Missing our old thing

[Leah]

At the risk of sounding pitiful, there is simply nothing simpler than ABC Teach, and yes, I really miss it. I got a lot of support from that site. As someone said, it is no offense to anyone else, it's just that we're used to what we're used to, and frankly, Sandy's site is incredibly user friendly. I do feel I've lost something that I gained support from. I am thankful for Amanda's hard work.

Leah

[TinaTx]

Leah

I completely understand! :( I think the way we posted, and being left alone made for an *incredibly warm and homey atmosphere* imho. Don't you think so? :wink: Yes I agree it was user friendly. Sandy was such a gracious hostess! However, do you think we can in time have the same *spirit* here? I dunno. It really seems like Amanda is *working her fanny off* to try to bring some uniformity/easier access to us? Maybe in time, since she is still monitoring our needs, we will have a nice layout with few changes, if any. One that we can all get accustom to using. I too don't like BIG changes since it takes my mind away from what I'm here to do. Encourage and be encouraged by other home schoolers. We all need fellowship even via the forums. So many of us are not part of group or are out in the *boonies* that this is our only means of fellowship. It sure sounds like Amanda will be open to suggestions. I'm going to try this new layout. I know if I try it for a while and I have a suggestion as to something that will make it more *user friendly* or keep us *connected* better, I'll be the first to speak up!! :wink: I too will speak up since these *changes* can be disruptive in the sense that it makes posting,navigating or otherwise feeling like we are missing that *sit down and grab your cup of coffee* spirit harder to do. But for the meantime, hopefully we can keep plugging along as Amanda has so kindly *adopted* us. I can't think of a better place I like to be than with ya'll. :D I just wanted to let you know, your not alone in your feelings!!!

Blessings
TinaTx

[Jackie]

I think what is really bothering me, Amanda, is that when you switched us over for here is the comment that the other place was designed for teachers. WE ARE TEACHERS!!! I appreciate what I hope is you trying to find the "best" way to accomodate us, and all you've been trying to do. But that comment really made me feel that you think we aren't "really" teaching and we are. Maybe we don't get paid, but we put in just as much time preparing for our classes. Heck, I'd say I put in more than my DH who is a high school teacher sometimes!

[Amanda]

I didn't mean it that way at all... If I didn't think you were "teachers," I wouldn't have opened a homeschool forum in the beginning, or expanded to HomeschoolSpot.com.

At atoz, the "homeschool" category was initially added as a temporary thing for Sandy, but after she let me know abcteach wouldn't be restructuring the forums, I wanted to set up a more permanent solution.

[Jackie]

I know you've worked hard for us, so I was sort of assuming you were trying to do what you felt was best for us. It's just that there are some teachers that are wonderful when it comes to giving advice, helping, etc. and then there are those that feel that we are totally ignorant about anything except how to have more babies, etc. Because of that, we (ie: ME!) often get defensive over such issues. The more I thought on it, the more it was bothering me, and I felt the need to say something. Thanks!

[Amanda]

I hope that my actions speak louder than words. :)

[Anonymous]

Jackie, you should have been with me when a friend asked me how I could possibly teach my daughter without a college education. She said I should find a good Christian school instead. I wonder, was she offering to pay?!

[becky]

I'm no guest!! That was me, becky. I guess I didn't log in properly the first time.

[Jimmie Lu]

I am just going to lurk around here until I decide what to do. PLEASE SANDY HEAR OUR :cry: WE ARE LOST HERE!!!

[Amanda]

Jimmie Lu,

What is it that you don't like? Can you please make suggestions? I prefer to be proactive... Instead of focusing on things you can't change, look to the things you can.

To be completely honest, I am somewhat discouraged by the negativity associated with the forums. I have put a lot of work into making them better for everyone.

Amanda

[Anonymous]

Amanda I'm sure people don't mean to sound ungratful because we are!
It's just that abc teach was kinda like an old favorite pair of shoes, and this new pair may take people awhile to break in and feel comfortable in.

