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Post by brenth on Jul 11, 2016 22:20:57 GMT
I think I'm going to give the board a rest for a bit. Love it and everyone's comments and the fact we can have a laugh...
But I feel the tone of some posts is becoming quite personal and often we forget what the original subject was about. I think Burly and the others have done an amazing job, but just feel things are getting a bit off kilter, and I'm not keen on the virtual arguments that are occasionally happening. Maybe we just need to get back on track a bit and enjoy each others company and views, but move away from bickering
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Post by Deleted on Jul 11, 2016 22:47:15 GMT
I think I'm going to give the board a rest for a bit. Love it and everyone's comments and the fact we can have a laugh... But I feel the tone of some posts is becoming quite personal and often we forget what the original subject was about. I think Burly and the others have done an amazing job, but just feel things are getting a bit off kilter, and I'm not keen on the virtual arguments that are occasionally happening. Maybe we just need to get back on track a bit and enjoy each others company and views, but move away from bickering Yes if that's how you feel We will be waiting for you When you get back |
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83 posts
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Post by brenth on Jul 11, 2016 23:00:53 GMT
I think I'm going to give the board a rest for a bit. Love it and everyone's comments and the fact we can have a laugh... But I feel the tone of some posts is becoming quite personal and often we forget what the original subject was about. I think Burly and the others have done an amazing job, but just feel things are getting a bit off kilter, and I'm not keen on the virtual arguments that are occasionally happening. Maybe we just need to get back on track a bit and enjoy each others company and views, but move away from bickering Yes if that's how you feel We will be waiting for you When you get back Thanks Parsley |
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2,051 posts
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Post by infofreako on Jul 11, 2016 23:06:21 GMT
Ive been having similar thoughts. Normally such a chilled place compared to other forums. Hopefully it will return to that soon. Admin worked so hard to get the new forum off the ground and get so many members to move across which is amazing but to grow we need to be welcoming to new members and im sure thats what we all want.
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jul 11, 2016 23:21:49 GMT
Ive been having similar thoughts. Normally such a chilled place compared to other forums. Hopefully it will return to that soon. Admin worked so hard to get the new forum off the ground and get so many members to move across which is amazing but to grow we need to be welcoming to new members and im sure thats what we all want. What did I miss?
Great board this and one hell of a flounce brenth. The first on Theatreboard?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 0:14:03 GMT
The Funny Girl thread springs to mind but perhaps there are others I'm not aware of.
I agree that the tone has changed on here, and I find that some posters are becoming increasingly irritating in either their manner and tone of posting or the extent of it, depends on the situation.
But I do think I feel less inclined to read or post these days, which is a shame. Nothing against the mods though, I think this has been the best of all the forums I've ever posted on in terms of the mods striking the balance right.
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2,051 posts
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Post by infofreako on Jul 12, 2016 6:23:28 GMT
The Funny Girl thread springs to mind but perhaps there are others I'm not aware of. I agree that the tone has changed on here, and I find that some posters are becoming increasingly irritating in either their manner and tone of posting or the extent of it, depends on the situation. But I do think I feel less inclined to read or post these days, which is a shame. Nothing against the mods though, I think this has been the best of all the forums I've ever posted on in terms of the mods striking the balance right. Id agree with that on the whole. I post on forums on varied subjects with football related ones being by far the worst and this one being the friendliest. I post a fair bit on here but try to keep it relevant to the shows. The mods seem relaxed about things where in some places anything perceived as an attack on another member results in points towards a temporary ban. I guess a lot depends on the package used by each forum. |
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Post by foxa on Jul 12, 2016 7:30:57 GMT
I think I'm going to give the board a rest for a bit. Love it and everyone's comments and the fact we can have a laugh... But I feel the tone of some posts is becoming quite personal and often we forget what the original subject was about. I think Burly and the others have done an amazing job, but just feel things are getting a bit off kilter, and I'm not keen on the virtual arguments that are occasionally happening. Maybe we just need to get back on track a bit and enjoy each others company and views, but move away from bickering I'm sorry to hear that, Brenth - I enjoy your posts (and thanks for helping me with my 'Streetcar' question.) I go on here regularly but only read selected threads, so, aside from from the unique oddness of the 'Funny Girl' thread I wasn't aware of that many arguments. The Brexit thread is the most civil discussion of this contentious issue that I have seen in any virtual form and, as you say, the mods do a fantastic job. However, it is a concern if the tone/feel of the forum is turning people like you off. I was also aware of a new poster on one thread coming in and getting a sarky first reply which seemed unnecessary. I don't think we are getting that many new posters so that was a bit sad. Thanks for raising the issue. And come back soon and refreshed. |
