Do I belong or am I a misfit here on Hubpages?

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   Luanne16posted 14 years ago

   I'm really new. I was a teacher for 14 years, was laid off in June and I started journaling to relieve some stress. I have always loved to write, and I got this crazy idea that I should join hubpages to learn from other great writers.
   I don't care about earning, if it were to happen great, but the real reason I'm here is to see if I can raise the bar for myself and become better.
   I've been emailing some hubwriters who I am in awe with, and have sent emails, asking them to mentor me. Then I saw this forum, and thought maybe someone out there would take pity on me, and pull me out of the sinking ship.
   
   I'm a little scared about what people will say. I want to earn respect for my writing, and I know part of the process is getting feedback from other writers who are way more talented and smarter than  me.
   
   If you wouldn't mind, would you let me know if my style fits in here? Do I belong? Will people like reading what I write?
   
   Then, maybe give me some tips , suggestions on how to improve as a writer. (I know I need to drive trafic, but could your feedback be more on the mechanics of my writing, style, tone, skill or lack there of)
   Wow, I'm long winded....but I guess that tells you more than anything I want to belong here. If my dream comes true, someday I'll publish a book (but tell me I'm crazy if you don't agree--I need a friend to steer me in the right direction or path I'm supposed to follow)
   Thanks if you read this far (sure most of you clicked away paragraphs ago, so you are a loyal new friend)
   Hope I hear from you,
   Luanne

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      SandyMcCollumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Luanne, and welcome!
      I'm nobody to be taking you under my wing, but I thought perhaps we could help each other along the way. I've been writing for a long time, but keywords and traffic building are new to me. I don't know what all the terms mean so I have to look them up before I can continue learning whatever it was. But I keep going...
      
      Your letter is very clear and articulate, I think you'll make a fine writer. The secret I have is read, read, read the forums, then write, write, write. I know there are ppl here with real experience at working the Hubpages, and they'll post and help. Maybe right now while I'm going on and on...
      
      Good luck and keep me posted.
      *Sandy

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      ediggityposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I read your Hubs.  You are really creative.  Everyone here has a different style, and is here for different reasons.  I say we are all misfits.  You'll fit in just fine.
      
      PS. you have a typo on you entrepreneur Hub.  It says completel around the intro paragraph, I think you meant complete.

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      mistyhorizon2003posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This is a very welcoming place, and I am sure you will fit in. Be nice, write loads, comment on other's hubs, and if you like them join their fan club, (in the same way others will join yours). You will love every minute of your time here that way   Welcome

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      Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      All styles fit in here, Luanne.  How you use the site is up to you. 
      
      Hubbers who are here to earn money, focus most of their attention on gaining visitors from outside HubPages, because they are the audience that clicks on ads.
      
      Creative writing doesn't generally earn well, so you will probably be more interested in garnering a Hubber following.  The best way to do that is to participate meaningfully in the forums - if people find your contributions interesting and intelligent, they'll check out your Hubs.
      
      Welcome!

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      Friendlywordposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      WAIT A MINUTE...OK, OK I'm all right. I just fell off my chair laughing. Fit in? You want to fit in? Oh I cant take. I'm sliding to the floor again...

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      Don Wposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      If you never argue, produce excellent hubs 100% of the time, never write hubs as a method of grinding an axe against someone or something, are above pettiness, will never throw a tantrum in the forum, will never deliberately push buttons you know will make someone explode in anger, just for the fun of making someone explode in anger, will never offend anyone, are always upbeat and helpful, then I’m sorry you will not fit in here at all. Otherwise, welcome to HubPages

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         tantrumposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Tantrums are always welcome in this forum !

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            Don Wposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Yep. There's always a tantrum in the forum!

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         Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         best answer yet, I think!!

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      2uesdayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have not been here long and social networking is a complete mystery to me, would never find the time to write if I did that.
      
      Do n't worry about fitting in, just make your Hubpages, read up about how to do Hubpages things as and when you need to.
      
