An open letter to the forum......

TroyD · October 2005

A couple of events over the past couple of days have really made me think about things in general and the Club Polk forum.

It just seems that the forum, or the participation in it, has been saddled with a lot of other baggage and seems to be getting bogged down.

Look gang, manifestly, this is supposed to be a FUN hobby. As an extension, this should be a FUN forum. If either ceases to be, it begs the question, why continue? I've always viewed this as a place to hang out, BS with my buds, make some new ones and maybe learn a thing or two.

Ok, that said, IF the general concensus is that things here are a little out of kilter, ok, what can WE do as a group (or family) to right the ship?

Me personally, well, refer to my comments in the other thread. However, let's see if we can't get together and identify areas that we need to work on. The intent, as I see it, is to re-inject the fun into the hobby and our forum.

Now, let me just say, let's not focus on who did this or who did that.....I mean, how do you guys see things and what should we do in a constructive way?

Me? I think, one, we each need evaluate why we participate.

Two, lighten it up a little....jeeze, sometimes you'd think we were trying to split the atom....and have fun.

Three (ok, guilty here)...while I think it's perfectly acceptable to dress someone down that NEEDS it, that's where it should end. The pages and pages of squabbling may be entertaining to you, but, as has been pointed out to me, to most everyone else, it's a drag.

Four, a more shared effort of pointing the new folks in the right direction. One of the gripes I see is, obviously, new folks posting stuff in the wrong places, asking redundant questions. Agrravating? You betcha. Either point them in the right direction or ignore it.......I think if we were all a little more proactive, we might be able to squelch some of the distortion.

Lastly, lemme address the thoughts that seem to be flooding my inbox regarding people leaving. Lemme just say this and this only, people have ALWAYS come and gone.....and come back. It's a natural progression. It's not a reflection on them or the forum or the price of tea in China. It is what it is and friends will always be friends. Sometimes you just have to have a change of scenery.

Ok, these are my thoughts....yours??

BDT

trubluluc · October 2005

Keep it informative.
Keep it fun.
or keep it to yourself.

-Luc

SCompRacer · October 2005

One thing I immediately noticed as I looked this place over before joining is how some poor newb gets dog piled or nuked for violating the unwritten rules. Im not against capital punishment but at least progress up to it. Use tact first, you can always pull the trigger later.

Informal leaders of forums are generally long established members and do have some responsibility in setting the tone of the forum. It is said that familiarity breeds contempt and that usually shortens patience. Pretend the newbs have union representation if you have to. You need new members that are not afraid to participate to grow. Stagnation and infighting usually occurs without growth.

As far as long established members leaving, it is their business and may be the best thing for them to do no matter what affect it has on the forum.

Schris22 · October 2005

All is well in my book. I don't think that there are unusual events happening. I think the events that are progressing here are quite common anywhere!

Oh well nice spiel(sp?) about the general news....

And everyone remember...

DON'T PANIC

Chris

F1nut · October 2005

While I've been here I've learned a lot, shared some, had a ton of fun and met some of the greatest folks around. I try not to take any of this too seriously as this hobby is just that, a hobby. Although I may get a bit spirited at times, it's a small part of the rest of my life as there are far more important parts of it.

One of the great things about this forum is that we can joke around with one another. I posted a joke on another forum once and was told that, "this is an audio forum and we take things seriously here." Ba-humbug, doom and gloom, who needs it.

I've seen this forum go up and down with folks coming and going and I expect it will continue to do so. Don't worry, it always straightens out. Sometimes change is good and I know one thing for sure, change is constant.

Speaking for my grumpy old self, I could work on my tolerance level, so that's what I'm going to try and do.

SDA's rock and all other speakers suck!

TroyD · October 2005

SDA's rock and all other speakers suck!

Hitting the mahageny pipe, eh?

BDT

F1nut · October 2005

Nah, just some moldy cheese, cheap merlot and Winston's tonight.

heiney9 · October 2005

The problem lately has been attitude. Attitude from current members and attitude from new members. I know I've learned to bite my tongue on a lot of issues that start to go south real quick. I think as seasoned members it's our responsibility to let things go if they become exceedingly counter-productive. Senior members should be, to a certain extent, the leaders and need to lead by example. This may not be the role you want but it seems appropriate.

