Its sense of self and purpose seems a bit puffed-up, but I've been a fan of Grant Morrison for 17 years or so and so feel some affinity with it, or at least with how the community started out. I was also pleased to get one of their buzzword injokes, “Einstein-Rosen Bridge”.
I haven't actually looked at their discussions yet, just the front-end.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Someone join Barbelith and link here so they can read our comments on them, and escapades will...ensue.
Posted by Gav (Member # 23) on :
Looks interesting, if a little politically predictable in the switchboard section and a bit too new-age everywhere else. The posters also seem quite detached from each other, but I'd probably need to read more to be sure.
Personally I prefer the plain speaking of TMO to all that fancy-pants smartarsery they've got going on.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
~~UPDATE~~
This is really good for anyone who likes the kind of comics I do.
I would like to see someone like London and/or Ben register on Barbelith and see how quickly they manage to carve out a niche, earn respect and establish a voice and territory -- if they did!!!! Posted by Gav (Member # 23) on :
I'll say this for for it, it has a lot of active topics right through its boards.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
^_^UPDATE^_^
I kind of wish Barbelith was "my" community! It is pretty good.
Posted by Gav (Member # 23) on :
This thread about schooldays is quite interesting. Most people I've met on the net admit to being less than popular at school, confirmed here.
Also, when people on internet boards say they were popular at school does anyone else suspect they are lying?
They seem to stay on topic quite well, and there's much less telling people to fuck off.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
What percentage of people were actually "popular" at school: cool, attractive, well-liked by boys and girls. What do you reckon. 10%*? If so, it would make sense if most people in your life in general, not just on internet boards, were less than popular. I don't really think posting on boards constitutes geekiness anymore, or suggests that someone was bullied, bookish, shy or vulnerable at school.
*Of course, if it's anything up to 50%, you'd stil expect most people to have been less than popular at school. All-round popular schoolkids are surely in the minority.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Maybe everyone just thinks they were unpopular, in a tears of a clown kinda way.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
I wasn't popular but I am making up for it now!
This thread is great if you like Grant Morrison. Having loads of people post on a thread about the characteristic traits emerging thru-out his work, all sharing some kind of expertise and showing some kind of ability, is pretty rare.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
I want to join it too. It looks lovely. This feels like being in a long-term relationship and then suddenly catching a glimpse of someone else and realising that there could be another life out there for you.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Of course, I wouldn't be able to get away with such sappy, Handbagesque imagery if I were to post over there.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Yeah, I feel really disloyal saying it but it looks fucking nice. It looks like a pack of alcoholic Refreshers. Clicking back here felt like going on an exciting first date then returning to a flat that you wouldn't want your new girlfriend to see just yet.
Cheer up! Great thread on 2000AD and when it went tits-up/whether it's returned to form.
[ 16.04.2004, 13:10: Message edited by: kovacs ]
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
I feel such a suck-up.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
=_=_=UPDATE=_=_=
i am posting on barbelith. bye!
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I'm liking this site too but I don't think I have anything particularly significant to contribute to it. I feel ignorant and stupid.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Yeah but that's what people think before they post on TMO -- and this place is for dunces!!
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
That board also appears to contain three (count 'em!) references to my music journalism pseudonym. SCORE! Also, I think I just spotted that bloke Matthew who runs that Fluxblog thing that hosted the awesome LCD Soundsystem track that I linked to and forced you to all listen to a while back. Exce. I mean. Joycore. Or something. Yeah.
Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
I'm still being welcomed as newest member on the forum homepage. Only namecheck I'm likely to get for a while.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Have you posted on there, though.
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
quote:Originally posted by H1ppychick: I'm still being welcomed as newest member on the forum homepage. Only namecheck I'm likely to get for a while.
I had that dubious honour for all of 30 seconds, but the Mask boy seems to have joined too!
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
I like, but the length of the individual pages feels too long by a factor of 2. That's probably just me, but I need a change of page to stop my eyes from swimming.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Also if you click on a thread it goes to the first post, not the last of that thread.
And I can't see if there's any "view all active topics" page.
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
And post editing requires the quoracy of moderators!! Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Yeah, it's reassuring to know that in some ways Barbelith would remain really annoying to use.
Posted by ben (Member # 13) on :
It's a bit solemn. I can't imagine myself laughing out loud at much of it, and that's one of the main things I get from tmo. Still, got to admire their lofty ideals - it's kind of reassuring that such a place exists.
Also: I hate seeing tmoer's "amusing japes" on another board. It's like some shit cinema version of a classic sitcom, (I don't know: Fawlty Towers: Manuel's European Tour or Rising Damp on Mars) where the characters you love are wrenched free of their context and flop about like landed perch.
And not wishing to be pissy, but plopping down into someone's community with the "Haha - it is I, Thorn Davis, from tmo" pose does strike me as pretty bad form.
Posted by Raz (Member # 449) on :
It is heartening to know that there are many other people in the world who think Preacher was atrocious bumcancer that thought it was clever. And that some of these people are Americans.
Posted by Raz (Member # 449) on :
You're up early Ben.
Posted by Raz (Member # 449) on :
I wonder how long it will be until London next links to a board that she thinks is much better than TMO. I have counted approximate 3 month gaps between the last instances, so I will hazard a guess at it being July.
Posted by Octavia (Member # 398) on :
What, you mean she's serially unfaithful?
Posted by Octavia (Member # 398) on :
Was wondering vaguely why there was such a dearth of HotPostingAction this morning. Then realised that it's one of your "weekend" things. I will be glad to encounter "weekends" again, and not have to get up to cook 18 people breakfast for 8am on a Saturday morning. Also make bread, cake, biscuits and lime curd.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
You lie, sir. I have never linked to a board saying it's much better than TMO before, ever!
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
quote:Originally posted by ben: And not wishing to be pissy, but plopping down into someone's community with the "Haha - it is I, Thorn Davis, from tmo" pose does strike me as pretty bad form.
I tend to agree, and if you look at the Comic Books forum (sounds promisingly amusing!!) you will see I have just waded into existing discussion without any "I'm new".
Why am I trying to keep your respect and approval, Ben! I don't know.
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
quote: Originally posted by someone on Barbelith Anyone? Bueller?
Lol.
[ 17.04.2004, 14:32: Message edited by: Louche ]
Posted by Louche (Member # 450) on :
Christ, I feel like Harly must, wandering lonely as a cloud through the unforgiving and unresponsive world of an internet abandoned by others for friends and sex and television and cats.
It's dark in here, you know.
Posted by jnhoj (Member # 286) on :
" a bit new age"
a bit? They're coming into my dreams and making me love them!
Still, I added my nonsense, cba to start up with another forum tho eh.
Posted by Smoothly Weaving (Member # 684) on :
Hello TMO. I come in peace, in my fanciest pants. I offer you a puffed up pie of goodwill, and look forward to your plain speaking, and jokes about coming in my pants.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
No fucker is posting on TMO today, as is often the case at weekends -- and I haven't seen anyone from here apart from me, Helen and Black Mask posting on Barbelith.
