Why Do People Post On HOATalk

Started by BanksS • 23 replies • 2494 views

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BanksS
Posts: 403

Posted:

I am curious to know why folks post to this website.

These are some of the reasons I think but please feel free to add or comment to my list. You probably wonder what the heck is the purpose of this post. My purpose is to gain some insight into why I and so many others spend time here.

1. "..... share ideas and learn."
2. Educate others.
3. Ask questions and seek input/opinions from others.
4. Entertain.
5. Pass the time.
6. Share a connectedness with others living in HOA communities.
6. Toot your own horn.

I first came here to explain (okay whine) about my situation with my HOA suing me and sought some validation, empathy, and sympathy. I quickly learned that was not going to happen. I was disappointed at first in what posters said to me but it certainly was a learning experience. I learned so much. My knowledge base about HOAs has increased enormously because of this site.

Having been sued by my HOA was also an enormous education. I learned a lot about civil procedures and HOA laws in the state of Iowa. I hope to be able to share this knowledge and experience with others who come to this site with relevant issues that I can possibly share my insight with.

I also feel that I have become a much more objective person and have tried to see issues from all perspectives. That was some real growth for me.

The site also entertains me. I find some humor in some of the posts and I enjoy the conversations with others. I pass some of my spare time here. As some of you may know I work as an elementary school secretary and am off for 10 weeks every summer. The monsoons have hit us so my outside projects have been put on hold until it dries up.

It seems as if every now and then I get caught up in a back and forth debate between myself and JonD1. I apologize to all of you for my part in our dialogue. It serves no purpose here and I promise not to engage in those conversations with Jon again. Admittedly his posts really strike a nerve with me but he has a right to post here just as I do. It is up to the moderators to determine the appropriateness of our posts. I do believe he has gone too far on a number of occasions but again that is up to the moderators to decide.

Thank you HOATalk for allowing me to share my thoughts and I hope to hear from other posters about their goals and purpose here.

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

1 and 2..

I agree with the rest of your statement, wholeheartedly.

LarryB13 (Arizona)
Posts: 4,099

Posted:

I initially came here because my association had (and still does) a problem with the way it was originally incorporated. I asked if others had similar problems and received answers that reflected total cluelessness.

Despite not meeting my own objectives, I found this site sometimes amusing and I found sometimes there were problems I knew something about.

BonnieG1 (Nebraska)
Posts: 1,186

Posted:

I originally came to this site to learn. I don't remember who gave it to me, but someone on this site gave me a link to our NE state laws. That link has helped me tremendously. But I am also on here for the other reasons posted. I try to ignore some of the posters on here, but generally I have been given great advice.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

To learn, to possibly provide helpful information to others from time to time, to be entertained (yes, that's a legit use of the site).

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

I used to post on a few other sites but found their purpose just to complain. They did not support or inform board members. I felt it was time that people who are or want to be board members had a place to come to learn. Education and support is my goal here.

There was no place like this when I was on my board or my HOA. I was flying blind with little support or knowledge. I always said I was both victim of my HOA and its hero. Been on BOTH sides of the fence. Having the ability to share experience and hard knock education to those just learning had been a blessing.

Even if you do not agree with me or my point of view, I hope the debate gave you insight or guidance. No one here has 100% of your answers. We just hope the answers given will set you down a better path. You still have to the work and have the experience. Just know we are here to listen and kick your butt when you need it..:-)

Former HOA President

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BanksS on 06/26/2015 11:16 AM
I am curious to know why folks post to this website.

These are some of the reasons I think but please feel free to add or comment to my list. You probably wonder what the heck is the purpose of this post. My purpose is to gain some insight into why I and so many others spend time here.

1. "..... share ideas and learn."
2. Educate others.
3. Ask questions and seek input/opinions from others.
4. Entertain.
5. Pass the time.
6. Share a connectedness with others living in HOA communities.
6. Toot your own horn.

I first came here to explain (okay whine) about my situation with my HOA suing me and sought some validation, empathy, and sympathy. I quickly learned that was not going to happen. I was disappointed at first in what posters said to me but it certainly was a learning experience. I learned so much. My knowledge base about HOAs has increased enormously because of this site.

Having been sued by my HOA was also an enormous education. I learned a lot about civil procedures and HOA laws in the state of Iowa. I hope to be able to share this knowledge and experience with others who come to this site with relevant issues that I can possibly share my insight with.

I also feel that I have become a much more objective person and have tried to see issues from all perspectives. That was some real growth for me.

The site also entertains me. I find some humor in some of the posts and I enjoy the conversations with others. I pass some of my spare time here. As some of you may know I work as an elementary school secretary and am off for 10 weeks every summer. The monsoons have hit us so my outside projects have been put on hold until it dries up.

It seems as if every now and then I get caught up in a back and forth debate between myself and JonD1. I apologize to all of you for my part in our dialogue. It serves no purpose here and I promise not to engage in those conversations with Jon again. Admittedly his posts really strike a nerve with me but he has a right to post here just as I do. It is up to the moderators to determine the appropriateness of our posts. I do believe he has gone too far on a number of occasions but again that is up to the moderators to decide.

