SForsgren
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7686
posted
In the two years that I have been coming onto Lymenet, I have learned so much about this disease. Several people have contributed to that knowledge. The most valuable for me personally has been the information that was shared here by GiGi.
I didn't understand it all at first and probably still don't understand all of it today. Her knowledge based on her years of working with Dr. K is really quite amazing. The free-flowing information that she shares here has been incredibly valuable and I have benefited from it in many ways.
Unfortunately, not everyone agrees with the information that she shares and at times she may make a comment or two that people do not like.
I truly believe that her passion for wanting people to get well is deep and very present. I have never seen someone spend the amount of time that she spends on the phone with people, sharing her experiences with so many.
Sadly for me, I understand that she has been banned from Lymenet and is no longer allowed to post. I find this very unfortunate as this cuts of access to information which may further have benefited me or many others here that appreciate what she had to say.
She is one of few people (probably the only one) that fully understands the approaches that Dr. K has used to treat people with chronic illnesses and to me, the information was a lifeline that is now gone.
I am definitely missing her presence here today... I feel like we are all now a little more in the dark than we were when she was here.
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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valymemom
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7076
posted
Could not have said it any better, Scott.
Posts: 1240 | From Centreville,VA | Registered: Mar 2005
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kelmo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8797
posted
Banned?! What!? What the...?!
Posts: 2903 | From AZ | Registered: Feb 2006
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RoadRunner
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 380
posted
it is sad that this happen but there are a lot of people that just can't scroll on by.
then they complain like kids....
she always had great info. I am better today because of her and all the info she gave me.
Do you know why she was kick off here??
RR
-------------------- "Beep Beep" Posts: 2630 | From ct | Registered: Nov 2000
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SForsgren
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7686
posted
I may not have all the details but it was something to do with a post that was later removed from the board as far as I can tell (or I cannot find it now) where she made a generalization that there were lots of complainers here and that people were digging their own graves with their negativity.
As to what specific Lymenet rule she violated, I am not sure. I just know what she got an email from Lymenet stating that her ability to post had been removed. I find it very discouraging.
And yet I realize that some people will be happy to hear that she is no longer here to offer an opposing or alternate point of view.
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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oxygenbabe
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5831
posted
Why don't you have her email you what she wants to post, and then you compile her emails monthly onto your website as a "Letter from Gigi", and then post the link here?
Posts: 2276 | From united states | Registered: Jun 2004
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hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
I was wondering where was Gigi in the last days as I saw nothing from her lately.
Scott, thanks for explaining us.
I wonder what's the reason too.
It's the biggest loss in this board. If she's going to be suspended for longer, I think I'll pack my bags and go too!
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Good idea, Oxygenbabe, but unfortunately, Scott isn't allowed to post the link to his own website for what is basically a possible `conflict of interest' reason.....
But there is certainly no reason that Scott - or anyone - cannot simply `copy and paste' some ``Letters from Gigi'' right into a new thread on occasion.....
And by the way, I am absolutely shocked and outraged that Gigi has been banned. People remain on this board who have done and said far worse than what Gigi ever posted. What a travesty. She was a genuine asset to LymeNet.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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robi
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5547
posted
This is crazy! One of the most helpful folks is banned? Others say and make all kinds of accusations here on Lymenet. What happened to spirited debate?
Please unban Gigi ..........
robi
-------------------- Now, since I put reality on the back burner, my days are jam-packed and fun-filled. ..........lily tomlin as 'trudy' Posts: 2503 | From here | Registered: Apr 2004
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dmc
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5102
posted
just sad, oh sad.
Posts: 2675 | From ct, usa | Registered: Jan 2004
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Foggy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1584
posted
I don't want to 2nd guess the moderators, but I will say it's VERY important to have Lymies in remission stay & help newbies.
I've seen too many come, find remission, then go back to their busy lives. It's important to stick around, even if transient to help guide newbies. In times of despair, a kinf & sympathetic voice of hope that people do recover can be very reassuring.
Many of us, including GiGi stick around out of the goodness of our hearts. Having Lyme veterans is a privilege, not a right. We're all different cases and no 1 treatment modality works for all of us. Keeping an open mind and ears is essential.
I should also mention that GiGi's emphatic posts appear due to her dedication to wellness, and spreading the gospel. Her bedside manner is at times, direct, but she means well.
This board is about give & take. Unfortunately, many just take. Consequently, I appreciate the Gigi's of this world who give. This should be appreciated and not forgotten.
