Have the SL forums become dysfunctional?

It's always been dysfunctional. The only change has been the names of the people causing the dysfunction, the quality of the spelling, and the acronyms used.

Other than that, it's just the same as ever.

- Newfie

It would help if the nutjobs would put a sock in it for a while, yeah. Gets a bit old when you see the same thing in every thread. Alternative ideas? Yeah, I guess I'll just make today backwards day and post opposite of everyone in the forums!! No, don't like it? Then you're just against new ideas, lol!

Whatever. Its just turning the forums into the equivalent of 512sqm newbie land with crap builds on it. Sure there's a gem here and there, but mostly you wouldn't be caught dead in the same sim.

So I agree with you Aimee, even if there was a bit of crazyness before, its increased substantially now.

Where is that verbosity/nutjob filter in Firefox again? I need to impart some sanity to these forums.

I wouldn't go so far as to say they're dysfunctional, but it's amazing how one self important blowhard with nothing positive to say can change the flavor in such a hugely negative way. There's still lots of tasty stuff here, but it's not nearly as palatabe with one particular individual's piss all over it every single day. To hear that individual try to claim daily that they're somehow doing us all a favor by being such a jackass is insulting to everyone's intelligence.



That kind of narcissism isn't welcome here, is in no way beneficial to anyone, and is impossible to see as anything but a blight. It's an uncontrollable verbal kudzu that chokes out useful dialogue. Having to learn to put that person on ignore so as not to be pushed around by the weapon of grief that is its unrelenting mouth might perhaps be too much for the average user. I think the use of that mouth should be banned, or be on ignore by default.

In all seriousness, I have never witnessed one individual have more negative impact on a community and believe that person should be given a limited window to clean up their act or be banned permanently.

I still think interesting ideas get exchanged.

I agree blaze, that the dialogue could be a lot more interesting and productive because right now you have to expend mental energy scrolling past the assaults (whether they be direct assaults or disguised as "generalisms" and, almost worse, the inevitable counter-thrust / counter-counter thrust etc.

I don't really see how any moderator can keep up with it however.

There are still some people who just troll (although I always welcome the funny ones), and some who post-post-post but only are interested in hearing themselves speak rather than having a two-way dialogue. Some people also don't EDIT or think about a third-party perspective.

Now taking a step back, we now have a situation where one person feels that a group of people (well groups) are detrimental to the functioning AND future of SL. That person ostensibly wants to raise it as a critique and have it taken seriously and responded to.

Unfortunately, those posts come across as diatribes and broad-based insults. And given that groups are being critiqued, they inevitably respond defending themselves.

Perhaps the critique of specific people and specific groups is simply not functional topic for a forum? And that, regardless of the posters style, tone, and interest in hearing other's opinions, this type of thread will disintegrate rapidly?

Thank you, Travis. I find your posts to be well thought out, considerate, and lucid, without resorting to argumentative tactics that only distract from the point. I appreciate your posting style, and I appreciate your kudos.

I'm glad you found that, Travis. That is exactly what I wanted to say.

There have been good ideas and points being made (please don't make me regret saying this). Unfortunately, so many of us are now tuning out some sources that the next killer idea may never reach the light of day.

Hmmm... anyone want to hold a "how to hold a proper debate" class?

I strongly disagree with this opinion. The only power the person has is the power to state their opinions. We are the ones that give him/her more power, by our reactions. Now I know it's almost impossible to NOT react, but everyone, even they, are entitled to their opinion and should have the right and freedom to post that opinion here.

Way too dangerous, and even subversive, to start censoring based on posting style or opinion.

Now if they constantly break the ToS, that's a whole different story.

Actually, if the ones involved could manage to talk about the behaviors without talking about and denigrating the people, there would be no problem.

If the ones involved could speak on the processes and not the personalities, no one would mind at all.

Case in point:

"These selfish jerks who make up the FIC should stop trying to oppress new players."

"There should be a mechanism by which older players can transmit knowledge and skill to new players."

Gee, I know which one would get more attention by the Lindens.... do you?

Problem is, the Emperor doesn't even realize, let alone accept, how his personal frustration and anger at not being accepted has flavored everything he does. And how OBVIOUS it is to the world.

Thanks for these opinions. I would like to restate, this thread is about the identification of a problem ONLY (if one exists).

If possible, I would like to put off discussions about solutions, and the pros/cons of suspected solutions for when we know for sure that a problem actually exists.

Under normal cicrcumstances I'd agree with you David, but this is a clear case of someone with an obviously destructive agenda that serves no useful purpose and sets a tone that very likely turns people off from using the forums which should be a beneficial resource for all, not a soapbox for grinding the same axe 24/7. I freely admit my own part in feeding it. I'm sure many others feel the same way... when something you care deeply about and want to see flourish is under constant assault from a single source it's hard not to respond. From a purely business perspective there's absolutely nothing beneficial to the average forum user there... neither from the source of the unpleasantness or the inevitable response to it.

Good point aimee, thank you for keeping this on track.

Well, whether we have a problem is a matter of degrees.

We sure have room for improvement, however!

Oh..I understand where you are coming from. I just am of the opinion that everyone, even those that are constantly negative, have the right to post their views. Take, for instance, Bill O'Reilly. The guy has an incredibly negative impact, using propoganda, slander, outright lies, insults, and even bullying techniques, all for the purpose of dividing people, making people dislike or hate others, and to further the agenda of a corrupt and horrid administration. Yet he still has every right to broadcast....

I voted Yes, but I believe it can get better especially with people like Aimee at the realm.

Ok..this so sucks!!! I want to suck up to Aimee, but now I can't, cause everyone else is, and it will seem like I'm just being a neophyte.

You will always be my favorite suck-up <3

I'm not sucking up!! I'm impressed with how she has handled herself in this thread and is trying to keep the thread on track, so KMA David

Uses a Silly Straw to suck up

Ohh..I so agree with you MrsSuckup..eerr...MrsJakal!! I think Aimee's posts are always logical and well thought out, as well as clever and witty.

Now bring that thing over here..*puckers up*

LOL, no wonder your her favorite suck up

Seriously, don't feel threatened by me david, she's all yours hehe

Then aim higher silly...

Shadow

Oh the images you just conjured in my mind. You and your Silly Straw.

OK Back ON TOPIC

Ok ok.. I see that clearly I (we) are upsetting everyone here to the point that people feel the need to go to these extremes.

That was never my intention.

I'm not expecting anyone to treat me any differently (I'll probably have to retire this Alt for awhile) but I just want to let you know that you've won.. I'll stop publically agreeing with some of the things that Prok says.

I would like to stand up and say proudly that I do not suck up to Aimee. I think the other "favors" I do more than suffice.

Funny thing is, I remeber people saying the exact same thing about these forums since I started back in mud 2003 (with a different AV).

Well I might get kinky and suck Aimees toes! Oh wait that is no traditional, unapproved, and sensually erotic and thus must be banned from SL like anything else fun! But seriously, I don't think its just a certain few people who make the forum dysfucntional-there are a lot of topics that are just ridiculous in my opinion. Personally I would rather wade through Prok's rants, than have to deal with some drivel about should sex be in SL, should Teens be in SL, are pictures of naked women exploitive. These are the topics that offend me, and yet I always feel compelled to respond. And I never respond reasonably.
For shame. Put me on ignore. Bad Jake.