Hi People, I think it's fairly common knowledge that I use this forum & the one created after a long term forum member was banned from here. I don't want to get into the rights or wrongs of that ban. I have benefitted from some of the technical advice and thanks to those who have helped with my questions, however, I can't help noticing things have definitely changed on here. And IMHO, not for the better. It seems to have lost its sparkle for want of a better word. It seems to be all newbie introductions & very little else these days. The banter element has almost disappeared. Have you guys noticed the same?
I joined in June last year and still consider myself a Newbie but yes, I think it has changed. It would be interesting to know what age group the members who have complained of some of the banter and comments made in the past, fall into. I'm quite thick skinned with such stuff but I get that some aren't. I also think there's the generational thing at play. I grew up in the 60's-70's when sarcasm, name calling and general p*ss taking was fair game and I still tend to think like that, with one eye on modern "legalities", as do many others of the same generation I wager. It's just a shame we can't all exist together but that's human nature I guess.
Got to agree Tallpaul, I have been a long time lurker on here and thought I would sign up incase There was more content available to members, Sad to say I was wrong, So I won't be joining in or contributing much until I see a few new folks with thoughts and opinions similar to mine. Just going to sit here in the shadows and wait .
I am just going to say it...snowflakes and the like are ruining the world you can't say boo to mouse let alone a goose! Everyone is on tenterhooks about what they can and cannot do or say spontaneity and fun have gone out the window.
Don't be so shy dude. What views do you hold that you fear sharing with us without some moral support? You don't like Yamahas do you?
TallPaul Yes i think the banter is gone. Such a shame as like you say it's part of who we are. And these days if i don't favour a topic i move on to the next. Doesn't say its right or wrong. But its still the best forum on the planet. Joe.
I don't remember it as 'banter', more as persistent personal abuse if you didn't go along with the echo chamber. However, as HMQ said recently, "recollections may vary", and there is an echo chamber elsewhere for anybody who wants one...
Dave49 Yes a little banter fine. Insults bullying name calling not needed. I live as i expect other to live and respect each other. Still this forum is fantastic and so so helpful. I for one welcome new members new thoughts and tales and Brotherhood. Joe.
Dave49 That's how it should be. People who want to cause ripples then of you go. Not needed here in such a close knit family who really want to help others. Joe.
The forum is certainly somewhat different than it was since last late fall/early winter. But, hey, "the only constant in life is change". Whether things have changed for better or worse is personal opinion. Besides,I don't consider judging the forum as "better or worse" as a binary choice. There are some things that I really miss about the "pre-shakeup" forum including some of the folks who left. Other things along with a (very) small handful of folks, not so much. I fully expect this forum will undergo additional changes over time, as do all things--and all people. The beauty within those changes is that we each have choices--including which forums we choose to frequent.
Sandi T. Well said. The forum is great now and as good as it always was. Sure we have lost a few known and liked faces. But we have gained just as many new ones. And that is what keeps us all young and smiling. Joe.
I think Joe calls it about right, yes we all may differ with our views and opinions, however the key in my mind is "treat people like yo would like to be treated yourself", there are people from all walks of life on different forums that unfortunately if you don't agree with their particular viewpoint "it turns nasty", often these people remain anonymous and continue as "keyboard warriors" and that minority seem to relish in the ugly side of a debate. There is nothing wrong with light hearted banter, however when that gets seriously personal and offensive then it has no justification or place on any forum in my mind. I think credit to the admin who do a great job, as Joe pointed out this forum is fantastic and so so helpful. I think it also telling that the forum attracts so many new members, I doubt we would see such an influx of new people, both male and female if posts of "personal insults" were bounded about. Look around at the next bike meet you attend and have a guess at the average age of those attending and ask yourself why "biking" does not attract more younger people. The reason I joined the forum was the members appeared friendly and helpful, and I suspect that is what attracts many new members. Ride safe all.
Bang on the money @Iceman l find this forum an infinitely better place these days. I don't quite understand why there are still people making an effort to undermine it and periodically reappear under some pseudonym or other to monitor at the very least. If, to borrow an expression used elsewhere, "the other place" is so good, why the need to try and foment discord here? Is the land of milk and honey not all it's cracked up to be? Still need to surreptitiously recruit more members?
Thank you, @Iceman, for this extremely well-written post. I agree with you on all counts and appreciate your thoughtful and measured response to this What's Happening? thread. I think the answer to the question "what's happening" is something good.
Well said Joe and Iceman! Some really interesting and funny people have left, some quite confrontational people too. As in life, you choose who you want to associate with and avoid others. I still enjoy spending time on here and would hate to see all the Mickey taking stop. Life is way too short as this last year has proved. Do let me just say, you all smell of elderberries
Iceman I wish I had said that good on you. Yes this place is just great. The Admin certainly did put it all back to what it is meant to be. Peeps helping each other and laughing together and lending a shoulder when needed. I for one have said things here and someone straight said no that's wrong so I stand corrected no shouting or stamping just agreeing to differ. Yes we are attracting many new members now and a great bunch willing to join in and help. That the way of the world. Smilinjack. Yes there is that element and I think we are stuck with it and as you say if I don't like it I move on to the next topic. Sandi T. Well you are a star anyway and stand head and shoulders above me. Plus you are so good with words and phrases no one could pull the wool over your eyes. You are my shining light anyway. Dawsy yes some real nice characters have parted our midst and though sad we respect their privacy and reasons and send love and blessings their way. And i for one love the light hearted bits and jokes it keeps us all smiling but name calling is a no no. Yes I do love you all like family. Someone sent me this. Don't know if it will open or not but i thought it was fantastic. Joe MG_01221.MP4
I frequent a number of motorcycle forums in the English speaking world. I move around, generally to where the conversation is cordial, upbuilding and intelligent. ...J.D.
