Boring and Lifeless

iana · Guru

Boring and Lifeless

JCT · Veteran Member

Iana,

I can to a certain extent understand the point that you are making.

Certain comments make me unhappy/cringe but if I am not personally involved I do not get involved.

I treat it like a heated discussion between two or more 'friends' and as I said above if I am not involved I stay out of it.

I am reminded of the old saying ' We can't all be perfect'.

I tend to read most posts and unless I can add something helpful or constructive I do not comment.

Perhaps I should not have commented here, but then I include myself in the 'old saying' above?

Regards,

Colin

iana · Guru

Just to get my post understood, I do not object to the occasional heated banter at all, its about the only time a bit of colour on the forum comes about. I'm saying there needs to be a think tank on ways to make the forum livelier, more involvement by members, more posts etc.

I am a member of a fishing forum, and one of the differences is that the Moderator, instead of closing the thread down, intervenes earlier and tones down the comments by involvement and/or altering the comments. I think there are about four moderators, some of whom are volunteers.

This forum is over censored, to the point where members are afraid to comment incase they get kicked off the forum. I think there are some members on here that would be quite happy to volunteer as moderators, hence the threads would be longer, and more interesting.

I have other suggestions as well, but I'm hopping some of you will come out of your shell and make some help full comments to bring in more involvement and colour.

brickies · Guru

Lana a PM to Cindy on subject may be the best way to go , It not easy running a forum , The CMCA has to closed there forum down because of friction and a forum with 54,000 members closed down this week for the same reason, I have been a member for 8 years people come and people go but this forum is still going , So Cindy must be doing some thing right you will always have member who think the forum can't run without them but have seen plenty of them move on . We must realise many people many ideas but the main thing is Respect to all .

msg · Guru

What made the old guard the "old guard"? I think it was those that were at the first get together at Greens Lake. There were quite a few there and a number of friendships were made. These friendships continued on line. and there were only about 2000 members at the time. I think the forum has now gotten a bit impersonal. More get togethers?

dazren · Guru

Iana wrote ''boring and lifeless''

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You picked the right two words, ? hmm

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Please note, I Edited my original post, for the sake of any ''Newbies '' recently joined,, However to the two repliers ? I meant every word I said smile

-- Edited by dazren on Sunday 8th of November 2015 05:00:57 PM

Santa · Guru

What a load of codswallop, you get out of a forum exactly what you put in, rubbish in rubbish out.

Perhaps making a bit of an effort instead of whinging would even have a beneficial affect.

Posts of this nature are exactly what will drag a forum down, if you have a complaint PM Cindy instead of making a big deal of it, as a matter of interest Cindy has never failed to respond to any of my PM's. wink

brickies · Guru

When people make a request for information on the forum it given most times but some time member can turn the request into a dog fight and the member feels tied up in it and you don't hear from them again , One reason it may be slow on the forum there are people at the Green Lake talking to one an other and don't need to use the forum to keep in touch.

george57 · Senior Member

G'day all....
fatdog and I have also been on this forum for about 8 years, initially as Geojen. I totally agree with what you are saying iana and your've right Brickies...people do come and go. The only difference between back then and now was there was little to no verbal slagging as displayed by Santa and therefore it was a great place to be. Fortunately we are a tolerant society... but look at the cost.
Meanwhile I'll bide my time hoping for a return of the good times we had.
Young Simmo....love your work.

Cheers

-- Edited by george57 on Sunday 8th of November 2015 05:43:19 PM

Santa · Guru

I guess what you mean by "slagging" is engaging in an adult discussion without resorting to insults.

Your the people who are claiming the the forum is boring and lifeless, not me.

Like all forums people move on for various reasons, it's an evolving process, things seldom remain exactly as you would like them.

As I said earlier if you dislike the way the forum is moving, get to work and start putting up meaningful and positive posts. wink

Wombat 280 · Guru

Now Now people , engage but don't fight. The idea is to put your thoughts out there and hope for cross fertilization not abuse then we all get something out of it . I do admit sometimes the topic can get a little off track to a point where the original subject is lost in the dogfight Censorship is always going to be seen as a problem to the point where people won't engage and take the whole thing as a personal attack aimed at them .

