What's your post about?

[Edmund Blackadder]

OK, I didn't know where to post this, so i'm sure one of the SPLENDID Mods, or even N4H will move it🙂

I have a bit of an issue with certain new members on this board in the way they are presenting a thread.

eg

doesn't matter how many times i see this episode i cringe everytime i see xander get his eye poked out. it was just so brutal and so permanent. and with xander being my fave character i feel bad for him everytime.

It's really starting to grate at me the number of threads that are starting with little or no coherent thought put in and of what the idea is.

Do they want discussions based on their statements OR are they just getting something off their chests?

Does it really harm them to put their thoughts in question format, or indeed just find a relevent thread IF they just want to make these comments.

Anyway, whatever, I'm just having a rant.



ps. Sorry for my 'N4H' comment, I didn't mean it, you're not a Jew🙂

 

[nerd4hire]

First of all, not to worry. I have no problem with someone taking me down a peg in the spirit of good fun. At least, I didn't until the final comment apologizing based on the idea I'm not a Jew. It assumes two things. I'm not a Jew, and there would be something wrong if I was. I'm not sure humour excuses either.

In other words you said something that bugged me. Is that the first time anyone has ever said anything I had a problem with? Not by a long shot. People being people are going to say stuff which from time to time is going to get on each other's nerves. I'd be real surprised if I hadn't said something at one time or another that got on your nerves. Nevertheless we get along, right? 🙂

I think I can help you with your problem adapting to new members posting styles. It's based on a mistaken premise. It assumes this is something new. Trust me, it's not. I call them bursts of strangeness, and for me they're quite understandable, and even acceptable when you look for causes.

I started noticing 'bursts of strangeness' in a steadily increasing dose after the series ended. Other boards were closing down, boards which might not have studied the series with the same sort of fervor we did. Then there was the DVD phenomena. That was a big one. People had discovered the 2 series in the privacy of their own rooms without the benefit of feedback. They assumed these things they noticed, and felt were unique to their own experience, and there's was the one true understanding. Sometimes it takes a bit for them to grasp the idea that's not the case. Also you have the effect currently running series, or cancelling series have. Charmed gets cancelled and Charmed fans migrate here. The way Charmed fandom works has discrepancies with the way Buffy fandom works. The 2 series aren't studied the same way. Sometimes it takes Charmed fans a while to adjust to a Buffy board. Or someone may discover Buffy by getting tipped from something like a Supernatural board. Again these members will be fish out of water at first. They take a while to get it. There's also the odd members who are very young, and discovering message board fandom for the first time.

I've seen people arrive clueless at this board, and become Buffy experts. Be patient. It's worth it. In fact help them along with a little patience. I think you'll find the experience rewarding.

Edit

Oh and on the post you quoted. I personally don't have a problem with it. Yeah the issue of Xander's eye may have been done to death, but most of those threads will be in the cemetery by now. Why shouldn't someone who's just discovering Season 7 be able to discuss the eye thing? Perhaps someone other than you or me hasn't seen that issue discussed yet, or can even offer a fresh perspective.

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

First of all, not to worry. I have no problem with someone taking me down a peg in the spirit of good fun. At least, I didn't until the final comment apologizing based on the idea I'm not a Jew. It assumes two things. I'm not a Jew, and there would be something wrong if I was. I'm not sure humour excuses either.

In other words you said something that bugged me. Is that the first time anyone has ever said anything I had a problem with? Not by a long shot. People being people are going to say stuff that from time to time which is going to get on each other's nerves. I'd be real surprised if I hadn't said something at one time or another that got on your nerves. Nevertheless we get along, right? 🙂

Firstly, take a pill of the chill variety.
That was a riff on Cartmans apology to Kyle in the Southpark movie. He owed the guy one but wasn't actually aware of why and why what he did say was wrong.

Yours, or indeed anyones, religious orientation was not actually the focus.

I've seen people arrive clueless at this board, and become Buffy experts. Be patient. It's worth it. In fact help them along with a little patience. I think you'll find the experience rewarding.

That is not the issue either.
I was hoping this thread would be used as a semi-reference thread to all new members as a means to see what the group feel is the best way to start a thread.
Over the last few weeks, a number of threads have been started that seem to have very little in the way of an explanation of what they are about.
IF there really are 'bursts of strangeness' to which you have noticed and you believe these reasons are purely on the base level of peoples understanding, or not, of how a place like this works, wouldn't it be prudent to have something in place such as a basic thread guide, something automated that every new member has to read, just to help them 'join' this community. That would also stop people posting in threads comments like

Seriously, this goes on my list of things that make you "Huh?" Jackie. Are you saying that because Denisov, and Hannigan had chemistry they're bad actors?...

Oh and on the post you quoted. I personally don't have a problem with it. Yeah the issue of Xander's eye may have been done to death, but most of those threads will be in the cemetery by now. Why shouldn't someone who's just discovering Season 7 be able to discuss the eye thing? Perhaps someone other than you or me hasn't seen that issue discussed yet, or can even offer a fresh perspective.

Oh, and I didn't say the topic was the issue, I said the way it has been proposed is.

Do they want discussions based on their statements OR are they just getting something off their chests?

Does it really harm them to put their thoughts in question format, or indeed just find a relevent thread IF they just want to make these comments.

IF I had issue with topics being discussed to death, then a)I shouldn't be here anymore and b) I would have said that.

Like I stated, my peeve is the lack of obvious objective from the thread. Do they want their opinion discussed, do they want that season discussed do they just wanna make a statement and leave it at that?
We don't know, all I'm asking for is anyone starting a thread, be a little more clear in their opening comment.

Thank You🙂

PS

Nevertheless we get along, right?

If we didn't, I wouldn't be as nice to you, or indeed include you in the Southpark jokes, as I do🙂

 

[Buffy Summers]

Okay, well, I can talk to the moderators about being on the lookout about it and maybe sending friendly pm's to newbies with a sort of "how to" guide. Any suggestions as to what you think should be in that are welcome. 🙂

 

[Edmund Blackadder]

Damn. I'm kicking my ass for missing the South Park thing. As you know, I'm even a fan. I should have caught that. You see though, even we the proud and vain need to learn a little humility from time to time. 🙂

Don't kick yourself that hard. Fact is it wasn't obvious and totally out of leftfield PLUS I can be somewhat of a 'bitca' sometimes, so it's totally not your fault🙂

Okay, well, I can talk to the moderators about being on the lookout about it and maybe sending friendly pm's to newbies with a sort of "how to" guide. Any suggestions as to what you think should be in that are welcome. 🙂

Just keep it simple.

I would send something like this

Welcome to Buffy Boards one of the last few truly active Whedon-Based websites.
We hope that you will enjoy your time here, participating in the many different discussions currently in circulation on this board and even start a few of your own.
It is with that in mind that we are sending this friendly PM to all newcomers to Buffy Boards with a brief description of the best way to start a thread.
When starting a new thread, what we ask is for a clear communication of what you are exactly wishing to discuss.
The clearer the initial post, the better chance of greater discussion, something which all on Buffy-Boards strive for.
If you have any doubts about posting a 'New Thread', contact MODS or ask a Member as most are friendly enough to give you a hand.
Please enjoy Buffy Boards and get posting.

OK, thats simple enough, granted I'm being a little anal with it, but the wonderful Buffy Summers can surely work wonders with it.

Wow, i'm so glad i'm not running a 'forum'...i'd be a little Hitler.