So what spirit is the forum viewed in?

[Coolydudey]

Using the recent banning of @Da Blob as a starting point, I wondered how the forum is viewed by the various members, especially the senior ones. That is,

How has it changed?
What do you go on it for?
What do you expect from it?
What do you feel the general spirit of the forum is?
How does it compare to other forums that you have used?

Just hoping a few people could pitch in, it's rather interesting in someways.
I get the impression that many take it less seriously than they use to (which is a big shame for me).

 

[Proletar]

Someone summed it up very well in the Blob-thread. After a long time and many wrongs committed, the board of directors finally decided, despite all of their understanding and all of their compassion, that Da Blob couldn't be here anymore. In the thread we saw deep questioning and continuing compassion from the other members, despite their differences. Da Blob was given many chances, but now, no more.

So what now? I myself have this tendency to be tolerant. I respect people, and they usually respect me. Sadly, my understanding sometimes means that people think they can step on me and my principles, in which case I immediately react. This forum is the same. Not stern but fair - but tolerant yet fair. That's what this banning is. Fair. And I think this thread, along with the Blob-thread and all of their discussions, is more than enough to prove that.


Which means to say I still think we are tolerant and understanding people.

 

[Duxwing]

Using the recent banning of @Da Blob as a starting point, I wondered how the forum is viewed by the various members, especially the senior ones. That is,

How has it changed?
What do you go on it for?
What do you expect from it?
What do you feel the general spirit of the forum is?
How does it compare to other forums that you have used?

Just hoping a few people could pitch in, it's rather interesting in someways.
I get the impression that many take it less seriously than they use to (which is a big shame for me).

This forum is essentially my network of friends: Despite being in almost every single advanced class in my grade, my peers are almost exclusively ESXJ's and ISXP's. The ISFP's are nice soundboards, but they run from debate as if it were the plague, the ISTP's are bummed-out weirdos, and the ESXJ's are either thunderous sources of inane drivel (ESFJ) or unable to discuss and understand anything that isn't in their factual encyclopedia (ESTJ). We do have one ENTJ and one INTJ, but the former is too loud and arrogant to bear and the latter has a very unhealthy relationship with his Se.

Yet I'm no prize, either. And I suppose that my ESFJ arch-nemesis (the hyperbole referring to the idea that I like her as a person, but loathe her philosophy with every fiber of my being) put it best: "Everyone hates you, Duxwing". And honestly, I'm unsurprised:

--> I bring a huge, dark cloud of brooding existential woes with me wherever I go
--> I, with pleasure, point out the logical fallacies in beliefs that they are incapable of changing. It's almost my only way to interact with them.
--> I hate their two favorite subjects, gossip and chit-chat, with such a passion that one might find me with my head on my desk, just staring out into space, trying to SHUT THEIR DRIVEL OUT!
--> They're religious, but I'm a nihilist (see point 2)
--> I love abstract theoretical discussions, but they like concrete, emotional ones. I, of course, attempt to start abstract discussions, but I am quickly shot down. I suppose that I'm wrong in doing so considering that they don't go out of their way to bother me about sports, music, and relationships.

But I can't say that this is my fault. I'd go off-the-wall insane if I tried to be like them, talk like them, and act like them for eight hours a day, and I'm effectively backed into a corner by the need to socialize. And leaving my classes wouldn't help, either: the kids in the lower classes (as in CP1 vs Honors) are just as empty-minded. I feel like no-one in the class can (or even wants to) challenge my mind on anything but factual problems-- I want to be wrong on this last statement, but I can't find an iNtuitive anywhere! They're all Sensors and they're driving me up a wall!

Ergo, I come here to socialize and find relationships not based around "Did you hear about the Patriots game last night?" or "I like your shoes!" but rather, "What is the proper role of punishment in a forum?" or "What are the implications of the singularity?". Such subjects are wonderful, even moving. Therefore, and in conclusion, I look upon this forum as my community: I help my fellows out with their troubles, sharpen my mind in debate, find a release for my creativity whenever it arises, help out in defending it from the forces of illogic (see Thor thread) and even make friends and find Valentines. I never want to leave, do you?

-Duxwing

 

[The Gopher]

It hasn't changed much but it has claimed a few of my friends.

