I've said it in another Shemp thread, but it bears repeating:
If you don't like the prank, then log out and come back 24 hours later. It will be over. And get over it.
And you might get told again that it isn't the point and "way to miss the plot." Like there is some big conspiracy going on that excludes the bulk of 80,000 members. Whatever! I'm sure someone will come out with the book soon..........
If people want to take time off work and their busy lives to get together, hang out and tickle the daylights out of each other, who am I to stop them? And yes, some of them are even close with the mods; I didn't know that mods couldn't have friends here...you guys stop that, ya' hear!
I'm not claiming sainthood; I've made more than my share of mistakes and provided more than my share of forum entertainment at my own and others' expense. But the one thing I got over a very long time ago is this "clique" thing. I want to remain a member here, I just deal with whatever comes. If I feel like an outsider, I post more, PM more, get to know others more--then I don't feel so far removed. But others who took it to the next level by meeting personally and becoming real friends shouldn't be chastised by those who haven't for whatever reason made the same effort.
If some of you really feel that left out, why not make some effort to get to know folks on a local level-it doesn't have to be just about NEST. Several members have monthly munches in their towns. Carmel Cutie worked her tail off to get one going in OH; I wasn't able to attend, but I heard she did a great job. Bella throws a birthday party in Southern OH every year and people from all over come; I think even someone showed up from Canada. If people make that kind of effort to be with each other, who am I to call them a "clique?" I know blood family members won't make that kind of effort; I personally think it's special.
I don't mean to run a tangent train, so I'll get off the track here; but here is something to keep in mind. I'm noticing a lot of new members joining up and they are becoming active posters right off the bat. I think it's great and I occasionally get concerned that stuff like this gives them a false impression of who we really are when we aren't fighting around here. This is a good place, we are generally good people, but this Shempfest stuff is way over the top this year. I hope things calm down soon.