I am a long-time lurker of this board. I have enjoyed reading the posts and found the forum to be very interesting and informative, without feeling the need to post my own replies. However, I feel that I must register my disappointment at how the forum had changed in recent months.
While admittedly it is far busier than it used to be, the quality of discussion seems to have nose-dived. I think that there should be a mix of serious and light-hearted topics, but I feel that it has just become too silly recently and the virtual elder sibiling thread is the nadir. I do hope that we can return to more sensible discussion soon and I'm sure that I'm not the only person who feels this way.
Sorry to be negative. I think the administrators are doing a great job, but can't we get back to discussing matters of local interest and concern. Please?
Has the forum become too silly?
Hi there Observer and welcome, even if you have been around a while.
I think that was a brave first post!
But to answer it, or rather, not to, because I'm not going to venture an opinion, to state the obvious, the forum content depends entirely on the forum members - and all of us, not just the few of us who have verbal diarrhoea. If you're not happy with the current themes of the forum, the answer is fairly simple - start talking about what does interest you. If you want more local discussion, then why lurk and wait - why not simply post about local things?
It's your forum. If you're happy to say you're not happy with it - and I'm glad you felt able to - then be happy to make it what you want it to be. We all make this forum what it is; you have the power to make it about whatever you like. And whilst some of us will no doubt continue to be a little frivolous, we can all also be serious, and would be happy to see more people contributing relevant local material. However, I always find it a little strange when lurkers say they don't like the discussion if they won't actually contribute to making it what they do like.
Just jump in!
Bellybabe
I think that was a brave first post!
But to answer it, or rather, not to, because I'm not going to venture an opinion, to state the obvious, the forum content depends entirely on the forum members - and all of us, not just the few of us who have verbal diarrhoea. If you're not happy with the current themes of the forum, the answer is fairly simple - start talking about what does interest you. If you want more local discussion, then why lurk and wait - why not simply post about local things?
It's your forum. If you're happy to say you're not happy with it - and I'm glad you felt able to - then be happy to make it what you want it to be. We all make this forum what it is; you have the power to make it about whatever you like. And whilst some of us will no doubt continue to be a little frivolous, we can all also be serious, and would be happy to see more people contributing relevant local material. However, I always find it a little strange when lurkers say they don't like the discussion if they won't actually contribute to making it what they do like.
Just jump in!
Bellybabe
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!
-Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)
-Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)
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Beach Babe
- Posts: 275
- Joined: 09 Jan 2004, 22:59
- Location: Portobello
Observer
There are serious threads on the board. Admittedly they do sometimes get hijacked with less serious chat which may be annoying for some people but those threads imparting information do exist
the Virtual BB thread is fun and is in a totally different character. However, you don't have to read it. That applies to every thread here. I'm sure many lurkers limit themselves to only what interests them
but in the end, if you're wanting to have more serious debate, then perhaps you should consider participating yourself
There are serious threads on the board. Admittedly they do sometimes get hijacked with less serious chat which may be annoying for some people but those threads imparting information do exist
the Virtual BB thread is fun and is in a totally different character. However, you don't have to read it. That applies to every thread here. I'm sure many lurkers limit themselves to only what interests them
but in the end, if you're wanting to have more serious debate, then perhaps you should consider participating yourself
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship
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Guest
It's an interesting question, and I'm not sure of the answer. I think what I take out of the forum is the social angle -- I've made some real-life contacts through the board, people who I probably would never have met otherwise, and I enjoy the chat both face to face and online.
Is it trivial? Yes, undoubtedly. But it is also forging social networks which survive into the real world -- and that can only be a good thing.
Can I ask you a question? Do you think it would be better to have separate forums for serious debate and general chat? The Oldie uses this approach very successfully, and I think the Portobello forums might be busy enough now to try a similar approach.
Is it trivial? Yes, undoubtedly. But it is also forging social networks which survive into the real world -- and that can only be a good thing.
Can I ask you a question? Do you think it would be better to have separate forums for serious debate and general chat? The Oldie uses this approach very successfully, and I think the Portobello forums might be busy enough now to try a similar approach.