      That is the beauty of HubPages you can work at your own pace. Slowly people will find you and your hubs and become fans and more importantly to you as a writer they will read you and leave comments.
      
      You will find the majority of people here are kind and helpful. I was so worried about posting my writing here that I started out with just facts for my hubs. One day I thought I will just post one little story no one will notice, but the feed back that I got has encouraged me to start creative writing again.
      
      I think it is good to have writing you are willing to share but if it is something 'big' that you are wanting to put into a competition or have published in future; putting it anywhere on-line may affect your ability to do that. Hope you enjoy being on HubPages I look forward to reading more of your hubs.

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   Luanne16posted 14 years ago

   Thanks Sandy,
   I'd love to connect. I need a friend to go to when I'm stuck or getting down on my self and my work.
   thanks  again, and keep in touch!
   Luanne

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      kverdasmithposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I am new as well. I have no expectations but think this is a great writers community. If I were to offer help I would say have more confidence in yourself as a person and the writing will come naturally. It is worthwhile to proofread your writing before publishing. It adds a lot of credibility to your work and is of course nicer to read. I think everyone has a story and a perspective. The differences we have is what makes life fun and interesting. This is an adventure...I hope you start to really enjoy it. I look forward to reading more of your hubs.

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   Luanne16posted 14 years ago

   Thank you for your encouragement, from one misfit to another,
   and I'll fix the typo--would hate it if one of my old middle school students caught that (and to think I taught English! shame on me!)
   Keep in touch okay!
   LU

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   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   welcome Luanne, of course, you're welcome here. there are so many different kinds of people and writing styles and purposes to be here. I think you will find the community very engaging and helpful (you are hardly a misfit! you will notice a few...)
   
   I think being a teacher gives you an edge with writing as far as knowing proper sentence structure, grammar, etc., knowing how to communicate- plus the wealth of wisdom you have gained from working in the field of education.
   
   we have a bit in common, I also was 'laid off' from my 14 yr. professional teaching career, so I'm taking it 'to the streets', so to speak. teachers can fit into a lot of niches.
   you're going to love it here and continue doing what you're doing, reading lots of hubs, reading the how to hubs and beginning to communicate with others. you will make new friends!
   
   btw, I'm a huge Boston lover, I usually get there at least once a year as my brother and his family live just outside of Boston although he works downtown. I was just there in Oct.!
   
   here's a helpful forum thread that was made yesterday with lots of helpful links. 
   
   http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/27123
   
   enjoy!

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      Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you for your vote of confidence! Where in Boston were you ? I live in Plymouth, America's home town, but grew up on Cape Cod.
      Definitely count me in as your new friend on Hub pages! and definitely stay in touch! Thanks for the link too!

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   Janettaposted 14 years ago

   Of course you belong here! No matter what your reasons for joining may be!!
   
   Many of us are here for reasons other than earning an income. You'll see all genre's, all forms of writing here from fiction and poetry to how to's and poitical/religious opinion hubs....HP has a little bit of everything and that's what makes it so great!!
   
   Feedback (esp. positive feedback) is an incredible boost to any writer, but keep in mind, it really doesn't matter who likes or dislikes your work. Write for you and you'll do just fine
   
   Welcome to HubPages and let me know if you have any questions...also, keep utilizing the forums-they're a great way to introduce yourself, get noticed and ask questions!!

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      Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for your encouragement, and I will start going to the forums. It takes a while to figure out all the ropes here, but it is such a great community.
      I appreciate you allowing me to connect and ask questions to you, a pro on hubpages. Hope I can grow to be a better writer and develop a following,because they like my work. Wouldn't that be something?

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   ediggityposted 14 years ago

   That's why I pointed it out on here rather than leaving a comment on your page.  Good Luck Hubbin.

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      Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for that, and I think your line for your profile is great: "just a dude waisting time on the internet", I think that's what you wrote. thanks for giving me a chuckle and stay in touch!

