Author |
Message |
Resortgirl
Member
09-23-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 5:32 pm
HI BigD!!! It's so good to see you posting! I think of you often, and although we haven't "chatted" for a while, I'll never forget our Mafia italian dinner or your unforgettable homemade sausage and bisquit breakfasts. I had more fun that last summer with you. You made it so special.... and I wash my hands more now too! There are so many TVCHers that I've had close, loving friendships with. In our busy lives we sometimes lose touch for a time, but I never ever forget the closeness we shared at one time. I cherish it. And will forever. Outsiders have a hard time understanding all this, some even think it's kookie and weird. I don't care though. If you are all figments of my imagination (as Juju often says) you are a great bunch of figments!
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Pamy
Member
01-02-2002
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 6:46 pm
I'm disappointed that my Wed Poll answers aren't #1 on ppl's lists this is great thread, thx Lance! I have so many, gotta put them together
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Abby7
Member
07-17-2002
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 6:56 pm
wow, great thread Lance. reading all your posts makes me feel so fortunate to have found TVCH. i, too, need time to think about this and what to post. for now, thank you to all who are sharing their stories.
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Konamouse
Member
07-16-2001
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 7:17 pm
{{{all the TVCH members}}} What a great thread. Thanks Lance. I'm not sure what my earliest memory of TVCH. I don't remember if I found it back during BB1 but I have a dim recall of the Angels tossing TP over the fence (and reading about it). I really don't remember when I ventured beyond the walls of BB but I'm so glad I did. My first gathering in Las Vegas - wow! As konashark said "They aren't a bunch of computer nerds, they're real people (and some are cute)". Talk about generous souls. Sharing health, home and happiness advice. Supporting shoulders, freely offered hankies, and tons of hugs everywhere (hugs that are real & heartfelt). Laughter, crying, joy and sorrow. And no matter where I go in the US (and many parts of Canada) I know that if I posted my trip plans, someone will say "Let's meet"! I'm looking forward to that.

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Jasper
Member
09-14-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 7:28 pm
I know I'll be forever grateful to my sister for giving me this site way back when. I agree with what RG said, I've had many a person look sideways at me when I talk about the board but I really feel like I know TVCHers. It feels a lot of the time like I could come here and ask for a shoulder to cry on or a pat on the back and receive it more openly and genuinely than from many people in my "real life". I thank you all, TVCH is something I look forward to everyday. To running my games, to posting, to reading how everyone is doing, I love this site.
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Marysafan
Member
08-07-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 8:06 pm
I came early, but I came with baggage. I was a member at one of the first NASCAR racing forums, and after being regular posters for over two years something happened that involved my daughter that I didn't like. I was very upset about it. My daughter told me, "Mother, these people aren't our friends. They don't know us. They don't care about us. What they say just doesn't matter. They are just people posting on a message board. Their words can't hurt us. They are not a part of our lives." Then along came Big Brother. I got hooked on the live feeds. We only had one computer back then and it was at the office. Folks in town were impressed with all the hours I was putting in...I was there late at night and even a lot on the weekends. Hubby used to call the office to find out when I was coming home. I missed a lot of suppers that summer! Along with the live feeds was the Big Brother Fan Club. I loved getting everyone's take on things. Trying to figure it all out. No one in my life was watching. The people here not only enjoyed discussing it, they actually understood my obsession. I couldn't see them...but I knew they weren't rolling their eyes at me, when I talked about Curtis, and Josh, and George, and Brittany, and Eddie and Cassandra. I kept having to do sanity checks to make sure I hadn't gone over the edge. If I still agreed with Fruitbat, It was still okay. She was my anchor. Still there was my daughter warning, "Mother...these people aren't your friends. They don't know you. They don't care about you. They have no importance in your real life. They are just people on a message board." And then summer ended and Big Brother was over...and then there was the game. I don't do fantasy well...so I left. I think I got involved in Fantasy hockey about that time. Big Brother 2 started and I vowed that I was never going to allow a tv show to get me hooked like that again. So no live feeds for me. I tuned in to check out the new cast...and was pretty much turned off by Mike Boogie, Shannon, and some others. So I didn't watch for quite a while. Then about halfway through the summer I tuned in again to see that