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Beach Babe
- Posts: 275
- Joined: 09 Jan 2004, 22:59
- Location: Portobello
I use another forum and in one area of that the threads are prefixed with "serious" or "fun". That way people can choose what they wish to read. This works as there's a separate area for chat which can go in any direction
however, the danger of doing that here is that the natural flow of a thread may be disrupted. But the other side is that some people may get irritated by general chit chat
Most people who post regularly would never post idle drivel in a serious thread such as the supermarket one so I guess we should maybe just wait and see for a bit before making any big changes
*sits on the fence*
however, the danger of doing that here is that the natural flow of a thread may be disrupted. But the other side is that some people may get irritated by general chit chat
Most people who post regularly would never post idle drivel in a serious thread such as the supermarket one so I guess we should maybe just wait and see for a bit before making any big changes
*sits on the fence*
I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship
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General Tactifer
- Posts: 62
- Joined: 11 Sep 2003, 23:50
- Location: Brunstane Village
I suspect part of the problem is this undue concern about lurkers. What's the worry? People read newspapers too but they don't all feel the need to contribute to the letters page! Surely we should be more interested in the quality rather than the quantity of posts. I've always found an overabundance of material on a forum rather a turnoff - there's too much to read through - especially if there's a lot more chaff than wheat. Having said that, it can't all be serious - there must be some room for light-heartedness too! 
Hi Observer, I too am a serial lurker.javascript:emoticon(':oops:')There is nothing better than a sly peek to brighten up a dull afternoon. Sometimes it's serious and sometimes it isn't - isn't that part of the fun?
Like Marlborough Mansions, I was demolished some years ago as part of the Pipe Street redevelopment ( what a contribution to Porty that was) so I get interested in all that serious planning stuff. At the same time I feel I now have a cyber family: I hope Mr. Epykat enjoys the match tonight and that Mrs. Epykat takes the opportunity for some quality time with Checkoutchick. It takes all sorts to make a community and isn't that what this forum's all about?
Like Marlborough Mansions, I was demolished some years ago as part of the Pipe Street redevelopment ( what a contribution to Porty that was) so I get interested in all that serious planning stuff. At the same time I feel I now have a cyber family: I hope Mr. Epykat enjoys the match tonight and that Mrs. Epykat takes the opportunity for some quality time with Checkoutchick. It takes all sorts to make a community and isn't that what this forum's all about?
[quote="ecm" ] Or Mr. Huffy?[/quote]
I don't do aliases, they are just too silly. I have been Internet Porty for some considerable time now, much longer than ive been a poster on POL. I really wouldn't be comfortble pretending to be anyone else.
BTT. The forum is silly from time to time, however it is also tremendous for forging links. For example there are people who post on here who live in my very short street. We now converse having been largely oblivious to each other only a few weeks ago.
I don't think Big O was being negative at alll. It was a fair question, the trouble is, now O has spoken up its only a matter of time before he/she is stranded in rosefield Park as a participant in Portobello Celebrity in the Jungle.
Just realised that its exactly 3 months since I made my debut. Does this coincide wioth the start of the silly season? I do wonder.
I don't do aliases, they are just too silly. I have been Internet Porty for some considerable time now, much longer than ive been a poster on POL. I really wouldn't be comfortble pretending to be anyone else.
BTT. The forum is silly from time to time, however it is also tremendous for forging links. For example there are people who post on here who live in my very short street. We now converse having been largely oblivious to each other only a few weeks ago.
I don't think Big O was being negative at alll. It was a fair question, the trouble is, now O has spoken up its only a matter of time before he/she is stranded in rosefield Park as a participant in Portobello Celebrity in the Jungle.
Just realised that its exactly 3 months since I made my debut. Does this coincide wioth the start of the silly season? I do wonder.
Only three months, dear? Feels like you're one of the foundation stones... (Beach babe will understand that better than anyone)
And how did we manage without you?
Sorry, being a little frivolous on a serious thread.
And how did we manage without you?
Sorry, being a little frivolous on a serious thread.
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!
-Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)
-Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)
I'm glad it's become a bit more fun! I like reading through the serious issues too and putting in my oar but let's face it, in a town as small as Portobello serious things just don't happen every day! 