I go on it to attempt humour in the fun threads. I don't get much out of it though as I have taken away all the good members for myself (which is why I am hanging around less)

I expect a pool of lies, deceit and rebel forces contacting me about the uprising.

The spirit changes lots depending on whatever major event just happened. But it settles back to normal life after awhile.

Compared to other forums it feels safer, because I don't have to worry as much about emotions effecting bans (and I have no reason to be banned otherwise) and secondly banning me would be far too much trouble (I've made sure of it :P)

The forum a place where you can find mildly less pretentious people and some amusing members to interact and become friends with. The forum it's self doesn't mean much but it's the wonderful people you meet and (decides not to drivel on)

 

[Duxwing]

It hasn't changed much but it has claimed a few of my friends.

I go on it to attempt humour in the fun threads. I don't get much out of it though as I have taken away all the good members for myself (which is why I am hanging around less)

I expect a pool of lies, deceit and rebel forces contacting me about the uprising.

The spirit changes lots depending on whatever major event just happened. But it settles back to normal life after awhile.

Compared to other forums it feels safer, because I don't have to worry as much about emotions effecting bans (and I have no reason to be banned otherwise) and secondly banning me would be far too much trouble (I've made sure of it :P)

The forum a place where you can find mildly less pretentious people and some amusing members to interact and become friends with. The forum it's self doesn't mean much but it's the wonderful people you meet and (decides not to drivel on)

Go ahead, go ahead, I want to hear about it.

-Duxwing

 

[MissQuote]

I belong to another forum that has been around for a decade+ (I haven't been there that long). A good portion of our members have been there since the beginning, it is really an integrated part of their lives and they, along with other long standing members of some years (like myself), tend to be given higher leniency to their indiscretions there than newer members. Simply because they care about the overall health of the community and have helped to make it what it is, even when they are being jerks and breaking the rules. Every now and then one of these older members must be banned, however, because they just can't get it together with where the line is they are allowed to cross compared to the people with less investments line. They overstep, despite being warned again and again. And what is admin supposed to do? They have a whole community to worry about, not just the right of one longstanding member to push the limits.



As far as how this forum compares, I come here because I at times get weary of the emotional relationshipy lovey vibe over there, where the peace being kept is often seen as more important than an interesting discussion.

It is great to have online friends who care about you, but when a thread can't go more than one page in heated debate without others piping in telling everyone to calm down, out of fear that an actual argument is being had, instead of just staying out of the way of those that wish to discuss things, it can get tiresome. You know, I stay out of your makeup and red carpet dress discussions, you could return the favor and stay out of my debates you think? (that forum is a literature based one, so there are all types of people there)

 

[The Gopher]

Go ahead, go ahead, I want to hear about it.

-Duxwing

Haha no seriously it would have gone into an emotional and traumatic life story (made up of course) and how these friends saved me from suicide or something... maybe add in a tragic illness of a friend they always go over well. Love and romance would also be needed, so it would take far too long.

Basically I am here to be the epitome of conviviality and lead other lost souls towards the light.

 

[Duxwing]

Haha no seriously it would have gone into an emotional and traumatic life story (made up of course) and how these friends saved me from suicide or something... maybe add in a tragic illness of a friend they always go over well. Love and romance would also be needed, so it would take far too long.

Basically I am here to be the epitome of conviviality and lead other lost souls towards the light.

There's nothing to be ashamed of in having been pushed to the brink of suicide, and you should be proud to have a friend who has talked you back from the edge of the proverbial bridge: it means that they care.

And as for the last part, awwwww, that's heartwarming.

-Duxwing

 

[The Gopher]

Err you missed the made up part (although that said the last part is true and other parts may or may not be true but with a different inflection and view point)

 

[Duxwing]

Err you missed the made up part (although that said the last part is true and other parts may or may not be true but with a different inflection and view point)

*mental gears grind* I'm lost here.

-Duxwing

 

[Montresor]

Using the recent banning of @Da Blob as a starting point, I wondered how the forum is viewed by the various members, especially the senior ones. That is,

How has it changed?
What do you go on it for?
What do you expect from it?
What do you feel the general spirit of the forum is?
How does it compare to other forums that you have used?

Just hoping a few people could pitch in, it's rather interesting in someways.
I get the impression that many take it less seriously than they use to (which is a big shame for me).

