I like to read old threads and I'm always surprised by the number of banned users. I guess some people just never learned to play nice.
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Why So Nasty? — TB Etiquette
- Thread starter Bassnkeys
- Start date
I don't really find it to be that polite. There's a whole lot of snark and condescension. I do find that you aren't allowed to curse, which is probably not much of a value add considering the first statement.
By and large I have found TB to be mostly courteous and informative in the appropriate forums where such things are called for. OT can come off the rails but then, it's OT and a certain amount of comic relief is to be endured when there.
About the only ongoing issue I've found are a certain few ( you can read into that "Repeat offenders" ) who live for telling someone they're wrong. Wrong forum. Wrong Year. Wrong term. Wrong "insert thing they are obviously an internet expert on here". The old forum axiom applies. Don't feed the trolls. With that simple bit of sanity saving practice, I've found I'm a mostly happy participant.
About the only ongoing issue I've found are a certain few ( you can read into that "Repeat offenders" ) who live for telling someone they're wrong. Wrong forum. Wrong Year. Wrong term. Wrong "insert thing they are obviously an internet expert on here". The old forum axiom applies. Don't feed the trolls. With that simple bit of sanity saving practice, I've found I'm a mostly happy participant.
It's people arguing objectively (and authoritatively) on something that is almost entirely subjective. It's really not all that bad here. Don't go in the troll threads.
Yep. Click on the name under their avatar. You'll find ignore option on there.There's an ignore feature?!?
I think the tenor of all online message boards has degenerated over the last decade.
Actually things are pretty civilized on this forum (unless you're into metal), ESPECIALLY when compared to other music forums. The most insufferable experience here is when someone identifies so intimately with their gear choices they are personally hurt when someone expresses an opposing view (e.g. "I don't like tort pickguards").
I think the general rudeness that's rampant across the 'smart phone world', and Facebook, Twitter, et al, just gets carried over as people are typing on the same screen without realizing they're now somewhere else. Hey, it's a party line (old-timers know about such things) with thousands of extensions, it happens.
Though to me, I'm often amazed that the original post is as cranky as can be sometimes.
Though to me, I'm often amazed that the original post is as cranky as can be sometimes.
For the OP, you're not alone. I was a heavy user/participator back when TB was first launched and LOVED it. Spent a ton of time here. Left for a while, and have been popping in and out more recently. I have noticed the very same thing that you have noticed....needless bickering, snippy-ness, lack of courtesy, common decency, general politeness, etc. I've also noticed a lot of threads that lack substance or where the OP is asking questions or raising issues that could easily be addressed with the most simple of searches (web, TB, or otherwise). While I'm sure some have (or will) say that it was worse at this particular time or that particular time, I like to think that, with some individual exceptions, there was a tremendous amount of openness, camaraderie, good/substantive discussion and sharing of information for many years when TB first started. This still occurs today, but I agree with your general point and have noticed what you're referring to. I'm sure that there are folks all over the world analyzing data, writing papers, reviewing trends, etc. to determine the cause(s), if the phenomenon is real or perceived, etc. Try to find/celebrate the good, try to avoid/ignore the bad. That's probably the best that you can do.
- Apr 20, 2009
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- Endorsements: your name could be here, Mr. Sadowsky!
I don't blame anyone for responding harshly when people use flagrent fighting words like "I don't like tort pickguards"
I agree, it always seems like someone wants to try to show superior intelligence, from a tech, or engineer standpoint, and quit often it gets offensive, and to the point not posting anything at all, due to negative nasty remarks. I'm a tech myself, but very seldom chime in, any more on anything. I know many people who are bass players, who avoid this site, period.
It's a well founded psychological principle that you become part of what you're around.
I don't think that rancor and vitriol are that bad here on TB, but when we're all barraged by the partisan politics and other negativism that everyone is, it's understandable that people get weird from time-to-time.
I don't think that rancor and vitriol are that bad here on TB, but when we're all barraged by the partisan politics and other negativism that everyone is, it's understandable that people get weird from time-to-time.
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Welcome to the internet, please enjoy your stay
Doner Designs
Steve Doner
- Jun 2, 2012
- 5,784
- 6,819
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- Doner Designs is an alias for Steve Doner
I think you're right about this even more than you realize: This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. People -- and especially men, who are disproportionately represented on this and most other forums -- are able to turn virtually anything into a pissing contest. Who has the most technical/engineering knowledge is just example. Who has the most experience? The best taste? The funniest jokes? The cleverest ideas? The best rig? Everyone wants to display their peacock's tail, and feels insulted by anyone who isn't impressed or disagrees. Human Nature 101.
I think since The Purge about 5 years ago, things have gotten a lot more civil and focused.
Snark happens - it can't be completely eliminated - but the straight-up personal attacks, the blatant violations of TB rules, and the total thread derails are very few and far between now, and when they do happen, the mods take care of business.
Snark happens - it can't be completely eliminated - but the straight-up personal attacks, the blatant violations of TB rules, and the total thread derails are very few and far between now, and when they do happen, the mods take care of business.
