So M15 has rules? Lurkers reveal yourselves/newbie playdate!

Corkey450

I lurk on the board a couple times a week, and occasionally post when I feel I might be able to add something. I have looked at the rules a few times, but feel I don't have a good enough handle to start a new thread. I can find the answers I need to questions on other threads or on the interwebs. I like stopping by and reading the threads that look interesting to me every so often, but don't seem to come on enough and/or post enough to be a reg. 

alexandria22489

FrecklesInside

I know the regs by their avatars, because remembering names is too difficult. If you don't have an avatar, I'm not likely to recognize you.

I'm not sure if I consider myself a reg or not. I try to post every day and offer support to those who need it. Sometimes, I don't feel I have much to add, so there are a lot of posts in which I just lurk. 

happybabe123

Lurker here: I am 100% mobile app lurker and try to contribute when I feel like I have something helpful/time. I work full time and this is baby #3 so between limited time and just feeling like I know what to expect with this pregnancy I'm pretty much good just hanging out!

I do enjoy a good read/distraction. The smelly butt thread was hilarious btw.

I'll be here lurking.

coffeeAustin

I just reached my 15 week milestone with baby number 1. I am incredibly nervous about being pregnant for the first time and I lurk around here while I wait for my computer and excel to play nicely with each other. I'm a horrible introvert, but it is so much fun to sit in my hole at work and read all the posts.

rowboat4

flmama622 said:

chilibeansm0m said:

@flmama622‌ We talked about all agreeing it was a boy or girl in the next one but I don't know what happened to that. Can we still do that?

I'll admit I probably should chill about the sex vs gender deal. For some reason I am really passionate about it. This board alone makes me sideeye people now for misusing the terms where are before I would just brush it off.

I'm sure as heck not telling other people what to do but maybe I need to chill.

FFFC?

That's even more passive aggressive so sure haha!

(Quote fail)

I think I love this idea.

lifewrite

jessuhmarie said:

JennyP0222 said:

OMG @jessuhmarie a Zach gif! I may have squeeeeeeed a little. I counter your dancing Zach with dancing Cody.

And then stripping Cody.

Oh Cody.. I love him so much. So fucking hot!

Best gifs ever posted =P~

mmherne

I've been lurking a lot recently, but have started to post a little more. I just feel like I don't have much to add since I'm a FTM and most of the questions I have can be answered via Google. But I love reading the hilarious comments!

CourtD2013

As many lurkers have now said: I also am a FTM and have inserted replies here and there. This post has encouraged me to join in more and for starters, I just spent a good hour figuring out how to change my profile picture and **fingers crossed** add my baby ticker. Next goal is to personalize my siggy to hopefully be a bit more recognizable! Thanks to @chaysefaith for starting this.

misshosejockey

Wowza I am way late to this party.  I check the board when I'm at work which is a government computer so many of the pictures and gif's can't load.  It is probably why my posts look weird at times, but it is really the only time I have to read the threads.  I have been around for a while now; I have contributed some and have lurked far more.  I posted an intro about 2 months ago and since have begun a few threads and posted in others.  I have noticed that as long as you are witty in some way you usually can get a little leeway.

I try to keep my contributions to posts that I feel I know something about.  I believed I lurked for so long because I have never experienced being a part of a message board before and I don't understand a lot of the short hand used in the threads.  I know there is a cheat sheet, but when reading a thread it makes it hard to go back and forth trying to decipher a post.  By lurking I have been able to pick up the gist of a lot of the short hand used, but I am still a far cry from an expert in reading them.   I have avoided many of the random threads since I feel I will be chastised for something I say, and I am not a person that backs down so it's easier to avoid than be engaged. 

I know my first time on this board I got a good ripping, and was told that I wouldn't be around very long.  That freaked me out because I didn't want to jinx my pregnancy. I now see that many people can be overly sensitive and have left the boards for one reason or another.  I haven't, in fact I saw it as a bit of a challenge to see past the snarky remarks and find the individuals that gave encouraging comments.  I have found there to be far more people in the M15 board that have kind positive words to say than the negative remarks.  Thank you for starting this thread it was a great way to get everyone engaged!

ashleyrh661

First I love this thread! Thanks for starting it @chaysefaith‌ ! I post here and there and only from my phone app. I tried twice to get a ticker and just couldn't do it. My laptops sucks. I'm a STM who still don't feel like I have a ton to contribute! But I love the dialog here and the support given to moms who need it.

