IMPORTANT WARNING! The future of this board.

whathavewedone

I think it would be much better if the board was moved to discussion time - that way it would be okay to discuss politics if the thread naturally moved in that direction as it would if we were all have a conversation in the pub.

I also agree that the board is cliquey, that all the sock puppet stuff is tiresome in the extreme and that a wider audience might well result in more stimulating debate as well as a lot less infighting. Some people on the board take themselves and the very narrow issue of house prices SOOOOOOO seriously.

I think what's happened is that a lot of the hardcore bears are disappointed that the world doesn't appear to be ending for now so amuse themselves by insulting people who don't share their views, are relatively new and have a lot to offer by way of intelligent debate - eg Julieq (as in she has a lot to offer, not naming any names with regard to the bullies). I come on here less and less now as it's becoming pathetic.

I do however go to discussion time fairly often. There are interesting threads in there amidst the more trivial stuff. If politics can be discussed there I don't see why house prices can't.

Personally it doesn't trouble me to scroll down the forum, I don't get why so many are outraged by the suggestion.

Harry_Powell

lostinrates wrote: »

I think I did say why

I agree we can be cliquey. new people have and do fit in though: look at you

The swept away bit, I don't agree: there are cliques all over the DB....and, some of us are in contact off this board too, so for me that aspect holds no influence. I do agree fresh blood is needed. and the board only really sevres its purpose, IMO, if that happens. Or perhaps lots of people read and don't post. TBH, the ''vehemence'' is not new though.

TBH, I actually don't feel very welcome in this board, and I certainly don't feel that I fit in. It's my problem though and I'll get over it.

Just thought I'd add... I've not been made to feel unwelcome, far from it, but as I said, everyone seems to be in a clique and there are loads of in-jokes, and historically based comments, quips, etc, so it's hard to join in. I don't feel this way on DT because there is such a huge user-base that while there may be clique's you don't notice them quite the same.

tomterm8

Right. Well, to clarify my points above, it is fair to say that I have moved with fairly dodgy people in my time. One of them owned over a thousand domain names. I won't explain why, but it's not for any good purpose. I'm not revealing trade secrets when i say that once you have a domain you can set up an email for free using that email... it's not exactly techophile standard.

As for IP addresses: (1) many people have dynamic IP's and so share IP's with hundreds or thousands of other users (2) anyone can go online, search for free proxy services and use them to access web sites like MSE and (3) someone with slightly better skills can install a web proxy on pretty much any internet server... including free hosts... no coding required.

bluey890

I have ventured a toe into a couple of other MSE boards as a little experiment.

One on the savings board.
And another one on the house board.
I am working up the courage to try the dreaded discussion time.

Have responses from other posters on both, they are however more keen to ask lots of questions than provide macroeconomic responses (at present).

bluey890

Harry_Powell wrote: »

TBH, I actually don't feel very welcome in this board, and I certainly don't feel that I fit in. It's my problem though and I'll get over it.

Just thought I'd add... I've not been made to feel unwelcome, far from it, but as I said, everyone seems to be in a clique and there are loads of in-jokes, and historically based comments, quips, etc, so it's hard to join in. I don't feel this way on DT because there is such a huge user-base that while there may be clique's you don't notice them quite the same.

I find the board very welcoming. I have only been here a few months and feel comfortable posting here. I've also learned a lot during this time. It's always difficult posting to a new board but I recommend you carry on. It will certainly be worth it.

Harry_Powell

I show my face in the pensions board because it's an area I'm worried about and I'm trying to learn as much as I can. There are a ton of experts in there and they all seem eager to help. There is an interesting debate/argument on-going about state v personal pensions where a communist/socialist is pitted against a set of capitalisist. I learned so much from reading this one thread. From what I've read from regulars in here, it's the sort of debate that is sorely missed from this forum.

StevieJ

Radiantsoul wrote: »

Yes. I also feel the standard of debate on here is quite poor. People seem ill informed and try to mask that with bluster.

Enlighten us with you devastating debating skills, brainbox

chucky

Harry_Powell wrote: »

TBH, I actually don't feel very welcome in this board, and I certainly don't feel that I fit in. It's my problem though and I'll get over it.

you should join the 70% club they're desperate for members

lostinrates

bluey890 wrote: »

I have ventured a toe into a couple of other MSE boards as a little experiment.

One on the savings board.
And another one on the house board.
I am working up the courage to try the dreaded discussion time.

Have responses from other posters on both, they are however more keen to ask lots of questions than provide macroeconomic responses (at present).

DH's only posting ever was on the svaings board. He got accused of being a troll and received several expletives. It was at least as bad as anything of that ilk I've seen in here. Hyper aggressive. I have posted on DT/arms, but felt very out of place. Quasar was nice, and some other guy can't rememebr the name....the others just ignored me,....they all have jokes/references just like us, and cliques, one could if one were interested make time to fit in. Someone posted me a birthday thread that got moved to there (rightly) and someone got a bit huffy in a ''who is this birthday person'' way. It was quite funny, too many posta by far to be a newbie, but not in the arms!;)

StevieJ

lostinrates wrote: »

DH's only posting ever was on the svaings board. He got accused of being a troll and received several expletives. It was at least as bad as anything of that ilk I've seen in here. Hyper aggressive. I have posted on DT/arms, but felt very out of place. Quasar was nice, and some other guy can't rememebr the name....the others just ignored me,....they all have jokes/references just like us, and cliques, one could if one were interested make time to fit in. Someone posted me a birthday thread that got moved to there (rightly) and someone got a bit huffy in a ''who is this birthday person'' way. It was quite funny, too many posta by far to be a newbie, but not in the arms!;)

I thought DT was quite friendly, that Amistupid is good for a few thanks and Sheldon is good Loublue is nice as well, the footie thread is quite friendly as well considering there are a few shoulder chip wielding Liverpool fans on there.