Council Member
Posts: 1,812 
July 8th, 2008, 09:44 PM
I do not see this as : Canadian Content Community.
I see it as : Canadian Content Factions.
Sort of a Tommy Douglas thing.
This is not a community, but a group of factions that are bound together. We are all "supposed to be equal here" but sadly as there are degrees of equality, "some here are more equal than others".
Those that are more `equal` take full advantage of it more often than not.
I am sure that when this site was set up, it was done with the best of intentions. And that failed and regrettably because it has the potential to be a super site.
I don't think that this can ever be repaired because those who have something of value to say are constantly ignored and the post dies.
The membership should be in charge, but a lot of leeway is given to the "chosen few and factions" so never ending trolling goes on.
Never ending ways of saying the same thing goes on and on unchecked.
Sad situation indeed.
I do not see this as : Canadian Content Community.
I see it as : Canadian Content Factions.
Sort of a Tommy Douglas thing.
This is not a community, but a group of factions that are bound together. We are all "supposed to be equal here" but sadly as there are degrees of equality, "some here are more equal than others".
Those that are more `equal` take full advantage of it more often than not.
I am sure that when this site was set up, it was done with the best of intentions. And that failed and regrettably because it has the potential to be a super site.
I don't think that this can ever be repaired because those who have something of value to say are constantly ignored and the post dies.
The membership should be in charge, but a lot of leeway is given to the "chosen few and factions" so never ending trolling goes on.
Never ending ways of saying the same thing goes on and on unchecked.
Sad situation indeed.
Council Member
Posts: 1,784 
Location: BC
Location: BC
July 8th, 2008, 10:57 PM
Quoting lone wolf
I agree. Forums are often used by people to try and prove distinctions over their fellows, whether it's intelligence, religion, being a chosen race etc., but at the end of the day we are all a bunch of dumb animals and any distinctions are not so obvious as we might imagine. Look at a colony of ants; which is the fastest? Which is the smartest? Which is the most spiritual? Which weighs the most? such distinctions must exist but we can't see them. The distinctions we fight over amongst ourselves are like ants arguing over dry bread crumbs IMO, they don't really matter much.
...and some just like to believe they're special. That, too, is a fact....
Woof!
Woof!
Newbie
Posts: 44
Location: Somewhere, someplace
Location: Somewhere, someplace
July 8th, 2008, 11:08 PM
I always found that the "old members" (those who have been members since the start of the forum site, or have been members for some years) get treated with better respect and their posts are held in much higher regard. The newbie members are almost always treated as idiots and know nothing, and their (newbies) posts are often ignored or quickly dis-regarded. If the newbie stands up for his/her conviction, the old members gang up on that person and say things like: "show some respect for the veteran member".
F*cking load of bullsh*t.
I always found that the "old members" (those who have been members since the start of the forum site, or have been members for some years) get treated with better respect and their posts are held in much higher regard. The newbie members are almost always treated as idiots and know nothing, and their (newbies) posts are often ignored or quickly dis-regarded. If the newbie stands up for his/her conviction, the old members gang up on that person and say things like: "show some respect for the veteran member".
F*cking load of bullsh*t.
Grossly Underrated
Posts: 6,269
Location: In the bush somewhere near Sudbury
Location: In the bush somewhere near Sudbury
July 8th, 2008, 11:09 PM
Quoting Scott Free
The anonymity of the internet makes it tough to debate. Face to face, normally, one wouldn't dream of heaping abuse on someone who doesn't think the way one thinks they should. There's just something so mortalizing in a good old fashioned poke in the chops. Online, we can be anyone we want to be, as big as we want to be and as mouthy as we want to be. The worst that's going to happen is some bad words may flash on screen (or your opposite busts knuckles punching out a monitor) I suppose, for some, there's advantage in leaving the manners in the same place as the common sense.
I agree. Forums are often used by people to try and prove distinctions over their fellows, whether it's intelligence, religion, being a chosen race etc., but at the end of the day we are all a bunch of dumb animals and any distinctions are not so obvious as we might imagine. Look at a colony of ants; which is the fastest? Which is the smartest? Which is the most spiritual? Which weighs the most? such distinctions must exist but we can't see them. The distinctions we fight over amongst ourselves are like ants arguing over dry bread crumbs IMO, they don't really matter much.
Council Member
Posts: 1,784
Location: BC
Location: BC
July 8th, 2008, 11:17 PM
Quoting lone wolf
Yes, I know for myself I have to remember there is a real life person on the other end and that I don't want to hurt them. Unfortunately I sometimes get caught up in an idea or the heat of the moment and forget there is a fellow human being on the other side of the words I'm railing against. In real life I could care less what someone thinks but in forums the idea no longer seems human, it becomes a real possibility and something of an object in itself. That's why I like forums. People come up with so many answers, comments etc,. that one person couldn't ever think of them all in a hundred lifetimes; but at the same time, those comments can seem threatening too. Most fun IMO.
