Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

Rosamaria

Mar 2, 2003, 8:38 PM

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What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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Well I'll probably get nailed for this post, but here goes. I have been following this Forum for 2 years. The information posted throughout that time has been helpful. Because of the great information given, I came down and stayed a month...of course fell in love with Mexico and the generous spirit, courtesy, politeness of the Mexican people I met. But now this bickering, cat-fight atmosphere between a few posters on this forum, have turned it into a cyber-space world class wrestling match. The forum is being abused and has taken on such a NEGATIVE spin. The old adage, "if you can't say something nice" - "don't say anything at all" should be adhered to a bit more often. Instead of the slash and burn that's going on....give us who are trying to make the move....incouragement....not all who want to move to Lakeside have the luxury of good pensions or retirement portfolios. There are some who have been hit with huge adversity......job loss after 911....and no NEW job in sight...eat up your assets just to pay $500 a month health insurance premiums....when your body lets you down at 50 with advanced rheumatoid arthritis....and when your "disability check is only $1100.....with the high costs of meds....not to mention medical insurance.....this dream of Mexico gives us something to look forward to....to have some hope. We pray it will give us the opportunity to live with some joy....favorable weather....we will still struggle yes....but there is a better quality of life if you can enjoy the simple things and don't try to duplicate your stateside "stuff". You are in Mexico....live it! PLEASE don't ruin this wonderful opportunity to talk with people around the world.....bring back the great question and answer forum.....and quit your "bitchin"! p.s. I have lived in Europe and the Far East....and now Mexico will be my last great adventure.

zapata Bob

Mar 2, 2003, 10:18 PM

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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I couldn't agree more! I've enjoyed this forum and learned a lot in the process, now there is so much trash to wade through, it's greatly diluted the value and the opportunity to enjoy it! Many of the sensable, intelligent posters do not even bother anymore! I suggested the other day that David start a "fools forum" for those who just want to jabber. All posts from their direction would be automaticly diverted to those who can't remember how to be sensable!

joshjay

Mar 3, 2003, 5:51 AM

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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You are right on target Rosemarie - medical insurance, cost of housing, and a choice whether to continue supporting this lifestyle or opting out for a hopefully simpler less expensive life in Mexico. I do look to this board for information. I do get private replies which are very specific and informative and for those I am grateful. There are people on this board who take the time to give thoughtful replies both on and off the board.

Perhaps another forum is in order for those without large pensions or portfolios. Just a forum for those like you and I dreaming on a limited budget.

Gil

Mar 3, 2003, 8:15 AM

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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It's my hope that you will not get nailed for your post even though it is not negative and does not mention anybody's suit. Your positive mental attitude and rounded experiences should allow you a rich life in Mexico even without the finances to buy stateside "stuff". As they say the best things in life are free.

juan david

Mar 3, 2003, 12:23 PM

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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Rolly's tag line "this is a good time to be living in Mexico" sums it up pretty well. We've only been living here a couple of months and we really are enjoying all the oft' quoted benefits of la vida buena. We are I think, kinda middle class retirees. We see lots of people with bigger houses, cars etc and lots living on less. I think the budget thing gets way overblown and is not at all what living here is about. At this stage, isn't the objective to live as well and as happily as your means allow? We don't buy the premium brand stuff that we used to take for granted, but with fresh strawberries at 10 pesos a kilo, who cares. Some of the arguing gets a bit pedantic at times, but has little to do with the reality of living here. The life here is good and it ain't gonna change because of some of the bickering on the forums. Keep your positive attitude, it'll work very well for you when you get here. Good luck to you!
" let sleeping dogs lie"

Rosamaria

Mar 3, 2003, 1:28 PM

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Re: [ian] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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Thanks....A positive outlook! How refreshing! I appreciate your response. It really does help us who are in the agonizing stages of getting ready to make a major change in our lives. Getting the house put together....ready to market...etc etc etc. This forum is my relief of the daily stress. I've read it religiously....hope more information on transisition and daily life will be included and less of the trivial bickering. I'm on my way for a month visit in June to set some things in motion. My best to you!

sparks

Mar 3, 2003, 6:59 PM

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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All I want to know .. is are you guys willing to pay for this quiet converstion starting tomorrow.. It may be only the 4 of you

Don

Mar 3, 2003, 8:15 PM

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Re: [sparks] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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Wrong Sparks, there are now 5 of us.

Ed and Fran

Mar 4, 2003, 7:52 PM

Post #9 of 10 (831 views)

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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Just my opinion (since we're not in the area) but I believe the bickering and sharp tone of voice on the forums (not just this one) is more a characteristic of how people are acting/reacting on discussion boards in general these days, and probably not as much a characteristic of how the people in the Chapala area would interact if they were having the same discussion in person. Not that everyone would agree on issues, but the impersonality of electronic conversation, mixed with the ability to immediately respond, seems to generate this type of impolite response.

You would expect it on a political topics board, but I even see it on a board that I frequent which is devoted to one of my hobbies. Now that's strange, to see adults, supposedly discussing a relaxing hobby, 'yelling' at one another in red capital letters!!

I'd draw a parallel to what I see at work with email correspondence these days, versus how the same topics would have been dealt with "in the old days" through either a phone call, visit, or the old typed out (and therefore probably more 'thought' out) memo. I can see a lot of the same quick, ill chosen phrase being escalated into a major email flame war because the people didn't have the benefit of talking face to face where they may have either been kinder in their phrasing or been better able to smooth things over.

There will always be differences of opinion, and a lot of those on subjects of importance. And there will always be jerks who escalate things or irritate others with their responses. It just seems to me that we see a lot more of it on discussion boards.

Enough of that, we now return you to your regularly scheduled programming......

E and F

Uncle Donnie

Mar 6, 2003, 3:57 PM

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Re: [Rosamaria] What's happening to the Ajijic/Chapala Forum?

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Hi Rosamaria,

As I'm sure you're already aware, the author's index will lead you to a number of writers who either live in Mexico or visit regularly for extended periods. For instance, Karen Blue's articles always offer an insightful look at any number of aspects of life in the Chapala area. Wendy Devlin and Susan Dearing write about our beautiful neighboring state of Colima, and others cover a wide variety of places and topics.

The forums are fantastic for specific answers in many cases but the rest of Mexconnect offers a lot of information also.

And whichever poster wrote about civility in face to face communications is correct. You'll find most of us to be relatively friendly down here.

Good luck with your move.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com