Author |
Message |
Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 7:51 pm
I am starting a thread for people to communicate their TVCH “moments” or “experiences”. Those things that might have taken you by surprise, things that affected your life, or things that hold a special meaning to you. I won’t be offended at all if mine are not read; this post will end up pretty long. I have experienced a number of things at TVCH, because of TVCH or related to TVCH that have touched my life in various ways. The ones I’ll write about are the things that had the biggest impact on me as a person. I’m not going to worry about chronological order. If I think of something important for me, I’ll put it in at that time. I look forward to hearing what members have gotten from TVCH. I really look forward to seeing what it is about TVCH and its people that touch the hearts and minds of others. I am a student of the human condition. I try to learn from people and about people. Individuals, groups and especially the human race. My outlook in general for the latter isn’t good. The over riding thing about TVCH is that for a big group of people it seems to be head and shoulders above any other large group of people I’ve experienced in real life. That intrigues me as well as giving me hope on a bigger scale. TVCH used to be called Big Brother Fan Club. It was founded by a guy named Neil Brommel. He liked Big Brother and created BBFC to discuss the show with others. I lurked for a few days just after it started—a couple of days. Then I joined and jumped in discussing a show like no other. At that time the site had only the discussion about BB as well as the live feed posts. I originally tried for Opus as my nick name, however someone already had that. So I went with Lancecrossfire. I loved reading the LFP to keep up with what was really happening. IT was amazing to me how people would sit and type the feeds. IT seemed like it would be so much work. As a person who doesn’t know how to type, I really appreciated the group who did this so we could all see what was really going on. The other thing that was amazing was the discussions that took place about the show. There was so much passion and intensity in a game show. I loved so many aspects of the show and there were plenty of others who felt the same. I was working a lot of hours—I slept about 3-5 hours a night and the rest of the time I was at work, always with BBFC whenever I could catch a peek. My first experience at BBFC that had a big impact on my life was what is affectionately called Game I. At the time of the game and after it was just called The Game. Game I came about as a name once it was decided to try it again—Game II. Lisa, or to many Enbwife offered to be the proctor. There was a fair amount of discussion about how this would be carried out. I will skip the back and forth and get to the process. First people who were interested in participating had to apply. An application was created and interested people filled it out and sent it in to Lisa. The idea of the whole thing was to try and recreate, as much as possible, what we had just experienced from BB. So some ground rules were set up. The HG's were not supposed to look at the rest of the board for the entire game. They were not supposed to communicate by email or phone with any other player or any other board member. That would take care of the issue of seclusion. A separate part of the board was set aside for the HG. The rest of the board members were called watchers. They would “watch” us and post about what us just like we did for the HG on BB. There were challenges set up for us during the entire game. Banners were sent all the time, just like in BB1. The “house” was set up as different rooms. We had a bathroom, back yard, living room, kitchen and bedrooms. Think of them just like topics within a general area on TVCH. The game lasted for almost three months. Just like in BB1, at specific intervals, we would nominate other HGs for eviction. And just like in BB1 it was the audience who voted on who would go. I spent hours and hours participating. I’d post whenever I could, including going 3 months with typically 2 hours of sleep a night. There were some amazing conversations that went on between the HG’s. We got to know each other VERY well. We talked about virtually every subject imaginable between each other. We had what we ended up calling “late night talks”. Those were especially detailed and engaged. We had a DR too. Flint (one of the original moderators) was the person who ran the DR’s. He would send us questions by email and we’d answer. Then he’d makes posts with our answers that were interactive between the mysterious voice of the DR and us. For those around, I am betting the words “hush you” bring back memories of some very funny exchanges that were created by Flint from just our answers to some questions. At the same time, he made them very fitting for the game—revealing things about ourselves about things we might not have touched on. For me, being a HG felt like what seeing the real BB seemed like they went through. I stuck VERY strictly to the rules about staying only on that part of the board, about not writing to another HG or anyone else on the board. I worked (up until a few months ago) in a building with very few staff, and at night it was very quite. A building that was within a DOE fence where you needed a badge to walk into the fenced area. The building had only 2 windows and I wasn’t near either of them. I was divorced and poured myself into my work before BB ever came on. I worked everyday, averaging over 100 hours a week for just over 2 years. After that I averaged between 80-90 hours a week. I didn’t take a day off for over 8 years. So here a sat, working hard and being a secluded HG. But for me the seclusion was very real during the game. It got so that I literally lived in two different worlds. I could be up late at night deeply involved in our “late night talks” and feel like there was nothing else in the world. Then I would turn away from my monitor and be back in real life—and they were VERY different and the feeling of separation was beyond