I rocked up 50 posts on Babyliss yesterday without realising it and was banned from posting anymore.
Posted by ondine (Member # 625) on :
Afternoon Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by kovacs: I rocked up 50 posts on Babyliss yesterday without realising it and was banned from posting anymore.
Is this some kind of bizarre flood control or a measure to shut you specifically up?
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
On a Barbelith related note, I'm finding it a weird experience. The lack of a "Today's Active Topics" page bites and the fact that, when looking at the thread list within a forum, you can't see who last posted to it means you've got to click on a thread and scroll to the end just to find out whether anyone's replied to you. It all makes it a bit difficuly to 'connect' with the forum as a whole.
Aside from that is seems alright like.
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I do hope we're (TMO) not seen to be trolling that site..
Here, have one of the new images from the upcoming redesign.
Hello to any newbies too (like Smoothly Weaving ).
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
Everyone's behaving themselves dude, honest.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
I don't think being excessively complimentary about a site and then registering and posting there can be considered 'trolling', can it?
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by London: I don't think being excessively complimentary about a site and then registering and posting there can be considered 'trolling', can it?
That thought did cross my mind as well but I think Darryn's just erring on the side of caution. Our previous visits to other sites haven't always done much for the good name of TMO across the interweb after all and this generally ends up in more work for him.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Cool. Plus, anything the lovely Darryn says or does is fine by me, what with him hosting this site and everything. I AM SUCH A SUCK-UP. But other times we went to cause trouble of have a laugh, whereas I genuinely thought this looks like a good community, and that was why I posted the link. I heart TMO to the max, but sometimes it's a bit slow, y'know?
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
just covering my ass just in case, on the safe side and all that...
(Kovacs was 'banned' after all, best be careful)
[ 18.04.2004, 14:03: Message edited by: Darryn.R ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
The moderators over there are a breath of fresh air after the iron-gauntlet treatment we're used to here at TMO.
Posted by Smoothly Weaving (Member # 684) on :
I don't think the influx of TMOers is seen as trollsome at the moment. I'm here as a tourist rather than an attache, and can by no means speak on behalf of Barbelith as a whole; but in the main I think the crossover has been well received. This is thanks to a recognition of some shared interests, but also by the attitude of those travelling from here to there. Thing is, Barbelith has a troubled history of trolling, and ears sometimes strain for the sound of fol-de-rol. If the atmosphere ever seems protective, that's just because we love it. I sense that TMO can relate to that.
If there is one thing new members could do to ensure a warm reception, and the attendant huggles and wuffling, it's to read the Barbelith Wiki. It's pretty readable, offers lots of background and will answer most of the initial questions you might have, including the system of posting limits. You’re not banned, kovacs – just temporarily gagged.
Meanwhile, I'm enjoying lurking around here. Thanks for the welcome.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Oh, I realise I was never banned. I got my 50 posts a day quota back at 10pm or so yesterday, and haven't used them up yet. My contributions have been full and wholesome. And numerous.
Posted by Travelling Canadian (Member # 491) on :
Someone join Barbelith and link here so they can read our comments on them, and escapades will...ensue.
Excuse me? Are you referring to me? I have never started a "hello I'm new thread," and in fact I don't think I even posted on any of the "newbie" type threads. Kindly enlighten me if I've jumped to a conclusion here, but it appears as though you are maligning, or mocking, me for no good reason. And I have never mentioned TCL, and also can't tell if you are mocking it either. And having looked at your link, it suggests that I post similarly to the person there. I have never blurted out great chunks of information about myself, only given pieces here and there in response to various threads. Please do set me straight as to what exactly you mean by this.
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
No no! Dont all go away! I cannot justify adding another forum to my list of "things to check before I crack on with some work".
Also todays top-tip is: When you have an alka seltzer then a coffee in the morning it is crucial to wash the mug in between.
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
...oh but there is a science forum!
Though the text is too small. Maybe I need glasses.
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
Abby. I was going to tell you to chill out. Take a break. Relax. Put up your feet. You've earned it. Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
quote:Originally posted by Travelling Canadian: Please do set me straight as to what exactly you mean by this.
I meant that this
quote:Hello,
I just wanted to give a bit of an introduction so you guys all have a vague idea what I am about.
I am a 32 year old female. I currently live in Georgia but plan on relocating in the next 2 years.
I have been single for about 2 years and have never been happier and feel like I have been freed to be who I want to be not what everyone else expects me to be. This is a strange concept coming from a submissive woman but I lived 7 years out side of that realm and hated it though I hung on and lived it for my three children(all male and under 7 yrs.old) He finally freed me by meeting someone who would treat him as bad as he needed to be treated and didn't have a brain in her head. Thank God!
I am a psuedo-Christian and a libertarian.
My favorite quote is.."The slave escapes her bonds to find a stronger set of chains. ~ Anonymous "
Strangely enough I found this site looking for information about facial branding. No not for me but for an analogy I am writing about domestic animals and slaves.
So anyway that is the quick version of me hopefully I will get to share more and read and learn more from all of you.
Thanx, Holly
reminded me of your standard of posting in terms of its sense of uncynical eagerness and of public confessional.
You seem to wear your heart on your sleeve and want to talk about people's feelings and personal lives, including your own.
I wouldn't say it was very much like any specific post you've made, as far as I can remember, but I thought in tone, saying "Travelling Canadian style" gave a fair idea of it.
[ 19.04.2004, 02:02: Message edited by: kovacs ]
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
I don't know what you're all going on about, that forum is about as entertaining as a sci fi convention, with without the hot chicks with pointy ears.
Shame on you all for being lured away by people with a wide vocabularly.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Who is Grant Morrison?
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ringo: I don't know what you're all going on about, that forum is about as entertaining as a sci fi convention, with without the hot chicks with pointy ears.
Shame on you all for being lured away by people with a wide vocabularly.
I hope this is parody because it's just the same kind of nonsense people on Handbag say about TMO -- that we're some kind of Trek geeks.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
I just don't get off on that kind of endless 'discussion' where everything is argued down to the most minute detail. I find it pretty boring. Why do you think I don't bother to get involved with it here?
Luckily on TMO, there is more than just this kind of endless tedium, there are some genuinely funny people here, who amuse and entertain me. I'm not saying that there aren't on this other board, just that in the half hour I was looking at it, there wasn't a single thing that grabbed my attention in any way, except one thread which was about tmo.
What can I say, I guess we just have different expectations from our boards.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
There's quite a lot to read there, so I can see its uses in filling a dull workday afternoon.
But not much funnies.
Also they have a forum entitled, "Philosophy, Cultural Studies and Identity Politics" which sounds like the kind of text book I had to buy at university because one of the lecturers co-wrote a chapter.
Edit again: the above is not a good thing.
[ 19.04.2004, 03:01: Message edited by: Vogon Poetess ]
Posted by Waynster (Member # 56) on :
I did take a quick glance, and felt dirty for doing so, but was quickly back on favoured ground (those who know me know that I am a man of habit, and tend to stick with what I know).
