Post by arewelost on Jun 11, 2023 11:33:29 GMT 10
Have you noticed a difference in attitude between different forums?
For example, I imagine most of the members who have signed up here came from GN. There, it's fairly helpful with answers but a few members seem to relish creating argument rather than discussing constructively. Very few witty comments or banter in the comments (not talking about the Jokes thread).
The other caravanners site is more focused on being helpful and less argumentative, perhaps because such posts quickly get the member evicted. Again, very little banter and humour.
Another forum I frequent is Whirlpool. Being predominantly technical, I think Whirlpool attracts a more intelligent member base, and comments are 99% helpful and supportive. It is rare to see arguments (as opposed to constructive different opinions). Banter and humour are rare. I don't think I have ever seen a post on there about members being banned. If you want technical help on just about any subject with electronics or around the home, Whirlpool may suit.
Another forum I frequent is Ozbargain. I usually just look at the top 5 forum threads shown on the landing page, but you could call the deals sections threads as well. There, the culture is very different. Sometimes it's like a pack of rabid wolves attacking someone, but somehow the resulting wounds don't seem too deep. But on the positive side, it is full of banter and brief witty comments. Ask a question and maybe you will get some help .... maybe. Perhaps it is a generally younger demographic.
So for me, if I flick from one of those forums to the next, I find it's a varied mix of maybe learning something new every day, but also, appreciating the different personalities of those who post. If those personalities are stifled, then the forum drops a notch in my opinion.
I have often thought that it would be good for forums to have a "mud wrestlng" section, with a warning like an R rated movie. Don't go there if you want to run to mummy when someone whacks you in the face.
What forums have you seen with different cultures? Is it mainly age that drives these differences?
and I got to talk with some, literally, brilliant people in their respective fields. As the WWW began to dominate the internet the newsgroups began to wane but they still exist and are very active - Google now run them. But they are no place for shrinking violets, no one to complain to if you are abused or threatened with violence and there are many people there who *could* discover your real identity if they chose.
