TeamDS's Journal at DailyStrength.org

Comments

This is very interesting, but I need time to digest all of this. I do hope that we get more information soon.

Pepper

It would be nice to know SPECIFICALLY how this affects us. I sure hope it won't keep making it easy to keep dredging up old and sometimes hurtful posts and I hope you will restore the new member feature you used to have at the bottom of each group's page so that we can go back to welcoming new members. I also hope the chat feature will be improved; as well as the annoying ads, some of which are actually hurtful and remind us of our problems will be placed less conspicuously. It would also be nice to have the ability to pick and choose which of our friends we want to read our journals.

I wonder why you haven't asked us, the users, for our suggestions. I know you can't please everyone, but at least give us a chance to tell you what would be helpful to us.

Thank you & keep up the good work.

SeaNymph

I hope that you can create a mobile application for the iPhone so I can easily and quickly access DS content on the go!! Good luck and thanks!

loiacki

Alright but will this actually improve DS?

CloudStrife

It sounds good, in theory, but so did the atom bomb, until it went off. I have seen many sites outgrow themselves, in an attempt to improve. Still, I will keep an open mind. The only thing I don't look forward to is more spam, more hackers, or more site issues, of which we have had more than enough.

LindaPoet

That is Fantastic..what you created here..DS has been a success and I am sure the merge will be a continuois success..I look ed forward to the new and exciting changes..

4getmenot

I'm with LindaPoet - DailyStrength has an excellent philosophy and I wouldn't want it to out-grow itself.

tattyhead184

Oh my Doug, I for one recognizes how wonderful and big Daily Strenght is, and can be even bigger, and there you are letting us know it will be.
You have accomplished soo much in soo little time, and I am positive that your cousin Andrew has seen all the people you have helped over the pass three years, and loves you for it, as we do here.
I for one really appreciate all of what this site represents, and I am honored to be part of it for the long run.
As long as I can get up and type I will be right here to help anyone who needs help during their time on earth.
Love & Respect to you and all of our team here at DS, and of course the members who has made it become so big in such little time.
Peace & Love, Mckenzie
a day at the time.

Mckenzie

Doug, I am so proud to be apart of DS. Only thing that would make me happier might be to be paid for my hrs on here! LOL!
I KNOW as important as this site is to you. You would never put all our lives and happiness in jeporady.(?spelling?)
So I know you reasearched all possibilities before making such a decision!
Thank you in our behalf for trying to make DS even better. I will keep sending you ideas for new hugs. And thanks for this site.
I do not know what I would have done when my Mom died on T-day this yr. Thank you! All who read this take the Lifeline tests to see if you are a candidate for stroke, heart attack and aneurysms and other silent killers. Only cost 130 dollars. Ck it out!

Thanks Doug! You guys give me strength! DAILY! Play on words! Very nice touch!

Love the staff!
Rhea

tiredtiredtired

I dont want DS to outgrow itself, I for one feel that DS has become so big that you have lost that individual feeling, such as, If I want to contact you, I could and didnt have to wait a week for a personal response. Nor did you at first generate those automated responses, which are crass.
I have been with DS from early on, when you had a very small community, its grown too big for its own boots. but thats what happens when something like this becomes successful. I also agree with seanymph.. Once everything is in place will you be charging us membership fees.?

pilgrimVon

HMMM. the idea of too much change kind of creeps me out.

beiceth

When I see the words 'Big Change! Major IMPROVEMENT! We're excited about...' I worry. I think this is a REALLY BAD IDEA! Just as I thought when MyWay announced it was 'merging' it's email program with BlueTie (BIG IMPROVEMENT.....) which was about the WORST change that could have been made.
The problem with changes like this is once it's done it can't be UNdone. There's no way you can UNmerge once you've merged and the whole thing goes sour.
I like DS pretty much the way it is, private, UNmerged, UNimproved etc.
It's kind of like cable TV channels, they come in like TVland, MTV, VH1, with a great idea, great content, struggling, THEN all of a sudden they start adding 'improved' content, making their own shows and the original thing, which was a great idea, isn't what it was and had morphed into something completely unrecognisable from it's original (when do you see MUSIC VIDEOS on MTV any more?). Some people say 'Change is Good'. I say 'Not necessarily.'. I don't see ANYTHING good coming from this.
My question...should I bail out now or just wait until you start charging for an 'enhanced' version of DS and throwing pop-up ads all over the place if we don't pony up $20.00 a month?
BIG turn off Doug. Bad idea.

ALC67

Another thought....there's a LOT of people here hanging on by a thread as it is. This is the ONLY lifeline they really have. You start changing things too much and you're going to lose those people for good.
Before making changes why not ask the MEMBERSHIP what, if anything, they want changed, rather than dictate change from the top down?