Looks like you got your answer huh?

 

[EditorOne]

I don't think the forum changes much, but the cast of characters does. Since so many here are INTP, there's turnover: People get bored with this just as we get bored with anything once we've become familiar with it.

The forum seems to have a lot of functions.

One of the most important is that you can be yourself here. Duxwing's initial post in this thread summed it up, and it is one of the concepts almost all new members express soon after arrival. The comfort level here provides relief for a lot of folks.

Related to that: You can communicate effectively here because our minds work in similar patterns.

Related to that: Since we get a lot of new faces, others of us among whom the desire to "know and share", rather than just know, is strong find an endless supply of folks who benefit from what we can share.

It was a good question, especially since it can't be answered simply.

 

[Montresor]

but the cast of characters does

I would have used "caste" for comedic effect.

People get bored with this just as we get bored with anything once we've become familiar with it.

Vraiment. D'accord.

One of the most important is that you can be yourself here. Duxwing's initial post in this thread summed it up, and it is one of the concepts almost all new members express soon after arrival. The comfort level here provides relief for a lot of folks.

- What sort of effect does this have on the senior members?

 

[EditorOne]

One of the most important is that you can be yourself here. Duxwing's initial post in this thread summed it up, and it is one of the concepts almost all new members express soon after arrival. The comfort level here provides relief for a lot of folks. -


"What sort of effect does this have on the senior members"

I can't speak for others who have been here for some time, but I always enjoy it when a new person says, essentially, "I wish I'd known about this place sooner." And enjoying it keeps me coming back. Seeing someone experience what I experienced, a deeply relieved feeling of finally finding a haven, is something I don't get tired of.

 

[Cheeseumpuffs]

Using the recent banning of @Da Blob as a starting point, I wondered how the forum is viewed by the various members, especially the senior ones. That is,

How has it changed?
What do you go on it for?
What do you expect from it?
What do you feel the general spirit of the forum is?
How does it compare to other forums that you have used?

Just hoping a few people could pitch in, it's rather interesting in someways.
I get the impression that many take it less seriously than they use to (which is a big shame for me).

It's getting close to being two years since I first joined the forum and I honestly don't feel completely like a full "member" of the forum as a community. I suppose a lot of that is my fault, though, as I don't make the biggest effort to integrate myself. I constantly feel like anything I have to contribute is fairly foolish and would probably be best not leaving my head.

That said, I'll try to answer some of your questions.
1. I don't think really that much change has happened. EditorOne summed it up pretty well with what he said about the cast of characters changing.
2. I go on it because I get bored sometimes not being on it, and also there are a lot of threads I really like to read and find highly interesting. The people that make up the forum are, imo, a pretty good bunch of people that can be fun and witty but also deeply insightful and interesting. Whether I'm reading a fun thread or a more serious one, I generally feel like the content of the forum is pretty solid.
3. My main expectation is to not be bored. The forum gives me a way to entertain myself. As I've mentioned, both the less serious and the more serious threads contribute.
4. The general spirit of the forum is hard to express and I don't really have the time or words to really say what I think about it. Perhaps after I have dinner, but no promises.

 

[kora]

DaBlob was banned? Why, oh why do I always miss bannings?

I like the people here, many of them are intelligent, wacky and funny. I don't always contribute to the more intellectual debates due to insecurities, but I read through them. I also find I can express myself far better in writing than I do IRL. I don't know, I just find this place fun. It's usually the first site I go to when Internet time begins.

I like the smileys.

 

[Solitaire U.]

How has it changed?

Since when?

What do you go on it for?

Boredom, mostly.

What do you expect from it?

Not a lot. Nothing, actually.

What do you feel the general spirit of the forum is?

Overall, and especially as of late, it seems to be a magnet for lonely, clinically depressed high school and college students. I don't oppose this, per se, but it's difficult to define 'spirit' in degrees of lost souls. I did not particularly enjoy or benefit directly from DaBlob's meanderings, but his cantankerous presence here was comforting in a way that teenage angst cannot match. It seems like the population of quirk-ily interesting individuals such as s/he has dwindled significantly since 2011.

How does it compare to other forums that you have used?

Par, just par, but that's probably more reflective of my jaded opinion of public forums in general than of any identifiable, chronic deficiencies with INTPf.