So, some thoughts about this thread / topic.
There is an entire topic heading on here, the second most used one, called "The Vent" and subtitled:
"Vent your pain, frustration, sadness, anger and let it all out on this board : )"
I don't see anything wrong with well-meaning people like Baypark, who have loads of experience and a cautionary tale to share, posting their opinion and suggestions that people try to ease off or stop getting readings altogether. If you have a healthy relationship with readings and want to keep going at whatever pace you are going, go for it! No one can 'make you' feel bad about that and just because some users advise otherwise -- based on their experience -- doesn't mean they are judging or targeting you. If you don't want to read other peoples' vent, don't.
I have been getting readings for 20+ years. Only once I started using online psychics through platforms like Keen and California Psychics did I start to have my eyes opened to the ugly and potentially harmful side to this pursuit. A few years ago, I would have defended getting readings altogether, saying it could be a healthy. fun, empowering activity that promotes spiritual development at best and is entertainment t worst. Now I see that it can be insidious and dangerous if not kept in check. I'm not judging anyone else when I say that, and I am not saying 'never get a reading again' ... in fact I still get readings. But I respect the people who have been through a difficult time with the whole thing and for whom readings took a nasty turn and think they (we) should be able to connect about the darker side of psychic readings here if we want to. After all, there's even a board called 'the vent' and multiple conversations by multiple users that suggest some people want and need to do that.
I don't usually rant on here, but one thing that irks me is people trying to control what can be discussed. There aren't very many places that people who are struggling with psychic dependency and related issues can connect, so if that becomes part of the conversation on here, and it's not hurting anyone, I have no issue with it. And if you feel judged by people supporting those who do struggle to stop reading... then maybe you should consider why that pushes your buttons and you can't just ignore those conversations.
@Baypark, thanks for coming back on and sharing your experience. I, for one, find it valuable...
Nothing wrong with sharing your vent with how things went down for you. But not fair to make a general trying aimed at others to be made to feel bad to have a reading or enjoy them. If you have an addiction that's a problem that needs to be addressed with the right venue. But not everyone is an addict. Different people have different uses, some may only get a reading once every few months, or few weeks etc. Not everyone on here has spent tens of thousands of dollars. Also, for some this may be a form of therapy they need at the moment, that a different type of professional may not understand on the level they need them to. My annoyance is when posters have had their revelation and think others need to as well. Everyone will find their point of no return and know when to stop. When they've hit their rock bottom, and that is different for everyone. For one it could be 10k and another 500 dollars.
I am having a hard time understanding the insistence on objecting to this thread.
One person posted her opinion, based on her experience, suggesting others save their money and not get readings. That one post resonated with several people; I counted about 11 or 12 different users who replied with some sort of a cheers or positive response. In the post, the original poster did NOT try to make others feel bad... at least I don't read that into it at all.
I am sorry to be thick but I am honestly not getting why that should offend anyone to whom the post does not apply. I mean if it said something like: "those of you who get readings are stupid" or "everyone getting readings has a problem.." but it doesn't.
I'm kind of done with this thread as the conversation seems silly to me, but since you've quoted me I am trying to express my main point, which is essentially, if this topic doesn't resonate with or apply to you no problem. Just move on. It's not hurting anyone and enough people appreciate it that it may even be helpful to some, so based on that I suggest it doesn't need to be picked apart.