View Full Version : Negative Filter
man doh
May-09-2005, 10:19am
I think one of the tech people should come up with a "negative filter" so you can filter out all the cr@p that is being thrown around here.
I play the mandolin because its fun and I use to read this because its was fun. I think if you have issues most builders and dealers have made themselves available to us in this forum. Why try to scare them away?
Take personal issues offline and if you can't get them resolved (and not from Sat. night to Mon. morning) bring it to the fore front.
Am I the only one that sees this?
Maybe the moderators should put a little poop icon up by the topics that people are throwing it.
jjboone101
May-09-2005, 10:22am
Yeah, for us "non professional" enthusiasts, it does seem to get a bit tense/serious/uptight from time to time. Just a hobby/passion for me, so I try to do my own filtering on the negative stuff...
i am far from a pro, and play the mando all the time because it is a blast. i love to read many of the things posted on the cafe, and others i could do without. just as on tv, movies, radio, if i don't want to look at something online i don't. there are those who feel the need to vent about mando related stuff-builders, dealers, products, and it is a mando centric forum. just pass over topics that seem "poopy" to you and read on those of interest. there are those after all that might look at this topic as a prob. its all good!
just my 2
peace,
ira
AlanN
May-09-2005, 10:39am
Yeah, need to separate the wheat from the chaff here. Lots of chaff.
knockwood
May-09-2005, 10:40am
I started "playing" mandolin about two weeks ago, but for me this is a deadly serious endeavor. In fact, if I catch myself having fun while playing - I prefer to say "studying" - I immediately whip myself several times with a bunch of old strings and eat a giant spoonful of peanut butter with no chaser. I relegate my reading in here to strictly angry posts, preferably those expressing disdain and ridicule for any opinion that seems to run contrary to the general cafe mindset or to have been rendered by anyone without at least three decades of experience under his belt. Posts of any kind by non-experts or mere fun-seekers are completely unacceptable.
man doh
May-09-2005, 10:49am
knockwood,
Learning the Monroe style of mandolin?
mandopete
May-09-2005, 10:49am
Play for fun, are you kidding?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Been thinking about this a bit as it relates to the performance and recording of music. I'm part of a four-piece band that plays orginal music. We've been performing quite bit in the last couple of months and are now preparing for the recording studio. We are just doing this fun, but who wants to sound bad? The problem is that in the last 10 years, many of these "hobby" bands (in bluegrass anyway) have gotten frighteningly good. It you want to continue to perform in public or even just participate in the better jam sessions, the bar has been raised!
man doh
May-09-2005, 10:51am
Play for fun, are you kidding?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Been thinking about this a bit as it relates to the performance and recording of music. #I'm part of a four-piece band that plays orginal music. #We've been performing quite bit in the last couple of months and are now preparing for the recording studio. #We are just doing this fun, but who wants to sound bad? #The problem is that in the last 10 years, many of these "hobby" bands (in bluegrass anyway) have gotten frighteningly good. #It you want to continue to perform in public or even just participate in the better jam sessions, the bar has been raised!
If you can't reach the bar blame it on the builder.
mandopete
May-09-2005, 10:52am
Unfortunately I can't do that as I play a Collings MF-5!
(sorry, I could not help myself)
Yes.. we get a lot of grief from the angry people when we delete the vitriol, but we usually do it anyway. It's too much work to read everything though!
We've talked about other software to replace this forum code, but it's nothing coming immediately. I personally like a feature at other sites (slashdot.org for example) where you can more or less permanently tag individuals as morons and automatically ignore them forever http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
mandopete
May-09-2005, 11:11am
I personally like a feature at other sites (slashdot.org for example) where you can more or less permanently tag individuals as morons and automatically ignore them forever
Now that's scary!
man doh
May-09-2005, 11:14am
What did you say mandopete? I can't read your post. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
Just kidding
John Flynn
May-09-2005, 11:20am
As most people on the Cafe' know, I am not always the one to be a "voice of reason," nor do I want to cast myself in that role. It's just no fun! But I have to say that my perception of the complaint here is that we are talking about an issue of tolerance. I say that because I have seen many attempts over the past several years here to dictate what is acceptable discussion and what is not. Those attempts have always been well-meaning, but IMHO, they have never resulted in making the medium more valauble.
