i believe something should be done about the bad national publicity we have been receiveing from the press, especially the Wall Street Journal. I believe that one of the reasons people swarmed the area last year is because it got trendy (in addition to beauty). People like prada, louis vaton, and sowal because all the trendy people have a piece of it. After a bad year of hurricanes, shark bites, and poor parking people have shyed away from buying beach homes in the panhandle. And I know we all think that it's REALLY expensive and crazy last summer, but really it is not when campared to places like the Hamptons, Miami, and San Diego. We attrat the same people that have second homes there. But not if they think that we are spent and "so last year" .
Anyways, I feel that there is enough money inversted in real estate here that we should defend our selves. Anytime a company does something stupid and people start to pull away from purchasing stock they release a press statement defending themselves. If we get together and start a campaign to get good publicity for the area it couldn't hurt. I feel like something should be done. Does anyone eles feel that this may be a good idea?
Having lived here my entire life I have mixed views about pimping out my area to outsiders. I have enjoyed the vacent majestic beaches with all the other poor rural locals back in the early 80's and even though I have to share the beaches and the roads with many more people now, I do appreciate how much better off people are that have taken advantage of the real estate boom. There is much more opportunity here and there is no need for it to completely collapse before it gets big again.
Replies
59
SoWal Expert
Go to your rooms, now! 
... and take the sandbox fight with you.
Come on grown ups. This thread is supposed to be about the Wallstreet Journal's negative publicity and what "our" reaction should be to the bad press going around regarding SoWal. Any suggestions, as Kirstenon30A asks? Do you write a protest letter defending the beauty here or let nature shine through the ink on the paper? Should rental agents and owners of rental units be more concerned than a second home owners or year round residents who don't rent? Should Realtors and Brokers step up to the plate and pay and say, buy here, we love this place and you will too? etc.
Care to share?
... and take the sandbox fight with you. Come on grown ups. This thread is supposed to be about the Wallstreet Journal's negative publicity and what "our" reaction should be to the bad press going around regarding SoWal. Any suggestions, as Kirstenon30A asks? Do you write a protest letter defending the beauty here or let nature shine through the ink on the paper? Should rental agents and owners of rental units be more concerned than a second home owners or year round residents who don't rent? Should Realtors and Brokers step up to the plate and pay and say, buy here, we love this place and you will too? etc.
Care to share?
picky
Go to your rooms, now!
Come on grown ups. This thread is supposed to be about the Wallstreet Journal's negative publicity and what "our" reaction should be to the bad press going around regarding SoWal. Any suggestions, as Kirstenon30A ask? Do you write a protest letter defending the beauty here or let nature shine through the ink on the paper? Should rental agents and owners of rental units be more concerned than a second home owners or year round residents who don't rent? Should Realtors and Brokers step up to the plate and pay and say, buy here, we love this place and you will too? etc.
Care to share?
Well said, SJ. Some of the drivel posted here is getting tiresome. :roll: But back to the original subject of the post, I'm happy to say that in the Sunday Travel section of the Indianapolis paper, there was a very positive article about the beaches of South Walton. The article stressed the beauty of the white sand and the interesting architecture along 30-A. Panhandle beaches don't often get a mention in Midwest papers--it's usually Sanibel and Naples that grab our press. Perhaps this will be the start of some recognition for SoWal as more and more Midwesterners discover it and word gets out. It was, after all, a Sunday article about Seaside nearly 20 years ago that got me interested in SoWal.
Beach Fanatic
SJ: My reason for getting in the sandbox is that I wanted to be sure that we don't drive people who are well-intentioned away through sarcasm and insults and trivializing their sincerely felt concerns. (I try to teach my kids not to stand by and watch someone get trampled, so I was simply trying to do the same). That said, let's move on to trying to address the issue that was raised:
Here's what I said earlier on this thread (I only had a few minutes before work this morning, but I couldn't resist...):
"I have to go to work now so can't reply now with specific ideas (other than get the boardwalks up quickly after storms and/or have the kind of boardwalks that can be pulled up before a storm is predicted). I think my comments would have to do more with protecting many of the good things we already have (bike trail, nature, parks, etc.), managing traffic, life guards in some areas (which we'll have), supporting local businesses including restaurants/galleries/taxis/physicians. I also think having more books of all kinds about the area published (with the great photos by our growing number of photographers in this area) would be useful (e.g. history, cookbooks, poetry, photographs, children's books, etc.)."
