Why do you use expat forums?
 

To all the expats out there - why do you use expats forums, and why this one in particular?

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I first discovered BE several years ago (so long ago I can't even remember how/why I first started using it!).

Probably, it started via searching for information on visa stuff. Back then, BE seemed much smaller (far fewer different forums, fewer members). There were some colorful characters (Patrick, Pagan Sex God among the most notable), most of whom have come and gone (Pulaski being another).

Over the years, BE has been a great source of support and advice. These days I try to put back by sharing what I learned through trial and error. I'm hoping to get back to the States (had a couple of close calls recently), and coming on here is a way of reinforcing my intention to return. There have been long periods when I stayed off because TBH I have a love-hate relationship with the internet (you can waste so much time on sites like this when you should be doing something more productive!), but lately I've been back on a fair bit.

There seems to be a lot more trolling and spamming on here than I remember from "the early days", but I think that's how it is in general on the internet.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

That's good dunroving.

I felt utterly lost when I first arrived and used BE for constant reassurance and to keep in touch with British humour.

4 years on, my reasons haven't changed :lol:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

So where is the bleeding British Humour these days, then, pray tell! :unsure:

And why does the flicking spell-checker penalise British spelling? :blink:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I'm so brainy I don't need a flicking spell checker :)

There's still some laffs to be had.

Where have you been then, missed you :wub:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Went back to the old country for a bit. All good :)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Nice to have you back. We were in london for 8 days and had a fabulous time. Thanks for all the tips....

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Lovely :)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Glad you liked it - there's no place like it.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Couldnt live there permanently but it was a fabulous start to our holidays....

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

gone on hols hasn't it.. that time of year; even humour needs a rest. Besides, ever since the Gordy's Humour Tax, its more costly to use so I guess peeps are using it more sparingly.. sign of the times and the 'conomy.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I desperately need to know that others miss English beer, birds, sausages, bacon, crisps, biscuits, tea, stuffing, sweets, chocolate, curry sauces, parents, siblings and ex-wives as much as I do.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

and bread.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Baby I'm a want you :eek:

Make it with you :eek:

Everything I own :eek:


...Bread, I do not miss.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Why can't I paint you?

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

That one was truly vomit worthy.





Except for the pouring on me bit.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Yup.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I ask myself the same question have done for 7 years lol...I think its because for me its a form of relaxation and gossip that I can turn on and off as I wish, and who I wish.

Expats its self, seems to have more forums is user friendly (most of the time) and does indeed pass the time of day, plus you don't need to get dressed and worry about drinking and driving lol.

I do find it addicting and have as of late turned my yahoo IM of whilst working from home, because everytime I see a new reply to a thread that I contributed to come up, it distracts me and I lose the my train of thought, which is not to hard in my case :lol:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

If only I had the time to dissect this post :sneaky:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Oh you're in deep doo doo buster :p

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Sometimes I hardly ever come on here, other times (like now) I am totally addicted and will follow threads in the Barbie etc :blink:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Yes I read the Barbie as I lived in Aussie and my family are there but never really post in it, I cause enough problems in US forums lol.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

You had a pet rat down there didn't you? Choked on a bit of pizza if I remember correctly.



1 down, 21,180,632 to go.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Oh heck yes lol good memory ;)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Welcome back, hope you straightened the place out.

Reg. Frank R.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

wow. :ohmy:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

An Expat friend of mine in Canada told me about the forum, she had joined during her preparations to move, she loved it and thought I would enjoy the US side of it.

I love it! It's kept me company when I have been feeling lonely and cheered me up when I have been down. Most people that post are genuinely helpful and willingly pass on their knowledge and experience, to those just starting out etc. Some are just downright funny and crack me up constantly (love that) Others (very few) piss me right off and have no desire to be anything other than jerks or trolls!