ALC67

Apparently there's almost 7 million reasons why this is happening now. I guess we can expect to be covered in ads shortly. On HSWI's website they clearly state their mission to make sites attractive to marketers.

In case anyone was wondering, Mr. Doug Hirsh is now a Senior Vice President at HSWI in charge of DS and the company's social media strategy.

Copied below from PAIDCONTENT.COM

"http://biz.yahoo.com/e/081203/hswi8-k.html

On November 26, 2008, HSW International, Inc., or HSWI, entered into a merger agreement pursuant to which HSWI agreed to acquire all of the capital securities of Daily Strength, Inc. in exchange for cash. The transaction was structured as a reverse triangular merger in which Daily Strength became the wholly owned subsidiary of HSWI. The transaction closed simultaneously on November 26, 2008.

HSWI paid $3.125 million at closing. HSWI is contingently obligated to pay an earnout of up to an additional $3.525 million. The earnout is payable by HSWI if in any two months before November 26, 2010, the total page views of

? DailyStrength.org,

? any HSWI website or section thereof that Douglas J. Hirsch or Daily Strength is managing, and

? the social media webpages or section of an HSWI health-focused website

exceed a designated number of page views. The earnout will be paid in five equal installments, provided that the level of page views is achieved for each installment. The level of page views increases for each installment.

Daily Strength agreed in the merger agreement to indemnify HSWI for breach of any representation, warranty or covenant contained in the merger agreement and other losses and expenses arising out of the merger agreement, if any. An amount equal to 45% of the earnout is available to cover indemnity claims. In addition, $150,000 of the purchase price will be held in escrow for two years after the closing to pay indemnity and other claims.

There is no material relationship between HSWI or Daily Strength or any of their affiliates, other than the merger agreement.

A copy of the merger agreement is filed as an exhibit to this report. "

queenvalerie

Thank you Doug. I appreciate the fact that you are always endeavoring to enhance this site. I LOVE this site. It has carried me through many difficult times. A bear hug for you, sue

AZsue

Thank you Doug, I found this site when I was indescribably desperate for support & understanding from other people of my illness and the people on this site have given it to me thru you. Building this community was a great idea and a fantastic legacy to Andrew. I only wish I thought of it myself!! Good luck with the merge - I look forward to the exciting changes!

sublime

Dear Doug: Because of your dream, hundreds of women who have had to survive the loss of a child have a place to find those who understand their pain. Your dream to help others and to honor Andrew has reached farther than you could ever imagine. May this new venture be all you hoped for, too.

From the women of ForMomsOnly and ForMommysOnly, God bless you and yours.

Barbara

EvansMom

Dear Doug,
I share Barbara's (EvansMom) sentiments and would like to personally add that I am thankful each day for Daily Strength. It has brought me in touch with so many wonderful women that share my same Journey and have enriched my life ten-fold. Belonging to ForMomsOnly (My group) has helped give inspiration to myself and others. We now are growing and holding our heads up and "living" again...Visit us sometimes..."ForMomsOnly THE JOURNEY"--you have made this possible (with the assistance of a little elf named Barbara).
I am in hopes that this merger will be far reaching for others in need and hopefully helps you attain your orginal objectives and more. Please don't lose site of that...it is the core of this website.

Ann

AnnM

I've always believed every change is a good change, even a midst my sorrow when losing a child. There is heart ache but good changes from that loss. I think that could apply to your new direction, things can only get better and I'm thankful for this site. I never knew the reason behind your inspiration and I know that Andrew continues to inspire and guide you. Thanks for all you do.

Robin

Robin4

Thank you for your vision. DS has provided me with sanity during an insane time in my life, the crossing of my daughter. I "stumbled" across this site at my lowest. And thanks to this site, it's incredible members who reached out to me, I'm able to continue my journey. I praise your dedication and love to Andrew and know full well how pleased he is with you. To DS, To Doug, To Andrew, To ForMomsOnly, I owe my life. Thank you.

RememberKala

i hope this is for the best and will do biger and brighter things for us here on ds.. thnks for the workdoug..

godsheavenlyangel06

I'm sorry about your bro. He lives on through this great site. It's help distract me from the pain of my own sisters death. Thanks-

federalmom

I believe he would be proud of you and what
you have done...this site has been very
helpful to me. I trust you and the decisions
you make and don't believe you would do anything
to harm the future of DS....so thanks for all that
you do!!!