[ 15. September 2007, 09:41 PM: Message edited by: Foggy ]
Posts: 2451 | From Lyme Central | Registered: Aug 2001
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posted
In my opinion, banning someone from a forum should be a thoughtful decision, based on breaking rules and regulations. It should be a final measure to be used only when other options have failed. This is especially the case when someone has been a long-time member who has contributed a lot.
For example, first the member could be requested to follow the rules and regulations. If the member doesn't comply with the request, there could follow a warning. If the member still doesn't comply, he or she could be banned for a short period, let's say a week, to let him or her know it is serious.
I just hope the decision to ban someone permanently is not being taken lightly.
Posts: 30 | From Here | Registered: May 2007
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Too many with an agenda on this site. There's one person that shows up when anyone posts the word rife. Rife word brings out the insanely against anything alternative, proven or not proven. Gigi's posts irrated a small group and she called them Negative Nelly's and they got mad.
Gigi wasn't the guilty one (as far as I seen). But I'm a firm believer in "Every dog will have his(her) day."
I'm sending a post to Lou & all moderators to voice my complaints.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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5dana8
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7935
posted
this is just pathedic
I am also going to e-mail the moderators.
This really makes me so sad
-------------------- 5dana8 Posts: 4432 | From some where over the rainbow | Registered: Sep 2005
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posted
I am so in agreement that Gigi SHOULD NOT BE BANNED! It is obvious that many of us have benefitted from her contributions, and should not be denied because there are others who don't agree with the protocol she presents.
I really think it should be explained exactly what rule she broke. If it was calling someone a negative nellie, I would be willing to bet that, while complainants may not have name-called, their comments were more rude and malicious than that!
I have not liked every comment I have read here, or felt that there was merit to every remedy; but I have respected the rights of all to express themselves. As I have gotten to know those whose opinions I don't value, I simply skip over them I have never presumed that my own feelings should be considered over someone else's, denying everyone a chance to hear all and make their own decisions. I don't appreciate that others have been able to do that. I realize that I probably don't have all the facts and apologize if I have been incorrect in my assumptions.
Posts: 422 | From Herndon, Virginia | Registered: Oct 2005
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charlie
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 25
posted
....Is everybody really sure she got banned?? Unless there was something going on in the middle of the night I wasn't aware of, there wasn't anything in that thread that would upset anybody....If you can't stand griping and sarcasm, internet posting boards are probably not a good place to hang out.
Maybe she just decided to take a breather.
In my experience, and I've been on here since 1998, the quickest ways to get banned other than outright obscenity are;
Prolonged back and forth bickering that could be just as well be done by PM or email
Excessive beating up on LLMDs
Trying to self-moderate by filibustering a topic to death.
Peddling stuff for profit after being warned.
I doubt she did any of that.
Charlie
Posts: 2804 | From Texas | Registered: Oct 2000
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SForsgren
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7686
posted
She was contacted by Jenifer, the Webmaster of Lymenet and told that her posting ability has been removed.
-------------------- Be well, Scott Posts: 4617 | From San Jose, CA | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Personally, I don't think anyone should be removed based on one post ... it seems a person should be given a warning. I know on another message board it's three warnings and you're gone.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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posted
Excellent point by Foggy. There are very few active participants in the forum who are adding the point of view of the "healed" and what has worked for them, rather than what is working RIGHT NOW.
GiGi added a different perspective and I'm sorry that those who don't agree with her ideas can't just scroll by. It's very easy to be negative. Try to be courageous, people, and think positively once in a while!
Posts: 393 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Jun 2005
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posted
This is my first post on this board....I just cannot read this thread without also posting in support of GiGi.
Scott, I think you said it very well....I do feel more in the dark without her presence. Its a huge loss to me and to others who are truelly interested in her posts. I have benefited more from the info. she's provided than anything else I've come across.
I am grateful that she gave so much of herself only in the hopes of making it easier for the rest of us.
GiGi's posts are the biggest reason I found this board to be a valuable source of info. for me. Without her contributions there is a huge void for those of us who were learning so much from her experience and knowledge.
Most people who are well do not give so much of themselves...they simply move on. Its a blessing to have someone around who is not only knowledgable but who is also RECOVERED.
I cant understand why there are continuous attacks on someone who has been through it and regained her health...someone who is only here to share what she knows so that we might also find ourselves on that path to wellness.
I have seen much negativity on this board which is the main reason I choose not to participate.
Example: a new thread on IRT...I go in there to see what I can learn and all I see are posts screaming out SCAM...all from people who have never looked into it or tried it themselves. How can people make this judgement without any experience??
Scott, I guess I will wait to see how you do with it.
I have spoken with GiGi on the phone and she is very genuine in her desire to help others. How many people who are recovered dedicate so much of their time helping others??
