I've seen many other message boards, and I must say, that one of the distinguishing factors of this message board is the extent of the involvement of its members.  With over 150 members, we're not a particularly large community (yet), though the fact that this message board was only started a couple of months ago must also be taken into consideration.   However, what impresses me is the fact that a large percentage of members here actually participate, whereas at other message boards I've seen with much greater numbers of members, a much smaller percentage of members participate.

Just an observation I thought I'd share with everyone.  

take care,
Shawn

I think you are right to appreciate such a diverse contribution - and not just on this message-board. [For some reason I cannot create newlines anymore, so please forgive the chunky nature of recent posts]. I suspect the reason is that contributors on this site are primarily thinkers and people with ideas and a willingness to learn and teach. They also 'belong' to the site and feel responsible and free to express themselves!  It may also have something to do with the design of the site, which stimulates new thoughts and ideas. Congratulations to you!!!!                                                                                                                                                                                  Best regards, Bill.

I think that the reason we have grown so much is that we are a family. A somewhat diverse (and occasionally dysfunctional) family that feels free to express their unique and creative thoughts and dreams. Speaking for myself, I have found this to be a comfortable and thought-provoking place that allows me to be myself (Heaven help us all!); where I can meet and interact with so many interesting and truly special people of all ages. I have found a wonderful family here; and I feel blessed that I was asked to join Mind-Brain by Chrissy Pierce (My Angelita).

James

Yes Shawn, we do have a wonderful family here, and it is because of the work you and all the members put into making this site what it is!

And James, YES, at times we can be a bit dysfunctional, right? You made me laugh at that comment,but it is like any other family unit here.  We have young and old, all parts of the world. Age and distance are irrelevant here at Mind-Brain...we are all accepting and free here, "we are family"! Reminds me of the ending to the movie, "The Birdcage"! SOOO funny that movie is!
ANYHOW, thanks Shawn for this site!

Love, Dara

Yes! This site is the best and we have all become family here! We connect so well here because many of us have shared pain sorrow and other pwerful emotions which give us the abilty to understand offer support and have a great deal of empathy! I always say I have empathy instead of mere understanding because though we may have all expereinced pain in some form we experienced it in a different form or a different way or some of us the same way! We all come from places of darkness and pain and here we are able to express ourselves freely without JUDGEMENT! one of the resons I loved it here and never wanted to leave! All my life I dealt with this judgemental world and the harsh reality of cruety it can bring but here it all seems to vanish! Thank you James and I am soooooo glad you accepted to come here and be a part of our family! I love you and so many ohers here to! ;D There is so much diversity in ages and backgrouds yet we all hold one thing that holds us all togethers and that is Friendship!

Love always,
Pistachio ;D
(Chrissy)