explaining with words. I remember the final days of the game. I found these huge levels of emotion over taking me. I’d be posting to the others, watching my monitor waiting to se the reply posts. I’d read and start crying. Then I’d need a drink or something and turn away from the monitor and feel entirely different and stop the water falls. Then I’d come back and look into the monitor and the emotions would come flooding back. Yes, Game I was a major impact on my life. I put all of myself into it. But the big surprise was what was waiting for us when we “got out”. The watchers posted the entire time in what has been the only time frame the board was completely unmoderated. Think of how we are with BB and multiply the intensity and passion 20 fold. And think of what the posts might be like without any moderation what so ever. Those for a HG were REALLY for them. Those against were REALLY against. And everyone had those who rooted for and against. People created sites for those they were rooting for. It’s hard to explain what took place while we were all sequestered in our “house”. Neil warned everyone at the beginning that feelings would get hurt, that if you played you better realize what could happen and not take it personally. Neil was a very wise man about this. Hurt feelings would be a gross understatement. We were viscously attacked. All HG’s had those who couldn’t stand them. Remember, no moderation what so ever—not in any shape of form. What no one counted on was how personally the watchers would take everything. Just as we get into it now, they did as well—only it was in an unmoderated form and in a situation where people knew each other to varying degrees. There are 3 other people still on the board who were HG’s in game I. They are Moondance, Kearie and Dilligaf. The one very negative thing that happened that no one predicted was the crap that Lisa took from people. Some folks really attacked her because she proctored the game. Of course Neil was none too happy about that. I remember being in total darkness as to why anyone would have anything bad to say about Lisa. She did a great job with the game. Moving on, BBFC became TVCH, as the board started to expand the types of discussion that took place. A lot of talk about various shows, personal folders and a couple of other topics. Membership dropped to just a few hundred from over 3,000. BB starts up again, and the members all come roaring back. We finish BB2 and there is talk of another Game. Neil is very insistent that it wouldn’t happen on his board. However a member stepped up and offered to completely run it with the help of another member. She offered prizes too. All Neil had to do was proved space on the board, and it would be moderated this time. He finally relented and we had the start of Game II. People filled out applications, however there were very few. We had to recruit people to play. Some changes were made. Chat would be used often for the HGs to interact and the watchers would be in chat but not be allowed to post. What we leaned in Game II was that in game I and in Game II there was a person who played that also had a second account and acted as a watcher as well. Game two had fewer watchers. At times less than 20. TVCH active members were at an all time low. I was really discouraged about this because there were some great folks around. Game II was still tough, and a number of the players didn’t enjoy being involved. A couple months before BB2 started I was asked to be a moderator. At that time, I had already become very attached to TVCH. I had gotten so much enjoyment out of so many aspects. I was a prolific poster, and felt like I was part of a family. To me being a moderator was about giving back to something that had given so much to me. To this day I feel the same way. I am proud of what TVCH has become. I’m proud of the hard work so many people have put into TVCH, and proud of the membership. The biggest affect being a moderator has had on me is the amount I post. I used to post all the time before becoming a moderator. I spend most of my time on the board reading posts instead of posting. I take that trade though, because it’s still important for me to give back to a fantastic community. Over the 6, going on seven years, I have watched TVCH grow. By grow I’m not talking about numbers. I’m talking about what is included within TVCH. Just about every subject has been or is being discussed. TV shows, current events, games, more personal issues, sports, and so much more. I’d like to address the impact of 9/11 to the board. I looked at the board during 9/11 less as a poster and more as a moderator because I spent just about every second of my board time doing the moderator tasks. The focus of discussion was 9/11. People came here to talk about it—to express feelings and to get support. Not all of what impacted me at TVCH was positive. I watched people pour their souls out here on the board because they had no one else to talk to. I watched people go into bouts of severe depression. Yet at the same time some of those very people said the only way they got through it was by coming here and interacting with others about the events and the emotions. People were in chat for days at a time. We had a few people who were a type of moderator in chat—not to boot people out, but more to provide a place to come, a shoulder to rest upon. There are a few special people who helped so many people in chat. They may never know how much they touched the lives of so many people by their kindness and time given. As I mentioned, not all impacts are positive. After Game II, there was a big thing about one specific member and them getting to stay or not stay. (it was the person who had two identities in both games). They ended up being banned from the board. Some people left for various reasons—TVCH wasn’t tough enough fast enough, TVCH was way too mean. And that is ok—no one place is right for everyone. The negative impact to me came in the form of posts on other boards by members of TVCH. Unhappy posters would start a board, and unhappy TVCH members would go to a board or two and post about various people—including