Got your attention, didn't I?
But wait... the title actually does have some meaning to it:
This forum is dead. It's laying in a ditch and rotting with flies, maggots, and the occasional earthworm that got a little distracted from his dirt-munching. Nobody really posts anything interesting here, which is weird, because of all the forums I've ever been a part of since becoming a furry, this one has the most members (for a community forum), and we have a VERY active social community offline. It boggles me a bit that these boards get so little attention, and that all the intellectual posters seem to avoid this place. I can't remember the last time I participated in a discussion where the OP actually had something interesting to say, or a question was brought up that was meant to pick peoples' brains. I'm a fan of in-depth discussion, and I KNOW THAT YOU GUYS ARE OUT THERE. I've had plenty of awesome conversations with people outside of these forums, and I know that they ARE on here.
There WAS a period where I'd check these boards every day and usually have a few new threads that I felt like throwing my 2 bits in. I've only been here for 3 years, but I've seen a lot of new users join every month since then and it's like... more users should equal more discussion right?
Nope. It's been like exactly the opposite.
And now we've got formula topics like, "Things to complain about," and "Things to be happy about." I particularly hate those two. I get the OPs had a good idea in mind when they them: create a place for people to offload their grievances. Not a bad idea... except that I believe this is exactly what a forum is for. Now we've got a topic where people go to bitch, whine and moan, but it's completely impersonal and formulaic. It's like letter to the editor in the newspaper: you're basically writing shit and getting no feedback.
Maybe some of you aren't looking for feedback. Maybe some of you just like whining and getting your opinion out there, but it kinda defeats the purpose of having a board for discussion topics.
Maybe it's like some of the newer people here are just afraid of reprimand or backlash for their opinions. I understand that, but it's a stupid and lame excuse to keep your mouth shut. You're not going to get known and you will forever be attending the awkward dinner-meets. Open up and speak your mind about shit. Someone is bound to have ideas that align to yours (just try not to overdo it, or you might piss off the wrong people). Yes, there are some people who've been around for a long time, and they might feel the need to "set you straight," which you may take as an offence. To that, I say: suck it up, buttercup. Not everyone's going to agree with you and some of us might be outspoken and unfiltered. Pick your battles.
Don't be afraid to open up a friggin' discussion topic. Just know that if you're doing it with the intent of whining for attention, there are a few people here who will call you out on it and/or highlight the mistakes you're making. But do it anyway! I personally love picking apart peoples' rants - not because I dislike that person or anything - but because I simply like an intellectual discussion about damn near anything. I know there are a lot of other people here who would do the same and it might bring a little life back to this forum. Because honestly... I hate when I meet a new fur in the area and direct them to these forums and have to add the disclaimer: "Not really much goes on there, and most people only use the Events section..." I really really wish this place could come alive again so that furs in the area can actually get to know each other a bit and become involved in the actual community AWAY from the forums after time.
Just the thoughts of a caffeinated, opinionated dragon on his 25th birthday. Do not disregard, or I will make sure you're baked into my cake. =|
Also, this is my 500th post. Somehow relevant.
*snuggles* The only thing I really use the forum for now is announcing meets and parties that people have a hard time getting to or are too busy for and for finding people's email to send them all invites when I can.
I feel similar on the lack of posting. I do try and check every day now. There are new things being created all the time, but there is serious lack of communication. Drives me insane sometimes... No... That's a lie. All the time.
I don't post on topics like "Things to complain about" because when I want to complain I rant, and just say the same things over again. And generally they are things I have no control over. I try not to complain about things I can effect. But no one is perfect. I don't like reading it because I just want to comment and tell people how to go about getting what they want... or...other things... Then I get too huffy and it can come across bad and I don't deal well with confrontations - even if I am not aware there is one going on. I don't post "Things to complain about" because of the very reason I don't want my things picked apart. When I rant it's mostly about what JUST happened to me. But... It's not really complaining so much as getting a rant off my chest and knowing friends are listening/reading. I think I choose to rant on FA more than anywhere else because so many people talk to me there. And I can hide comments that are upsetting or have nothing to do with things or to strangers that don't understand and choose to read and respond negatively instead of just not reading and going about doing something else.
If I bitch and moan, I'd rather know someone that cares is reading, or listening, and can offer me support or just an ear.