To build and preserve loyalty to SoWal, people need to find meaningful connections to the area. So collecting and telling the history of the area will be important so people feel connected to the past. Even a history of the hurricanes, along with stories and photos, would be fascinating. The history of hurricanes seems to tell several things: (1) the area and the people in it are resilient; (2) nature has many types of beauty (a cliff and dark beach can be as beautiful as a white sand dune if that's what Mother Nature intends for a while); (3) people help each other out when faced with a crisis (For example, Criolla's offering a free picnic to the workers who worked so hard during the hurricane -- they also opened it up to passerbys and collected donations for the Red Cross). In short, the stories told about SoWal should make people feel proud to be a part of it.
So, this suggests that realtors would want to tell stories that get the kind of people who serve the community best here. For example, if we tell "buy and flip" stories, we get investors. If we tell, "this is a special places to love and preserve and build memories in", we get people who will want to connect to the area. I was told "this is a special place" stories (but then again, I actually got to buy my little piece of heaven here by "buy and flip" people...).
And, of course, stories can be published in many different places, so from a marketing perspective, collecting and publishing stories serves us well.
SJ: Since you wanted to get us on track again (thank you), what do you think?
.
Here's what I said earlier on this thread (I only had a few minutes before work this morning, but I couldn't resist...):
"I have to go to work now so can't reply now with specific ideas (other than get the boardwalks up quickly after storms and/or have the kind of boardwalks that can be pulled up before a storm is predicted). I think my comments would have to do more with protecting many of the good things we already have (bike trail, nature, parks, etc.), managing traffic, life guards in some areas (which we'll have), supporting local businesses including restaurants/galleries/taxis/physicians. I also think having more books of all kinds about the area published (with the great photos by our growing number of photographers in this area) would be useful (e.g. history, cookbooks, poetry, photographs, children's books, etc.)."
To build and preserve loyalty to SoWal, people need to find meaningful connections to the area. So collecting and telling the history of the area will be important so people feel connected to the past. Even a history of the hurricanes, along with stories and photos, would be fascinating. The history of hurricanes seems to tell several things: (1) the area and the people in it are resilient; (2) nature has many types of beauty (a cliff and dark beach can be as beautiful as a white sand dune if that's what Mother Nature intends for a while); (3) people help each other out when faced with a crisis (For example, Criolla's offering a free picnic to the workers who worked so hard during the hurricane -- they also opened it up to passerbys and collected donations for the Red Cross). In short, the stories told about SoWal should make people feel proud to be a part of it.
So, this suggests that realtors would want to tell stories that get the kind of people who serve the community best here. For example, if we tell "buy and flip" stories, we get investors. If we tell, "this is a special places to love and preserve and build memories in", we get people who will want to connect to the area. I was told "this is a special place" stories (but then again, I actually got to buy my little piece of heaven here by "buy and flip" people...).
And, of course, stories can be published in many different places, so from a marketing perspective, collecting and publishing stories serves us well.
SJ: Since you wanted to get us on track again (thank you), what do you think?
.
Beach Fanatic
Go to your rooms, now!:clap_1: :clap_1: You tell em SJ. I agree with Beach Runner though, however, I don't think people that do the attacking necessarily mean to "attack" - some definitely do and some don't. They just have their own opinions and are entitled to them.
Come on grown ups. This thread is supposed to be about the Wallstreet Journal's negative publicity and what "our" reaction should be to the bad press going around regarding SoWal. Any suggestions, as Kirstenon30A asks? Do you write a protest letter defending the beauty here or let nature shine through the ink on the paper? Should rental agents and owners of rental units be more concerned than a second home owners or year round residents who don't rent? Should Realtors and Brokers step up to the plate and pay and say, buy here, we love this place and you will too? etc.