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Post by Hamilton Addict on Jul 12, 2016 7:33:46 GMT
I 100% agree and have recently really considered about leaving the board, I contacted a moderator yesterday to voice my concerns. I do however believe there is a root to these problems and it can be solved.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 7:54:07 GMT
We want to keep the moderation fairly light, but for that to work we need the board members to be able to step back from provocation and not allow themselves to be goaded into a circle of insults. If someone's trying to stir things up then ignore them, because although everyone dreams of dispensing the devastatingly witty put-down that will send the offender slinking off in shame and enter Internet folklore forever things never work out that way. The best possible response is for them to be left feeling that nobody is interested in what they have to say.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 8:01:12 GMT
Surely the tittle for this thread should be 'General worries about the Internet'? As people have said, this is prob one of the less mental forums out there so maybe don't worry so. I think whenever u get lots of anonymous opinions together ur going to have people assume others are stupid/bigoted, but alas the Internet isn't geared towards empathy. No, hardcore pornography and glutinous intake of entertainment is what it's about
Yes, go and have a break, I always find it helps enormously and then come back and just hang out with us at the 'Plays' department. We are far more sophisticated there
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Post by kathryn on Jul 12, 2016 8:08:24 GMT
On the old board I used to jump in and recommend the ignore function when people started winding each other up, but I'm not sure how to use it on proboards.
Perhaps someone could write up a quick description for a pinned thread?
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Post by Michael on Jul 12, 2016 8:24:37 GMT
On the old board I used to jump in and recommend the ignore function when people started winding each other up, but I'm not sure how to use it on proboards. Perhaps someone could write up a quick description for a pinned thread? We do have the Theatreboard FAQs: www.theatreboard.co.uk/thread/65/theatreboard-faqsI'll add an item 17 explaining how to use the ignore function. Edit: Done. |
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Post by viserys on Jul 12, 2016 8:44:54 GMT
Compared to a German forum I occasionally visit this here is a mosh pit of teddybears  Though one thing I'd like to suggest for consideration is: Always keep in mind that the internet doesn't carry "joking" well. When you sit across me, I can hear your jokey tone, see your wink, get your nudge. But the written word can come across much harsher than it is intended. So when in doubt, perhaps tone the joke/witty remark down a little bit? I recently felt a bit stung by someone's remark, so I just... took a deep breath and walked away from it because I didn't want things to spiral and figured it was meant as a joke that didn't come across well. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 9:12:48 GMT
If in doubt, use a winky face. We have them, and it'll help a joke carry where simple application of language won't. Bear in mind we're not all British and don't automatically know where all the jokes are! |
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Post by Marwood on Jul 12, 2016 9:57:40 GMT
I haven't posted much recently, mainly because I haven't been to the theatre that much and not really interested in reading about plays/musicals that I will not be seeing. Have to agree that the atmosphere in this forum is lovely compared to some of the other ones I've seen over the years - I haven't seen anything posted here that could be described as outright nasty or a personal attack (maybe the mods have got in quick and deleted any), at the end of the day, if someone posts something horrible about you (or someone else that you may know on here) - unless they are a psycho, they won't know who you are, where you are or what you do, so whatever they say is just background noise and should be treated as such.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 12, 2016 10:22:12 GMT
unless they are a psycho, they won't know who you are, where you are or what you do, so whatever they say is just background noise and should be treated as such. I know you are sitting up in the gods @ Groundhog Day on Friday night! |
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Post by geweena on Jul 12, 2016 10:28:22 GMT
I agree with both sides here - On the whole the forum is a great place. I view it regularly for news/updates and tips and I wouldn't have seen half the shows I have if it wasn't for the suggestions of members both here and the previous board. I input when I can and find other members very friendly and welcoming.