This topic itself is a good start for good conversation and feed back. I personally feel similar with the subject matter. And feel kind of depressed how lacking in activity it is. It's become just an announcement board basically. And no one gives feed back other than a few words, when MOST announcements want details. Such as potlucks or what not ask for people to list what they want to bring or will bring or what not and all they put is "I'm so going to this!" or nothing at all and just register for it. That drives me nuts. There are so many question threads out there that people want feedback on and people don't even give a direct answer. Some are even just rants and no answers.
I hope that draggy is having a good birthday and enjoying his coffee. ^^ :-3
one thing i have seen in the heading bar is there is a chat option. click on that and you get "BCFurries Creative Minecraft Server" and NO chat abilities. check here to view what i mean .. http://www.yourworldoftext.com/~Unition/Unition (http://www.yourworldoftext.com/~Unition/Unition)
chat to me is an open forum in which i can speak my mind with anyone else that is there. hey, how are you? wanna meet up for coffee? are you doing this that or the other thing? or even to discussing the legalization of marijuana, or you just moved into a great new home. what ever you want to 'chat' about. but there is no chatting permitted. sure one can send a pm to someone but then they have to wait for a reply. if that person is online in the 'chat' room then an instant reply will be given.
chatting to me also is being able to ask a question and getting an immediate answer, and not waiting until tomorrow to read a reply. is it not possible to actually have a chat room in here? to access what was the previous chat it says to click 'here' but when you do there is no order to the page. just comments posted like graffiti on a wall.
chat rooms are like walking into a room full of people and being able to have a conversation with whoever is there, so i ask why is there no 'live' chat room available? a 'live' chat room may help to bring us out of the previously mentioned 'ditch'.
*Highfives on the year and post milestone*
I don't even know where to begin. Yes the forums are dead, and yes it's a damn shame especially because of the huge and vibrant offline community in the province. I think it mostly comes down to the fact that people don't like to make waves and no news is good news. No one wants to alienate anyone with a lengthy rant or the wrong opinion, especially in a forum where, really, you're not all that anonymous. If Person X goes on a winge and Person Y tells him to "suck it up, cry me a river, build me a bridge, and get over it", I'll tell you what happens:
a) Person X takes the advice at face value, follows or ignores it, and goes on with their life.
b) Person X posts some kind of countering response as to why things aren't so simple, and then Person Z jumps in and either agrees with X or Y, chastising the either of them for their actions. "You should't be too harsh! You're just an asshole." or "X is right, you're just whining." This devolves into an internet shouting match with no real end, and several people vomiting their opinions, when the original posters have long since left.
Let's recall that time we had that "civil" discussion about fursuiting at Pride. It should be in the archives somewhere. Pretty much the quietness of these forums fall under a few cases of Why We Can't Have Nice Things.
The recurring sticky threads become circle jerks of the people who post in them regularly. Having moderated discussions actually requires moderation. And throwing up a flag, any flag, is just begging to be disagreed with. I mean, could you imagine if I posted, in general talk, any topic on Pride, Fetish and the community, anything political, anything even remotely hot-button. And the other thing is, is that community wide, there's already de facto opinions and social by-laws on that shit, because we had those discussions already, and no one likes thread necromancy.
EDIT: There's a fairly active Skype-chat, and an IRC channel.
: terutt September 03, 2013, 02:44:03 -06:00
EDIT: There's a fairly active Skype-chat, and an IRC channel.
skype - i have managed to regularly chat with one other and he is not a furry and lives in the philippines.
irc - ????
Seems a little ironic that you complain about shit being dead and then tell new people to "suck it up" when people get all cliquey and scare them away in the first place. People cannot just shit all over new people like some pseudo "grey muzzle" with something to prove/ say and then complain when people bugger off cause they just don't wanna be around people like that. Its not impressive to new people and how could it be? They come wanting to meet interesting, FUN people and potential friends, not someone telling them whats what and trying to assert themselves and hold up a rep followed by some tough-love talk. They would go live at their day jobs if that's what they wanted.
