What in the world is going on with this forum??? Several seem to be coming out in ATTACK mode for some reason, especially if you are the new guy (and don't know all the answers immediately), or you present a different idea, or you have some additional knowledge/expertise from a different forum. It used to be just a couple of people that had to be ignored but I guess as the membership grows, everything is proportional. I have had my run-ins as well, so no one is immune and would be foolish to think otherwise. Just curious as to whether we have learned all there is to learn (and therefore know it all), or what???

 

I think you should address them by name!!!

 

Although I'm somewhat new around here, I can say this much...

Let me preface this with the fact that I don't read every thread. And I really haven't noticed the pervasive negativity that you speak of. Still, I'll assume that it exists nonetheless.

From what I have read over the course of the past 6+ months, I see a tale of some problems here in the past. Problems that caused a number of former members to leave in anger. And there was apparently a great deal of negativity and animosity amongst the ranks that shook the foundations of this board. Another forum was created and those that call that board their "home" feel it is the kinder and gentler forum. Perhaps rightly so.

Both boards are great in their own right. But look at what happened... This board continues to flourish while the other seems to slowly go on. Not much posting over there except from the small, tight-knit "family". Whereas, this board has much more activity and general sharing of information, ideas, and experience. I don't mean to imply anything bad about that board because it is a good place. But I get more out of this board.

I've seen this EXACT same scenario happen on another local board I participate in. That board grew and grew and grew. Eventually, the people that wanted to be disruptive and pick "fights" behind the an online mask of anonymity caused such chaos that long-time board veterans started fighting with the board owners. And a second board was created by the veteran outcasts. And after 2 years, that board sits stagnant. A small few post there and little info is gained in the postings. As hoped in its creation, arguments are rare. Yet, the first board continues to thrive. In-fighting is still abundant there, but it is still the only real game in town.

So, what am I getting at? Here's what... Message boards of all types are vulnerable to the same thing, people that want to make trouble. People that are probably very nice in everyday life, yet take on a different and angry online persona. It happens everywhere. Accept that they exist and that they like to infect the more popular boards.

And the best reaction is to ignore it and not get caught up in their game. Be tolerant and don't challenge. Turn the other cheek.

My 2 cents.

 

midnightman... i concur with your input... very well stated.

 

Yep, too much of the same thing is boring and decaying. Disagreement is helpful and healthy when it is based on facts. Sure, this forum has its share of opinions, but it also does a great job of ferreting out the truth through contrary observations, information and experiences. Sometimes tempers flare, but that's not unusual at all in the online world. This is clearly THE board for the Crossfire precisely because it attracts so many users who are willing to learn from each other. Other boards may be "nicer," but they are just not as informative. And isn't that really the principal purpose of a forum devoted to people who share a common interest? New members bring new perspectives, and that's usually a good thing. And when someone is unhappy, one mouse click removes the annoyance. Frankly, it would be great if everything else was that easy too.

 

I may be wrong but I think part of the problem is the tone of some of the posts which may have been construed as being negative. We don't want a "happy" forum. Intelligent debate is stimulating and makes this forum interesting. As individuals we each have our own point of view and are entitled to it. But presenting that view in an appropriate manner makes for healthy debate not a word flinging brawl!!

 

Good advice. Thanks for the reality check and attitude adjustment.

 

Let the games begin ladies!!!