A Goodbye Hub
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Well, the time is here.
I've felt it coming for awhile, but I kept pushing it back. Kept hoping the change was only temporary. Hoping the fun would return, go back to it's swimming-in-the-summertime ways. It's not happening though. It looks like an ice age coming in and I hate having to wear my jacket all the time. I kept hoping to log in and see that bright orange wind sock was showing the pilots that it was safe to fly again. It never did.
That's okay. It just means it's time to grow. It's time to move past the infancy stage of this thing called 'Writing'. i've never claimed to be able to much with it, but I know I can't go much further here. This place is about money, not writing. It took me awhile to realize that's what HubPages is all about, but let's call it what it is. It's a place of promotion, a place to expose yourself as a product, and somewhere try to earn some pennies. Pennies? Yeah, a good walk around the block collecting cans will earn you more than this place. Not that I was worried about making the money, but some people say it's worth it. You just can't write what you want because that will not earn you anything. No, this is not a place for writers, trying to write, to grow with their writing as the pool of talent gets weaker and weaker.
I've said a thousand times before that I'm not much on drama. I'd rather laugh. This place used to be about that. It used to be about the camaraderie. It used to be about reading some great writers who are, in all honesty, entirely too good for the likes of this place. It was an experience to learn from them and spending what could have been quite a few boring Friday nights hanging out and laughing. Did I already mention I like to do that?
I got alot from HP. I met some great people. I got the courage to put my thoughts to paper and let someone actually read them. I learned from so many--their successes, their failures. And more importantly, I had my own I could express. Sometimes i flopped at my attempted expression but i was never made to feel bad about it. That was a good thing. That good thing is gone, though. Something just feels empty about this place and I have to get away.
It's not just those insecure HubPage bullies lurking around. No, I've learned I can handle them in the virtual world, and I realize it's still healthier to just walk away from the negativity. Let them say what they want. Let them stay cranky. Let them have each other. I've seen their true colors, liberal, conservative, religious, atheist, it doesn't matter. Mean is mean and did I mention that I like to laugh? Seems a little odd to laugh among the condescending party poopers around here.
Friends, you ask?
I don't worry about that. Those that accepted and supported me will still be there for me in my new home. Oh, did I forget to mention that part? Yeah, well, it's got new carpet, new shades, fresh paint, plenty of space, nothing crowded, got a shiny new jukebox with it, and I will be encouraged by a different atmosphere. The criticism is constructive. The support is unlimited. I can say what I think, and what I really feel. i can't express that happiness here. All I can say is that it's a great place! I don't have to edit for an advertising agency, or guess at what key words will make my work a success to earn that additional penny. I don't have to worry that someday, someone on a power trip will suddenly notice me, begin to target my work as "unacceptable" and ban my thoughts and feelings as if they were yesterday's coffee grounds hardened and dried because someone forgot to dump them out. Because yes, as an adult who has sex, I like to talk about orgasms (or lack thereof!) and adventures that I can laugh about. (I mentioned something about laughing, right?) I prefer this new place where people can make their own decisions about what is 'good' and what is 'bad'. I have never relished the idea of someone forming an opinion for me, especially people who really have no interest in me as a person. There is not one over there with a grudge, or delicate complexes who feel they have to take it out on the world. I don't have to worry about drawing the attention of troublemakers, wait, I like the troublemakers, especially if they are just harmlessly playing around, keeping things interesting. But not the ones who think they are pure, putting the end to the party before someone manages a smile. Yeah, I've been to chaperoned dances. They weren't as fun as hanging out back with the bad boys.
Ahhhhh! It's such a relief, I can't imagine seeing this as sad anymore.
It's served it's purpose. I'll treasure the memories, just like that first boyfriend in high school. It had its moment and I'm glad I came. Yeah, I said it, I came. And I came here often. I came again and again. Now, I'm leaving. On to better things. I'm smart enough to know when the party is over and it's time to pack my bags and head to my new place. I am going to be serving some Tequila Sunrises on the deck. It's got an endless view and yeah, I'm going to turn the jukebox up as loud as it will go, enjoy my drinks (plural), my friends (plural), and I'll be laughing as much as I want to. I know, I mentioned that already. But it feels good to know it's not just my screen name anymore.
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Comments
I hate to see you leave HP....but I know how to reach you. Good luck in all you decide to do! You've been a great friend.
Hell Yeah!
It is sad to see anyone leave the Community. Best wishes in your future endeavors.
Why does this keep happening?
dori
aahhhh!! I will miss you but I know where you are, and I have to agree you are hilarious. I may not always comment but I am always there. Keep laughing as well need a good one , maybe one that would bring us to an orgasm once in awhile. lolololo (((Big Hugs))
One of the sweetest souls in the universe! Friends! :)
I don't know what to say...so I'll just second what Tom said...:) ~hugs~
Third! Please drop me a line any time the mood strikes you.
Sat my tequila sunrise on the deck so I could type--I love ya, you know that and I am proud of what you have accomplished here (not the least of which includes meeting me) and of what you will continue to accomplish in your new place. I loved this hub--I laughed, I almost cried and I understood. Too much alike, you and I...but you were probably about to say that exact thing...