me. I’d hear about people saying things, and of course would ask where it was so I could look. I’d get warned to not go and look because of some of the horrible things said. Folks, I want to point out to you that in life, if you feel you may not be able to handle a possible answer to a question you have, you are probably better off not asking the question. Of course I still asked, and was given the answers in the form of addresses to check out. You know, I just didn’t get it. We had people on TVCH who hated the board—and hated specific people. Yet they remained on the board posting while spewing vile things about us and about individuals. To this day I can’t figure out why anyone who has such distain for how we run the board would want to continue being a part of it. Oh, lots of horrible things were said about others too. I won’t go into that part of it, but I want to say that such strong hatred is felt. It does hurt—even with the best of walls in place to protect one’s self. What helped me though was knowing the things being written about me were based on information that was not accurate. I guess it’s funny that would matter, but it did for me. And now onto the other edge of that same sword that had a positive impact on me. Over the years people have gotten fed up with TVCH, gotten pissed, gotten their feelings hurt—something to cause them to leave. I can respect that—as I’ve said, no one place can work for everyone. What I’ve seen happen over and over through the tears though, is so many of those folks have come back to TVCH. Before going any further I want to make sure you all know that this isn’t an “I told you so” kind of happiness for me. They have found that the other places aren’t for them more than this one. They have found they miss their friends. They have found they were able to get over whatever it was that caused them to leave and they missed the people and the topics. This warms my heart because TVCH is merely the vehicle. It is the people and the discussions that make us who were are. Our rules only set the ways we conduct what we do here. And I hope that is what so many who came back and stayed came to believe. Not everyone who has left has come back—but a large number have. My vacations. That may sound a bit odd to most people—that a vacation would be a major impact on my life. As stated at the beginning, I worked for a lot of years without taking a single day off. Before going on my first vacation to RG’s resort, it was almost 10 years without a single day off. That’s over 3,000 days straight of working and not taking any time away. I went to RG’s resort for 4 straight years. It has been while staying there that I have been able to sleep straight through a night. That is the only time it’s happened since 1992. Except for those few weeks of total time, I have not slept through a night without waking at least a couple of times, often 5 or 6 times. I miss getting those few days a year of sleep all the way through a night. I have really enjoyed watching a few people grow up on TVCH. At first BBFC wasn’t too worried about age—unless someone said they were less than 16, they were allowed to join. Zached, Neko and KC wheels all joined at a fairly early age. While I haven’t interacted with posts as much with Zached as I have with the other two, I still read most posts. I have had the pleasure and privilege of seeing them go from young teen to young adults. I want to say that some younger folks are able to think and communicate beyond their years. Never believe you are too old to learn something from someone much younger. Gatherings—it’s hard to properly describe what I’ve gotten out of the gatherings I’ve been to. So many amazing people for so many different reasons. I remember the gathering that got all the others rolling. It was Moondance meeting OI. Before then, no one had ever met before. One has to start somewhere though! A lot of people were excited to hear how the first meeting went. Turns out it went pretty well. It started what has become many gatherings over the course of a number of years. Some people I’ve met only once; some I’ve met a number of times. I can tell you that very close friendships have developed from gatherings. People will be friends for life. I know that I have made a number of true friends. I know that I have met some really incredible people though. If you ever get a chance to meet someone, I hope you take the chance to do so. I was lucky enough to attend the wedding of a very good friend here at TVCH. It's something I was will always consider a very special gathering. While a person can actually get to know someone very well on the board, and with the additional channels of email and phone, there is nothing quite like adding a face to face meeting with someone you already know pretty well. I am humbled by the people I’ve met. Speaking of humbled, there is something else that has touched me deeply here at TVCH. Along with humbled I’d have to say inspiring as well. Very inspiring. There are a number of folks at TVCH who have both humbled and inspired me. I’d like to think I’m a better person for getting to know a number of people. Either know them personally or come to know them because they shared their lives with all of us. I look at what people have gone through. I see the situations people are in every day of their lives. I see successful people giving their time and money over and over all of the lives to give something back. Or someone who has been out of work for a long time, yet continually helps others in any way they can. There are a number of people who provide great inspiration because who the situations they have going on in everyday life and how they deal with it. People who physically have some very limiting things going on. Yet they are some of the most positive, can-do people I’ve ever known. They never give up. Yes, they get frustrated, laid up at times, slowed down at other times, but they refuse to let their situations or conditions win. For me, I am amazed and in awe of these folks. They touch my life every time I read their stories. We have some people here at TVCH that have continually given back. By