I have come to understand that like TV and the rest of the Internet, it is a necessary limitation of the medium that most of what I see here is going to always seem like c&@p to me. I will have to wade through that to get to the stuff that interests me. But I also know that as soon as someone tries to limit the c&@p, the valuable stuff gets limited also.
Yeah.. it's funny really. I think that a "bozofilter" like that is really all that's needed. Maybe you could choose to "opt in" to read posts from people tagged as morons by more than 20 people http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
</dreaming>
man doh
May-09-2005, 11:24am
I like the pile of poop icon. But that is my sense of humor.
barricwiley
May-09-2005, 11:34am
So far this topic has lightened my day, thanks for the chuckle folks.
Richard (bozo filtered)
knockwood
May-09-2005, 11:40am
I have come to understand that like TV and the rest of the Internet, it is a necessary limitation of the medium that most of what I see here is going to always seem like c&@p to me. I will have to wade through that to get to the stuff that interests me. But I also know that as soon as someone tries to limit the c&@p, the valuable stuff gets limited also.
Damn well put.
The problem I've always had with any degree of censorship is that it [CENSORED]
Yeah.. I know. We are often accused of "Censoring" rather than moderating. Lately we try to let the usual "things flare up into a dung-flinging contest" topics go until everybody gets their say in, then we lock it. Then it dies (hopefully).
I have technological pipe dreams, but for now it's going to stay how it is. Hopefully that walks the fine line between keeping the boards relatively free of garbage, and keeps most reasonable folks from thinking they've been blotted out
siren_20
May-09-2005, 11:58am
You know, a lot of message boards have a special section that is especially dedicated to flaming/bashing--sort of "anything goes" except libel and racism. I'm not sure if that's what the Café needs, but there are days that I wonder if such a forum would help to alleviate the pressure on the moderators and allow people to get whatever's on their minds out in a nearly unmoderated forum.
Just a thought.
Scott Tichenor
May-09-2005, 12:08pm
But I have to say that my perception of the complaint here is that we are talking about an issue of tolerance. I say that because I have seen many attempts over the past several years here to dictate what is acceptable discussion and what is not. Those attempts have always been well-meaning, but IMHO, they have never resulted in making the medium more valauble.
I couldn't agree with you more. Amazing how many folks try to tell us how things should be run when they don't finance it or do any of the work. Pretty easy to criticize others when you have no stake in it. I'm glad to see that you agree with our approach.
It does result in one thing though. An audience. And that's what people that like to stir up trouble really want. Wouldn't be any fun to do that if you were on one of those boards where there's no one to offend.
I like my A9. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
picksnbits
May-09-2005, 12:45pm
You know, we used to focus all our anger toward banjo players. Then lately everyone's 'fessing up to either having played one themselves or admitting that it does add a lot to the mix.
With no external focus for our anger we're turning on ourselves.
Anybody know any good accordian player jokes?
TommyK
May-09-2005, 12:59pm
Nope, I don't play Mando. I am being very careful to NOT get uncontrollable MAS though. Right now I have real bad GAS and that's enough to deal with. I was drawn to this site because a large portion of the posts were about Bluegrass, to which I am very much interested. I have stayed here because of the level of discussion and the appropriate level of 'filtering' the Powers That Is (PTI). Lord knows i've had my fingers rapped a few times. And in hinds sight, rightly so. The music theory and practice suggestions, not necessarily mando related have helped my guitar playing journey. I've also put my 2˘ worth in on music in general, when I thought it relavent.
I participate in a number of discussions and the ones with a lot of 'bash the other guys' and profanity quickly turn me off and I quit tuning in.
This site is so well run, that it is the most active I've ever encountered. I've even suggested that the PTI add a forum devoted to my first instrument, guitar. Alas this as not meant to be.
Keep up the good work PTI. I love it here and I'm stayin'
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
Copied from another thread..
Hellindc: We've talked about it, but there are a couple of good reasons why we haven't created a flame/argument/off-topic board..
we try to keep the cafe kid safe or at least teen-safe (hence the swear filters etc)
we try to keep the content & discussion from veering into rants (anger in large quantities tends to take away from the information in a post, if that makes sense.. )
we've had problems in the past with members taking things too personally, or posting under the influence, or having anger management problems.. and what started as a spirited argument has turned into problems more like internet stalking & intimidation.
So we don't have any intentions to add that feature. You can find plenty of sites that get into that if you want to find it, but personally I don't recommend it. A lot of the time you'll find "hate boards" that are just sites for angry people to vent at and intimidate each other, and life's too short!
Lane Pryce
May-09-2005, 1:02pm
I like my A9. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
I my 9 too!!! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif Lp
mpeknox
May-09-2005, 1:05pm
I like the way the content is moderated on the cafe. #If I want to read a bunch of stuff posted by dipsticks there are many other options available. #I'll have to admit that I'm sometimes drawn to the dipstick stuff but always feel kind of dirty when I leave. #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif
man doh
May-09-2005, 1:09pm
I couldn't agree with you more. Amazing how many folks try to tell us how things should be run when they don't finance it or do any of the work. Pretty easy to criticize others when you have no stake in it. I'm glad to see that you agree with our approach.
It does result in one thing though. An audience. And that's what people that like to stir up trouble really want. Wouldn't be any fun to do that if you were on one of those boards where there's no one to offend.
I really wasn't critizing your piece of cyberspace.
I was critizing the people that need to make it a point to spread negativity to something I think everyone in this place has in common, the love for the mandolin.
After 15th post, I understand that MandoJeremy doesn't like Scotti Adams and Gibson Mandolins and if anyone has any other opinion other than his he needs to tell them they're wrong.
I personally like a feature at other sites (slashdot.org for example) where you can more or less permanently tag individuals as morons and automatically ignore them forever
Now that's scary!
Heh, well on slashdot it's user controlled, ie you get to choose who to ignore. You can also choose to tag friends whose posts you always want to read. It lets you create private rooms to branch off a conversation.
It's a feature on a bunch of old technology.. spam filters on email, newsreaders, irc ("internet relay chat"). Nothing stops you from configuring your email to drop mail from people you're tired of listening to!
At the moment, this is just wondering out loud. Ideally the person who decides what not to read is the reader. The nice thing is if you can give that reader a way to tag what they think is chaff as chaff, and to loose minimal wheat in the process.
I can see from looking at the database that the cafe has had less than one half of one percent moderation (posts locked or deleted) over the time that I've been hosting the site. We read far less of it than you might think.. it's always the "report this post to a moderator" that makes us put on our thinking caps. Most of the time stuff will sort itself out on it's own, sometimes it doesn't.
jasona
May-09-2005, 1:31pm
Ah...the old "kill file"...thanks for the trip down memory lane Dan http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Sadly, even those I'd be tempted to filter come up with a gem here or there.
mandoJeremy
May-09-2005, 1:38pm
man doh, your comments are quite amusing to me! First, I like most of the Gibson mandolins I have played, just not happy with mine at the moment. Second, I have never said that I don't like Scotti, I just share things I see. Third, we all have opinions and we are all welcome to them because I am by far not the authority on anything. I have been wrong many times and will be many more times in life.
Milan Christi
May-09-2005, 2:52pm
I prefer a moderated board. There's a whole internet out there chock full of places to vent your angst, spew garbage and generally waste what I consider to be precious time. If I choose to disagree with the level of moderation here I have the freedom to remove the board from my faves and go elsewhere.
But for those of us who enjoy listening to luthiers discussing their craft, pros discussing their techniques or newbies (like me) trying to get the lights to come on, it's nice to know that someone is keeping the dirt off the floor.
I enjoy a positive attitude and I also enjoy a spirited debate. I don't know that the two are incompatible.
(I also belong to a board with the "ignore" button - works GREAT!!)
Just my two cents worth - I'm nobody in particular but I do like the atmosphere and membership here - and I don't think either one is an accident.
Milan
siren_20
May-09-2005, 3:59pm
Just my two cents worth - I'm nobody in particular but I do like the atmosphere and membership here - and I don't think either one is an accident.
I second that emotion... at the end of the day, the Café is the finest resource mandolin players have available.
luckylarue
May-09-2005, 4:12pm
Question is, who decides what is garbage and what isn't. What might sound like total b.s. to me might be considered words of wisdom to someone else.
When people put down artists/musicians that are highly respected by many, there's bound to be some backlash.
Maybe the old, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say it." rule need apply. Bashing people or mandolins seems to be the source of most problems, imo.
I have to say, I am a member of several online forums and this is by far the most civilized forum I have ever been a part of. It is exceptionally well moderated and by and large people are respectful of other's opinions. It may get a bit heated at times, but I rarely see a full on flame war, and I never see anyone berating others. If you want to see a free-for-all, log onto rockclimbing.com or any number of computer related forums. Half of the posts on those "other sites" say either rtff or "this question is stupid...but I will answer it anyway in order to demonstrate my superiority."
I understand people feeling like the cafe can get tense, and perhaps too them it is. I am sorry that you feel that way; however, I have to restate that when compared with other online communities this is Walden.
You know, we used to focus all our anger toward banjo players. #Then lately everyone's 'fessing up to either having played one themselves or admitting that it does add a lot to the mix.
With no external focus for our anger we're turning on ourselves.
Anybody know any good accordian player jokes?
Sorry, I couln't help my self.
I am on the side of less censorship. Like was said about TV, if you don't like it, turn it off.
Hey! I play the accordion. So, don't start!
mikeyes
May-09-2005, 4:41pm
Even though I have had one of the dreaded Scott notices myself, I consider this board to be the richest resource out there for stringed instruments. It is the most professionally run board, the distateful stuff seen on other boards is held to a minimum without what I would consider to be censorship, and the basic content is the absolute best. No where else could you have a six month long discussion on how to hold a pick or ways to improve your sound that never gets redundant or devolves into mindless drivel. Although there may be a lot of strong opinions, they are usually backed up by experience or even scientific certitude (even if they are wrong http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif ) which has made me change my mind about a number of things that I used to do with a mandolin (and the tenor banjo.)
Keep up the good work, don't give up your ideals, and keep making the atmoshpere of the mandolincafe breathable.
John Flynn
May-09-2005, 4:57pm
I'm glad to see that you agree with our approach. - Scott T.
Actually, as you well know, Scott, you have twisted my meaning around to your purposes. I see your need for others to be tolerant and that is what I support. But unfortunately, I see your own tolerance diminishing as your "finance and work requirements" increase. That is a shame. Of course, you may do as you wish, it's your site. I don't appreciate my ideas being co-opted to support your argument.
You know, we used to focus all our anger toward banjo players. #Then lately everyone's 'fessing up to either having played one themselves or admitting that it does add a lot to the mix.
With no external focus for our anger we're turning on ourselves.
Anybody know any good accordian player jokes?
Sorry, I couln't help my self.
I am on the side of less censorship. #Like was said about TV, if you don't like it, turn it off.
Hey! I play the accordion. #So, don't start!
I think I got my post out of order somehow, but, hey, it was a joke anyway.
Nora
Less censorship (foul-mouthing excluded)
If people have vehement thoughts and opinions I hope we can freely post them as such.
Personal clashes are a fact of life. The minors who frequent the Cafe will then see how mature adults resolve them, or post their own wisdom and tell us when to grow up.
bratsche
May-09-2005, 6:06pm
When things get dull, I love a good dung-flinging contest. I bring my chair and my bowl of popcorn, set a spell and just watch and munch, making sure my chair, and my bowl, are plenty far enough away from the flung dung. Some would say at such times that I need to get a life.
bratsche http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif
mandopete
May-09-2005, 6:36pm
When things get dull, I love a good dung-flinging contest.
Yeah, I was starting to think it was a bit dull around here too!
jose250
May-09-2005, 8:05pm
From only being a part of this board for a short while. There's a couple of things I've learned.
1. I know where NOT to buy a mando from online (I had actually talked to them before I really dug into this site.
2. Ask a question and someone will reply. To the degree of the answer you're looking for depends, but there's always someone out there to offer their thoughts.
3. People do have the opportunity to express their feelings on instruments, people, places, beer, the best kind of chicken wings (BW3's has my vote), and just plain speak out about pert near anything that's on there mind.
What else can you really ask for? Cleaner? Never seen it on the net for a forum this well maintained... Less moderated? Why? Everyone seems to be able to say their peace respectfully and move on (if they can't, that's a whole different story).
For me being a beginner, the info, both good and bad has been invaluable. I've learned about do's and dont's, styles of play, types of mandos I can only dream about, MAS (which eats at me a little more everyday--DANGIT!!!--can't seem to get the Colling MT out of my head), etc. Well, you get the picture.
As they say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. It'll never be perfect, but isn't the imperfection what makes it special???
Well, that was my $2.47....
Take care and enjoy folks!!! I am.....
Kelly
To me this board is run spot on. If you don't feel some kind of passion about playing mando how are you going to "speak" of your passion without ruffling feathers every once in a while? It seems as though the PTI have it down to know who's going to go for the jugular and who's going to just fling dung. Dung flinging can just be about passion and that's ok with me, but it occurs everybody has different things they call dung. The PTI remind me of when I was growing up. Everybody just knew my dad meant business so it was this little "bird" sitting on my shoulder. I'd get that itch for the ditch and the pic of me having to unbutton my collar to go to the bathroom would pull me back. I've felt that little "bird" on my shoulder here and have probably gotten off where I shouldn't have but we always worked it out because of the PTI. All the people who are still here I wouldn't kill filter. I've learned because of the PTI to read even those I've had run in's with and appreciate his valid and insightful posts and know that it's just personal passion that flares up. I'm also glad there is no "no holds barred" area because you know you can't contain it once it starts no matter where it is.
ShaneJ
May-09-2005, 9:35pm
I don't always like or agree with the decisions from the top (rarely disagree much, though). Scott and Dan, I say "Keep up the good work."
This forum has TONS of interesting and knowledgeable people and posts, and there are FAR fewer idiotic arguments than most other forums. Keep things mando-related and constructive, and most of us will hang around. You guys do a great job at that already - THANKS!
mandroid
May-10-2005, 12:24am
I gotta be playin' for fun, get elbowed out of the way by the business types .
Over 25 years of playing with myself..
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
TommyK
May-10-2005, 1:17pm
THE INTERNET, The current 'Vast Wasteland'
I don't have cable. Couldn't get it if I wanted. I have an antennae on my house. I get 4 stations in reasonably well. Many's the time there's nothing much on . Four channels of Nuthin much. I was at my son's house this weekend. After watching the game, he scrolled through 100 or more channels of ... you guessed it, nuthin' much. The big difference? My antennae was paid for years ago. His cable bill keeps on coming.
It would be a shame to see the same happen to the Internet. I'm glad the Powers That Is (PTI) here at mandocafe have censorship in place. For me their censorship is appropriate, given that many viewers are youngsters and they'd feel awful bad about being part of the 'problem' of declining moral values. They've taken the non-politically correct, whatever that is, I'd say Politically Whimpy.
They've taken the non-PW stance of setting standards of language and content that they wouldn't feel bad about showing their mom. I say Here! Here!
For those who take the PW stance of "There should be no censorship of any kind". If you don't like it ... turn it off.
'nuf said.
Baron Collins-Hill
May-10-2005, 3:32pm
im in the A9 group too!
oops, a little late eh? :cool:
tiltman
May-10-2005, 3:58pm
Hey Jose250,
The BW3 I used to know about was in Morgantown, WV - used to live there about 6 years ago. Is that the one that you are talking about. If so, I thought that place was way too smokey to eat at.