There does seem what potentially is a lot of interesting discussion on there, but not for me. As pointed out by Ringo, it does seem like every point is dissected to the nth degree, and after a while I did find my concentration waning. And like he and VP also said, there is not the humour that I like about TMO - you have some real characters posting here, all with their little traits, and it really makes for a fun place to be. Barbelith looks a little too serious.
But I see nothing wrong in cross pollination - after all the more the merrier, and if we are to have some newbs, then best they be interesting and opinionated than someone with a smiley fixation. And of course I am sure they will appreciation some of the posters from here contributing over there, but I'm sure they won't miss me. Like I said, I know what I like, but each to their own.
[ 19.04.2004, 03:25: Message edited by: Waynster ]
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
i like it there. i wont have to try to be funny. this is a good thing.
tmo- some clev, mo' funny, but increasingly frustrating when i want the clev
barbelith- mo clev, not so much funny - but not none, ive been reading for half an hour and chuckled three times, and thats not a bad running total.
handbag- excellent if you want a wide range of user-end reviews of the MIRENA new generation hormonal contraceptive coils. jobs a good un. the internet now serves all my daily procrasto needs in handy bitesized hitz!
bracer i need to know how many of the idmb top 250 you have seen. do we want to do a monday morning sweepstake by the way? im saying between 215-220.
Posted by Samuelnorton (Member # 48) on :
That Barbelith place looks interesting. But maybe I'm already there. Maybe I have been there for a while now.
Before any of you folks found it.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
When they find out kovacs pedigree there's gonna be a brown-out on the interweb.
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
Wouldn't mind looking at this place but it doesn't get past the filter at work, dammit.
Disco: 243, and one of the seven I haven't seen yet is Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
nice one, ginger. youve killed the fucking boards. everyones on the 'lith.
[ 19.04.2004, 10:00: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
The only person I can see there is Bamba (1 post). I think I'm on approaching 150. Keep up!
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by kovacs: Bamba (1 post).
You're not looking very hard then (although my actual post count isn't much higher than that). The thing is, some of us don't like to interpret a communites welcoming arms as a sign to talk so much they have to actually forcibly shut us the fuck up within mere hours of our arrival. Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
kovacs: The TMO Years
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
quote:Originally posted by kovacs: The only person I can see there is Bamba (1 post). I think I'm on approaching 150. Keep up!
i had to change my name because there is already someone there whose name is shortened to disco. i am on there. not said much yet, but whatevs.
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Oh yeah, that's right... All bugger off and leave me now I'm two thirds of the way through the site overhaul and redesign and adding a new CMS interface...
Pah Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
You just wait, they will all come crawling back soon enough...ungrateful bastards.... Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: Oh yeah, that's right... All bugger off and leave me now I'm two thirds of the way through the site overhaul and redesign and adding a new CMS interface...
Pah
Meh. Their interface, obsession with Grant Morisson and incredibly anal ideas about what's appropriate to each forum and how 'on topic' everything has to be means my affair with them is unlikely to result in a divorce and messy custody battle with TMO.
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
and ive got total performance anxiety. i havent been a newbie anywhere for a very long time and its a bit like the first time i put my hand in a girl's knickers- am i doing this right? this feels just about right, but what if im doing it wrong?
[ 19.04.2004, 12:06: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
I admit Barbelith has an awkward interface and even to me seems a little joyless, ie. can't take a joke. The number of members -- some 70 newbies per day? -- is absurd. But their comic book interests coincide really closely with mine and TMO has been very slow recently; it's also tended to disintegrate every thread into throwaway remarks. Anyway I don't have to apologise for posting elsewhere!! G@D!
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
oh well! welcome home
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Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
Yeah, I was just about to point out that it was broken as well. Perhaps it folded under the pressure of holding all your contributions Kovacs?
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
+-+-UPDATE-+-+
I BROKE BABYLISS
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Tom Coates seems like a generous, dedicated, enthusiastic board-king. There are some smart and funny posters over there. Barbelith is an interesting board with a broad variety of posters. It's good. I like it. But...
BUT, IT'S NOT HOME!
Coates, for all his generosity and dedication, looms, somewhat. He's got a touch of the neurotic Mum about him. Or, perhaps, a US Camp counsellor. "Come on team! Let's get those posts on-topic and in the right threads! Let's get those threads in the right forum! Remember the mayhem, when we let the boards slip? People were putting sexual politics posts in the cultural theory fora and the tentacle rape was in the Switchboard. We don't want a re-run of that, now. Do we?"
The bulk of threads have some sort of 'geek' bias, too. They even have a Geek definition thread on the go. Every topic seems to be (to some degree) about the systemising, categorisation, or maintenance of order. It's punted as a counter-culture website, but everywhere you look... there's The Man. (Hi, Tom.)
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
If I have made it insufficiently clear, I still love TMO and I still love Darryn.
Who da man?
That would be Darryn.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
kovacs? I've been busy as fuck most of the day. I have neglected both Barbelith and TMO. Does anyone over there have any inkling yet that you have produced well received tomes on both Batman and Star Wars?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Barbelith discovers kovacs' academic past.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
That's four posts in a row. Do I win a prize?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
The hunter... becomes the hunter.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
I don't think so Black Mask, but I did a search for my true name after London boasted she had tons of menshes on there, and nobody had ever once referred to me so I'm afraid the revelation you speak of would result in a resounding SO WAT.
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I'll prize you up in the morning...
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: Coates, for all his generosity and dedication, looms, somewhat.
...It's punted as a counter-culture website, but everywhere you look... there's The Man. (Hi, Tom.)
Once you accept Tom into your heart, you feel an inexpressible, joyous release. It can happen to you too.
Posted by Travelling Canadian (Member # 491) on :
quote:Originally posted by kovacs: [QUOTE]Originally posted by Travelling Canadian: Please do set me straight as to what exactly you mean by this. ....reminded me of your standard of posting in terms of its sense of uncynical eagerness and of public confessional.
You seem to wear your heart on your sleeve and want to talk about people's feelings and personal lives, including your own.
I wouldn't say it was very much like any specific post you've made, as far as I can remember, but I thought in tone, saying "Travelling Canadian style" gave a fair idea of it.
Oh, fine. So nobody else ever posts any personal information, or pictures? You, yourself never mention anything about your life, personal relationships, or your writing? All anyone knows about me is my first name, age, nationality, and where I live. The same as most people here have posted at various times. Oh, and the fact that I have met Philomel, and posted on other boards. Next week I will have been here for a year. But god forbid I actually try to be part of anything or share any part of my life. Pardon me for wanting to be part of your little community. It took all that time, and just a few weeks ago I finally felt like I was fitting in here. Thank you very much for making me paranoid about posting here any more. Thanks a lot. And yes, that would be the "wearing my heart on my sleeve" part of my personality.
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: and ive got total performance anxiety. i havent been a newbie anywhere for a very long time and its a bit like the first time i put my hand in a girl's knickers- am i doing this right? this feels just about right, but what if im doing it wrong?