the standards of many they would be considered successful people at least in business. Not all successful business people give and give and continue to give. Here at TVCH we have folks who do though. I am inspired by them, as it reminds me that I can always do more to help others; and that is important to me. We have had people go through some tough times here at TVCH. One example is a person who lost their place to a fire. Complete loss—everything. As an ex firefighter, I have first hand knowledge of the devastation anyone feels when a fire takes out everything. Another poster organized a way for others to donate so they could get back on there feet as soon as possible. There was quite a response and I believe that those donations made a difference in the life of that person. This is just one example of how we’ve helped each other. As I mentioned, sometimes things that have a big impact aren’t positive—but they still are an impact none the less. We have had three members die (that we are aware of anyway). No matter how much or how little we all knew them, it has been clear each death has brought about a resounding feeling of sorrow for the passing of a family member. We are after all a type of a family here at TVCH. I need to laugh—I enjoy laughing. It’s good for me to laugh. I have been touched by laughter here at TVCH so many times. I don’t just mean a good chuckle. I mean tears running down my face type laughing. There are some very funny people that have posted. I remember a game run by a particular poster—there were some great posts made by that person and many others. It was one of those times where everyone’s humor just came bursting out. Along with that I am affected by those who are very funny and very serious pretty much back to back. There is something very special about seeing someone post that has me in tears from laughing and the next day post something very serious and helpful to someone in need. I just read in amazement at how a person can be so funny and light hearted and the next moment write so very well about an issue that has life impacts. There are but a handful that can do it all the time. I very much appreciate their talents. On a big picture scale, I am touched and amazed at what we have become. We started out as a small group of people who wanted to discuss Big Brother. We grew to a large group of people who wanted to discuss Big Brother. Then we really grew. Slowly in numbers, and more importantly we grew to become a community. Being a part of it and getting to see it every day means the world to me. I hope others share what has struck them the most about TVCH, no matter of you have been here since the beginning, joined a couple days ago or anything in between.
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Wapland
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 8:11 pm
WOW Lance!!!!!!!!!!! ((((Lance)))) You have said it all so eloquently. My heart sings and my eyes mist with the sheer sincerity of every carefully chosen word, that each have come so deeply from your heart. I feel blessed to be part of something that inspires someone to write so beautifully as you have just shared. Yours my friend is stand alone. I am so proud of the man you have become in all these years that we have bumped into eachother in this special place. Thank you for being so committed. I needed this place this year more so than ever before and just thinking about the depth of that statement overwhelms me. You are so devoted to this place that all too often I take for granted. You are cherished Lancey. For me, my memories are a simple list..... 1. writing my first life feed post that first season. 2. 9/11, that day in chat, wonderful Tess 3. Flyonthewall 4. Spygirl- dating, engaged, getting married, having a baby......life happening before our eyes. 5. Ass pinching, Neil and meeting him!!!!!!! 6. my Canadian meet and meeting little melodie 7. a card to my favorite pig farmer 8. Late night desperation and angel JMM 9. Help me..... 10. Fondly, Wappy Thank you Lance for giving this place your voice and now we will watch them come. Fondly Wappy
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Wapland
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 8:12 pm
p.s. oh wow, and now I'm in trouble because I just thought of about 25 more things....dang it all! Fondly Wappy
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Maris
Member
03-28-2002
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 8:15 pm
I have been coming to tvch for a very very long time and have had my problems with the board also on and off for years. I come to the board because I enjoy talking news and views, and reality shows. That is why I come. There are aspects of how this board is run that I would disagree with but I will say that the board is certainly better run now than it was back in the days of game I and game II, where it was all about who you knew and which clique you were in with. I will totally agree with you that Lisa was vilified unnecessarily because she stood up for people who were being attacked. I know what she went up against and I respected her more than anyone else on this board. What keeps me here, believe it or not you Lance, Bastable, Sanfran, Wendo, Kirsty, Ginger, Tish, Eeyore, to just name a few. We may have our differences but you will not find a more intelligent or articulate group anywhere else and I daresay that is what keeps people coming around.
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 8:33 pm
Wappy, please add your other items. I have to add the quilt for Monica. That was a fantastic effort and so many contributed. So many emotions come about when I see the picture of the quilt. A gift from the heart to a person we didn't know. But it was most definitely from the heart. Maris, you are correct about there being a lot of intelligent people who post here. I know you add to that group. As you said, we don't always have to agree. As long as we find a common thread (no pun intended); and I think many of us do just that.
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 9:23 pm
Smooches to you, Lance -- and to all my TVCH friends!