I read the thread in which GiGi posted in frusteration about this type of negativity. I have to say that I was shocked to learn from email that she was banned. I have witnessed far worse here on this board...and from posters who are not contributing anywhere near what GiGi has given us.
Its very disheartening and I do hope that the moderators reevaluate their decision.
-Rachel
Posts: 3 | From Northern California | Registered: Dec 2006
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posted
Rachel has been reading along for a long time ... she is the reason I found I had Lyme.
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
i didn't know gigi was banned and disappo9inted too; i don't understand what she is saying but she is extremely HELPFUL to all members. **************************************
here's what i do know so you'll have a little more info on this whole thing. i was involved briefly in this.
i emailed loub/jenifer and this was my subject line with NO body text!
Gigi's post is getting quite heated as of 9-10-07!! check it out please; thx! EOM
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:47:02 -0400
JENIFER SENT ME THIS EMAIL.... ****************************
Too late! I deleted it. It seems like it was a post to bash Gigi.
I already deleted it because a member was saying Gigi should be banned, while another made her dispute with Gigi public.
Other members instigated hostility with saying things like, "The Real Negative Nelly", "Could you point out just where the state of Sedona is?", and "I'm on it!" (when referring to a post about alerting Michaelangelo, Archangel Raphael, etc.). ~~~~~~ Jenifer Stolow [email protected] LymeNet.Org Webmaster LymeDiseaseAssociation.Org Webmaster
----- Original Message -----
From: Lou Bachmann To: Jenifer Stolow Cc: Betty G
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 6:39 PM Subject: Re: Gigi's post is getting quite heated as of 9-10-07!! check it out please; thx! EOM
Hi there, Well now ... actually have my laptop with me, logged in to check something else and saw these emails.
Took a quick look and the Topic referenced has calmed ... never was that heated.
Suggest we leave it alone and let the conversation continue ... OK? Now ... off for a walk on the beach Later, Lou B
jenifer also informed me to email HER only as lou b is ON VACATION FOR 2 SOLID MONTHS UNTIL SOMETIME IN NOV. 07. *******************
i'm sorry to learn gigi was banned.
my alert to them was with the negativity and name calling in it. nothing more. we have way to much of this on this board.
lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
Gigi should not be banned !!! and I did not see the post but have seen others and she is usually the recipient of way too much dung throwing.
Then she attempts to reply and some just go off on her.
Recently two of our best have been at each other and it has been very stupid and I respect them both but neither should be banned. They need to realize they both are finding the necessary answers and providing all of us with research.. And not nit pick with each other.
If this is because of Betty's post, then I do not see why it caused anyone to get banned. I do not think that was what Betty was fishing for. Just perhaps someone to tone it down.
Please reconsider. Gigi has always helped others and usually got stomped for it. She was a lone voice for a long time that helped many of us thru toxin removal and other rarely discussed matters.
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
I didn't see what happened, but I find this very sad.
If I understand this correctly, a group of posters ganged up on Gigi for objecting to their negativity and Gigi was the one who was banned?
It seems perfectly logical that someone who was being ganged up on might become angry and lash out trying to defend themself.
I know that Gigi has often contributed valuable information to threads I have started and I have always appreciated her input.
Though I am personally persuing a different avenue of treatment at present, I have still liked being able to read her perspectives. I know that she has done a lot of research into alternative treatments and I have really appreciated her willingness to share her knowledge.
I do not know what transpired, so I would have to imagine that whatever was said, it must have been immensely hurtful to someone for her to have been banned.
I would really hope that the moderators might be able to work out some kind of agreement to allow her to return. I know she had a lot of people who looked to her for her experience.
It is truly sad when people who have differences in opinion find it necessary to insult each other with personal attacks instead of just rationally debating the things they disagree with and offering evidence to support their viewpoints.
Why can't we all just get along like civilized human beings? Why do we need to attack each other. Aren't there better places we could express our anger/frustrations?
I'll miss you Gigi. Thanks for everything you've contributed. I hope we get to see you back here again.
Ali
PS - From Betty's post, it looks like Lou had assessed the situation as having calmed down. I'm wondering if it got heated again to trigger the ban???
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
I've spoken to GiGi on the phone too and we've e-mailed a few times.
She is a very sweet, soft-spoken woman with a German accent. She gave me all the time I needed to ask her the questions I wanted to ask while someone had come to her house and was waiting on her to get off the phone who needed help with their health.
I think part of her "bluntness" is because she is German. (Now don't anybody get upset with me saying that.) She just says it like it is.
Lately she has posted on here a few times a little defensively but I think I would too if I had people constantly making snide remarks about my posts. Those people sure didn't get banned. And its the same 3 or 4 people too.
