Would you rather have a natural discussion or respond to a list?

[GQBlues]

...
So, let's wind the clock back +/- 4 years and take careful note of the change in style... if only to offer a glimpse of what I consider GC's own growth, though some will take issue with my choice of label...

I don't quite agree re: growth.
 
Any progression in my relationship with my wife and the growth within our marriage have absolutely nothing to do with any of my post/s. I can't speak for anyone else's if that is being the case for some. Even my wife, when she used to post in forums her first year, year-and-a-half, she found redundancy in it much quicker than I do. Forums are strictly entertaining. Good substitute for idle time.
 
As for the flavor of my posts then compared to now, I simply chalk that up to present company considered. I used to believe my old Sta Monica HS was the best thing going. But then, I also used to believe we were the baddest of the bad because we smoked cigarettes in the boy's room. That, compared to present day campus with metal detectors, barred windows and gangbangers in the wings, do have a tendency to change one's perspective to maintain objectivity. Do I still feel SMHS is the best thing going? I used to, but not anymore.
 
To me that evolution isn't growth.
 

...While I've sat back and smiled at some of the distancing/denial declarations, accusations and retorts (to and fro)...

Please elaborate.

[ML]

. . . that internet discussion boards are no place to hone one's dating skills, period. Until one puts in sufficient time "on the street" - and is able to discern what feels right, what works, what does not, and what skills really define one in an honestly objective way, no modicum of advice offered here is likely to make or break a WM's success - that's entirely in his own hands, based on personal experience and level of confidence.

Despite the truth of the above, I continue to believe there is usefulness to be discovered by newbies from reading the postings on this board.

I can't say that I followed any specific advice that I read here;  however, in my planning and behavior I was surely influenced by what I had read.  If nothing else, the reading added to my sense of confidence as I sallied forth.  Nothing surprising or terrible happened to me; and again, surely some of this came from the wealth of info I had read here.

Just as I finished typing the above, I started thinking about who had provided the most useful info about this venture.  And it wasn't even close.  One person stands above all others.

That person was Jack.  I immediately saw the value of his preachings; (1) cast a wide net (not in terms of geography, in fact you want to limit geography) but in terms of massive first mailings and (2) never do a WOVO (unless to visit the gal you are already engaged to).  I never met Jack, nor have I ever used any of his services; but I benefited immensely from his imparted wisdom.  Thanks Jack.

Second in terms of influence on me were several of the FSUW who post  here (particularly in the past, but some current also).  But their influence was much different than Jack's.  From those women I saw that FSU was not immune to beeches from he!!.  They caused me to be a little more alert and wary than I would have been had I bought into the idea espoused by many men (and women) here that FSUW were superior to WW in many (most) ways.

Many men here continue to worship the general idea of FSUW, and regularly advise newbies to pay close attention to what FSUW here write.  I also advise this; but for a much different reason.

There are however, about 5-6 FSUW posting here who are true jewels that I would love to have as friends.

[Muzh]

Despite the truth of the above, I continue to believe there is usefulness to be discovered by newbies from reading the postings on this board.

With all due respect, you cannot instill common sense into someone who lacks/refuses such. The most you can do is ridicule him.
 
 

Second in terms of influence on me were several of the FSUW who post  here (particularly in the past, but some current also).  But their influence was much different than Jack's.  From those women I saw that FSU was not immune to bitches from he!!.  They caused me to be a little more alert and wary than I would have been had I bought into the idea espoused by many men (and women) here that FSUW were superior to WW in many (most) ways.

It just shows you can have disdain towards women regardless of the country you go to.

[Patagonie]

I am wondering if you would rather answer a list of questions or would prefer a natural discussion about a set of topics. I am referring to serious topics that would gauge compatibility.

It may seem overwhelming to just send a list, but to effectively work a question in would take a lot of time.

Questions such as:

Do you want to pursue a career?

Describe your ideal man...

Any VDs, etc.?

I have a list of deal-breaker questions from my experiences dating.

I don't think that this type of list has any value.
You can ask one or two questions in an email, but it shouldn't be too systematic.

Let come your questions with the flow.

Which certitude do you have her answering the truth or knowing the exact answer ?

[Muzh]

I don't think that this type of list has any value.
You can ask one or two questions in an email, but it shouldn't be too systematic.

Let come your questions with the flow.

Which certitude do you have her answering the truth or knowing the exact answer ?

Absolutely.
 
A couple of questions showing curiousity is not the same as waterboarding her into submission.

[Muzh]

P.S. Pat, et.al. Where's the rage for ML using this derrogatory term?

[calmissile]

ML,
Great post.
Your right about the FSU 'jewels'.  They do make great off-line friends and provide good advice at a personal level.

For the others, I wonder if there is a menapause epidemic going on.         

[Boethius]

For the others, I wonder if there is a menapause epidemic going on.         

And then we wonder why they stop posting.