kellbell1982

I love this board which is why I'm staying even though I'm now due Feb 23rd, because who knows when she will actually make her debut. To be honest I do get a sick feeling in my stomach whenever I post especially if I start a new topic. I just feel like a small group of regs have decided they don't like me and I'm not sure what I did to elicit that response. I wish I didn't let something like an internet board get to me but the truth is I don't have man irl friends since I had to drop pretty much all of them in order to get clean, so you guys are really the closest thing I have to girlfriends and I enjoy my time here so much and wish we could all get together irl. I just want to take this opportunity to apologize to anyone I may have offended because I definitely didn't do it intentionally and I'd really like the opportunity to have a second chance with those who dislike me. Thanks everyone for making this pregnancy so much better than my last and for answering all my questions

maisonduchoco2

I post occasionally if I can add something of value. Most times, I am pretty late to most threads and don't bother repeating what everyone has already said so far. This board is my outlet for baby stuff, so I keep coming back for more. I've been a poster for years, starting with the TK, since 2007. The snark doesn't bother me but I also don't have much time to participate as much these days. 

randomnames

I'm mostly a lurker, but I try to post in the random thread at least. I'm almost always mobile and often one handed which makes typing annoying so that stops me from posting a lot.

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Shellyhume

I use this app for the pregnancy updates but tend to avoid the community... I am admittedly snarky in my own right but I absolutely detest meanness or ANY human, never mind a new mom, being made to feel stupid for asking a question... Even if it has been asked a bazillion times before.

I'm a fourth time mom. I feel like I have a lot of love and support to offer to some new moms but I just cannot subject myself to the ridicule or just plain nastiness in the event I spell something wrong or accidentally use some terminology wrong.

I feel very thankful to have lurked today and found this thread because I have wanted to say something without coming off as critical or mean myself.

The way I see it... Being a mom is the hardest job you'll ever love and us moms NEED support. The last thing we need is one more person making us feel completely ignorant and useless...

I WANT to be a part of this birth club... My fourth child, third girl, is due the 23rd... But I don't want to be a part of what really comes off as bullying in my book. It's not even enough to just not "participate" in a thread, to me... It's like watching a kid getting picked on on the playground... NOT doing anything about it makes it just as bad.

I do apologize for the novel. I also, again, appreciate the fact that this reputation for snark-attacks has been noticed by regular posters and addressed in a "safe-zone," so to speak. Very cool.

chaysefaith

ToasterCat said:

Honest question: Why are so many people consumed with whether they are a "reg" or not? I just don't get it. There isn't a magical threshold that you pass for being here x amount of times a week or how many posts you make... Who cares? Just do what you do...right?

There are many women here who don't post very frequently but I very much look forward to what they have to say. Then there are some who are here all the time and my eyeballs glaze over when I see their avatar. Do people equate "Reg" with popular or some kind of status?
Ok. Ramble over.

Honestly?  Regs get cut a lot more slack than newbies.  A reg can come on here and say something stupid and they might get some flaming but nothing like what a newbie who isn't known would get.

kella0708

All this reg vs. newb talk is giving me flashbacks to Real World/Road Rules challenges. Except they called themselves "vets." Most of the newbs were always voted off the island in the first two episodes. Then a few lucky ones formed alliances through friendships or hookups and were able to stay a little longer. Kinda like TB. No?

Edit: wordz r hard

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chaysefaith

ToasterCat said:

chaysefaith said:

ToasterCat said:

Honest question: Why are so many people consumed with whether they are a "reg" or not? I just don't get it. There isn't a magical threshold that you pass for being here x amount of times a week or how many posts you make... Who cares? Just do what you do...right?

There are many women here who don't post very frequently but I very much look forward to what they have to say. Then there are some who are here all the time and my eyeballs glaze over when I see their avatar. Do people equate "Reg" with popular or some kind of status?
Ok. Ramble over.

Honestly?  Regs get cut a lot more slack than newbies.  A reg can come on here and say something stupid and they might get some flaming but nothing like what a newbie who isn't known would get.

Oh sure, I'm not trying to say there isn't some distinguishing between a drive by and someone who isn't well known, I just don't get all the need for affirmations all the time.

SO THEY CAN BE ASSHOLES LIKE US.

Duh, TC.