GiGi isn't perfect either. I didn't agree with her on the post about the KMT when she told Henson that he was having a bad day. No, he wasn't - the lady at Biotools really was rude.
But GiGi loves Dr. K and from everything I've read about him, he truly loves his patients. He isn't out to make money and I believe that is part of the problem with Biotools is they need to put a little effort into staffing it properly.
Didn't mean to get off on that. All I'm saying is it would be nice if we could have some respect on this board.
It gets old listening to those who are abx-only make snide remarks to those who are trying different alternative methods. They really get a big kick out of themselves to see who can be the rudest.
If I was a newbie reading their comments, I don't think I'd be on here long.
quote:Originally posted by SForsgren: Yes, she is direct. Yes, she can be blunt. Yes, she is brilliant. Yes, she is a gift.
That sums it up pretty well! I don't agree with everything she says, but then I also don't agree with everything ANYONE says!
Hi Rachel!!!
Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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Aniek
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5374
posted
I think Gigi adds a lot to this forum.
But, I hope the banning wakes some people up. There have been some incredibly nasty postings on this site recently. I am not saying who made the nasty postings, nor am I saying Gigi was one of them. Nor am I saying this banning was right.
Most of us seem to be able to be polite when we disagree. I wish everybody could be polite.
-------------------- "When there is pain, there are no words." - Toni Morrison Posts: 4711 | From Washington, DC | Registered: Mar 2004
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Boomerang
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7979
posted
I'm so confused??? What happened??? Someone please PM me.
posted
Gigi is an important asset to Lymenet. There is no set path to healing from Lyme and she offers a different perspective. Maybe it's not to some people's taste but at least it gets you thinking outside of the box which leads to innovation and new treatment.
Posts: 984 | From San Diego | Registered: Nov 2006
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posted
I'd like to see Gigi return to lymenet and be able to post her ideas without people bashing each other. We all have various opinions about everything. To be able to discuss everything without knocking the person posting is what we should be able to do here.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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breathwork
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 567
posted
I miss GiGi too....very much.
Carol Ann
Posts: 1062 | From CA USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
There are several people on lymenet that offer new (and old, but forgotten) ideas and perspectives on this disease. We really can't afford to lose them.
No one is perfect especially when everything one says is up for debate.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
Gigi is the ONLY member of lymenet in true remission that keeps posting, coming from the worst levels of disability back to normal life.
And she's been heathy for years, she comes and offers advice for free for what she had learned.
And then she's banned?
She's German, yes. I live in the Germanic 'world', and people here are DIRECT. They don't go in rounds to say what they think. And I appreciate them for that. It's just another 'culture'.
Aren't we living in globalized world?
I think she should not only be accepted back, but should get excuses for having being banned.
Selma
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
I certainly hope Lou B or Jenifer will pop in to explain all this....
.....because after what BettyG posted, none of this makes a bit of sense to me at all.
I really don't like to bother the moderators with e-mails unless absolutely necessary, but in this case, I will if I have to.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
There was a thread about alternative paths of healing, which Gigi had posted. I used to enjoy reading her stuff until about 6 months ago she caleld me a name I find very offensive - "Negative Nelly." I asked her to please not call me that and she ignored me. But I read almost every thread here when I can and so I began to read her thread.
On the thread which had nothing to do with ANYTHING related to me she chose to make a snide, mean, NEGATIVE comment directed at me and and others on another thread- a totally mean, nasty comment wihch had nothing to do with the title of the post!!! It was purely to denigrate others. She had caleld me Negative Nelly months ago and chad conitued to reference it despite my asking her to please leave me alone.
I posted saying that it violated the spiritual theory she was supoposedly posting about, which I know about becauise I have lived part of my life in INdia, and the posting was about a guruji from INdias work- and his lifes work was based on not harming others. Ahimsa. SO I asked her to stop harming me, because she was.
You may not give a heck, but I come on here to read and to help and although I may not agree with alternative therapies I have never made it personal and in fact always told Gigi truthfully that I had always valued her and her posts and did not understood her antipathy toward me- I always LIKED her sincerely until name calling-
I did not in any way ask for her to be banned nor believe she should be.
After I posted I got PMs from people saying she had harassed them the same way.
She may be someone to you, but in the last 6 months she had become to me someone who made mean little comments to me over and over again for no discernible reason.
I was bedridden from this disease and spend every single second of free time in my life to work on Lyme disease.
We are currently boothing our county fair, which I organized, and I spent 7 hours there yesterday talkingw ith the public about lYme disease and handing out pamphlets- and we have 2 newspaper articles going now because of it.
