Not a stupid question rain, and the same question a lot of us have been asking.

look a litttle closer. Many of us are here for help and understanding. WE may sometimes argue, politics, theology or base ball. but if that helps us keep from crying so be it. At least we are using our brain. I joined a few weeks ago and have meet so many loving kind people who really mean well. Too bad there are others who are just mean. Keep chatting.

I think some of these ppl are addicted to bullying. Every week apparently it's the same crap. Who needs a board like this when we all suffer and fight our negative feelings? I just wish the people that are only here to harm others would leave. No one gets better on a place meant for healing with treatment like that.

This happened earler. As you said being "new" this is what you see. And you are right...BUT: you don't know the history to a lot of what is going on. I have only seen one racial comment from the same old troll. Bullying, some. But those that are pushing have been pushed, or are pushing back. The arguing is the same, religion/suicide, and debate of idea is never bad. Those that are in a real bad way have defintiely gotten some attention (even the glut of hoaxes). Look at the "please god help me" post. The first impression here is decieving. It all looks bad. But this is "Depression". That means we have moody, medicated,and (sometimes) self absorbed people. That's OK. If everyone here was helpful, understanding and polite it would be the "weirdly happy" area of DS.

Ahg, I totally agree here, but everyone is on this community for a reason and I think there are some that are just here to pick on others. I call it as I see it & I really just feel so badly for machina. She truly is a nice and giving person. Abrassive towards badgerers, but I don't feel she deserves the shitstorm that happens weekly. I'm not new here I just left because I didn't need it anymore, but came back because I slipped back.

The vast majority of people here are caring and willing to help. There are a few who are argumentative over closely held beliefs, but you can suaully find the threads there on andavoid them, letting them beat each other up while the rest of us get along. There are also the "trolls" who usually show up on weekendssad sick people who appear under a number of pseudnyms and are here just to gain attention by attacking and hurting other people. If you run across them, try not to respond, just ignore them. Attention makes their sad little lives worthwhile to them.

Rain- you are right. Something private to deal with some tension went public, and It shouldn't have. I personally have requested the reasons for the "machina agenda" from machina2 and hellraiser5, but I don't have a reason for it. As far as my reasoning, she had an issue with me and didn't like a few serious and fair questions from me. I'll put it back to private discussions.

Thanks Ahg for asking them. I tried myself but the machina2 name is gone. I think it's so wrong for people to come to this board and have an 'agenda' against someone else. I'm afraid if I speak up or disagree with someone, I'll find myself in machina's shoes.

I may have my issues with her, but the agenda is a bit much. It interferes with the regular joes postings...but I'm not one to talk.

To make you feel better...I have posted many advice questions and discussion pieces seeking help. I have been in some very low moods and came here for support. Over several months...I never had anyone respond to me in any negative manner. All I got was 100% compassion and understanding. Honestly, I didnt even know who or what trolls were that were spoken of so often until last night. Now this is several months and signing on early am and evening. I dont think that this is too bad of a record. The only problem I see is that these angry souls never get a chance to calm down because they are brought up so frequently even when they are not here. Ignore is preached and seldom is it followed through. I come on ds. I look at all of advice asked and all of the discussions...if I want a laugh I will seek out the funnies, If I want a serious topic, I will find it. One thing I always do is answer all advice that is current and any discussion that is desperate. I dont seek out the bickering threads. DS does work. But it is not a ds problem if people are tempted to take part in name calling and picking sides. I treat this web as I do my real life. I am always there for anyone in need. I put myself as far from drama as I can. I love and I laugh. If you need help find me and I will be glad to listen. If you have friends with life crisis' tell them to do the same. If they dont feel comfortable going on a thread then have them pm me. I am a great listener and I always have time for those that need it. Welcome back.