We all can take a lesson and not be so sensitive and if you don't wish to view the comments then don't open the thread

brickies · Guru

Wombat your point is spot on , I think sometime member don't post for fear of being attacked , And going off Topic can be a badge of honour

iana · Guru

In my opinion, when people come, I'd like them to stay, and when they go, that's sad. The question is "How do we make them stay?".
One of the problems I have found is members not reading the posts properly, perhaps just picking up on "Key" words, or basing replies on the proceeding post. It would be good if somehow the first post could always be showing on the screen, no-matter how far one scrolls down.

As far as putting up positive posts, I have done much of that and had little or no input from others. Recently I have replied to about five posts on questions, and not one comment from the author or others. Now why should I be inspired to reply to other threads, or bother to put up a new thread if this is the reaction.

Poor spelling and grammar is also an issue, leaving the reader struggling to figure out what is being said, or the true meaning of responses. Why is this so, when the words are spell checked as you write? or you can go back in and edit the post.

I would like to see more "Moderation" rather than cancelation. Sentences altered to take out the sting, and the thread continues. It was suggested way back the use of volunteer moderators, with perhaps permissions to comment to or on threads, move threads to their proper place, alter and or correct spelling or grammar, but not to shut down the thread, Cindy's job.

Many times members complain about threads being posted in the wrong places, I'm wondering if this has more to do with the use of smart phones, and how the forum presents itself on other screens other than computers. My bank has recently revamped its site, and I think it has made its site "Smart" phone friendly. May this needs to be looked into for this forum. As I don't have a smart phone, I don't know.

The other question is, is Cindy a real person, working alone, or is that name something used by a business group hosting this web site.

Santa · Guru

What people must remember is that when you start a thread with a title that is controversial your going to have responses with conflicting views, which, of course will lead to an animated discussion, nothing at all wrong with that, as long as your able to take it as well as dish it out, and not resort to trading insults.

If you simply expect to have your opinion accepted without question forget it, ain't gonna happen. smile

Desert Dweller · Guru

Joined this forum early this year so still class ourselves as new members, can't see anything wrong with it at all. We're members of only one other forum (photography) which is run on a lot stricter basis than this one.

Santa · Guru

iana wrote:
In my opinion, when people come, I'd like them to stay, and when they go, that's sad. The question is "How do we make them stay?".
One of the problems I have found is members not reading the posts properly, perhaps just picking up on "Key" words, or basing replies on the proceeding post. It would be good if somehow the first post could always be showing on the screen, no-matter how far one scrolls down.

As far as putting up positive posts, I have done much of that and had little or no input from others. Recently I have replied to about five posts on questions, and not one comment from the author or others. Now why should I be inspired to reply to other threads, or bother to put up a new thread if this is the reaction.

Poor spelling and grammar is also an issue, leaving the reader struggling to figure out what is being said, or the true meaning of responses. Why is this so, when the words are spell checked as you write? or you can go back in and edit the post.

I would like to see more "Moderation" rather than cancelation. Sentences altered to take out the sting, and the thread continues. It was suggested way back the use of volunteer moderators, with perhaps permissions to comment to or on threads, move threads to their proper place, alter and or correct spelling or grammar, but not to shut down the thread, Cindy's job.

Many times members complain about threads being posted in the wrong places, I'm wondering if this has more to do with the use of smart phones, and how the forum presents itself on other screens other than computers. My bank has recently revamped its site, and I think it has made its site "Smart" phone friendly. May this needs to be looked into for this forum. As I don't have a smart phone, I don't know.

The other question is, is Cindy a real person, working alone, or is that name something used by a business group hosting this web site.

We all know the rules of the forum Ian, Cindy has explained her position time and again, we can choose to accept the forum warts and all, or choose to move on.

Whether Cindy is a real person or not is immaterial. smile

Santa · Guru

Desert Dweller wrote:
We're members of only one other forum (photography) which is run on a lot stricter basis than this one.