I could beat a dead horse into a greasy pancake thin pulp saying what I said months and months ago, and I may as well again. Its the same reason I decided to leave the Skype "chat" because like most things anyone with anything interesting to say was just driven away and I got tired of the daily drivel myself and followed suit. The same talks about coffee and breakfast like we were all retired people in a nursing home, the same negative toned, tough talking "words of wisdom" and the same lonely hearts trying to flirt with everything with a pulse. There were some good and more thought out conversations there for sure hell even some hilariously fun ones when people just let go, I cannot say there weren't, problem was they were constantly drowned out by big-head measuring contests and the breakfast club who had nothing to add but attempts at grabbing the spotlight. The good conversations are still around, they are just a lot smaller and more private cause there is less headache than trying to say anything meaningful through a crowd all wanting to get 5 seconds of attention rather than adding anything. If anything these conversationalists (cause using the term Intellectuals, has too much of a "jerking off" in the wind feel in this context) were scared off because so few even have an attention span to read things in the first place, especially if it wasn't centered around them, many people I have witnessed just blurb "TL:DR", I call them "twitter thinkers" because everything they say, think or feel tends to be short, point form and rather narcissistic. So in my not so humble opinion, the "things to complain about" and "things to be happy about" forums fit right in with that mindset, better to have those areas for people who want that, than have them detailing everything else..
But now that we are all nice and high up on our pedestal, lets get rid of these useless, yet impressive looking props and get to the root of it... For there to be life around any of these places online, it can't be all serious talk and "intellectualism" have we so easily forgotten how far that's gotten other places in the past? They become snooty, cliquey, and outright a bunch of jerks. They shush the new people without trying because the new guys come in, see all these tight little circles and negative opinions when stuff does get posted (Irony here isn't lost on me as I type this). There has to be a healthy mix of serious and fun. Sure right now we have little of either, but clamoring for more deep and through provoking topics and giving the impression everything else is just boring crap isn't gonna make this place flourish or feel all that welcoming. It will just make us look like stiffs. Heck my suggestion? We need some more humorous threads or perhaps they should make a 18+ discussion area where people can actually open up and talk freely, I find that in itself tends to be very limiting when so many of our members are in their 20s-40s. At least that way there is a lot more potential.
You say we need more conversation but you come in just to complain?
You insult other people attempts of interactions and be little there posts.
Maybe some people arn't used to this type if interface. Maybe some people just use the MESSENGING system on the forum. Just because people arn't posting things for you to read doesn't mean they're not interacting with people.
Do you ever think to have a conversation with someone instead of posting an essay?
If you want someone to have a discussion with you, leave something open. Don't try and be so secluded in your text. Give something that people can work with. Conversation is a two way thing. People don't want to be brigade by text and accusations.
: kohl September 04, 2013, 01:23:07 -06:00
You say we need more conversation but you come in just to complain?
You insult other people attempts of interactions and be little there posts.
Maybe some people arn't used to this type if interface. Maybe some people just use the MESSENGING system on the forum. Just because people arn't posting things for you to read doesn't mean they're not interacting with people.
Do you ever think to have a conversation with someone instead of posting an essay?
If you want someone to have a discussion with you, leave something open. Don't try and be so secluded in your text. Give something that people can work with. Conversation is a two way thing. People don't want to be brigade by text and accusations.
I don't think it's complaining. It's stating an opinion that is true. Complaining would sound more like a whining child begging for people to talk to them because they are bored or something.
Also, people don't answer messages on the Forum. I personally send people messages to try and chat, but no one replies. And when I do get a hold of them you know what they say? They hate the messaging system or just don't care or ever look at their messages.
It's actually very difficult to hold good conversation on a forum because all sorts of people decide to jump in and either belittle, berate, badger, or ruin the conversation between some people.
And this topic pretty much did what I believe was intended. Got a talking ball rolling. Now people are putting up their own opinions and actually talking.
There is a difference, again, between posting opinions and observations, and complaining. I do not see this thread as any sort of complaining but rather opinions that either agree or disagree...or some above have been downright rude and are the reason people don't like to talk on here anymore.
I enjoy smart conversations, but personally because I have mental problems, I have to be careful on forums and who I try and talk with. Ever try and start a conversation and end up getting ganged up on and not able to mentally handle it? Like...full on break down because of an illness you're born with? Then have people tell you "boo-hoo suck it up" which not only makes it worse, but can lead to a further break down. And when people are reaching for that help and instead getting that thrown at them, it can lead to serious consequences. For others it's not a mental disability, but they are just as on edge. Some people can handle some bad things, others, especially with a life time of being ganged up on, cannot. So when I try and post on a forum, I have to be careful because if I decide to voice my opinion or even try and talk with someone for the sake of conversation, I can end up in a really bad state if someone decides to be an asshat and thinks it's funny to make a mentally unstable person worse instead of holding their tongue.