ThatMSgirl

I KNOW in your heart your looking out for US but you also need to look what's best for YOU and IF going with HSWI is what is BEST for YOU then GOOD LUCK But PLEASE DO NOT take what we have here NOW away!
I personally have found MORE LOVE, SUPPORT and People I can call FRIEND then anywhere near or far!
DS is a JOY and COMFORT PLEASE DO NOT LET THEM OR ANYONE TAKE OR CHANGE THAT!!!
Doug, THANK YOU for what you did and do for ALL of us here!
GOD BLESS you and GOOD LUCK in your ventures in life!

dreamer

the technical issues here are simply terrible. no band with, or servers issues, i dont know what it is, but everyone leaves this site because its so slow. chat issues still not dealth with and adds, spy ware, tracking issues, google re-routing issues, banners, flashing adds, everything to make this site so difficult to spend any time on. i have d.s.l. extreme and its not the web or peoples computers. every site works well, but this one doug. your a great guy with a wonderful concept and i love your work. but the technical side of this, is simply poor. so m,an people tell me there gone because they cant get the pages to fill in, or chat to work. i hope these are the issues they will help with.
thanks, dennis

warmheart

Just a huge well done to yo Doug.. I've tried other support sites and this is the best one to use xxx

Halli

First I want to thank you for this wonderful site. My friends here on DS have helped me through the most difficult time in my life. I hope I have helped a few also. Change is never easy. Most people are resistant to it. Hopefully the changes will be for the better, and the main idea and pupose will be the same. Good luck to you and thank you so much for DS.

anitaama

It definately sounds like a great idea. Keep us informed please

rebecca20091

great !!!so i see you know how to make money, and its good for you i see from queens post above. millions of dollars to you, while we struggle to get a page to fill in, and chats that dont work half the time, countless thinggs that wont load, and can read our posts on google anytime we want, because you think its good advertising for you, and our privacy is lost.
the technical side of this site is simply as poor as i have ever seen. so many leave this site for this reason, and all of us that are honest enough to bring it up, are simply ignored or told were working on it. working on it for 2 1/2 years and its worse than ever???? i have received many notes telling me" well said" from my post that appears above, so you may not like it, but i'm in the majority. all the best to you and good luck.

warmheart

Sounds industrious. I am using DS with great success, and am glad to be here. Am concerned for my privacy however, which is why I hide my indentity. Hope you don't mind, but I don't need to be put out there on front street for all to see. Good luck and thanks so much for building this forum with such love.

tinderhart

There is a lot of commentary here.... A lot to absorb... Will you still handle DS? What exactly are the changes... and as someone pointed out not all of us and probably it is a majority can afford to pay for DS! What are doing to make sure of this? My husband worked for a company 2x that"merged" it was horrible! i'm hoping this is better than previous experiences. in this day and age I understand what you did but PLEASE don't leave us all in the dust. It would not be the same tribute as you were making it should that happen.....
Your site has senn me through a lot of time I was unsure I would make it....Please don't let that change Doug. With respect and love...

ClaudiaD

my biggest concern is privacy and security for myself....

serenity55

might I suggest that when the merge happens to possibly have a function so that we can delete our profiles ourselves and be able to change our usernames ourselves. keep up the good work guys x

sublime

Thanks for all of your comments. We are reading them. As I said above, we are excited to make improvements, and most of our improvements will be inspired by you, our loyal members. I've just returned from my first "deep dive" meeting with members of our new team - we've identified who's going to be doing what, and we're getting started. I will make sure to share more with all of you soon.

DJH

So there will be management changes in the hierarchy within DS structure? As long as those new people who come in ....give ear to our voices.....I think all should be well.......but that's just my opinion. When someone "merges" It's cause they saw an ability to "gain" something and improve something. So nonetheless I hope whatever changes are coming are for the benefit of the communities here on DS. Thanks for letting us all know. Much appreciated.
~Tek Joe

TekJoe

I still don't like this idea. How do we know if anything will be better? You have to fill us in more about whats going on. We, the people who use this site, have the right to know about this stuff. If something happens that none of us like, we will leave and if there are no members left on DS, it has no reason to stay open. Doug, I really hope you remember why you did this. Don't lose sight of your purpose for this site.

CloudStrife

Also, I don't like this idea. I have a bad feeling about this. Make sure you listen carefully to what everyone has to say and what those guys who are changing DS have to say. They'll make you promises and swear they'll keep them until the day you need them. They'll just screw you over at the last minute then everything goes to hell. What I'm afraid of most is that you'll go through with this, DS doesn't get better and you lose it completely to someone else and we have to pay for it afterward. Don't let that happen Doug. We have a lot of faith in you. Don't let us down.

