I had a choice, in March of 1997, either a computer or a horse... obviously I opted for the computer :). Remember those first few exciting/frustrating days...? Like all of us I'd heard about the "net" but felt compelled to wade thru' the tutorials first and make those first few tentative steps toward signing on to an ISP, ( internet service provider). I was very lucky because after registering with a provider, several wonderful people "found me" and sent me in the right direction. (See the "thanks" on page one). Yet one day curiosity got the best of me and off I went, doing what is commonly known as "surfing."
The Signs
I don't have to tell you how strange it can get "out there." Pop into a room, start a perfectly innocent conversation, and suddenly someone whispers, "what are you wearing..?" After you pick yourself up off the floor *S* you know it's time to move on. Yet there are many who will answer that question... it's commonly known as the first step toward "cybering". Is it out of boredom, lonliness or the thrill of "not getting caught..?" Let's explore this as..........
Consequences
It's very easy to succumb to someone's "charms" when there's only a screen in front of us. Somehow our imagination tends to go wild. He's over six foot tall, blond wavy hair, green eyes and the sexiest smile you could imagine..... She's a petite five foot three, long brown hair, a mere 115 pounds soaking wet *S* and lips to die for. With these pictures in mind you strike up a "friendly" conversation and before you know it (because it's easy to hide behind this screen), you're telling each other your innermost secrets. What we have to keep in mind is that this can become another world.... an addiction. How do I know...? I'm living proof... a year... *S* ... so I "speak" from experience. For months on end I sat in front of the computer.. mesmerized.. chatting endlessly...stopping only to sleep and losing a total of 35 pounds.This might be an extreme example but I don't think so. Many husbands and wives have split up over just this kind of behaviour.
There's a Light
It's not ALL negative *s*. I've met some fantastic people on the net and treasure their friendship. I have the honor of knowing a couple who not only met on the net, but after a "courtship" both online and in person, were married in May '98. For the most part I can say that the gentlemen whom I've met here are kind, considerate, caring and mostly MARRIED...but they were upfront from the beginning, and that can prevent a lot of PAIN if you're careful. This can be a fun place IF you take things with a "grain of salt"... remember...we're all just faceless names. Remember what our parents always told us... "never take candy from a stranger." If you're single and curious.. try MatchMaker... an excellent singles connection for ALL ages. Try very hard to get to KNOW the person thru' their writing. Don't be afraid to ask pertinent questions and if you're planning to meet... do it during the day and in a place where there are plenty of people.. (so you can fade into the crowd if necessary *s*). Never hurts to take a friend with you. It might also be a wise idea not to divulge your full name until you're absolutely positive that this person is honest and up front.
As of February 2004 I will have been on the internet for seven years. Things have changed radically. MSN deleted the "Garden" chatrooms a couple of years ago. Yes, you'd get the occasional "pervert" stopping in, but he / she was quickly discouraged from staying. Most of the "find your perfect mate" sites are charging for their services. Yahoo still offers free browsing but even those ads have changed... people seem to be desperate **sigh**. The chatrooms are unbelievable - full of teens with no regard for other's feelings. They seem to think that anything is acceptable. These are the people who, in the future, will find trouble around every internet corner. Today people seem to be just plain afraid. Afraid to use a credit card, (educate yourself!). Afraid to open email, (get yourself a good virus protector - Norton !) Afraid to surf, (they put the "delete" button on the keyboard for a reason *s*). I've kept myself busy creating websites and meeting some really great people who do the same. (It's very easy and if you're looking for something creative then I suggest you go with Geocities or Angelfire for your first trial). I've also started a novel, with the help of a very good friend, and hope to have many of the chapters published on the net before locating a "real" publisher. I'll be updating this as time allows. Thanks for stopping by!
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MatchMaker One of the best connections on the internet for finding a friend / life partner.
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