Ooooooo-k! I read other people's blogs..when I get the chance,..and I think about what I read. One of the things that I am learning is that..even on line..people run in packs.

Yeah,..I know,..that should be an obvious fact that I should have learned in a so-called-normal-life,..but remember,..I have not lived a so-called-normal-life,..I've lived MY life.

From reading the blogs and looking around message bboards,..I've learned that most members of "people packs"..are scared "shitless"..of folks,..who don't need to run with the rest of the "wolves." There is also the fact that most "pack members"..assume that the "lone wolf"...is an outlaw.

Sorry,..that's not always true.

After studying some of the "so-called-normal" behaviors that I have seen online,..if that behavior is supposed to be normal,..I don't WANT to be considered that version of normal.

A scifi writing group left me behind last spring and rejoiced when they hurt my feelings. In real life,..my problem was solved as I have joined a professional writing group,..where my ideas are looked upon..as normal and anyone who is a published author..is accepted. It was pointed out to me in the real life writing group,..after several members of that group had reviewed the archives,..that I refered them to,..that one of the reasons that I was so reviled by the members of the online group...was "acute jealousy"....on the part of some of the online writers,..who were desperately looking for a way to...and I quote,.."Shut you up but good!"

What really made my head spin was the comment that a smiling persona,..who writes for a well known newspaper ,..here in Stark County,..and has written for years about my work with the deaf here on my home ground, told me...(I am still in shock that this guy was even TALKING to little old me..let alone critiquing me),..."The only way that people like this can deal with folks like you,..is to turn tail and run from them."

To say that I was in shock from these comments is putting my feelings mildly.

My real life critics also pointed out that I should act more independently and write more indendently!! I gotta really think those remarks over..independently!!

I ALWAYS think about what I read as reading is my best means of comprehending what another person is trying to tell me. Speech to me is just a means to pass around basic ideas..for me,..at least. What is written goes into my brain faster than the spoken word and stays there longer....yet I am listening to what these folks from this real life group...are telling me..outloud..and REALLY thinking about their comments!!