Heh, DD 'outs' her new ID by eschewing capitals and talking about her baps.
I've got a horrible feeling that's going to come across as some kind of abuse when nothing could be further from the truth. Posted by H1ppychick (Member # 529) on :
Hey TopCat, ignore kovacs, he must have been feeling a bit premenstrual.
repeat after me...
You are not the boss of me You are not the boss of me You are not the boss of me
Why? Because I'm telling you to.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
Canadian, I think you're getting way too wound up about this. I'm just some nobody on an internet board. You know who you are. Why bother what I say about you on here?
Posted by jnhoj (Member # 286) on :
if the board was just laid out like a normal forum, id like it a lot more.
its a bit weird that it goes from good cleva debates on fancy women issues and "politics" but then into the heady world of magic. Its even more weirder commmenting on a community.
i dont even post enough here anyway. and at the momeny helen back is the saviour of tmo, make of that what you will!
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
quote:Originally posted by grant: Once you accept Tom into your heart, you feel an inexpressible, joyous release. It can happen to you too.
One of us, one of us...
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
Accept me in your hearts TMO.
Follow me on the path of the righteous.
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bamba: Meh. Their interface, obsession with Grant Morisson and incredibly anal ideas about what's appropriate to each forum and how 'on topic' everything has to be
boy racer mentioned this. he got sniffy about barbielips when black mask was told off for posting a thread that was questionable with regards to, like, the fucking-point-of-it. (i know, youre thinking, black mask, of all people? how could he shame us like that?) but what do we do instead of having a wiki? we let newbies bumble in, expecting them to psychically know what you do and dont do, and then when they trangress we fucking savage them. im struggling to think of a board ive frequerted over the last four years that is as mean to newbies as we are without ever having given them any idea as to how we prefer newbies behave, and i cant. and not like we should change, or write a heres how to behave, newbies constitution that takes half an hour to read, but y'know, fucks sake. having a go because another board isnt as vile and savage and unwelcoming to banal/unthinking/unsuited newbies as we are* is a bit...um...how can i put this...shit.
* dont ever get the impression i am disavowing this behaviour or getting high on moral toebones, because otherwise i wont be able to spleen at helen back like i am going to in, um, about 36 hours, for a completely indefensible reason this big. why? just because. its tmo, so i can.
[ 20.04.2004, 01:59: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
Hmm, I don't think the above is fair though.
I think TMO interface is a lot more user friendly than barbielips', and although some TMOers may jump on "Hello I'm a Newbie" posts, I think if someone asked for advice about how to do something on the site a regular (possibly Ringo) would explain our ways to said newbie in a slightly patronising tone, rather than refer them to a monumentally pretentious Wiki and lock the thread.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by Boy Racer: pretentious Wiki
Steady on Boy Racer. That's exactly the kind of criticism handbag levels at TMO. I don't think there's anything in the 'Wiki' that could be described as pretentious.
quote: From relatively humble origins, the board has evolved from a fan space for an author (GrantMorrison) through to a sub/counter-cultural board through to its current incarnation as a creative space to experiment with the concept of what it means to be a self-ruling online space. It has a strong sense of citizenship or at least a strong sense of affinity to varying sets of overlapping values, which include a strong resistance to authority, a distrust of dogma and an interest in the limits of knowledge.
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: having a go because another board isnt as vile and savage and unwelcoming to banal/unthinking/unsuited newbies as we are* is a bit...um...how can i put this...shit.
Where exactly did I 'have a go'? I just posted my thoughts on the things I don't like about the place. Having a go would be to go over there and tell them they're all ***** or some such which is nothing like what I did above. Anyway, your comments about newbies is missing the point, in fact you seem to be using my post as a reason to go on about something else entirely. I don't not like those aspects of the place because of my newbie status, I don't like them because I think they're unneccesary, annoying and stifle discussion. These things would piss me off no matter how long I spent on a particular board so the stuff about our differing attitude to newbies is unrelated to my comments. However, while we're on the subject, I didn't read their wiki to find out their policies, I simply browsed a few threads and noticed the comments made by others. Y'know, the exact same thing we expect from newbies here which it turns out, is a natural reaction and not that much to expect. You're a newbie over there too, did you just charge in scatter posting nonsense without getting a feel for the place first? I very much doubt it so I'm not sure why expecting the same behaviour from people new to TMO makes us vile and savage. Well, okay, sometimes we're vile and savage but I think it's unfair to accuse TMO as a while of doing this to every bit of fresh blood to cross the doorstep.
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
I think the lack of this kind of 'idiot's guide' is part of TMO's charm, though that's not to say other boards are wrong for having one. There's something to be said for the intuitive gauging of the tone and character of a place.
Sometimes this means that people's integration onto the board is not smooth, but in fairness, I think far fewer newbies 'get a savaging' than those that don't. Just look at the number of newbies who have announced their arrival and had members of the board greet them in a friendly and welcoming way. As often as not, the savaging occurs afterwards when said newbies seem Hel-bent on disregarding the quirks and nuances of the board (a long time ago, maybe on SeeThru, someone wrote something which compared someone's behaviour to charging shoutily into a quiet pub - nothing entirely wrong with either being shouty or quiet, but if you're shouty and everyone else is quiet, then the onus is on you to modify your behaviour).
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
lol at(with) thorn
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bamba: I don't not like those aspects of the place because of my newbie status, I don't like them because I think they're unneccesary, annoying and stifle discussion.
well, im coming from a different angle: im beginning to get this feeling (which is possibly not borne out by the general evidence at all) that tmo is currently finding it very difficult to start, or have, a proper conversation about anything at all, without it either dying or going off on a (sometimes enjoyable, sometimes random and annoying) comedy flight of fancy. there are times when i think it would be nice if we stuck to the fucking topic a little bit more. but thats a personal niggle of mine, about tmo, at the moment. im not suggesting codifying it, but its getting on my tits. so to go somewhere where- gasp!- they decide that if youre going to have a conversation about a topic, you actually talk about the topic, and not something really quite unrelated...quite refreshing for me. and thats just as personal as you thinking it 'stifles' conversation, and not really anything to do with barbelith at all except for the fact that they represent the opposite of something thats getting my goat.
quote: However, while we're on the subject, I didn't read their wiki to find out their policies, I simply browsed a few threads and noticed the comments made by others. Y'know, the exact same thing we expect from newbies here which it turns out, is a natural reaction and not that much to expect. You're a newbie over there too, did you just charge in scatter posting nonsense without getting a feel for the place first?
well, considering ive posted three times and one of those was about my new bra, the answer to that would have to be a partial yes to the nonsense and a no to the scatterposting. and whilst we might not be unremittingly vile to newbies you have to be fucking kidding me if you think this place is welcoming. jesu, larry's existence started as an ironicacal joke because like, only the most affable person on the boards (points upwards) would ever post anything that was nice to a newbie. thats what people do on other boards, isnt it? say hello and welcome to newbies. well, i think i did it for perhaps the second time in three years last month. im beginning to think that sucks a bit. maybe im just a bit tired and pissed off with tmo, and need to do a little flounce. or get a fulltime job, do some dressmaking, to quote le tigre- get off the fucking internet generally.
