Calling Old Stylers; what are your views on the Daily Thread?

dannahaz

Hi everyone
I only pop in from time to time now, and my heart sank when I saw the title of this thread. We end up with this debate about once a year. This is how it goes:

Over time, the OS thread gradually drifts into more of a "chit chat", by which I mean people using it to have conversations;

......then it gets a bit long and puts some people off - old and new posters;

..............then the poor board guides receive "complaints";

........................then there's a big discussion which turns into a polarising argument;

....................................then people start to take "sides", posts in the debate are taken the wrong way some declare their intention never to post again and flounce out of the room; some get upset and go quietly

...........................................................then it's decided that we'll cut back on the chitchat but we still want to be friendly;

.....................then we have a few days of people posting and feeling very constrained and awkward;

..........then people relax;

......then it goes fine, we get new members who like the style and friendliness;

...then people get comfy and start to chat a bit more, post pictures etc;

then we go round again.

Smashing_Blouse

I am a daily lurker and do enjoy this thread, but as said before, it has got a lot chattier and there are again a lot of individual hugs and mentions.

Could there not be a standard "Hugs to those who need one" and if you want to express a bit more do it by PM?

Also how about talking about your OS bit at the beginning and highlighting it in bold, so that people can skim the thread and pick out just the OS bits, rather than trawl through all the chatter to find the relevant bit?

Just my ideas

thriftlady_2

dannahaz wrote: »

Hi everyone
I only pop in from time to time now, and my heart sank when I saw the title of this thread. We end up with this debate about once a year. This is how it goes:

Over time, the OS thread gradually drifts into more of a "chit chat", by which I mean people using it to have conversations;

......then it gets a bit long and puts some people off - old and new posters;

..............then the poor board guides receive "complaints";

........................then there's a big discussion which turns into a polarising argument;

....................................then people start to take "sides", posts in the debate are taken the wrong way some declare their intention never to post again and flounce out of the room; some get upset and go quietly

...........................................................then it's decided that we'll cut back on the chitchat but we still want to be friendly;

.....................then we have a few days of people posting and feeling very constrained and awkward;

..........then people relax;

......then it goes fine, we get new members who like the style and friendliness;

...then people get comfy and start to chat a bit more, post pictures etc;

then we go round again.

That is exactly what happens, well put Dannahaz;)

Benthosboy

I haven't been on in the past couple of months, only because I've had a lot on in life, but for what it's worth, the chat can stay for me.

When I was first moved onto the Daily by Squeaky, I was in a bit of a state, to put it mildly. The dear ladies on here looked after me when I needed looking after, they taught me to cook and clean and generally helped me out of a very long, dark tunnel, metaphoricaly speaking. The support and help I was given restored my faith in humanity. Sure, much of it was nothing to do with being OS but when I needed help, it was there. I know that others in need have drawn similar strength from this support and long may it continue. Ironically, I also met the girl that I intend to spend the rest of my life with via the Daily.

Speaking as a mere man, :rolleyes: , I'd be happy if the Daily stayed as it is.

mioliere wrote: »

I am very guilty of writing long rambling posts

Mind you, this thread was worth it just for that quote

You Ladies are priceless in my eyes, please don't change :T :T :T

Man try

beemuzed

Oh dear, have still to read the whole thread, but it's a bit heated, don't you think?
I don't post as much on the daily as I have done - but it has nothing to do with cliques - more the fact that my life is a bit hectic these days.
At times I have posted quite regularly, and been acknowledged by others...but is that what it's about? I've never felt particularly "in" or "out" of the gang!
I think the title suggests it's a bit of a chat, but there are OS bits intermingled. I may drop back in, or not, but I think it does what it says on the box. Not sure this is doing any harm to anyone?
There, that's my twopenn'orth for what it's worth.
'Bye!

moanymoany

Over the day - various times - I have seen lots of posts where people have found comfort and support from the OS daily thread when they have had times of need.

This alone is good enough reason to keep it as it is.

Oftentimes it is easier to confide in the anonymous names on this thread than in those around us. When my mother died and my (not immediate i.e. children and OH) family caused so many problems for me, I couldn't overload my dd or oh and friends - so the people on here allowed me to unload on them.

Surely this is an important part of 'over the hedge' os support. It should be a source of pride that such a board exists.

Dazi

I haven't been posting that long on the Daily. I like it as it is. If you need to ask a question someone is always there to give an answer.

I like to hear about other peoples lives, I like the support on there for people who are going through bad/sad times.

Earlier someone said about going out into the real world and talking to people, its not always that easy. I've moved away from family and friends and I don't have small children, so can't make friends in the playground. I have work colleagues, but that's all they are. I don't have anyone to just go and have a coffee with, so I make my coffee and come here.

wannabe_sybil

Zazen999 wrote: »

Absolutely 100% correct. I've not been on the Daily Thread as a poster as I've lurked and just thought it was a chat thread.

Which is why when the Board Guides asked for opinions I gave it. As a lurker.

Not all OS-ers do the fluffy stuff. Or want to.

I have upset some regulars; by having an opinion?

My point is that the regulars seem to have upset some older posters - which is why the question was first asked. I'm not one of them and have never PMed the Board guides about it.

I only ventured in there today to see 'you haven't upset anyone - just look at your thanks' - which I believe one poster mentioned at the start of the 'debate' and got shot down for it - again it was an opinion.

This is an open forum, and an open question was asked. We are all humans with differing opinions. I'd say that if opinions are not required, then the question should not have been asked.

I have tried to post in an Old Style Board stylee. I'll try saying something a different way. I've never tried to disagree with your right to an opinion, although you seem to take exception to mine. You quoted me then complained about this 'thanks' business, which I thought everyone knew was about things like keeping their place and which I had never raised.

You have not been the most abrasive, but you have been very 'full on' when complaining about the Daily Thread. There are so many different ways of saying, 'it's not for me' and you seem to be choosing very confrontational ones - after quoting me when really all I have said is that I agree with you that the Daily Thread is not for everyone.

You have, I am sure, helped a great many people, and you are entitled to your opinion, and I am happy that you can make choices and you can do all those wonderful OS things. However, perhaps I need to change my tone to convey how upset you have made me.

Don't quote what I've said if it has f**k all to do with what you're ranting about.

charlies_mum

Ladies, ladies (and Martyn)

Poor Penny & Pink asked for our opinions, and boy did they get them

I post on the daily thread, but I can see why newcomers would think that it is cliquey, purely because some people are regulars and are friends. Newcomers always seem to be welcomed, and Zazen999 sounds just like the sort of seasoned OSer that we could benefit from advice wise.

I don't see why we can't keep the chat, but also encourage newcomers and some old timers back to get the balance back.

Please don't let's get personal as it is upsetting to some people.

Jabberwock

Hi
I can't help feeling that this this is all getting a bit too personal now, well, I suppose that's natural because everyone seems to have a strong opinion on the question posed.
I also can't help feeling that this has all been "manufactured"................particularly since there seems to be little or no input from the OP.........I know I haven't posted much in the past and now it seems as though every post I put on here is controversial, but I really do think that as this debate was started by the Board Guides a little input from them (other than shaking their heads in disgust and walking away,) may be appreciated.
Respect
Jabberwock