The Acculab thread did spiral out of control, but I've seen much worse here and other places. This place should mostly be about sharing experiences and shooting the ****. It doesn't mean we always have to agree and see the other person's POV, it means we are civil to each other and agree to disagree. There is a collective wealth of knowledge and generosity here and we need to keep it on track. When newbies enter and start asking the same tired questions over and over I'm going to simply ask them to search the archives. If they have a very specific question that I can help them with I will. But mostly these questions can be solved by pointing them in the right direction.

This forum has been a great source of knowledge for me and I enjoy interacting with people who share the same passion for audio as I do. But I'm only going to participate when I can have some meaningful interaction. There have been so many inane threads lately that just aren't worth responding to, positive or negative.

Troy I think you make some good points. We all have our own personalities that come through here on the forum and just like in life they have to be dealt with and accepted. We also have other outside pressures in life that may cause some to have a bad day now and then.

Finally ignore the noise because it will fade. Most of these one hit wonder noobs won't last once the freshness wears off. For them this forum is simply a distraction and they will tire of it real quickly because they lack the passion most of us have for this hobby.

Life is bumpy road...seems to reason the same is true for the forum sometimes.

H9

danger boy · October 2005

some threads spiral out of control because we let them do that. we fuel the fire and anyones natural reaction to to fight back and come out swinging.

If you read any of my posts... there are either 1. asking a question, so i can learn what i failed to learn so far.. or 2. to make light of a rather serious topic.. that not i don't treat the topic or thread with respect. I do.

I guess my personaltiy comes out in my posts. i try to keep grounded by keeping things light. as Jesse said earlier, this is JUST a hobby. A hobby that is near and dear to our hearts of course. but maybe the next time someone hits on nerve in you... just blow it off. If you can't.. respond in a private message to that individual.. and not in public.

thats my house cleaning for the night.. I'm loopy again tonight.. THIS time not from alcohol either. i had a root canal earlier today. OUCH! :eek:

BIZILL · October 2005

yes, i read through the acculab thread. the whole thread turned into pointlessness. i've been belittled by one of the senior members that was doing the same in that thread. pissed me off. but i feel better as i sucked it all in and refrained from retalliation. even apologized, but without recognition. i tend to lose some respect for senior members that do such things. i want to look to them for knowledge and advice. i don't want to worry about when i'll be attacked for speaking my mind. kudos to those senior members and newbies that inform and help one another. we all can learn something new. yes, even a senior can learn at minimum, a handful of things from me...................CAN'T WE ALL JUST GET ALONG?

BIZILL · October 2005

heck, i'm afraid to ever post my system showcase, as i fear some may make harsh comments. (my setup friggin' rocks!) but why put myself out there for torture?

danger boy · October 2005

BIZILL wrote:

heck, i'm afraid to ever post my system showcase, as i fear some may make harsh comments. (my setup friggin' rocks!) but why put myself out there for torture?

Well don't set yourself up if you'll take comment personally. lots of people have put up their system showcase.. and we all take comments with a grain of salt. Everyone started somewhere with a minimum amount of knowlege and equipement.

I don't know anyone who began with audiophile level grade equipment.. we all strive to achieve that.. but most of us are still trying to get there.

Post it if you want... and maybe get some good comments or don't post and not share. This forum is all about sharing knowledge and information. and sometimes black mail pics too.

madmax · October 2005

I have no real opinion. Maybe thats why I'm happy here. After meeting 50 or so forum members at polkfest and several elsewhere I find it hard to see Troys concern. After all, when he and many of the same era people came on board we all thought it was going to hell.

madmax

Ricardo · October 2005

I've been a member just for a few months; I have learned a LOT, and probably contributed very little, but the one thing I love about this forum is that there is some "magic" about it; call it family feeling, unity, or whatever you want, but I really enjoy hanging out here and reading about everything; I feel I already know some of you just by reading your posts, and have only met Noel, but I look forward to meet some others.
This is a UNIQUE forum, and it is like that because members care about it and work hard to keep it clean. There will always be newbies (and not so newbies) that post nonsense, attack other members, etc; but that's the way we human beings are and there is nothing to do about it; just let it be and don't pay so much attention.

Love to be part of this.

BlueMDPicker · October 2005

From the meeting preamble of an organization I've been involved with for many years, here's something short and simple that I try to abide by in any group setting:

"...during the discussions which will take place, treat your associates with the same consideration which you desire to receive yourselves."

