Hey, ladies and gentlemen, I would just like to say I have been a longtime lurker turned into a member, but I am ready to go back into the lurker’s corner. I have enjoyed participating in some excellent threads and authoring a few of my own that highlight my experiences in the paranormal, fringe, and alternative.

I have an abundance of respect for many of the members of ATS and honestly appreciate the hard work and effort that many of you apply to your postings. I will continue to enjoy them and learn from them.

However, there is just something about getting into a discussion which potentially brings out the worst in me and I get involved in the very thing I detest most; insult contests and mud-slinging. I would say most everyone I had the privilege of discussing with has brought out the best in me. But risking the moments where I lose myself in the heat of ignorance isn’t worth it. I came here to deny ignorance—so that is what I must continue to do. I thought I would be more emotionally prepared to handle the discussions without allowing myself to get baited into futile arguments, but I have only proven otherwise. Frankly, there is a lot of immaturity and childishness on ATS, but I will not be contributing to that end of the scale any longer.

I have enjoyed actively participating in a variety of threads the past few months, but I have had my fill and I am ready to return to the observer’s role.

Sorry for wasting thread space to dramatize my announcement in this way. I know I have hardly even introduced myself, so this announcement actually means very little to ATS.

For the record, ATS is a beautiful place and this sense of communitas has helped me in a variety of ways, but I feel I am not capable of giving back through my posts. I will still participate as a silent member.

Thanks for the ride, ATS—but this is where I get off.

Meh this is an attention seeking thread and nothing more.If you were truly going you wouldn't feel the need to make a thread about it. I've seen these threads before and the op almost always returns.

NarcolepticBuddha
I understand what your saying Ive been doing allot of observing and reading myself ..But i have to say Ive never seen any soft porn ads on ATS..But i wish you the best and know your lurking in the shadows and i hope you flag and star some of the well thought out threads here as a silent member...
peace,sugarcookie1

OP. Just take a break, and try again. It takes a while to get a true feel for ATS. And it takes a while for ATS to get to know you. And honestly, you haven't been a contributing member long enough for either to have settled in. Back off, take your time, and ease into it. You'll be just fine. And remember, attack the ball, not the player.