[SunKrist]

Originally Posted by FedUpInFtMyers

Forgive me if this has been mentioned before and it is redundant, but I think the biggest problem is that we tend to generalize. Those generalizations are based on where we are living at present or the only city that we ever lived in in Florida. I used to be guilty of just that when I lived in St. Petersburg. I had moved down from the Chicago area to St. Petersburg and LOVED it. Did I make statements of "I love St. Petersburg"? No, I simply said "I love Florida". Now, after having moved to Ft. Myers from years of wonderful in St. Petersburg, I realize that I errored in my perceptions of "Florida" as a whole. Of course, I thought that living in Ft. Myers would be just like St. Petersburg, but it is a far cry from it. Getting back to the point of this thread, I feel that if you are living somewhere in Florida that you love, you should state where you are and be appreciative and even grateful because there are some cities in Florida that are so different and miserable from where you are that you cannot even imagine. I also feel that we need more compassion and empathy on this board. I guess it is easy to feel attacked when you are sitting in a wonderful place in Florida and not experiencing the problems that some are while living in other places ( I know I was defensive about it when I lived in St. Pete ), but I think that if we stop generalizing, then we can all make useful and respectful contributions here.

Very good point. I'm sure I am guilty of basing things I've said only on the places I've been in Florida. In fact, of all the places I've been in Florida, St. Petersburg is one of the only places I'd want to live.

I also agree with VAFury:

Quick suggestion and I know it won't be popular.....

Does it seem to anyone else that there are at LEAST as many threads complaining about the negativity on this board as there are threads that describe the negativity???

ie... Could it be that some of you are contributing to the "problem" without being aware of it???

I mean you all do realize that, yet, another "Why all the negativity???" thread actually INVITES negative comments to explain and answer the question, right???

I have the feeling that if the "negativity" of others wasn't addressed and rebutted as often, it wouldn't be as prevalent on this board in general. We all know the saying, "The squeaky wheel get's the oil."

I also agree with Muggy. Sometimes you just can't avoid talking about a "negative" subject. The important thing is how you talk about it. Balance is the key.

Realists of Florida, unite!

[pslOldTimer]

I don't have anything against negativity about Florida in itself. It can serve a useful purpose, and may prevent someone from making a major mistake. That's the reason most people come here, to avoid those mistakes.

HOWEVER -- I am Very Much Against inaccuracy and exaggeration, whether it's negative or positive. Unfortunately, on this forum, the lies and inflated reports are usually in the negative column.

Please, please, please -- be as negative as you feel the need, but base it on facts. Statements like "more people are leaving than entering" (not true), "The retirement home building has all but stopped here compared to what it used to be." (not true, there are probably as many retirees as ever coming here, but there are many more non-retirees and in the past it was mostly retirees -- it just looks like fewer) do not paint a true picture of Florida.

The same goes with how dangerous hurricanes are (very few actually hurt in Florida), alligators and other natural dangers (how dangerous can it be when there are 3 deaths out of over 15 million people), or crime (how many of you have actually been affected by crime?) When someone writes messages that make it seem like everyone if Florida has a $500 electric bill or no one has a job, it shouldn't scare people away -- it should make them laugh at the stupidity of the poster.

So, again, nothing against negativity in and of itself -- but everything against inaccuracy, poor research, wild claims, exaggerations and outright lies.

[BlueWillowPlate]

Originally Posted by Muggy

Interesting topic.

For me it's not whether or not things are "negative" or "positive", or whether I'm "negative" or "positive;" my photographing and posting the worst of Florida is just a natural extension of a perspective I've had for quite some time now: that at some point, you can't build happiness. The idea that paradise can be built is worth examination and criticism. Paradoxically, the building of paradise is what precisely ruined something that was in fact paradise (by many definitions).

I guess this is my position: that Florida is so bizarre, so extreme, so polarizing, so foreign and exotic, that I can't help but to take pictures and post about it.
.

Muggy, FWIW I love your posts and up to a point, I heartily agree with this one. In terms of this forum echoing what Florida is all about, I tend to see the complainers as rude and dominant--and I hate to think that Florida is that far gone.
VAFury, I did hesitate to post this Negativity thread for the very reason you bring up--it's just one more complaint on view.
I guess I reached a tipping point yesterday.
Certainly I appreciate and value constructive criticism!
An example of my problem with this forum is that someone will post a thread such as Did Anyone Relocate to Florida and Is Happy? and the patronizing naysayers throng to it like vultures on roadkill. I don't do negative reps, but I was tempted with that one.
As far as I am concerned, that's going off topic, and it happens over and over again. It happened in Shores' photo thread until finally somebody did some deleting. Natural flow of conversation is one thing, rudeness is another.

