I believe that there is some difficulty in getting messages posted in a timely
manner. This causes many issues and frustrations. When someone is having a
crisis, and needs advice, a shoulder, or just a listening ear, it is no fun to
take the time to write about problems, when you can't get a response that is
timely. A few members have contacted me to let me know they can't be a part of
the yahoo spatula group any longer because the help they need isn't consistent
or reliable. For this I am so sorry! I am not a moderator and can not approve
messages. Here is my suggestion to David, Larry and other people who help
moderate the group messages:

Since membership to this group is carefully scrutinized, I would suggest taking
the already approved members of this group OFF moderation and allow posts to go
through on their own. If someone sees a questionable or degrading message, they
can report the post and have it deleted and have the membership revoked. This
way, for the moderators who don't have the time daily to check messages waiting
to be posted, the burden will be less and the responsibility shared, and members
can get the help or advice they need. The only other suggestion that I might
have for the moderators, is that they pick certain days to post messages that
are waiting for approval and they stick to it. To me, this is not like a recipe
exchange group where we don't feel like our lives are hanging by a thread! This
is a group where we need to feel safe, protected from "bashers" and more times
than not, we need answers or help quickly and are beside ourselves till we get
the answers or help we seek.

I try always to send an immediate response to messages, especially if I see no
one else is answering. Immediate response does not mean immediate posting. Even
my messages do not seem to make it to the group in a timely manor and I too, get
discouraged. When someone posts a need, or shares their story, I feel their
burden and stress and even the anguish right along with them. Because often
times, I KNOW what their going thru and how it feels. I know the desperation of
needing a friendly voice, an encouraging word, insight or advice. Often I have
searched for answers to things in my life and thought I would lose my mind if I
didn't have someone to talk to. This group started out strong and began to grow,
and earned trust of its members only to be let down by not being able to get
their messages posted. And these are not just my words. These are the words of
discouraged members who needed to rely on the members of this group. We don't
always have the courage to talk about this to a family member, friend or another
source face to face and to me, that is why Spatula is so important.

If you are discouraged, or need help, I encourage you to post a message here. At
least the members here are trustworthy and caring people who are experiencing
many of the same issues.

If you cant reach a friend through spatula/yahoo, then please feel free to write
to me. I may not have all the answers, but I am a good listener.

Once again, I am offering my services as a moderator for the spatula group. I am
discouraged also with the untimely posting of messages. I would be more than
happy to help.

Tracee'
TPettee@...