CloudStrife

you are excited to make money. you dont care about the members. you just want money. I am so disappointed. You should have sent PM's to everyone to ask our opinion, after all we are members and what you did afffects us - but as you see, were not impressed, and I think thats why you didnt do it openly. I also read some of your comments on that link I sent you, and again I was not impressed.

pilgrimVon

I have been on DS from shortly after it started, under a different name - changed because of security concerns - and have seen this wonderful site go from a very caring people-friendly pace where we could send messages to you or other staff members (who were not all that many at that time) and we would get a reply (not just a computer generated message with never, in my case, any further follow up) and something would be done to try and sort out whatever the problem happened to be. That changed earlier this year and then we have trumpeted that we have 300,000 which we celebrated. Then when you decide to sell all of us to the highest bidder (perception) it is put up in a couple of very small lines at the bottom of a box on home pages.
Tight now many people are having problems with various things on DS like Chatroom - mine has never worked despite repeated messages to the staff - and people reporting other members and getting banned for no reason it seems other than they were reported. It seemed like no investigation was made.
No I like many others here have a really bad feeling about this whole thing. It would have been nice if you had brought this up to us before you made the decision and if it were a matter of money perhaps enough of us could have paid so that you did not have to sell us. But to announce this after it has been done was really not in what I thought was the true spirit of DS, and to not even send out a message to members. Well I am sorry Doug but I think that you have let us down and as some people who are on DS have nothing else to hold on to I fear that this might just tip them over the edge.
I am fortunate, I am not one of them, but there are many who are and I feel for them and hope that something or someone can reach out and help them. But unless we know who they are (and often we don't) there is little we can do.
I am, in a word ANGRY as well as disappointed and unimpressed. That about sums it up. If anyone has found another "home" please spread the word as I feel this is no longer "home" now. Thank you

Hathani

Is this what it DS is all about after all?? MONEY?? How disappointing, how underhanded to do all this sneakily as you knew full well that members would be concerned about how it would affect us, of course we are only the people that keep this site going aren't we?? What a let down!!

Zzzzowl

I'm sorry about this, Doug. I do more than appreciate the service that DS affords, but when I see words as vague as, *a leading provider of authoritative content on the Web*, all I can see is a veiled way of saying commercialism/money, and I can hardly think of a time when money was paid for less than eventual monetary gain.

* HSWI has deep expertise in creating quality, locally relevant content for consumers*. Well, okay, that's swell for them, but I have to say that when I read this, I felt I was being patted on the back and stabbed in the stomach at the same time. It's SO unforthcoming, in terms of the reality fo this, which is that this is a business venture, make for gain, period. Even if I didn't like what you were doing, I would have respected candor, as opposed to double-talk that attempted to veil the truth of the matter.

LaurieG

Thank you for the update. I was a little concerned when I first read of what was happening. This site has been a God send for me, as I know it has been for so many others. Thank you for doing everything you have for so many!

Lioness816

i am not sure how to take this. 2 years ago, DS was my strength. now it has changed so much. i hope this revamp will improve things, and not hinder the healing and growth of members. it's pointless to get angry about this 'merging' it is a done deal. if people don't like it, we can always leave. maybe if the numbers start dropping it will show the powers that be that we miss the old days, when it wasn't about money, but about support. i sincerely hope that all this will improve the site and all those on it.

KeepHoldingOn

Frankly, I'm concerned. DS has felt like it's really been all about us members. We get the support that we need without being forced to purchase things or give out private information. And based on some of the things I've read today, I'm worried that this will change with the new acquisition. I love my groups. They've been very informative and have helped me through some very tough times. But if things go the direction that I fear it's going, I'll have to bow out....and I doubt I'd be alone.

cehale1008

doug, i know you are doing what is best. but the rumors are flying that this is going to become a pay site and if this is not true, you need to nip this and nip it quick.

sambod

Doug, Heard that also, that there will be a fee to be a member. Hope this is not true. can you please tell us if that is true. Thank you. I sure would be lost with out this site!!

MrsTDC

Good luck with the merge but please no more advertising than currently already exists and improved security would be great - Any chance of a https url?

Breathes

Thanks Doug for all you do and try to keep doing for us!!!! God Bless Donna S

ds13099

I suppose this was inevitable.

I am very grateful for all the help and support I received here.

I am already feeling a little lost - and distrustful.

Any 'experts' that stay on this site will not be able to contradict the claims of any advertisers - therefore any medical information given is suspect at the very least.

I understand that you have to take care of yourself - so good for you. I feel like I am just so much chattel...

Bobbee

Change is not a bad thing as long as you look out for us Lets do it. God Bless

cando2

How many people here have actually checked out HSW International +Inc.'s company profile???

