Go figure... I have been here for over two years now. This is the 1st thread I have started. I am by no means trying to say that I have at anytime been a prolific poster here. Or, that I have ever even made a memorable post.. But, it seems to me, that when I first registered here back in Aug. of 2010, that things were always "lively" I found that those that posted back then always had something to say. Yeah, there were plenty of trolls, and several A-holes, (just goes with the territory) But what happened to the fairness here? I mean 2 years ago you called another poster out and it was settled quickly. Also, I have noticed recently that we not only have "thought police", but it seems if you don't have a proper grasp of grammer, your thoughts are dismissed straight away. I must admit, I'm not the most prolific writer of all time, but I do try my best. If Imis-spell a word, or use a comma improperly, does that mean my thoughts have no merit? We didn't usually need an admin or mod to intervene. So, I have to ask...What happened? All responses are welcome. But, please no trolling or flaming. I'm just curious... And, I do like it here.
i blame this fellow.... and his incessant whines and anally retentive reports to our dear mods and admins....... yeah take a hike, jdawg scram, boy!!
Many trolls play the role of Grammar Police in order to further their enjoyment of 'rough play with strangers'. I usually just dismiss such as 'lacking game', AKA Rank Amateur Trolling. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
In my observation during three years of on-line forums, summer, long weekends and holidays really see the traffic drop at most forums, especially those with largely northern hemisphere membership. I don't think the ideas have dried up, merely that those who convey them have other things to attend at this time. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! There has been considerable silliness going on and I confess my part in spamming the forum with pictures of my lettuce as a backdrop for some of the conspiracy theories that arose when the forum experienced technical difficulties recently. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! On the bright side, you have now started a thread! Way to go, Gremmie! Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
The only real changes I've noticed, is some big time regulars are not posting anymore and we have many new regular posters. All forums have there share of troll outbreaks and even the best of us on a bad forum day might be guilty of a little friendly trolling that takes a wrong turn for the worse. Personally I think they should create a new subforum called "The Cage" where they could dump the trolls and squabblers. Not sure who should be able to read what goes on there, but for sure not any lurkers and those in the Cage can't communicate with anyone outside the cage or read the regular forum. How long they spend in the Cage might depend on their attitude to be judged by the mods and admins.Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! Just a thought.
I once spent a couple of years in a place we referred to as "troll central". The only rules were no talk of murder and no talk of pedophilia. That would get you tossed permanently. I participated in many silly discussions and had a good time. Lots of folks would drop all of the pretense and just be themselves there. Some of them weren't very nice, some were stellar individuals. Some could track you right down and tell you what your computer was made of and what operating system you were using, some shut down other sites for giggles. Members were from all over the world, a very stimulating community of misfits indeed. It started out as a punishment zone, but many of us liked it enough to hang out there without being sentenced to it. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image! I was sad it got shut down, but moved on having learned much more about trolls and trolling than I could ever have imagined. One of the reasons such just don't really bother me any more, though I reserve the right to point out the tactics and the individuals who practice same when I interface with them. There are always a few trolls around pretty much every site, not that that is a bad thing. Usually there are a couple on staff as well. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
Members must care about their forum to make it worthwhile. When they care more about themselves and berating others, they do not care about the forum. It's difficult to separate legitimate concerns from senseless attacks when trying to figure out who is berating who over what. That's what Mods are for... But if Mods are driven by self interest... Nix it.
:wave: your first thread here. Way to go Gremmie! Maybe there is not a lot of quality threads. Some quality threads started out good till they got off track. I think facebook, myspace, skyp, an other sites have kinda lured a number of young posters away. Not to mention its a little difficult to keep up with what's going on here. If you don't visit daily. Also some posters myself included are not prolific spellers, or use the right combination of words. But it should not mean there is no merit. But some seems to believe otherwise.
Thank you kindly, ma'am... Better late than never I guess. Please Register or Log in to view the hidden image!
I guess what my point is, is that although we have always had trolls here, it seems that's the norm now. If anyone expresses a thought or opinion, they are just fodder for said trolls. I see little discussion here these days. just criticism, and insults. And, it seems we have thought and grammar police as well. (more than ever) IMO, if you can't add a positive comment, just don't post in that thread... Is it really all that difficult? I still learn a thing or two here, now and then. But, I miss what this place used to be. I hope it's not too late to turn this site around I frequent several forums, but I DO like it here... So please, let's act like adults, and have meaningful discussions... Thanks.
Most of the users here have been here for a couple of years and have refined their opinions and knowledge. I used to be an extreme Zionist before I came to this forum two years ago, now after being here for long enough I am still an Israeli advocate, but now I can look at both sides of the story, I can see beyond my own opinions and consider the other people's opinions. We have all changed as part of being on this forum.
Are you a splurge poster or spread it out at about 8 or 9 posts per week? You do something to Avg 1.28 posts per day.
We have changed. I agree. I don't think there is a whole lot of refined "opinions" as of late. Or many posters that are very frequent that's been here numerous years.
It appears that most of the regulars from years back are now moderators. I haven't seen much of a change over the years. It's always been a place where people explore ideas, and it's always been a place where egos often collide. It's always been entertaining.