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Coco
Member
07-13-2000
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 10:33 pm
My favorite BBFC/TVCH Moment was meeting Moondance for a "walk by" to see the BB house on the CBS lot. She was my first TVCH meet and I'll never forget it! Edit Mode: And not only that!...she was my first TVCH wedding to attend and what a wedding it was! Lovely and eloquent just doesn't describe her special day. I loved how Cowboy and his Bestman came riding into the ceremony on horses. I know it rained that day, but just before the start of the ceremony, the rain clouds parted, the sun came out and a beautiful rainbow appeared. It was a perfect day!
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Mameblanche
Member
08-24-2002
| Tuesday, September 26, 2006 - 10:40 pm
I'm just sitting here as tears drip slowly down my cheeks. Love this place, but too welled up with emotion from what I've read, and what I'm thinking, to articulate it at the moment... perhaps another time...
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Ginger1218
Member
08-31-2001
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 4:45 am
LanceCrossfire said: "We have had people go through some tough times here at TVCH. One example is a person who lost their place to a fire. Complete loss—everything. As an ex firefighter, I have first hand knowledge of the devastation anyone feels when a fire takes out everything. Another poster organized a way for others to donate so they could get back on there feet as soon as possible. There was quite a response and I believe that those donations made a difference in the life of that person. This is just one example of how we’ve helped each other" Well, that person is me. I am sitting here with chills going down my spine. I came to TVCH because of Big Brother. I eventually made my way around the board, and then had a Cat, Mitzi that became ill and I was besides myself. TVCH members truly helped me through that. Then on January 17, 2004 I lost everything in a fire. It was tragic, 2 people died in my building. It was hard enough to deal with my loss alone, but my sister lost everything, and all my friends and neighbors did as well. I posted here the day after from a friend's home. Some people already had an idea, since it was on the News all day. I was still in shock and denial, and within hours, the people at this board came to life. They had threads designed to help me. From setting me up with paypal to accept donations, to giving advice, to just giving me love -- and Costa and Zmom, doing a Ginger shopping day in San Diego - it was truly the most amazing thing. The people here helped me start to rebuild my life. When I told people about what I received from people I had never met, they were absolutely amazed. My sister who is the most important person to me, suffered terribly from Psoriasis for 15 years, was able to be almost 99% helped from the advice that I received at TVCH. The people on this board are loving, intelligent, caring, people. Karuuna, and the Moderators are so hardworking and levelheaded. I used to get so frustrated in the News & Views (previously known as Hot Topics) that I would scream at the screen. Now I realize just how well that is moderated, and just how extremely intelligent the majority of the posters are. While I may not agree with many, I do not doubt their extreme intelligence. Maris, I am honored that I am one of the people that keeps you here. I have to say - the same goes for me. I am also honored to be one of the FEW who have met you and your incredible son. The gatherings that have happened in NYC where I first met some of my favorite people were joyous. The Mystic gathering - which was huge, was one of the best times, and I loved everyone that I met there. I had a great time, and it just made me appreciate this board even more. I will always be here for anyone on TVCH that needs help. You all have always been here for me.
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Resortgirl
Member
09-23-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 5:40 am
TVCH has impacted my life in so many ways it's hard to put them all down in print. I guess first and foremost it's the fact that it became my surrogate family in many ways. I've met so many wonderful people here at our resort, in California, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Texas. People that have touched my life in extraordinary ways. We had very special times here at Summer Camp. Meeting and getting to know Lance is truly a highlight. He is such a warm, special person. On his last day of the last year that he stayed here he left a letter for me. It touched me deeply and I still cry when I read it. It is my most favorite letter of all time. He also brings really good chocolate when he visits! My second most life altering time at TVCH would have to be when I started the My Story thread. I posted about my struggles with alcohol and although I was scared to death of the response it was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Flowers and gifts arrived at my door, some from people I had met before and some from people I had never met. I was amazed! And so touched. The posts in the thread were my lifeline many days early on. There was always someone to listen, always positive words, and hugs galore.There was one poster that didn't like the thread much, or me. And she let me know it in a scathing email. I was crushed. Embarrassed. But once again the troups rallied around me and lifted me up when I felt I couldn't go on here. You've all been a blessing in my life that I don't think I can ever completely explain, and certainly can never repay! You have been my angels. Two posters in particular have taken me on as their "project". They check on me daily, make me laugh, share tears and have become my best friends in the world, not just on a message board. They know who they are.... (smoochies to them) This is a fantastic, unbelievable community and thank you Neil and Lisa for starting this place. The place I call Home!