I know many furs and other people that are in the same boat as I am, so generally we don't post a lot unless we are in a good state of mind. We don't like to complain on forums because of that same issue as above. I am always afraid to say something or someone will take something the wrong way. Such as posting an opinion or agreeing with someone else, and others taking it as complaining or start ripping things apart. I personally am not dissatisfied or annoyed by the lack of conversations on the forum as is the definition of complain. Just noticing things and talking about them is as it is, an opinion or observation.
I have a hard time reading huge paragraphs, but I wanted to put my short opinion down.
I just very recently joined the forums, and I would really like to have conversations with more furs and get involved but I am finding it quite difficult to get in contact. I feel like, I should possibly move to a different forums for conversation? But I do enjoy talking locally, so I will try my hardest here first. I think the problem (as a newbie) is that there are a lot of regulars and I want to fit in, but don't know how to get in the groove.
*Snuff snuff* ._.
: EchoRabbitJack September 04, 2013, 03:12:42 -06:00
I have a hard time reading huge paragraphs, but I wanted to put my short opinion down.
I just very recently joined the forums, and I would really like to have conversations with more furs and get involved but I am finding it quite difficult to get in contact. I feel like, I should possibly move to a different forums for conversation? But I do enjoy talking locally, so I will try my hardest here first. I think the problem (as a newbie) is that there are a lot of regulars and I want to fit in, but don't know how to get in the groove.
*Snuff snuff* ._.
People find their own groups to fit in with. There are chats on here (irc) and you can always, as I said in your topic, go check the calendar and show up to an open (not private) event. Bring a friend if you're nervous. You can start with an introduction and information about yourself on a new thread somewhere it's designated on this forum. That can help.
People find their own groups to fit in with. There are chats on here (irc) and you can always, as I said in your topic, go check the calendar and show up to an open (not private) event. Bring a friend if you're nervous. You can start with an introduction and information about yourself on a new thread somewhere it's designated on this forum. That can help.
I just saw your post on my thread after I posted here. Thanks! =) heh.
Maybe not complaining but lashing out then. Throwing out a shock tantrum, and badly critisizing others posts.
For a newbie, just post, doesn't need to be long. I actually get more enjoyment from short posts. Makes the person seem like they know what they're talking about. As for topic, find something you like or that's in your life. Look for the Niche within the Niche. Like Gaming? mention it. Like drawing, post some, ask for requests. Like sports, reach out there. The great thing about furries is the variety, they scope just about everything. You just gotta leave some bait for someone to nibble. You won't catch much fish with no bait.
As for messaging. less then half my messages get responded to. but hey. There's 1500 people here, you'll eventually get someone that responds. When you think about it, it's not hard to start a conversation. Keep it short and sweet. You don't look someone in the face and unload paragraph after paragraph. So why do it on a forum?
I think the forum is very much alive. It could be more lively in areas sure. But since joining up a few months ago I've met 6 friends who i get together with weekly around each others houses or a night in the town. It is one big community on here but divided in to many smaller groups of different interests and activity's so we cant judge the forum as a whole. We just hunt out our own areas of interests as individuals. There is allot going on beyond what we see in private messages meetings and more thanks to the forum again acting as a calendar of events. Its like a fur meet in a way You go with 20 people who attend but the idea isn't to make friends with all 20 people you simply find those who share the same interests and make 1 or more new friends.
Well I don't know about the rest of people, but I am just bad at forum. Everything I join I can't keep up for longer than two weeks... To be honest the only time I come on is when I'm told/reminded to by someone else somewhere else. Heck I didn't even really know we had a general section for stuff... Much more potential than the endless forum games... which half the time aren't done right.
Anyways I think I've used enough ellipses to last me a while...
wait, damnitI'm a little dissappointed in some of the replies to this well-articulated and viable opinion of yours, too. I can understand how some would be offended (
There's always someone, right?) but I don't think it deserves outright hostility and almost painfully thick sarcasm. As much as I'm tempted to pick apart the above offender I think it would be better of me not to. Lemme tell ya it's hella tempting though. I will say this... Just because the OP is a dragon does not make him arrogant, elitist, or narcissistic, though that is the
trend stereotype. Of course that may not be the assumption that was made, but it's the one I'm going with because it's the most generous to their intelligence.
There is one part I need to address though because I can't stop alternatingly growling and facepalming about it.
: KermodeJay September 04, 2013, 05:15:34 -06:00
Oh and of course nothing gets people to post their thoughts better then the threat that as soon as they do it will be torn apart by someone who (while not having anything against them) want to ensure that they feel as crappy as possible so that they never make the mistake of sharing their stupid stuff ever again
And who doesn't love a good self fulling prophecy, nothing gets people motivated to join a forum like telling them that it is devoid of life.