Mike682 · October 2005

I like this forum a lot. The people here are great people with a common thread (no pun intended

). This forum is very informative while at the same time not being a boring, "dry" place to hang out; we can talk about audio, other hobbies, family, life issues......whatever comes up.

I think the one subject that tends to cause issues here is politics. We need to be very careful with this topic.

I also agree with directing new members to the right direction...we all have to start somewhere.

In the end Guys & Gals, this is a great place. Enjoy it and appreciate the wealth of information available here.

Mike

Strong Bad · October 2005

I've been on the forum quite a number of years, although my number of posts wouldn't suggest.

I'd have to say my number one gripe is the way new members that are selling items are treated. I understand some of us have been screwed or close to it (myself included), but ease them into our way of dealing instead of CLOBBERING THEM ON THE HEAD INSTANTLY! Alot of people have good stuff to sell, so why not help them along, give them the benefit of the doubt and see what comes about before kicking them out the door.

My other gripe...the closing of the BABE thread. Fantastic material there! Justin should be hung for that one!

Peace out Homeboys!

Grand Masta J

aaharvel · October 2005

i'm going to do my part.

KentVaughn · October 2005

All forums have ups and downs, but if they're a good forum (I think this forum is one) they'll bounce right back up after a few days, or weeks.

faster100 · October 2005

I think one problem is way to many unappointed chiefs and not enough indians no offense to anyone who's Indian..

All the policing, by way to many people.. smart remark one liners to newbies, or here we go again's.. political garbage, very opinionated members, grudges, relentless ribbing, name calling from long time members..
They wanna be role models it works both ways, role models don't run off new people, fight and name call period. you wanna be the PO -lice around here play the part.. IMO

To much personal issues(ie: sales, past problems are made public because we all like getting our noses in a good rant when it doesnt involve ourselves..

I think forums will always have problems, always have people who think they own/run the place and always have the smart ****'s... deal with it or leave.

newbies, welcome or ignore.. don't bash smash and run off all in the name of making this a "better place" in the end no new people doesn't make for an interesting place, same ol same ol syndrom and we all get aggravated with each other.

halo · October 2005

When I first posted I was ignorant and uneducated. I was immediately beaten to a pulp. People were using terms I did not understand as this was the first forum I've ever joined. Guys were too busy slamming me to even try to see my POV and I was too busy retaliating to get my point across. One member chimed in and pulled me from the fire because he took the time to read my posts and understand where I was coming from (GIGO). I sincerely apologized to those I offended and things have been smooth since then.

I appreciate everything I've learned and I have learned a lot since joining. I can only share when I have something to contribute and I'm happy that I can give something back from time to time. I've tried to be as clear as possible because IMO text can be misinterpreted very easily.

I'm no veteren and I'm no expert. I'm just an average Joe that stumbled on my way through the door. I have settled in comfortably since then and I enjoy coming here.

Demiurge · October 2005

People aren't going to change who they are, it's in their personalities. Not to mention that written word on an internet forum is NOT conducive to the aura of any of our personalities. People will always take people the wrong way. You can choose when to take things seriously or when to take things as a joke. There's no good way to convey the expression on your face or the inflection of your voice, etc. The way people react to things on the internet is not the way they'd react if we were face to face having a discussion.

All in all I don't see that there's any real damaging problems here, at all. I like being able to box people around in a debate, but as far as harboring any feelings one way or another about a person afterwards....not going to do it. That just comes with maturity. Just because we disagree on one thing doesn't mean we can't get along or even be friends. Hell, I live with someone I disagree with on so many things, but we're the best of friends.

So, there's a natural ebb and flow to everything. People are who they are. Some people take themselves too seriously around here, but whatever. I'm just going to go with the flow. If I feel like saying something, I'll say it. I'd expect everyone to do the same. Words do have meaning and we will face the consequences of what we say.

Bottom line...don't take everything here so seriously. Some of us like to mix it up, but in the end we're all here for the hobby. A lot of you have met a lot of great people and made great friends. If there's too much crap, take a break. You don't need to post here everyday and on every single subject that's posted. I can see how some of the more seasoned members can get upset by some of the antics of some of the new folks. I'm new to the 2001 guys, but I have the same perspective as they do on the people who have only been around a year or two.

