PC Forum What it was and is now...IMO

My frame of reference is very small, as I only started visiting upon my fear that I had PCa back in late July 2011; so I can't comment on the long haul. But I can say that what I've noticed is a number of people who seem to trumpet the same things in many posts and threads regardless of the thread's direction. I think this is totally natural, as what affects us each, individually, is unique. What people, who have been here for a long time, might see as change is perhaps the natural progression of both the disease AND the people dealing with it over time. How one deals and how one progresses is unique to each person and those changes and the journey changes the perspective and, perhaps, the demeanor of the person.

What I find interesting, and somewhat maddening--- honestly, are the unrelated posts within specific threads. If this were a forum where it was more stream of consciousness it wouldn't be a big deal, but staying on topic here seems more important to me than elsewhere. There are folks interested in information and a degree of calming and there are others interested in hard facts. Posting should follow the vein of the psychology, so to speak.

I've also noticed that there are some personality conflicts. That happens in all boards where there are any people that have been around for awhile. The problem here is that it is literally life and death, so to speak, so tempers and beliefs flare a little more.

The other thing I've noticed is that there are a lot of young guys. I'm one of them. 42. I think that's new here as PCa has long been thought to be the "old man's disease." Which I think is being proven false... sadly

I can say, for what it is worth to all those who have been hanging around for a long time... If you hadn't been here when I KNEW I had it prior to being diagnosed, it would have taken me far longer and with far greater gloom and dispair to wrap my head around the reality of having PCa. Scared the bejeezus out of me just thinking about it. Many, of whom I can't even remember their handles, were there for me as a support group. For that, sirs, I will be eternally grateful.

vega,

you should come out some wednesday night to one of the chat nights. i have been a faithful attendee for over 3 years, rarely missing a session. its more laid back, less formal, and we talk about what ever anyone wants to talk about. of course PC related issues are discussed at a different level, but all subjects are on the table. i can't hardly remember a time, when topics got out of hand. most that are regulars, get along fine. one minute people might be talking about wine or scotch, then it might jump to cars and airplanes, almost anything you can think of has been discussed at one time or the other.

the chat format helps to get to know some of the gang a little better at the personal level, if you are inclined to want to do that.

would love to see you out this this wedensday.

david in sc

I've changed in recent years, some changes for the good some for the worse.
The forum has changed, but that too does not mean for the worse.

I don't need the same things I did when I first came here, so the way I post has changed. I come here less and when I do I often just dip in. Sometimes I feel I've posted just the right reply otjher times I'm not so sure and often I start to reply to a thread then think my opinion isn't needed and I hit the "cancel" button.

But guys this is such a well behaved forum. Other places I have posted are just so crazy.

And even if it's changed I still think Peter deserves yet another Thank you for anything being here at all.

Alf