remind myself that they are just as entitled to their opinion as I am to mine. I just have to remember that not everyone is as informed and enlightened as I am! ;)

Frogs
August 15th, 2006, 12:50 PM
Thanks Jim! I'm not going anywhere! Just thought I would express a newbie perspective. I found it interesting that right about the same time I posted my comments someone on another thread called an OP a troll for posting an innocent question. He did retract and I believe redeemed himself but it was still an example of how new posters can be treated on this site (and others!). It just suprises me that's all. I know I'm not perfect but I keep striving for it ;) - just don't tell my husband! I have him convinced I'm perfect!

Blessings!

SDHALFAN
August 15th, 2006, 03:13 PM
Hi Kim,

With your sense of humor and the fact that you actually think before you post then you will do just fine here.

Should you fall into the flaming pit down the line just remember that I am the one with the Kevlar/Flameproof vest and I will be happy to lend it to you - just remember to give it back because I'm sure that I will need it again.

Valerie:D

Frogs
August 15th, 2006, 03:16 PM
Valerie,

I'll take you up on it when I take the plunge or inadvertantly take the plunge! :D

Blessings!