Most are DD, Grey Nomads is relaxed to say the least.

BTW love your photographic work, great bird shots. smile

brickies · Guru

Cindy is a real person , In 2006 we read a story about someone who had written a book about Grey Nomad life , So we went to a bookshop to buy the book found it was full of good information this book was written by Cindy , then found out she had a Website in May 2007 joined it . If you have not read this book try and get one , Cindy has been out there doing the Grey nomad life and not just a webmaster.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Cindy is the moderator of the forum - she has to not only moderate the posts, but also run a business, hence if one of her advertisers take offence at a post/posts, she is the one who has to decide what to do about it. Sometimes, getting it right for one party, puts another party offside! Same if another member objects, she has to look carefully at the objection, and make a decision - right or wrong, once it is made, that is the way it is. There are rules for the forum, and it is a pretty "moderate" place usually. There will always be some who complain, some who push the boundaries. We all like a bit of fun, I go and look at some other forums, and wonder how they are still going, nothing happens for days - weeks, even.

The meaning of the word "MODERATOR"

kept or keeping within reasonable or proper limits; not extreme, excessive, or intense: a moderate price. 2. of medium quantity, extent, or amount: a moderate income.

Having said that, I appreciate your input iana, and "santa" if you don't think calling someone's post "codswallop" is not derogatory or sledging, you have a sorry mind.

Lets not allow this pertinent post of iana's denigrate into a slanging match, keep it friendly, like we all want the forum to be, if you haven't got anything positive or helpful to say, don't say anything!!!! Likewise, if you don't "like" what some people post, don't read them - nobody is forcing you to.

There have been some lifelong friendships made through this forum, and get togethers help this along - if you see there is one in your area, go along - you might meet a new best friend!!!

Webmaster · Guru

Hi all,
First things, first. My name is Cindy and I am a real person. Like all of you, I love travelling Australia. Many years ago, I started this forum so that like-minded people could share their thoughts about the lifestyle, and offer each other encouragement and advice. I am very proud of the fact that this forum has done exactly that. It has spawned countless friendships and helped many thousands of people to get something more - or something different - out of their travels. I am the first to admit that moderating a growing forum has been a lot more difficult than I imagined and I have made lots of mistakes along the way. I certainly don’t see myself as being big on censorship. In fact, I am probably more guilty of letting too many things go. Ultimately though, I have a lot of faith and a lot of respect for our membership and I am keenly aware that it works because people on it share a common interest and basically like to help each other out and share a laugh. Over the years, there have been people come and there have been people go. I have no doubt that the same pattern will continue long into the future. Of course, people will be looking for different things from a forum like this. There are plenty of sections and plenty of members so it caters to a broad range of people. Like all forums and all things in life, its strength and vibrancy depends on those who contribute to it. In my humble opinion, this friendly forum is continuing to help and to entertain a lot of grey nomads and wannabe grey nomads. I think it is far from dull and lifeless but everyone has a different take and a different opinion. For people who feel it is dull and lifeless, there are two real choices. Try to contribute in a positive way to enliven it, or find another forum which better caters to your needs. It’s all fine. I set up the forum to help people, and wanted it to be place that people wanted to visit. I genuinely don’t want anyone to feel they have to keep coming back to the forum if they don’t want to. As always, I welcome and encourage people who have concerns or questions about the forum to send me a PM. I will always respond. Thanks everybody.

Baz421 · Guru

I've read most of the comments and can see where most people are coming from.

I don't post as much as I used to either as I think at times the subject matter is treated with contempt by a few (the 2% ers as they are known) and all they want to do is post rubbish "off topic" (that became a boring joke within some threads) or attack the person NOT the discussion/points raised.

I too like to be involved in robust discussion and can give as good as I get. I'll treat you as you treat me.

I take pride in the fact that I've helped some who were going to leave (and didn't) and some who felt bullied.

Indeed some of us gave the bullies a heave ho a couple of years ago as they didn't like the "medicine" they dished out coming back.