The anonymity of the internet makes it tough to debate. Face to face, normally, one wouldn't dream of heaping abuse on someone who doesn't think the way one thinks they should. There's just something so mortalizing in a good old fashioned poke in the chops. Online, we can be anyone we want to be, as big as we want to be and as mouthy as we want to be. The worst that's going to happen is some bad words may flash on screen (or your opposite busts knuckles punching out a monitor) I suppose, for some, there's advantage in leaving the manners in the same place as the common sense.
Council Member
Posts: 1,812
July 8th, 2008, 11:18 PM
Quoting lone wolf
Very astute of you, Lone.
The anonymity of the internet makes it tough to debate. Face to face, normally, one wouldn't dream of heaping abuse on someone who doesn't think the way one thinks they should. There's just something so mortalizing in a good old fashioned poke in the chops. Online, we can be anyone we want to be, as big as we want to be and as mouthy as we want to be. The worst that's going to happen is some bad words may flash on screen (or your opposite busts knuckles punching out a monitor) I suppose, for some, there's advantage in leaving the manners in the same place as the common sense.
July 8th, 2008, 11:28 PM
I suppose everyone earns respect too.
Quoting Starscream
I've joined many forums in my life and I've usually come in swinging from downtown, then once I got to know people alittle I became less adversarial. It is the internet but it is like life alittle. If you go into a Legion for the first time and get into a shouting match with a 35 year member there will be people defending the old time member, whether he's right or wrong.
I always found that the "old members" (those who have been members since the start of the forum site, or have been members for some years) get treated with better respect and their posts are held in much higher regard. The newbie members are almost always treated as idiots and know nothing, and their (newbies) posts are often ignored or quickly dis-regarded. If the newbie stands up for his/her conviction, the old members gang up on that person and say things like: "show some respect for the veteran member".
F*cking load of bullsh*t.
F*cking load of bullsh*t.
I suppose everyone earns respect too.
Gobsmacked
Posts: 5,132
Location: Edmonton AB
Location: Edmonton AB
July 8th, 2008, 11:32 PM
I frequent several forums and I've noticed there seems to be a certain 'type' of personality that finds it difficult to imagine that another person, with a different set of life experiences, may see a situation with a completely different perspective, and that in this context, all perspectives are valid.
I'm often amazed - enthralled even, on occasion - at the myriad of personalities that comprise our species. I make efforts to understand those who struggle to validate anyone else's experience - but I can't quite fathom how one can't concede that walking different paths will of necessity yield different views.
As for those who garner apathetic or worse responses to their contributions in discussion, I don't know how that might not become a catalyst to either re-examine one's attitude or seek a more like-minded community to share those views with. I should think it would be much more enjoyable than creating all kinds of drama trying to force the unwilling to see things differently.
I've also noticed that often extremely controversial viewpoints do trigger awesome discussions, but only when the posts are offered in respect and with minds open to seeing a bigger picture.
Exchanging thoughts should be enjoyable, imo. We come here to pass our free time. Once things get ugly, the entire intention of a visit online is moot.
I frequent several forums and I've noticed there seems to be a certain 'type' of personality that finds it difficult to imagine that another person, with a different set of life experiences, may see a situation with a completely different perspective, and that in this context, all perspectives are valid.
I'm often amazed - enthralled even, on occasion - at the myriad of personalities that comprise our species. I make efforts to understand those who struggle to validate anyone else's experience - but I can't quite fathom how one can't concede that walking different paths will of necessity yield different views.
As for those who garner apathetic or worse responses to their contributions in discussion, I don't know how that might not become a catalyst to either re-examine one's attitude or seek a more like-minded community to share those views with. I should think it would be much more enjoyable than creating all kinds of drama trying to force the unwilling to see things differently.
I've also noticed that often extremely controversial viewpoints do trigger awesome discussions, but only when the posts are offered in respect and with minds open to seeing a bigger picture.
Exchanging thoughts should be enjoyable, imo. We come here to pass our free time. Once things get ugly, the entire intention of a visit online is moot.
July 8th, 2008, 11:46 PM
I've also noticed that wider the scope of the forum the more adversarial people are. "Politics" is a big arena and there are million different opinions on who's right or wrong on the millions of different topics. Boards that are more niche driven tend to have a community where everyone is more or less on the same page with the same goal, thus less strife.
I've also noticed that wider the scope of the forum the more adversarial people are. "Politics" is a big arena and there are million different opinions on who's right or wrong on the millions of different topics. Boards that are more niche driven tend to have a community where everyone is more or less on the same page with the same goal, thus less strife.
Hawkings former plumber
Posts: 10,267
Videos: 3
Location: RR1 Distopia 666 Discordia Drive Apt 911
Videos: 3
Location: RR1 Distopia 666 Discordia Drive Apt 911
July 9th, 2008, 07:15 AM
After a while here you become comfortable with the other inmates and you begin to bond even with those of whom you disagree simply because of thier dependability and the comfort of familiarity. This is also fundamental human nature. I don't belong to any gang and I would defend your opinion or your posts if I agreed with them.
You cannot hope to change human nature from this forum but you can learn to circumvent the common pitfalls in play here and in the real world. If I've sinned against you please forgive, there are many posts in many threads and nobody can give them the attention they may deserve.
