View Full Version : Where do we go?
This has been, for the most part a unique forum among many that are mere trash.
It may have started out with Lost but has grown into a viable community way beyond a single show with limited air time. Like it or not Lost will end, MyMedia can continue, possibly. For that to happen it needs posters who are willing to spend time keeping it going in multiple areas of discussion.
So what must be for that to happen? Posters and staff need to be addressed in a way that is allows them to express or understand various issues. Troublemaking by some clone, troll, or idiot who wants to be annoying for the sake of being annoying can use the forum as an outlet for things best left in real life while exploiting the rules, which are heart are are good , but vulnerable. Anyone with IQ over that of an onion knows how to that by by now.
It doesn't make any sense to yell for a Mod when someone has worked it out how to be a problem in a way that the rules does not cover, the Mod is helpless to stop. They have wait until the clone, troll or idiot finally makes the mistake they can jump on but in the meantime normal posters can have problems. Too often the Mods take the heat,not always since troll patrol is a part of the job.
How can we , those who have invested time and effort here , keep the forum from being yet another internet heap of nonsense? Keep it something worth keeping alive and healthy?
I know I haven't been here long, Khan, but I don't think I'd describe this site as being close to 'yet another internet heap of nonsense'. I think it's far more organized than other sites and it's got lots of variety. I don't know if clones are a huge problem past simple annoyances. I know you've been dealing with some issues over in SMACK. I don't know completely what's going on but I hope you work it out.
1 - This is a public forum.
2 - The community is diverse.
3 - The bigger it grows, the more diverse the membership will likely become.
4 - Not all sections will appeal to all members.
5 - Cliques will form but respect and vigilance will prevail.
6 - If not, we could form a brute squad.
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 05:22 PM
Many of us have tried our best to bring other things to the table outside of LOST, but not all media (be it a television show, movie, or whatever) is really ever going to create a need for a lot of discussion.
Khan.. I would also note that it's hard for me to say much else without offering up commentary that's been offered up before, plus I am afraid this will turn into a thread
more aptly titled "things I would do differently", and I'm just not going to get into
that. The people who run the place have done a fine job trying to look to the future, and they don't need any more of my input.
Suffice it to say that the site is what it is, and it's long term viability really comes down to the quality of the people it attracts.
No it's far from a "heap or nonsense" or I would not spend precious time here at all.
Not were you hang out Dezie are the problems others have to deal with. It can be a trouble in other threads. Some fans are ...shall we say more than a tad obsessive?
They have the same rights as all members, allowed to go in any thread as long as they are smart enough to keep it on personal. The ones who have learned to exploit that rules use it in what they think is clever.
Anyone can , theoretically bring up any character or star in any thread with just a little thought.
If they wanted the damn Dharma Dog of Doom to be loved and worshipped, it's fairy simple and can be done even in the recipe thread. All you have to do is go to any thread, key on a single post that might be usable and make them all talk about the dog in some fashion .
You can then argue endlessly why all should appreaciate or hate the dog in line with the thread topic. It's not really, but that does not matter, they know their rights and trouble is all they want.
Once anyone responds then to whatever they say afterward is sort of, maybe on topic through with convoluted reasonings that would put those who study quantum physics to shame. In the end the topic of the thread is lost and all those who choose hit on it have no reason to bother any longer.
The normal posters there will eventually drift away, get frustrated, or angry and respond in way that could get the thread closed. The troublemakers have to tip their hand to get chastised, while in the meantime legit posters have no recourse but attempt to ignore, ignore and ignore them, argue, avoid posting because they are fed up.
Warty I agree partially , it does come down to the type of people it attracts, but this is real world and it also comes down to the type of people it keeps which can depend on the type it contains since it's all public. We all know no everyone in public is is resposnible. One way to judge how to see that is to give your home, car etc keys, ID, Passport, credit cards and wallet to anyone and everyone who passes by on the street.
If they wanted the damn Dharma Dog of Doom to be loved and worshipped, it's fairy simple and can be done even in the recipe thread. All you have to do is go to any thread, key on a single post that might be usable and make them all talk about the dog in some fashion .
