I had a picture where I was sat under waterfall that you may recall
Yes, I remember too now, welcome back.
Someone described us as tight (k)nit below. I think that's a tiny bit pejorative to think of it that way in terms of being a bit exclusive! We are very open to everyone but some of us tend to keep going with the ongoing chat and become 'regulars' and therefore tend to get to know eachother and form a little group that appears tight knit because fundamentally, we're the one's doing the contributing so it may look a tad cliquey - but non of us intend that.
However, regularity of contribution, I think, certainly creates some sort of bond of friendship. I think there's evidence of that because we did find eachother after TSNS went down and we did return to the conversation when we had a new vehicle for that here.
In another club I belong to, when introducing a new member to the activities and explaining how they can get to know their fellow members I give the following advice:
The way to become a member and get the most out of your membership and feel valued by the other members requires three things
1. Turn up
2. Join up
3. Join in
Simple as that.
Of course there's no rule here that you have to participate. And indeed, I hope there are friends out there that we have never heard from in terms of their posting in but who are regularly reading the content and conversations and getting as much out of that as we garrulous, verbose, pedantic, discursive, sincere, friendly and funny regulars do!
So, brandonbares, it's up to you. Chip in or sit out. You are welcome to do either or both!
John