I guess it is true that you cannot please every one, or sometimes not anyone.

all is well with this discussion. people need to find their own open ending to create their opinion to post. you may want to change your format of your discussions by asking your question then stating the opinion.. maybe that will help others see the discussion open.

I don't always give my opinion. I like to ask what someone thinks THEN I give my opinion and that way it develops into a discussion. If I see a discussion and someone flat states what they think. It sometimes sounds so adamant I think why bother that person does not want to discuss, their mind is already made up, then I just don't respond at all

Oh Gerty, please don't let the opinion of a few ruin it for you. Everyone should just post discussions as they see fit. As you and good 'ole Abe know, you can't please everyone! I'm sure that many of my discussions don't fit someone's pattern of the perfect discussion, but I really don't care! To let them tell me how to phrase my speaking would be like letting someone tell me how I should dress. Neither will I allow!! I'll be looking for your discussions...don't you let me down!

Well if somone has the time to critize you for these things, then they just have too much free time on their hands. When you write a discussion, you should write it any way you feel comfortable writing it. Including the ending. It is your discussion and not the people who are critizing you. Stay strong and try to not let the comments of others hurt your feeling or affect your writing.

You're doing ok in my book Gerty. I know where you're coming from though. Just continue to do as you have done... I read about people's opinions about how they play here and I think I'm doing it wrong...so I try to please everyone and end up with no time left for what interests me. I'm glad you posted this cos now I will just please myself. Mu puter is playing up so I'm lucky to have any time here at all. (It's not really my puter playing up...I just get confused when I try to do new things...lol)

You can't please everyone, so don't even try. Just post your discussions as if you were talking to someone directly. I am not sure if I post mine correctly. I just talk as if I'm talking to someone on the phone. Just be you and don't worry about what other's think. And smile, it makes others wonder what you're up too :)

Giving one's own opion or NOT giving one's own opinion when starting a discussion is really a judgement call. Sometimes it is good to know where someone stands. Also, it can add a better understanding to what the topic is about. Other times, including one's own opinion in starting a discussion can sway the opinion of someone who is reading it. Don't let the whining & complaining turkeys get you down.

I can't understand why people do this. Nobody has the right to ciritize anybody else here. Hold your head up Gerty and continue as before. Surely you will not give this person the satisfaction of letting them see that they have won. Be a fighter and I think that is the advice that you would give to somebody else in your position. Now, continue to post. I am looking forward to reading more of your very helpful topics.

Well my opinion is and I hope it doesn't sound harsh. But if anyone doesn't like the way you or anyone else post their discussions they always have the option of not reading it or responding to it. I personally like your discussion when I'm on mylot.

I wouldn't let it get to me. Some people just criticize for the sake of something to do I swear. If someone doesn't like the way you start a discussion well for crying out loud, can't they just move on and get over it. People can be so rediculous sometimes. They see the world in two ways... their way or the wrong way... I haven't much use for people like that and would just let it roll off your shoulders. I like your discussions just fine, however you chose to present them.

Write and say what you like. Respond how you like. Start any discussion you want. All this criticism is beginning to annoy me. You shouldn't feel put off by this negativity. Good Luck. I read your disccusions & reply when I can.

Say it isn't so, Gerty...I can't believe that. You've been around for some time now. I hope it doesn't happen to me; I haven't started many discussions; mainly respond. Good luck to you and I'm sorry that other's treated you so badly.

If someone makes a statement, and someone else responds to that statement, you have a discussion. In my opinion, "What is your opinion?" should be the implied question that should be inferred by the reader. So where is the problem? You do a great job and I enjoy your topics.

Don't you dare do that!! your discussions are very important here on MyLot. I know it is sometimes hard, and you feel that you are just doing everything wrong, but please chin up and let those brain cells start working so your fingers can dance on that keyboard.

Honey, just do what you always do. If someone doesn't like it, too bad for them. I love your posts and your answers.

Please don't do that Gardengerty. I enjoy an open-ended discussion. It gives me an opportunity to throw my two cents worth in to subjects that I probably know nothing about...lol. We don't always agree with our fellow writers. But, I see no need to critize the writer in general. Put in a response that you don't agree with the subject matter, and tell why. Bashing the creator of the discussion is uncalled for, childish, and frankly...it's just down right mean. Toodles! Paula