[ 20.04.2004, 03:36: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: im beginning to get this feeling (which is possibly not borne out by the general evidence at all) that tmo is currently finding it very difficult to start, or have, a proper conversation about anything at all, without it either dying or going off on a (sometimes enjoyable, sometimes random and annoying) comedy flight of fancy.
To an extent I think you're right but I think that when a thread goes off-course here it's more of an indication that the original topic's been exhausted and no one's really got much else to say. If that is true (and I'm by no means sure of this) then ensuring that no off-topic posts appear on a thread simply means that a thread would completely die very quickly.
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: there are times when i think it would be nice if we stuck to the fucking topic a little bit more. but thats a personal niggle of mine, about tmo, at the moment...and thats just as personal as you thinking it 'stifles' conversation, and not really anything to do with barbelith at all except for the fact that they represent the opposite of something thats getting my goat.
Oh yeah, I mean it's defintiely all about what you personally want from a board at any given time, I'm not trying to say that they're 'wrong' or anything like that. I realise now that when I say it stifles 'conversation' I am actually to an extent talking about the kind of comedy antics you mention, as well as other spin-off but still serious discussions that a thread can some times mutate into. But, it's the comedy and the humour that keeps me coming back to TMO I think. I spent a bit of time on the News forum in Handbag for instance which is a lot more serious that the rest of the place and their threads tend to stay very on-topic. But I could only take a couple of days of it before I was bored out of my mind and itching to disrupt the flow with some nonsense. Barbelith comes across as what a forum would be if that ethic was rolled out to the entire place and while it makes a bit of a change I couldn't spend all-day-every-day there without going stir crazy.
Anyway, as we've both said, this is all a matter of personal taste, maybe I'll settle in there a bit after a while, maybe you'll get sick of it, who knows? The one thing I do hope is that no one over there is monitoring this discussion as it'll look like I'm really down on the place and I'm not. It just so happens that it's only the stuff I don't like that I've mentioned so far.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
quote:To an extent I think you're right but I think that when a thread goes off-course here it's more of an indication that the original topic's been exhausted and no one's really got much else to say. If that is true (and I'm by no means sure of this) then ensuring that no off-topic posts appear on a thread simply means that a thread would completely die very quickly.
But that happens so quickly now. Threads barely stay on-topic for half a dozen posts before turning into the same old funny banter -- this one is ironically something of an exception -- which means I for one am reluctant to bother starting new threads, because it seems nobody much wants to concentrate and make an effort replying seriously.
It might be better if a thread just stayed with 4 on-topic posts until someone wanted to come back to it and add to it. Like I started a thread on Daren King's books, on Babylith. It got two replies. But it's still hanging there and I think it's possible that when someone does read Jim Giraffe or Boxy an Star, they could post on my thread. Same with my Hypertime contribution on Baby-L's comic books forum. It got two posts or so on the first day, but it's been steadily building to 10 on-topic replies.
Round here, for some reason, if a thread doesn't take off within two hours either the original poster sulks and deletes it, or it gets forgotten forever, or people think fair game, let's just chat on this one cause it's a failure.
[ 20.04.2004, 04:35: Message edited by: kovacs ]
Posted by Boy Racer (Member # 498) on :
Threads that have gone out of the active topics threads do get refered back to here, the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen ones for example.
Perhaps if people want a thread they've started to stay on topic on TMO then they should do something about it. Like say so?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
I think I'm going to have to move this thread onto Media if you mention any more book titles, BR.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
I forgot to mention, Darryn made me a Moderator. So. You're all fucked.
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
That's...not quite the way we do things on here, Black Mask. Try the Wiki for more on our moderation policy. And a search can be useful too, because we've had a post very much like yours before on this board.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
First thing I'm going to do is change all your passwords.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
I do think it's pretty poor the way people are constantly deleting their posts on here. You look at a thread half way through and there's a little x or something and the telltale edited marks, followed by 5 posts of "ohh, that wus da funniest shiz eva!" "Put dat bak, dat rok da spot!" and "omgroflmfaoih u r da mannn!!". And you're sitting there thinking that there's really no point in contributing after that.
Imagine a board where you couldn't delete your posts. Just imagine that for a second. Scary? Yeah sure, but perhaps more constructive than our current trend of litertally throwaway comments.
I too have also been pissed off when you try to talk about something serious for any length of time, and then suddenly someone cracks an almighty loller right after your very good point which doesn't get read or at least doesn't get replied to.
I find it interesting that what seems like the majority of the board members have obviously been thinking the same thing for some time, yet nobody had the strength of conviction to speak out about it. Or maybe they did but then someone immediately posted a funny right after, so nobody noticed.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
kovacs, your tag? I don't like it. Change it.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
There's definitely a certain exhausted feeling to this place, but, as Modge pointed out, it could just be me feeling that three-year fatigue thing. I used to monitor my threads, yelling TOPIC DRIFT! TOPIC DRIFT!, if something wandered away from the main subject at hand. But then again... I used to post threads. I remember reading the '10 Cool Things' thread while I was away, and agreeing with a lot of what Kovacs said there, that what was being posted there (by me too) was a lot of subjective first-person online journal type stuff, rather than an analysis of the nature of 'cool', or what have you. And there's been a tendency of late to use TMO for that rather than anything else. I've been guilty of it myself, using the board to communicate with Uber and Raz and Disco and whoever rather than... think about stuff. Anyone have any suggestions as to how we might / I might drag ourselves / myself out of this mire?
edit: actually, i appear to have lost the ability to construct sentences altogether
[ 20.04.2004, 05:05: Message edited by: London ]
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Watch it, Ringo. Criticism of the boards will not be tolerated.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Say 'Goodbye', London. You're out of here.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
Are you wearing your Moderator Uniform, BM?
Is it....comfortable?
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I can take away the ability to edit posts.
I could rule with a fist of iron.
I could make BM a moderator (and might even).
I could, but I won't steer things onto topic.
[ 20.04.2004, 05:04: Message edited by: Darryn.R ]
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Darryn, I totally dare you to take away the ability to edit posts! Do it! For a month! Or a week! It'd be cool!
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I think if I did do it there would be no fucker here, it's the ability to take stuff back that makes this place..
Tell you what, I'll take away the ability to edit after a specifed period of time..
How long ? An hour ?, two ?, three ? Less ?
There are changes afoot y'know. I've been working on a 'sort of' redesign for the site, the new content management system for the new front page and a few mini jigs to the forum software and look to tie in with what needs doing.
I will also be looking at some new moderators..
[ 20.04.2004, 05:10: Message edited by: Darryn.R ]
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
+-+UPDATE+-+
getting annoyed with Barbelith
also annoyed with TMO
and Handbag even though I am only lurking
basically just annoyed I think
also, Jim Giraffe not nearly as good as I thought it was.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
I wish you'd told me that before I bought it last night!
edit: take it away after... three minutes!
