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I've been reading and posting in the "...time to let go..." thread, and it has morphed into a very philosophical and supportive discussion. It occurred to me (again) just now as I was reading the latest additions to the thread that Splitcoast Stampers is a very unique "safe haven" in the worlwide web.
In a time when the Internet has largely become a "bearer of bad news", and a tool for political propaganda and all the rest of it, this space continues to be warm and caring and friendly and helpful. I've only met a handful of SCSers in real life, but they've all been lovely. The conversations here ALWAYS show an element of caring - for newbies, those struggling with personal/life issues, for crafting/organizing/hoarding/purging/losing/finding dilemmas, for those coming back after an absence - ALL of it!
I have very few "up close and personal" friends, but I certainly count ALL of you that I've interacted with in ANY capacity here as friends, for sure! So many times I've considered just dropping out of the conversations and keeping myself to myself (I was a lurker for years before I started joining in), but then someone inevitably posts something that inspires me in some way and I can't walk away.
As in the thread I referenced at the beginning of this post, many of the discussions start one place and morph into something else entirely, which is why I titled this thread the way I did - I truly believe that everything is The Same Subject, and that what applies in one area can be extrapolated across many others.
Sorry about the long post, but I just had to SAY...
Yes, the people are what make SCS such a wonderful place. Many years ago, when I was a new member, I posted that I didn't have a digital camera to take pictures of my cards, and that the scanner I had at the time didn't work well.
Immediately, a total stranger, who I'd never met, sent me a personal message and said they had just bought a new camera and offered to send me their old one. I was just literally blown away by the kindness of that.
That sort of kindness and caring still resides here every day.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
When I was young, I used to say that I was an optimist, stuck in a pessimist's body. That's been changing, though, and I now see myself as a very positive, happy optimist. I figured it was old age and experience... but maybe it's just a side effect of spending time at ScS.
(I loved your post, Sue! And I agree 1000%!)
__________________ ~ Kitty ~ "If you can dream it, you can do it." - Walt Disney
I totally agree with what you're saying Sue- and this is a UK crafter. In fact, SCS is the only forum I'm a member of, and thats entirely because the people on here are so warm, caring, helpful- the list goes on. I don't think I've ever seen an unpleasant comment, or snarky remark anywhere.
I am on that thread as you know, Sue, and I'm glad you posted this, because I've often come away from interacting on a thread and thought it deserved saying - that this is an unfailingly wonderful, warm and supportive community. From the most mundane topics (posting in a panic because you've goofed something up and receiving a ton of advice on how to fix things within the hour) to the most far-reaching (when a seemingly mundane topic morphs into a deep and thoughtful conversation about larger issues), you can find it here.
As someone who stamps alone and has always stamped alone, whose studio would be completely empty except for the internet, and who started out knowing absolutely nothing about crafting, I always wonder how I would have fared if I had not found SCS. Yes, I've watched a million YouTube videos over the years like everyone else, but it was the human interaction here that truly made me into a crafter.
Thanks for posting this. It needs saying every so often.
__________________ I have come to the conclusion that buying craft supplies and actually using them are two separate hobbies. RachelRose Designs by Robin... GALLERY
My experiences here have always been so positive that, in a moment of possible insanity, I visited a forum on a shopping site. ONCE..........what an eye opener. It's a pleasure to "hang out" with such positive, helpful and talented people. Thank you to everyone for just being here!!!
I also agree with every single thing you said, Sue. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Like Rachelrose, I also stamp by myself. Everything I know, I learned here on SCS. It's the only forum I belong to. I only recently started watching Jennifer McGuire tutorials, but that came about because of SCS.
I also agree with every single thing you said, Sue. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Like Rachelrose, I also stamp by myself. Everything I know, I learned here on SCS. It's the only forum I belong to. I only recently started watching Jennifer McGuire tutorials, but that came about because of SCS.
I also answered “the people” as my favorite thing about SCS as the answer to the trivia question in the F.f17 prize thread. The people on SCS, all of you, is what got me through the time when I was caring for my mom with ALS, and then her death, and then my BFF’s illness and her death. And, like some said, I stamp alone and all of my SCS friends are there to encourage me. Yes, I have friends , but my SCS friends are available 24/7 and have more in common with me than even family! .
YOU have helped me SO many tmes you dont even know! My ears always perk up when you talk about organizational stuff because we are sister OCDers in that LOL I am always glad see you here.
Well said. Here! Here! (in a gruff British voice blowing out a bushy mustache LOL)
I drive DH crazy bc I will say ut oh or yay or laugh or something and he is asking what and I have to say I am responding to a post here and not talking to him!
It is true. Despite having dedicated threads for personal issues, public debate, etc.....somehow we start off talking about why we lose a stamp and the next thing you know we almost have world peace settled.
We are a huge group-it would be statistically difficult not to have at least a couple people in the same boat with an OP...but that wont count the dozens more that totally "get" it.
The one danger is how much time I can be on here befween posts and the gallery...
I miss you, my friend! I still get your newsletters and so I can kind of keep tabs, but I've not been great at staying in touch... New Year = new attempts, maybe?
I'm just seeing this thread and I agree with everything expressed. Thank you, Sue, for starting it. I have to say that I always read what you have to say because what you say is so thought-filled. I learned nearly everything I know about stamping and paper crafting on this amazing, resource-filled site; without it, I'm sure I never would have continued with this craft. But as many of you have said, it's the wonderful, helpful and generous people here that make this site unique and a thing of beauty.
Thank you, thank you, Sue, for posting this, and to all of you, my stamping friends!
__________________ Claudia Splitcoast Fan Club Member
This is the only forum where I feel comfortable and safe to post. I feel a kinship and friendship to you all!! I love reading your views and look forward to "seeing" you all each week. Every one is encouraging and helpful.. I know of no other place where all the people as so warm and caring. Amen for Splitcoast Stampers!!
This warms my heart so... So grateful for all of you!!!
And Lydia, we are all grateful for YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :-)
__________________ ~ Susan - Celebrating 19 years as an SU demo! Grammy to Anna 15, Elizabeth 14, Nora 12, Abigail 12, Kendall 10 , Isaac 10, Evan 7, and Hudson 3 with me in my avatar Proud to be SCS Fan Club Member since the beginning!
I second what all of you have said about this forum...I have learned so much and love all the conversations regardless of where they wander. No worries about someone saying mean things or tearing people apart. A caring, thoughful, teaching group.
__________________ Have a creative day, every day.
Great thread Sue......I have met so many what I would definately call friends through SCS. There is a group of us that keep contact daily via messenging and I don't know what I would do without them in my life. I love each of them . So many bonds can be made here on SCS. Many of the threads I've gone to I see repeated names like you Sue (Gregzgirl) as well as fionna51, shazsilverwolf, buggainok and of course DINI just to name a few. I am so thankful to have been able to become a part of such a loving community. Merry Christmas everyone HUGS!
I have been awed constantly by the helpfulness (quicker than Siri or Alexa), the positive feedback (so heartwarming it brings tears) and the talent (almost too amazing to be true) that I encounter here on SCS. Those not in the know tend to make fun of me or look at me askance when I speak the praises of this wonderful place. To experience it is rewarding, uplifting and inspiring. Even though I have never met you in person, thank you one and all for being part of my life.
Lessons in papercrafting; lessons in life