Care to share?
BTW just noitced your new avatar SJ - very peaceful
SoWal Expert
Thanks for asking Paula.
(brief note: feel free to talk about respect for other posters, but do it on a new thread so all can learn and share. This will be helpful to new users as well as current users. Imagine logging in as a new user to the real estate thread and all you see is personal attacks rather than useful info. Just ask Unplugged, who felt this way after joining and almost stop using the board. Glad you are still with us.)
Paula, I think you bring up excellent points about creating the sense of community rather than fluffing the buy and flip market. The stories and history will make people smile and cry and want to be here for the long term, not run up the market, before pooping on it and taking the profits and leaving at the expense of the beautiful environment. I wish I was a writer sometimes, and that my writing could pay the bills. I would be eating PoorMan's Oysters for the rest of my life if I had to survive on my writing skills. (PoorMan's Oysters are freeSaltines topped off with cocktail sauce).
Several books on the history of Walton County have been written and are available at the local Library, Grayton Corners General Store, SunDog Books (Seaside), and other places. They are facinating reads.
I can understand why vacation renters, most Realtors, and short term investors want to read ample stories regarding the good side of coming to SoWal. I smile too, when I read such things, just like I do when I post a photo of the sunset from Grayton Beach. I smile because I live here and see it for myself on a daily basis. Believe me, words and photos never do the real thing justice -- never.
One reason that I joke about me paying the WSJ to run the negative stories is that I hate seeing this beautiful refuge from the busy world, getting included in the busy world. I dislike seeing it destroyed for the sake of the almighty greenback. Many of the developers do care somewhat for this area, and a few care greatly. Unfortunately, some could care less and will do whatever it takes to make it work for themselves.
Do I want to see SoWal in a no-grow box? Of course not, but I would like to see developers go to environmental classes before they are allowed to develop land. Much of the growth in this area is affecting other things in the area. Look no further than the new developments being built around Big Redfish Lake, one of which tried to get started with blatent disregard for the rules in place. I want to see growth of this area, but I want to see it managed, not the tail wagging the dog syndrome which is currently ongoing.
Without the tools of education which Paula refers to eg- local history of area, hurricanes, etc, people will not know and will not care, and we are all doomed. IMO, having good press does not help to bridle the unmanaged growth. Instead, it spurs it on.
(brief note: feel free to talk about respect for other posters, but do it on a new thread so all can learn and share. This will be helpful to new users as well as current users. Imagine logging in as a new user to the real estate thread and all you see is personal attacks rather than useful info. Just ask Unplugged, who felt this way after joining and almost stop using the board. Glad you are still with us.)
Paula, I think you bring up excellent points about creating the sense of community rather than fluffing the buy and flip market. The stories and history will make people smile and cry and want to be here for the long term, not run up the market, before pooping on it and taking the profits and leaving at the expense of the beautiful environment. I wish I was a writer sometimes, and that my writing could pay the bills. I would be eating PoorMan's Oysters for the rest of my life if I had to survive on my writing skills. (PoorMan's Oysters are freeSaltines topped off with cocktail sauce).
Several books on the history of Walton County have been written and are available at the local Library, Grayton Corners General Store, SunDog Books (Seaside), and other places. They are facinating reads.
I can understand why vacation renters, most Realtors, and short term investors want to read ample stories regarding the good side of coming to SoWal. I smile too, when I read such things, just like I do when I post a photo of the sunset from Grayton Beach. I smile because I live here and see it for myself on a daily basis. Believe me, words and photos never do the real thing justice -- never.
One reason that I joke about me paying the WSJ to run the negative stories is that I hate seeing this beautiful refuge from the busy world, getting included in the busy world. I dislike seeing it destroyed for the sake of the almighty greenback. Many of the developers do care somewhat for this area, and a few care greatly. Unfortunately, some could care less and will do whatever it takes to make it work for themselves.
