I am probably showing my age here, and will probably offend some people, but this message board seems to me to be turning into a forum for “sibling” rivalry- “you said that and you are wrong”, “How dare you insult me, I can insult you back you know”, and back and forth ad nauseum. Lately, I am finding less and less on this board that interests me. I am amazed at the amount of time some people seem to be willing to spend trying to verbally outdo each other or trying to prove that they have the God given right to be wrong - (and heaven forbid we mention God, or heaven for that matter… )I have noticed that several of the posters that I used to enjoy hearing from rarely post any more. These are what I consider the more mature people with informed and interesting comments to share(and I’m not talking age here) And it is no wonder with the long posts that dribble on and on in so called “debate”.)
Yes we can choose to read a post or not, but there are fewer and fewer posts I feel worth reading because so often they degenrate into mud slinging. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. I have better things to do with my time. My appologies in advance for any offense…but I too have the God given right to be wrong.
Sue
I hope I don’t disappoint you, Sue, but I can’t find anything to disagree with in your post.
It’s been my observation, through bunches of mailing lists and other sorts of forums over the years, that such ‘communities’ as this have a life cycle rather like that of the bugs in a petri dish. Early on, the group is small, the discussions interesting and ‘on topic’, and energy levels are high – the so-called “log growth” phase. With time, though, comes change.
One thing that happens is that there may be an influx of new people. This is particularly true if the original community is successful and welcoming. Word gets around, and the world starts to beat a path to your door. The problem is that some number of the new people neither know, nor care, about the customs of the community they are entering – that’s just how it is. Another thing that may happen is that some number of the ‘old hands,’ perhaps sensing a change in the wind, may begin to feel that their tenure in the group entitles them to positions of authority, and they start trying to tell others what to do. Some, who have made great contributions to the board in the past, may begin to feel that this gives them license to rave when they feel like it. The result is that threads become less civil, tend to become dominated by the few, the loud, the name-callers, and some number of the remainder begin – as you have – to remember that they have other things they can be doing with their lives. Traffic in the forum may reach a steady state, different from what it was originally in tone and content, or deteriorate until it ceases entirely.
The only exceptions to this I have seen are professional lists which are vigorously moderated.
Offered for what it’s worth. YMMV. This is a work of fiction, and any resemblance to persons living or dead is entirely coincidental. Believe it, or not.
My apologies if I have offended you in any way, Whistlepeg. You know I like to have a little fun now and then, but I try not to be offensive. If I have offended you, I’ll try to put things right.
Take care,
BB
Sue, I agree.
I agree that the era of a happy family is over, and that my seniority makes me feel like I have the right to be a bit of a bitch at times. I guess that’s not a good thing. But I think that’s part of what goes along with a community where some of us have already heard all the whistles facts…we get to talking about other (dare I say…more important) things, and personalities can show their ugly sides. I will say that every time I have posted something, inflammatory or not, I have done so because I absolutley felt the need (this doesn’t count “hee hee” responses to jokes). I am not sorry for offending people…it’s part of life sometimes. My GOODNESS, Loren has rubbed off on me!!!
Jessie
Sue
I think I understand what you’re saying, and insofar as I do, I agree.
Since coming back after my four month absence, it seems like there’re more and more off-topic posts that I just don’t care to bother with. I just wish they were more clearly marked sometimes.
Maybe we’ve just already said all there is to be said about whistles. I hope not.
Nothing salves a weary soul like a cheap whistle.
[ This Message was edited by: Chuck_Clark on 2002-03-14 23:16 ]
On 2002-03-14 22:16, JessieK wrote:
I agree that the era of a happy family is over, and that my seniority makes me feel like I have the right to be a bit of a bitch at times.
So long as you recognize the part you have, and are, playing in making the board what it is today, and refrain from complaining about it, I have no quarrel. I’m not obliged to read what you write. None of us are required to attend. We can all leave anytime we like.
You know, Jessie, sometimes I wish you would just not post at all. And I will not NOT reply to anymore of yours posts. You have done everything and have heard everything, so MOVE ALONG!
John Palmer
Jessie, you and some other people are the only ones stopping this forum from turning into a big hug-party. Please don’t let that happend. Please.
Sue,
your other post was well intentioned and undeserving of the negative responses it generated.I also agree with everything you have now said.The good poeple on this forum know who the other good ones are.Some people are simply insensitive and forget how easy their words can offend others. Such people are unfortunately too proud to admit they are ever wrong and their pride prevents them from feeling any remorse or offering any genuine apology.You are definately not one of these Sue,hang in there. Peace, Mike
Sue , I sent you a Private Message with my thoughts.
I agree that the board has changed a lot lately - some of it is interesting and some not so interesting. But I can manage that as I only have to read what I want to read.
What really bothers me is the attitude of some of the long-standing members (people who have certainy contributed a great deal earlier on) who by their own admission feel superior - and they know who they are. And if they don’t get their way threaten to leave…well go ahead, the board can do without their little tantrums, and would be a better place without them.
Hey guys,
I just discovered Chiff & Fipple and I have enjoyed reading the mesage boards. Lots of good topics and some very funny exchanges. If you would allow a novice to the message board to state his opinion, I would liken this message board to veer towards a chat room sometimes…what with all the bantering back and forth.
I am enthralled and glad to be here.
craig
(Is that a pennywhistle in yer pocket, or are ya just glad to see me?)
Y’know, the current situation puts me in mind of a similar situation on a much smaller C&F a couple of years ago. We were in one of our former homes, don’t recall which, but there was a period of rambling, off-topic, often acrimonious message threads. It seems like there are a few people who are drawn to new places in order to see if they can disrupt them, or who at least lack the ability to recognize and adapt to the ambience of civility.