Okay... Just because you post with scathing sarcasm doesn't mean that other people can't post jokes. However, I am willing to consider that you simply didn't recognise it as humour, despite how sad it is. However, it was even misinterpreted if it was taken literally... here.
: Neox
Do not disregard, or I will make sure you're baked into my cake. =|
What that means, all humour etc aside, is that he wants people to post discussion topics, get debates going, generally being more interesting, or he'll eat 'em. Not that once they post he'll eat them. Though honestly that'd make me make an even larger post and just keep going so as to delay my death. Just wanted to clear that up and see if anyone else was kinda scratching their heads there.
Regardless I think you raise a good point, Neox. There isn't anything overtly interesting that happens here. Nothing that would draw me in, certainly... it could be interesting to see if we could run a forum RP or two in here, I know for a fact there are some really excellent writers amongst the masses here. I myself have multiple ideas and actually developed worlds that I want to share, and I know I'm not alone in that.
Anyways, I am fully in agreement with a forum being a... well, a forum to voice our thoughts and opinions, not just a glorified calendar and personnel list. Because right now that's all I really see it as, beyond the pointless junk and a few useful contact information threads that haven't updated for a few months.
Looking forwards to a vicious reply filled with vitriol and snark؟!
: Kuviare September 04, 2013, 08:47:28 -06:00
I'm a little dissappointed in some of the replies to this well-articulated and viable opinion of yours, too. I can understand how some would be offended (There's always someone, right?) but I don't think it deserves outright hostility and almost painfully thick sarcasm. As much as I'm tempted to pick apart the above offender I think it would be better of me not to. Lemme tell ya it's hella tempting though. I will say this... Just because the OP is a dragon does not make him arrogant, elitist, or narcissistic, though that is the trend stereotype. Of course that may not be the assumption that was made, but it's the one I'm going with because it's the most generous to their intelligence.
I had to really point out this lill part here, while people may not agree with Neox's outlook/ opinion on things, you can be assured that no one here is petty enough to try and drag something as trivial as species into a subject like this, at least till you tried to impose that's why people were even speaking out their different viewpoints and feelings on the subject for. Lets just keep the furry race cards in the deck because not everything revolves around that, the validity and dismiss-ability of ones words is not so easily summed up by their having a fuzzy or a scaly face. At least for those of us that know a fursona doesn't make the man.
something i have found is that when you write (type) something down on paper (monitor) the written word does not translate the vocal tone that the writer heard in their head as they wrote it.
for example think of the words that shakespeare wrote in hamlet ... too be or not to be, that is the question. etc. if a 10 year old kid read it out loud it would be just words. if you were at a performance in a theater in Stratford and heard the actor say them they would be artistic, inspiring and more. therefore some people do not read the humour or seriousness of the written comment. the tone is just not there for the reader to comprehend the writers total intent.
many times i have written something that the reader has had to be told to read it again so they pick up on the humour that was intended. so what you interpret as being a rant or complaint is just an observation or further comment to a conversation. it all boils down to how the reader intrerprets what was written and if they are in the right mood to read the humour, the comment, the complaint or the rant.
but no matter what is written, is is something somebody has taken the time to put to paper (monitor) for others to discuss, make comment about or otherwise enjoy or complain about. it is dialogue.
: Drake Wingfire September 04, 2013, 09:33:39 -06:00
I had to really point out this lill part here, while people may not agree with Neox's outlook/ opinion on things, you can be assured that no one here is petty enough to try and drag something as trivial as species into a subject like this, at least till you tried to impose that's why people were even speaking out their different viewpoints and feelings on the subject for. Lets just keep the furry race cards in the deck because not everything revolves around that, the validity and dismiss-ability of ones words is not so easily summed up by their having a fuzzy or a scaly face. At least for those of us that know a fursona doesn't make the man.
Uh, if you'll read what I said, it was that the stereotype does not apply, and that it is wrong to make assumptions based on it. Please actually read what I wrote before jumping on me for 'playing a race card'. Thank you.
I can see what you are trying to say Neox, however, despite the fact that you think having those types of discussions would be beneficial for newcomers I would say that it is actually detrimental.