Do I want to see SoWal in a no-grow box? Of course not, but I would like to see developers go to environmental classes before they are allowed to develop land. Much of the growth in this area is affecting other things in the area. Look no further than the new developments being built around Big Redfish Lake, one of which tried to get started with blatent disregard for the rules in place. I want to see growth of this area, but I want to see it managed, not the tail wagging the dog syndrome which is currently ongoing.
Without the tools of education which Paula refers to eg- local history of area, hurricanes, etc, people will not know and will not care, and we are all doomed. IMO, having good press does not help to bridle the unmanaged growth. Instead, it spurs it on.
Beach Fanatic
...So, this suggests that realtors would want to tell stories that get the kind of people who serve the community best here. For example, if we tell "buy and flip" stories, we get investors. If we tell, "this is a special places to love and preserve and build memories in", we get people who will want to connect to the area. I was told "this is a special place" stories (but then again, I actually got to buy my little piece of heaven here by "buy and flip" people...).Excellent point - as a SoWal REALTOR? these are the personal stories we like to relate to our clients and the type of client we prefer to deal with
_________________________
beats on hood
I'm happy to say that in the Sunday Travel section of the Indianapolis paper, there was a very positive article about the beaches of South Walton.And while I was getting my hair done yesterday in Buckhead (Atlanta), I read Atlanta Homes magazine. I couldn't believe how many advertisements there were for SoWal rentals, including the rental management company that we use. SoWal is getting some major ink in the press! Love it! And love SoWal!
Beach Fanatic
I have seen very positive articles about the area (restaurants, people, places) in Southern Living and Coastal Living (at least 3 times in the past 2-3 years).
Regarding history, I've read one of the books about the history of SoWal, as well as the book that was written about St. Joe's impact on the Panhandle. They were both very useful in giving a sense of history and perspective. I think a beautiful photo book with some interesting facts and stories about SoWal nature -- e.g., chapter on turtles, dunes, history (how was it founded), hurricanes, preservation efforts, alligators, ocean life, shells (not too many but there are some), sunsets, the formation and changes in the beaches (e.g., how they used to be a cyrpess (sp?) forest and that's why we have the peat "sand" and "stones", before/after photos of the growth, etc.
It would be a labor of love for someone (Joe, Kurt, Katie Blue?) and, though it wouldn't pay a salary, it would bring in some po'boy $ I'm sure. More importantly, it would be a meaningful thing to do, would bring in some income, would be a significant contribution to documenting important information about the area, as well as gorgeous photos. I think I'm talking myself into it. If I was retired or if I lived in the area, I'd definitely pursue this.
People would buy it to put in their rentals, for their homes, as something to bring home, etc. Again, mostly one would do it as a labor of love and a desire to contribute to the history of SoWal. It should not be written as a marketing tool, otherwise it will feel like a marketing tool.
It could be fun to have sections about how to talk like a local (whether local means :
Poorman's oysters: saltines with cocktail sauce
Teatime in SoWal: Having a few drinks at the beach while watching the sunset.
What else?
And a section on favorite recipes from local restaurants or food recipes from the panhandle.
Oops... I've got to go to work again... sorry for any typos, etc.
Regarding history, I've read one of the books about the history of SoWal, as well as the book that was written about St. Joe's impact on the Panhandle. They were both very useful in giving a sense of history and perspective. I think a beautiful photo book with some interesting facts and stories about SoWal nature -- e.g., chapter on turtles, dunes, history (how was it founded), hurricanes, preservation efforts, alligators, ocean life, shells (not too many but there are some), sunsets, the formation and changes in the beaches (e.g., how they used to be a cyrpess (sp?) forest and that's why we have the peat "sand" and "stones", before/after photos of the growth, etc.
It would be a labor of love for someone (Joe, Kurt, Katie Blue?) and, though it wouldn't pay a salary, it would bring in some po'boy $ I'm sure. More importantly, it would be a meaningful thing to do, would bring in some income, would be a significant contribution to documenting important information about the area, as well as gorgeous photos. I think I'm talking myself into it. If I was retired or if I lived in the area, I'd definitely pursue this.
