None of them understand

[Jess]

My parents and my little brother both think forums are bad, especially two I own. and my mom saw me installing mods on one forum and of course she doesn't understand at all and thought it was bad right away. My little brother gets suspicious every time I start typing.

Not understanding what forums are was the reason why my dad blocked VT months ago (but I got it unblocked fortunately).

I don't know how to explain to them why I'm doing such things and how they AREN'T bad at all.

Every little 'animated' thing also makes them suspicious (like the smilies on the right when you reply to a thread or create one).

what am I supposed to say?

edit: and they think chatting is bad. what, do they think I will give away where I live and my phone number and that crap? I'm not that stupid.

[Dimitri]

Personally I would sit them down and ask them what they do not understand and offer them the ability to ask any questions that they ave and then I would answer them for them.

[Bougainvillea]

Don't say anything.
They sound obviously too old fashioned, and unwilling to learn.

And if that's the attitude they have.
Then your attitude needs to go from how it is now to "I don't give a fuck. Because I know the truth, and that's all that matters."

[Magenta]

I've actually seen your blog posts about this before. I can imagine how frustrating that would be. My mother went through an overprotective phase where the internet was this horrible place and if you were talking to a person, they were automatically a pedophile in her eyes.

I agree with Robert. Sit them down. Maybe approach them and suggest that they write down a list of questions for you and you can attempt to answer all of them to the best of your ability for them? I'm sure that will get somewhere if not where you want right away. If it doesn't, try again. :)

EDIT: Actually, the above post has a point to. In the end, you're responsible for your own actions and if they really don't understand, just make sure you know what you're doing and you're good.

[TaNei]

I think all parents think the same way, I don't think chatting is bad, unless it takes us lot of time.

[Derek951]

I can understand how parents feel, I guess. They don't understand the internet and think the boogie man is around every corner. But what's up with your little brother??

From what I've read and heard from other people, parents will think things you do are dumb and a waste of time---until they realize you can make money and become successful. Like Tony Hawk. I'm sure some people told him skateboarding was a waste, until it made him a zillionaire.

[Ben Michael]

I can understand your dilemma my parents won't even let me get on here but I have a iPod now so I can. Yeah talking to them doesn't work for me maybe it will for you, try it

[Solo Rider]

I am a moderator for another forum and my parents think it is great. My web page has over 21,000 members and growing rapidly...

BUT they don't let me have a facebook. So... sometimes things don't make sense...

[DerBear]

Ok Sit them down and show them what VT is explain how it helps you and other people

suggest you hide p101

and show them how good it is

and then explain its a good place to ask questions and what not