I come on here periodically to try to read some area news. I miss my home town and would love to live there again if there were jobs available. It is really hard to read some of the posts on here. It discourages me to know that people can act this way. The nasty comments the gossip and rude behavior isn't something to be proud of.
I know that things can be hard when living back there. I grew up there with just my dad raising us and we struggled. My wish is that the people would unite and try to make things better for one another, not feud and fight. I know that this will probably never happen but I felt like posting this in hopes that it would touch some hearts and minds. I know that the owners of these discussion boards are trying to do something good and it probably discourages them as well to have them used in such a bad way. Please take some time to think about the things you are going to say before you say them and decide whether they are from a good place or not.
I have no standing here and know that these are only suggestions from someone who doesn't live there anymore. I would just like some of you to know that there are others outside of the area that visit here and would like to see better things from her home town. The place where her heart still is.

I used to remember Dickenson County so fondly, dreamed of moving back to be part of the community again. . . but when I read some of the things people post, full of anger and hate and negativity, I don't want to have anything to do with the place. I don't expect happy news all the time and I appreciate good discussions on problems and solutions, but all the name-calling, innuendo, lack of respect and civility makes me think I should count my blessings that I got out of the area.

It just makes me sad.

I don't come here often because of that.

You said it all beautifully, NC resident.

some hearts and minds were touched. Thanks for agreeing.