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Kep421
Member
08-11-2001
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 6:01 am
I was a lurker during BB1, back when it was the BBFC. I found the place by accident. I became an active member in BB2...I had become unemployed and spent many a happy hour posting pictures and gifs and otherwise decorating member's folders to my heart's desire. It was then when 9/11 hit...and TVCH was my grounding in a sea of insanity. My hubby drove for Greyhound and all my children were grown and gone. TVCH gave me a place to talk and learn about what was happening....to feel connected...Although I don't post as much as I used to, TVCH has been a part of my life since. One of my "bestest" moments was meeting Tess, Charlie and Sara at the Steak & Shake in Sheffield Ohio. Funniest moment at TVCH happened in Chat one night. I was in college and had spent the day studying for a final, and had squeezed in time to cook dinner for my hubby. I had a few moments in the chat room, when hubby came home and told me I had cooked his dinner "in the wrong pot"... I politely told him to post his rules on the &*(^% wall, calmly dumped his dinner in the trash and returned to my chat at TVCH..... ...found a lot of laughter and support that night...
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 7:22 am
I am just so choked up reading this Lance and everyone. I will definately add my piece soon as I can get my thoughts together.
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Marej
Member
09-20-2002
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 8:52 am
I found TVCH during BB2. I was thrilled to find people from MN on here and getting support when I was going thru bankruptcy (it's been discharged and closed and everything is great!) Laughing and crying and praying with and for people I've never met; it's the first place I come to when I get on the puter. Finding out my cousin lives near Tess. When RG was taking a trip to the North Shore; I told her to check out the agate shop in Beaver Bay. Finding out that Janie's Mom lives in Grand Rapids. Road trip? I have learned so much from all of you. Thanks Neil and everyone else.
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Zachsmom
Member
07-13-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 9:51 am
This thread is making me cry! But in a happy way. gosh where do I start, and if I leave anything out,please forgive me. When I came here, it was just a message board to discuss BB1. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would make lifelong friends. 5 things stick out in my mind: The TVCH trip to Minnasota. I loved that trip. I was able to get away and spend some time with friends. Now, the people who went there probably have a different feeling about me and the trip, but I enjoyed every moment...except when the jet ski ran out of gas and I sat there for who knows how long 2)Long beach meeting..wow! that was fun. That was when I met Seamonkey for the first time. I was actually the first person she met. That was a fun meeting. I also met Wargod and her family. 3) Reno trip..there was only 4 of us from the board plus a daughter. I enjoyed that too. 4) This one is a bit different. As I stated above, I met Seamonkey. She has been such a good friend to myself and my family. When I was so ill, she sat with me in the hospital. She took me to the doctors and watched my son. She has been there for me with my son, and came to 2 of his talent shows.She has been a friend beyond what I ever expected. 5) This is for everyone. The past 3 years (especially this year) have been very hard. Without saying too much, but TVCH members have supported myself and mainly my son. I am not a person who has 'friends'. I am a bit of a recluse. But for those who I have met, all of you have a special place in my heart. At times this place has saved my sanity.
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Bigd
Member
09-13-2001
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 11:26 am
I discovered this board during the first Big Brother and visited again during the second one. I have never posted very much, but read this board daily and voraciously. There are certain posters that I "follow around" the board and read most everything they post - some know that I do this and some have no idea. I was first touched by Draheid and his JMM during chat one night. They reached out to me in a personal and loving way when I was very down, feeling alone and afraid of a health issue I was having. Draheid was willing to share his own personal story with me in a way that reached me so effectively that I instantly fell in love with him - of course in a way that was acceptable to JMM! and to my own "Biscuiteater" who never actually joined, but reads from time to time. These people have probably impacted me more than anyone. Next I'd have to say was ResortGirl's "My Story" thread that I followed with interest and compassion even though I had no experience with its basis. I followed with great interest this intriguing ResortGirl and found myself making plans to attend the "final summer gathering" at her place, even though my husband thought I was crazy, he agreed to go since there was camping involved. What drew me though were the posters that I had already been following around the board and had great interest in. Lancecrossfire being at the top of the list! I found him to be everything and more that he is on this board. I discovered ResortGirl is beautiful, a great friend, and a truly interesting and worthwhile person, even though she seems to be the last to realize this. I found SpyGirl and Karuuna are great fun and are worthy opponents, and they're not hard on the eyes either! What's not to love about Tess??? That trip made everything so human and real for me. I guess I just appreciate the complete diversity of this place.
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Nino
Member
09-20-2004
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 11:41 am
The heartfelt posts above have truly moved me! TVCH has been so very important in my life and I'll definitely be back to share my memories with everyone! Thanks Lance for such a cool thread!
