I don't think it's necessary for me to talk abouat the trolls again (I'm pretty sick of the subject myself) and I hope that everybody (new and old) is clear about the fact that they exist, come here on occasion just to get everybody off track, and when they do get sussed out and blocked, well, that is that -- nothing more needs to be said by anyone, myself included.  I'm still not sure why Lexy is still confused about the troll issue, because it's been explained a lot, but if she is, I'm sure she's more than welcome to email the mods with her concerns.

When someone new starts posting on the forum I don't view them first with suspicion at all. Generally, it's obvious to me when a premie is posting and when an ex-premie is posting, and most new people, like you, are straight forward about introducing themselves, so I don’t view that as a problem here. It helps a lot when newcomers do give some form of introduction, obviously, but with some exes that just isn’t possible. All in all, most new ex-premie posters are greeted well in my experience and recollection.

This form of communication is so limited. Also, once in a while a new ex-premie poster may start posting, with the assumption that they know the regular posters here very well, because they may have been reading what we write here for a long time. Therefore, they might feel familiar with us, but we don’t know them at all. It can feel awkward when that happens. So, I always recommend that people take some time to test the waters, get used to posting on a forum, and do get to know folks here by direct communications, not based on a familiarity with us based on our past posts. You never did that, but it does occur from time to time with new ex posters.

I don't remember the exchanges where someone slammed you about new age beliefs, Quirky. I really wish that it wouldn't happen on this forum, especially if someone is new. Sometimes "oldies" forget that it can be daunting for someone starting out posting here, and it's not necessary to try to strip people of every belief they may have. It's hard enough to be leaving a cult! Plus, it's really no one else's business if you want to have certain beliefs. I do agree with you there and I'm sorry that happened to you. Discussions about current beliefs is suited for AAA, anyway, not here.

Like you, when I go offline, I have a whole wonderful life and I don't think very much about this forum or ex-premie stuff once I log off. On the other hand, it’s also important for everybody to remember that the people who post here (new or old) are real people behind their keyboards/monitors. So, posting on the forum can be tricky at times. I find it rewarding and a lot of fun.

Thanks again,

Cynthia