Is this a problem because you're more of a cat lover? ...
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 05:53 PM
Warty I agree partially , it does come down to the type of people it attracts, but this is real world and it also comes down to the type of people it keeps which can depend on the type it contains since it's all public.
Of course it comes down to the type of people it keeps. When I said attract.. I meant that as a continual process. I can leave any time I choose, so for me to keep coming here means something must be attracting me here.
Being that LOST is in hiatus, and it also doesn't hold the same attraction for me it once did.... there must be something else going on.
Once again though IF I had much else to add, it would mean me posting "things I would do differently". When there have at times been something I would do differently, I have already conveyed that message in my own special way. No sense in rehashing it here. Mods and admins have read my posts, and chosen to react or not react to what I have to say as their opinion warranted. After that, we can only fall back on the famous words of the former site owner. At least for those of us who have been around long enough to remember those words.
vincentstuntdbl#23
11-26-08, 06:15 PM
:awwhug: Khan
I haven't used the phrase 'dog of doom/destiny' in forever & when I did it was always with a wink & a smile.
Albeit Vinent ruling the island would be the smartest thing they've done on Lost since S1, but I digress.
Certainly I've never threadjacked whilst doing so. In fact I'm sure most of the times I mentioned it was in Community where the discussion's way more open.
I agree that the quality of posters is helpfull, but alas since it is a public forum quantity is important for financial reasons.
Peeps should treat eachother here with respect. Period.
:grouphug:
I respect your point of view Warty. However I have my own style. I like something and think it has value I choose to fight for it.
Yes the Mods and Adminstration work hard or this board would bw the same as the others. They are not gods and it can get sticky in some places. It is fooolish to PM a Mod when even the brainless staue in the corner knows what thinga re about. What can oyu say? If one really wants to and is smart enough, or learned after failure, it's possible to mess up anywhere long enough to cause loss of posting and hits.
So you think when favorite theads gets screwed up by those that cannot be biten or corrected by a Mod since they know how to work the rules the posters should just stop posting until they go away? That means the fools rule so why should posters keep going back to those threads? They stop going, no posts , no hits and the forum is drained all because one person wants their way. Everyone who takes time out of their life , enjoys positive interaction and supports this forum in many ways (known and unknown) has to be held hostage by someone with a problem, waiting until they decide they've had enough?
Actually vincentstudbl#23 I think the dog was the smartest one of the bunch. The poor thing did everything it could to stay away form that less then bright group only coming back to warn them somehting bad was on the way. What happened? They caught and tied him up again, he should say the hell with it, go find Nadia the cat and move to another part of the island. The cat could have told him "Look what you're working with dog, give it up".
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 06:25 PM
Peeps should treat each other here with respect. Period.
:grouphug:
Maybe I'm missing something, but for the most part I think the overwhelming majority of people here do treat each other with respect. In the rare cases when they don't; I just choose to ignore them or in some extreme cases I just avoid the places where they hang out. If they started stalking me to just be hateful... there's this thing called the "ignore" feature.
It only becomes an issue if I let it become an issue.
It hard to avoid the places when it may be a thread you start and support. It should be just abandoned?
There is not a choice when things become an issue. It is one or not, letting is not an option.
clayseason1
11-26-08, 06:40 PM
So far this thread doesn't appear to be about where we go after LOST ends. Wasn't that the point? Am I missing something?
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 06:45 PM
It hard to avoid the places when it may be a thread you start and support. It should be just abandoned?
There is not a choice when things become an issue. It is one or not, letting is not an option.
I've only used it once, but I found the ignore user feature very helpful. When engaged... the trouble ceased to exist. I'm surprised I've only used it once, but then again I don't let many things bother me very much.
Oh yeah, you're missing a lot,Clayseason1 but it could be real problem to get into detail so I will not here.
The point is what do you do when you cannot confront someone who has learned to work the rules and Mod can't do anything with them within the rules until they have trashed a tread to bits all legit. Oh clear what they're up to, no one is fooled but they play the system.