[ 20.04.2004, 05:09: Message edited by: London ]
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
quote:Originally posted by Darryn.R: I think if I did do it there would be no fucker here, it's the ability to take stuff back that makes this place..
Like, you're The Man, but what the fuck? Some say it's the intelligence, some say the humour, but you think it's the ability to edit posts that makes TMO what it is?
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
Yup, you run it yourselves. If you couldn't edit what you write then it'd be a very different place to be. I should turn it off and see what happens, I could be wrong but I think there'd be a lot more fights and a lot more people dropping out..
(See, I had to edit there for spelling)
[ 20.04.2004, 05:13: Message edited by: Darryn.R ]
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
quote:Originally posted by London: I wish you'd told me that before I bought it last night!
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about it. I really liked the first few chapters, but there was this episode about a huge TV aerial that didn't make me laugh once, and then a hospital bit that just seemed puerile and equally unfunny.
I'm kind of mixed-up about this book. It all depends on whether I sense that King can write differently and is being clever by adopting this babyish "I can say poo" voice, or whether that's all he's capable of. I have this horrible image right now of him dashing off each chapter from the top of his head in half an hour, hardly believing his luck that this stuff he makes up as he goes along is guaranteed to be published.
To be honest, London, it was your revelation that he's writing kids' books that twisted it for me. I started reading Jim Giraffe as a kind of lazy kids' book that relies on the fact that kids are amused by rude things happening.
[ 20.04.2004, 05:13: Message edited by: kovacs ]
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
Jesus fuck,for the love of God don't take away the ability to edit posts! And not because I have a problem with combatting the complete editing out of posts but hello, spelling and grammar mistakes anyone? You submit a post then notice some sloppy spelling or dodgy grammar which makes it difficult to understand the post. On Barbelith, what do you do? Fuck all, that's what. Christ, I even saw one guy post an entire thread twice because he'd cocked up some UBB code and couldn't fix it. I tried to correct a spelling mistake when I first posted and was informed that it would take two out of three moderators agreement before the change would go through and what's the use of that? The complete editing out of posts is a pain yes but making day-to-day posting more difficult isn't the way to go. Giving a time limit after which you can't edit posts may be an idea althought I'll have to cut down on my drunken posting then as I won't be able to edit away my intoxicated and embarassing ire.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
oh no, what a loss that will be
*cries*
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Chill down Bamba, it's only an experiment! We could take away the ability to edit posts for a bit just to see what happens! See how it feels! Then when we wanna go back to normal, we just change it again. Yeah, there probably would be more fights. So what? Fights are cool! We used to have wukkid fights, but now our fights are sort of wierd and stilted. I think, for one month, no editing. And hey, I'm the edit queen! I love editing! Editing is my job title! So, y'know. You people. No sense of adventure.
Perhaps we should discuss Jim Giraffe over in Media, Kovacs. I'd hate to see topic drift on my thread devoted to Barbelith and the State of the Bards.
edit: I misspelt 'our' as 'are'! FUCKSAKE!
[ 20.04.2004, 05:22: Message edited by: London ]
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ringo: oh no, what a loss that will be
*cries*
Yeah, yeah. Laugh it up dude. Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I reset the edit time to (as suggested) 3 mins for today to see what happens.
I'll turn it back off later or reset it to an hour or so..
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by London: Chill down Bamba, it's only an experiment!
Sorry, I paniced a bit back there but I've got it under control now.
quote:Originally posted by London: I'd hate to see topic drift on my thread devoted to Barbelith and the State of the Bards.
"Topic Rot" surely?
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: nice one, ginger. youve revived the fucking boards. everyones come back from the 'lith and is using it as a mirror in which we can examine the inadequacies of our own beloved homesite!
[gay]YAY![/gay]
[ 20.04.2004, 05:28: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
im the fastest editor in the west. that edit took me 25 seconds. i give tutorials too. to you: £3 an hour and/or a licky bumkiss.
[ 20.04.2004, 05:30: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Wait, did I really write 'State of the Bards' instead of 'State of the Boards'?
N.B. Initially wrote 'Steve of the boards', lol. Then wrote 'State of the baords'. Holy fuck dudes. (Wrote 'Holy fuck dudse'.) This is going to be more difficult than I had previously imagined.
Bamba, discussing Jim Giraffe should not be construed as 'rot'! You h8r.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: nice one, ginger. youve revived the fucking boards. everyones come back from the 'lith and is using it as a mirror in which we can examine the inadequacies of our own beloved homesite!
bout time we had a st8 of the boards tang n e way
Posted by Abby (Member # 582) on :
It will be like when you are drunk and try to get people to choose one thing they would change about each other or some such. Nobody has any friends in the morning!
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
I would like to point out that my post was one of the first to mention editing posts. I wouldn't like people to think this is all London's doing.
I think that another part of the problem is that we are all just too used to one another. It's got to the point where you almost know what another poster is goign to say on a subject before you say it. The dynamic is that of several small groups of friends who generally discuss their issues amongst themselves, and only really move the topic into the public domain when it suits them, or when there's no other option. It's been a long time since anyone wrote anything creative, or even tried to inspire others. It's laziness more than anything.
We need new people. Not these shitty low rent newbies we keep getting, who really don't add anythign to the boards, we need decent people. I know it's been said that we should be more welcoming, and that we should give people time to develop their personalities or whatever, but I just don't agree. Look at Helen Back for instance. Been here for months now and is still as shit as ever. yawn-o-fucking-rama.
I do aplogise to anyon I've offended with that last paragraph, but it's true. Nobody makes the effort any more, neither the new people nor those who have been here for a long time. The only time anyone puts any effort into anything is when they're 'telling it like it is' to someone else.
It's boring now. Not even cliquey, just a whole load of people thinking they're pretty swell and trying hard to ignore the fact that not a single one of them has really done anything worthwhile on here in months.
I am just as guilty as anyone.
We have between us, such a massive wealth of talent. Countlesslife experiences and opinions. Collectively we have the ability to turn TMO into a thriving community, full of creatively expressive people, with enough variation in personal opinion to make sure that lively debate and witty banter go hand in hand across every topic. The only thing holding us back is the complacency that dictates to us that it's enough to simply know that we could do this, without ever actually trying to.
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by London: Bamba, discussing Jim Giraffe should not be construed as 'rot'! You h8r.
Nooo, I thought you were trying to adopt Barbelith lingo with your talk of "Topic Drift" when they actually say "Topic Rot" but, as it turns out, you were doing nothing of the sort. Mind you, I did think "Boxy and Star" was utter shite so being perceived as having a go at a book which, by Kovacs description, is more of the same but even worse doesn't bother me that much.
Posted by herbs (Member # 101) on :
*sound of hammer on nail*
(in response to Twingo, that is)
[ 20.04.2004, 06:05: Message edited by: herbs ]
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ringo: I would like to point out that my post was one of the first to mention editing posts. I wouldn't like people to think this is all London's doing.
But not the first. I wouldn't like people to think this is all Ringo's doing.
Posted by philomel (Member # 586) on :
I edit too much. But generally only for crimes against UBB/spelling/grammar. Yay for edit ban! I can look even more like a fat-fingered reject but I can live with that label.
Also, do you think the reason some points get missed is because you jump to the last post? I've sometimes missed out on chunks because I've forgotten to scroll back up the thread.
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
On a serious note Ringo, what do you mean by 'doing something worthwhile'?
I agree with a lot of what you said in your post - TMO is a quieter and slightly less stimulating place these days, but even so, there's nearly always something to read and something to contribute. It just seems that too few of our members (for possibly a whole host of reasons) are not doing that at present. There are some good threads on the go at the moment, but unless people get stuck into them, they will whither and die.
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
quote:Originally posted by StevieX: On a serious note Ringo, what do you mean by 'doing something worthwhile'?
I'm not sure if I even know the answer to that any more.
I think by 'doing something worthwhile' I mean, making an effort to post more than the minimum. To actually go out of your way to devote real time to TMO.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Bollocks! TMO shouldn't feel like a 'job'. It's supposed to be a pleasant distraction - one that entails thought and analysis and discussion, sure, but, jeezus, I have enough jobs already that involve boring writing and thinking not to need another one. Shouldn't this place be enticing me to think? I shouldn't be having to force myself, should I? When I saw Barbelith I thought, gosh, I could learn things, and also, you wannna be surrounded by newbies? Go BE a newbie! I felt that enticement again.
[ 20.04.2004, 06:41: Message edited by: London ]
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
You've missed what I was saying as I wans't very clear. I'm not saying it should be a chore,or something you do out of some sort of sense of obligation, I just meant that feeling of actually wanting to stay up all night writing posts and shit. .
[ 20.04.2004, 06:45: Message edited by: Ringo ]
Posted by Fionnula the Cooler (Member # 453) on :
We have given three years of creativity to the forum, Ringo, and it has given nothing back! All that's happened is. We have added up all the words we have posted over these three short years, right? and we have divided by, what, 27 maybe? to calculate how many of those words were actuallyanygood, and we have realised that the resulting word count is waaaay more than we even needed for a novel / film script / collection of paintings (if a picture is a thousand words innit) and we have thought to ourselves this: why are we leaking all the good stuff all over TMO? If we are going to cut ourselves open, we should at least bleed all over something that will wear our stains with pride.
Posted by Fionnula the Cooler (Member # 453) on :
A hint. We = I.
[ 20.04.2004, 06:55: Message edited by: Fionnula the Cooler ]
Posted by Ringo (Member # 47) on :
Got nothing out of it? How can anyone say that?
Have we not all made some very good friends this way? Have we not found comfort and strength in the words of others in our times of meed? I would say that we have got far more out of it than anything as superficial as a book, or even a collection of books, because what use are reams of empty pages, covered in empty words, compared to 3 years of the very best kinds of friendship?
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Kiss me, Ringo.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
I always think of TMO as a creative space to experiment with the concept of what it means to be a self-ruling online space.
Posted by Fionnula the Cooler (Member # 453) on :
Fuck that shit. I want fame.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
FthC is right. Though friends is good too. I WANT BOTH.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
quote:Originally posted by London: FthC is right.
Yes he's right. If it wasn't for TMO you definitely would have written a novel instead. That's definitely true.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
You want to get famous by writing on a internet forum?
Posted by discodamage (Member # 66) on :
quote:Originally posted by Ringo: Got nothing out of it? How can anyone say that?
Have we not all made some very good friends this way? Have we not found comfort and strength in the words of others in our times of meed?
if you had had time to edit this so it said times of mead* like it was supposed to it would make as much more sense as you can fit in kovacs nutsac. word to the wise: THATS A LOT.
ive made some very good friends. ive also met some right barbarous *****. this shit flies two ways, ringo.
right, ive got to install norton antivirus. wish me luck.
* guess which quietly grunting scottish gobshite id be looking at when i said this if you were all in the room with me. guess.
[ 20.04.2004, 07:05: Message edited by: discodamage ]
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Ah right. I see. I'd edit that, but I can't.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
Sorry, I'm not making much sense.
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: Yes he's right. If it wasn't for TMO you definitely would have written a novel instead. That's definitely true.
That's not what I said. I'm not blaming TMO for my lack of productivity. And I don't think I've been that unproductive anyway. I've written some stuff. I mean, I ain't no Kovacs, but I've done alright. Also, it's good writing practice to write here. On the other hand, there are nights I've spent sitting on Messenger or going through old threads that could have been put to 'better use' I guess - but actually that's what I'm bemoaning - the passing of the desire to do that.
[ 20.04.2004, 07:10: Message edited by: London ]
Posted by Bamba (Member # 330) on :
quote:Originally posted by discodamage: guess which quietly grunting scottish gobshite id be looking at when i said this if you were all in the room with me.
Modge?
Posted by Fionnula the Cooler (Member # 453) on :
Relief.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
Not everyone has a home pc and the time/inclination to post during the quieter TMO weekend hours. Some people suddenly find work demands prevent participation (fucking outrageous I know).
For most people this is a fun place to waste worktime. Fun, funny, often educational, sometimes heartwarming or frustrating, TMO is like a little secret trapdoor into a fantasy world with no stupid boss or annoying colleagues. Of course, there is stupidity and annoyance here, but you can fight it.
The small size of the forum means its strengths (genuine community feel, long-running in-jokes) can quickly become its weaknesses (incestuous inbreeding, staleness).
Aside from the perennial desire for more quality noobs, I don't think I'd change anything. Apart from my gay username.
Posted by Uber Trick (Member # 456) on :
I've found TMO amazingly useful as a creative space AND for friendship. Thanks to the ability to think of a random thought whilst walking down the road /sitting on a bus / whatever and then to have the space to come and write it on here straight up with next to no editing I now have enough words for a synopsis which is in its final stages of editing. Said synopsis will then be sent to the carefully selected and prioritised list of agents which I have and, well, who knows but fingers crossed, eh. Also, when I look at my writing from before I started posting I can see that my writing style has improved immensley.
I'm not talking the random shite chate or drunken conversational posts I do, natch. I mean, who would want to read a whole book of that?! But the long descriptive ones that I either put in a relevant thread if there is one or I start a topic if I think it has thread potential. Having the space to do that, the immediacy to have the thought, write the piece, post it, get feedback at times and then later when at home to be able to C & V it into my novel has been invaluable.
And the friendships... Ahhhh, The friendships... I think a lot of the chate is to do with developing friendships, a way of us cutting loose a little and getting to know each other, becoming comfortable with each other. I can see how it can be viewed as a negative thing by some, but it is also a huge positive in other ways too.