A quote from their page: *It (HSW) seeks to achieve a consumer following in these fast-growing economies to make its sites compelling platforms for marketers in nearly every business category.*

Note the phrase including the word MARKETERS.

They're all about marketing. Open your eyes, people.

LaurieG

EXACTLY!!! This is no longer about helping people, it's about money. Many of the people on DS are in physical and emotional pain and they are here for support, NOT to be bombarded with inappropriate ads from tactless marketers!!!

We don't need to be targeted any more than we already are. And we sure don't need to be reminded of our problems w/the in-your-face ads!!!!

It's interesting how you are so concerned about PR, yet the technical aspects of your site suck!!! Many of our reports of technical problems & requests for help have gone unanswered and unresolved.

Your message is loud and clear....money, money, money and to hell w/the rest. So, Doug, put your money where your mouth is and do something GOOD, like protecting our privacy (don't you DARE allow HSWI or anyone else use ANY of our personal information for any solicitous purposes!!!

SeaNymph

And while you're at it, fix the technical problems, like chat and while you're at it, speed up the snail-like servers.

SeaNymph

Doug, pls keep us safe. And if we have to pay then I am out. I have no money.

Raggy1

In the real world it is all about the Benjamins. I feel sorry for the members who are so nervous about the change.Let's face it anyone is tempted by money;some more than others. Many a good place or business if you prefer has had it's owner sell out.That's free enterprize. In the world today money talks and it's just a matter of how loud it has to get to be heard. Look at all the small companies bought up by the big boys. Then look at all the workers who lost everthing because of it. Retirees who lost their insurance and retirement. Face it it is really hard to trust the unknown. I hope that I am proven wrong.

specialists

I agree with specialist about fearing the unknown and Raggy about leaving if we have to pay. Please Doug
dont forget the average person out here, we're not made of money but have a lot of problems. Isn't that what DS is for?

gunnery

Doug, why fix up something when there is nothing wrong with it in the first place? Please dont change what you made for your brother into something he wouldnt like anymore.

Aust

Although, in the past, I have been very involved with DS, lately I have seen a lot of confusion, hurt feelings and don't want to add to the confusion. Paying for using the DS site is a burden many cannot afford and so I can see a downsizing of the population, me being one of them (not that it matters to lose one person, lol).

I applaud your efforts and have always respected your involvement and dedication to this site. Your insight and caring flows through every commuity that you visit. Congratulations on your efforts, no matter the outcome.

nanaofbailee

DS HAS HELPED ME SO MUCH. I HAVE MET SUCH KIND AND CARING PEOPLE AND THE SUPPORT HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE THIS A PAY TO USE SITE. I THOUGHT DS WAS FOR ALL PEOPLE WHO NEEDED SUPPORT TO BE ABLE TO GET IT AND AS IT SAID IN YOUR MESSAGE THAT WHEN YOU STARTED THIS SITE YOU DIDN'T WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE TO PAY FOR THE HELP. LET HELPING ONE ANOTHER COME FIRST AND LETS NOT PUT A PRICETAG ON IT. FRIENDSHIPS AND THE SUPPORT I HAVE BEEN GIVEN FROM DS IS PRICELESS.

jaimelc

I am sorry Doug, that you are recieving so many bad comments about the changes that you would like make, but you must remember...D.S., has saved many people one of those being myself, i dont have very much money or close friends....just the really close friends i have on this site, people who have listened when i thought i was rambling rubbish and when i attempted to take my life so many people listened to my cry for help, THOSE very kind hearted souls who all have problems of there own saved ME, and i no doubt in my mind that these people had problems much worse than mine, when i had no one else to turn to they WERE there for me...many of these people have now become what i see as very close true friends, these are my real friends Doug. I must agree with other people Doug...i would like to know very early if there are going to be charges to be a member, if there are i will have to say goodbye. And i think that would be very sad.

whatsername

Here's a link to HSW....http://www.hswinternational.com/

SomeOldFart

Hey Doug, I'm not sanguine about the comming changes. DS has become an important support group for a lot of people, a refuge. I just don't trust marketers, they'll just try to take advantage of us.

