DEBATE:What makes the CB great OR what does it lack?

[auntpolly]

Seriously? You don't see it? .

No, I was just kidding, I know what you mean, but there are different kinds of "in" crowds.

There are those that are just so likeable that they are popular, genuinely on their own merit and it's as simple as that.

There are those who just think they are the "in" crowd because they have just forced themselves in, so to speak.

Not talking about anyone specifically, and to tell you the truth I really don't care. I never even worried about the "in" crowd in HS. I just like the nice people.

 

[Aidensmom]

There are always good topics, it's just sometimes you need to dig back a few pages to find them.

You are one who used to start a lot of good threads, IMO.

 

[auntpolly]

Hmmm...I don't know about the "same". I don't recall posters using "code" talk directly on the boards about other posters in a very mean spirited and negative "wune-ish" way, do you? Even to the point of including it in signatures and tags.


Yuck. and laughing about it. Wow.

.

This community is too big not to have a group of that never grew up from HS -- it's just the way it is. It's like the mean kids when we were in junior high, it's only fun for them if people are paying attention to them.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Seriously? You don't see it? I suppose then just count yourself lucky. Because one day one of them might decide they don't like something about you and then *poof* Happens all the time around these parts...

*poof*?? How does an "in-crowder" make someone go *poof*??

 

[ChrisnSteph]

I miss the debate board that was an actual community. You could want to throttle someone that is on the other end of the political spectrum, but yet know that person would also be cool to sit back and pop open a beer with and chat about things you actually have in common

But even the debate threads here on the CB can get "clique-y". Back before all the bannings, there were plenty of debate threads, and 9 times out of 10 it was the same group of people, debating the same political this and that. Some people (myself included) just aren't up to speed on all the political nonsense in the world, and couldn't particpate in these types of threads as easily. I remember lots of times posting on these and other types of debate threads, and repeatedly getting ignored, probably because I didn't add anything interesting to the thread. Wouldn't that be considered a "clique" like thread? I'm so tired of reading all this anti-clique crap. Can someone please point out a thread currently on this board where it's totally exclusive? Where newcomers aren't welcome or completely ignored? I've "clique-hopped" and even if it's just a post or two, I dont remember ever feeling unwelcome on long running threads where I just jumped in. In fact I think these long-running threads appreciate new posters. Just because people don't always respond to your posts doesn't make it a clique. My posts seem to get ignored every day on all sorts of threads! An example is when I post on a thread and noone seems to notice, then a page later someone will post almost the same thing and everyone hangs on their every word for the next couple of pages. What about the threads where everyone is participating, then (like it almost always does) two or three people will debate back and forth for several days (or even longer) until the thread finally dies. Are these considered cliquey threads? Some people don't like to constantly fight (thought most like to call it debating) with the same group of people on a daily basis. Though their threads may not be as long, I think the same group of people who debate each other over everything are just as cliquey as the same group of people who just talk silliness every day - except the silly threads are a little easier to jump in to since you don't have to read the New York Times every day to make an impression. Some people are just too shy to jump in to long running threads, and some people may feel their not up to par to participate in debate threads. Can't we have threads to accomodate everyone? I'm sorry if I'm rambling (eloquent posts aren't my forte) but the constant whining and complaining about how cliques are ruining the boards is bugging me. I personally think that all the game threads (which clutter up the board way more than 2 or 3 "cliquey" threads) should have their own board, but I don't type post after post complaining about them because they really don't affect my quality of life all that much. I'm sorry if some people here feel that the current community board is just a "shadow of itself" because certain people no longer post here. I'm sure you can find some of these people posting on other boards, pehaps they can entertain you there? This board will never "do it" for everyone, you either like it or you don't. You can hang out or not, it's a choice. The great thing about this community is that it is like a neighborhood. Some people are here for the long term, some people are just passing through, some people move in and cause trouble, some people just like to sit back and people watch, some just like to hang out and participate every now and then. It has it ups and downs, but it's a great neighborhood and I'm happy to be a part of it.