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Vacanick
Member
07-12-2004
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 12:29 pm
My fondest memory at TVCH was the day I met Hermi and Mamie in Zuly's folder. We bonded over pictures of hot, beautiful men and acting like the hussys that we are. LOL! Our friendship continues today and everyday. I couldn't get through the day without my Mames or Hermi ... and when they have to be away I miss them .. but they are never too far and we find ways to find each other. TVCH gave me two of my dearest friends and I am so thankful for that!!
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Spangs
Member
10-07-2005
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 12:48 pm
I have had a few fond memories in my short time here. One of the best was the very first time that Nino wrote to me. She said that Vee suggested it, and I really cannot imagine that Vee could ever know how grateful that I am to her. I came here initially in grief, and Grannyg, Mocha, Ladytex, Jmm and Mameb have extended such warm and profoundly loving feelings, just by letting me know that I am not alone.
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Rosie
Member
11-12-2003
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 12:51 pm
1. Tess' Tales Tess makes everyone feel welcome and when I think back to how many Tales she posted, it amazes me. 2. Whoami adopted me Some people might think that the adoptions on the board are silly but my Whomum made me feel wanted and we still have fun getting to know each other, even tho we have met in real life. Whomum promptly found a rose icon for me and that is why you see a rose on my folder. 3. I adopted too My cyberkids are the greatest. I have met two of them in real life. A few of the cybergrands have disappeared tho. Not sure why? Some posters stop posting for awhile and then return and others just stop posting. I don't try to figure out why. It is what it is. 4. Starting Over The first season of SO was great. So many interesting posters and my first ever MODDED experience. Sorry mods but I loved getting modded. 5. BB BB7 was the first time I got the feeds and what a difference. I always loved reading all of the life feed posts. Sea posts non-stop. Doubt if she got much sleep? lol 6. TVCH Meets Meeting other posters adds fun to the cyber experience. I enjoy keeping in touch with posters that I have met in real life. 7. Computer School I have learned how to post icons, gifs, pictures and recently to use a scanner. However, my usage of the English language has gone downhill. lol Waves to Lance...
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Moondance
Member
07-30-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 1:03 pm
Thank you for a wonderful thread Lance... I promise to post soon. It will take me awhile I LOVE Lance - Rabbit I loved that name I had for you, I felt it was all my own just for you!
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Moondance
Member
07-30-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 1:04 pm
Of course not to be confuse with the Rabbit here on the board which I like too but Lance will always be my Rabbit This comes from Game 1
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Nickovtyme
Member
07-29-2004
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 1:58 pm
I'm relatively new to TVCH but what I found most remarkable was the way I was welcomed by so many. I found TVCH during BB5 and mainly only posted in the BB Forum. RupertBear was so nice and welcomed me with open arms...and I thought I was really special...but then found out that she does that for all the newcomers. :D Anyway, I ventured out into the rest of TVCH and found this world of diverse people with differing opinions, but for the most part...get along. I first started out in General discussions and was welcomed there and then ventured out into the other threads...Other than the one time I got beat up in the Parenting Forum...I've really enjoyed myself here at TVCH. For the most part because I can be myself...Nobody asks anything special of me and I am relatively free to say what I need/want..where and when I want. Which brings me to my best memory of TVCH, so far.... For several years I had been dealing and struggling with the circumstances revolving around my daughters birth and her condition she was born with...TVCH gave me an outlet and once I got the nerve and courage to put all those thoughts and emotions on paper...I posted them. I put all my emotion into that story and it was such a release. As I relived those moments and went through those emotions again...I came to some closure with that chapter of my life and was able to move on to the next. On top of all that...I got the best and most supportive feedback and I can't thank all of you enough...even the people that may have read it and never said anything about it. I like TVCH and the people here...we duke it out in some threads but the next minute we agree and have each others backs in other threads.
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Grannyg
Member
05-28-2002
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 2:46 pm
This is the most wonderful thread. I will share my thoughts but I'll have to do it in Word to check my spelling. lol Thanks a million, Lance!