Thank you HOATalk for allowing me to share my thoughts and I hope to hear from other posters about their goals and purpose here.

I come back for those reasons as well. And I am still trying to see it from all angles, as it's an interesting place to say the least.

PitA
Posts: 1,416

Posted:

1, 2, & 5

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

I post to pay back the help I received from the posters of this site when I stumbled across it.

BanksS
Posts: 403

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PitA on 06/26/2015 3:47 PM
1, 2, & 5

Ah PitaA also known as John, you don't find some of these posts entertaining? I find your wit entertaining and was sad because I thought you left the forum. Glad you haven't left.

Thanks to those who have commented to my post so far. Hope to hear from more of you. It's been a nice diversion from the Walter firestorm.

NpS (Pennsylvania)
Posts: 4,216

Posted:

Great list Banks.

One of the thing I like most about this forum is that it's a safe zone. You can test your ideas in front of people who don't have a vested interest in the outcome, but who are there to help if you are willing to listen.

Personally, you all have helped me shape some ideas that I didn't realize were half-thought-through til I tested them here.

Sikubali jukumu. Read all posts at your own risk.

BarbaraM21 (California)
Posts: 39

Posted:

Wow, Banks, when I grow up I want to be just like you! That is learn from experience without being bitter and hateful. I'm pretty old already, so I best learn fast.

PamM6 (Michigan)
Posts: 41

Posted:

I don't intend to post. I'm just here to learn. My HOA is the best HOA around and I am hoping someday to help by getting on the board. Before I get on the board, I'm trying to educate myself best I can about the do's and don'ts.

BanksS
Posts: 403

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By BarbaraM21 on 07/12/2015 2:12 PM
Wow, Banks, when I grow up I want to be just like you! That is learn from experience without being bitter and hateful. I'm pretty old already, so I best learn fast.

Oh BarbaraM21 I was bitter and angry for awhile but it I was wasting my life focusing on it. I have so many blessings in my life this was just an unfortunate blip. I will be 60 next year and have lots of joys left to experience.

CyrstalB (Maryland)
Posts: 457

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PamM6 on 07/12/2015 2:59 PM
I don't intend to post. I'm just here to learn. My HOA is the best HOA around and I am hoping someday to help by getting on the board. Before I get on the board, I'm trying to educate myself best I can about the do's and don'ts.

YOur HOA isn't the best, mine is! lol

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CyrstalB on 07/13/2015 4:45 AM
YOur HOA isn't the best, mine is! lol

Go Water Moccasins!

JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265

Posted:

I agree with Banks though I did not come here with an axe to grind.

KerryL1 (California)
Posts: 14,550

Posted:

My reasons are 1-3 & the first #6. I guess entertainment too as some posts give me new ways to think about things and that's fun for me.

BanksS
Posts: 403

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By KerryL1 on 07/13/2015 7:37 PM
My reasons are 1-3 & the first #6. I guess entertainment too as some posts give me new ways to think about things and that's fun for me.

Apparently I can't count past 6. Ha!

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

All of the above.

#1 has been extremely beneficial and during the 10 years I served on my Board I like to think it made me a better Board member (at least I hope so!) I've also learned a lot about communicating and building relationships - ultimately that's the heart of a HOA and if people would just shaddup and listen for a few minutes, they'd find they actually have more in common with the opposite side than not.

On the other hand, it's been said that arguing with stupid people is like playing chess with a pigeon - they walk all over the board, crapping everywhere and then fly off, telling everyone they've won! I see a lot of that in these threads.

Finally, I've learned to look at the glass half full - just as I think our community is truly hopeless, I read about some of the problems here and I'm reminded that it could be a hell of a lot worse.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

CathyC8 (South Carolina)
Posts: 8

Posted:

BanksS -Today is my first time on this site. I came to the site to do research on HOA TOPICS for my next book. Also I came to provide education, guidance, and compassion and understanding to others. I feel new BOD members of an HOA's, as well as the homeowners need education on "the way of the HOA".... I look forward to gaining and sharing knowledge. Thank you all in advance for your assistance.

RichardP13 (California)
Posts: 3,868

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By RichardP13 on 06/26/2015 11:34 AM
1 and 2..

I agree with the rest of your statement, wholeheartedly.

Think I am going to amend my statement.

I now come here for the entertainment value.

You just can't make up this stuff.

GenoS (Florida)
Posts: 4,276

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyC8 on 08/29/2015 7:54 AM
BanksS -Today is my first time on this site. I came to the site to do research on HOA TOPICS for my next book. Also I came to provide education, guidance, and compassion and understanding to others. I feel new BOD members of an HOA's, as well as the homeowners need education on "the way of the HOA".... I look forward to gaining and sharing knowledge. Thank you all in advance for your assistance.

I expect to be paid if you use any of my comments in your book.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,061

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By CathyC8 on 08/29/2015 7:54 AM
BanksS -Today is my first time on this site. I came to the site to do research on HOA TOPICS for my next book.

I expect to be properly cited.

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