People would buy it to put in their rentals, for their homes, as something to bring home, etc. Again, mostly one would do it as a labor of love and a desire to contribute to the history of SoWal. It should not be written as a marketing tool, otherwise it will feel like a marketing tool.
It could be fun to have sections about how to talk like a local (whether local means :
Poorman's oysters: saltines with cocktail sauce
Teatime in SoWal: Having a few drinks at the beach while watching the sunset.
What else?
And a section on favorite recipes from local restaurants or food recipes from the panhandle.
Oops... I've got to go to work again... sorry for any typos, etc.
SoWal Expert
I would buy copies for everyone I know. What a great idea Paula!
needs to get out more
As you are aware, bad press, and bad weather are cyclic(sp). And, some chucklehead up in NYC has a deadline to meet, and a minimum number of stories to produce. A little bump in the road may not be a bad thing to temper the frenzy that was last year. I agree with some of what Kristen says, but i feel we need to focus here, and not there. there are many discussions on this board regarding the ethics of some of the 'hit and run' developers who treat this area like carrion birds. we(our local govt) are unable to regulate what color sand our own neighbors are using to backfill their 'temporary' retaining walls. and, we allow vehicles to drive on said sand, quaint, but honestly, not environmentally conscious. the turtle's might as well find a place on the moon, and the dune mouse was in trouble years ago. let's direct our attention locally to get our house in order, and demand our local govt. to enforce it's own regulations, and plan for the future(something they've conveniently forgotten to do). People will come here despite bad press, word of mouth is much stronger. i feel we could use a little cooling off period. i might then actually be able to buy and build then. 
this being said from someone who makes my living from growth.
jr
this being said from someone who makes my living from growth.jr
SoWal Insider
Go to your rooms, now!
Come on grown ups. This thread is supposed to be about the Wallstreet Journal's negative publicity and what "our" reaction should be to the bad press going around regarding SoWal. Any suggestions, as Kirstenon30A asks?
Care to share?
Personally, I'm not concerned about what the WSJ, CNBC or Penthouse says about the area in the least...but then I don't have big bucks riding on the outcome.
While it's true that nature messed up the panhandle (its happened in the past) it does repair itself very nicely if given the chance.
Over-development and the real estate money-grab <IMO> also has messed up the panhandle--but I just don't see it getting any "better" with more and more development.
Visitors to South Beach (Miami) may have a need for wall-to-wall "designer" shops...the area is lined with "places to be seen" (bars, nightclubs, high-end eateries). Personally, I don't see the folks who love and enjoy the area having the need to rush out at the last moment to buy an emergency Prada handbag to swing for an evening out at the Red Bar.
I just have issues with developers and investors who want to go-for-the-gold and turn <what's left> of our area into a "South Beach Mini-Me"....that's all.
Beach Fanatic
I would buy copies for everyone I know. What a great idea Paula!
thanks...
We'll see what develops... I'd love something like this myself.
Beach Fanatic
thanks...
Paula:
We keep a copy of The Seaside Times on our coffee table at home. Our friends who stop by can't keep their hands off of it. We'd love to buy "your" book!
Beach Fanatic
It would be fun to do (I'm sure it would be more of an "our" book), we'll see what happens. I'd love to learn about the area, as would many other people. I've learned so much in the few years since we joined the SoWal community (e.g., turtles, dunes, beach changes) with so much more to learn about the area.
needs to get out more
SoWal Expert
from bldgblog this could be us if we're not careful.
jr
:shock: I thought this was a fake image at first.
Please Lord, not me.Beach Fanatic
Someone please let me know when it is proper decorum to call someone on this forum a "know it all bitc_", or an "opinionated jerk" or maybe an "economist wannebe". I really don't know how to act because I am a "money grabbing" "condo-flipping" "beholden to BOSS JOE" a-hole who wouldn't know a "doctoral thesis in economics" from a "hole in the wall".
