Your Opinion On Dr1

[KateP]

In the 8 years I've been in the DR, finding DR1 and its members has been pretty much the only way I've been in constant contact with ex-pats. I really know very few people who are not Dominican and with DR1 I've found a really enjoyable group of people who welcome everyone with open arms. I consider that the amount of control the moderators use is adequate and keeps everyone on a level playing field. Everyone respects each other and when someone shows up with an "attitude" DR1ers defend each other. I think that's one of the things that has most impressed me. Even though none of you have ever met me, several have defended me over the few months I've been a member.

Luv ya guys!!!

 

[Chirimoya]

I take umbrage at your remarks. Actually no, but I have something to say. It was I who started keeping track of everybody's birthday, and it was long before Chiri came here, I don't think she posted it in the original thread. But you are right, it was unforgivable that I forgot to post about it, in my defense I must say that all my friends are warned that if I forget their birthdays is not lack of love but senility settling in. I have forgotten the birthdays of every person I love, so in a way forgetting someone's birthday is just a 'welcome to the family', so to speak. If all my loved ones held this against me I'd have nobody around by now. I think the community spirit is stronger here than ever. Nothing to cry about the old days.

Pib, don't take it personally. I am a little uncomfortable about this becoming an issue. Two other posters were keeping track of birthdays until recently, but it must have been a full time job with so many posters joining the list, not to mention a waste of bandwidth. With so many birthday greetings to keep track of we would have all fallen over from birthday fatigue. It is more an indication of the mass-popularity of DR1 than anything else.

BTW I too am notorious for forgetting friends' birthdays. I can just about manage the immediate family but beyond that...? The worst case is one friend whom I've known for about 16 years. I know which month her birthday is in, but I can never remember the date, and I'm too embarrassed to ask. I only remembered Grahame's because it is on the same day as mine. We are to be known from now on as 'The Young Ones'.

Now I have one of those birthday websites which reminds me of people's birthdays. Highly recommended (PM me if you would like the URL). If people are that bothered they can look up the DR1 birthday thread, pick out their friends and favourite posters and add them to the birthday site. When the date comes round, start a thread yourself congratulating the poster.

 

[mobrouser]

...just last year we had someone responsible (or posters who took the responsibility upon themselves) to check birthdays each & every day & then enter a quick post of congratulations. Chirimoya, a long serving poster & news writer for DR1, has a birthday today & nobody recognised that until late afternoon when she reminded me by PM & I made the post. Since then, just 6 people have been in & most of the "long serving" contributors & fellow moderators did not acknowledge it at all. As I say, a small point but one that really helps to build the community spirit if handled right!!

Grahame, as the individual who took over the birthday greetings job from Pib, I must apologize for this. earlier this year i was faced with several very difficult personal challenges which caused me to stop visiting and posting here for a while. at the time i did ask another member if they would be able to carry on the tradition for me, but when the greetings stopped i assumed that there was a reason. if members think that it is an important part of the board i would start doing it again.

regards,
mob

 

[Robert]

Please keep this thread on topic, thanks.

 

[dulce]

DR1 is Great! It covers the good, the bad and the ugly. I wish I had DR1 when I had moved to Santo Domingo the first time. People now have access to tons of useful information about how to make the move.
Certainly there are some silly and also some sickening threads but those can be read and ignored or not read at all. Nothing says everyone is required to read every thread and respond to every thread.
I have met some very nice and interesting people from DR1 and some have taught me a thing or two about different areas of the isand.
DR1 has improved dramatically since Rob took over and added a good mix of smart people to help him.
I hope that at times I too have helped some people that I have passed on information to.

 

[Lambada]

Please keep this thread on topic, thanks.

Demonstrating warmth & care is not on topic?