I have the feeling that if the "negativity" of others wasn't addressed and rebutted as often, it wouldn't be as prevalent on this board in general. We all know the saying, "The squeaky wheel get's the oil."

SunshineBaby
That is an interesting theory. There are plenty of negative aspects to Florida that are just plain true and do not get rebutted. Sunrico has brought up a lot of subjects for discussion which address Florida's problems. I don't think that negative subjects are taboo, that's for sure.
But of course there is no getting around the fact that some things, such as discomfort from humidity, are subjective.
I don't have a problem with agreeing to disagree.
And a little tension and conflict is actually good for a forum.
But as SunshineBaby says, Balance Is Key. And maybe some courtesy as well.

[Edvard]

"Negative" discussion is born when someone who wants to move their family to Fla asks for some input as to wages, crime, good/bad areas etc. It turns sour when those d***ed evil native Floridians make up thier lies, or at the very least..... spread false legends. These fallacies, slander, libel and falderal include:

Wages: If you know how to make a bed, or answer a phone, or even get the hang of asking if someone wants to "supersize" it, You will make more money then you have ever dreamed of. Quit your job and come on down!


Crime: Another fallacy, there is no crime in Florida. The Florida criminal justice system is so hard on criminals that they leave, or never move here to begin with. Ayatollah Khomeini used to tell the clerics "At least I'm not as hard on infidels as Florida's courts". We don't even have child molesters here in Florida.

Insurance: This is the source of much innacurate folklore. The Insurance companies can barely make ends meet, but the public and government insist on opressing and bullying them into deeper and deeper losses. They are scared to death of Government and/or policyholders....Whenever I drive by a homeless person, I pull over and pick them up and bring them home. They always turn out to be an Insurance exec begging for food to feed their families. GOD, my heart aches for them. When they urinate all over businesses and kill each other over a cigarette, I know it's really caused by their plight.

Immigration issues: There are none! The immigrant poulation here, without a doubt are always here legally, they only drive when sober, and have car insurance, not that it matters...... only native Floridians cause car accidents. It's the Canadian tourists that you need to watch out for. Especially the "Shuffleboard Loco 13's". A ruthless bunch, I assure you. I hear Mexico is going to build a giant wall to keep Californians out.

Edumakayshun: If it weren't for the world renowned FCAT, kids in Florida would be wild little hooligans with no futures. Now, when a kid reaches high school, they automatically become lifelong members of MENSA.

I really hope no native Floridians join in to "stir the pot".

They don't know what they're talking about anyway.

[Jammie]

Edvard, that was funny. Thank you for giving me my laugh of the day.

[HIF]

Edvard-
You mention the "Shuffleboard Loco 13's". Have you forgotten about the "Eastside Earlybirds"? Carrying all those baggies to the buffet in broad daylight?! The "Angry AARPS" and the drugs they tote about in small plastic bottles, consumed by their drug use- even getting them over the internet? All of these groups are dangerous, sporting "mystery dings" all over their cars.

These dangerous gangs control our state's government by registering to voting and even voting... oh, wait, that stopped several years ago. But I hear that our gov. is looking to put the power back into the hands of the people. And then watch out!

[macguy]

Originally Posted by pslOldTimer

I don't have anything against negativity about Florida in itself. It can serve a useful purpose, and may prevent someone from making a major mistake. That's the reason most people come here, to avoid those mistakes.

HOWEVER -- I am Very Much Against inaccuracy and exaggeration, whether it's negative or positive. Unfortunately, on this forum, the lies and inflated reports are usually in the negative column.

Please, please, please -- be as negative as you feel the need, but base it on facts. Statements like "more people are leaving than entering" (not true), "The retirement home building has all but stopped here compared to what it used to be." (not true, there are probably as many retirees as ever coming here, but there are many more non-retirees and in the past it was mostly retirees -- it just looks like fewer) do not paint a true picture of Florida.

