Hi Andrea, I was at the Seed from '79 - '86. You will find all sorts of opinions on this site, read them and make your own judgement. Each of us had their own unique experience, because we were, and are, different people. If you had a positive experience, great, but keep in mind that not everyone did. Many of the people who post here had both good and bad experiences - many of us were involved for many years. I think the Seed changed over time as well.
Some people would rather not think too critically of their experience, others would rather hang on to their opinions and just argue, rather than discuss. You can make what you want of this site - I have reconnected with some great people I knew (alas, not Cookie) that I continue to be friends with and I have also made contact with others on a more short-term basis.
The people who run this site have their own opinions, which they express strongly, but they also encourage and support dissent - a concept that is not so well tolerated in today's society, unfortunately (and in my opinion, was not well tolerated at the Seed).
I have heard from friends who were around then that the Seed was more open and tolerant by the 90s - also much smaller.
Today, the Seed has closed, but there are many copy-cat programs - most are much worse than the Seed. Peer pressure techniques are very powerful, and people who love power and control can use them to dominate and manipulate people.
So, read on, or not, it's your choice. Your opinion, whatever it is, is valid.
(Sorry Greg - the moderator - I am sort of stepping on your toes here by speaking for this site!)
w