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   wyanjenposted 14 years ago

   Luanne:
   There is no such thing as a misfit here. You will find every type of writer, and every type of opinion.
   
   To get the best feel for the site, hang around in the forums. Read lots of hubs. You will be surprised how much you can pick up just by being involved.
   
   Welcome to HubPages, now go have some fun!

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      Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, I will!

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   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   oops, forgot to say, your hubs read very well! love the Boston story.
   
   also, feel free to stay in touch if I can help or come into the Need Help forum, very helpful!!

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   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   My brother lives in Bellingham. We went up for a wedding and stayed in Concord with the wedding party and guests and then went to my brothers. I've been able to tour the entire area so I know I have been to Plymouth. I love the entire area, just beautiful.
   I can understand how so many of our great writers have come from this area.

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      Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think it is funny that you are a teacher and got laid off too.
      We both love writing. I'm glad I found you on Hubpages,
      Your newest pal,
      LU

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         rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         it is rather funny, I was working at a private school and had been there the longest, you know the story... bring someone in who will make less $... it's fine, everything happens for a reason.

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    Mark Knowlesposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to hubpages.
    
    There are no misfits here - they get banned from the forums eventually.

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       ryankettposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Talking of misfits, is Atomswifey still here? I am guessing that she isn't, the forums seem far too chilled out and enjoyable!

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          Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          You mean I missed out on the drama,
          shoot,  might have made a good story!

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             rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             it won't be the last... there's always someone else who will rise up.

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       Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Good to know,
       Thanks Mark

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    prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

    hi, you have found the right place to write--Hubpages! people here are nice, intelligent and everybody has something to share, Welcome!

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       Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Thank you!

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    Denno66posted 14 years ago

    Geat place to be a misfit though...

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       wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       baaaaaa
       
       It is interesting place to be, isn't it?
       

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          Denno66posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I'm all warm and fuzzy about it

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    Quilligrapherposted 14 years ago

    Welcome, Luanne, to Hubpages, an international, non-gated community located in a very middle class, commercially zoned subdivision in cyberspace. It is a modern, low-keyed haven populated mostly by amateur writers and professional word merchants who represent a broad spectrum of cultures, religions, and lifestyles. Misfits are welcome otherwise many of us would not be here.  I am looking forward to reading more of your hubs.
    Q.

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       wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Very nice

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       Bovine Currencyposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       You are a charmer Q.  A little fresh air

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          Quilligrapherposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Oh my gosh. Golly gee! Who me?
          Q.

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             Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

             Who is this person, the one that wrote the above comment,so rude, sarcastic, why is the above comment allowed? shouldn't hub forums be for grownups, not immature fools?
             
             and thank you Bovine for the much appreciated complement, but I'd love to find out the name of the individual who wrote under it. That person is out of line, don't you think?

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                wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                Hi Luanne
                
                Bovine was calling Q a charmer, and Q was merely being humble.
                Quilligrapher is an awesome hubber, he was not being rude or sarcastic.
                He is one of the nicest folks around.
                
                Just a misunderstanding!

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                   Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

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                Quilligrapherposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                Hi, again, Luanne.
                
                I’m Quilligrapher.  My friends often call me Q.  I hope you will too.
                
                I’m also the guy who posted to you above (along with some other stuff) “Misfits are welcome otherwise many of us would not be here.  I am looking forward to reading more of your hubs.”
                
                Bovine is the udder guy above who said I was a charmer.  I’m so sorry you thought the reply I directed at him was actually aimed at you.  It wasn’t but it is quite understandable that you could think that is was. I am grateful to Wyanjen for jumping in to explain that I am not the rude, sarcastic, immature fool you thought I was.  I appreciate the nice things she said about me but they probably would not hold up in a court of law.   
                
                Again, welcome to Hubpages.  I am looking forward to reading some of your material.
                
                Q.

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    Justine76posted 14 years ago

    a misfit on hp?     your fine!!! dont worry, its not school

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    Hi Luanne! No misfits here. Everyone has a quirk, so you should fit in fine. Welcome to Hubpages and to hubbing.