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Nino
Member
09-20-2004
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 4:59 pm
TVCH has impacted my life in more ways than I can express in one post, but here are a few of my thoughts. I came to BBFC in late July of 2000, during BB1. I fell in love with all the live feeders! BB is synonymous with TVCH in my mind! The only difference is I can live without Big Brother, but I would find it extremely hard to learn to live without TVCH and all the lifelong friends I’ve made here! As I’m sure most of you know, I’m totally blind. Live feeds are the perfect thing for a blind person! It was kind of like descriptive video in a lot of ways! I didn’t actually join here until September of 2004, but I came here every summer before then for my BB live feeds! I finally gathered the courage to take the plunge and join just as BB5 was ending! The instant, and I do mean instant, warm welcome that I received from so many different posters just blew me away!! I immediately felt as though I’d found a home and a safe harbor from life’s cruel surprises when I found all of you guys! There are many members who I’ve never exchanged a post with, but I still follow their lives and share the happy times and sad times with them in silence. TVCH is really the first place where I’ve felt as though I’m on a level playing field. So many times, in a sighted world, a blind person can feel so isolated and lonely, even in a room filled with people. But, here at TVCH, we meet each other with words, instead of with our eyes. That makes it so much more personal for me. There were many posters who didn’t even realize I was blind until I or another member clued them in! LOL! I never tried to conceal the fact from anyone, though! I’m very forthcoming and straightforward where my blindness is concerned. I appreciate how my friends here treat me. I’m not an oddity or an outcast here. Believe me, I was just that in public school, so I know the difference! People didn’t mean to exclude me; but they did out of ignorance or fear. I was very miserable in public school for the 3 years I attended it, but, thankfully, I spent my last 2 years in high school at the blind school, here in Austin where I live. I met other blind people there and became a part of a group. It wasn’t until I found this place that I found a group of sighted people who accepted me as I am and who showed a genuine interest in my disability, rather than looking at me as some kind of novelty! I hope that I’ve educated many people here about blindness and how it is to live with blindness and I think I have done that. My friends here feel comfortable asking me any question at all and that’s the way I want it to be! People here have helped me through my many health issues over the past 2 years. They’ve helped me when I’ve been depressed. They’ve laughed with me when I’ve been happy. They cheered with me when I successfully fought my apartment complex to keep my sweet kitten, Jasmine! They’ve given me marital advice, cooking ideas, gift ideas, book recommendations, encouragement and most of all, they’ve given me unconditional love! And, I love them all back with all my being!! Sure, there have been issues that arise on the board at times, but what life doesn’t have some issues? Everyone can’t love everyone; that’s why people are drawn to specific individuals. The good thing I’ve observed around here is even when 2 posters have a falling out about something; most of the time they can eventually resolve the problem and carry on with the friendship. There’s a lot of forgiveness around here and that’s such an important attribute to carry through life! Every single one of us has needed to be forgiven for something at one point or another in our lives, so learning to forgive others is paramount! Vee, whom I fondly call Veezie, was the first member who befriended me here! I felt like I had known her for years in a very short time! We’ve even spoken on the phone recently and that was so cool!! She’s like my big sister and I love her dearly! Then came my HerckusPerckus! Of course, everyone knows I’m referring to Herckie! Ha! She took me right under her wing and gave me the mothering I sorely needed, and still need! HP’s words alone can comfort me! She also asked me to be her TVCH cyber-daughter and I happily accepted! And, from there on, I met more and more members and developed some tight, very special relationships with so many people, from my cyber-sister , Mames (known as Mamie by most) to my dear friend, Spangs, who I thank God for every day!! I hope very much to attend a TVCH meet someday and share dinner and drinks and some fun times with the special people who I call my family!! I have pretty much zero contact with my blood family, which can cause deep pain at times, but my TVCH family always makes me feel valued and loved! I want to thank every one of you who have welcomed me into your hearts because you all have a special corner in my heart that’s just for you!! I love holidays at TVCH! I love Folder Parties! I love giving and receiving hugs! I love Darrell Lynn’s daily songs! I love Shel poems from Spangs! I love going into minute detail when telling about one of my adventures! I love learning about so many different kinds of people! As someone upthread said, I love the diversity at TVCH! I’d wager there isn’t another place like this anywhere on the internet!! I hope and pray to be a part of this family until I can no longer type!! Oh, heck, if that ever happens; I’ll just have to get Dragon Dictate! LOL! A very special thank you to Jackie and David for everything they’ve done to help me along the way! They were instrumental in getting me all setup and situated when I first joined! I have a very big soft spot in my heart for those two amazing people! I’m like you, Lance, I could go on and on forever here, but I’ll wrap this post up now! If I think of something that I just must share with you guys; I’ll post again! Meanwhile, I’ll enjoy more of the heartwarming and smile provoking posts in this thread!! Thanks again, Lance!
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 5:31 pm
I am really enjoying hearing what it is about TVCH that is special to these different people! Nino, if you have other examples I sure hope you post them! I believe as people post we will hear Jmm and Dra's names more than once. I understand about taking awhile to post. It took my the course of 5 days to put my post together. I am inspired by what everyone has shared. If you want a real time example of the kinds of things I mean about TVCH folks helping people, read here 10:12 am post
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