Why do people answer others in the internet forums?

[Adollabah]

Hi!
Sorry may be not here...but
I'm totally unfamiliar with forums and am very impressed by all that people helping others on forums.
Why do they do so? How do you thing?

[Jeanrx]

I guess we like helping each other.

[idtwinmom]

For me, it's a "Pay it Forward" thing. So many have helped me, that I always help when I can!

[mommabyrd2003]

Welcome to DSP!

Here at DSP we are like one giant family. We all very much want one another to become the best scrapper they can which is why we at least does what they can to help. Each one of us have our own unique set of knowledge & talent so that is why it's so important for us to all share.

[lbjiowa]

I can't imagine NOT helping someone IF I can ... wouldn't life be SO MUCH more difficult if people stopped helping others?

"I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty...This is my highest and best use as a human."
Ben Stein

I think that about says it all...;)

[Lauren]

I believe it its because so many here are so passionate about their craft that they just love to share

[essee]

I have "met" so many kind people here and have learned so much, that I feel I should return the favour and help wherever I can, even although I am still a learner compared to others. That is what this sisterhood at DSP is all about.

[quanita]

Not all forums are this friendly, some become very cliquey and new people or those who know less are 'flamed' or set upon if they do something wrong or inadvertently mention something different.

I personally having studied a lot about online communities think there are a few distinct differences about DSP
1-The purpose of the forum itself is positive and friendly - learning, promoting and being passionate about digital scrapping
2-I think the fact that most of the members are women and not very young also has something to do with it, there is no need to compete for popularity or become heads or miss popularities like there are in forums where the idea of having more friends or followers is the aim
3-There is no one way to be very good at exploring or using this craft so this allows for members to have whatever software, skills or background they do without being disadvantaged or having less chance of doing well

I believe forums like DSP are rare gems and I am very proud to be a part of it. Because of how special it is, it attracts more special people and juts becomes better and better as a consequence.

Sorry for dribbling, that is my 25c worth :)

[mommabyrd2003]

I will have to agree with Q. There are 2 other on-line communities I felt completely at home. One was a specific cloth diapering site. There were others much less friendly and more 'typical' of on-line forums. The other was a group of Christian women from the cloth diapering site. Those 2 communities and DSP have been gems among many rocks as far as on-line communities I've encountered. My kids are way past diapers, so I feel incredibly blessed to have found another community I can call home.

[GailS]

It's like family here - we share so much more than our scrapping experience, there are off topic forums and general forums where we can all share many aspects of our life, if we want. And if you don't that's okay too - you can be yourself here and everyone makes you feel accepted. So it's not only the BEST digiscrap site, it's one of the best communities you'll ever belong to!

[evergreen100]

The sharing here is inspirational. I was very "into" cake decorating in a previous life and started a monthly group to share our knowledge and company..I was amazed by the number of cake decorators who were unwilling to join in and share their techniques(yet more than happy to learn from those who WOULD share)...its a bit like people not wanting to share their recipes I guess. I always take it as a compliment if someone wants one of my recipes...and I am so honoured if someone scraplifts one of my LOs. Welcome and I am sure you will enjoy being a part of the community here at DSP:)

[carolyn d]

I think Q puts it so well. If you look at the galleries here, you 'll realize that we've put our hearts, loves, tragedies, triumphs out here for all to share. With a community that shares to that depth it's no wonder sharing skills, techniques, knowledge is commonplace.
DSP is truly a rare place and you'll find as you spend more time here how truly special it is.
Welcome !

[scamptx]

DSP to me is like New York--lots of little villages to explore, each with their own personalities, and everyone really friendly and willing to offer up a new experience. I think Q put it really well when she said that there's no popularity contest, and that there are so many ways and styles of scrapping that we all learn from each other. DSP is really special, and it's that way because of the many special people who live here!

[essee]

All of the above comments are very true. And you have to remember that scrapping is very personal, it reflects you and your personality. if you are happy with the layout you produce, that is all that matters. There is no need to feel you are competing against others. My only competition is with myself, as I strive to improve and increase my skills and knowledge.

Have a great time at DSP!

[carolat]

Well, I am thinking it is because so many of us are really "into" digi scrapping. And, although our significant others and various family members want to make us happy, they really don't have a clue when it comes to making layouts! So - we have gone about building ourselves a "second family" of sorts. Thant doesn't include catty comments, popularity contests, etc. It just includes friends - from all over - helping other friends.

And I do agree with the comment about being scraplifted - it is the sincerest form of flattery!

[omio]

Can't say much that hasn't already been said. One reason we're all so close on this thread is that we "know" each other's families through the layouts -- that really adds to the family feeling. We're glad you found DSP, though, and know you will enjoy joining the community.

[LadyCarolyn]

For me, this comunnity has helped me learn a craft I was completely new to in January . . .Carolyn D, Carolat, who have already replied here held my hand in the beginning days to help me create a layout they could see through MY minds eye. I have made online friends here that I would be friends with if I lived near them . . ..or was to go their region of the world . . . would make a point of looking them up. That says a lot . . .. there is nothing fake here .. ..as said before by Carolyn D. . . ..people know us through our layouts and out stories. It is just a community of women who are EAGER to help someone else, and I also think all believe in the PAY IT FORWARD creed.

That's my 2 cents.

[luv2stamp82]

I agree with everyone, DSP is a special place to be a part of. Everyone is so welcoming and it really is just plain fun to be here!!

[Erica]

Well! I hope that's answered you question Adollabah?? Anything I may add would be redundant, it's all been said so welcome to our little corner of the web and I hope we get to call you friend.

[wndyeliza]

Hi Adollabah! I too think that everything has been said. We do, because we can. We are a community of friends with the same interest, and a passion for life, family, creating art and memories in our own unique way.
I have been on the receiving end of the helping hands here when I have felt like such an idiot in learning my particular program and scrapping. The women here help, because they can. And if they cannot help, they can cheer-lead and give some encouragement. But in the end we all are a little better for being here, sharing here, and trying to make this place better.
Welcome to DSP! Post! Ask questions! Laugh! Share! That is what it is all about!

[Lynnie]

The people here are kind, caring and wonderful. We are very much like a family, even to tiffs and hurt feelings from time to time and a big make-up hug :) DSP provides an environment where people care by caring themselves! WE are DSP.

[logicgrandmaB]

Scrappers care very much about families and the internet scrap sites are a family extension. :D We love each other as much as families and want to help them just as we would our sisters or children or parents.:love1::love3: