Posted by Libra at 1myrz404zzz1w1.tadlp.army.mil on November 29, 2000 at 15:31:51:
In Reply to: The boat, sister; you missed the boat posted by Kevin on November 28, 2000 at 19:26:22:
Either I was unclear, or you're overreacting to what I said. Please allow me to elucidate below.
: : I didn't realize that Kevin recently suggested eliminating the Other Board. What a shame that would be. I don't post there quite as often anymore, but I still prefer it to this mess. At least the OWB format is easy to catch up on after a few days' absence.
: And that's what it's all about: your convenience.
That was a statement of fact, not a plea for special consideration. In light of the enormous traffic the main board and the OWB already receive, it seems foolhardy to channel all of that to this one board. I foresee the board flipping 3-5 times a day, precluding people from the opportunity to respond to posts that are quickly archived. This will precipitate multitudinous reposts and threads with no continuity. I might be wrong in this assumption, but it seems more likely than not.
: : In addition, this board is populated by posturing devotees of View Askew films each trying to outdo the next in a pissing contest of trivia and vituperative bitchslapping over minor things. It gets old in short order.
: Ah, but by making the two boards one, we'd be eliminating that most grievous of all the "vituperative" offenses - the "OFF TOPIC, ASSHOLE *NT*!!!" post.
I contend that it won't eliminate the proliferation of posts exclaiming "read the summaries, you moron" which are nearly as prevalent and equally annoying.
: : Despite claims to the contrary, the OWB is insular, but not exclusionary.
: As is this board.
Stipulated.
: : People come and go all the time.
: As they do on this board.
Stipulated.
: : The regular posters do a fairly good job of moderating themselves, each other, and newcomers.
: Which, on my Utopian board, would be a thing of the past, as no policing would be necessary. It'd be a free-for-all (topic-wise).
The three statements I made immediately above were directly contradicting the assertion that the OWB is elitist. I read several posts to that effect on the last board when the question was first raised. Almost always, new people are greeted there with open arms and genuine interest. It's a rare occasion when the people who post there circle the wagons and request that someone leave. In contrast, people who are new here tend to be ridiculed at any and every opportunity. It doesn't bother me, it's just a difference I've noted.
: : Comparing what I've read in both fora,
: Fora?
Yes, fora. Or forums. Whichever you prefer.
: : I'd dare say that the breadth of knowledge and overall perspicuity there is several steps above anything I've read here in ages.
: But who'd need clarity at that point? People can talk about the flicks or not. It'd become what it once was in our glorious past - an open forum.
Clarity in expression is invaluable no matter what the subject. A format such as the UBB allows for a depth of discussion unavailable with the WWWBoard. I say this under the assumption that we will still no longer be able to respond to posts that have been archived.
: : They're smart, well-expressed, and often very funny. With few exceptions, they're respectful of one another and supportive of each other's efforts. It's become a community all its own, irrespective of it's VA association.
: But it's a community I own, mind you. And I will burn down that village to save it.
I wouldn't presume to tell you that the board is not yours to keep or discard. Obviously, the ultimate decision on the matter is yours. You asked for opinions on the matter, I gave mine and supported it with valid reasons.
I'd also dare say that you own the medium, but not the community. The OWB is just a place where the members meet. I'm sure we can do it elsewhere, if that's your intent. I owe you a debt of gratitude for offering the opportunity to exchange ideas with people I would probably not otherwise encounter. What I don't owe you is slavish devotion or mindless concurrence with your opinions on any subject. That seems to be the sticking point. Congratulations, Kevin. I think you've become your own greatest fan.
: : I think that fact alone merits its salvage.
: You want a board on your terms, start your own board. Failing that, succumb to the future of the View Askew Board.
This is what I meant by "overreacting." I never made demands regarding the administration of these message boards. Again, I offered an opinion supported by facts. An opinion elicited by you. In addition, it was couched in terms far less strident and histrionic than some other posts on the same subject.
: : The best part:
: : Most of the regular posters on the OWB realize that "sweaty palmed fan boy" is derogatory.
: There's nothing worse than a fan-boy (or girl) who maintains they're not a fan-boy (or girl). If you're here at all, you're a fan-boy (or girl).
Actually, I'm here because a friend recommended the site to me about 18 months ago. There's no way you could have known that.
: : I don't foresee posting here in lieu of the OWB. It's the wrong format and a different crowd. I'll be sorry to see it go.
: And we'll be sorry to lose you. Rarely is one afforded the opportunity to witness such myopic grandstanding as you've exemplified with your post.
I'm myopic because I gave an opinion? Perhaps you'll note that I never attacked you, your site, or your work in my previous post. I expressed concerns about the logistics of combining the two boards. And if I'm grandstanding because I use my words with precision, I'm prepared to accept that. I write the way I speak and I feel no need to tone it down for anyone. Any personal slight you may have read into it and felt compelled to respond to in kind was wholly your own creation.
Johanna