The same goes with how dangerous hurricanes are (very few actually hurt in Florida), alligators and other natural dangers (how dangerous can it be when there are 3 deaths out of over 15 million people), or crime (how many of you have actually been affected by crime?) When someone writes messages that make it seem like everyone if Florida has a $500 electric bill or no one has a job, it shouldn't scare people away -- it should make them laugh at the stupidity of the poster.

So, again, nothing against negativity in and of itself -- but everything against inaccuracy, poor research, wild claims, exaggerations and outright lies.

It would be hard to exaggerat the crime. As far as being affected we all are whether we realize it or not. You find yourself making sure you have your cell phone for fear of getting stuck somewhere and knowing just walking to a phone booth, if you could find one, can be risking your life. You find yourself not going on vacations because you know you can return to an empty house. You don't have to have been personally robbed as many of us have to not have it impact your life on a daily basis.

No two ways about it, south Florida is a dangerous place and you have to be conscious of your surroundings at all times. Most people go from their homes to their cars and drive around with the windows up, the air on and are oblivious to what goes on around them. I am sure they like it that way, ignorance is bliss so to speak. But get on a bicycle or walk and see it up close and personal, even areas you believe are safe and you will discover it is not what you think. I Used to be a bike rider almost full time, we didn't even own a car for several years and it can be very scary I will tell you.

[bmurphy]

Originally Posted by pslOldTimer

I don't have anything against negativity about Florida in itself. It can serve a useful purpose, and may prevent someone from making a major mistake. That's the reason most people come here, to avoid those mistakes.

HOWEVER -- I am Very Much Against inaccuracy and exaggeration, whether it's negative or positive. Unfortunately, on this forum, the lies and inflated reports are usually in the negative column.

Please, please, please -- be as negative as you feel the need, but base it on facts. Statements like "more people are leaving than entering" (not true), "The retirement home building has all but stopped here compared to what it used to be." (not true, there are probably as many retirees as ever coming here, but there are many more non-retirees and in the past it was mostly retirees -- it just looks like fewer) do not paint a true picture of Florida.

The same goes with how dangerous hurricanes are (very few actually hurt in Florida), alligators and other natural dangers (how dangerous can it be when there are 3 deaths out of over 15 million people), or crime (how many of you have actually been affected by crime?) When someone writes messages that make it seem like everyone if Florida has a $500 electric bill or no one has a job, it shouldn't scare people away -- it should make them laugh at the stupidity of the poster.

So, again, nothing against negativity in and of itself -- but everything against inaccuracy, poor research, wild claims, exaggerations and outright lies.

Thank you so much. That was a super post and you hit it right on the head. Few people die in hurricanes. Crime is everywhere. I live where crime is "high" and nobody here that I know nor have I been affected by crime. Just stay out of the ghettos. It's the same as everywhere else.

Almost any state has some things that are more expensive than other states. Homeowner's insurance is one example of that in Florida. Stop moaning about it. Many things in Florida are cheaper than a lot of states.

No offense Edvard, but I dont think that's funny. That's pretty dull humor. Oh wow, so you took some stereotypes and swung them. Not very hilarious or tasteful IMO.

[ontheroad]

Wonderfully put and should be replicated on many of the forums. Thanks for sharing it today!

Originally Posted by cil

I agree with what Florigidge says here.
I've posted in BOTH the Worst of Florida and Shores' photo threads.
I appreciate reading and taking part in conversations which address the resolution of Florida's very real issues. Some of these problems are peculiar to Florida, but many are the nation's as a whole.
Offering facts is one thing. Nobody wants glowing, sugarcoated chamber of commerce hype.
But the negative hyperbole that so thoroughly permeates this forum makes me not want to visit anymore.
It's like trying to have a conversation with grownups and some little kid keeps yanking on your shirt, interrupting.

[Edvard]

Originally Posted by hereinfla

Edvard-
You mention the "Shuffleboard Loco 13's". Have you forgotten about the "Eastside Earlybirds"? Carrying all those baggies to the buffet in broad daylight?! The "Angry AARPS" and the drugs they tote about in small plastic bottles, consumed by their drug use- even getting them over the internet? All of these groups are dangerous, sporting "mystery dings" all over their cars.

These dangerous gangs control our state's government by registering to voting and even voting... oh, wait, that stopped several years ago. But I hear that our gov. is looking to put the power back into the hands of the people. And then watch out!

Oh yes, the eastside OilyBoids, they will jump off the three wheel bikes and get all Geritol on yo ****