Therefore, on the days that nothing serious has happened we just have to make up other things - and I love it
I do serious at work all day (well... okay.... maybe not ALL day) so when I get home I like a bit of frivolity and sheer, unadulterated nonsense!
Therefore, on the days that nothing serious has happened we just have to make up other things - and I love it
I do serious at work all day (well... okay.... maybe not ALL day) so when I get home I like a bit of frivolity and sheer, unadulterated nonsense!
rathbone
I agree it is nice to catch up with other people's lives (though you probably pass them in the street but not know it), was interesting when Porty's two kids posted, you probably imagine them totally different as they are in reality though.. (the parents I mean)
Also was in a local pub recently and spotted 2 definite forum members from a previous pic but you can't exactly go up to someone and say you post on the porty forum... can you?
S
I agree it is nice to catch up with other people's lives (though you probably pass them in the street but not know it), was interesting when Porty's two kids posted, you probably imagine them totally different as they are in reality though.. (the parents I mean)
Also was in a local pub recently and spotted 2 definite forum members from a previous pic but you can't exactly go up to someone and say you post on the porty forum... can you?
S
Erm...were you doing a pub quiz by any chance?!Sandra wrote:Also was in a local pub recently and spotted 2 definite forum members from a previous pic but you can't exactly go up to someone and say you post on the porty forum... can you?
S
All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!
-Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)
-Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)
Sandra, up until now I have been spladooshed only once. Bob and Marya double teamed me. At first, just for a moment or two, I didnt get it, then all became apparent. It was really impactful and it got us of to a great start. We were all laughing.Sandra wrote:Also was in a local pub recently and spotted 2 definite forum members from a previous pic but you can't exactly go up to someone and say you post on the porty forum... can you?S
What was the potential downside? One of them said Spladoosh. I looked baffled. They had to explain, we got talking anyway and then I decided to visit POL. Its Win:Win. Spladoosh is Portobello's Gouranga. We should embrace it.
Where are the pub quizzes nearby and how often are they?Bellybabe wrote:Erm...were you doing a pub quiz by any chance?!Sandra wrote:Also was in a local pub recently and spotted 2 definite forum members from a previous pic but you can't exactly go up to someone and say you post on the porty forum... can you?
S
We go to one up near the UGC cinema every Tuesday but would maybe go to a more local one if it is as good.
Well, if you're who I think you are then you are an old hippy!rathbone wrote:Wasn't Guranga a song by Quintessence, or am I just being an old hippy?
As for you Epykat, I'm keeping my eye on you -- being serious at work?? I have witnesses to the contrary.
You not got any wee extentions to design instead of spending all your time in here?
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Guest
BTW has anyone looked at the posting stats for VES? In just a few days it has wiped the Superstore thread off the map! What does this say about our sense of priorities I wonder?
Has the forum become too silly? Perhaps - but, as has been said already, it's up to those who feel so to reclaim it. This board doesn't belong to Bellybabe, Marya, Porty or me for that matter. It's a community facility and open to everyone. If you don't like what you see, then use it to put across your own point of view.
I'm not so sure that it would be at all easy to seperate the forum into silly and serious topics. Sometimes trivial subjects become serious issues and sometimes important issues get dealt with in a light-hearted manner. I wouldn't rule it out though. The board is an ever-evolving phenomenon and who knows what direction it will take off in next? As I never tire of saying, we simply provide the facility but it's YOU that makes the forum what it is. That kind of lets me off the hook quite nicely, don't you think?
Has the forum become too silly? Perhaps - but, as has been said already, it's up to those who feel so to reclaim it. This board doesn't belong to Bellybabe, Marya, Porty or me for that matter. It's a community facility and open to everyone. If you don't like what you see, then use it to put across your own point of view.
I'm not so sure that it would be at all easy to seperate the forum into silly and serious topics. Sometimes trivial subjects become serious issues and sometimes important issues get dealt with in a light-hearted manner. I wouldn't rule it out though. The board is an ever-evolving phenomenon and who knows what direction it will take off in next? As I never tire of saying, we simply provide the facility but it's YOU that makes the forum what it is. That kind of lets me off the hook quite nicely, don't you think?