Newcomers will join forums so that they can meet some new people, make friends, have fun conversations, ect. It can even act as an escape from reality sometimes. They will not want to have intense political discussions where members are going to rip their opinions to shreds. That's not very welcoming at all. It's going to be very off-putting to new members and you will scare most of them away. Perhaps for members who are familiar with each other and have known each other for a long time these kind of discussions are okay, but even then I will avoid them myself.
You may enjoy those types of conversations and debates, but then there are also those who don't. Me, for example. I absolutely loathe debates. Does that mean I don't have opinions? No. Does that mean I am any less of an intellectual? No. It just means I simply don't like arguing, so I avoid it.
I don't know how much my opinion is going to weigh since I am new to these forums, but that's my two cents.
Here's a thought: how about we all discontinue the personal attacks and white-knighting here and pay some attention to the point I was trying to get across in my original post. If anyone here has an issue with me personally, I welcome a PM from that person so we can deal with it in private.
SO, in my OP, I said some stuff that had some strong language and, now that I re-read it, can come across as a bit negative and abrasive in my attempts to emphasize. It's never my intention to insult anyone, directly or indirectly, and I apologize if it sounds like I'm doing that. HOWEVER, it sounds like a lot of people are mad at the fact that I dislike how the forums have gone quiet and there have been some jabs at my use of the word "intellectual" to describe the types of discussions that I miss, and I'm here to talk about THAT.
1) What is wrong with wanting to inject a little life into the message boards here? I fail to see how this could possibly be a bad thing. Yes, you all have your own interpretations of what is your ideal mode of conversation, and that's cool if you like the threads that offer-up the invitation for a quick post to outline one's complaints in a simple one-or-two sentence post. I'm not telling you that you should stop doing that. I am merely inviting those who might want to say a little more than one-or-two sentences to open up and create a thread to get feedback or support. Don't go telling me I'm out of my rights to say that I want to encourage further discussion. If you don't like reading paragraphs out of someone's mind, then don't. Stick with your 1-on-1 conversations and quick-post threads. I want to bring others like me, who enjoy a lengthy read, into an environment that we had in the past when people USED to do this shit for fun and sometimes personal development. I don't get how you think my wish to restart these types of conversations somehow goes against the interests of our community. It seems to me you just want to oppose anything that jumps in and tries to ignite a bit of change in the way things are.
2) The fact that people are taking the way I use the word "intellectual" as a self-righteous marker that I think of myself as the Einstein of BC Furs is hilarious. What the hell is wrong with wanting to bring back discussions where people actually use their brains to bring up points and arguments instead of whipping out the "you're stupid, this post and its maker are fucking retarded," remarks? Sue me if I like having debates and conversations over topics that ask for a little more than a simple one-sentence opinion; but rather, ask for people to get together and talk about things in detail, gather and mingle on facts and individual beliefs so that someone might learn something, or might change someone's viewpoint on an issue. I don't use "intellect" to draw a line between dumb people and smart people; well-worded essay masters and net-speak messenger jockeys. I use the word to describe the topics that are MEANT to pick peoples' brains, ask them to think, share knowledge and points-of-view. Not everybody enjoys those kinds of topics; and just the same, not everybody enjoys quick-post threads with almost zero feedback. Don't mistake it to mean that anyone that chooses NOT to participate in those conversations is stupid and unsophisticated.
TL;DR:
-I apologize for my default nature of being blunt and harsh and I mean no offense in my words. Ever.
-I am only inviting those who DO enjoy lengthy conversations to start discussions of their own and participate in those already available. If you don't like it, no probs. Keep doing what you're doing.
-I never use the words "intelligence" or "intellect" to categorize people into stupid and smart, or to classify myself as a superior in the IQ level of my peers. I use them to separate the conversations whose specific purpose is to invite debate and to pick peoples' brains from those who provide a simple outlet for people to get in a quick word and be done.
: Vukasin September 04, 2013, 01:20:37 -06:00
I can see what you are trying to say Neox, however, despite the fact that you think having those types of discussions would be beneficial for newcomers I would say that it is actually detrimental.
Newcomers will join forums so that they can meet some new people, make friends, have fun conversations, ect. It can even act as an escape from reality sometimes. They will not want to have intense political discussions where members are going to rip their opinions to shreds. That's not very welcoming at all. It's going to be very off-putting to new members and you will scare most of them away. Perhaps for members who are familiar with each other and have known each other for a long time these kind of discussions are okay, but even then I will avoid them myself.
You may enjoy those types of conversations and debates, but then there are also those who don't. Me, for example. I absolutely loathe debates. Does that mean I don't have opinions? No. Does that mean I am any less of an intellectual? No. It just means I simply don't like arguing, so I avoid it.
