Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Why or Why Not do you Keep a TFP Journal?

abaya · 03-26-2006, 10:38 PM

I have kept a paper journal since I was about 8 years old. I have stacks and stacks of books filled with my own writing, that no one has (or ever will, probably) read. It was mostly a form of therapy for me, in the form of writing up to an hour or more each day (especially in college). I used to fill up a goodly-sized book about once every 3 months, but in recent years I have taken 1-3 years to fill up one book. I guess that means I've learned how to process things a little better... either that, or the sex takes care of it.

(I was a virgin, non-drinking, non-swearing goody-two-shoes until well after I graduated from college... my, how I've changed.

)

Anyway, I started the journal on TFP because sometimes I had things that were so personal, I didn't want them broadcast by starting a thread in some General Discussion forum, but I still wanted someone to pay attention to them and give me feedback and perspective. That is, someone in the big forums might click on my thread because the topic is interesting, but not because they care about me. Whereas, in the journals, someone will click on my journal probably because they know me, and they know that when I'm posting, it's often serious. (My theory, at least.)

So in that sense the journal format is a little more safe, a little more intimate, than the big forum. I don't often use the TFP journal unless I'm feeling extraordinarily stressed, sad, blissful, or reflective. I don't use it for my day-to-day experiences and feelings... I only use it when I need something directly from the community, and when I like to get to know individuals better by reading their journals and commenting. I admit I don't do enough of the latter...

I really value this community, since it's basically my only regular community I've had since I quit going to church and being part of that whole gig. Sometimes when I'm up shit crick without a paddle, the journal is the only place where I can ask for and receive direct help. (Chat is also very good, true, but I don't usually have time to do that.)

Hope that answered the question... I ramble.

03-26-2006, 10:38 PM	#16 (permalink)
abaya Location: Iceland	I have kept a paper journal since I was about 8 years old. I have stacks and stacks of books filled with my own writing, that no one has (or ever will, probably) read. It was mostly a form of therapy for me, in the form of writing up to an hour or more each day (especially in college). I used to fill up a goodly-sized book about once every 3 months, but in recent years I have taken 1-3 years to fill up one book. I guess that means I've learned how to process things a little better... either that, or the sex takes care of it. (I was a virgin, non-drinking, non-swearing goody-two-shoes until well after I graduated from college... my, how I've changed. ) Anyway, I started the journal on TFP because sometimes I had things that were so personal, I didn't want them broadcast by starting a thread in some General Discussion forum, but I still wanted someone to pay attention to them and give me feedback and perspective. That is, someone in the big forums might click on my thread because the topic is interesting, but not because they care about me. Whereas, in the journals, someone will click on my journal probably because they know me, and they know that when I'm posting, it's often serious. (My theory, at least.) So in that sense the journal format is a little more safe, a little more intimate, than the big forum. I don't often use the TFP journal unless I'm feeling extraordinarily stressed, sad, blissful, or reflective. I don't use it for my day-to-day experiences and feelings... I only use it when I need something directly from the community, and when I like to get to know individuals better by reading their journals and commenting. I admit I don't do enough of the latter... I really value this community, since it's basically my only regular community I've had since I quit going to church and being part of that whole gig. Sometimes when I'm up shit crick without a paddle, the journal is the only place where I can ask for and receive direct help. (Chat is also very good, true, but I don't usually have time to do that.) Hope that answered the question... I ramble. __________________ And think not you can direct the course of Love; for Love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course. --Khalil Gibran Last edited by abaya; 03-26-2006 at 10:41 PM..