People are talking about David Letterman getting married this week. Another Hot Topic is the Nightline Debate: Does Satan Exist discussion on the Christianity debate board. If something lighter is more to your liking, here Beliefnet members share compelling and heartwarming stories about their friends. Your Best Friend
And speaking of special people, if you’ve ever visited our Social Chats forum, where you will find the 40’s board, then you’ve probably met our host Appy20 who also hosts the Pets board.
We asked Appy20 to share some thoughts with us and here’s what she had to say,

Do you have a goal as to anything that you would like to accomplish by virtue of being a Beliefnet host?
Appy20: To welcome all to the boards and assist with any practical problems they may have with the board.
What prompted you to volunteer?
Appy20: I was a frequent poster on the Pets board when I first joined BNET. We had a lovely host that I was fond of and still miss. We had a lively group of people that I enjoyed posting with every day and I became attached to the community. When our beloved host left, I felt like I knew the board well enough to host it. I also was strongly motivated to make the board “pro” pets without becoming “anti” people which I have seen happen so many times on other Pet boards on the net (although NOT the Beliefnet Pets board.)
I have very strong feelings about people being able to share and learn how to best care for our pets without feeling like they are unfairly judged. There are places to debate on Beliefnet and I believe they should exist. However, there should be a place where people can just relax. The Pets board is not a debate board, it is a place where people can share their love of their pets with people who understand the bond that exists between animal and human. I am convinced that the love of Pets is a unifying thing that crosses religious beliefs, racial, economic, class lines. I believe pet lovers have a natural affinity that trumps all other differences. Over the years, we have been a remarkably harmonious board.

Later, when the Forties board emerged, I volunteered to be host because I had wanted that board to be created for so long and felt like I should take the responsibility.
Have you met any Beliefnet members who have become a friend off-line?
Appy20: Yes, quite a few. I have not been able to meet any but I email with them frequently, have spoken on the phone with them and do cherish them greatly. One day, I will meet some of them.
What do you most enjoy doing when you are not online?
Appy20: Reading and enjoying the company of my pets.
Do you have any suggestions for members who are new to the site?
Appy20: Don’t become easily discouraged if you feel that you are not getting the responses or building relationships immediately. The best relationships happen over time. Beliefnet is a place where relationships do form. People get to know each other. Some of us have been posting together for years and we fall into a rhythm with each other that outsiders don’t always know how to get into the dance without feeling awkward. It isn’t personal. As a host, I try to speak to all posters but sometimes, in spite of best intentions, I will miss one. If they stay, they will find their niche. Even people you butt heads with for years become more like cherished family members than adversaries. I think I once told another poster that he and I had been arguing for so long that I thought we were married. I think newcomers should realize that Beliefnet is really a long term thing and not just a site you glance at a few times. The secret to success is to stick around and let people get to know you. No matter who you are, there is someone you will click with. Also, bear in mind that the best friends are not always the ones you agree with all of the time so the poster that offends you today may be a dear friend tomorrow. Don’t close your mind on that point. Speak your truth but listen to others. Give the others the benefit of doubt. Online communication loses some things and gains others. Sometimes wrong intentions are too easily assumed. Don’t assume. Ask. The person that annoys you the most may become your greatest teacher. That happens a lot on Beliefnet.
Another thing that I would like to tell new members is that if old members talk among themselves a lot and seem to be ignoring you don’t be shy. Talk to us. If you get ignored, don’t assume the worst. Don’t hesitate to jump in and post something. There is nothing special about a new thread. You don’t have to be profound. Often, our most trivial threads evolve into something quite profound. That never ceases to amaze me. Just participate. Don’t be shy about doing it your way. If none of the posts are really your cup of tea, do a different type. Within any subject, there is room for diverse subtopics. People enjoy fresh threads. It isn’t a competition. If one thread you post, doesn’t get a whole lot of responses, don’t let that deter you from posting again.
I would tell newcomers that there are some smart people on Beliefnet that you can learn a lot of practical and spiritual things from. It was on Beliefnet that I learned how to best feed my pets. I have healthier pets of normal weight and few vet bills than I did before I came to this site. There is a lot of practical and philosophical wisdom here if you open your mind. There are some good people on this site. After posting and emailing with some people for years, you do get to know them. I cannot count the times that I have been stumped by a problem in real life and all the people in my real life have no solution and some insightful person here offers a profound suggestion. There are a lot of diverse talents here and people are very eager to share their knowledge. If you don’t stay, you don’t find these people and you don’t always meet them on the first day. Because of the people, I never feel like I am wasting time here.
Last but not least, we are all more than our beliefs, opinions, biases, differences, and inadequacies.
What do you think is the dumbest question you yourself have ever asked on a message board, here or elsewhere?
Appy20: I cannot remember posting a dumb question but I am sure that I have. I have posted many a dumb answers usually due to not reading or even misreading the original post or replies. Now, I have occasionally posted on the wrong board or wrong thread and on the first Beliefnet where you could not delete a thread or post *that* was a colorful senior moment.
Who is your role model?
Appy20: The only role model I can think of is Charlotte Bronte. I am out of sync with our present times and she was out of tune with hers. She refused to let her culture imprison her heart, mind, or soul.
If you could invite any famous person to become a regular poster on your message board who would that person be?
Appy20: Betty White. She is a great animal lover and would be delightful to have post. On the 1940’s Board, I would just have all our regulars back. Some of our regulars are working different and longer hours or have severe health problems and are unable to post as often as they once did. I miss them.