Mike Boogie was gone so I stuck around. I had lost all my bookmarks so I couldn't find this place. (I thought it was Boomis) I went to Joker's and someone had made a post about this place...with a link!!! And I was so happy! I wasn't lost anymore! I had found my people!!! ("Mother...these people are not your friends. They don't know you. They are not important in your real life.") Oh yeah! Then why am I so happy so be back! Then came Starting Over. Another new concept. I went to the Starting Over Boards. Oh MY! They weren't very well moderated if they were moderated at all. People ran amok! The Starting Over Thread here was just getting started. I remember asking the mods if we could have more than one thread because there was lots to discuss and we were a chatty bunch. And Voila! We got a whole section! So then I started doing something that I never thought I would do because I considered it bad manners. I started posting the link to the Starting over section on the Starting Over Forums inviting folks to come here if they wanted to discuss the show in a civil manner. Well, some folks started coming and I think other folks were doing the same thing...and the next thing you know...lots of new folks were coming. The only problem was that they were coming through the back door sort of...so they didn't exactly know their way around. So some of us started helping them out and showing them the ropes. I thought it was the least I could do, seeing how I was inviting them over. And all the while I have this daughter who continued to remind me that these people were not my "real" friends. Well, a lot of good that did, because I was always talking about my friend Jan or my friend Seamonkey. I might've gotten away with Jan, but Seamonkey was kind of a give away. Somewhere in there my real friend Robert committed suicide. My bowling partner died. And a whole bunch of other townfolk died. And friends closed down their businesses...and friends moved away...and the next thing you know...the only place where I felt comfortable and among friends was here. There were all the years of Big Brother, but all the rest of the board too. The Library! How I love the Library! And the Updates. Gosh how I miss the Updates. And the Right now thread, and the Facts about you, And Heyitslori's Daily Poll...so many threads to hang out in. And then one day, for no apparent reason...I clicked on "Community Center" which I never did. Folks there were very involved and open. And I am very private...because well..."These people aren't your real friends. They don't know you. They are just people on a message board. They aren't important in your real life." But what I found was a gal who sounded so distressed because she had invited folks to her resort for the last summer before they closed the place...and now folks were cancelling and she was hurt because she thought they didn't like her anymore because she had to quit drinking. And I thought Oh MY Gosh! How awful that she feels this way. I knew that we were traveling home to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan about that time. So I started to ask some questions. And she was so nice and sounded like she would be a lot of fun to meet. And there were going to be other people there...and I thought how much fun it would be to meet them too...especially Lance and Karuuna who had been here forever. I was a bit apprehensive though. 1) I wasn't sure that folks would want to meet me. 2) I wasn't sure how well hubby would fit in. 3) I wasn't even sure I could talk hubby into going. But because I really, really wanted to support RG at a time when she seemed so vulnerable...I decided to suck it up...and put myself out there. Which was HUGE! It turned out that it was a wonderful time. I cherish my memories of the time I got spend getting to know people. I loved my morning talks with Jagger. And sitting with RG...who was an awesome hostess! She even made hubby feel comfortable. And all the fun times with Lance and his friend Wayne. We only had a short time with the second wave of visitors, but it was a great time! I will never be able to think of the Northern Lights without wondering if Bigd has seen them yet. I can still feel the hugs. Okay...now here comes the tricky part. There's something that I've kept to myself because well there was never a need for anyone to know. But there came a point, when I had to tell the mods because I was having some problems posting...and I needed their assistance because I was messing things up. I didn't exactly luck out when it came to the family gene pool.I have some health issues. And when I wrote to the mods, explaining my situation. You wouldn't believe the outpouring of encouragement, support, and yes love. Lots and lots of love. (Yes...I am boohooing all over the keyboard right now.) And then as if that weren't enough, you wouldn't believe the package I got in the mail! No seriously...you wouldn't believe it! I was astounded! and completely overwhelmed. These supposed "axe murderers" had sent their love and support in a way that was way beyond what would be expected under such circumstances. All I can tell you is that my daughter couldn't have been more wrong. These people here ARE my friends. They do know me. They do care about me. They are a big part of my real life. And I care about them. More than they will ever know. Okay...that's it. I have to go and blow my nose now.
