Difference between Chat and Forum

[Joe Lerch]

I'm really happy to see you back, Vlad!

I'm not sure things have changed all that much. We seem to have a lot more posts now, which does make it hard to keep up with, but other than quite a few more really active guys, I don't think it's so different.

We always did characterize this place as a barbershop. In fact, I think Lynn did that way back when he started the original site. But then again, each of us gets what he wants out of this site, and that changes with time. As we grow, I think you'll get more digressions in a thread. THey don't really bother me. I can click past them. What does bother me is when a thread gets hijacked. I've done it myself, and I usually stop and apologize when I realize it.

There are sites around where mods keep control on those kinds of things, but I wouldn't want to see it here. After all, we're here because of a hobby and we're here for fun. Our forums are now very specialized by topics, so guys know what they're getting into. If you ever do find that a threadis getting too confused, you can point out to the guys who've gone off topic that it's happened. It is a matter of courtesy on the forums, and I'm sure nobody wants to confuse things, and nobody would be hurt if you pointed it out. Anybody can start a thread on any subject. Any time you want to break out, you can just say so and open a separate thread.

[xman]

I've noticed some up times and some down times. For a while in the spring I was a little concerned like yourself, but inevitably it foud its way back to more technical discussions as a new wave of shavers showed up and Colleen's soap thread started to take off.I think You're right, Vlad and it's something we should be aware of in order to help us stay the course, but I believe in general it will find its way back again.

X

[wvbias]

I imagine that of the 1050 or so
posts that I have made, most
didn't really contribute to anything.

I will definately think before I post
from now on.


Terry

[vladsch]

Hell, even those that seemly read/reply to (almost) every post may eventually have to give it up. (my bad... )

Joe, I thought I was the only one who noticed.

I will try to expand on my thoughts lest everyone here start thinking that what I want is dry technical lingo or that by a gentleman's club I am referring to some snob society of old farts that sip tea with their pinkies out and who speak in a fake British accent about troubles with hired help.

Forums are a conversation. A thread is an invitation to a conversation with the topic chosen by the first poster. Anyone can participate but it does not mean they should feel compelled to do so unless they can add to the discussion.

Well mannered gentlemen respect others enough not to interrupt an ongoing conversation with meaningless drivel, just so they can feel part of it. This does not exclude a good joke or a tease thrown in just as I would not exclude these from my every day verbal interaction. I find them essential to enjoyable verbal intercourse. However, it has to be done with taste and moderation.

What I liked about SRP is the way members respected the topics and participated when they had a question or relevant contribution. The contribution was based on experimentation, observation, experience or extensive reading on the subject or even an opinion based on sound logic rooted in a relevant background.

Members tended to carry themselves in the threads as if they were having these conversations in person. This allowed us to get to know each other through text alone and created respect, camaraderie and in some cases friendships.

This is what I found to be rare for an internet forum when most public forums are filled with loud-mouths who can't voice an opinion in person but when protected by the anonymity and distance of the internet suddenly develop an opinion on every subject, further complicated by chronic verbal diarrhea fueled by their unsubstantiated feeling of self-importance.

If it is worth saying, it is worth saying as eloquently as possible and with some thought behind it. It’s OK to write what you think when you think it but don’t press the “submit” button until you have re-read what you wrote and asked yourself if there is a better way of saying it or whether it really needs to be said at all.

If you don’t think that your post is worth the extra effort of thought then you can be assured that it is not worth anyone’s effort to read it.

But then again, I could be wrong.

[urleebird]

Just in case I wasn't very clear with my comments, allow me a few lines here to bail out some of the water from the little dinghy.

Here is what I meant by the tangents.

TOPIC: RUST ON THE BLADE

Post #1... Anybody know how to get rust off a blade?
Post #2... Try some scotch brite with a wood backing. Make sure that...
Post #3... I have found that wet/dry sandpaper works. It works better with some kerosene as a lubricating agent, but make sure you at least use some water.
Post #4... I use kerosene to clean my fishing reels, but don't know what it does to the fishing line.
Post #5... Speaking of fishing reels, I just got back from a great salt water trip down in Mexico.
Post #6... Get to go to any of the bars while you were there?
Post #7... In addition to sandpaper, there are cloth-type rolls called shop rolls that are really slick.
Post #8... What type of fishing reel is good for salt water fishing?
Post #9... Thanks for the info. It was very helpful.
Post #10.. Will the kerosene damage the scales?
Post #11.. No damage to the scales, but you'll be sleeping out back if your wife smells it on you. It don't come off...

Posts #4, 5, 6, and 8 threw off the thread and most times it doesn't make it back on topic. It becomes a fishing buddy stories thread instead. The fishing buddy stories should have been started as a thread of its own. Post #7 got lost in the babble.

Post #11 is just fine. The poster is still talking scales, hasn't changed the subject and got to throw in humor. Not much humor, but an attempt at humor.

I guess all I'm saying is that it's not very polite to start talking about fishing when the intent of the thread was to find out about rust.

On the same hand, I would hate to see limited participation on the thread because the poster feels he must make a significant contribution to be heard. Comments like, "Oh... that clears things up a little" are great. It provides feedback.

I certainly wouldn't want to stifle conversation... I just think it needs to go in the right compartment... the sequencer that I am.

[steve]

Well, new as I am let me say I'm grateful for Vlad and Bill for the last 2 posts. I can certainly understand better some of the issues that bother the elder statesmen of the forum (meant with respect). These were very instructive and I wil do my best to adhere to the high standards aspired to.

[Joe Lerch]

What Bill describes as a tangent is what I call hijacking, if the topic doesn't get back to scales.

It can't be done by one person, but if you do it and get a response, the simple solution is to apologize to the original poster and tell the guy that responded to you that you're starting a separate thread and would like any body to join who is interested in continuing your discussion.

[urleebird]

...some of the issues that bother the elder statesmen of the forum...

Please don't think I place more importance on my words over any others. I really do believe that everyone here is equal, with several of the guys being better communicators than I am. In addition, just about everybody is better at diplomacy than I will ever be. It's a flaw I will wind up dying with.

[garythepenman]

Thank you Vlad for a timely reminder. I guess it is a little like joining in a conversation, adding one's point of view, experience or helpfull tip. The response needs to be appropriate.
I am guilty of many of the issues Vlad mentions but now and again I do have some insight or minutae of wisdom to add.
So, once again thanks Vlad for putting up the initial post and for the gentle slap on the wrist. The communial wrist.

Now I'm off for a cup of darjeeling, where the bloody hell is my valet..

Gary

[rtaylor61]

I don't doubt that I am responsible for "derailing" my share of threads, and if I have upset anyone, I apologize. One of the things I like about all of the forums I participate in is that they are not only informative, but fun. Maybe I've pushed the "fun" button a few too many times. Due to work hours and health issues, I haven't been as active lately, so maybe that will help balance out my pasts mistakes! Down to brass tacks, my main goal is to be a participant who contributes in a positive manner.

RT