Today I am going for 7 hours again.
Do I deserve to be called "Negative?" I simply asked her to stop calling me negative as I find it deeply offensive to be called that and to be characterized in that way when I spedn every passionate moemnt of my being in service to others that I consider positive.
Being caleld Negative is demeaning and denigrates me.
I LIKED Gigi until 6 months ago. I can't honestly say I like her now, BUT even with my own hurt feelings I KNOW she is of value to others here and would never want her banned.
But I am still hurt.
I am hurt that people here seem to not care about me as a person at all and to care whether or not I am caleld names.
I do not deserve to come here and be called names. Period. Ever.
I would not let it go on in my Lyme support group to anybody else. SO it is not right to have it be done to me.
Perhaps she insisted she would continue to call me names? I don't know. I don't know why she was banned.
But yesterday honestly when I learned she was banned MY FIRST REACTION was relief that I did not have to fear opening a thread with an insult in it for me.
My SECOND was "OH heck, now people will blame ME."
My third was, "I hope she gets to come back soon because she belongs here."
But mean comments about other people on threads which have nothing to do with other people should not belong here- Sincerely, Sarah Olson Aptos, CA
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512
posted
Sarah, I never saw the post where GiGi called you a Negative Nellie. If she did so, that was a mistake for her to do so. I agree with you on that.
But I hate to break this to you - there are number of people on this board who could be called Negative Nellies, and it is a mistake for you to accuse Gigi of specifically referring to you in any subsequent post when in fact the post was a general comment!!
It may FEEL to you like Gigi is referring to you personally, but as I said, there are a number of people I suspect Gigi was referring to in her post.
Gigi has a right - as does everyone - to make general comments about what she perceives as negativity on LymeNet.
I am sorry that you are hurt by this, and I do understand that. But it has gotten to the point that you are distorting the facts, but perhaps not intentionally.
Hey, I've been told on this board that I couldn't find my own butt with a flashlight. Big deal. Tempers get short when we feel deeply about something and disagree. (And by the way, I got my flashlight and checked...... that poster was wrong.)
We do care about you, Sarah. Please do not think otherwise.
Tracy
-------------------- Tracy .... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�. Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005
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clairenotes
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10392
posted
Very well said, Tracy.
Yeah... you just can't have an ego here and expect to survive!! And a sense of humor? Even better.
We have to remember that we all have the same goals and the same good intentions though the paths often differ.
Claire
Posts: 1111 | From Colorado | Registered: Oct 2006
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posted
I think the moderator or moderators who made this decision owe us an explanation.
Forums are for exchange of information, AND viewpoints.
I don't feel I learn as much if all I am reading is one viewpoint, one side of an issue.
I do not think GiGi should have been removed.
Posts: 45 | From mn | Registered: May 2006
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CaliforniaLyme
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 7136
posted
She did specifically call me Negative Nelly but then Cavey kindly pretended it was her (REAL NN thread) in a thread to deflect the negative attention to herself and pluralize it. And this reference in this thread was mentioning not just NN but also death and autopsies which I post because I do the Memorial Page. So that is why I do believe it was directed at me and I had specifically asked her not to use the Negative Nelly reference again because I found it deeply offensive and fundamentally, yes, hurtful. The thread she posted it on- there was no REASON she had to make a mean comment about others- no reason in the world!!! It was not topical!!!
Even so, I don't believe she should be banned nor ever made that suggestion because she is helpful to many people here and I respect that.
-------------------- There is no wealth but life. -John Ruskin
All truth goes through 3 stages: first it is ridiculed: then it is violently opposed: finally it is accepted as self evident. - Schopenhauer Posts: 5639 | From Aptos CA USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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I agree with Tracy. GiGi may have called you Negative Nelly on one post but from all the posts I've read, the people she was talking to aren't on this thread.
I really don't think she was personally talking to you all those times. At least that is not how I read it.
That should make you feel better and I think its wonderful that you do all the things you do for lyme disease. I commend you for it.
posted
Maybe I am a "Negative Nelson", so refering to me as a "Negative Nelly" is sexist. And I don't believe that the critical examination of various treatments and protocols is negative. In the post that led to the banning, Gigi refered to really sick Lymies not following her wisdom as "whiners busy digging their own graves." That's beyond negative, that's cruel and sadistic, and totally uncalled for. I never asked for GiGi's banning. My guess would be that she offended a man whose daughter is still very sick...stepped on the wrong toe...just a guess.
AliG
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9734
posted
I'm not certain, but from the people I've known of German decent, I think the term "Negative Nelly" is actually intended to be more of an endearing term.