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 8:30 pm
I first joined TVCH during Big Brother 1. I was living in Whistler, BC at the time, working from home -- and spending far too much of my workdays watching the live feeds. During that summer of 2000, the BigBrotherFanClub was my secret little obsession. Besides chatting about Big Brother, I was drawn to the sense of community -- something I needed at the time. I had just left a very social job at a big corporation to start my own business. At the time, I was working from home in a new town (and a resort at that) -- a place I had absolutely NO connection to other than the fact that my partner lived there. To be honest, I was a bit lonely. I was definitely bored. I was living in Whistler and I didn't even SKI, for pete's sake!!! (LOL) BBFC/TVCH gave me the outlet for the "watercooler" conversations I'd been craving/missing since I left my corporate job. It was a social outlet during long days of working by myself, when I really really needed one. When the site became TVCH and took on a wider focus, I was faced with a dilemma, at least in my own mind. I had joined BBFC/TVCH on my private time. But now, some of the things being discussed included some things that involved my work life. Wanting to protect my job, I had to decide: should I leave TVCH?? I certainly didn't want to leave the friendships and intelligent, fun conversations I was having. But I struggled -- what's the ethical thing to do? After some internal debate, I decided to stay, but not until I drew up some strict boundaries for myself. I won't share them all, but the major one was, I would not offer non-public information or personal opinions about things that were in any way tied to my work. This has not always been easy. I can't really elaborate why it hasn't been, but ... sometimes internet rumors spread, and they aren't always the complete truth (or sometimes even CLOSE to the truth LOL). Also, I have had some really cool experiences through my work that are very exciting to me personally -- things I would normally share with my friends -- but because the written word can come back to bite you, I have had to keep mum with my TVCH friends about them. To be honest, I have been tempted many times to share different things, but to this day -- 6 years in -- I've stuck to these self-imposed rules and have never shared anything in writing on the boards that has not been already out there in the public domain. So one thing I've learned about MYSELF through this process is ... I am definitely someone who can keep their word, and someone who can be relied upon to keep secrets!! LOL To this day, I am still quite guarded in my postings on the site, even about things that don't involve my work. I pick and choose what I say and what I don't say. I suppose this has not always made it easy for people to get to "know" me or have things to converse with me about. As an example, I'd jump WAY more into News & Views if I didn't worry that work clients might happen across my postings and be offended by my personal views in these sensitive areas. I do read there almost every day, though. And I most definitely argue my points silently in my brain. I wish I could tell you how many posts I've written in my head, but never via keyboard. I've been lucky enough to meet some very wonderful people through this site. My very first time meeting anyone from TVCH was in New York City -- Ginger, Secretsmile, Reiki, Schoolmarm and Maris. I also met Secretsmile and Maris' sons. (I'll never forget that Secretsmile's wonderful son got me a latte. It's the little things in life that you remember.) As it was my first real life meeting with folks I knew only through the "interweb," I was nervous and a little shy. But I loved it. I have visited with Ginger upon return visits to NYC, and really love her to pieces. I also followed along Secretsmile's son's progress reports from Iraq, with much nervousness. The Workout Thread has been such a motivation for me -- to have a place where I post my gym workouts has been invaluable for my own motivation and well-being. I have had some completely wonderful and thought-provoking conversations with so many of you. To Lancecrossfire in particular, thank you thank you thank you. I had a ridiculously fun time in Las Vegas in 2004. I remember I was soooo thrilled to finally meet Mocha and so surprised at how quiet she can be in person. There were so many others from Vegas whom I had such a blast with and just loved meeting (I won't try to name them all or I'll be so sure to leave someone out and regret it). There were nearly as many people whom I just barely had the opportunity to say "hi" to, and whose path I hope will cross mine again someday so we can have more time together. So much to share. This is already too long. I'll just say in closing -- without TVCH I wouldn't have: --> Ridden a rollercoaster with Lancecrossfire! --> Gambled with Goddessatlaw and Colossus! --> Gotten drunk in Texas with Ddr, Hippyt and Pcakes2! --> Gotten together for coffee with Karen and Eeyoreslament on a chilly, overcast day in Vancouver -- and still see Karen around the hood from time to time! --> Admitted my marching band past, and bonded over it with Whoami! I think I'll stop here. Unless I think of more later. HA! Love and kisses, Yankee
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Twinkie
Member
09-24-2002
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 8:34 pm
Wow! Its going to take me a while to get my thoughts together but Lance you are way, way, way up high on the list. You have always felt like a brother to me and always will and I know out friendship will go on forever. Thank you for starting this thread! I'll be back.
