heartofdakota.com

Ladies,

I've felt the need for a few days to mention something about the growing number of off-topic threads that we have on the board. I enjoy getting to know each and every one of you, and I love having you get to know one another! I think it is so important for building an online community to be able to share with one another.

However, in allowing multiple off-topic threads on the board this last week, my husband and I are sensing a change in the feel of the board. It's as if all of us have almost become so busy sharing our personal lives that we are too busy to share about Heart of Dakota or to help people with their Heart of Dakota questions. I'd encourage you take a look at the threads with the most responses since March 3rd or so to see if you notice what I'm talking about?

Since this is the only "official" Heart of Dakota" board moderated by us, my husband and I's first goal for the board must be the ministry that we feel God has called us to through Heart of Dakota. There are many, many boards that fufill the need of a general homeschool board. That is not the design of this board.

I am so thankful for each and every one of you ladies on this board, and it is only my desire to redirect us to our original purpose which is to uplift and encourage one another in our Heart of Dakota journey.

Blessings,
Carrie

Carrie wrote:
I am so thankful for each and every one of you ladies on this board, and it is only my desire to redirect us to our original purpose which is to uplift and encourage one another in our Heart of Dakota journey.

Carrie,

I really appreciate this. (warm smile)

You're right. It's easy to get so comfortable with a group of people and get very personal. Thank you for reminding us what the board is here for. Perhaps we can try to remember the pm feature when we want to get off topic with someone?

Ditto to what Mary and Lourdes said! I was just sheepishly looking over the current threads, and I do see that a good portion of them (ones I've started and responded to) are majorly off-topic and don't have a whole lot to do with HOD. I also noticed that a lot of the new people that are coming here with real HOD questions aren't getting as many responses as they used to. And I've always been so proud of our "welcoming committee" and "placement helpers" before!

Thanks, Carrie - this is a good reminder because I do love the positive focus on HOD and wouldn't want to lose that or deter from that so much that new moms get confused when they come to this board for help. I'm going to try to have the thought "Is this related to HOD?" before I begin to post now. And also, "Is this encouraging, or am I just unloading here?" (I have done that, I know)! I love all of the moms here, and I want our HODies keeping upbeat and helpful to newbies too - thanks for the post!

In Christ,
Julie

Carrie,

You are so right; I did notice that. I apologize for my part in the 'change'. This board has been so helpful to me, and I do want to make sure that we are there for those who are searching and have questions. I appreciate the ministry you have, and I know the other ladies here do as well. I will do my best to stay on topic, and pm anyone if I want to 'talk' about other things. Thanks for pointing us back in the right direction.

Carrie,

I completely understand. I would not be the least bit offended if you would like to remove my off topic posts, as I know I am a major contributor! Looking forward to helping to keep this board as Carrie and Mike have intended.

Candice

Bumping for otheres to see.

I need to apologize as well. So sorry. I guess we've all gotten so close here lately, it's more like chatting with friends.

Promise Carrie, I am back on that welcome wagon and back to giving opinions....good ones or not!

OK guys....no more falling off the wagon! (sorry....couldn't resist.....)

I guess this means I don't have to post a pic of myself now!!!!!

Carrie,

I love this board and I love the encouragement from the moms on this board. I think you are wise to keep it about this awesome program. I actually love that I can come here and see other moms loving what I am loving. Sorry for any off topic posts I did. I agree with the feel thing. I'm glad we are all focused on the same great thing and that is what makes the board special.

I also wanted to say that if people want to email personal stuff it is nice this site also has that feature so that things can stay more on topic.

Anyway along with the other ladies...I repent! Thanks for all you do and for keeping your hands on the pulse of the board. I love being able to come here and be uplifted. This is the Happy Board with people loving what they use and I love that you are committed to keeping it that way.

Carrie,

I want to say that I'm sorry as well. But I also want to thank you for the kind way that you let us know what your desire is for this message board. I appreciate the direction that you give it.

Keep up the good work!
Kathleen

Thank you from the bottom of my heart ladies for responding so well to this thread! You are truly women that we are blessed to know! I struggled with how best to let you know that we had strayed a bit from our original board goals, and you all were so gracious.

Thank you!
Carrie

thanks Carrie! i appreciate being able to come here specifically FOR HOD info and chat! i'm involved in other places to have that "other" stuff

You are so right Carrie. Sorry for getting off-topic.