Why do I stay in Active Rain?
We all say it is for the networking and business opportunities. I have wavered on that sentiment for quite a while. I on the other hand, I never have doubted the value of education in Active Rain. The quality of people who openly share with no direct return is incredible. The dollar value beyond what one can possibly imagine spending for the same information, and many times not as well thought out or presented as well.
The real answer, to why I stay in Active Rain, slapped me upside the head like a 2X4 just yesterday morning. The previous evening I sent an email to a member asking if I may call, or next day better. Immediately a response came back to call now. I asked questions and received answers to which I never doubted the honesty of, whether I was going to like the answers or not. Nor did I have any problems voicing some of my frustrations. I knew I was not going to be judged no matter how they felt of my opinions.
Then yesterday morning I received a note from yet another member. This gave me a link answering a question I had asked of the well being of their 4 legged buddy. I had a problem opening the Facebook link and the member took extra time copying and answering some additional questions I had. They then sent me a link saying if I wanted to add them as a facebook friend I could.
It was within minutes after that I knew EXACTLY why I will remain in Active
Rain for a long time. I started to click the link to give them my Facebook
personal page. I thought about it a minute and realized Active Rain members,
and especially those who follow me, know more of me and my personality
than anyone anywhere else, except possibly a few close friends, could possibly
know. I did not ask this AR member to join me on FB for it was not nearly so
personal as Active Rain. I did not want insult this distant friendship with the
insincereity.
I have a family that stretches across the USA. People I feel confident I could call anytime. Or if in their area enjoy a coffee, meal or an adult bevridge. 
A big bear of a gentleman, back east, that took note of my 100,000 point post. A lady in Florida who loves chocolate. A lady who has the same passion for movies that I do. A gent in LA who looks like he could rumble with the best of em, and yet I know to be a big teddy bear. A gent in Seattle who has a passion for teaching and sharing for which any student would be lucky to feel. A lady in Oregon that seems to be an Elvin Princess spreading good all about her lake. A gentleman from the south who motivates me daily & seemingly knowing the exact words needed that day for many. The list goes on and on. For all of you I am grateful.
So while I did not friend someone on FB, I did keep their email knowing I would drop them a note from time to time to say hello, and to say thank you. 
And with that I will say thank you to Active Rain as well. Many times the prize found is not what we were actually looking for...and yet even richer the reward.
Images courtesy of freedigitalphotos.com
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