I don't know how much my opinion is going to weigh since I am new to these forums, but that's my two cents.
That's perfectly valid, and I agree with you. But in my more recent post, I outlined how it's not that I'm trying to get EVERYONE to participate in these types of conversations. I have no problem perusing the forums and occasionally jumping into a small discussion where people are just chatting away. The difference is that we USED to have good, lengthy debates about stuff in the General boards, and I kinda miss that. I used to spend a lot of time here getting to know people through their opinions and debates. Now it just feels like this place is primarily used for posting events and the occasional post about some current event. If I could have it, I would love that some of the sleepers here in the forums could start posting again, make themselves known and start up discussions again. This is just my own call to action aimed at those who would receive it. =)
: Neox September 04, 2013, 02:34:17 -06:00
That's perfectly valid, and I agree with you. But in my more recent post, I outlined how it's not that I'm trying to get EVERYONE to participate in these types of conversations. I have no problem perusing the forums and occasionally jumping into a small discussion where people are just chatting away. The difference is that we USED to have good, lengthy debates about stuff in the General boards, and I kinda miss that. I used to spend a lot of time here getting to know people through their opinions and debates. Now it just feels like this place is primarily used for posting events and the occasional post about some current event. If I could have it, I would love that some of the sleepers here in the forums could start posting again, make themselves known and start up discussions again. This is just my own call to action aimed at those who would receive it. =)
Yes, your more recent post has made everything more clear so I understand what you are trying to get at now.
My apologies for the misinterpretation.
: Vukasin September 04, 2013, 02:58:20 -06:00
Yes, your more recent post has made everything more clear so I understand what you are trying to get at now.
My apologies for the misinterpretation.
=P No worries! I was typing up that post while you posted yours. Hehe.
I agree it would be nice to see some more activity on this forum. We have it for a reason, yeah? Using it for actual social encounters (conversations) would be good. I've noticed many people's attempts to get advice or meet people on the forum has been met with responses of "go to the weekly meet" or what have you.
I'm new here, and not really into massive, high-stakes type debates, but still enjoy the occasional chat. I'll admit, I'm definitely the type who acts with caution so as not to step on any toes. But I don't think there's anything wrong with it - we are all different as individuals, and I wouldn't want it any other way.
And it's now a day late, but happy birthday, Neox!
Unfortunately, many of the similar points Neox pointed out could be said about the BC Furs Chat Lounge and its Backroom counterpart. Both chats have been more or less dead for months now.
: Tef September 04, 2013, 08:25:16 -06:00
Unfortunately, many of the similar points Neox pointed out could be said about the BC Furs Chat Lounge and its Backroom counterpart. Both chats have been more or less dead for months now.
I've never used them. Not in all the years I've been on BCF from when I deleted my account way back when to this point.
But ...heh.. I was staring at the title "You're all dead" and now just realized we are all Zombies!
[admin]
Responding to reported post:
I'm giving KermodeJay a warning for personal attacks, and deleting that branch of the thread.
I certainly do want to hear constructive criticism, so I'm not deleting anything else, nor locking the thread.
[/admin]
: Tef September 04, 2013, 08:25:16 -06:00
Unfortunately, many of the similar points Neox pointed out could be said about the BC Furs Chat Lounge and its Backroom counterpart. Both chats have been more or less dead for months now.
Everyone pretty much moved to the Paws & Claws chat, which is reasonably active.
: Silvermink September 05, 2013, 11:03:04 -06:00
Everyone pretty much moved to the Paws & Claws chat, which is reasonably active.
...lol... I laughed...cause you said pretty much everyone... but then you said "reasonably active". XD It made me laugh. Over 1500 people on this forum... *snickerfits*
I'm so over tired...forgive me... I am finding all sorts of things amusing.
: Star Wonder September 05, 2013, 12:06:26 -06:00
...lol... I laughed...cause you said pretty much everyone... but then you said "reasonably active". XD It made me laugh. Over 1500 people on this forum... *snickerfits*
I'm so over tired...forgive me... I am finding all sorts of things amusing.
Yeah, by "pretty much everyone" I meant "most of the people that used the two older chats".