Many of the people on here live on the margins. We're vulnerable people, often barely hanging on to financial stability, sanity or life.

freeheeler

High five! I am looking forward to see the nice changes. You have done a great job so far. I really appreciate all the time and effort you have been putting in this community,it is truly a labour of love that I am sure will continue to grow through this merge and in anything else that you think will help. It is wonderful to see your commitment for continuing to do this for the right reasons.
Big hug!

slac

High five! Sending some love and strength your way to continue to do this labour of love. Looking forward to the nice changes. Happy Holidays!
Hugs

slac

hi Doug I am thankful for this site. In so many ways it has helped me get through the last month thanks to all of you .Please help us all to understand the change as it happens .

lujean

Hi Doug, I must be missing something, because it does not sound like the world is coming to and end. The changes sound positive. You go boy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lelajane

Please do not become a site I have to pay for!! I love the fact that DS is free and that I am able to access my friends all over the world because of the fact that I pay no money to be a member. In these economic times, I don't think anyone has the extra cash to shell out money for memberships. Please Doug, keep this site, free!!!!

angelndisguise

Doug, please dont make this site where we have to pay! As it is most of us here dont have the extra money. This site has helped me more than the professonals please dont make me go back in the dark place I was before I found my friends here. I dont know if the "new changes" think they have us trapped that we will pay because we have made such good friends here but that would be so wrong. Please give us more info!! Just tell us now straight up Are we going to have to Pay!!!!

loyr

To all - I wouldn't jump the gun too soon, until we see how things pan out. Maybe it'll end up a big disaster, but probably not.

Growing pains always hurt and adjustments need to be made, but eventually everybody finds what works and they settle in.

This is actually the first support site or group I've ever been a part of, and it's been good. I don't know what other groups are like, apparently worse. So hold your horses, take a deep breath and enjoy what's here in the meantime.

SomethingBetter

I need to fix my previous post and say, "You can jump the gun later." and "pain usually hurts" duh.

I should join the "Can't leave a typo alone" group. Oh well, give me credit - I waited a whole hour to fix it.

SomethingBetter

So now that you have this great company behind DS WHEN are they going to boost the servers and speed up the site????? And fix the chat? And respond to our requests for help w/in a reasonable amount of time (like 24-72 hrs instead of NEVER)?

SeaNymph

Hi Doug,
I'm so impressed that you started this site because of your brother Andrew's vision. You have done a tremendous service to us the consumers of DS. Please do not ever feel badly about selling your business. You worked hard and made this site a success. Good luck to you.

BehaveWell

This site is my lifeline. as I know it is for so many others. It is a wonderful site, and the story behind it, as well as its success thus far is inspiring to say the least. Improvements to the site to make it bgger and better are also a wonderful idea, and can be beneficial.

However, making people pay to benefit from this site will be its downfall. Sure, there will be those who can afford it, and will think the slightly faster chat etc will be 'worth it'... but for the rest of us, it is like you are saying "you dont deserve to have the help we offer" simply because we arent in a position to pay for it.

And the people who will be cut off in this area are more than likely the people who need this site the most. Bear that in mind when you decide my life isnt worth it.

Im a full time student. I do the best I can with what money I have and it is already stretched too thin. I will be truly sorry if you cut this opportunity for help from me and so many others.

I hope you enjoy your millions though. You must be living comfortably now.
PS, to those who left because of privacy issues - surely you dont have to use your name, or real photos, even real place of residence, its logic. My profile says I live anywhere where theres good coffee. How much info you choose to put up is up to you and solely you.

lasthopem

Dearest Doug,
I feel bad for you,cuz there has been alot of negativity towards the merge. The fact is people, that this site was started on behalf of Dougs brother and he has had nothing but good intentions! Whatever happened to Innocent until proven guilty! Everyone just take a breath! I know for most of us,we don't like change, but remember that this site is free, so someone has had to foot the bill in order for us to use it,so let's stop biting the hand that feeds us and concentrate on the real issues! For instance, some of you complain that the chat option never worked for you! I'm just curious, since this site has grown so fast,just how do you expect doug to keep up with all of this! He had to go to an outside source,he had to go to the bigwigs in order to keep it going!I say bravo! And thank you for caring about us so much that you are doing whatever it takes to keep this site and for making sure that you're still apart of it!If it wasn't for you,alot of us would probly be dead! Keep up the good work!

And peeps,
let's at least give him a chance before we just start judging!If we don't like the changes,than we as all the members can speak out then!
Just one opinion,Thanks for reading!

daddysgirl77

And before anyone says it...I meant his cousin not his brother!

daddysgirl77

is it true that we will have to pay for this or are these just rumours? the dynamic of the site will change if its not free. the reason this website is so popular is because it is free. it wouldnt be the same if ds charged a fee, it would become just like any other system thats out there, and then in the end ds may lose money as people wouldnt be interested. plus members could still keep in touch with their friends through email and msn etc...but we wouldnt have the discussion groups or journals.

also i agree with daddysgirl...doug does a very good job, hes doing his best. i can put up with slight technical hitches here and there, no worries, the most important thing to fix are privacy issues though.