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hydrangeablue

I just wanted to say hi I am somewhere between a lurker and a reg. I usually post once a day but there are so many people here that it's overwhelming for me. I do care about what is going on with everyone and I'm thankful for all of the sharing and caring that goes on around here. I get a little bit annoyed at the threads where everyone says the same thing that's been said a million times already to the idiots that post their idiocy. I wish we could all just let those threads die and post about interesting or meaningful things instead. I'm a FTM and I have a million questions that I don't even know I have yet. It's exhausting fighting my way through the crowd of bs to get the good info whether that's a personal experience story, recommendation, or just good old fashioned chatting. 

I changed my avatar but it hasn't updated yet apparently and I'll be working on my gif skillz. 

ngolimento

Most of the "who the fuck are you?" Posts are for first time posters who have no reason to be smearing AW stuff in strangers' faces.

Also, I don't fully agree that regs get a ton more slack (though known people do get some). I've gotten flamed a number of times posting on TB. It stings at first, but then you eventually tell your inner 3rd grader to grow up and stop caring what a random stranger thinks. Being a 'reg' isn't a bulletproof shield.

sweetmama17

And I'm just now seeing this thread? Yeah.....I really want to post more than lurk but it's hard. Can only get on here once a day and like others I really only try to post when I feel like I have something to contribute. I was a total lurker only on S12 (and if any of you are from there I love you guys) but really want to be more involved this time. I also have major fear of someone from IRL recognizing me on here especially if I post things that are personal.

ohioxliz

I don't know if I'd be considered a lurker or what not because I don't post replies often and certainly haven't done an original post or intro.

I like reading everything everyone says on here though because it's interesting to see what woman due around the same time have to say.

Working two jobs and in school full time doesn't really leave me much time to religiously follow every post and every reply too so that's another reason I guess.

Plus one of the few times I did reply I almost immediately deleted my comment because someone got mad at me for posting when I'm not a regular and don't contribute enough. lol.

Regardless I'm due to have a baby girl March 15 and we are very excited! Maybe if I have anything decent to give my input on Ill post more.

Adele 1981

lifewrite said:

Zanza_3 said:

I don't post often as I feel I don't have much to contribute. I'm also pretty introverted, so even IRL it takes me a long time to just start talking. I don't start threads since either someone has already asked the question or I just look it up on Google. I do love reading all the threads though, especially the ones started by ridiculous people. No matter what others say, I really like our group!

This is me as well. I was on the March 13 board when I was pregnant with DD and was an occasional poster but didn't really open up until we moved over to FB. Mainly because it was much easier to keep up with and all the crazies had been weeded out. I've gotten very close to some of those ladies and their support/friendship is priceless. All the scrolling on here also makes my nausea worse so hopefully once that subsides I'll join in on the random thread.

Edit: quote box fail

Same! I'm kind of a lurker because I think it's a pain to post on mobile. When/if this group ever migrates to Facebook, I'm much more active because I'm always on there anyway. All the crazy posts on here are funny at first, but then get kind of tedious. I feel like the ladies from my March 13 group got a lot closer because the random weren't always demanding that we examine their kids genitals.

brown101

I feel like I've become a lurker after being active... I'm just sondamn tired after getting home from work... And I am busy all day long at work. I try to keep but have become more of a lurker

lifewrite

jessuhmarie said:

I don't post often as I feel I don't have much to contribute. I'm also pretty introverted, so even IRL it takes me a long time to just start talking. I don't start threads since either someone has already asked the question or I just look it up on Google. I do love reading all the threads though, especially the ones started by ridiculous people. No matter what others say, I really like our group!

This is me as well. I was on the March 13 board when I was pregnant with DD and was an occasional poster but didn't really open up until we moved over to FB. Mainly because it was much easier to keep up with and all the crazies had been weeded out. I've gotten very close to some of those ladies and their support/friendship is priceless. All the scrolling on here also makes my nausea worse so hopefully once that subsides I'll join in on the random thread. Edit: quote box fail

Same! I'm kind of a lurker because I think it's a pain to post on mobile. When/if this group ever migrates to Facebook, I'm much more active because I'm always on there anyway. All the crazy posts on here are funny at first, but then get kind of tedious. I feel like the ladies from my March 13 group got a lot closer because the random weren't always demanding that we examine their kids genitals.

Lol I definitely did not get the same impressions from the m13 facebook group.

There were a couple of FB groups. The one @adele 1981 and I are apart of was one started after the babies were born. I know the one started earlier on was kind of crazy. Not sure which one you're talking about?