I fear 2 have re-emerged under NOW ANONYMOUS / FICTICIOUS different names and continue their disruptive behaviour.

Cindy does a good job IMHO considering this is a free site to us and the volume of work to moderate.

Ok over you your for comments.

iana · Guru

A suggestion, on the other forum I frequent (fishing) my link there takes me to a page called recent posts. This lists all the posts in every topic on this page. It speeds up looking for what's new.
We have that same window in our "user details" page a smaller window called "Recently Active Topics", so how would it be if that window came up as a separate full page?

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

iana wrote:
Just to get my post understood, I do not object to the occasional heated banter at all, its about the only time a bit of colour on the forum comes about. I'm saying there needs to be a think tank on ways to make the forum livelier, more involvement by members, more posts etc.

I am a member of a fishing forum, and one of the differences is that the Moderator, instead of closing the thread down, intervenes earlier and tones down the comments by involvement and/or altering the comments. I think there are about four moderators, some of whom are volunteers.

This forum is over censored, to the point where members are afraid to comment incase they get kicked off the forum. I think there are some members on here that would be quite happy to volunteer as moderators, hence the threads would be longer, and more interesting.

I have other suggestions as well, but I'm hopping some of you will come out of your shell and make some help full comments to bring in more involvement and colour.

I am a moderarater on a car forum .. We do the same thing .. Even to the point of editing the odd word in posts ..than are demeaning ..

Have to remember. We are posting in text and try to be short which can leave tech info out .. Without copy and pasting paragraphs or simply quoting rule numbers ...

-- Edited by Aus-Kiwi on Monday 9th of November 2015 12:00:24 PM

Wombat 280 · Guru

Santa wrote:
iana wrote:
In my opinion, when people come, I'd like them to stay, and when they go, that's sad. The question is "How do we make them stay?".
One of the problems I have found is members not reading the posts properly, perhaps just picking up on "Key" words, or basing replies on the proceeding post. It would be good if somehow the first post could always be showing on the screen, no-matter how far one scrolls down.

As far as putting up positive posts, I have done much of that and had little or no input from others. Recently I have replied to about five posts on questions, and not one comment from the author or others. Now why should I be inspired to reply to other threads, or bother to put up a new thread if this is the reaction.

Poor spelling and grammar is also an issue, leaving the reader struggling to figure out what is being said, or the true meaning of responses. Why is this so, when the words are spell checked as you write? or you can go back in and edit the post.

I would like to see more "Moderation" rather than cancelation. Sentences altered to take out the sting, and the thread continues. It was suggested way back the use of volunteer moderators, with perhaps permissions to comment to or on threads, move threads to their proper place, alter and or correct spelling or grammar, but not to shut down the thread, Cindy's job.

Many times members complain about threads being posted in the wrong places, I'm wondering if this has more to do with the use of smart phones, and how the forum presents itself on other screens other than computers. My bank has recently revamped its site, and I think it has made its site "Smart" phone friendly. May this needs to be looked into for this forum. As I don't have a smart phone, I don't know.

The other question is, is Cindy a real person, working alone, or is that name something used by a business group hosting this web site.
We all know the rules of the forum Ian, Cindy has explained her position time and again, we can choose to accept the forum warts and all, or choose to move on.
Whether Cindy is a real person or not is immaterial.

I disagree with the poor spelling and grammar been an issue, not all Nomads have had the opportunity to master English as their prime language, in some cases English could be their third or fourth . Not all have had the opportunity to gain a Doctorate in the sciences and at times we will see theories put forward that if articulated in the right way may become a clue to the answer . The first lesson one has to learn is pick your target audience and pitch your theory at that level otherwise you fear losing them in the technical stuff . As for grammar one has to ask is there such a thing anymore, if we think it's bad know wait a few more years when some of our brightest Uni Grads make it to our age .

I often have to send written assignments submitted by post grads back and conduct a verbal in my rooms as they just don't have the written communication skills one would expect They know the material but lose track on paper (Screen) At times one has to practice full on linguistic skills just to read the submitted material, that's from students born here.