Warty we're proof fire and earth and get along although very different.
strandediniowa
11-26-08, 06:50 PM
This is the only forum in which I have ever participated - so I have no basis of comparison to others. It is an interesting place and is kind of a microcosm of the 'real world'. There are many people who have been welcoming and kind initially, and those who have not been. There are people who I have grown to like and respect over my short time here. There are people who I view as idiots or just plain nasty - and thankfully that list is fairly small. Smart people, silly people, crazy people, people who are scary smart and funny. I think they're all here - just like IRL. So I try to handle it as I would IRL. Try to be respectful and just avoid those that I don't like or who appear not to like me. Every once in awhile I feel the need to inject myself into a situation or argument - however not often because I have to do that constantly for a living. That's not my purpose here. I'm not really even sure what my purpose is but to interact with folks and enjoy myself. I do think the forum would make for a very interesting sociological study. :)
Of course I do think that we should all treat each other with respect and perhaps be able to agree to disagree more often, and more quickly. But that is not any different than IRL. I don't venture into the character discussion threads often - but I know that for those dedicated to one thread or the other (in any thread) that a single or a few posters can become disruptive. I have wandered into the music and sports boards some - I'm as often ignored or given a hard time as not - so I tend not to inflict that upon myself. It it's something about which I care strongly I'll post anyway.
I do know that the fact that I was welcomed very warmly by some members when I first started posting had a lot to with the fact that I have stuck around. My only thoughts verging on advice would be that those who are able to (within the limits of their own personalities) welcome and befriend newer members should continue to do so.
I could not do any better job of running this place. As in IRL, I don't expect everyone to be nice, or to know all things, or to be perfect. I don't need to get along with everyone, but it is lovely to find new acquaintances, and fun to sit on the sidelines and watch what others are doing.
I'm not sure I've been responsive to Khan's intital thoughts - but there it is anyway.
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 06:52 PM
I probably am missing a lot, but one thing I don't miss is letting an internet message board become a problem in my life.
Discussing an issue is normal, it is a community rather than place of mere lurkers with a pass to get in, well for some us, people are different. That's good to it can be what one wants to be no more or no less.
Some people are content to allow anything and everything happen, it's their nature, others are more active. It takes both kinds to make a good world .
strandediniowa yeah you missed the point too , since it's hardly about the place not being well run, which it clearly is. Still you're very right, no one has to like each other and no one is perfect, to expect such is foolish.
Diversity makes this place beautiful.
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 07:36 PM
Do you think I am someone who is content to just let things happen?
Just curious
I think we are very different in some ways, very much alike in others.
You have your way and I have mine. If something matters to you I have no doubt you'd be force to reckon with, if not you'd ignore it. The difference is what you choose to ignore may be something I need to face and deal with.
Even so your approach is likely to not the same as mine. I respect your not thinking something is worth being bothered about just as I respect the same something has no meaning to you and we both have our reasons why. Equally meaningful and equally important to us.
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 08:52 PM
Just for the record..
I am very opinionated, and I am strong willed. I am just not fond of beating my head against a rock. I am not saying you are, just pointing out that there are some things where I have voiced my opinion... taken the proper steps... and then moved on to more important things regardless of the result.. Things where my efforts might yield better results.
Then again though... you are quite correct. We probably prioritize things differently, but
that's okay.
I knew that Warty baby, we never have a problem. You're much to mature and smart for BS. Wait ....please tell any possible MS Warty not to get upset, I'm not after you in that way, I just like your style.
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 09:11 PM
It's just Warty GF, and she doesn't care about that sort of stuff.
Psst that what all GF or BF's say until.....they think you might actually be flirting and someone is getting too close to their turf....
Warthawg1
11-26-08, 09:47 PM
Meh.. I take people at their word until they prove their word should not be taken.
Besides... I'm pretty much the exact same guy IRL that I am here.
Warty pretty much already said everything that I would have said, so...
Warty pretty much already said everything that I would have said, so...
Well then let me just say, I really liked your view on things. I thought it was well thought out and smart. Keep up the good almost postin', LPU.
scotpgot
11-26-08, 11:33 PM
:rotfl:
She is so drunk. No almost about it.
LPU!!!
16161
Such a symettrical post count!!!