In fact, don't bother. I'm outta here until I know the person described above accumulates enough gold bars to never have to spout her mindless diatribe on here again. Otherwise, I'm going to have to shoot myself in the head.
In fact, don't bother. I'm outta here until I know the person described above accumulates enough gold bars to never have to spout her mindless diatribe on here again. Otherwise, I'm going to have to shoot myself in the head.
SoWal Insider
from bldgblog this could be us if we're not careful.Hey, isn't that Village in Blue Mountain Beach??
jr
SoWal Expert
Hey, isn't that Village in Blue Mountain Beach??I don't think so, Bob. I recall the roofs being green in color.
Beach Fanatic
Someone please let me know when it is proper decorum to call someone on this forum a "know it all bitc_", or an "opinionated jerk" or maybe an "economist wannebe". I really don't know how to act because I am a "money grabbing" "condo-flipping" "beholden to BOSS JOE" a-hole who wouldn't know a "doctoral thesis in economics" from a "hole in the wall".
In fact, don't bother. I'm outta here until I know the person described above accumulates enough gold bars to never have to spout her mindless diatribe on here again. Otherwise, I'm going to have to shoot myself in the head.
I feel your pain but don't let 'em get you down because then they will have won. My satisfaction is that wherever they go they travel with a dark cloud over their head and that can't be a good thing. We know that we have bought at a special beautiful place and that should be enough. Enjoy it with family and friends and create wonderful memories!!!
SoWal Insider
I don't think so, Bob. I recall the roofs being green in color.You're right SJ, plus the homes are too far apart in that picture.
Beach Fanatic
I agree with Gypsea, Santiago. I enjoy reading many of the posts (including your posts) and I learn much from them and enjoy the good will and information that comes from. I don't let negative, one-track-simplistic thinking and insulting language push my buttons (Ok, I do now and then, but for the most part I simply ignore these posts because I'm not learning anything from them). I read the many, many posts that are helpful and goodwilled and ignore the rest. As for negative/hostile versus positive/supportive comments on this board, to make you feel better, here's what the research suggests about postive/supportive versus negative/cynical thinking and behaving:
People who are repeatedly cynical or who like to find flaws without offering positive solutions and without being part of the solution tend to be rated lower by their managers and tend to be promoted less and paid less (And it's not because the employers don't want to hear bad news. It's because decision-makers need more complex thinking and can-do people rather than complainers. It's probably also related to the fact that employers know that cynics tend to put people off and employers need people who are team builders and who draw people toward them and the organization, not push them away.)
People who feel and express positive emotions tend to be more productive, get promoted more, and get paid more. They also tend to be healthier, happier, and have longer lives than people who feel and repeatedly express negative emotions (this is based on decades of solid academic and medical research -- of course it doesn't hold true for everyone, but the trends are supported). People who express positive emotions tend to set higher goals (it's hard to set high goals if you assume things will turn out badly), think in more complex ways and build on the ideas of others (positive emotions "broaden and build" whereas negative emotions "narrow and tear down -- stereotyping, for example, can be seen as narrow thinking caused by negative emotions), give and draw support from other people rather than cause people to avoid them -- which makes them more valuable employees. People who express positive emotions don't avoid negative information, but they don't let it dominate their thinking and they are better able to get support for their solutions (which contributes to their success). People who feel and express positive emotions tend to deal better with stress and tend to be more resilient. They also have a lower incidence of Alzheimers (positive emotions and complex thinking seem to have a protective effect even if the brain shows physical damage similar to that which leads to Alzheimers). People who are hostile have a higher risk of heart disease as well.
Here's a good summary of the research on positive versus negative emotions and their consequences on effectiveness, success, health, happiness, and longevity:
http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/hopesprings.htm?name=health+and+safety&type=subject
In short, Santiago, my point is that I hope you stay on this board enjoy the many goodwilled and thoughtful posts on this message board (There are probably 50 positive/supportive posts to every negative/cynical/insulting post), contribute as you always have, and ignore the few posts/posters that are negative and one-track-thinking. Too much negative energy (as you pointed out) isn't good for you, and there's ample research that it's not good for the negative thinker/hostile person/cynic either.
