Yeah, of course a lot of it is boring. There are very few actual Mormon topics that interest me anymore. My interest is largely in just one area - the Book of Mormon in mesoamerica - and that is less due to the Mormon connection than the mesoamerican connection.
Otherwise, I just like to piddle around and read the ramblings of people with whom I have a shared history and understanding. Every now and then a serious conversation occurs and I can feel like I made a contribution to someone else's life and thoughts.
And, to be frank, it helps me keep my mind off of work. I have the type of job that can be all-consuming, and I have to find diversion.
But there is no way Mormon topics could maintain the level of interest they did the first couple of years after I left.
We hate to seem like we don’t trust every nut with a story, but there’s evidence we can point to, and dance while shouting taunting phrases.
Of course it's boring. Those who have no self-discipline and post comments designed to derail any thread they open, coupled with those who have a vested interest in making sure this forum never becomes anything but a cesspool, plus those who think an insult is as effective as a logical argument, and look what is the result: the Terrestial forum. I'm often so disgusted/irritated/frustrated I just close the browser and do something else.
harmony wrote:Of course it's boring. Those who have no self-discipline and post comments designed to derail any thread they open, coupled with those who have a vested interest in making sure this forum never becomes anything but a cesspool, plus those who think an insult is as effective as a logical argument, and look what is the result: the Terrestial forum. I'm often so disgusted/irritated/frustrated I just close the browser and do something else.
Of course it's boring. Now... how to change it?
I understand your frustration (and Inconceivable's). My OP wasn't directed at specific posters, or posts, or the nature of the board. I was trying to explain that I have become much less interested in discussing mormon-related topics. I was wondering if this is a natural progression for a critic, or part of a cycle of interest/disinterest.
I find some value in almost every post I read on the board. Sure, some are crass and vulgar; sometimes they make me laugh, sometimes I turn away. I really enjoy posts that deal with science (specifically biology) and Mormonism. I tend to avoid topics that deal with MAD or DCP. Those just don't interest me, but obviously interest many others. I got annoyed with sockpuppets and started a thread in the telestial forum about it. I learned some reasons that people use them and am now cool with it. People use the board for different reasons. If I've posted something that contributes to someone's not wanting to continue reading the board, please PM me and I'll do my best to adjust my behavior...or call me out on the board.
PS: Beastie, thanks for your post. I find that I do most of my posting during down times at work as well. It does provide a release from the mundane.
harmony wrote:Of course it's boring. Those who have no self-discipline and post comments designed to derail any thread they open, coupled with those who have a vested interest in making sure this forum never becomes anything but a cesspool, plus those who think an insult is as effective as a logical argument, and look what is the result: the Terrestial forum. I'm often so disgusted/irritated/frustrated I just close the browser and do something else.
Of course it's boring. Now... how to change it?
Good question. I get the sense that the majority of posters here aren't interested in discussing topic as much as they are in killing time. I'm not sure if the board itself is boring or if I'm boring my own self. I've discussed/debated so many of the topics so many times (not here) that it begins to look like a revolving door spinning around. Of course, Shades would say the board is what you make and and I'd agree with that, but I can't count any more the number of times I've begun to become interested in reading a serious thread only to trip over so many posts that are purely insult for insult's sake (lord knows I love a good flame fest in the proper forum for it) or totally off topic sexual remarks that have no place at all in the thread.
But you can't regulate or dictate what people will do with a board. Not this board, anyway.
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.
Chinese Proverb
Here are the type of topics that I find irrevalent and time wasting - The board has trended toward them lately:
1) Senseless pre-pubescent accusations and taking offense at mere words, skirmishes that will destroy a decent thread for literally pages.
2) Sexual references/topics meant primarily for the shock value - in threads that have nothing to do with sex.
3) So many threads not meant for the Forums they remain in:
a. Sex based threads far from a PG- PG-13 theme like - "I'm a mistress banging a married Mormon and want some justification") b. Welcome back ... c. Glad you left... d. Enjoyed the picnic.. e. I think DCP is a baby.. f. Madd did something predictable.. (well, duh.) g. nitpicking fine points of irrevalent topics
4) I venture to say that knew members or lurkers are put off by the tribe of about 20 that make their camp here. Have any of us noticed that it's the same posters different day?
Inc,
I think I agree with your total list. I might even be on the list! I do disagree with your last line which I bolded. Of course there are "the same posters different day" on a board. Those are the "regulars". The regulars are the backbone of a board and what keeps it going when the hit and runners or infrequent posters dart in and out. Also, the regulars tend to form connections for whatever reason, perhaps common ground and tend to "visit" on a board like this. Notice the group that meets fairly regularly for "skype chat".
Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.
Chinese Proverb
why me wrote:You might be experiencing internet overdose, especially if you only read 'Mormon related' sites. It is not easy to be an internet exmo/MO poster. The boards are very negative and not very uplifting. The soul can feel down and out, as the soul runs out of energy to engage in such routines.
Look upon it as normal. Leave for a while and then come back when your mind has cleared. Of course, you will run the risk of overdosing again. But you will be more prepared next time.
