What has DU done for you?

[TOhioLiberal]

This idea has been rolling around in my head for the last few days. Basically, I am wondering, how has posting on DU changed you?

In my case it's like this: When I first started posting on DU, I couldn't debate to save my life. I knew some of the facts about Bushco (I've learned so much more since then), but found it difficult to put it into words. Posting here I learned how to back up my assertions and recognize poorly constructed arguements. It's all due to my time here on DU.

So tell me, how has DU changed you, helped you, hurt you (hopefully not, though), or whatever.

TOhioLiberal

PS: To Skinner, Elad and EarlG--:yourock: I LOVE this place!

[donco6]

1. Blogs = Real News

Through reading posts on DU, I've found so much more to the stories on the broadcast news, it's frightening. These connections are never made on the TV news, but the posts and blogs here on DU give you the full scoop.

[countingbluecars]

3. I agree.

I found DU after the Nov. elections and now rely on it for the full story.

[Skittles]

2. DU has let me know I am not alone

I live north of Dallas Texas, a sea of conservative ignorance. Very few people I know can see what is happening to America and it makes me just despair. Getting on DU really makes me feel better because g.d. it I know others see what I see and know what I know.

[cags]

13. Same Place, In the suburb of Repuke Hell. DU is my sanity

[Skittles]

22. it's why trolls upset me so much

if I wanted to hear their shit all I have to do is turn on the radio, watch TV, talk to my idiot coworers, read the newspaper.....I come to DU to GET AWAY from them so when I find them here I cannot help it, I go into ATTACK MODE.

[arcane1]

4. aside from opening my eyes to a LOT of info I would've never seen

I've also made some great friendships through DU, and even met my loved-one here :loveya:

[Patiod]

5. Bart & DU have made me aware of things the MSM doesn't

People ask me all the time "where did you hear that?" My father regularly accuses me of "making that up" because he didn't hear it on World New Tonight (although after reading "The Hunting of the President", he's a little more clued-in)

I can list Bush's crimes, I know who Richard Mellon Scaife is, who Valerie Plame is, I've been telling everyone I know about the Gannon/Guckert story.

What I like is that, with a few exceptions I stay away from (LIHOP/MIHOP), people here cite credible sources, and I can back up what I know with good sources - that is, I don't end up looking like a sourceless baseless Ann Coulter.

[Maat]

6. It really helped my mood - I no longer felt like the lone progressive in

a sea of red.

(2) Kept me up-to-date on the latest progressive newsites, blogs, general websites, organizational websites for progressive causes, and researchers,

(3) I've made many friends (we had a DU get-together),

(4) e-mail addresses are always available so that I can e-mail and make sure my opinion is heard,

(5) I can post and within minutes I will get information on anything,

(6) I've connected with others involved in a progressive faith, and

(7) I was connected with Democracy for America and Progressive Democrats of America, chiefly through information obtained on DU.

[FloridaPat]

7. I found this site after 9-11. It is much cheaper than a psycologist.

A lot more fun too. Since Bushco has been in office, I have felt that I am living in a science fiction movie. This is one of several sites that have really saved my sanity. Or we're all insane. Either way, at least I don't feel alone about our country being destroyed.

[Autumn]

8. Keeps me sane

I really don't know what I would do if I didn't have this place to keep me informed of what is really going on,it has been a real learning experience for me. Not to mention it always perks me up when I'm down.

[lady lib]

9. Affirmation, humor, resilience, and strength in numbers. n/t

[RagingInMiami]

10. It saved me from doing something really dangerous and stupid

In the days following the election.

EDIT: It made me laugh again, even if it was over a bunch of sophomoric John Kleeb threads.

[benny05]

11. Provides News and Fun

it's like going to a virtual bar. Often I find folks who are close to my age and have similar interests and humor, but I can be anonymous at the same time.

DU Lounge, :yourock:

[twenty2strings]

12. Cheered me the f*ck up...Thanks! n/t

[TOhioLiberal]

14. Kick...

for the evening crew...:kick:

[RevolutionaryActs]

15. Helped me to realize that are people crazier then I am!

Oh yeah, and that I'm not alone in my political views, and helped me to learn about how truly horrid the Bush admin is, which I knew, but I learned other way's they're horrid which I didn't know about.

I've also learned lots of other things besides politics, and broadened my scope, so to speak. Oh yeah... I've met some really cool people that are lot of fun. :7

[kiraboo]

16. I honed my debating skills on another, mixed board. Here,

I tend to agree with most people on the issues I consider important. I love this place because it reminds me that there are others out there who think as I do.

[Padraig18]

17. #1: It has been a refuge of sanity in a world gone mad.

That is the singlemost important thing DU has 'done' for me--- provided me with a safe, sheltered harbor.

:)

[Mist]

18. I get actual news here plus

I know I'm not alone in questioning "consensus reality" and MSM.

[TOhioLiberal]

19. One more shameless kick...

...for the overnight crowd...:)

[yellowdogintexas]

20. Someone to "talk" to since hubby is gone & daughter works late

at night!

1. So I am not so lonesome
2. I laugh a lot more
3. I feel more connected as a Democrat
4. Nice to not feel as alone as a Democrat
5. We all have the BEST CATS!!!!
6. Loads of fun and entertaining commentary
7. Learning a lot of things I otherwise might not have known
8. Saved my sanity after Nov 2 (man, I couldn't wait to get my posting privileges!)
9. Feel right at home here
10. Lots of just plain smart, nice, compassionate, caring folks out here


DOWNSIDE

1. I don't read as much as I used to
2. I don't play Heroes of Might and Magic as much as I used to
3. I don't get as much done around my house as I used to
4. I don't watch as much TV as I used to

[TrustingDog]

21. DU made me realize Clinton isn't the messiah...

and that being a 'democrat' means nothing.

be an individual and push off on this 'camp' thing - it's so disgusting and demeaning and cow corral stuff. As much as I DETEST the repugs in the limelight right now, I so much ABHORE the slack-assed silent idiot Dems with all the ammunition and material they have to go against the Busholes. exceptions are there, but Far too few.

It's all the same dirty filthy rotting stewing cesspool game and I now refuse to 'party'.

Colour me Disgusted.

[jdots]

23. keeps me in good company n/t

[Anarcho-Socialist]

24. It keeps me educated and it gives a good place to hear sensible debate

and have a lot of fun too! I think the Lounge is a wonderful place. :)