I've made some decent friends from being here.

We ALL take our lumps when we come here. Never jump into a forum and act like the king ****. It'll get you nowhere. It's ALWAYS a learning process. If you come in shooting your mouth off you're going to get smacked down. You don't learn anything if you're always running your mouth off. Hell, I read the speaker & electronics forums all the time, but as far as giving advice...can't really do that. Still learning.

We've all got flaws. Me? I can't say no to a Political Debate or a Music Debate here. That's a hobby in and of itself. Do you see me starting Political threads here? No, but I'll be damned if I can't stop myself from getting involved in them.

ninerbj · October 2005

I like cheese

mantis · October 2005

I don't see the need to worry about this forum. If anything It's been more civil then it was a few years ago. A few members (names excluded) just couldn't find a way to post on the same thead without attacking each other and getting completely off topic. I don't see this as much as before so I think the forum got better.

However I did see many vets run off some newbies. Alot for no reason at all. No matter how you slice it, it's flat out wrong.

I decided awhile back that I'm gonna do my best to to take part on the flamming of anykind. Including brands of gear. We all have our opnions and wording them correctly to try not to offend others I believe is a good thing.

It's good to talk about this and try to put the past in the past.

Dan

MacLeod · October 2005

I dont see too much wrong here and think this is the best forum on the internet. I post or lurk on several other forums and none of them can touch Club Polk.

One forum I only post to recommend gear or answer a technical question and post maybe 5 times a month. The other forum I do frequent often and I post maybe 5 times a week but theyre usually all business. It seems virtually every thread on that forum ends up in a brawl of some sort. There is so much bad blood there its not funny.

This club is the only one I know of where the members casually chat with each other. Its also the only one I know of that has get-togethers and considers themselves a family. Yeah we have the occasional brawl but if you step back and look at the flame threads versus the good natured and educational thread Im sure youd see the good far outweigh the bad. In fact, I see far, far less flaming and fighting here compared to what goes on in most other forums I know of.

F1nut · October 2005

mantis wrote:

I decided awhile back that I'm gonna do my best to to take part on the flamming of anykind.

Hmmmm.....

amulford · October 2005

Jesse, now now...

Me, I don't see as much wrong. Hey, iff'n you can't run with the big dogs, stay the f#ck outta the pound, fuggetaboudit.

Look, it's a computer forum. If your feelings get hurt, there's two problems.
#1 - You have feelings.
#2 - You take yourself WAY too seriously.

Some folks are assh0les (I should know, being of that very same nationality), you gonna let them spoil your day? Not here.

This is the best forum I know of. I spend more time here than on any other. Why, (like you give a red rat's a$$, or is that rat's red... whatever), cause of you freaks. It is a family. and like any other family, we're gonna have our squabbles. Hey, you can pick your nose, pick your friends, even pick you a$$(well you know where this is going)

Lighten up. Have fun. Eat, drink, fornicate and multiply. Cause if your a FNG, we're watchin'...

VR3 · October 2005

This forum is hella cool...

Although I visit on addiction/habit alone - not really on an enjoying it type deal. I try to quit, I really do...

Polkersince85 · October 2005

Some of my thoughts are:

*This is Polk's forum, I think we should support them in their efforts and the music hobby in general.
*Look at Polk's marketing and sales strategies and realize that there will be more home theatre and car audio traffic coming by. Let's respect that and assist them.
* I think a lot of us think of this forum as our "cave". A place where we can feel secure and are provided with "friendship" and advice.
* Newbies should be treated with more respect. Buttholes get what they deserve. Feel them out before pouncing. They may eventually be a contributing member.
*This forum needs more girls. The audio knowledge tends to bloom when a femme asks a question.
*Have fun and keep it going.

shack · October 2005

Zero wrote:

Bring back the 'babe' threads..

Finally, something besides all this "touchy, feely, I'm OK, you're OK, can't we all get along" stuff. Bring back the babes! (just as a diversion from serious "audio hobby" dicussions and it rarely leads to fighting)

We could probably add some "hunk" treads for Cathy and other's on the forum who might enjoy that sort of thing (I of course wouldn't participate). It would be the PC thing to do.

F1nut · October 2005

Anthony has a way of putting things in the proper perspective. Rock on bro.

An open letter to the forum......

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