 

[Crankyshank]

I don't know if you were here when the debate board existed Steph, but it was really different than the debate threads here on the CB. I understand what you mean though and often feel the same way myself. Very often actually.
I guess the Debate board itself could have been considered a clique in the same sense that the people who stay on the DVC boards, budget board, resort board, etc... could be considered a clique.

There were more people posting on the DB so it was an actual community. There was also a much larger variety of subjects. There's always been nasty threads and debates on the CB but imho it's always been meaner spirited here on the CB.
It's kind of hard to explain. Hopefully another former debate board person can explain it better for me.

 

[cardaway]

I don't know if you were here when the debate board existed Steph, but it was really different than the debate threads here on the CB. I understand what you mean though and often feel the same way myself. Very often actually.
I guess the Debate board itself could have been considered a clique in the same sense that the people who stay on the DVC boards, budget board, resort board, etc... could be considered a clique.

There were more people posting on the DB so it was an actual community. There was also a much larger variety of subjects. There's always been nasty threads and debates on the CB but imho it's always been meaner spirited here on the CB.
It's kind of hard to explain. Hopefully another former debate board person can explain it better for me.

I don't think it can be explained that much better, but I will add something that I think helps explain things.

How did the CB (and other boards) remain pretty much fight free? Well in many cases they were moved to the debate board whether there was actually a topic being discussed or not. Sometimes is was less of a debate board and more of a problem thread dumping ground.

But I think most of us would still would go back to that structure if given the chance.

 

[Lanshark]

The CB is off kilter....once again. One type of group is dominating it and shaping it to suit their needs, wants and desires. It's up to the community to bring it back to mainstream....with a little help from some participating mods.

Excellent point Gina and part of the reason I started this thread.

 

[Teejay32]

Though their threads may not be as long, I think the same group of people who debate each other over everything are just as cliquey as the same group of people who just talk silliness every day - except the silly threads are a little easier to jump in to since you don't have to read the New York Times every day to make an impression.

There used to be a whole board dedicated to people arguing with each other. A busy, community space that had nothing to do with being exclusive. We got our share of new posters there and "corrupted" some otherwise blameless CB people...it would have been pretty easy to start building little clubhouses all over that board too: Democrats, Republicans, smokers, non-smokers, breastfeeding moms, stay-at-home Dads, Proper Theme Park Etiquette people, whatever, but the point is that didn't happen.

Any debate thread started on the CB these days is still community space - it's not private, it's not up to anyone else to welcome or acknowledge posters, it's just there for anyone who feels like adding his or her two cents' worth - and there's a good chance people there will be familiar faces from the old board, talking with each other. If this is excluding people who want to join in, that's not good and we should probably do something about it. But I don't think it is.

 

[Buckalew11]

Excellent post Gina!!!

I think there have always been cliques on the CB. I could sit here and name some of them and name ones I was a part of and am a part of. There are always people who just mesh and get along. That is natural and I don't think anyone thinks it won't happen. The bad part of a clique is when they delibrately exclude & ignore other posters on a thread or hijack threads on purpose.
If you can't see that it happens, I don't think anyone can help you to see it. I think as another poster said, you're in denial.

I think Gina's post was excellent. When I first came to the DIS in 2000, my goodness, threads were so entertaining and FUNNY. People were creative and clever and just downright funny. There was substance to those threads and ideas and jokes. There was a line that could be crossed back then and people often got very close and sometimes stepped on the line. That was back in the days of the Big Red Button. It was tame back then compared to now.

 

[Aidensmom]

So....if the real problem is a few particular posters, why is everyone bashing the clique threads and hurting people's feelings? It's not OK to attack someone as an individual, but to attack a large category of them is OK?

I said this the LAST time the big anti-clique wave came around, but when I started here a little over a year ago, there were a lot of "inside jokes" I did not understand, and my thought was that I need to read up some to understand. I never thought of it as mean, or exclusive, or scaring off the newbies (me), but rather a bunch of people that got to know each other, and that is a GOOD THING.

