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Permalink Reply by Marinetta on August 2, 2012 at 5:00am

Hi Deejay, I'm also new to this site (and to alopecia) and have had some of the same experience. Some of the groups I've joind havn't had any activity for years. Some burst to life when I post a comment others don't :(. But don't forget that there are a few very active members that always answer a blog post with incurraagement and wise words. The "older" generation alopecians, meaning those who have had alopecia for a long time and are active on the site. Me I'm a baby in this context :P.

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Permalink Reply by Tallgirl on August 2, 2012 at 8:39am

The best way to get involved is to not wait for others, but to join into blog comments and discussions with heartfelt and positive views that do not offend or intimidate. It is not for them to come to or "discover" you; it is for you to reach out and show who you are.

Many of the people who were on here two summers ago are no longer active. I think many are most active when first questioning alopecia, acceptance, or themselves. Then, they get confident enough to rip themselves away from the computer and instead go out into their own communities, towns, schools, jobs and romances. Besides, it is summer, with some storms and power failures, plus the Olympics. Give people a break...they have lives and important stuff to do! I started several groups or posted on several groups, too, with no response. So, if I want computer activity, I check CNN, MSNBC, BBC, Facebook, my server account, job hunting sites, fashion sites, etc. Or read, call friends, go to karaoke, walk, go on job interviews, cook, send cards, wrap gifts, play music, etc. I have met three local alopecians in the last year within 10 miles of my home. Go to www.naaf.org to find a support group near you. I know I felt waaaaaay better about myself after meeting other alopecians for the first time.

Oh, also, some of us don't add "friends" on here often, and prefer to not show pix or give personal info. Some don't even do chat. So, just be yourself (as long as you give intelligent, useful and supportive comments) on blogs and discussions for awhile...then reassess. People do follow blog comments to get a feel of how others think and communicate.

Congrats on introducing you to yourself! What YOU will you be showing to Alopecia World?

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Permalink Reply by Margaret H Baker on August 2, 2012 at 2:13pm

Hey DeeJay!
I'm sorry you feel that way, as there are most certainly many people who check in on a regular basis. Feel free to reach out anytime you need or want to chat.
Congrats on the head shave by the way!!!! Be sure to report back with the experience...I'd love to hear about it ;) Also, I'm in the midst of interviewing women (all over the world)with Alopecia for a project i'm doing and would love to interview you, if interested. More information on the project can be found at: www.womenbehavingbaldly.com.
And in the meantime, hang in there... ;)

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Permalink Reply by Deejay on August 2, 2012 at 2:50pm

Hi ladies. Thanks for your responses. I guess i was expecting too much too soon. Either way i'm happy to be here and you're right Marinetta. I shouldn't had overlooked the very active members that always answer and are here to help misguided folks like myself along the way. For that i do apologize. :(
Tallgirl, I do try and put myself out there and communicate. Sometimes i try too hard. But like you said, people have lives to live. Point blank period. I can honestly say maybe im just so excited to have come to terms with my alopecia after so long that i'm being a tad bit overzealous? LOl. But i think it's great you've made some local friends with alopecia. I can't wait for that opportunity.
Thank you Margaret! Im excited that after all this time i'm finally facing this thing and taking the bull by the horn. I still have some reservations i have to get over but i feel a lot more confident everyday and my self esteem is starting to return. I would be honored to be a part of your project. :)

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