But anyway...you did great here and I am so thankful for you and HP should really open their eyes to what they are missing...
You are an amazing friend and you inspire me in ways you will never know.
I have really enjoyed your laughing presense. Hope you will consider an occasional visit and a post or two.
Wishing you the best.
Laughing Mom, you know it's perfectly OK to include a link to your new home, so people will know where to find you. Some Hubbers may even want to follow you.
I won't, because I'm happy at HubPages. For me, it's the perfect balance of making some income (about $500 so far) and writing about topics that interest me. I guess I'm just lucky the topics I like have some commercial value. I ignore controversial threads in the forums - being involved there isn't necessary to my participation in HubPages. I'm so sorry if you got sucked into that and were turned off HP as a result.
It's also a pity that we Hubbers are so reliant on Adsense, and that Adsense is so prudish - it does mean a lot of interesting subjects are off-limits. But I remind myself that most artists have to compromise somewhat if they want to earn money - in the old days they had to paint or compose on subjects that pleased their patrons, now it's to please Adsense! As long as it's not my principles that I'm asked to compromise, I'm OK with that.
I hate to see you leave too...but at least I know how to find you. Who could stay away from Laughing Mom?!?
" I don't have to worry that someday, someone on a power trip will suddenly notice me, begin to target my work as "unacceptable" and ban my thoughts and feelings as if they were yesterday's coffee grounds hardened and dried because someone forgot to dump them out."
Exactly what we have been discussing lately ourselves...it's hard seeing so many good hubbers leave because of this...
LM, You leave a giant vacuum of laughing/caring/sharing/smiling/loving/understanding/stretching/growing in your wake.Sigh. Another good one bites the dust.
I think I know where you are going. I'd love to follow you there as I oh so enjoy your "matronly" (LOL!) perspective on life. Big hugs and hella well wishes from your fellow Mom, MM
Dont you just hate goodbyes.
Laughing on the outside, crying inside.
Till we meet again on the bed of roses and we .......
oops hang on, thats for the other Hub. ;-)
Keep em laughing kiddo.!
So its good bye from me and its goodbye from him.
Oh and him ;-)
Boy, do I feel like an idiot. I'm new and have no idea what the problem is that drove you away. I just discovered your work and like it. And I don't know how to get hold of you. I'm sure all this will make sense to me someday. In the meantime, good luck to you.
I'm running out of happy souls to razz on these pages LM, I hope you like the following link, See you in the Funny Farm, Love, TOF.
Oh Laughing Mom, hope it's not the advice I gave you to run outside naked to fetch your Chinese Take aways!
heyyyyy - not you too LM! What's happening? Where is all the laughter running away to? :( :(
OK I know where else to find you but when you're not going to be here, it's sad!
where is everybody going? Am I there as well?
If you're not cindy, I'm not either.
You are there, CV. Wow. You too, LM? I'm glad I live in a room in that house you're moving to. I can still borrow a cup of sugar, right? This was well done...you are one class act and I'm proud to be your friend and sometime confidant. Guess I have one foot out the door myself.
See ya in the funny papers!
Hi Laughing Mom,
Hope you enjoy it over at the better place.
Will the last intelligent person leaving HP please turn the light out?
If you tell them how to Eric, Use diagrams.
TOF...LOL!
Can understand how you feel but am really sad to see you go as you were a character and most of all you were genuine, keep in touch though !
I reckon the management here is right, so long term I back hubpages to be here longer and work well long term. Anything we write needs to be read, so the seo and keywords have to be there, sad but true. Want to get read? By Google? You bet you do, so no way to eliminate the commercial stuff, just gotta jump througha few hoops. not too bad.
NONONONONONONONONONONONONOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
DAMN IT ALL ANYWAYS....:O) Hugs Hugs Hugs
I'm with Earnesthub on this one, but sad to see so many people so upset by something that's completely passed me by. I had a rocky start at HP myself, thanks to a run-in with one particular Hubber, but I didn't let it put me off, and now I love it here.
Well, Hubpages is worth $6.5 million US and earns about $9, 000 US a day in ads revenue. Sort of eclipses the individual doesn't it?
Oh well it's a bit like the song'
Whoops there goes, whoops there goes another kilowatt Damn" to paraphrase.
Sad to see another hubber going.
Hey LM -- sorry you aren't hanging around here. I'm still enjoying HP because I'm learning about multimedia articles, which are the wave of the future, I think. But I'm sure glad our new home is there, too, and that so many great people are there, especially you.
Oh, say it ain't so, Laughing Mom! Not sure where you are going, but I wish I was there. Take care.
haha see you in the bear pit LM
Sorry to see you go, LM, but fully understand - the comunity is dying on HP. I look forward to spending less time here and more time in the new home. Just need to find some time!
All the best :)
parting is such sweet sorrow....... you're never coming back ?????
Oh LM, I'm so glad you are in our Treehouse and I won't miss you at all. Yes, it is a great place to be. Great friends all and writers too. We have so much liberty in it also. I will remain here too as I do like it. It has changed some, but I am still meeting new writers that I enjoy, and the treehouse is now full up, no more room but we love it. see ya there soon dear.
