I guess we have something in common: This is my first diary too. I'd like to say I wish your first posting hadn't drawn a reaction with such intense disapproval. You know, we Kossacks are one of the world's toughest audiences. We want - and generally expect - diaries with lots of substance, on issues that mean a lot to us.You talked about being 19 and wanting to connect with someone about 20 years of age. That's a downright important issue for one of your age. Unfortunately, your private life is just not that big a thing to most of us. (I myself just celebrated my 60th birthday, so that age was a long way back for me!) I just saw a 16 year-old have her first posting received here with a great deal of enthusiasm and praise. But she addressed issues the Kos community commonly holds quite important, and she showed deep understanding in her very perceptive reflections.
This is a community of ideas. In general, we are in no way just concerned about who's popular with this clique and who that clique doesn't like. If a poster offers significant ideas on (what we consider) important topics, the community is quick to applaud and welcome them. The plain fact is that your discussions just didn't mean that much to us. I'm sorry it turned out that way, but that is what happened.
Now we
could have been more tactful, and we
could have explained the situation more gently to you. But as it happened, this community has recently suffered some nasty "troll" postings and our sensitivities were "pumped up" so perhaps we did react a bit harshly. Now what I suggest is this: Let's all back off, give it a rest, and try starting all over again later.
I myself would like this very much. And I did enjoy all the recipes in these threads, including yours, Wonka. They made me hungry.
Bring them back. NOW!