Is it just me or do I notice more people getting upset with Thoughts these days?  Maybe it's the hot weather but then again that won't affect anyone from the UK at the moment.  I read this morning of Thoughts members getting annoyed with other Thoughts members and wondered just what it is all about.  I have to confess at one stage in the past,I got really annoyed with someone else, or rather the content of their blog, but I did learn from it and it hasn't happened again.  It takes time to realise that some people just need to get things off their chests and reckon that it's better to do it here than in the 'real' world.  To his credit, the person who annoyed me, apologised in the most gentlemanly fashion and I truly believe he had never intended to cause offence.  He was merely having 'a rant'.

I guess we all want different things from Thoughts.  For me, it has been a useful opportunity to remember things from my past and I have used it as a sort of journal.  As time went by, kind people added their comments which I found incredibly touching and encouraging.  These people became my Thoughts friends and, in turn, I look forward to reading their blogs and leaving comments where suitable.  It took me a while to work out how the whole thing ran.  For a newcomer, they might see the most important thing as getting on the Popular Posts page and having as many hits as possible.  Yes, some people do make it there every day, but it's because they have made more friends and, in turn, more people read their blogs.  For me it simply doesn't matter how many people read what I write.  If I do get a few comments that's great and I appreciate people taking time to leave them.

As to getting annoyed, what's the point!  When I do feel that some of what is written is, to me, offensive, I simply move on to the next blog.  I don't have that much time but I do like to check in each morning to see what's happening.  From blogging I have been given a great deal more insight into how people live in different places and am certainly more tolerant.  I relish reading something beautifully written but also appreciate things written from the heart, if not quite so perfect.  I have huge admiration for people who have the ability to bare their souls.  I have been deeply touched on reading the experiences some people have gone through.  It's even nicer seeing them getting better and sharing happier thoughts.  It has also given me the opportunity to share my Christian faith in the best possible way.

So, if you're new to blogging and new to Thoughts, just remember it takes time to understand the system.  Be selective about what you read and you will soon find your own level.  It takes all sorts to blog.  It doesn't matter what you write or who or how many read it.  If it helps you that's the most important thing.  Now I'm getting back to writing that novel.  After all, if I hadn't joined Thoughts in the first place I might never have started.  Good luck!