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    wyanjenposted 14 years ago

    Is it just me, am I the only one thinking "Island of Misfit Hubbers"?
    
    I do like the word "quirk" instead of "misfit".
    It is all the quirkiness that makes this such a nice place to write.

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       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       seconded. misfit means ...not fiting....bad word here

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    We are all quirky, not misfitty.

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    RedElfposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to Hub Pages, Luanne!
    
    You'll get lots of good advice here, and you'll meet some really great "hubbers". There are some excellent writers here, and you can learn much about style and content from reading lots of hubs.
    
    Check out the FAQ, take a look through the forums topics and introducing yourself. In addition, check out the weekly HubMob - look for a new topic sometime on Monday every week.
    
    If you need help with something, don't hesitate to post your questions or to email someone. People are really friendly and helpful here.

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    PurpleOneposted 14 years ago

    Hi Luanne. I sent you a message on another forum about us both being beginners and maybe creating a support group. Let me know what you think!

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    Eaglekiwiposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to Hubpages ,crap having probs with my space bar,tis playing those online games, I mean writing hubs-ahem.
    
    I didnt wanna write for money to begin with ,but you might as well,cuz someoneelse will make money fromyour pages (with adverts) etc!
    
    Most of all,buckle up an have fun! Occassionally one or two slip by the night nurse,but other than that you'll survive  hell you were a teacher ,piece a cake...

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       rebekahELLEposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       that last line made me laugh!! when I think of what I've been through!!!!!! :

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    Bibowenposted 14 years ago

    Where I fit in Hubpages: being in a group that likes to write, many of whom state their ideas forcefully; some people don't understand this and are sometimes put out by it. I just saw some complaining while ago by some that the religion forums are too "aggressive." Not everyone here at HP is like that, of course, but several are and I feel right at home in it.
    
    Where I'm a misfit: Being in with a group of writers that only write for money and structure every hub to maximize its earning potential. The only writers I have ever been around are those that wrote that had something to say and, quite frankly, seemed to be uninterested in whether or not their works made any money (I'm sure they wanted to earn money on their work, but most did not seem to be that preoccupied by it). However, I am slowly learning how these people think and am gaining some valuable insights from them. My writing needs to shift from the content end (on which I am heavy) to the productive end.

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    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    Luanne16, welcome.  (I'm from Massachusetts too.)  There are a lot of people on here who do creative writing.  I'm not second-guessing your preference for creative writing, but it may be worth considering also adding a few very useful Hubs about subjects for which people search (just to add some income). 
    
    Since you're a teacher you could write something like, "How to communicate with your child's teacher" (or something like that); and since you're from Boston, you could write something like, "Boston's Best Historical Sites".  A few Hubs like that could get you some earnings, while you'd get to do the creative writing too.  (Some people have two different accounts for different types of writing.)  Researching or reviewing products can make a Hub earn.  Again, I'm not second-guessing your preference - only suggesting that you can both write what you enjoy and earn a little money too.  Although I don't do creative writing, I do write a lot of stuff that wouldn't be considered most likely to earn.  Even with that stuff, though, after you've built up a bunch of it the earnings can add up.  (I know you said you don't really care about the money, but it can be kind of nice to earn a little extra.)  The only reason I'm mentioning it is the wish to offer sound information to someone new.  In any case, there are no misfits here.

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       Suki Cposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I'm relatively new here - and also an ex-teacher - and, so far, I have loved my time here. Everyone is welcoming and friendly and there seems to be very little of the nastiness that I've seen on other forums.  I think that we are all individuals and this site allows for all types of writers to get along together.
       
       I'm also interested in the point made by Lisa above - is this really possible? (I thought that you had to resign your current account to open another one.  I'm interested because my husband has said that he would also like to write hubs but he would, naturally, like his own account, profile pic., friends etc.  I'd appreciate any advice on this so he could get started.

