Just some thoughts on being duped

 While I'm not ashamed of how I acted when I first saw the Shannon thread, I feel raped.  I'm hurt and angry that someone would do such a thing to me and to the most wonderful group of people I ever known in my life.  And I do feel like I know you. Or at least I did.  But now I'm not so sure.  Thats what hurts the most.  I've never been anything but completely real here.  I pour my guts out here.  And the things that happen to you guys effect me deeply.  When I read that thread, I posted, shut down my computer and went and cried(I might be slightly emotional right now, but still) like I had lost a member of my family.  I also had a talk with Tyler about coming to post here if something ever happened to me.  And I wondered if something happened to another member, if someone would remember to tell us.  Now I just feel like some little kid who just found out that Santa is a fake.

I had a similar response as you HuskyMom.  Not so much b/c I felt like I knew her (being fairly new) but just the idea of someone's time being instantly/unexpectedly ended really upset me.  I put the computer asside and cried.  Certain aspects of the thing touched home to me (my mom died when I was 9).  I had always wondered how people on these discussion boards would find out if a member got sick or whatever.  When that thread came up I told DH that I had wondered that, and made mention that I'd rather keep wondering than have someone be dead and see how the board finds out. (Not sure if that really came out the right way).  I definately would want people to know if something would happen to me, but now I don't think it would be believed anyway.  I dunno, I'm just sharing my thoughts and feelings over the whole thing.  I'm just stunned, b/c it would never occur to me to act like anyone other than me, be it online or where ever.  But I hear people all the time saying things like "the internet is just a big role playing game, you can be whoever/whatever you want, it's not real."  I've never felt that way, but maybe I'm a minority?

A wise woman recently told me, about THIS situation, ultimately, it doesn't matter.  Shannon will likely never log on here again.

Geez, talk about being asleep at the wheel.  I haven't been on much lately - no time, no home computer - and I logged on today for a few minutes and saw the tail-end of this thread.  Of course I had to go back to see what was what.

People never cease to amaze me. 

I guess I'm just an old fart.  It never occured to me to be less than honest about who I am, what I do, my dogs, etc.  I guess because of that I never expected OTHERS to be less than honest.

I too have poured my guts out on this forum.  Shared a lot of stuff, been held up by folks here in the year from hell, when every time I posted it seemed like I was asking for prayers yet again......and no one EVER said, "hey, enough!  Everytime you post you want prayers....get a life".  This forum is like a family in many ways.  Folks who will truly care, offer comfort and support and advice, and of course sometimes be rude and mean, just like in "real" life.

It's really sad that now everyone will wonder and question......is that true?

TheDogHouseBCMPD

I had always wondered how people on these discussion boards would find out if a member got sick or whatever.  When that thread came up I told DH that I had wondered that, and made mention that I'd rather keep wondering than have someone be dead and see how the board finds out. (Not sure if that really came out the right way).  I definately would want people to know if something would happen to me, but now I don't think it would be believed anyway. 

I don't know...I think it would be believed.  I seriously do.  Again...when I spoke of the wonderful lady on another dog forum that was killed a year ago.... there was an outpouring of love and sympathy, several that lived closer got in their car and went to her funeral, and reported back about her boyfriend and family.    The family was thrilled that she had so many friends that cared...even though she didn't know them personally. 

I also believe there is a lot of lies going on here...a lot of people saying they do things that they don't,,,and a lot of people saying they don't do things that they do.  A lot of people agreeing with the majority when they really don't do what the majority does...ect.   BUT yet....if something happend to one of us.....most of the people here would want to know...and would want to help out if there was any way possible.....

"BUT yet....if something happend to one of us.....most of the people here would want to know...and would want to help out if there was any way possible....."

 Which does not diminish us, it makes us better people...... Well said.

On the "lighter side"  maybe Earl has it right

On the "lighter side" maybe Earl has it right

probe1957

Those of us who have been around on bulletin boards, forums and chat rooms long enough have experienced being duped like in the Shannon thread.  I have learned to blow it off.  I am sure many others have too. 

As Gina said, this is the internet.  An adult video game.  You can be anything you want.  And, if you find you're not getting enough attention, you can even die. 

I actually feel bad for Shannon.  After reading some of the posts from members here, she really got reamed a new one.  From the pic of her son, he looked like he could be a real wise a** and pull something like this off.  I was extremely taken aback by the who incident in the first place, and I didn't even know the woman.  So, yea, I'm a little angry (at her son) for thinking that kind of "joke" is funny, and if that's his personality, boy he's in for a rude awakening. 

But I guess I'm one of the stupid and naive ones who believed, and didn't think you had to worry about that kind of stuff on a "Dog Forum". 

Janet808

naive ones who believed, and didn't think you had to worry about that kind of stuff on a "Dog Forum

And I can be naive, too. And extremely stubborn. I'm not going to let the incident keep me from this forum or stop caring when people write in needing prayers or good thoughts because their loved ones are ill. Sometimes, you just have to trust again, even if you've been "burned" before.

So, let's "forgive" the member, wish a truly educational experience for her son, and not stop caring. Speaking of which, would a suitable punishment be for her son to face the acrimony and anguish he has created?

ron2

So, let's "forgive" the member, wish a truly educational experience for her son, and not stop caring.

I think that is a good idea.