Not that I'm trying to start anything! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Kirk
Portland, OR
Unseen122
May-10-2005, 7:02pm
I don't really come here enough to notice but I play for fun and nothing else.
Just my 2 cents...but in comparison to other boards I visist, the complaints are minimal...sure people vent and you have to take some people with grain alcohol (er, of salt...that is), but overall I have learned tons in a short time and I've learned to avoid the comments of people who have nothing good to say or jump on the negativity bandwagon...
flairbzzt
May-10-2005, 8:09pm
I think it's a first class run forum. Every place that has membership has rules. Don't like them? Don't join. Simple. This site has not just hundreds, but thousands of members from the U.S. to G.B., to Germany, Australia, etc. #I don't think demonstrating a lack of class brings much respect from people around the world. #We don't need to put on an international "childrens" show here. There's other places for that.
Andrew Reckhart
May-11-2005, 1:07pm
I tell you what. I like the way that they moderate the board. Sometimes things get hot and they let it go a little further than some of you might like. I think of it this way. Music is a very passionate thing. We are all 'artists' with a passion for our craft. When a disagreement between 2 or more passionate parties comes about all logic goes out the window. Sort of like a fight with the spouse. Things are said that aren't really meant and a little damage is done. Usually, by the next day things are back to normal and there are no hard feelings. Scott and Dan do a good job of letting the board sort itself out most of the time. A year or two ago I went by the name pittbull, and I was constantly getting involved in firey exchanges with other board members. I'm quite sure that there were people calling for my banishment. Instead, Scott allowed and encouraged me to mature and let my posts reflect that. It's kind of funny, I used to spend a ton of time on here arguing and trying to justify my opinions to everybody else. Since I quit arguing and causing trouble I spend more time picking my Stiver. It is absolutely amazing how much I've improved in the last year! Anyhow, thanks Scott and Dan! You 2 do a fine job!
JD Cowles
May-11-2005, 1:28pm
while there is some mud slinging and flaming, the folks involved are usually present to defend/speak their mind, and usually do. #we get both sides of an issue here, and most often it settles out (or scott/dan come in and stomp it out). #if ya don't like what you see, don't read it. #there are plenty of other threads to read.
thanks to all for a great resource and community.
jd
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif
Not so JD; we get far more than both sides to every issue, sides I never knew existed. How cool!
<span style='color:purple'>What we do not need here is another bluegrassrules.com.</span> <span style='color:green'>Sorry for plug, but it's been a great example of what not to do.</span> <span style='color:blue'>They have a section called outhouse which I'd say gets 500X more posts than the bluegrass forums.</span> <span style='color:red'>They have some nasty folks posting (not all) that just troll, stir up controversy and personally attack people.</span> <span style='color:brown'>But it always leaks into other forums.</span> <span style='color:orange'>If moderating/censoring (no matter how much I'm against it) keeps the family atmosphere here, I'll succumb and say crud instead of *^*(%($</span>
Bluegrasstjej
May-11-2005, 3:55pm
I don't get why there would have to be so much #### if there was an off-topic forum. People in forums get to know each other and sometimes they want to post something that doesn't have to do with mandolins directly. All other forums have it and there is no problem. I belong to several forums; two fiddle forums, two mandolin forums, one tin whistle forum, one for Irish music, one for bluegrass, etc. There has never been any problem with having an off-topic forum. If some weirdos post nasty things (adult stuff for example), that could be deleted by the moderators. BUT it is good to have an off-topic forum. And to keep some openness too. You can't rule people too much. I posted something to a person saying that it was nice to see him online again, since I hadn't seen him on the forum for a long time, but my post was deleted. Too off-topic to be nice to each other?
By the way, I do love the mandolin and it's a lot of fun to play the mandolin. Bands that have fun play better. Someone said something like if you want to sound good and get professional, you're not supposed to have fun. I certainly don't agree with that. Even if it's hard work to improve on the mandolin, you can have fun even with that. And bands that have fun are definitely more interesting to listen to. That's my opinion. And I'll never stop having fun. The more fun I have, the more I improve. That's the truth.