Sorry, SJ, I just couldn't help responding to Santiago's comment even though it's not really part of this thread... It would be too bad to lose Santiago!
People who are repeatedly cynical or who like to find flaws without offering positive solutions and without being part of the solution tend to be rated lower by their managers and tend to be promoted less and paid less (And it's not because the employers don't want to hear bad news. It's because decision-makers need more complex thinking and can-do people rather than complainers. It's probably also related to the fact that employers know that cynics tend to put people off and employers need people who are team builders and who draw people toward them and the organization, not push them away.)
People who feel and express positive emotions tend to be more productive, get promoted more, and get paid more. They also tend to be healthier, happier, and have longer lives than people who feel and repeatedly express negative emotions (this is based on decades of solid academic and medical research -- of course it doesn't hold true for everyone, but the trends are supported). People who express positive emotions tend to set higher goals (it's hard to set high goals if you assume things will turn out badly), think in more complex ways and build on the ideas of others (positive emotions "broaden and build" whereas negative emotions "narrow and tear down -- stereotyping, for example, can be seen as narrow thinking caused by negative emotions), give and draw support from other people rather than cause people to avoid them -- which makes them more valuable employees. People who express positive emotions don't avoid negative information, but they don't let it dominate their thinking and they are better able to get support for their solutions (which contributes to their success). People who feel and express positive emotions tend to deal better with stress and tend to be more resilient. They also have a lower incidence of Alzheimers (positive emotions and complex thinking seem to have a protective effect even if the brain shows physical damage similar to that which leads to Alzheimers). People who are hostile have a higher risk of heart disease as well.
Here's a good summary of the research on positive versus negative emotions and their consequences on effectiveness, success, health, happiness, and longevity:
http://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/pm/articles/hopesprings.htm?name=health+and+safety&type=subject
In short, Santiago, my point is that I hope you stay on this board enjoy the many goodwilled and thoughtful posts on this message board (There are probably 50 positive/supportive posts to every negative/cynical/insulting post), contribute as you always have, and ignore the few posts/posters that are negative and one-track-thinking. Too much negative energy (as you pointed out) isn't good for you, and there's ample research that it's not good for the negative thinker/hostile person/cynic either.
Sorry, SJ, I just couldn't help responding to Santiago's comment even though it's not really part of this thread... It would be too bad to lose Santiago!
Beach Fanatic
Someone please let me know when it is proper decorum to call someone on this forum a "know it all bitc_", or an "opinionated jerk" or maybe an "economist wannebe". I really don't know how to act because I am a "money grabbing" "condo-flipping" "beholden to BOSS JOE" a-hole who wouldn't know a "doctoral thesis in economics" from a "hole in the wall".To Kirsten's original point: I think this area received some bad press during last year's hurricane season, but it was short-lived and I am reading good things about SoWal and the Panhandle.
In fact, don't bother. I'm outta here until I know the person described above accumulates enough gold bars to never have to spout her mindless diatribe on here again. Otherwise, I'm going to have to shoot myself in the head.
Hang in there Santiago - many of us can relate. We enjoy your thoughtul posts, unique point of view and reasoned thinking. Take heart - amidst all the bloviating, there are some words of wisdom.
___________________________________________
SoWal Insider
Stay Santiago, Paula likes you. The HR copy proves it. Where else do you get this much entertainment while learning at the same time...ok, maybe the History channel, but negativity is only a portion of it. It's good we all don't think alike. When we start to think alike, the Nasdaq goes to 5000, starting wars seems reasonable, and high rise condos begin sprouting like weeds.
Beach Fanatic
Yes, I like Santiago and Santiago's comments on this board -- they are helpful. I think this message board is wonderful in general -- I do learn so much about SoWal and it's fun to share a few opinions as well (and I apologize for when my opinions are too long and I'll try to make them much shorter, especially when not related to the thread's topic!)
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