You know, it's a fine balancing act. Looking at things on a mass to mass level which is where the majority of us live, there are "bad" (depends, I guess on how you interpret them) things happening out there - such as the financial implosion, and the weather issues, and the political shenanigans, and some things (like the Mayan and early American prophecies) that portend something negative coming down the pike. There's more now than there were 30 years ago when I first became involved in metaphysics. And, it's good to be prepared. That's what Avalon was founded for, as I recall. (I remember a saying - it rains on both the good and evil, alike.)
However, there are also (and a prep-style board will attract them in droves), those who get off on fostering fear or who are so lost in their own fears that they focus on them rather than on the prepping. Their focus has changed from prep to "ain't it awful" - and as the old saying goes, misery loves company.
To some extent, we are a conspiracy board - and that attracts even more extreme conspiracy theorists.
However, I wouldn't want to see the baby thrown out with the bathwater. (Boy, I'm just full of platitudes this morning - ) I think it's important to know, as an example, that we're seeing more signs of internet censoring that affect our ability to get information that we can use to make informed decisions. And I do follow the half past human guys - they're not always right, but they're right more often than wrong - and I personally am intrigued with the technology that uses linguistic changes in populations around the globe to make prediction. And when George Green says he's looking at land in Costa Rica (or wherever), I take note. Yes, I do believe that a PTB exists. And I'm sure that the Jews that got out of Germany and Poland in the teens and 20's of the last century are glad they noted what was going on around them and moved rather than ignoring what was happening.
So, it's a balancing act. I have to use my discrimination in terms of the information I get here. For me, it's trying to stay focused on preparation, and keeping my thoughts positive, and as much as possible, filled with loving kindness and where I want to be, not where I'm afraid. And, I could be all wet
FWIW, I'm glad we went to a for-pay board. I do think that it has removed a lot of the "boo-I scared you" kiddos. However, the really intent "spiritual warfare" guys are still here - those who are determined to cause despair and those who's agenda is to discount any type of "negativity" so as to keep the bread and circuses reality first and foremost.
And yes, I do know that we are all one spirit manifesting - however, there are just some manifestations that I do not need to be a part of, in this lifetime.
alys