Hopefully, I can pass on some of the things I have learnt during my years here, but selfishly, I am really just looking to be entertained and occupied:rofl:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

It is a good place to let off steam with people that really understand.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

I first joined BE on July 13, 2002 -- 7 years ago this week! -- when Mark and I were still "dating" -- if you can call it that, anyway. We hadn't even met in person yet -- that would happen 2 months later -- but were already looking into immigration options! I quickly became a regular of the Marriage-Based Visas forum, back when it was still linked up to Usenet.

Over these past 7 years, my posts have gone from "So, what would we need to do to move my British online boyfriend over to the States?" to "Mark is now a U.S. citizen!!!" My fellow BEers have been with me every single step along the way.

At first I only appreciated their help, the assistance and compassion they shared about matters that were completely foreign to me (no pun intended). But now I have genuine fondness for several people on BE. And how could I not? A major part of our lives -- Mark's immigration from start to finish -- has been shared with these people, all the ups and downs, good times and bad, feelings of both frustration and elation. I feel a part of a subculture that I can't experience anywhere else, and certainly not in real life.

Beyond the immigration side of things, I enjoy reading the USA and Trailer Park forums because they give me a good insight into the British culture, history and mindset. It makes me appreciate and (hopefully) understand Mark better than if I didn't show any interest in the country and culture that made him who he is.

~ Jenney

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Beats talking to my husband ;)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

The (very) few times I've posted, it's mostly been for info about US citizenship. There are a couple of immigration layers here who are AMAZINGLY helpful, and mostly everyone else here has already been through the process and can answer general questions that I'd feel stupid asking anywhere else.

But for general reading, there's something cathartic about reading the rants from other expats. Americans generally don't appreciate hearing foreigners complaining about the US (and for good reason!), but when something is annoying you, it's nice to know that you're not alone. And with few exceptions, most of the people on this board are open and accepting of complaints about cultural differences without resorting to 'well you just need to move to such-and-such location where I live because it is so much more superior and will make you endlessly happy' or 'How dare you! America is the free-est country EVAR! Why don't you leave if you hate it so much?'

I'm an Aussie expat living in the US, but nothing I've found quite compares to this forum in either quality or quantity of posts.

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

because it was the only site I could find!
that said It is good to be here, I enjoy the banter, I have learnt that some people I saw on posts and thought you arse! are real sweeties and that we are all opinionated and I really miss that in the US, a good old disussion:) that why I come here.
also I am currently carless and jobless so this is my only contact in the big wide world, all day for a year has been my 4 year old twins and believe me they are entertaining, but dare I put on the Now Show or News Quiz for a bit of company and they straight in there changing it to cbeebies!!!
I have a lovely neighbour but she is very doom and gloom, however has a good sense of humour which is why I toterate her!
so in the evening I sit down a talk to adults:rofl: and listen to the radio. at the mo, "old harry's game" radio 7 BBC.
but BEP isn't my first port of call in the evening, I visit garden web forums first as I am more interested in my garden and my chidren love it.
Only problem with garden web is it is a crap forum! no karma, no who quoted me, no posts I have subscribed to, but otherwise my favorite place:wub:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

shit hit subscribe before finishing!!!! garden forum is my favourate place to chill no presure but I need to be challenged and thats why I come here.:thumbsup:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Mainly to hear and share experiences with other British people living Here in the USA. I feel i can come here and interact with people in similar situations like mine

I really love and appreciate this site. Not enough to donate thought :p

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Cheapskate!!:rofl::rofl:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

:ohmy:

TART !

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

That's me!!:p

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

:rofl:

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

You want information, come to those who have done it, seen it and got the numerous tee shirts.
Learn from their mistakes and dont make the same ones.
Experience counts in any question plus you meet such fascinating, weird, strange, obnoxious, lovely, kind and knowledgably individuals who will help you, sometimes even bringing a smile to your face in the process.;)

Re: Why do you use expat forums?
 

Forums? I only know this one and can't remember how I got here! I enjoy seeing people moan about the same things and being able to indulge my smutty sense of humour without offending people. I've been in the US a long time and drinking a glass of wine and reading here is as close as I get to a pub!
I agree that first impressions aren't always accurate on here. Most of the time I find some common ground with people even though I know there might be some areas we will never agree on.