Yep, I guess it takes a great deal of energy to keep lying to yourself and others. Why me, maybe you could finally break through your self laothing and hatred of exmos and accept that you support a fraud. It would make you feel much better about yourself and prevent all of this contradictory thinking you further. Think about it. Instead of having to come up with bull trying to square the churches picture of reality with...well, REALITY you get to use the ACTUAL explanation that makes more sense: its all a bunch of bull.
Easy enough. Why not?
And crawling on the planet's face Some insects called the human race Lost in time And lost in space...and meaning
In all seriousness I'm here because I've made friends here. Sometimes I'm silly - and sometimes I'm not.
There are certain posters on here that I enjoy. Their personalitie as well as their friendship. We have inside jokes and commonality that we do share and sometimes that is put into our posts.
Inconceivable I've read threads where the thread was nothing more than amusement and you're all over it complaining. You think that is a worthwhile? Why is THAT any less ridiculous than those that are getting a chuckle out of the thread. If you don't enjoy the thread get out of it. Don't look!
I don't really care what people talk about on here. I enjoy pretty much everyone and understand that in life - as well as boards- there will be conversations and people that we don't want to be near. I walk away from those conversations or people in real life. Why can't people here just do the same?
Who has problems with impulse control? Those that Twitter and fling silliness on the board or those that can't help it but to peek in at it and complain? Or both?
barrelomonkeys wrote:In all seriousness I'm here because I've made friends here. Sometimes I'm silly - and sometimes I'm not.
There are certain posters on here that I enjoy. Their personalitie as well as their friendship. We have inside jokes and commonality that we do share and sometimes that is put into our posts.
Inconceivable I've read threads where the thread was nothing more than amusement and you're all over it complaining. You think that is a worthwhile? Why is THAT any less ridiculous than those that are getting a chuckle out of the thread. If you don't enjoy the thread get out of it. Don't look!
I don't really care what people talk about on here. I enjoy pretty much everyone and understand that in life - as well as boards- there will be conversations and people that we don't want to be near. I walk away from those conversations or people in real life. Why can't people here just do the same?
Who has problems with impulse control? Those that Twitter and fling silliness on the board or those that can't help it but to peek in at it and complain? Or both?
Don't wanna see it? Don't look. Good grief.
Right now, we have 20 guests on this site. It behooves us to remember that what we write isn't read by only those to whom the message is addressed, but by anyone and everyone who opens the thread. Granted most of them are likely on the Trashcanman thread, taking in the amazing conversation between David Bokovoy and Kevin Graham, but that doesn't mean they won't stick around and open some of the other threads and maybe join a conversation. We've got almost 500 members now, not the less than 100 that we had not so long ago.
I, for one, do care what we talk about here. This board is designed and set up to discuss issues dealing with the LDS church. The off topic forum is for everything else. We shouldn't require board nannies/mods to keep threads on topic, ala MAD; we shouldn't have to be reminded of this; we're all adults here. There is a forum for off topic silliness. Use it.
barrelomonkeys wrote:In all seriousness I'm here because I've made friends here. Sometimes I'm silly - and sometimes I'm not.
There are certain posters on here that I enjoy. Their personalitie as well as their friendship. We have inside jokes and commonality that we do share and sometimes that is put into our posts.
Inconceivable I've read threads where the thread was nothing more than amusement and you're all over it complaining. You think that is a worthwhile? Why is THAT any less ridiculous than those that are getting a chuckle out of the thread. If you don't enjoy the thread get out of it. Don't look!
I don't really care what people talk about on here. I enjoy pretty much everyone and understand that in life - as well as boards- there will be conversations and people that we don't want to be near. I walk away from those conversations or people in real life. Why can't people here just do the same?
Who has problems with impulse control? Those that Twitter and fling silliness on the board or those that can't help it but to peek in at it and complain? Or both?
Don't wanna see it? Don't look. Good grief.
Right now, we have 20 guests on this site. It behooves us to remember that what we write isn't read by only those to whom the message is addressed, but by anyone and everyone who opens the thread. Granted most of them are likely on the Trashcanman thread, taking in the amazing conversation between David Bokovoy and Kevin Graham, but that doesn't mean they won't stick around and open some of the other threads and maybe join a conversation. We've got almost 500 members now, not the less than 100 that we had not so long ago.
I, for one, do care what we talk about here. This board is designed and set up to discuss issues dealing with the LDS church. The off topic forum is for everything else. We shouldn't require board nannies/mods to keep threads on topic, ala MAD; we shouldn't have to be reminded of this; we're all adults here. There is a forum for off topic silliness. Use it.
I understand that everyone sees what we write Harmony. I would hope that anyone that read what I wrote would understand that I'm a human being that is sometimes silly, sometimes serious, often ridiculous, and having a meltdown. I'm a person - with a personality. Too freaking bad if others have an issue with it.
Seriously, too frickin bad!
I do talk about issues that deal with LDS. Often. I'm actually quite interested in the debates and pop in to ask questions. I'm sorry if you, or anyone else, thinks I'm smuttying up the board. In all sincerity I think a bit of smut is good for the soul. And that's coming direct from the smutfiend queen herself.
I recall you telling me how to make rootbeer (which was delicious by the way) in a thread in this forum! Sheesh, you were soooo in the wrong forum for that.