Ahah, indeed. I got into the Paws and Claws chat quite recently, so I was pretty much living under a rock for quite a while. XP
Paws and Claws was made quite some time ago as a no-bars-held kind of chat, so there was no god modding or overprotective "omg the children that might exist" types complaining about the subject matter that might pop up. Those types of individuals usually ruined other chats because people would be having fun, maybe something adult natured got brought up, or someone may have used a swear and then people would burst into this big offended spiel and destroy the conversation with their "morale values"
Lill bit of history on that, it was made after me and a few friends were chatting on the other skype chats, I forget what we were even talking about but me being myself I just let loose saying some stuff for humors sake... which was followed by some individuals getting a over protective soccer mom complex and taking it upon themselves to try and mute/ ban (unsuccessfully) and chastise me in front of a bunch of friends. After all that point a friend of mine created Paws and Claws just so there could be a free-flowing place to chat and hang without that chaos.
Its kinda sad that its become what it has over time (a bit dead and lacking in conversation), I was on it all the time till a few months ago after the conversation aspect started to take a decline in favor of it turning into a over glorified live twitter feed of who had what for breakfast and when they were getting a haircut or such lol, I grew tired of conversations getting derailed by too many spotlight seekers and the fact many of the people I enjoyed talking to just were not on there anymore, or if they were, they were on like once or twice a week. :/
Where are all of these chats you guys keep talking about?
In reply to Drake's observations, he's pretty correct in his assessment of what the Paws and Claws chat is like. However, since he left, I feel like we've adopted a few more members in there that make for a bit more actual conversation rather than the occasional, "I just bought groceries," or "I LIKE TRAINS." I just feel that it's nice to have a live chat surface in an IM environment rather than the "World of Text" canvas that is offered by the forums, and sometimes it gets pretty active and fun.
But at other times, it can get really boring and/or annoying when people are in there just talking about dick or (forgive me guys) gearhead stuff that I'm not really into, and I often don't feel like it's fair to halt a conversation for my own entertainment when people are having fun doing what they're doing. (Granted, I've had a few moments where I just randomly said shit because I WAS having a conversation that suddenly spun-off into a topic that I cared nothing for, but I digress.)
This is why I wanted to bring back some open discussions on the forums. I use the Paws and Claws Skype chat as a medium to just jump in and add my quips here and there, but I always loved the long, thought-provoking topics we've had here on the forums in the past.
: Vukasin September 05, 2013, 08:24:15 -06:00
Where are all of these chats you guys keep talking about?
Vukasin: I'm PMing you. Gimme a minute.
Its good to hear there are some new guys who can spark some life there again, I guess there is always hope. I do enjoy live text because the fact it is more fast paces (not to mean unreadably fast) but it allows things to progress.
I think my biggest personal mistake in terms of the group chat and how I approached it. Was honestly my humor and contributions to much of the dick talk that happened in the past because I feel no shame or taboo about such things and I felt like it would lighten the mood and at least be entertaining if even for just like 5 mins. It was all good fun till you tried to actually have a legit conversation other days about more meaningful topics only for people to go "lul, its dat guy, cawks cawks cawks cawks cawks!" and that's all they would want to talk about while you were around because they seemed to only recognize people by like one feature that's what they stuck with.
It was more than a little frustrating to try and talk about more interesting and meaningful things when people kept wanting to shove a one-trick-pony persona onto you because they seem to like everyone being overly simplified down to one shtick... Sorta makes me think they used this particual toy too much as a kid...
*crank* the Dragon goes....... Gaaaayyy! *crank* The Fox goes....... Im a stud! *crank* The Cat goes...... read my poetry! *crank* the Dog goes.... Give me Attention! XD
Hey Drake, I think you got the dragon and fox ones mixed, that's not what mine says.
In other news I think I'll be starting a few new topics once I get a chance. So probably something like sunday or something similar. :-X
I think we can pretty much surmise that everyone wants more meaningful and engaging topics and discussions, so now all that needs to happen is people need to do so! Come across a video that makes you think? Share and give your interpretation! Some recent event worrying/interesting? Post your thoughts!
I too am curious about the chat servers. I don't use the one here because I do not play Minecraft nor do I want to make an account for it.
: TynderFox September 28, 2013, 11:21:34 -06:00
I too am curious about the chat servers. I don't use the one here because I do not play Minecraft nor do I want to make an account for it.
Does this help?
http://www.bcfurries.com/forum/index.php?topic=7833.0 (http://www.bcfurries.com/forum/index.php?topic=7833.0)
^ Thank you :3
FUCK YOU NEOX
-MEDIAR AND PLANET EARTH!!!! <3 <3 <3