The view from the Tree is spectacular!! None of the negatives. More of the positives. More room to run free with our emotions and writings. Loopie, change is so hard, but we have each other!
Helloww LM :) ...
Great hub ... no I meant it and I actually read it! And you did laugh a lot. Keep laughing. You're beautiful. LOL , do I make anysense? Nopes, 'cause it's an early hour of the morning here and someone told me that beautiful you wrote a beautiful hub, so I beautifully came here! :)
P.S. No telling me again that , that was the stupidest comment you ever had!
Jeez - everyone seems to be leaving. Is HP admin taking note of this? Anyone? Beuller? Beuller?
I will surely miss you. Your writing, your laughing, and your presence. Hope you will visit us from time to time.
I will see you on VFT....I don't come on here much anymore anyways!
what? I guess I am glad I never got into the forums...damn LM, I am so glad I saved the hub why the boy i missing! that one is my all time favorite I laughed so hard the first me I read itI nearly peed...but I write on several different writers paltform...I figured the money part was all a scam...you mean thre really is money to be made? so far I have eleven cents :(
I will keep lookingfor you/I am so glad t have mt you even if fr a short while. I sincerely hope I havent done or said anything to bother you and I am so mad at anyone who did something to bother you/my ole mans an ex seal want him to slit someones throat?
there thats enough controversial an antagonistic voicings to keep HP admin happy awahile eh?
LM
I hate to see you go but have a good time :D
Hi Laughing Mom, sorry to hear you're leaving.
All the very best :)
Hi Laughing Mom, it has been nice connecting with you it makes me sad you won't be here on Hubpages. You know where to find me! Hugs... :-)
Hey I got flagged so much, and I still don't know why, they flagged Hubs that were not even sexual/descriptive, or about Drugs, Hell they even flagged all my Hubs once, even one about Acrylic Nails. I kept editing it, and someobne, as you said on a Power Trip kept flagging it.
I look in from time to time Because I really liked some of the People, (You were included) I* wasn't about money, I wouldn't turn the PC on for the money adsense pays. Just wish I knew where to find you, and GT because I would love to see what you are gonna be writing, in the Future.
As for the Forums, they have no life. No Passion and Biggy NOOOOOO fun.
I'm a Rebel so I guess I was never going to work out here,
I just can't stand Censorship of any kind, it is ridiculous, and they say that they can do nothing, well that is crap to, because half the B>S > ads should be Censored.
Wanna wish ya luck wherever you have gone You were Wiocked. Some of us like Fun People and some of us like Crashing Bores that will never, be successful, no matter howe many ketwords they apply or how many links they put up.
Hubpages need to do something about this if they wish to survive. I think that they have forgotten, that there is competition out there.
Mandy
I hope you still check in from time to time to see all your comments!! I wish I would have been here at what looks like the beginning of what seems to be ending now. I wish I could have had a faster computer so I could have read this sooner. I hope your happy in your new place, and I hope it doesnt have any boxes!!! I hope you have good friends who listen for real, better then a husband. I hope you continue to write, and dont worry about what others think. I am thankful I had the cance to meet you before you left! I hope I find you out there, in cyber world, becausse belive it or not, your writings meant soemthing to me.
MY comments are in agreement with Marisa Wright and earnesthub. I almost did not comment because my feelings were tinged a little when I was cautioned to search the forum to make sure that my comments were not being repeated. At this stage of the game, I am secure to who I am and know that when you use someone else's product, equipment, service, or website you must abide by the rules. Laughing Mom, you will be missed and I am glad that you found a home that appeared to be offline with less time in the forums where the comments can be all too real and back into the real world. Some hubbers seek the solace of online because of the independence and the absence of people's noise. However, there is no getting around the comments that is conveyed through the keyboard to the internet world. I wish that you would not hang up the towel after only four months and maybe the forum comments will dissipate in your memory like one of the other commenters on this page. Hubpages may decide to reopen the content to adult subjects and the earnings will increase significantly as it have been proven that the adult site make substantially more than pennies. But with the onsought of social media, the website has to consider the overall morality of the internet and may have decided to make it a community of restricted freedom in that area. Many hubbers have left and come back so maybe you will return when you realize that how you feel about getting paid pennies for your thoughts, having to deal with restricted verbiage, or bullies on the forum carries less weight than the many here who like to read what you write and will surely miss your presence here on Hubpages.
I like that you mentioned the word orgasm. Nice. See you at the tree. :)
laughing mom, you will be missed. Do let us know where you shifted! :)
You will definitely be missed! Thanks for all your support!
I guess I was too late into getting to know a real great friend. I can see that in you. Good luck for your future endeavors.
LM, I was wondering about you. I hope that you are doing well. I had some laughs with you and I truely miss you. All the best my friend:)
Wow. What the heck did I miss. I'm sorry about whatever happened, you seem like a great person. Maybe you'll come back, cuz your account is still open. Oh, well. It is what it is. If you read this, good luck to you.
Candie V says:
5 months ago
Ok, C!! The tunes are in the juke box, there's beer in the fridge! We're together!! Love ya lots!