At S&M we care about the health of Vampires...
I got into a conversation with someone about the purpose of Online Vamp Communities. It got me to thinking about what I have always hoped to accomplish with Smoke & Mirrors, so I did some self analysis of my intentions and this is what I came up with:
I've been a member of the OVC for a long time. I've seen groups and communities come and go. Some were good and some were bad, but most tried to give vamps a place to talk about their needs, and often offered support in various ways.
When I opened S&M I wanted a place where Vamps could discuss ANYTHING that was of interest or concern, and get feedback from others of their own kind and those who support the community...
In the process of the boards growing pains, I came to realize that vamps need more than just verification that they are not alone. I discovered that what Vamps REALLY need is HOPE.
Most of us come from less than ideal backgrounds. Lots of us have dealt with trama and loss, some vamp related, some not.
Many of us have lost hope, along the way, of EVER living happy, productive lives (those who are happy and well adjusted don't NEED the OVC, for the most part)
I want you to know... I BELIEVE that Vampires can THRIVE. Its about MORE than survival. Its about being happy. Its about having the skills to be productive and live well.
I'm always proud to a part of this culture of creative, caring, intelligent folks. I BELIEVE in us, as a group, as well as individuals. I BELIEVE that given a chance to learn skills, and given support and encouragement, Vampires are amoung the fastest learning, charismatic, survivors on the face of the planet, and I believe we can change our worlds into places that are friendly to us.
Here on S&M we have tried to provide our members with everything they need to live happier lives. Wether that is learning magic skills, or learning life skills or learning people skills, we try and provide information to increase the quality of the lives of Vampires, Kin and those who support us.
Smoke and Mirrors is a special place.
Yes there are squabbles, yes there are fallouts.. but in the long run they almost never last, and very few people are cast out of our community for longer than an extended "cooling off" period. (usually the longest is about 6 months, barring further disruptions... YES THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS to the rule!)
NOTE: We have a total of about 6 people on our permenently banned list. Not bad in over 4 years.
In many ways S&M is warm, safe and womblike.
Mods and Admins check every post and every profile of every member, to insure nothing illegal or dangerous is going on. We trya nd keep flaming to ONE forum, and dont' allow bullying. we watch younger members hawkishly, to prevent them from coming to harm, while they are here. We do it because we CARE.
In the long run, we've tried to create a place where people in the community have space to grow. Everyone who works on S&M does so on their own time. We do it out of love.
Even after 4+ years, Smoke and Mirrors is still a living, breathing, growing entity.
I'm proud to be a part of it.
I thank YOU for being a part of it TOO!
Remember: S&M is here for YOU. Vampires CAN do more than Survive... Vampires CAN THRIVE!
Loving Thoughs to you all
Lady CG.
Smoke and Mirrors Message board: http://p203.ezboard.com/fsmokeandmirrors34981
Smoke and Mirrors Website: http://www.smokenmirrorshome.com/
I've been a member of the OVC for a long time. I've seen groups and communities come and go. Some were good and some were bad, but most tried to give vamps a place to talk about their needs, and often offered support in various ways.
When I opened S&M I wanted a place where Vamps could discuss ANYTHING that was of interest or concern, and get feedback from others of their own kind and those who support the community...
In the process of the boards growing pains, I came to realize that vamps need more than just verification that they are not alone. I discovered that what Vamps REALLY need is HOPE.
Most of us come from less than ideal backgrounds. Lots of us have dealt with trama and loss, some vamp related, some not.
Many of us have lost hope, along the way, of EVER living happy, productive lives (those who are happy and well adjusted don't NEED the OVC, for the most part)
I want you to know... I BELIEVE that Vampires can THRIVE. Its about MORE than survival. Its about being happy. Its about having the skills to be productive and live well.
I'm always proud to a part of this culture of creative, caring, intelligent folks. I BELIEVE in us, as a group, as well as individuals. I BELIEVE that given a chance to learn skills, and given support and encouragement, Vampires are amoung the fastest learning, charismatic, survivors on the face of the planet, and I believe we can change our worlds into places that are friendly to us.
Here on S&M we have tried to provide our members with everything they need to live happier lives. Wether that is learning magic skills, or learning life skills or learning people skills, we try and provide information to increase the quality of the lives of Vampires, Kin and those who support us.
Smoke and Mirrors is a special place.
Yes there are squabbles, yes there are fallouts.. but in the long run they almost never last, and very few people are cast out of our community for longer than an extended "cooling off" period. (usually the longest is about 6 months, barring further disruptions... YES THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS to the rule!)
NOTE: We have a total of about 6 people on our permenently banned list. Not bad in over 4 years.
In many ways S&M is warm, safe and womblike.
Mods and Admins check every post and every profile of every member, to insure nothing illegal or dangerous is going on. We trya nd keep flaming to ONE forum, and dont' allow bullying. we watch younger members hawkishly, to prevent them from coming to harm, while they are here. We do it because we CARE.
In the long run, we've tried to create a place where people in the community have space to grow. Everyone who works on S&M does so on their own time. We do it out of love.
Even after 4+ years, Smoke and Mirrors is still a living, breathing, growing entity.
I'm proud to be a part of it.
I thank YOU for being a part of it TOO!
Remember: S&M is here for YOU. Vampires CAN do more than Survive... Vampires CAN THRIVE!
Loving Thoughs to you all
Lady CG.
Smoke and Mirrors Message board: http://p203.ezboard.com/fsmokeandmirrors34981
Smoke and Mirrors Website: http://www.smokenmirrorshome.com/