How we make 'others' feel

[Aion]

I might actually mention that on the topic of how you make others feel is for all those who talk about how apparently negative or confused or cliquey or whatever other issue this forum has, do you ever think about how it might make us feel, those who have poured hours in to sharing and being a part of this forum? Do you have any idea how it feels to constantly feel like your participation is negative for the community, especially when you really just want to join in?

It seems the feelings of us 'regulars' aren't important because we have all been here so long that we are responsible for it being a 'good place for seekers'. Really though, this attitude is part of the 'high horse' we seem to find ourselves upon.

If people don't like my presence or my words I can leave. I would like to participate, but I also would like to actually be present in that participation and not just offer a friendly image. However, lately I feel that even just for the sheer fact that I am an 'old member' that there is some standard I have to be meeting in my 'performance' on the forum and if it's not how others might expect then I might as well not say anything at all.