I think it is usually meant more as, "I think of you fondly but I do believe you're being a bit pessimistic." I guess it would depend on the tone that was used as to whether it actually was intended as an insult.
I'm sorry you found her words hurtful, Sarah. I don't think of you as pessimistic. I do sometimes find it hard to read about death from Lyme, that's only human nature. While can be very depressing to think about, sometimes it actually encourages me to fight harder to get well.
Things like that I try to read when I can. On the days that I'm feeling too sensitive, when I know it will impact me negatively, I SOB and try to get back to reading it another day.
I think we all need to stop shooting at our messengers and appreciate them ALL for the valuable information they provide.
From what I've come to know of you, I don't think you would ever expect to have caused someone to be banned by expressing that you took offense to their choice of words. I don't think any of us would.
I'm hoping that maybe the moderators are using this as a time-out, instead of a permanent ban, to show that they disapprove of the way the disagreement was worded. They might be doing that to avoid having an escalation on the board.
I find this whole thing really upsetting because I like each of you and think you ALL contribute very valuable information. I find you, Cave and Gigi to be great assets to this board. I'm sorry you guys had to have hurt feelings between you.
Ali
-------------------- Note: I'm NOT a medical professional. The information I share is from my own personal research and experience. Please do not construe anything I share as medical advice, which should only be obtained from a licensed medical practitioner. Posts: 4881 | From Middlesex County, NJ | Registered: Jul 2006
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posted
Wow, maybe we all need to grow up and act like adults. I thought the purpose of this web-site was to help each other. There is so much bickering here all the time. We all have our own opinons and if you don't agree, just don't read the post. There is no need to insult someone.
I hope GiGi will be able to come back. You don't have to read her posts if you don't want to. It seems to me she is trying to help. Maybe GiGi could attempt to not offend anyone.
Maybe we all need to be a little bit more understanding of each other. If we keep turning on each other what is the point to this web-site.
Kathy
-------------------- You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have. Posts: 807 | From South Dakota | Registered: Jul 2005
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posted
Icon 1 posted 16 September, 2007 12:30 PM Profile for aiden424 Send New Private Message Edit/Delete Post Reply With Quote
"Wow, maybe we all need to grow up and act like adults.
Maybe we all need to be a little bit more understanding of each other. If we keep turning on each other what is the point to this web-site." ---------------------- "Here here"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We are here to learn, folks.....you don't have to agree.
I, for one, learn from hearing all sides of an issue. - I can make up my own mind from there.
All sides deserve respect, whether you agree or not.
Posts: 45 | From mn | Registered: May 2006
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quote:Originally posted by CaliforniaLyme: a name I find very offensive - "Negative Nelly."
I'd rather call you "Positive Polly".
Posts: 30 | From Here | Registered: May 2007
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
We are all trying to cope, have been for a very long time, and on many days for many of us, often enough our very coping mechanisms are badly beaten up if not downright broken.
it is unremarkable to me that folks quibble and quarrel here.
being flat out mean is of course wrong. personally, i never read a Gigi post that i thought was mean. i can't remember a Gigi thread that didn't draw a large amount of argument, but as so many others here have said, shouldn't that at least be ok if not the very point of a discussion board?
Moderators- I know anyone can be banned here at any time at your discretion, but I think it is unfair and deeply disruptive to the genuine community on this board to throw folks off without at least informing the rest of us and explaining why the action was taken.
Absent any explanation, i can't understand why Gigi was banned, but disagree with the decision on its face.
please return Gigi to the board.
dilly
[ 16. September 2007, 09:44 PM: Message edited by: sometimesdilly ]
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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breathwork
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 567
posted
Sarah....as alwasy, you are the bee's knees...
Carol Ann
Posts: 1062 | From CA USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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SunRa
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3559
posted
I haven't been here much the past couple weeks and missed the controversial thread, but I'm very saddened and confused by GiGi's banning.
I've had the priviledge of spending time with her in person and I can assure you she is a very kind and caring person who only wants so deeply to help those of us still suffering.
Even though she's healthy enough to be out doing other things, she chooses to spend countless hours posting helpful info on here. Of course not everyone will agree with her opinions (and many feel the need to constantly remind us that) but it's info that a lot of us are interested in and cannot easily find elsewhere.
So, moderators PLEASE re-consider this decision. GiGi is a huge asset to this board and the whole lyme community.
to GiGi, thank you for all your help and support and although I can understand if you wouldn't want to, I do hope you will post again if allowed.
p.s. and although I doubt she meant to hurt anyone's feelings, I too appreciate her general bluntness. It's refreshing and much more tolerable than passive aggressiveness (like those who think posting smiley faces after rude comments somehow make them ok!?)