I did get to know some people here, and I have made some good friends, and yes, some of us have some jokes. I also joke around with new people on threads, and have always thought it was well taken by them. I guess now I now I was just alienating them because I got a little off topic.

I think this discussion (on the 10 or so threads - not to mention the other boards - it is being discussed on) has gotten way out of hand.

For the people lamenting the way the DIS used to be, is criticinzing all the new people the way to get it back? If you have problems with particular threads or particular posts, that is what the little "report this post" button is for.

Stepping off my soapbox now.

 

[Lanshark]

I think this discussion (on the 10 or so threads - not to mention the other boards - it is being discussed on) has gotten way out of hand.

I am going to be totally honest with you. I have no idea what you're talking about. I was on vacation for 2 weeks. I came back a couple of nights ago and checked the CB. I could tell it was in the aftermath of some huge drama but I still have no idea what it was nor do I care. The problem is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to sift through the aftermath of the almost daily dramas and all of the other "stuff" that goes on here to see anything worth reading, anything thought provoking or informative.

I asked a simple question. I asked your opinion about the merits and the downside of the CB. If that offends, and I can't see how it would, than ignore the thread. It's a valid question.

 

[Aidensmom]

I am going to be totally honest with you. I have no idea what you're talking about. I was on vacation for 2 weeks. I came back a couple of nights ago and checked the CB. I could tell it was in the aftermath of some huge drama but I still have no idea what it was nor do I care. The problem is that it is becoming increasingly difficult to sift through the aftermath of the almost daily dramas and all of the other "stuff" that goes on here to see anything worth reading, anything thought provoking or informative.

I asked a simple question. I asked your opinion about the merits and the downside of the CB. If that offends, and I can't see how it would, than ignore the thread. It's a valid question.

I just got back from vacation too, read no further than page 2. This is not the only thread up about what the CB is like. That is what I am talking about.

 

[poohandwendy]

This entire thing is starting to remind me of when the DB was closed and we regular DBers spilled over onto the CB. There were alot of people here who were not at all happy aout the decision and I could respect that. (trust me, we DBers were NOT happy about it either)

But, the problem is, it went further than that...people started taking shots at 'those people' (DBers) and went on and on and on about how they didn't want the DBers to ruin the CB and they didn't want the troublemakers here. It got to the point where it really started to feel personal and as if not only were we not wanted, but they were talking about us while we were in the room. Many, many people were warm and inviting, but the ones who would not let it go caused some hard feelings. And there were a few who used the opportunity as a platform to get in some shots against people they didn't like.

I know it's not the exact same thing, but I am wondering if we have reached overkill and now it is just like rubbing salt in the wound. Kwim?

Most people have made their case and stated their feelings with respect. At this point, I think there is a line that could (if it hasn't already) be crossed that causes really hard feelings. I don't think that is the intent of most who would like to see a sub board, or whatever. I apologize to anyone who feels that I have contributed to any hard feelings...with that said, I am going to leave this issue alone.

I am not telling anyone else what to do, just adding my two cents and what I am starting to observe.

 

[Teejay32]

I just got back from vacation too, read no further than page 2. This is not the only thread up about what the CB is like. That is what I am talking about.

Sorry, I really didn't notice either. IMO the main problem with game & club threads is the excess of game & club threads. I have no idea who's actually in them or what goes on...but this board is no stranger to drama, never has been. It'll pass.

 

[katerkat]

PAW, didja notice that the DBers are STILL blamed, to this day, for the problems on the CB?

 

[poohandwendy]

PAW, didja notice that the DBers are STILL blamed, to this day, for the problems on the CB?

LOL, true. I haven't read everything, but it wouldn't surprise me if it has been brought up in this fiasco.

We are the redhead step kids (this is coming from someone who actually was a redheaded step child, LOL)

 

[SandraVB79]

Thanks for those that have remarked my posts. As you can say, I can't stay clear from the DIS completely, I'm too addicted to do that, but I'm trying to kick off a little bit. One needs a real life too