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    AEvansposted 14 years ago

    Your style certainly does fit each writer on here is so unique there is not a single person that I know of who is a misfit, there are some however that are still undiscovered. Welcome to HP we are glad you are here and I personally hope that you will enjoy it as much as so many of us do.

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       drej2522posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I, on the other hand, would like to take it the other way...I think we are all misfits! Writers are just weird!..but cool

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          wyanjenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          agreed.

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             AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             We are certainly unique aren't we?

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    tony0724posted 14 years ago

    Whats so bad about being a misfit ?

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       AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Tony you are not a misfit.

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          tony0724posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          But AE you are biased ! But you I luv ya  .

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             AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               (((Big Hugs))

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    Rochelle Frankposted 14 years ago

    By now, from all of the welcomes, you should know that you fit in fine. Don't worry about what "other people" think. If you are brave enough to teach middle school, this should be no problem. Welcome in.

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       Luanne16posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       good point, and thanks for the chuckle. Middle Schoolers are tough, and if they loved me, why wouldn't my new hubpages family?

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    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    Welcome to the Hub!

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    Don W is so right!
    
    One of the best things you can have on here is a sense of humor!

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    sneakorocksolidposted 14 years ago

    Do you write porno Hubs? I don't like those but you can write about anything you like. Welcome to Hub pages!

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    Good morning Sneak! Nice to "see" you.

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       sneakorocksolidposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       You too! How you doing today?

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          Flightkeeperposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I'm doing very well. Although I already had a bizarre exchange with someone who was upset that I criticized Obama.  It's strange that if you criticize Obama, it's seen as an attack on liberals, democrats etc. when I haven't mentioned any of them.

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             sneakorocksolidposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             They are alittle star struck and they are being way too defensive because it's not going as smooth as they had hoped. He just doesn't have the right kind of knowledge and experience to handle the toughest job in the world. I would love to pleasantly wrong but I don't think that will happen.

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    pgrundyposted 14 years ago

    I hope you are not maligning misfits!
    
    It took me 56 years to learn how not to fit in anywhere and I'm kind of proud of it.
    
    Welcome to Hub Pages. You'll be fine.

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    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    From one unemployed teacher to another welcome! And ask away if you ever need any help.

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    prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

    Like crazdwriter said, we are all here to help ya!

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    Hope Wilbanksposted 14 years ago

    Hi, Luanne, and WELCOME to HubPages! There's no question about whether or not you "belong" here. If you enjoy writing, then by all means, go for it! You'll quickly learn the ropes.

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    thranaxposted 14 years ago

    If your a misfit then im a large orange dragon...
    
    wait a second...
    
    
    
    ~thranax~

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    resspenserposted 14 years ago

    I have bookmarked your fire story since I got sleepy and have to get up early, blah, blah....
    
    But just wanted to drop you a line to say you sure do have talent and hope you continue to write hubs.

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    B.C. BOUTIQUEposted 14 years ago

    so the money is not a "real" paycheck, and Im here to write to relaax and have fun, you fit in fine, there are no misfits here, only very unique people

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    ddsurfscaposted 14 years ago

    I disagree.  I think all writers are misfits.  Thats why they are creative.  If you get stuck I would be glad to try and help, but if it's a hubpage question it might be like the blind leading the blind.  If it is a how to write something question, I studied childrens literature thro the Univ. of Conn. and there are several ways to make your work stand out, email me and we can share ideas if u like.

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    Lady_Eposted 14 years ago

    No one's a misfit - it's like a Community.
    
    Lovely to have you and I will check out your Hubs now and again.  Just be yourself and enjoy writing.
    
    Best Wishes

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    Gracious Octoberposted 14 years ago

    Hey there. You'll do just fine. We are all writers here so just enjoy yourself and be free. I am new myself but i love to write so even if i am not that good i'm going to keep on writing. No one is obligated here so write as you please and please continue to write! Blessings.

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