One beef I am having is with this constant logging in, and I had ticked the box. Now it wont let me log in at all and I've tried over half a dozen times, I do it and it just takes me to a new log in :cry: so I am going to try and change my password, but I'm sure to forget it! :(

Jo from Australia

[Amanda]

I noticed that you are listed in the online users, but I see you are still a "guest" when you try to post.

I think there was a problem with cookies. I was having problems with it earlier, but it's remembering me now, after I did some things to fix the problem.

If you know how to reset cookies on your computer, that may help.

When I was having trouble, I had to login 2x in a row.

I'll see what else I can figure out. :)

[becky]

Jo, does anyone but you take care of your computer? I run into the same problems you have, after my husband has run all his scans for the week, such as ADAWARE. He said it disables the cookies. After he runs his scans, I have trouble getting to a lot of the places I frequent. Sometimes even my email acts funky after that.
Amanda- we really do appreciate you setting up this Homeschool Spot for us. It's not as really abcteach we miss, I bet, but really the friends who scattered after thre forums closed. I think you said earlier that there are links back to here, so maybe some of those who left abcteach will give this forum a try. Really it was the ladies who posted that made it interesting. I've noticed most forums aren't busy at all, at least the ones I've seen. Abcteach was an exception, in my experience. As I remember, all but one forum was usually busy. There was always something new to read.

[Brooke]

Hi, Amanda! I was going to point out some things with the format that I prefer to abcteach.

One of the biggest is the ability to see all of the posts while I am writing a reply. That is just huge to me!!!

I also like the emoticons. It really helps to convey the appropriate sentiment I am trying to express in a post that might be misconstrued.

You also have wonderful options for pics and urls to be added.

All in all, I like it! At first, I was miffed about having to be separated from the "teachers", but I got over it. It's not like we can't look at the other forums and post if we desire professional teachers' advice.

I'm cool with it, Amanda. 8) Thanks for caring!

[Amanda]

Jo, becky, and Brooke,

Thanks for the positive comments. I need that. :) I hope the new "spot" will be able to grow into something useful.

[becky]

And actually, I have caught myself checking out who else is browsing . :D It's comforting to see old friends online when I am!

[Anonymous]

Today when I got on-line to get my e-mail, I found a VERY unwanted ad! Then I noticed two folders under my bookmarks...both with VERY "adult" titles!!! I told all the children that the computer was HANDS OFF completely until Daddy got home. Then, when he got home, he took a look (uh, not literally :shock: ) Anyway, he had to go and delete ALL my cookies as a precaution. We've NO IDEA where they came from! As a result, I had to log in here and my other "favorite" forum. I expected that, and it really wasn't any trouble. It took me right in, and it remembered me this time, so I hope we're back to normal again.

[Brenda]

Well Amanda, I do appreciate the work you've put into this (I'm sure everybody else does too - but change is sometimes hard for us to accept - me included).

I haven't posted much lately becuase I'm still adjusting to the new format (one thing I did like about the other location was the name of the most recent poster was highlighted somewhat when there was a new post). If I don't think to look at the date of the post, I often miss the post and don't reply to it.

Thank you for your hard work - we appreciate it.

Brenda

[Amanda]

I haven't posted much lately becuase I'm still adjusting to the new format (one thing I did like about the other location was the name of the most recent poster was highlighted somewhat when there was a new post). If I don't think to look at the date of the post, I often miss the post and don't reply to it.

When there is a new post, it has an orange paper and arrow next to it. Once you are logged on and recongized from visit to visit, you will see all of the difference between the posts that are new and the old ones, just like on the other forum.

If you aren't logged on, all of the posts look the same.

You can also click on the link on the forum index that says "View posts since last visit."

Is this what you meant?

[Anonymous]

:lol: I am trying to still figure things out. I am weary of new things but I need to learn. Thanks Amanda for putting up with us. I do enjoy coming in and reading. I have learned a lot from these ladies.

[Anonymous]

When I post it is saying my username is already being used. That is why the guest is on the post above. Maybe I figure this out. Trish

[Amanda]

Be sure to log on using the box at the top of the page. If you try to log in as you are making a post, that will never work.

