Come on, kids, lighten up!
Over the years, there have always been times when some oldie Catheites have been accused of having a proprietorial attitude toward Cathe. It's true and, I think, perfectly natural when Cathe, her workouts and this website have been an important part of our lives and we have developed relationships here. The fact that participants at other forums tune in to criticize the site and take jabs at Catheites is really a testament to how nicely it all came together. The thing is, I have watched many a newbie join the ranks and being here since the inception is not a criteria for becoming an oldie. Returning day after day, learning and sharing is all that's required. Some of you seem to have your backs up but this isn't the first time a contoversial thread has arisen and Cathe and SNM decided it was inappropriate. It has nothing to do with how long you've been here. Sure, many of the oldies chose not to respond but that doesn't mean none of us have never been taken to task for our opinions or gone too far in a thread. Oldies too, at least THIS oldie, have had to learn what is appropritate and what isn't. And to learn that arguing with an edict is futile. This is Cathe.com. And that right of censorship is important when threads go too far. The fact is, the deleted threads were making many uncomfortable with their content. We are on an open forum and not everything goes. There are many many of us here; some you know very well, some not. Would you walk into a gathering and have such a discussion in front a gathering of aquaintances and strangers? We are not girlfriends sitting around a table, chatting. But it does fell like that sometimes. Some things are better kept private. I would have to cite politics and religion as two, because they imflame passions and have often gone to sour. We can now add sex to that. Which isn't to say we can never discuss it, only that it must be couched in language appropriate for such a place. Don't be upset or defensive. This is a teachable moment. Now we know. And trust me, I have put my foot so far in my mouth, I believe that may be why I have developed TMJ related tinnitus. I once invoked free speech! And, kicking myself, I realized I was wrong and we need boudaries and guidelines to adhere to and it's Cathe and SNM's call and we should abide by them.
Conni asks if the discussion of birth control is appropriate and I say yes. Off Topic, any issue that affects a participants quaility of life is a good topic. We have asked for and received support and many options for dealing with the things that arise which affect or everyday lives and, therefore, affect our fitness lives. If someone posted about sexual disfunction that was affecting her life badly, I don't thing that would be problematic here.
The only thing constant is change and this place has naturally evolved, right along with Cathe. As she has produced more and, more amazing, series, she's attracted new followers. I am proud to have known Cathe's work for such a long time, as silly as they may seem to some, but I am also happy to see her soar to the ranks of a fitness star because she deserves the recognition. That means lots of new fans here. And new fans need to understand that old fans have fond memories of different times. It doesn't mean we don't want new members, that we're a clique. I have a special place in my heart for some particular Catheites, the one's I have gotten to know well. I don't know everyone here as well but I love this whole, elite club because everyone has something to bring to make this a better place. The first time anyone posts and says they did their first Cathe workout and old and new Catheites alike cheer them and say welcome to the fold, it can only add to this wonderful place. It does make me warm and fuzzy.
Things get negative, at times, yes, but think about it; hasn't this place given us all very positive feelings and enhanced us? Let's move on and forget this. I will proudly tell you I discovered Cathe early on but believe me, I have wooed many a friend and aquaintace to become a Catheite and I love how this place has changed even if I sometimes miss the old days. The more the merrier! Let's get back to business as usual. Nobody has done anything wrong. It's simply turned out that we need to be careful what we say and how we say it. This isn't the first time and won't be the last. Cathe and SNM have all our best interest at heart.
P.S. I get a real thrill when a brand spanking new Cathite shines. I have shared stories of your triumphs to encourage others. You are remarkable women and men and Cathe and SNM and the crew rock!
Bobbi
http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/chicken.gif "Cathe and Catheite's rule!"
Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it, and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.
-Ann Landers