And yes, I believe she is....:D
Sals
LostEmissary
11-27-08, 03:10 AM
In regard to Khan's OP-
I think if we go overboard trying to maintain this as a nice community, there are going to be times where we end up shunning people by accident. "You can't say things like that here." Well............. who decides exactly what that line is? Of course there are specific rules about what we can and can't say, and that's what you're getting at - what about the people who follow the rules, but for all intents and purposes they are jerks?
I don't think we're in danger of the jerks overrunning the place any time soon. Yes, I've noticed a few, and I think the best thing to do is ignore them. If enough of us ignore the idiots, they'll get bored. That's always been the way of things. If you shun the dregs, rather than giving them the fights and attention they're looking for, they usually fade away. It's hard to do, but sinking to their level isn't going to help.
The bottom line is that this is basically a free, open forum. As such, we're going to have a wide sampling of people, just like in real life. And just like real life, there are going to be people who don't get along with each other, groups that form, people who want to assert themselves over others, etc.
What can be done to "protect" the place? People are going to slip through the cracks, but bear in mind that tolerance is critical. There are rules, and I've found that eventually, the rule benders eventually screw up and become rule breakers, and then action can be taken. I think it's enough to keep an eye on someone yourself, then when you see a pattern of continued bad activity, then tell a mod. We don't want a vigilante society here, but being vigilent is somewhat of a different concept.
I think this is the key from the rules and guidelines:
"Persistent violation of the guidelines, rudeness, foul language, personal attacks, harassment, stalking will get you banned."
Mess up once or twice in a mild way, you'll live. Keep it up, and you're done. I think the way things have been handled around here is fine. If you see someone that continually bends these rules, PM a mod so they can keep track of this person.
Just keep in mind that no matter where you go, in any public gathering place, there are going to be the fair share of bozos, and most of the time you just sort of have to deal with it, and hope that the worst of the bozos don't drive off any of the good people, and that they get banned if/when they are deserving of such.
That's just my thought on the matter, anyway. I think the mods/admins have pretty much got the basics covered. The best way the rest of us can maintain this as a positive community is continue to contribute to it. The more positive contributions the good posters make, the more other good posters will be attracted, in all parts of the forum.
LostEmissary
11-27-08, 03:13 AM
Do you think I am someone who is content to just let things happen?I think if you ever decided to take action on something, I would be the first one to make sure I got the hell out of the way before you did.
Warty for Prez
You need to see the history of some threads LostEmissary with people who just want to post in them to start problems within the rules.
The Mods can't be blamed, what can they do...... now?
When I first started here there were many "issues or battles " that even had Suil involved in a now dead thread. The forum allowed much to keep it fluid, helpful and viable I suppose. Really I'm only guessing why she didn't just squish the bug.
The thread with a poster that took her on was not closed or threatened in any way. She won, of course, because it was a mere fanzilla having a hissy every time someone disagreed. Yet we all could defend ourselves without getting the thread closed.
Who in hell is drunk here? Another Communities joke missed by most? Can there be an inside joke emoticon so the rest of us doesn't have to go WTF are the you talking about ?
Who in hell is drunk here? Another Communities joke missed by most? Can there be an inside joke emoticon so the rest of us doesn't have to go WTF are the you talking about ?
It's not an inside joke, Khan. LPU called it correctly. I'm drunk.
But if I may, I'd like to use the trooper as our personal joke indicator in the future. :trooper:
:trooper: I'm not drunk, just a little sleep silly. Plus, I've never used the trooper before.
:trooper:
As for the question, I guess I just try not to let it get to me and always think about what I'm going to post before I post it. I'm not going to say that no one has ever upset me on this board, or that I haven't had my occasional battle (ash circles come to mind). I'm sure I've even posted things I've shouldn't. I think I mellow more and more the longer I've been around though. I honestly think things are going fine exactly the way they are. There are some bumps sure, but no one or no place is perfect.
LostEmissary
11-27-08, 04:06 AM
You need to see the history of some threads LostEmissary with people who just want to post in them to start problems within the rules.Maybe I'm a bit daft, but how do you start a thread to start problems? I might be missing something, but can't we all choose what threads to read and what ones not to?
