Debt diaries Are they getting in the way??

wherediditallgo

I can't remember how I came across the forum, but I started doing my diary after seeing other diaries on the DFW part & asking if anyone minded me starting one in the bankruptcy part. I was having a very bad time personally & it was my way of helping myself remember how much I'd achieved. It wasn't done particularly for anyone else to read - just for my own personal pick-me-up. However, since starting it lots of people have thanked me for doing it, either by clicking the 'Thanks' button or sending me a PM. I always try to include information that could be of help to newbies & the regulars alike rather than just my daily doings, & when I'm feeling down having a read of the diary reminds me that I've achieved more than I think.

When I'm doing my diary, I also spend time looking through recent posts to see if there are any requests for information that I can help with. If the diaries were moved elsewhere, there would be less likelihood of that happening. Ultimately, the board is to help those in debt. I think it's just as important for someone to get assistance by way of help with their SOA as it is for someone else to read a diary & realise someone's overcome a situation they're dealing with. If delay in getting an answer is a concern, I must admit I think some people could help themselves a bit by using the 'Search' facility more, as sometimes questions are asked that have been asked & answered a few times already. I agree it might be useful to change the title of the diaries, so that it's clearer that's what they are, & perhaps some diaries do have more non-debt related chat than others think necessary, but I honestly think moving the diaries somewhere else would be to the overall detriment of the board.

msmicawber

I know what you mean about the numbers of posts when you're just browsing, but don't think a blog would have the same motivational qualities as a diary thread. I carried out my long sojourn with debt alone and, like many people on this site, didn't admit to family and friends what trouble I was in. It was very lonely and a long slog. I found this site just as I paid off my last bit of debt and remember thinking how lovely it would have been to have been able to come on and get some encouragement when I was in the middle of it all, with no end in sight.

Essex-girl_2

Hello

I rarely post on DFW but reguarly lurk and I love the diaries. I have picked up loads of hint and tips and love hearing about other peoples lives. To be truthful if there werent on here I dont think I would be on this board much.

tigzem

If it weren't for my diary I wouldn't have stuck to my DFW ways as much as I have. Like the other day, I wanted a new mobile, saw one for £80 in Woolies, went to BS, drew out the cash and went back to buy it. What stopped me getting it was knowing I'd have to own up on here and it was that alone that stopped me. The £80 went back into the account this morning.

I find it motivating and interesting reading others, I read a few regularly and look forward to finding out what's going on in their world. Not sure how many read mine, but I have a few "followers" and that means a lot to me.

Reading IA's diary back in Feb, prompted me to have my LBM and made me face upto my debts rather than burying my head in the sand.

So I don't think they are getting in the way at all.

Soubrette

I really enjoy the debt diaries, the first one I read was Moozie's "Too scared to work out what I owe" thankfully I only came across it this year so didn't have to wait too long to see her turnaround. My heart is in my mouth when desperate people post and I'm always so glad when wiser heads than mine step in to help and advise.

Your diaries are inspirational, a reminder that nothing is hopeless and that we're all human - a few steps back doesn't mean we have to give up, so many times someone slips, feels like a failure, then gets right back on it!

The SOA's are useful, practical and absolutely necessary, the perspiration if you like - but the inspiration (for me) is the diaries. If I can get a bit cheesy - The advice on the SOA's are the brains and the diaries, the heart of the board

Sou

chocaholic110

I love the diaries. They were what first attracted me here and what keeps me here. I claim this is because I am interested in people but really I mean that I am just nosy. Some I read regularly, some I dip in and out of but they help you realise that other people are facing the same battle. They are probably what keeps me coming back here, and while I am here sometimes I reply to questions or SOA's, sometimes I don't. I feel though that if the diaries had a sub-board I might just go there instead and if other people felt the same then newbies might get even less support.
Plus in regards to my own, it does what it says on the tin - reminds me of how far I have come. When I am feeling down or as if the DF road will never end I like to look back on it and see how deep in the doodah I was and how much progress has been made since then - it inspires me to keep going.

System

I just jump in occasionaly and catch up. ALthough, I must say I have a particular few that peruse. In order to bring the ideas to the attention of the top brass, you may consider PMing nearlyrich who may in turn bring it to the attention of Martin.

sammy115

tigzem wrote: »

If it weren't for my diary I wouldn't have stuck to my DFW ways as much as I have. Like the other day, I wanted a new mobile, saw one for £80 in Woolies, went to BS, drew out the cash and went back to buy it. What stopped me getting it was knowing I'd have to own up on here and it was that alone that stopped me. The £80 went back into the account this morning.

Well done tigzem for resisting temptation. I have just resisted a french manicure set. LOL

tigtag02

Soubrette wrote: »

The advice on the SOA's are the brains and the diaries, the heart of the board

Sou

I think this is the perfect summary :T:T:T:T

blackangeluk

tigzem wrote: »

If it weren't for my diary I wouldn't have stuck to my DFW ways as much as I have. Like the other day, I wanted a new mobile, saw one for £80 in Woolies, went to BS, drew out the cash and went back to buy it. What stopped me getting it was knowing I'd have to own up on here and it was that alone that stopped me. The £80 went back into the account this morning.

Hi, I agree, although I have only been here a few weeks I know that I feel I have to fess up if I have spent money I shouldn't. I have been thinking all day about buying a tent in Aldis of £70 but for me to do that I need to justify it and explain why I didn't pay the £70 off my debt - as I clearly can't afford to buy it. So I've binned the brochure :j

When I visited the board for the first time it was reading the diaries that inspired me to have my lightbulb moment and realise that I can become debt free as I have read how many others have managed it despite all the hurdles.

I think it would be a shame to see the diaries go as I think that is what inspires people. I know I was helped enormously a few weeks ago, even if it was just a message wishing me luck. I hope others who visit the board feel the same too.

The best thing about this board and the diaries is realising you are not the only one with a huge debt and for once you can be honest with people, instead of pretending to live a lifestyle you can't afford. The board and the diaries have shown me I no longer need to do that. :T