AAH! THE OLD NEIGHBORHOOD!
Many years ago, my husband and I bought a unit in a Homeowner's Association. We lived there for a total of 9 years. We were happy there for a total of 3, after which, we couldn't wait to get out.
It was brand new and being built in 3 stages. We were the 2nd family to move into Stage 1. Over the next couple of months, it filled up. We lived on a construction site.
We were a diverse group back then and we bonded over a shared decision to take a chance on the community and the challenges of moving into one still being built. They called us Pioneers.
Way before a cellphone or two could be found in everyone's pocket, a community in progress meant no electricity. Those early months translated into no phone or T.V. service, streetlights, etc. We moved in on the 4th of July. Late fall, power was finally installed.
It took several years for the entire complex to be finished. Way before it was completed, the community lost its magic. Where were the homeowners who used to gather at the clubhouse, the pool or in front of their homes just to catch up with each other's lives and chitchat about local events? What about the children who played together with no regard to age/gender or shared cultural history?
They had been replaced with gossiping, back-stabbing individuals; each with his own agenda. The ones who came after didn't understand that the ones who came before used to genuinely like each other. They forced the early homeowners to take sides. Communication broke down; rivalry sprang up.
It was never designed nor advertised as a 55+ community, nevertheless, older homeowners protested the entrance of school buses on the premises. They would have preferred the children wait on the main street. The mature residents argued a playground in the common area would be an eyesore, although, after it was built, they took great pride in bringing their grandchildren. "Nostalgic America" refused admittance to the ice cream man because his music gave them a headache. But the most egregious behavior of all, was when they pitted young against old, the Pioneers against those who came after.
AND I TELL YOU ALL THIS BECAUSE...
lately, it saddens me to see all the posts that have been written about how ActiveRain is no longer the community it used to be. Many of the founding members have left; they're not interested in writing anymore. We could choose to give them the benefit of the doubt. Maybe they have enough business or they've outgrown their need to blog about their daily real estate experiences.
More than likely, some became dissatisfied when the community changes were coming fast and furious. With 216,000 plus members, for sure, there were growing pains. Change isn't easy and it's not always perceived for the better. In the beginning, it was uncharted territory.
AR, you were small, once, and anyone who hung out here knew everyone else on the site. Your members made wonderful memories with virtual parties, milestone celebrations, and the hijacking of each other's posts. At times, the articles stayed on the blogroll for hours!
I wasn't here in the earliest days but I've also seen a difference. In my 15 months as an AR member, even I've seen it evolve to a point where, sometimes, I just don't recognize a lot of the faces anymore. Yes, things have changed. How could they not?
But like the HOA I once purchased which continues to thrive to this day, AR will live on.
Most relationships were never meant to last forever. When the time comes for you to move on, hold the memories you made in your head and close to your heart.
I know you had the time of your life!
Comments(35)