Quoting Addicted2DVD:

Quote:
- 2013 Theater Visits... not everyone can afford to go to the theater and see a bunch of films
- 2013 DVD/BD LIST.... seeing all the films/shows that people are watching.... watching new releases  that some can't get and see right away. And some people don't have the time to watch stuff as others do.
- DVDs / BluRays purchased 2013.... some people can't get releases like they used to.
- What DVDs have you bought this week?.... some people can't get releases like they used to.
- What Blu-rays have you Bought this Week.... some people can't get releases like they used to.

Not exactly the same thing. Everyone can afford to do these things if they save to do so. I may be a real treat when it happens; but it's feasible.

However, very few people get freely given hundreds of DVDs.

It's a subtle difference, but it IS different.

Please don't take my devil's advocate stance on this matter as an attack Pete. That's the last thing I'm doing.

all I can say is it feels pretty singled out to me. I realize you didn't mean it that way. But it definitely felt like it. Definitely has me pretty down this morning... not for what this thread is about... more for the feeling of being singled out. Whether it is meant that way or not.

I personally don't see those other threads any different at all.  Just because the ones in this thread was given by some kind and generous people don't change the fact it is still a list of added to my collection DVD. And in my opinion this thread has the bonus of showing there is good and generous people still out there in the world... and it shows those generous people how thankful I (or anyone that feels free to post here) am and how happy and excited I am... not necessarily from what I am getting but from the generosity itself.

as I said... if someone feels the way you are talking about... they do not need to look at the thread.

Maybe even my review threads should be looked at as a problem too. They could be seen as "rubbing peoples noses in it as well." I mean after all we are playing devil's advocate here.

Quoting rorymatt:

Quote:
Personally I like reading Pete's thread for no other reason than it shows that there are still some very nice and kind people in this seriously screwed-up world. I for one am happy for Pete have the good fortune to some of them. 

Rory

Rory said what I would've!

Lori

found out I will be getting...

Shouldn't have said anything. Sorry for upsetting you Pete as that's not what I wanted or intended to do.

In my defense, I always try to operate from this perspective:

"I've lost my house for some reason (fire, disaster, etc), would I want someone coming up to me and telling me how lovely their home is? The answer is no, I wouldn't. Some distance is required before I can be happy with other people's good news when I have personally suffered a loss of any kind.
But...how long is enough and how do I know what's going on in other people's lives? I don't - so the best thing to do is err on the side of caution and keep my good news to myself and those closest to me."

I've been on both sides of the above situation and neither was particularly enjoyable. So, I'm always aware that I could hurt others by telling them of my good fortune.

This state of mind comes from many years of working in a Jobcentre where we were trained to never say "How are you today," or "Happy Christmas" (at that time of year) because the comeback from customers could (and probably would) be "How do you think I am? I haven't got a job and I can't afford to feed my children!" or "I'm not going to have a very happy Christmas because I haven't got a job."
People hurt for all kind of reasons, and, in my experience, it's best not to draw their attention to that hurt if at all possible.

I really, truly, am sorry that you felt singled out, Pete. But, in all fairness, your thread is the most blatant example of good fortune coming to a single individual. The other threads you mention are spread out among many people.
My intention was not to upset you, but merely to point out an alternative way of thinking about this thread and your posts. Anyone who has read enough of your posts can assume that you don't have a mean bone in your body; but it only takes one person to be upset for a real attack to happen.

You've already been asked if you were 'terminal'. Given your recent family situation you could have taken great offence at that question. But, it's easy to see why that assumption could be made.

Anyway, this is the last I will say on the subject. I personally don't have a problem with your thread or your good luck - but, at the same time, I'm honest enough to admit that I think other people might; and it was for that reason alone that I asked if you had considered how this thread could be perceived.

Quoting Addicted2DVD:

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At the same time... I can't spend my life worrying how other people perceive everything and anything I post. If I did that I may as well never post anything on any forum ever again. You have no idea how someone may take any post ever made. In the case of this thread the title alone is enough to tell people what the thread is about. If someone finds the thread bothersome then they shouldn't open the thread.

Absolutely agree.

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With the way you are talking... people taken offense out of being asked "How are you?"... you may as well become a hermit and never talk to another human being for the rest of your life.

Taken out of context I can see your point. However, when in the context I stated I was merely pointing out that taking into account another person's feelings is a good thing to do. If I met someone on the street or in another social situation I would, of course, ask them how they are or if they had a nice Christmas.
But, would I go into a terminal ward in a hospital and ask the patients if they'd made any New Year's Resolutions? No, I wouldn't as it would be hurtful and inconsiderate.
That's the point I was trying to make.
Everyone has a right to say what they want to whom they want, in any manner they choose; but, they should also consider those around them when they do so. At least, that's how I try to live my life.

I never considered that asking you if you'd considered the perspective I was detailing would upset you. If I had I would never have asked you in the first place. It's a very good example of what I'm talking about. I assumed you wouldn't have a problem with being asked about this. You have, however, said you are hurt. I'm sorry for that. In future, any such questions will be asked via PM.

My last post that you chose to misquote was merely a way to explain to you why I had asked my initial question.

Quoting Addicted2DVD:

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with the title of the thread it should be clear what the thread is about.

Actually no. When you first started this thread I thought it was about donations to charity, etc. I thought you had gotten together, or were requesting donations to create a DVD Care Package to give to others.

I was wrong.

If the title of this thread was 'DVDs I've Been Given' then it would be clear what the thread contains.

Quoting Addicted2DVD:

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I personally don't see those other threads any different at all.

In my opinion, your's is different. It's pretty much cooler. I like to read this one while I'm totally ignoring the other ones.