What I don't like is that some people constantly post the same thing over and over again - To the point where it actually makes me uncomfortable to read their posts and it disrupts the whole point of a thread (and yes i'm referring to the Funny Girl thread and previously BILB!). To me personally this is just as bad as some members being a bit sarcastic in responses or assuming that everyone has the same level of knowledge in regards to shows/actors/theatres.
To new members - these threads must look absolutely crazy and I don't think that they invoke the inclusiveness that I feel this board wants to promote.
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2,058 posts
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Post by Marwood on Jul 12, 2016 11:13:22 GMT
unless they are a psycho, they won't know who you are, where you are or what you do, so whatever they say is just background noise and should be treated as such. I know you are sitting up in the gods @ Groundhog Day on Friday night! I guess I'll have to wear a cunning disguise - so if you see anyone complaining in the Bad Behaviour thread about a man sat there wearing a top hat and a stick on beard - it might, just might be me... |
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Post by Michael on Jul 12, 2016 11:25:08 GMT
Compared to a German forum I occasionally visit this here is a mosh pit of teddybears OT: musicalzentrale.de? I only lurk there and never bothered to register. |
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Post by viserys on Jul 12, 2016 11:46:56 GMT
Compared to a German forum I occasionally visit this here is a mosh pit of teddybears OT: musicalzentrale.de? I only lurk there and never bothered to register. Yep. German Rechthaberei at its finest and 99% of the talk is about a handful of Stage Entertainment and VBW productions anyway. And the admin are utterly incapable. |
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Post by Someone in a tree on Jul 12, 2016 12:17:59 GMT
I now generally check in here for news items
Perhaps I'm too obsessed with Brexit news to take onboard theatre reviews or views on Maureen in the box office at the Theatre Royal Dudley
I do find a lot of threads merely consist of lists; favourite 2nd trombone in the Wicked, rumoured musicals to open in Bromsgrove ...
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Post by Steve on Jul 12, 2016 12:23:19 GMT
The problem on one particular thread seems to be a classic case of age group conflict, whereby the enthusiasm of youth irritates the impatience of experience, and the frankness of age offends the innocence of inexperience.
This problem can be solved by Michael's ignore function or by the old-fashioned solution of counting to ten.
The mods do a great job treading a fine line.
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Post by infofreako on Jul 12, 2016 12:36:41 GMT
The problem on one particular thread seems to be a classic case of age group conflict, whereby the enthusiasm of youth irritates the impatience of experience, and the frankness of age offends the innocence of inexperience. This problem can be solved by Michael's ignore function or by the old-fashioned solution of counting to ten. The mods do a great job treading a fine line. Thats such a good point. I think that a certain poster is filled with youthful exuberance and genuinely excited about theatre which is a wonderful thing to see and should be encouraged. At the same time its not always so good that they post the same thing day in day out which is where more experienced posters have become irritated. |
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jul 12, 2016 13:06:24 GMT
The problem is, you can't make a rule around "don't be annoying". Apart from the fact that most of us would be in breach of it at some time or another (especially me!) it's fair to say that what one person finds annoying is the epitome of charm to someone else.
You can be assured that we're not just sitting around twiddling our thumbs round the back. When things go wrong they get discussed and actions agreed which will include talking to the individuals involved . Every member's report and moderation decision is reviewed by several of the admin team, there is very little if anything at all that happens independently, without getting other admins input.
I would say that considering the amount of activity we have on this forum, it's rate of growth and the fact that signing up is so easy the amount of conflict is really very small, and thank you to those people who have recognised and commented on that above. Yes there have been a couple of troublesome threads and we have our share of "personalities". But for every critic of those individuals there is usually a supporter sticking up for them. So how do you moderate that?
The advice above about ignoring people we don't agree with, or resisting the temptation to respond if it's only to be snarky is the best approach. And from the other perspective we should think about whether our posts are actually adding something to the discussion. If not, think twice before hitting that reply button. After all, we might not all be grown ups, but we can at least act like we are, right?
I hope the people who are thinking about taking a break will come back revived, and ready to join in the chat again very soon.
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