 

[AZB]

who cares about girly stuff like birthdays? after you are 40, its depressing to see years go by. I will be depressed on 23rd of march (again).
Anyway, back to topic:
Dr1 is a great source of fun, entertainment and everlasting pipeline of info.
I was able to buy really cheap tickets to venezuela from SDQ, thanks to the airline folks on the webpage. They tell you exactly what airline goes where and the cheap ticket availability. Dr1 is a place to meet interesting but important folks who are ready to assist you in any way possible.
I met scott who allows me to use his swimming pool and even went ahead and bought me a projector with his own money and was nice enough to wait for me to pay him at my convenience. Larry was able to smuggle it through customs and bring it to me in my home. Then we have friends like charlie who brings me some other important merchandise from usa and then we have johnsr, an incredibly nice guy who invited me to his daughter's wedding. The list is endless. I am also available to assist many Dr1 members in santiago region. I almost have guest everyweek in my home from everywhere.
If you need info on anything in DR, there is always an expert to help you guide in the right direction. I was able to rejuvinate my inverter's batteries, thanks to the ETDA thread (thanks to rocky).
DR1 has been very very good to me and I love it just the way it is. Don't change a thing for the next 3 months please.
AZB

 

[chuckuindy]

DR1 has ruined my life

DR1 has ruined my life. I used to be a hardworking individual with at least a little common sense. Now I am lazy, spend way too much time in the DR and have developed many bad habits. I am spending money like there is no tomorrow, supporting a Dominican family, and I am sick from eating and drinking in the DR.

Sure my sex life is great and now I have a year long tan, but at what price. I have received bad advice on love and business matters, been given wrong directions, and have been told on more than one occasion that I am now a PIG. American and Canadian women who would normally love me now find me disgusting. I can no longer live with just one cell phone, spend countless hours on DR1 chat, and now have a role model who is a Pakistani.

I have became a smuggler, developed bad driving skills, learned many bad and slang Spanish words, taken photos of naked Dominican women, befriended perverts, and find myself in conversations with stogy British citizens. I have considered getting into the brothel business, starting a Dominican porn site, and importing condoms. I have lusted over my friend?s wives and girlfriends, considered being a loan shark, and tried to sacrifice a virgin or two.

Additionally, I have learned way too much about projectors, men who carry bags for women, why someone wears the same shirt all of the time. I need my old life back, but I guess it is too late for that.

Charlie

 

[Jozee74]

Lol Lol

DR1 has ruined my life. I used to be a hardworking individual with at least a little common sense. Now I am lazy, spend way too much time in the DR and have developed many bad habits. I am spending money like there is no tomorrow, supporting a Dominican family, and I am sick from eating and drinking in the DR.

Sure my sex life is great and now I have a year long tan, but at what price. I have received bad advice on love and business matters, been given wrong directions, and have been told on more than one occasion that I am now a PIG. American and Canadian women who would normally love me now find me disgusting. I can no longer live with just one cell phone, spend countless hours on DR1 chat, and now have a role model who is a Pakistani.

I have became a smuggler, developed bad driving skills, learned many bad and slang Spanish words, taken photos of naked Dominican women, befriended perverts, and find myself in conversations with stogy British citizens. I have considered getting into the brothel business, starting a Dominican porn site, and importing condoms. I have lusted over my friend?s wives and girlfriends, considered being a loan shark, and tried to sacrifice a virgin or two.

Additionally, I have learned way too much about projectors, men who carry bags for women, why someone wears the same shirt all of the time. I need my old life back, but I guess it is too late for that.

Charlie

This is great. I enjoy reading all your posts as I slack a bit at work addicted to DR1.

 

[Rocky]

Here, here.

The best thing about DR1 is the great network of people involved in it. After meeting alot of the people who post on here, you discover what a jewel this message board really is.

Larry

Unquestionably the best part.
Fast news reports for storms, politics, earthquakes, exchange rates are right up there, as well.

 

[AlaninDR]

DR1 has ruined my life. I used to be a hardworking individual with at least a little common sense. Now I am lazy, spend way too much time in the DR and have developed many bad habits. I am spending money like there is no tomorrow, supporting a Dominican family, and I am sick from eating and drinking in the DR.

Sure my sex life is great and now I have a year long tan, but at what price. I have received bad advice on love and business matters, been given wrong directions, and have been told on more than one occasion that I am now a PIG. American and Canadian women who would normally love me now find me disgusting. I can no longer live with just one cell phone, spend countless hours on DR1 chat, and now have a role model who is a Pakistani.

