It seems that there is an increase in hositily, albeit in the tone, of replies to threads lately. Not so much trolling but simply condescending remarks seem to be on the rise. I am not referring to critiques of posted images, BTW. Is it just my obseration or for real?
I am seeing more arrogance lately, probably born out of passion for any given gear/software used. It's one of the reasons I have posted little lately on the gear fora.
Remember the wars last year, ie the 85 1.2L vs 85 1.8 ?? They got wild.
I also think that the preponderance of posts in threads like the 5D II sticky in the Canon forum are a joke. No one has this camera in their hands to validate the judgements I read there.
Still amazed at the whole...ask if there's a way to find out if equipment one is buying might have been stolen thread turned into why would this guy consider buying stuff if he thinks it's stolen. *sigh*
Yes, I'd say I've seen more hostility lately. I believe, at least in part, it is due to more FMers going for quantity rather than quality replies. Plus, there seem to be a lot more silly comments. Both of these, in turn, tend to draw negative and hostile replies. For some reason people just seem to have a need to comment without really adding anything pertinent to the thread. I know I'm posting less and biting my tongue more lately.
Thanks, Fred, for the "Hide" option.
I think it just depends on the subject matter. This issue is beyond just gear talk, too. The people, landscape, and wedding forums will break out in nasty name calling and posters banned altogether. Anecdotally, I have seen more people banned from fights in those boards then the gear boards. Many of these people were often great photographers but couldn't stay down for whatever reason.
There's lots of negativity... why should anyone complain and attack the poster if he has no interest in the subject? Why not simply ignore it and go on? It takes all kinds, I guess. To quote Dion and the Belmonts: "I guess I'll learn to take the good with the bad."
I would be interested to know how many of you frequent other forums. Unfortunately its the way of the 'forum world'.
People feel like because its 'anonymous' they can get away with saying whatever they want, and forget their place. Im a product of the 'internet generation' being 20, and i have belonged to and run forums for a good number of years of my life.
Its the same everywhere. Take a look at DPR as a classic example, too many big ol' ego's battling for space. I often feel that forums should be moderated far more heavily than they are. However, i do believe, that in my short time here, FM is one of the friendliest and most 'genuine' (for lack of a better word) forums i visit.
definatly more hostility. people always have to defend what they buy. If you buy a piece of junk car (a daewoo) and like it, you will always defend it saying its neve broken down on you, ect. ect. The same thing is here, someone buys some gear thats not as good as the newer gear, so then they claim their gear is better b/c it can do X Y and Z better.
Joshua, I get the same feeling that in the past few months the "pugnacious" posts have been on the rise. Ranging from simple passive-aggressive "What's the point of this thread ? " to posts which are outright insulting/personal.
Unfortunately, it's not only some younger folks who might have joined the board recently.....certain more seasoned members are not setting a good forum tone either and probably they never had.
A bit stronger moderation is perhaps an answer, done both collectively by members (positive peer pressure) as well as by Fred and his moderator(s).
There is a certain segment that is quite strident in the "The most expensive is the best, and only product worth using" mantra. They seem to think that everyone has wallets stuffed with money and credit cards, and anyone who lacks this requirement simply does not belong on these boards.
Because I am on a rather small income, I have to stretch every dollar. I have acquired equipment that works well without costing several hundred dollars. I've been told my tripod (Dynatran) will fall over, killing me and my D80, that my Indian knockoff Wimberly head will turn to powder, and that I deserve only Pheonix lenses. Pugnacious? To say the least.
PetKal wrote:
Unfortunately, it's not only some younger folks who might have joined the board recently.....certain more seasoned members are not setting a good forum tone either and probably they never had.
Agreed, most unfortunate. Over the years, its been the new members that start a mess, but disappear for the most part. Seasoned members doing it not only sets a bad tone, but leads the way to more virile posts from the woodwork thinking its the norm in these parts.