If you are having problems using the logon box at the top of the page, please read the thread about login problems in the Suggestions/Comments/Questions forum. There have been some problems with logging on/staying logged on/being remembered. I have made some changes.

[Brenda]

Amanda,
Do you mean that ont he main page the crayons change color (I just picked up on that one :roll: )

If I remember correctly, when I would post something on the other site and then go back to the main page my name would be highlighted (or am I thinking of a whole other website - that is possible- I don't know anymore :? I guess that's what I meant to say (but didn't come off that way)...

I'll be fine - just need to learn the ropes again. I do like the current format.

Brenda

[Amanda]

Do you mean that ont he main page the crayons change color (I just picked up on that one :roll: )

If I remember correctly, when I would post something on the other site and then go back to the main page my name would be highlighted (or am I thinking of a whole other website - that is possible- I don't know anymore :? I guess that's what I meant to say (but didn't come off that way)...

Actually, I just changed the pencils to customize things a bit. So that's why you just picked up on it! :lol:

The part I was talking about, is once you click on a forum that has new threads, the new threads have an arrow and orange paper next to them. You'll know it when you see it. :)

As for the name being highlighted, I'm not sure what you are talking about... I don't recall that option... But it's easy to miss the little features. If I don't use them, I don't know they are there.

[Anonymous]

I think what I like about either abcteach or atozteacherstuff, the orginal forum, was the ability to read and post in homeschool or school forums at the same site. I mean, we may be homeschool teachers, but that doesn't mean we don't have some great ideas or solutions for the classroom teachers that may ask for lesson plans or ideas for middleschool or....
Now, going here cuts out all the possibilities of helping out others, since I for one do not go both places to read forums.
I haven't posted or even read much here anyway, but I am sure it takes a lot of work! Thank you for working with homeschoolers at all!

Lisa Nelson

[Anonymous]

Becky, my dh does do my computer cleaning, all I do is add more and more stuff to it lol. And he did recently put ADAWARE on it! so I bet that did it. Thank you so much for letting me know. :)

Jo from Australia

[becky]

I bet that's it, because once my husband is done I have a heck of a time doing anything. He gets apprehensive, because even though I only go to teacher related sites and such, just like you experienced, I always drag something back! He's religious about running his scans!

[Amanda]

I mean, we may be homeschool teachers, but that doesn't mean we don't have some great ideas or solutions for the classroom teachers that may ask for lesson plans or ideas for middleschool or....

I see this topic coming back up, and I want to be clear to everyone that it was not my intention at all to offend anyone. When I refer to "teachers" vs. "homeschoolers" it doesn't mean that homeschoolers are not teachers, or that you have nothing to offer.

Homeschooling is a complex subject, and I feel it warrants a site dedicated to it. As I've said before, I'd like to expand to offering more resources at this site specifically for homeschool. It won't come right away. I have a post in the Suggestions area asking about what you look for in a site, etc. I will be researching the topic, and hope to build a site just for you (not just FORUMS!) So far, there are many differences between the things "homeschool teachers" look for, and the things "public/private school teachers" look for. There are some similarities as well.

When I added "homeschool" to the atoz forums, I had in the back of my mind that it should have its own forum, but I knew that it was a temporary arrangement. After I found out you all would be staying, I moved to Homeschool Spot. I didn't see a great deal of cross-posting, so I didn't realize it would be a big problem. (By cross-posting, very few people who normally posted in homeschool would post in other areas, and very few people who posted in other areas posted in homeschool.)

I don't know how well I am getting the point across. This move is not meant to be negative. I expected that it would be exciting and seen more as an "UPGRADE." I had no idea it would be taken this way, and I feel sad about it.