I have became a smuggler, developed bad driving skills, learned many bad and slang Spanish words, taken photos of naked Dominican women, befriended perverts, and find myself in conversations with stogy British citizens. I have considered getting into the brothel business, starting a Dominican porn site, and importing condoms. I have lusted over my friend?s wives and girlfriends, considered being a loan shark, and tried to sacrifice a virgin or two.

Additionally, I have learned way too much about projectors, men who carry bags for women, why someone wears the same shirt all of the time. I need my old life back, but I guess it is too late for that.

Charlie

I read and reread this Chuck and can't see the downside. Are you going to post the bad stuff later? Seems like you have the perfect life now.

 

[johnsr]

DR1 has ruined my life. I used to be a hardworking individual with at least a little common sense. Now I am lazy, spend way too much time in the DR and have developed many bad habits. I am spending money like there is no tomorrow, supporting a Dominican family, and I am sick from eating and drinking in the DR.

Sure my sex life is great and now I have a year long tan, but at what price. I have received bad advice on love and business matters, been given wrong directions, and have been told on more than one occasion that I am now a PIG. American and Canadian women who would normally love me now find me disgusting. I can no longer live with just one cell phone, spend countless hours on DR1 chat, and now have a role model who is a Pakistani.

I have became a smuggler, developed bad driving skills, learned many bad and slang Spanish words, taken photos of naked Dominican women, befriended perverts, and find myself in conversations with stogy British citizens. I have considered getting into the brothel business, starting a Dominican porn site, and importing condoms. I have lusted over my friend?s wives and girlfriends, considered being a loan shark, and tried to sacrifice a virgin or two.

Additionally, I have learned way too much about projectors, men who carry bags for women, why someone wears the same shirt all of the time. I need my old life back, but I guess it is too late for that.

Charlie

Chuck, First, who in their wright mind would call you a PIG?? :angry: I agree with Alan, where is the downside?? Chuck you are my idol, when I grow up I want to be just like you and Alan!! :classic:
John

 

[timelessdreams]

Please keep this thread on topic, thanks.

May I ask why that POST wasn't 'on topic'?

 

[cork]

Dr1

I am a new member, not so much in time but in posts. I am hesitant to share any knowledge that I might or might not have because of other members who take to verbal attacks if they don't like your opinion.

I read all the posts here and on other sites. I find some other sites to be much more civil. I was under the impression that there are specific sections in this forum for almost anything goes. I purposefully stay out of the that section as I am not ready to hold up my end of a good arguement about the DR. The problem is the argumentative style is pervasive throughout the board.

These are opinions, not facts. We are never going to change each other's opinions on anything. Let's argue the facts and accept the opinions as such.

cork

 

[deelt]

Thanks for putting your message out there Cork.

I agree with everything you said. I too go to other boards I really enjoy and it is just a healthier environment based on respectfully exchanging ideas, even when it gets ugly.

I think this "pervasive" style you speak of on DR1 detracts from real and respectable dialogue/exchange of ideas/positions. Often find slander, false inference and just cheap shots. How can anyone grow, if people are still dealing with children's playground antics?

Unfortunately, there are a few bad apples. All it takes is one bad apple to infect all the other apples in the bunch. I wish some corrective action were possible. (This is in addition to miguel's point too, whose opinion I also share).

One thing is certain I have met some really awesome people here on and off line. I think if you engage more you will find the same.

D

I am hesitant to share any knowledge that I might or might not have because of other members who take to verbal attacks if they don't like your opinion.
....
I read all the posts here and on other sites. I find some other sites to be much more civil. I was under the impression that there are specific sections in this forum for almost anything goes.....The problem is the argumentative style is pervasive throughout the board.

These are opinions, not facts. We are never going to change each other's opinions on anything. Let's argue the facts and accept the opinions as such.

cork

 

[Robert]

cork & deelt, this is true of any diverse and large community.

I guess we could all refrain from lines like...

"What a load of crap, FuegoAzul, now you sound like Nals with his theories of an H* Invasion!"