I think maybe I'm just way too out of the loop to know all the little political and childish stuff that goes on. :shifty:
The thread with a poster that took her on was not closed or threatened in any way. She won, of course, because it was a mere fanzilla having a hissy every time someone disagreed. Yet we all could defend ourselves without getting the thread closed.You don't need to elaborate, as this probably isn't the place for discussion of this, but I really am not following this at all.
Maybe we need to have some new rules regarding thread starting? Or the limitation of "chat room" threads? It seems like the problems you're getting at here are people having "posting wars" within, or through the use of, "chat room threads." While I occasionally drop in to a couple to say hi (mostly the BBR), I'm not "in the loop" enough on them to know just how much battling is going on in them or through the use of them.
Again, I might be missing something, but it all just sounds very clique-y to me. I'm not sure how you make rules that say "you can't form cliques" or something to that effect.
:trooper:
I love inside jokes.
Khan didn't say start a thread. She said post in a thread. You aren't daft. :Cheers:
LostEmissary
11-27-08, 04:30 AM
Khan didn't say start a thread. She said post in a thread. You aren't daft. :Cheers:D'oh! :doh:
Apparently I AM daft. What a great word.
So the essense of what Khan was getting at is baiting. Well, yeah, that can be an issue. People who make posts just to get other people going. I say, if someone is doing it often, there should be warnings or suspensions issued. That's just me.
However, keep in mind that again, the whole "ignore" thing (not the ignore user feature, but literally ignoring someone by not responding) can work wonders. If you don't let it get to you, people tend to get tired of being "cute."
Yes in a thread. Threoretically one can go to any thread and with a little wit figure out a way to, with malice, disrupt the conversation a flow without breaking a rule.
Nearly any topic or thread can be turned around to the poster's desire. Those postering there honestly can try to ignore, not possible with the persistant , argue, or just not bother posting.
If it's done right, and it can be easily, the Mods cannot really do anything since as members they have the right to post anywhere. Yes we all know about trolls but the really smart ones can avoid typical troll behavior and annoy, annoy , annoy. Nothing ,theoreticlly, can be done until they make a mistake, by that time a thread can be shattered.
No LostEmissary ignoring does not work for all threads. In some there are new posters who may not what is going on and respond, which is what the baiters want. Others may be posters that have been around but still do not know what a partricular poster is after.
If those who catch on post warning others then they are in trouble , we cannot bash other posters and that could fall under that rule. To confront them is a risk.
LostEmissary
11-27-08, 04:46 AM
Isn't that what thread titles and topics are for though? Threads are supposed to stay on topic. It's up to the people posting in the thread to suggest that a post is off topic, and if the person wants to carry on a separate or different conversation, they can start another thread for that.
I'm kind of just playing devil's advocate here a bit to see if there aren't more "simple" solutions to some of the problems that seem to occur. If a particular person is derailing threads by making off topic posts, then a simple "can we please keep this thread on topic, thanks :) " should do the trick. If it doesn't, then I think you've got a clear case of a person purposely disrupting the rules, and a mod should be able to take care of that fairly quickly.
Warthawg1
11-27-08, 04:57 AM
LPU!!!
16161
Such a symettrical post count!!!
Sals
..and where were you when I hit 11111 today?
Iggy the Lizard
11-27-08, 05:06 AM
right here
..and where were you when I hit 11111 today?
:trooper: ?
MayBear
11-27-08, 07:20 AM
http://www.smartphonefanatics.com/uploaded_images/turkey-751510.jpg
Frecklestoo
11-27-08, 02:14 PM
Am I dense or something? I really haven't noticed that much baiting and rule breaking. I know it's happened before, but I haven't noticed it being a regular occurence.