I don't know what else to say, but I hope that everyone understands. :)

[Anonymous]

I really like the new site. I do not have a posting problem, nor do I find it hard to navigate. I love all of the seperate topics/sections and I like having a website that is for homeschooling families/teachers only.
I believe you have done a really superb job with this site.
I have zero complaints!!
Thank you for working so hard for us and for keeping a place open for us to chat!
Crystal from CA

[becky]

Don't let yourself get pulled into this, Amanda. This is the same stuff that would happen at abcteach, the same stuff. You have been putting up with some criticism that is just plain undeserved. Some people are creating problems where really none exist. It's not hard at all to go to the top and be linked to atoz or abcteach, and forums at atoz are just a click away once you get sent there. we are being treated to so many nice options here. I'm still finding my way around and there's stuff I will ask about as it becomes needed. If someone chooses not to look here and somewhere else that's their choice, not Amanda's doing. We're grown girls here, and I see Amanda trying to pacify these critics who need to get over it. This new forum was created just for us, and most of us genuinely appreciate it. I'm sorry to get so rude, and if I was too out of line, I'm sorry.

Becky

[Anonymous]

Thank you Amanda. Your hard work is appreciated.
You made this forum for homeschoolers and it will be fun to watch it grow. I look forward to your additions. Glad to be here as your guest.
I know it is a lot of work. Thanks again.

[Brooke]

Just adding an "attagirl" to this thread, Amanda. There are always different personalities that take longer to adjust. Fortunately, I'm a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kinda person, so I'm already lovin' the way you have everything laid out for us here.

Thanks again!

[Brenda]

Amanda, I apologize. The highlighted name that I was referring to was on a whole different website - sorry to confuse you (and me too :wink: )

I see what you mean by the orange 'flag' (and I really like the colored crayons - a little extra touch that goes a long way).

What would we do without your dedication and desire to make this site easy to use and accomodating for us...THANK YOU!

Brenda

[HeidiPA]

:D Amanda,
This site was brand-new when I left for vacation last week. I couldn't wait to get home to check everything out. Of course, I've just been reading everyone's different posts, and haven't really posted any replies, but I like the site. I think it's great that you singled us homeschoolers out! I don't think of it as offensive at all; but rather as flattering that you would think enough of us to go to all the extra time and work I know you put into making this possible for us.
So, I for one want to say a great big "THANKS" and "You go, girl!"
Heidi

[becky]

Hey, Heidi! I wondered where you were hiding! Isn't it nice to get away?

[HeidiPA]

Becky,
Thanks for the "welcome back". It's nice to know I was actually missed! Wow! I'm feeling flattered! :oops:
We were at the beach for a week, and it was actually one of those relaxing vacations. Sometimes we go on vacations where we're so busy, busy every day, that we have to come home and relax! But, this wasn't like that. We had great weather every day, and enjoyed time with family. We've already reserved a place for next year.
But, it's nice to be back "home"- literally and figuratively.
Heidi

[Kathe]

[quote=LisaNelson]
I don't know how well I am getting the point across. This move is not meant to be negative. I expected that it would be exciting and seen more as an "UPGRADE." I had no idea it would be taken this way, and I feel sad about it.

I don't know what else to say, but I hope that everyone understands. :)

Amanda ... I just wanted to say everything looks GREAT !!! I have yet to figure a couple things out, but so far so good. :) I hadn't been to the a to z site in a few weeks and was unaware of any change or conflict until someone emailed me to let me know. That's why I'm jumping in here so long after the fact.

Don't feel sad ... you're right about the cross-posting issue. I think I only posted in the "teachers' " forums 4 or 5 times, so it's no biggie. Some have raised valid thoughts, but the bottom line is that you've been more than gracious and it's not your job to heal anyone's wounds over the silly notion that a degree makes a teacher. I've learned that humility makes a teacher, along with acknowledging that there's still sooo much to learn !!! :lol:

Thanks again for your past and future kindnesses on our behalf. It seems to me like you could be an instrumental 'olive branch' that tears down the stigmas.

Go in peace.

[Kristy]

:P Amanda, Thanks so much for the forum but I do too have alot of trouble logging in and finally went under another name and it's work since. I do love the site and glad you did this for us and hope you contuine to work as hard as you can to make it more friendly for us.
I do to miss abcteach and the people but it's getting alittle easier to come here now I try to come every day.
Thanks again and Keep up the good work. :P

[Lornaabc]

:lol: I think that what people miss is the closeness we had. That takes time and it will happen here too. Thanks for putting up with us. I appreciate it alot. I get great ideas from others. Hang in there we will get close again. Lorna 8)