Quoting Starscream
I suppose you could have a point about the newbie versus oldie thing. If you'll look arround in life or at work or in your church, temple etc you'll find that is common to the human way.
I always found that the "old members" (those who have been members since the start of the forum site, or have been members for some years) get treated with better respect and their posts are held in much higher regard. The newbie members are almost always treated as idiots and know nothing, and their (newbies) posts are often ignored or quickly dis-regarded. If the newbie stands up for his/her conviction, the old members gang up on that person and say things like: "show some respect for the veteran member".
F*cking load of bullsh*t.
F*cking load of bullsh*t.
After a while here you become comfortable with the other inmates and you begin to bond even with those of whom you disagree simply because of thier dependability and the comfort of familiarity. This is also fundamental human nature. I don't belong to any gang and I would defend your opinion or your posts if I agreed with them.
You cannot hope to change human nature from this forum but you can learn to circumvent the common pitfalls in play here and in the real world. If I've sinned against you please forgive, there are many posts in many threads and nobody can give them the attention they may deserve.
Council Member
Posts: 1,812
July 9th, 2008, 09:45 AM
Quoting darkbeaver
I applaud you both for your insight.
I suppose you could have a point about the newbie versus oldie thing. If you'll look arround in life or at work or in your church, temple etc you'll find that is common to the human way.
After a while here you become comfortable with the other inmates and you begin to bond even with those of whom you disagree simply because of thier dependability and the comfort of familiarity. This is also fundamental human nature. I don't belong to any gang and I would defend your opinion or your posts if I agreed with them.
You cannot hope to change human nature from this forum but you can learn to circumvent the common pitfalls in play here and in the real world. If I've sinned against you please forgive, there are many posts in many threads and nobody can give them the attention they may deserve.
After a while here you become comfortable with the other inmates and you begin to bond even with those of whom you disagree simply because of thier dependability and the comfort of familiarity. This is also fundamental human nature. I don't belong to any gang and I would defend your opinion or your posts if I agreed with them.
You cannot hope to change human nature from this forum but you can learn to circumvent the common pitfalls in play here and in the real world. If I've sinned against you please forgive, there are many posts in many threads and nobody can give them the attention they may deserve.
Council Member
Posts: 1,812
July 15th, 2008, 11:11 PM
Quoting Zan
....I agree, especially with your last paragraph.
I frequent several forums and I've noticed there seems to be a certain 'type' of personality that finds it difficult to imagine that another person, with a different set of life experiences, may see a situation with a completely different perspective, and that in this context, all perspectives are valid.
I'm often amazed - enthralled even, on occasion - at the myriad of personalities that comprise our species. I make efforts to understand those who struggle to validate anyone else's experience - but I can't quite fathom how one can't concede that walking different paths will of necessity yield different views.
As for those who garner apathetic or worse responses to their contributions in discussion, I don't know how that might not become a catalyst to either re-examine one's attitude or seek a more like-minded community to share those views with. I should think it would be much more enjoyable than creating all kinds of drama trying to force the unwilling to see things differently.
I've also noticed that often extremely controversial viewpoints do trigger awesome discussions, but only when the posts are offered in respect and with minds open to seeing a bigger picture.
Exchanging thoughts should be enjoyable, imo. We come here to pass our free time. Once things get ugly, the entire intention of a visit online is moot.
I'm often amazed - enthralled even, on occasion - at the myriad of personalities that comprise our species. I make efforts to understand those who struggle to validate anyone else's experience - but I can't quite fathom how one can't concede that walking different paths will of necessity yield different views.
As for those who garner apathetic or worse responses to their contributions in discussion, I don't know how that might not become a catalyst to either re-examine one's attitude or seek a more like-minded community to share those views with. I should think it would be much more enjoyable than creating all kinds of drama trying to force the unwilling to see things differently.
I've also noticed that often extremely controversial viewpoints do trigger awesome discussions, but only when the posts are offered in respect and with minds open to seeing a bigger picture.
Exchanging thoughts should be enjoyable, imo. We come here to pass our free time. Once things get ugly, the entire intention of a visit online is moot.
No sparks please
Posts: 379
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
July 15th, 2008, 11:32 PM
Excellent thread, Scratch, LOOONNNG overdue discussion especially with the "tone" of some threads lately. I consider myself a rookie here and have experienced both ends of the spectrum. As for overly respecting the "elders"
, why not, they know the ropes better than anyone and theres often some hidden guidance there.
Excellent thread, Scratch, LOOONNNG overdue discussion especially with the "tone" of some threads lately. I consider myself a rookie here and have experienced both ends of the spectrum. As for overly respecting the "elders"
, why not, they know the ropes better than anyone and theres often some hidden guidance there.
Council Member
Posts: 1,812
July 15th, 2008, 11:38 PM
Quoting Lineman
I thank you kindly, it needed to be said by someone.
Excellent thread, Scratch, LOOONNNG overdue discussion especially with the "tone" of some threads lately. I consider myself a rookie here and have experienced both ends of the spectrum. As for overly respecting the "elders" , why not, they know the ropes better than anyone and theres often some hidden guidance there.
, why not, they know the ropes better than anyone and theres often some hidden guidance there.