PatternSkies

not one word has been put in print by either Doug or by the announcement of the merger that i can see about paying in the furture for the site....it was one person who had a thought and then mob control took hold..sigh...

to run a site this large..and it has grown alot in the last few years...and Doug you should be so proud of what you have achomplished here..smile...takes money people...to pay for the bandwidth..tech support..etc...hence the advertisments...simple business...
to me it makes sense...when something grows so large as ds has grown...it needs more than what we have now...it needs more money and time put in it to survive...i hear everyone complaining about...emails...slow loading of pages...chat issues...how do you think these are going to be resolved without an influx of cash and people to do so???....it wont be...sigh...

And Doug is not taking the money and running as someone so aptly put it...he is staying with the merger and working with them to run the site....with the amount of money being paid to him..yes he could very well take the money and run..smile...hell i would...grin.....

so please stop the accusations...and realize that life continutes on...that is why we are all here..to find support..to find a way to carry on...becuase of the fact that we realize we need to find a way to face each day and move forward..so if we know ourselves that we have to go forward with our lives...who are we to expect everything around us to stay exactly the same while we do???...things change people...and ds has been constantly changing since day one..smile..always for the better..each one of you has made it change...you are not being sold...as for privacy...sigh..i will say it again....we are all adults..and you are using the internet...this is a free site....you get what you pay for...and even if you were paying for site usage...trust me...that does not gaurantee privacy..this is after all the internet..

on that note...congrats Doug...all the best...and i look forward to watching the development of the site..and the changes it brings..

thankyou for ds and all it has brought and the many friends i have met along the way to date...and the many friends i have yet to meet..smile

luv
heather

heather1

Is DS going to cost money to be a member & also to have a group???If so...how much will it cost to keep my friends???

SWeden04

Trust that all will be well. To read additional information and commentary about the 'merger', click on the green letter link here: www.dailystrength.org/groups/leade...
Think happy thoughts, put your smile on, and have the best imaginable day!

Beaumont

I just joined this site but I did read a bit about this. In all honesty, I think this is a good idea. I mean, what exactly could it hurt?

DanteSparda

I love DailyStrength. Coming here and seeing all the support being shared and friendships made makes me feel good about life. I don't know about the changes because I am just an end user. Doug, I wish you well and want to just thank you for giving us someone to come to share love, compassion and understanding in a world that has too little of all of these needed attributes. (((HUGS))) Patricia

SadTime

Doug, I thank you so much for DS. It has been a blessing to so many here. I know I have made many wonderful friends here and God has blessed us so through this site. Good luck with this merger. I will be praying for its success and blessings to you. Andrew would be so proud of you. Seek God for guidance Doug and He will not let you down. Hugs,

DianeKay

Thank you for being upright with us. This site has helped me so much. I just wonder if it will continue on as a free service. Time will tell I guess. Thanks again Doug. You have made Andrew proud. :) Hugs

Survivable

Thank you Doug for the explanation - sorry to hear about your brother but your ideas here on Daily Strength have really been my sanity - so many things in my life have become clear and through the encouragement of others have come to accept all the negatives in my life. I haven't been on antidepressants for about 2 years now and this is due to this site and what you have offered

KCJ

Thank you for taking the time to explain the situation. I can fully understand the merge and hope it does well. It looks like it will just expand this site to reach out to more people. I have even given this site to my counselor. With love to you Doug and I wish you well in this merge, I'll still be here.

Challice

My concern is still about how the site works (and doesn't work) and the lack of promised privacy. These issues are not being addressed. I have photos that were uploaded as "friends only" that are showing up on the groups I belong to home pages. That's just NOT RIGHT!! The site is getting slower and slower and harder to navigate. Chat has never worked right and DS has always blamed the chat provider. I really don't care whose responsibility it is. The buck should stop with DS! I wish someone would put some money where their mouth is and fix DS. Sometimes I can't even access it! You need to get bigger servers, but you already know that.

This is a great site and I don't know what I would do without it, but what good is it if it doesn't work right????

SeaNymph

Thanks for all your efforts Doug. This is a wonderful site which has helped me a great deal with my issues. It has enabled me to receive help support and compassion from kind friends and I hope I've been able to support them in return.
I'm sure your cousin would be very proud of you....you're an inspiration. Lets hope it continues to be successful.

MaRhianna

Doug, First I am happy to be a part of DS. I thank you for the vision that you had and were willing to put your own investments to creating this helping comunity. You should be proud of all of this. THANK YOU!

As a "geek" of sorts, my big wish is that the tech end would be brought up to where it shoud be. There is a large amount of my time on several computers, waiting for the site and the servers to move. Plus it is very difficult to get any type of tech suuprt on various issues. One that most comes up it problems in posting pictures. A position I would like to see would be some type of "help desk" section. The turn around time should/could be about 3 to 12 hours. I have worked in such an area for a national broadband ISP. Possibly with the new growth that could be a possibility.