It sure would make DR1 a more pleasant place, what do you think deelt?

Then again...

Message boards ebb and flow and you unfortunately need the good and the bad for the community to grow and prosper, it keeps the scales balanced.
I know that may sound ridiculous, but if you ask any owner of a large and "personality diverse" message board they will tell you the same.

I guess we are a mirror of the DR, you soon learn to ignore the pockets of trash when you live here. Better still, we have a feature that lets you ignore the trash 100%.

Click on the posters name, view their "public profile" and then click on the "Add XXXX to Your Ignore List" link.

 

[MommC]

I started reading DR1 to learn more about the country

I call home for a good part of each winter.
There is good and bad to every message board and Dr1 has it's share of both!
I too have had birthdays missed and sometimes feel "ignored" but hey even my own family members have forgotten my bday on occasion and that is what DR1 is - a family of people who love the DR with all the good and bad that make the DR and DR1 what they are.
I love being able to keep up on things when I am not in the country and have instant access to news and weather (especially during hurricane season).
Can't wait to get back "home" and I definitely plan on having a get-together this year now that my health has stabilized. I missed seeing some of the gang in person last year as on line personas and real life persona can sometimes be two different things!

 

[BushBaby]

Grahame, as the individual who took over the birthday greetings job from Pib, I must apologize for this. earlier this year i was faced with several very difficult personal challenges which caused me to stop visiting and posting here for a while. at the time i did ask another member if they would be able to carry on the tradition for me, but when the greetings stopped i assumed that there was a reason. if members think that it is an important part of the board i would start doing it again.

regards,
mob

Thanks for the response Mob - I am sorry to hear you had some personal challenges & HOPE they are all successfully behind you. YES, I DO think it is an important aspect of a noticeboard, especially one with so many members! It is easy to forget friends birthdays what with pressures of work etc. & a gentle reminder on a board like this, allows us to show our love, respect which might otherwise have gone unsaid!

I don't consider it "Girly" to show my feelings for others & I am always happy for others to show me theirs!! By showing my true feelings, I don't have to hide behind a charade of trying to be a hard insensitive man, as many do here!! Perhaps if more showed their true feelings, this board would be more compassionate & less confrontational - having the birthday reminder in place would be a good step in that direction!! ~ Grahame.

 

[deelt]

Nice catch Robert! You are soooo right! I feel meself growing already. I was infected by them apples...thanks for making me aware of that. I've patched up that infection and here is the new reformed me:

"FuegoAzul, I really don't agree with your post. I don't think it is based on any factual evidence, rather on the presumption that the theory of the "Haitian Invasion" is in fact accurate. I really don't believe that to be the case. Have a blessed day." [Eds. note: do you feel the utopia... :laugh: ]

Oh and on the nice "ignore X" service, I didn't know that. Thanks, for the heads up. I'll use it from now on. Do you have a user guide to all of your features?

:glasses:

Life Mantra: "Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely."

Deelt

cork & deelt, this is true of any diverse and large community.

I guess we could all refrain from lines like...

"What a load of crap, FuegoAzul, now you sound like Nals with his theories of an H* Invasion!"

It sure would make DR1 a more pleasant place, what do you think deelt?

Then again...

Message boards ebb and flow and you unfortunately need the good and the bad for the community to grow and prosper, it keeps the scales balanced.
I know that may sound ridiculous, but if you ask any owner of a large and "personality diverse" message board they will tell you the same.

I guess we are a mirror of the DR, you soon learn to ignore the pockets of trash when you live here. Better still, we have a feature that lets you ignore the trash 100%.

Click on the posters name, view their "public profile" and then click on the "Add XXXX to Your Ignore List" link.

 

[ltsnyder]

Answering the origional question having read nothing past that. . . .

It searves as a source of information about the DR, an interactive source you can't get any where else. Any thing bad about it is acceptable bucause it's hard to get questions answered through any other means about DR with out DR1.

Thank you Robert, for creating and maintaining such a wonderful sight. I might not say it often, but it is a great service to all. And we have all matured a little as a result of it.

. . . . again , thank you Robert.

-Lee