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Wednesday, September 27, 2006 - 10:49 pm
Okay, this is a guessing game for a little relief from all the tears I know this thread will be bringing. Which poster changed the face of TVCH the most? Tess would get this one in an instant, but she is very much preoccupied at the moment. Here is a hint. The person has already posted in this thread. It is not someone who has been here ALL the time. My impression is s/he changed the face of TVCH completely and forever and then disappeared for a year of so. Or just wasn't posting. What did the person do? And who was it? I'll put the answer in a spoiler box if nobody has guessed it by morning. Testing the spoiler box Spoiler Click below to view spoiler | Yay, it works!! |
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Resortgirl
Member
09-23-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 3:36 am
I'm going to guess Moondance is the answer.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 8:39 am
Mary, your post really hit close to home with me.
quote:..."These people aren't your real friends. They don't know you. They are just people on a message board. They aren't important in your real life."
I can't tell you the number of times I've heard that from everyone in my family. They're family so they're looking out for you and I understand that. But, we aren't just a message board. Yanks, lol. I know people who haven't met me won't believe that I really am a quiet and shy person. I have so much to add but I still can't get my thoughts together and now I've got tears in my eyes and my hands are shaking lol.
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Mocha
Member
08-12-2001
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 8:40 am
I'm guessing Moonie too.
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 8:59 am
Nope. But an excellent guess. Anybody else?
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Escapee
Member
06-15-2004
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:23 am
Karuuna? Spygirl?
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Yankee_in_ca
Member
08-01-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:28 am
I think it was the person who created the TVCH logo, and I believe that was... Zachsmom? (admittedly not completely sure)
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Julieboo
Member
02-05-2002
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:37 am
I thought Sage did the logo.
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Marysafan
Member
08-07-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:47 am
In all my boohooing earlier, I left out an important part. I was going on a trip to visit friends in New Jersey when Starting Over was about a month old. Due to some freak of nature for which we are forever grateful, our Canadian friends were getting the episodes a day early. I was going to miss two episodes. I politely asked (okay I begged) Jan to spoil them for me in my folder so that I wouldn't miss anything. To my surprise and great fortune she agreed. Then other folks asked if she would spoil for them too. So Jan started spoiling the episodes...which was a LOT of work. But not to worry...to the rescue came Habsgirl. Jan and Habs took turns spoiling...and when the Starting Over fans got wind that we were getting the episodes spoiled a day ahead...they came in droves! The fun part was when we would all gather around our computers at the designated time like little kids waiting for story hour. It was a special time and a very fun experience. It lasted for quite a while, but eventually Canadian tv got back in sync and spoiled our fun in a different way. That was one of my favorite times. I also learned how wise Max was...how nice Vee was...and how much fun a whole lot of other people were. I think it's when I finally was able to climb out from the abyss. Oh ...and just so you know..."Scroll all the way up to the top, and look for the word Topics in the second row"...is the Tvclubhouse version of "It's down hall on your left.". I can't even remember how many times I typed that...but it was a lot! lol!
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Ddr
Member
08-19-2001
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:49 am
LOL Mocha, you've just reminded me of the time you overslept for Spy's wedding and came running out of your room when I went look for you. LOL And Yank, I loved when we had breakfast on Sunday morning in Galveston, just talking about work and life.
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:51 am
My guess was Moondance as well, although since Juju said no to that one, I'll have to go with RG for the gatherings at her place and/or her thread about about alcohol.
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Grooch
Member
06-16-2006
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 9:52 am
My guess would be Resortgirl because of the reunions at her place. And people started to actually meet one another. I do believe there are quite a few people who have changed this place also, for different reasons. So my final answer is: all of the above. 
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Ddr
Member
08-19-2001
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 10:02 am
My guess is Lancecrossfire, cause well he's Lancecrossfire, lol.
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Lancecrossfire
Animoderator
07-13-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 10:06 am
Ddr, I haven't been away at all. Also, I haven't done anything to change TVCH. At least I hope I haven't. It was nice of you to think of me in that way though.
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 10:09 am
Not Sage who did the logo. But also an excellent guess. Not Resortgirl, although she did a LOT to change the "feel" of TVCH. Not Spygirl, not Karuuna. Not Lancecrossfire. This is someone who literally changed the way TVCH looked from that moment forward. Not Draheid; this was before his time. Not an administrator or moderator, just an ordinary poster. I guess it is possible that not a lot of people know this, but Tess and I thought it was MAJOR. I suppose it is possible the responsible poster may not even know it, but if you are the poster, and you do know it, feel free to guess yourself. Question: What longtime poster changed the face of TVCH forever?
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 10:11 am
My guess is you Juju! =)
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Juju2bigdog
Member
10-27-2000
| Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 10:12 am
Hahahaha!!! Very cute, Twiggs. Not me. Although I did huff off for a while after Game II.
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