Where am I rambling? Just to tell you all we weathered it then and became even better, if not for it, them despite it.
I quote from a great non-Irish musician here:
“Be of good cheer. This, too, will pass. I’ve had kidney stones and I know.”
- Pete Seeger
Nothing salves a weary soul like a cheap whistle.
[ This Message was edited by: Chuck_Clark on 2002-03-15 09:21 ]
[ This Message was edited by: Chuck_Clark on 2002-03-15 17:10 ]
I have to say, Mr. Palmer, I feel like you have sunk to a new low of nastiness and incivility that goes well beyond name-calling and disagreement on an issue. So if a person has a different point of view from yours they should just leave? I enjoy Jessie’s posts. And Loren’s. And many others who take a great deal of flack from a very few posters. It has been great fun lately with everyone posting. I hardly got any work done yesterday; I couldn’t stay off the board. Who are you to say who should “just leave”? It is an option of course but only for the person who takes it on himself.
I happen to agree with Jessie, Rich also said it in another thread, that when we do off topic threads like this we get to know each other better in a more personal way. This has its positive and negative aspects (not good or bad). There are going to be thing said that tick people off or frighten others. So what? What exactly can Loren do to Arcaic lemons that really matters? Can it really be argued that he is somehow responsible for her feelings or her unhappy, unfortunate past, present or future? If she is that delicate she should be more careful where she exposes herself (maybe not a public forum 889 members). We are all responsible for our own feelings whether in intimate personal relationships or big, public ones. Nobody is running for office here. They are all just opinions. If all you want is a nod and smile fest you can watch tv. It’s a great trade off for the times you really feel like you have connected with someone. Maybe someone from far away. Someone you would never meet in the natural course of your life. I was debating Theology with people from different backgrounds (economic, religious, educational) from all over the world! Just as a concept–how amazing is that?! It just doesn’t get to happen very often. And I am grateful and I feel so very privileged.
By the way this is another very off topic thread that certainly should have been labeled as such.
I agree, Jazz. Rich, please delete John Palmer’s last post here. Thanks.
On 2002-03-15 10:38, Jazz wrote:
I have to say, Mr. Palmer, I feel like you have sunk to a new low of nastiness and incivility that goes well beyond name-calling and disagreement on an issue. So if a person has a different point of view from yours they should just leave? I enjoy Jessie’s posts. And Loren’s. And many others who take a great deal of flack from a very few posters. It has been great fun lately with everyone posting. I hardly got any work done yesterday; I couldn’t stay off the board. Who are you to say who should “just leave”? It is an option of course but only for the person who takes it on himself.I happen to agree with Jessie, Rich also said it in another thread, that when we do off topic threads like this we get to know each other better in a more personal way. This has its positive and negative aspects (not good or bad). There are going to be thing said that tick people off or frighten others. So what? What exactly can Loren do to Arcaic lemons that really matters? Can it really be argued that he is somehow responsible for her feelings or her unhappy, unfortunate past, present or future? If she is that delicate she should be more careful where she exposes herself (maybe not a public forum 889 members). We are all responsible for our own feelings whether in intimate personal relationships or big, public ones. Nobody is running for office here. They are all just opinions. If all you want is a nod and smile fest you can watch tv. It’s a great trade off for the times you really feel like you have connected with someone. Maybe someone from far away. Someone you would never meet in the natural course of your life. I was debating Theology with people from different backgrounds (economic, religious, educational) from all over the world! Just as a concept–how amazing is that?! It just doesn’t get to happen very often. And I am grateful and I feel so very privileged.
By the way this is another very off topic thread that certainly should have been labeled as such.
Soooo…What point Jazz were you making when you saw fit to drag my wife’s name into this ? As for her “Delicateness” I’m the only one that can make that judgment.
Dan
Dear, Bloomfield and Jazz,
I am tired of all this OT stuff, too. I am also tired of hearing Jessie’s blatant insults, such as:
“If you live among morons, then yeah, religion can help direct them…”
“my seniority makes me feel like I have the right to be a bit of a bitch at times.”
“I am not sorry for offending people…”
First, I don’t like her insinuating that I am a moron. Second, these replies, and replies like them are what caused me to react the way I did torwards Jessie, yet with all the self-admitted offenses Jessie dishes out, you ask Rich to cancel my post. And my final point is that the amount of seniority one has on this board does not give him or her any entitlements so that others have to put up with someone who feels they have earned the right to be a “bitch” to others. I hope this helps you understand why I was quick and to the point with Jessie.
Sincerely,
John Palmer
John: I’d like to spell this out for you. It is ok to disagree, it is ok to be somewhat emotional. It is not ok to tell people to get lost, even if they tick you off. Your post to Jessie may have been quick, but it was not to the point, it was off point. Waaaaaaay off point.
The supposedly evil things Jessie posted and that you quote to justify yourself were written after your post, not before it.
Next time you read a post or series of posts that offend your sensibilities, take a deep breath. Don’t tell people to leave.
It is like ten people watching the same television: You can’t be the one picking the channel all the time.
Edit: PS: I am not tired of the OT discussions.
/bloomfield
[ This Message was edited by: Bloomfield on 2002-03-15 14:31 ]
Bloomfield, you wrote this …
John: I’d like to spell this out for you. It is ok to disagree, it is ok to be somewhat emotional. It is not ok to tell people to get lost, even if they tick you off.
… and earlier you also wrote this:
I agree, Jazz. Rich, please delete John Palmer’s last post here. Thanks.
I’m curious how you reconcile these statements.
Neil, I don’t want John off the board, I want that one specific post off the board. There is a difference between what to say and how to say it. Remedial lessons are administered by the moderators.
Cheers,