I think this is a GREAT forum....the posters for the most part are witty, intelligent, friendly, and we ALL want it to remain a fun place to come. Of course, there will be people who are obnoxious and want to start trouble, but I don't think there are many of those. There is room here for serious posters, playful posters, new posters, veteran posters, etc. I don't think it's useful to criticize people's playful banter and "inside" jokes, any more than it's useful to criticize people's more serious posts. MOST of us are pretty respectful of each other and the times I've seen people get pissy with each other is over a controversial subject, or when someone IS being disrespectful. If I don't get someone's joke, I move on....I'm sure not everyone understands my sarcastic humor all the time. So what? Is it worth making a stink over? No. It's the same for people who are friends....why does it bother people that some posters have become friends and are "cliquey?" All friends share experiences and jokes that not everyone is going to get...once again, who cares? Move on....it's NOT personal. Maybe there are people who don't want to share friends (sheesh, is this nursery school?), but then, who wants to be part of that clique anyway?
As far as new posters being afraid to post....I don't know what to say about that. All of us were new here at one time, and managed to post without feeling intimidated. If a new poster let's the behavior of a few posters turn them off, then that's a shame, because there are A LOT of people here who will welcome them and not criticize them. They are missing out by not giving the forum a chance.
Inside jokes and playful banter can also be rude and/or crude. Some folks like pushing buttons. Seems you are fortunate and do not encounter the baiting because you do not post in threads with the disruptions as they may hold no interest for you. :) There are forums here I never go to. I do like your choice of word with "sheesh, is this nursery school." Baiting is nursery school as well and I see it where ever I frequent.
Yeah we were all new at one time. We have been new all over where frequent on the net. A person usually makes an impression, albeit positive or negative, within the first minute of contact. There is no need to always give a forum a chance to get to know people. It is like doing a search. You get suggested links, choose one and make a decision and some are of no interest and move on. Sometimes we think we have found what we were looking for and after time realize it wasn't what we were looking. Same happens with forums. Some folks are braver behind a monitor where some folks are not. Different personalities make for a good mix. There will be stronger folks and there will be meeker folks. It is just the way of life.
I like this place a great deal. I do realize that there are people who suffer from what I call Peter Pan or Wendy syndrome. They never want to grow up. Sometimes it is easier to really use the ignore feature. It makes for much more fun when reading threads. ;)
My ramble is done. Have a great day folks. :)
:Cheers:
This is a great forum, that is without question, it has an enormous amount of fascinating people willing to give up time and effort to post and it shows.
Cliques are only a problem when they shut others out with sniping. Friends often hang together, it is a community and natually people will feel more comfortable with those they can relate to or feel safe with. When it goes bad is whole other issue.
Isn't that what thread titles and topics are for though? Threads are supposed to stay on topic. It's up to the people posting in the thread to suggest that a post is off topic, and if the person wants to carry on a separate or different conversation, they can start another thread for that.
I'm kind of just playing devil's advocate here a bit to see if there aren't more "simple" solutions to some of the problems that seem to occur. If a particular person is derailing threads by making off topic posts, then a simple "can we please keep this thread on topic, thanks " should do the trick. If it doesn't, then I think you've got a clear case of a person purposely disrupting the rules, and a mod should be able to take care of that fairly quickly.
Well there are threads with the topic clearly stated however someone who feels different can click on any post and then debate what was said. That can be very good in most threads , but some are not of that type. They are dedicated to a single premise, a *cough* club, those people did not go there for debate, they went there to enjoy interacting with other who felt the same way or it would not be a club. Those who have "problems" may target the , now pretend club, with continual posts just to annoy the members who feel differently.
A agrument can be started in heartbeat using anything one of the members mentioned and then they can insert whatever it is they really wanted to promote. It technically is still on topic but the intent known by anyone smarter than doorknob is clear. One post could be ignored perhaps but that type will keep at it until the thread si in an uproar or peopel stop posting. And no member can outright say ignore so and so because then they are in danger of violating the rights of another poster and bashing them.
So as long as they technically stay on topic, such as trot into a club dedicated to Vincent the dog, then proceed to bash the hell out dogs and seek to engage the members into arguing about everything they hate about the Dharma Dog of Doom then the club is derailed. They have the right to go there as long as they keep the rules but there is no rule that says you cannot go to club for debate.
vincentstuntdbl#23
11-27-08, 07:20 PM
MfoZLwhp--M
*couldn't resist*
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