Again thank you for the comunity you have created. Please ignore (as I am sure you have) the "nay sayers" and those who try to tear anyone who steps out and achives something. Bless you and you are in all our thought and prayers.

Paul

TheResearcher

CIRCUT CITY too had dreams of growning and becoming so much more, well today they said they were done and closing all stores. Doug your vision for this site has long been since realized. Eachtime someone creates an account or logs back in day after day . You have helped sooooo many people or here with this beautiful ' gift ' I ask that you keep the same idea ture as the day you started it. Less is sometimes more,i admit YES there are some features i would love to see improve and some go away, but with any business i know changes are alwasy tough. You keep doing the great job that you have done for so long and THEY WILL COME !!!! I look forward to yet another wonderful year of FREINDS, FAMILY and CURES and HOPE .........

brokesoul1

IS THIS COMPANY RELATED TO "FIREFLY"?

PhoenixRising

HI DOUG...THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO !!! I AM GOING ON TWO YEARS BEING A MEMBER HERE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THIS GREAT NEWS !!!BLESS YOU YOUNG MAN :) LOVE YA MY FRIEND....JANET

Janet4life

Just know you're dealing with peoples's emotions & souls & lives.
Please...THINK WITH YOUR HEART.
That's all.

softraingirl

What a sell out. Millions of dollars? And you're a shareholder of HSWI? Looks to me, that as far as you're a fraud. You have said that your reason for starting DS, was to help people, after your brother died. Sure .....!

I just found DS, and it has been great. I've made friends, here, and I've posted an almost open journal ... and on and on.

Great news! Oh, yeah. FOR YOU, (I WONT CALL YOU BROTHER.) You've attracted a whole lot of people, and now this group is going to be USED FOR MARKETING? So, long cheat, liar, sell out, you name it. Do you have any idea just how many people here really need help, and you really set this up to make money? "I founded this company,,,,,,," . Know what? When all is said and done, you're going to have to stand before the judgment throne of Almighty God. How are you going to explain ***this** to Him???

Barr68

don't listen to anything but you're heart, Doug.
He is proud of you, you should be too.
never, EVER give up. let someone in first.

DickeyDo

Doug, or should I write "Bozo". You're really something. You should look at what you write, before you put it into print. I quote "I wanted to organize a non-profit organization **to make money**. Well, that sure worked, at least it seems so, right now.

A) You never asked any of for permission to be used as a list for an organization which is going to use this group **for marketing**.
B) Your wording, actually is contradictory: I wanted to found a "**non profit** organization ** to make money**.

Know what? So far as I'm concerned, that is illegal .. ie. to create a sort of "front group", **supposedly to be non-profit**, but you reason for creating the group was **to make money**. Since that was your intent in forming the group **and** you have just sold it for over $3.5 million dollars: I think that you have showed that your group **never was**, non-profit, but the whole intention of your forming the group. ... was a **profit motive**.

You scam really made me angry. I am going to take it upon myself, to copy, and print all of the comments here, and send them to the Internal Revenue Service.
My guess is that you will be assessed a part of the $3.5, for each year, and that back taxes will be added on. I have had the occasion to discuss a bona fide similar matter with regard to continuing education ... and they kept insisting "You must be doing this in order to prepare for a new job". I wasn't.

So, "good luck" ... and even if the IRS doesn't sting you, God will, you can count on that!

Barr68

Thank you are two very small words but (DS) is smaller but means the world to us all here. HUGS JAA

JAA

O.K. I am new (very new) to this site and I don't adapt well to change, but this sounds to me like it will be a positive thing. I have had to change lots of things in my life recently because of PF and that is O.K. At least we can get on this site and talk about it. Come on let's have some positive vibes going.
BLESSINGS ALWAYS, MAEMAEG

maemaeg

Written in the cold month named December, yet not a single noticeable thing changed. If that's the case, keep doing what you're doing.

DanteSparda

Doug, I have been a DS member for over two years. I left and came back. The support that I have received from the Widow and Widowers community has saved my life and I can only thank you for setting up DS. I wonder how people can even think that a site like this can run itself for free. How many people are willing to give up everything and be in a way responsible for letting other people connect? If one is old enough to be on here one certainly can ignore the ads, and by the way, how many free websites have no ads? The chat seems to be a big concern, well if the DS one does not seem to work ( I have never tried it) there are alternatives to instant messaging. You have saved my life and I am forever grateful. BTW nice pix

scarletbegonias

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