Posts: 1563 | From MA | Registered: Jan 2003
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lymemomtooo
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 5396
posted
I am hopeful that Gigi will be reinstated. She does not need to come here. She does it to help others. Have others also been banned over this situation? lmt
Posts: 2360 | From SE PA | Registered: Mar 2004
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Health
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6034
posted
too much stress to post what I really feel, but I will when I have the strenght and I really
wonder if I stand alone in how I feel.
Trish
Posts: 1250 | From Canada | Registered: Aug 2004
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
TO SARAH and only SARAH:
your mailbox is full, and i know i won't remember to cut and paste to another PM the PM i just wrote that would not go, so everyone else, please excuse my chutzpah, but please butt out for a moment, oK? -------------------- hi Sarah-
you're right that you deserve to be able to come to the board without feeling you are being attacked personally.
i just went back and edited my post because i did not want you to think i was not being supportive of you.
i honestly think,though, that when gigi she said the negative nellie thing she was referring to me and others in stymie's thread, not you.
if that was the case, it would have been helpful if she had made it clear to you that she wasn't referring to you.
i don't read all of the threads with gigi arguements because of the contention that usually seems to always be there- i'm sorry if i've missed something that seems perfectly obvious to you.
i've had that happen here ....until we accomplished something major togehter, and now we understand each other just fine.
i've come to realize that this board is like a small town comprised in not insignificant numbers of dsfunctional people, certainly myself included.
i know from "living" here, though that you are valued and liked- i am in the chorus of your supporters for sure- please feel good about coming here,ok?
hugs, dilly
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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TerryK
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 8552
posted
I value both Gigi and Sara, they have contributed a great deal to the lyme community.
What I've seen in the time that I've been here is that GIGI is constantly confronted by a relatively small group of people who do not like the content of her posts thus they are often hostile towards her.
I've seen a number of shocking personal attacks levied at GIGI. For a very long time she politely ignored them but it finally got to be too much and she left the board for a time. After a break, she came back only this time, when others started with their same negative diatribe towards her she would defend herself and sometimes she would speak her mind by making comments that would probably be misunderstood if one did not know the history of abuse that she has taken from some of these individuals.
In my view, she was baited and goaded and impeded from helping others until she finally got fed up (and who wouldn't have been fed up?). I have no idea what transpired to cause GIGI to be banned from this board but it is frustrating to see an extremely valuable member of this community be banned.
quote: I think the moderator or moderators who made this decision owe us an explanation.
I can understand your frustration but in actuality, the moderators don't owe explanations for their decisions/actions. They work (volunteer) on our behalf to make this forum usable and our use of this forum is a privilege, not a right.
I believe this is a privately owned forum thus joining this forum is like being invited into someone's home. We have no rights but the owners are gracious enough to allow us the use of their home. We may politely ask for explanations but it is not our right.
That said, I am not a volunteer on this site but I have been involved on other sites and I think that is the general rule on privately owned forums such as this.
Terry
Posts: 6286 | From Oregon | Registered: Jan 2006
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quote:Originally posted by sometimesdilly: Moderators- I know anyone can be banned here at any time at your discretion, but I think it is unfair and deeply disruptive to the genuine community on this board to throw folks off without at least informing the rest of us and explaining why the action was taken.
I agree. As a moderator (on another board)I know that when something like this occurs with so many board members being upset and confused...by now one of us would have stepped in and explained the situation.
I dont think its right for the whole board to be left in the dark about why GiGi is no longer allowed to post here. Obviously the majority of people here appreciate her efforts and find her to be a very valuable asset to this board.
I'm sure there are several others (like myself)who do not post here but still find GiGi's posts to be extremely helpful and very much needed.
I sincerely hope that the moderators can come to a better conclusion...it doesnt appear that a banning was fit for this situation.
-Rachel
Posts: 3 | From Northern California | Registered: Dec 2006
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Michelle M
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7200
posted
[QUOTE]Originally posted by CaliforniaLyme: I am hurt that people here seem to not care about me as a person at all and to care whether or not I am caleld names.
Sarah, I would feel rather forlorn if you weren't here any more. In your fifty gazillion posts I have never seen you express anything but kindness and compassion toward others.
Advice is like food. I like mine served warm.
Michelle
Posts: 3193 | From Northern California | Registered: Apr 2005
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
i'm saddened; 2 people hurt ... sarah and gigi who both have contributed greatly to this board in educating us.
sarah with her newspaper artcles, pub med, her starting her own lyme obituary column, etc.
gigi with all her things that my neuro lyme mind just can't grasp.
don't want either of you off the board; bring gigi back please jenifer.
my 2 cents.
i just HATE THIS DAMN LYME DISEASE that has messed us all up neuroly, etc. none of us are in our right minds.