Computer spell check is useless unless you know how to spell the word in the first place, mostly spell checks are USA based and there in lies another pitfall

Santa · Guru

Spell check may not be perfect Wombat, however if everyone chose to use it we would probably all benefit, as far as differences between American English and the Queens English, it's pretty minor, most would not even be aware of the substitute word/s. smile

Big Gorilla · Guru

iana wrote:
When I first joined this forum, there were so many electricians commenting on posts, that before long the posts became a competition of which sparkie new the most. That's all gone now. Before I joined, there must have been a few blues and apparently members left, siting ownership of the forum by a few.

Very interesting posts by all. iana I'll take up your point on Electricians. Soon after I joined the Forum, I posted responses to many electrical questions. I didn't note any competitive responses from other qualified folk, but sometimes my advice may have been incorrect, after all although I'm still licensed, it's been many years since I practiced apart from test and tagging, and if someone corrected me, I accepted that. The reason I stopped giving advice related to the fact that unlicensed people should not be carrying out 240 volt work on their van or motorhome. That is a job for a licensed electrician. I did not want to be a party to giving advice and encouraging others to take risks with electricity and doing the work themselves.

If I find a post is getting serious and an argument is likely to occur, I plead guilty to tossing in a joke or something amusing to lighten up the mood. I've found this move seems to settle everyone down.

That's it from me. I'm at my home in the Philippines, it's 33 degrees outside, time to on the aircon and open a cold beer...

PeterD · Guru

Santa wrote:
What a load of codswallop, you get out of a forum exactly what you put in, rubbish in rubbish out.
Perhaps making a bit of an effort instead of whinging would even have a beneficial affect.

I tend to agree. The opening message makes the forum look like it revolves around electrical questions. The electrical threads are just a minor part of the proceedings. I find there is plenty of other things on the forum of interest.

The big problem with the electrical threads is the number of self appointed experts who talk over those who have been in the industry all their life. Electricity is a subject that is little understood by most people. It is a science where you need to be correct. As one of the very early members of the forum I have seen many race in to answer questions and make a hash of things. In their early days they would listen to the trained people and their replies became more accurate. The big problem is they ceased their training phase and started to argue back with rubbish replies. These days I think they come in from other forums. I for one can not sit back and see rubbish posted on the forum. PeterQ is another, he does not suffer fools lightly, he has an excellent knowledge on electrical matters, he only posts on matters he is sure about and lets others slide. If members would learn from him there would be less arguing.

Felicia · Guru

Cindy,

I enjoy the forum. If there is a disagreement that may get a little personal, I just skip it and go to another. Have learnt many useful tips and heard from people with interesting stories to tell.

Lynda

brickies · Guru

If you are bored hit the road it's great fun .

Baz421 · Guru

PeterD wrote:
Santa wrote:
What a load of codswallop, you get out of a forum exactly what you put in, rubbish in rubbish out.
Perhaps making a bit of an effort instead of whinging would even have a beneficial affect.
I tend to agree. The opening message makes the forum look like it revolves around electrical questions. The electrical threads are just a minor part of the proceedings. I find there is plenty of other things on the forum of interest.
The big problem with the electrical threads is the number of self appointed experts who talk over those who have been in the industry all their life. Electricity is a subject that is little understood by most people. It is a science where you need to be correct. As one of the very early members of the forum I have seen many race in to answer questions and make a hash of things. In their early days they would listen to the trained people and their replies became more accurate. The big problem is they ceased their training phase and started to argue back with rubbish replies. These days I think they come in from other forums. I for one can not sit back and see rubbish posted on the forum. PeterQ is another, he does not suffer fools lightly, he has an excellent knowledge on electrical matters, he only posts on matters he is sure about and lets others slide. If members would learn from him there would be less arguing.

I agree with these comments.

If I'm not sure of things I say so but if I know, I'm confident enough to post - however I don't give 240 advice.

BUT I do post links and try to point others in the right direction.