There used to be an off-topic forum on the cafe. It was discontinued for very good reasons. Seems some people had a burning need to post their politcal and/or religious convictions and didn't much cotton to any opposing viewpoints. Things got pretty nasty and instead of staying in the off-topic forum the fights always had a way of spilling into the mando forums.
We get into heated enough arguments over mandolins around here without adding fuel to the fire. Mandolin content only is fine with me.
GVD
mandroid
May-11-2005, 8:07pm
nice colors Tom, how do you do that.
The guy on the next barstool falls over and bursts into flames, and the new customer says "I'll have what he had"...
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif
J. Mark Lane
May-11-2005, 8:41pm
I don't get why there would have to be so much #### if there was an off-topic forum. People in forums get to know each other and sometimes they want to post something that doesn't have to do with mandolins directly. All other forums have it and there is no problem. ....
Oh, really?
Perhaps you ought to check out the rules and policies that apply on this forum: http://www.mimf.com/useragr.htm It happens to be one of the best on the Internet, and one of the tightest-run ships I've come across.
My general impression is that Scott Tichenor would probably prefer a more "open" forum. But whenever this forum has been more "open," there have been people who have abused that "openness" in about a hundred different ways. And so it has been necessary, in order preserve any value and integrity here at all, to have a more "moderated" forum. Otherwise...well, does the word "Usenet" mean anything to you?
It seems to me there are a lot of people around these days who find it appropriate to tell Scott how he "should" be running this forum (which he owns). I suspect that most of those people don't have a clue what is involved in trying to operate any kind of public forum on the Internet these days. But since some of you seem so inclined to criticise, and to preach your view of how it all should be done, I suggest you go create your own forum, and do whatever you want with it.
Oh...wait...maybe some of you already have. So...why don't you go "hang out" there?....
Mark
Why not both? #This is a great place. #Wouldn't trade it for the world, Mark. #I mean that. #Who owns this place? #'Nuff said about that. #It's run as seen fit, that doesn't mean that one can't criticize or explore other places. #Don't like it there? #Come back here. #A little of both? #Do both. #It's a free world. #Ain't it great?http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif
luckylarue
May-11-2005, 9:44pm
I don't get why there would have to be so much #### if there was an off-topic forum. People in forums get to know each other and sometimes they want to post something that doesn't have to do with mandolins directly. All other forums have it and there is no problem. I belong to several forums; two fiddle forums, two mandolin forums, one tin whistle forum, one for Irish music, one for bluegrass, etc. There has never been any problem with having an off-topic forum. If some weirdos post nasty things (adult stuff for example), that could be deleted by the moderators. BUT it is good to have an off-topic forum. And to keep some openness too. You can't rule people too much. I posted something to a person saying that it was nice to see him online again, since I hadn't seen him on the forum for a long time, but my post was deleted. Too off-topic to be nice to each other?
By the way, I do love the mandolin and it's a lot of fun to play the mandolin. Bands that have fun play better. Someone said something like if you want to sound good and get professional, you're not supposed to have fun. I certainly don't agree with that. Even if it's hard work to improve on the mandolin, you can have fun even with that. And bands that have fun are definitely more interesting to listen to. That's my opinion. And I'll never stop having fun. The more fun I have, the more I improve. That's the truth.
Quote -"People in forums get to know each other and sometimes they want to post something that doesn't have to do with mandolins directly."
Can you really "know" someone in the virtual community? Keep the cafe as a mandolin resource. If your want to "know" people, go to your local music venue....or plan a trip to Mandolin Bros.
Bluegrasstjej
May-12-2005, 2:51am
No, we cannot really know anyone on the internet. But people online do make friends. Even if they have never met. Everyone will have to agree with that. Sometimes they want to just "talk" and it is nice being able to do it on the forum. But if Scott has tried with an off-topic forum here and it didn't work, fine, then he's at least tried. Obviously it didn't work here if it turned out as you describe.
I'm not one who wants to critizise (or however you spell it). I just happened to run into this discussion and wanted to add my opinion.
By the way, the word usenet doesn't mean anything to me since I've never used it (but I know what it is).