12-09-2007, 02:09 AM
I just checked my profile. I was the 32 person to sign up and have been a member since 6/20/03. I guess you wouldn't be able to tell by the number of post I make. At first this site was pretty slow moving. I would only check it every few weeks and minimal post were here. Then things started picking up as the word got to everyone on a few of the other forums that there was a forum for Puna (+ our honorary member from Ninole, David M. who joined a few days after I did and has only 653 post). It is kind of odd. Most of you know both of us by moniker and some in person yet we don't post that often. Sorry David, not meaning to single you out but thought about that when I saw your name a few behind me today. Don't know why I am mentioning # of post & length of registration. Guess I just wanted to convery I have watched this site grow. I read it every day & would post more often but I mostly read it at work and it is easier to read than post while at work.
Once Konaweb started booting folks for good this site became very active. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It is actually a good thing. Before the mass exodus on Kweb anytime one of us would tell a Kweb newbie to check this site our post would be deleted and there would be a discussion of how lots of other forums have tried but failed. I find that funny because there are quite a few busy "moving to Hawaii" type forums out there.
I like that we can talk about whatever on this site. I like that we can engage in some heated topics. I like that, for the most part, it ends with civility. I like that most of us can agree to disagree. I think some people have good intent with there message but have a hard time delivering (sometimes I am one of those with this problem). I think some of us get bruised too easily.
Trolling & flaming are just part of the internet. Think of these people as drunk party crashers or obnoxious uncle Larry that always ruins Thanksgiving by starting a fight with Aunt Betty's new boyfriend.
There are a lot of post that I have wanted to get involved in and really fight and be all opinionated & such. But since I realize how it can be mistaken I stop before I hit post and, most times, decide not to post what I have just type with such passion - which can be confused for aggression. Most of the trolls/flamers go away pretty quickly if you ignore them. Well, there was that one pesky one that has hit every Hawaii forum...I am sure that one will resurface at some point under a different name.
I like this forum. I like that I have made many friends & contacts through it. I have learned a lot about moving & current events on the island. Funny thing, some of my friends in Hilo/Puna do not visit this site. I think they find me a geek for doing so. They recently called to tell me about this guy that almost drowned and was saved by hanging on to a cooler. I cut them off pretty quick. I know the guy & the story. This happens quite often. They mention watching SuperFerry info & volcano flow stuff on the news. I have to let them know I see both sides of development being fought out daily. I knew about the Wal Mart supercenter cancellation before they did. They have quit giving me any news. (quick side note on the ferry, I saw it docked in HNL a few weeks ago, that thing is huge!)
Anyways, the gist of my rambling is that Rob does a great job of letting us ramble, socialize & educate. He has a real job & a real family, If too much time is lost from either of those by policing us I think he would have to give up the Punaweb. Just ignore post that you don't like or that seem baiting. If you are a long time resident and hate newcomers & all they bring so be it. You have that right. Make the anti-development post but try not to bash people just because they moved here and think Outback should open a location. They wanted to follow the dream just like you (this is to no one in particular, I promise). Everybody has different ideals about how society should be and how a community should be developed. The important thing is working together, sharing ideas and educating each other about our position.
Peace (i'd sign this aloha but then I would get attacked for not understanding what aloha is).
Atlanta/Pahoa
Once Konaweb started booting folks for good this site became very active. Not that there is anything wrong with that. It is actually a good thing. Before the mass exodus on Kweb anytime one of us would tell a Kweb newbie to check this site our post would be deleted and there would be a discussion of how lots of other forums have tried but failed. I find that funny because there are quite a few busy "moving to Hawaii" type forums out there.
I like that we can talk about whatever on this site. I like that we can engage in some heated topics. I like that, for the most part, it ends with civility. I like that most of us can agree to disagree. I think some people have good intent with there message but have a hard time delivering (sometimes I am one of those with this problem). I think some of us get bruised too easily.
Trolling & flaming are just part of the internet. Think of these people as drunk party crashers or obnoxious uncle Larry that always ruins Thanksgiving by starting a fight with Aunt Betty's new boyfriend.
There are a lot of post that I have wanted to get involved in and really fight and be all opinionated & such. But since I realize how it can be mistaken I stop before I hit post and, most times, decide not to post what I have just type with such passion - which can be confused for aggression. Most of the trolls/flamers go away pretty quickly if you ignore them. Well, there was that one pesky one that has hit every Hawaii forum...I am sure that one will resurface at some point under a different name.
I like this forum. I like that I have made many friends & contacts through it. I have learned a lot about moving & current events on the island. Funny thing, some of my friends in Hilo/Puna do not visit this site. I think they find me a geek for doing so. They recently called to tell me about this guy that almost drowned and was saved by hanging on to a cooler. I cut them off pretty quick. I know the guy & the story. This happens quite often. They mention watching SuperFerry info & volcano flow stuff on the news. I have to let them know I see both sides of development being fought out daily. I knew about the Wal Mart supercenter cancellation before they did. They have quit giving me any news. (quick side note on the ferry, I saw it docked in HNL a few weeks ago, that thing is huge!)
Anyways, the gist of my rambling is that Rob does a great job of letting us ramble, socialize & educate. He has a real job & a real family, If too much time is lost from either of those by policing us I think he would have to give up the Punaweb. Just ignore post that you don't like or that seem baiting. If you are a long time resident and hate newcomers & all they bring so be it. You have that right. Make the anti-development post but try not to bash people just because they moved here and think Outback should open a location. They wanted to follow the dream just like you (this is to no one in particular, I promise). Everybody has different ideals about how society should be and how a community should be developed. The important thing is working together, sharing ideas and educating each other about our position.
Peace (i'd sign this aloha but then I would get attacked for not understanding what aloha is).
Atlanta/Pahoa
Atlanta/Pahoa