Geordie George

I've looked at this question a couple of times over the course of today. And I'm finally only replying because I've been to the pub at lunchtime, so have decided to sod it!

Being a newbie, I've logged on to try and gauge other people's experiences and opinions. See what they've looked forward to, what set backs they've had ... Have even signed up to the Midlands meet to get in touch with like-minded people who understand and don't think hubbie and I are batty for wanting to give Aus a try. And they're the positives. We've found it a great site and very helpful and even though I'm much more of a 'sit back and watch' kinda person, rather than a contributer, I've got a lot out of it.

Having said all that, the thing I really don't like about this site is the way some people are prepared to attack others with a different point of view; particularly new posters. There are a number of times when I've wanted to post something and thought better of it for fear (OK, maybe too strong a word, but you get the idea) of being shouted down; or worse - labelled a troll! And that's such a shame. New people shouldn't have to feel that this kind of site is clique and only open to those with lots of stars!

Anyway, that's just me. I will keep logging and and observing. And these are just my thoughts ... But it's a great thread and I feel better!

Thanks

Lucyemma5

People get really wound up in here! I think it is a hoot, I don't think any of it is is personal.

Some posters post a thread just to get a reaction, just remember Balushi and AARub, he was a twat, but so funny with his prejudices and misconceptions about white people, as I am sure we had about Arab folk.

I come on here to help people if I can, but if it ends in a bit of a tiff i don't loose sleep over it.

snappy

At first it was brilliant to find people going through the same thing so I could find out anything and everything to do with visa's as even some of the best agents out there don't know as much as everyone's brains put together on this site.....which I thank you all for

I do hate the bitching and the slagging off on this site. It annoys me when people just don't agree with someone's comments on the site and then they just get attacked from all angles. Half the time it is the people attacking that write the most offensive posts not the original poster. That is life though I suppose but I do tend to choose what I post up as this process is stressful enough without adding to it!

Sasha

Scossie

Hey Gaz&Rach...

Keep looking at the Oz/NZ immigration forum. It was an amazing source of advice when we were doing our application.

As you say though, this "lifestyle" forum will be good for you as well.
Most people on this one have aready gone through the mill / loooonnnggg wait etc. & are enjoying life in Oz.

The thread reads: What do we want from this site?

I think the site provides a lifeline for people who are waiting for visas, cos you get sweet FA from DIMIA while you are in the queue!! (18 months in our case).

As I said, those of us who are lucky enough to be now living in Oz use the forum to give advice to people / meet up / talk shite / advise on the best pubs to go to / argue about where the best place to live is / talk shite / universally slag off the TV in Oz / bit more advice / moan (not me, although I've just broken my back!) / rant on about something (usually get shot down as a troll!) / Holden-Ford, let's not even go there! / come home after hours of furious drinking and log on at 3 in the morning with a single minded goal to solve all the problems of the Universe,..... i.e. talk blatant gobshite!!!

And that's just me.......

Cheers.... John....

Pollyana

Unfortunately, there are times when it does get personal, which is a shame. I;m sure long-standingposters can remember occasions, and I personally now people who post very little now because they hate these attacks.

However, that said.....why do I post? Especially now I'm in Oz, been here a year, married and settled.......
When I started applying for a fiance visa I found the site a tremendous help. All my questions answered, plenty of support - I want to return that now. Most people are coming on a skills/independent visa. Spouse/Pros Spouse/De Facto are rarer, so I like to help people out - bit like repaying the debt where people helped me.
I also made some fantastic friends in the UK through the forum, most of whom are now over here too. After some very successful meets we have kept in touch, and the forum still acts as a link. Since then, I have met new friends here (take a bow, the Brisbane Girls Drinking Club, amongst others). When you get here, one of the hardest things to do is make new friends, especially if you marry an Aussie who alreadyhas his pals, so you have to branch out alone. In person I am actually very shy, and have zero self-confidence; being able to establish a friendship on here first has made the actually meeting of people a lot easier. One reason for the Drnking Club - and for the fact we hope to meet once a month in 2005 - is to help newbies settle and feel they are not alone. No-one is obligated to stick with us, you may never want to see us again after one night, but if we can help people feel part of Brisbane, thats what we want.
So I guess all I want from the site now is for it to give me a chance to help people out, to post reality, and to maybe make it easier for people coming over now. Think how hard the first migrants had it when they arrived........it should be easier for each successive generation, because although the strangeness of everything will remain, people now should be more prepared for what they find.

Oh, and being purely selfish, I want the forum to be there when I need to let off steam - I am sure no problem I have here is unique; that is a big advantage of a forum like this - you post your mountain, and suddenly it becomes a molehill because other people have been there and can help you through.

madsad

i want a spellchecker for when i am half drunk!! and writing long threads.

Seriously, the site has been a life saver for me & Donna, new cyber pals!! useful info, differences of opinion!! the whole package makes it what it is!!

Malcolm

CasG

How lovely - who's that then ?

Since I have been logging onto this site I have met some great people, both virtually and in reality - people I have grown to consider as friends (and more).
The site is informative and fun too, and has become a bit of a 'lifeline' when things have gone arse-up.
To be able to talk with people who are like-minded is brilliant; people who don't make you feel stupid if you ask a stupid question, and who can understand the stress and the sheer joy of what we are doing.

I'd like to say a BIG thankyou to all involved - even JAJ for totally confusing me with some of his replies!! (only joking - please don't ban me!)

Cas x

moneypenny20

[QUOTE=carolinegorka]How lovely - who's that then ? [QUOTE]

Aaawwwww that is so cute the site must be worthwhile if only because it got these two together

CasG

[QUOTE=moneypen20][QUOTE=carolinegorka]How lovely - who's that then ? I'll second that, and I'm sure Tony would third it
Cas

ABCDiamond

Have a look at http://www.ourbrisbane.com for info on Brisbane suburbs, and if you are looking at the Redlands Bayside area, let me know, as it isn't covered by that site.

Why do I come one here just about every day ? I don't have a clue

moneypenny20

Because you love us and we love you

tonyk38

And I'll fourth it! Oh wait.....I've already thirded it!

tonyk38

Now it's my turn to say awwwwww.......

tonyk38

Well said once again Pollyanna!

You've already answered some very important questions of mine, and I still owe you that drink!

Keep posting and introspecting, and see what you can do to encourage the folks who've drifted away to make a come back. I'm sure they'd be welcomed with open arms back into the BE fold!

tabby

I was wondering how best to answer, but it seems I have been beaten to it. GOOD ANSWER!!!!