IP: Logged |
posted
"I believe this is a privately owned forum thus joining this forum is like being invited into someone's home. We have no rights but the owners are gracious enough to allow us the use of their home. We may politely ask for explanations but it is not our right." -------------------------------------------------- I did not know that this was a privately owned forum - or what "guidelines" (don't we love that word!) are set in running and managing a privately owned forum.
At any rate - it seems to me that there is a resounding request (and need) to keep GiGi on this forum.
It doesn't sound to me that the forum members are going to let this go - Particularly, if there is no explanation. given. The need to have her on this board is too great.
Posts: 45 | From mn | Registered: May 2006
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Greatcod
Unregistered
posted
GiGi's posts are well informed and interesting, and she belongs on the board. She does seem to have a problem with any who dares to question or disagree with her, anyone who is at all sceptical about what Klinghardt claims. I'm sorry, I am sure he is a fine man, but he is not the Second Coming. No one has all the answers. I am certain that asking hard intelligent questions about any and all forms of treatment is a positive thing. To dismiss a patient's critical investigation of any treatment as "negative" is immature, even dangerous. Look at the recent thread on the Salt/C protocol.
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bejoy
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 11129
posted
Hi Gigi,
Sending you thanks for your relentless support of people struggling with lyme, and your courage to express your ideas. Your information has been very helpful to me in my healing process! I hope to see you back here again soon.
-------------------- bejoy!
"Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Posts: 1918 | From Alive and Well! | Registered: Feb 2007
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quote:Originally posted by mceline: - Particularly, if there is no explanation. given.
If the moderators told us about every member they dumped and why, it would fill the board pretty quickly. I have sent them probably 10 spammers and/or trolls links in the past 2 wks.
---and I'm sure there are that many and more that I don't know about!!--
If they turned around and explained to us why these people were dumped, it would clutter up the place and we'd be bored with it.
Just explaining.....I've already made my comments on the issue surrounding Gigi.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96220 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
Gigi's Negative Nelley posting was in reference to some postings with "I can't, I'm dying, I'm ill and nobody will give me a pill that will end this nightmare today."
Not alot of patience with someone that is expecting wellness without positive thinking, taking many steps to change, listening/reading, thinking outside the box and seeking out to others who can offer ways to help through their experiences.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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sometimesdilly
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9982
posted
pam- ouch. how belittling and unkind....
i'm curious- are you relaying gigi's thoughts on what she said, or does your last post reflect your own opinion?
dilly
Tutu- i don't think anyone is asking the moderators for a daily body count of axed trolls.
Poofing a long-standing member without explanation is a wee bit different, don't cha think?
Posts: 2507 | From lost in the maze | Registered: Aug 2006
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posted
In solidarity with Gigi I will not be posting any more here until a public explanation is given. If Gigi is expelled who be next! Is this how the forum treats someone who has made thousands of posts?? Come on!
This is PC gone mad!
You dont treat your star performers like this!
I didnt agree with everything she said either but she had class!
hardynaka
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8099
posted
Wallace, I was thinking exactly that.
I will stop posting too until things are explained.
The board without her is much less interesting anyway.
Selma
Posts: 1086 | From Switzerland | Registered: Oct 2005
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lymeinhell
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4622
posted
Gigi, if you're out there, please know that you are appreciated for sharing your wealth of knowledge. I, for one, have been greatly helped.
This is so bogus..
-------------------- Julie _ _ ___ _ _ lymeinhell
Blessed are those who expect nothing, for they shall not be disappointed. Posts: 2258 | From a better place than I was 11 yrs ago | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Ok -- my opinion is: whatever the problem was, please resolve it with the involved people and then return Gigi to the board. Her contributions have been and will continue to be important here.
Posts: 13116 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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map1131
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 2022
posted
My Mama always told me "I can't never did anything". Over and over again the last few days on this site I keep recalling the childhood story of the "Little Train That Could".
That story reminds me of Gigi and how she kept coming back after being attacked by others for her life experiences and beliefs at helping others.
Pam
-------------------- "Never, never, never, never, never give up" Winston Churchill Posts: 6478 | From Louisville, Ky | Registered: Jan 2002
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Dawn in VA
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 9693
posted
Gigi has given me (us) a great deal of information that we would have otherwise gone without. Emotions and whatever aside, she has contributed a lot of solid knowledge. I want her back!
-------------------- (The ole disclaimer: I'm not a doctor.) Posts: 1349 | From VA | Registered: Jul 2006
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