AriFish

Hi all!  I'm very new and have only posted once.  Haven't done an intro because I find it a little weird to talk about myself.  I prefer to just jump in and get to know people.  I was on The Knot about 12 years ago and I'm a little overwhelmed with how many more people contribute to these boards nowadays.  I usually read posts late and don't want to parrot what's already been said.

faeriem

Hi everyone, I've been lurking a lot as a first time mom, feel a bit timid just jumping in, and am only on mobile. I'm 16 weeks today and will try to post more.

salmphil

Hi ladies! I'm somewhere between a lurker & a reg- I try to get on a few times a week but it may not be every day so sometimes I don't follow up on a discussion was really into a couple days ago. I try to be supportive and grateful for the great info on here. I love the search feature and learn a LOT as a FTM. Didn't realize this was annoying for people to see olds threads resurrected, but I try to only do it for the tips ones. So, sorry for that! I learned the "search old threads first" preference right away.

Wish there were more hours in a day because I can tell I miss a lot of good stuff on here! I try not to shit glitter with positivity, but honestly, my job gives me all the negativity I can stand, so I may overcompensate in my free time

drudolph11

jessuhmarie said:

harper3 said:

I'm sure I'm unrecognizable. I try to participate, but with the time difference I'm always late to the party.

I think sometimes the snark is a little much, so I can see why some posters may feel intimidated to post. I like it here though, so I stick around.

I recognize you for sure and I don't even participate every day


I recognize you mostly cuz the name Harper is on my short list for my LO lol

chaysefaith

Well, hi, lurkers and newbies! :-h

Now that you're out, jump in and start posting! We have lots of first time mom regs.

I personally don't mind someone who's always positive as long as they're not WKing assholes. I met my best friend on my last BMB and she never snarked and was very loved by everyone. You don't have to be snarky to be a reg

littlekeller

I am notbsure if I am quite a lurker, more like an infrequent poster. Life is crazy with a almost 3 yo, a DH the works nights, a full time job and a side business.
I pop in about once a day. If I can help someone by answering a question I do. I have asked a few things here and there. I am not much of a chatter in real life, so it transfers to here.

1isaad

I posted once, then didn't have time to check back, and felt I shouldn't start a thread or reply if I can't follow responses. I also sometimes feel this isn't a great way to communicate with people who have very different opinions, and usually my opinions are pretty unpopular (like, eating organic vegetarian in the 90s level popular), but I still like to read what posters are thinking.

mermaid1113

I posted pretty regularly when I first got the BFP but life just got in the way of me being as active as I want to be on here! I love reading everything and intend to begin contributing again!

atangiblewish

I didn't post much at first because of PGAL brain. And now it's just my 15 month old is keeping me super busy I try to contribute when I can.

nashielly121

I posted a couple things in the beginning and then school got underway, leaving not much time for anything except browsing through the latest posts and sometimes clicking on an occasional thread. If I need info, I usually search elsewhere. It's just nice to see what the latest topics are and feel a tiny sense of comradarie. I am only posting this now since my school is on a Fall Break. Best of luck to all you regulars, lurkers, newbs, and whatever other label I forgot.

amegan

I guess I lurk haha I get bored and don't know to much about all this stuff as I'm a ftm it really helps to read some of what others have to say

Ambethsco

I posted semi-regularly in the beginning but was suddenly bombarded with in-laws for weeeeeeks during the summer and didn't have time to really contribute to the board. By the time things slowed down and I tried to catch-up, I felt like I was showing up at a party 2 hours too late. Plus, to be honest, I've struggled with postpartum anxiety since my daughter was born in Feb '13 and confrontation seems to aggravate it. While I totally understand and respect the strong opinions of you lovely ladies on here, it's a bit much for me sometimes.... So I mostly lurk. I blame it on my overly-sensitive, introverted tendencies.

Some of you are seriously hilarious though... Thanks for the laughs!

sparkles0687

I am way late to this but thought I should post anyway. I probably only get on here 2 or 3 times a week. I usually just read the posts where people have questions to see if I can help.  When I got pregnant I was hoping I would be as close as I was to my D11 group.  I didn't really post on there much until we went to a fb group.  The group was started when we were still pregnant but really picked up when the babies were born.  With an almost 3 year old I just don't get on here as much as I was able to when I was pregnant with my DD.  I have seen lots of support from ladies on here for those who have concerns or questions.  I will still probably pop in when I can because as I did last time, I love being able to talk to people going through the same thing at the same time.