Also, has anyone else noticed the seasonal moods of the boards? For example, when it first started to be spring a few weeks back we all went a bit nutty for a few days. We were just happy and joking and chatting. When it first gets to changing from Autumn to Winter the board mood seems to go a bit depressed (group SAD?), when it snows we all get excited about that etc. Or, perhaps thats just my hippy side coming out, but I don't know, check the archives if you're bored and see what you think!
I agree that there has been a lack of serious discussion threads recently and that things have tended to descend into chate. I am aware that I am a huge culprit of this, but I don't think its a chronic condition, I think it will pass. I personally haven't found many threads recently that I've felt able to contribute too in a serious way and for one reason or another I haven't had the motivation to start any. But that said, Ally's Disfigurement thread the other week was really interesting (despite a - ahem - rocky beginning) but that seems to have just faded away.
Anyway, in summary (aware that I've just written a mega post the contents of most will be skipped over no doubt due to excessive length!), I heart TMO. I shall remain faithful to my first love! Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
And we heart you as well Uber
Yes, we've noticed seasonal mood changes too.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
You're all going to find out anyway, when it hits the shelves. I've been cutting and pasting everything that's been written on the boards for the last two years. I've cobbled it all together into a stream of consciousness cut-up/noir whodunnit. I get the girl, obviously. Anyway, Harper Collins and Abacus were both interested but I went with Serpent's Tail in the end. Just 'cos I like them. It's called State of the Boards and I'm using the pen-name Barry Sheikdaddy.
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I can't wait to read it BM, especially after you were so nice about us moderators Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
I'd quite like to post more but I've been swamped with work for the last couple of months. It doesn't happen very often so, as a freelancer, I've got to take advantage of proper periods of earning when the opportunity arises. Reading this thread two things occurred to me. Firstly, in the past would I have found the time to post despite my work load, staying up until eye-bleed O'Clock, trying oh-so-hard to maintain a consistently worthwhile contribution (assuming I ever did that) or am a just a jaded, bone-idle ex-poster without the stamina for the long-haul? Secondly, if this is going to be the thread that kills TMO, I better post on it for posterity.
Posted by Vogon Poetess (Member # 164) on :
So who did do it? Or is it a "Choose Your Own Adventure" whodunnit.
Posted by mart (Member # 32) on :
And can we design the cover.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by Vogon Poetess: So who did do it? Or is it a "Choose Your Own Adventure" whodunnit.
I'd love to tell you, but my editor insists I keep schtum. I'd appreciate it if everyone who reads it keeps it to themselves, too. Obviously, there'll be a thread on here about it. No spoilers, please. Gotta shift those units.
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by Boy Racer:
quote:Originally posted by grant: Once you accept Tom into your heart, you feel an inexpressible, joyous release. It can happen to you too.
One of us, one of us...
Gooba-gabba!
Yes!
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Whaddaya know, we can still edit.
Xs make this place.
[ 20.04.2004, 08:27: Message edited by: jonesy999 ]
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by Boy Racer:
Accept me in your hearts TMO.
Follow me on the path of the righteous.
YES!!
Really, it's so much more meaningful than you might read about in the Babylon media.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
quote:Originally posted by mart: And can we design the cover.
Oh... I suppose so.
Posted by Lucid (Member # 531) on :
There's still loads of good stuff on here. Yep sometimes it feels overly dog savagedcomfypinkslippers, but mostly it's still got bite - if you've ever witnessed a board go seriously seriously downhill* (v.v.ugly, don't recommend it) then you'll know this ain't anywhere close - and people aren't suggesting that surely?
This board appears more forgiving and less serious than the 'b' one..I'll second Uber's sentiments and heart it also. Cheers Daz.
*said board emerged same time as a new club, once the honeymoon was over, the infighting began - Moyles like school bully newbies suddenly dominated the board - like the most monstrous comedown ever - made that bit with the New Jersey Turnpike in Being JM feel like a backrub and nice hot bath.
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Hi, grant.
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by Bamba: ...I think that when a thread goes off-course here it's more of an indication that the original topic's been exhausted and no one's really got much else to say. If that is true (and I'm by no means sure of this) then ensuring that no off-topic posts appear on a thread simply means that a thread would completely die very quickly.
This is the Gospel of Tom: No thread ever dies. They only move further away from us. But in the infinitude of Barbelith, there is no death, not as Babylon knows it.
quote:The one thing I do hope is that no one over there is monitoring this discussion as it'll look like I'm really down on the place and I'm not. It just so happens that it's only the stuff I don't like that I've mentioned so far.
Do not fear. Barbelith is love.
Absolute love.
Posted by jonesy999 (Member # 5) on :
Is this something to do with Freeserve changing?
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by kovacs: That's...not quite the way we do things on here, Black Mask. Try the Wiki for more on our moderation policy. And a search can be useful too, because we've had a post very much like yours before on this board.
Yes!
This is how it begins!!
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
It's just occurred to me that if there was a word that consisted of an infinite number of letters it could be an anagram of everything. You know, everything in the world, not 'everything'. That would be 'night very e'.
Posted by Thorn Davis (Member # 65) on :
Is Grant going to respond to every post about Barbermel? Because this thread is 177 replies long and most of them are on topic. Does he know this?
Posted by Black Mask (Member # 185) on :
Barbelith is a virus! We need a glassy-eyed, anti-actor with a nice fringe to liberate us!
Posted by kovacs (Member # 28) on :
~~~+UPDATE+~~~
I finished Jim Giraffe on the train. I'd had a pint of Star (?!) and a G&T but it made me laugh a couple of times again.
Still have a suspicion King could have dashed it off within a weekend. Suspect I could write a sequel myself within a week, to be honest.
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by Black Mask: Barbelith is a virus! We need a glassy-eyed, anti-actor with a nice fringe to liberate us!
There is no cure.
None.
Who would want one?
Hi, Black Mask!
<image of one hand waving>
Posted by StevieX (Member # 91) on :
quote:Originally posted by jonesy999: Xs make this place.
That's really sweet, but others deserve way more credit than I.
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
quote:Originally posted by Thorn Davis: Is Grant going to respond to every post about Barbermel? Because this thread is 177 replies long and most of them are on topic. Does he know this?
Heheheh.
quote:kovacs, elsewhere, stated: I only hit my post limit once. You got to go in hard on a new board.
Hard, but clean.
What was the topic again?
Posted by 69 Comeback Elvis (Member # 9) on :
quote:I love the way those boyshorts are labelled "AUTHENTIC UNDERWEAR"! It amuses me every time I wear them, like thank God this isn't "INAUTHENTIC" underwear.
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I’m going to close this thread soon.. (See the foul admin at work).
OK, so it’s great when we discover another message board we want to use and yes, it’s worth discussing the pros and cons of other forums and taking ideas for changes from them but at almost 200 replies I think this topic has run its course.
I’m happy to welcome anyone from over there to over here if they want to come and visit and otherwise go mingle because we need newbies to keep things fresh and stop the conversation pool from stagnating. I would also happily expect anyone who wants to from here to go and post over there - It’s a free world after all.
But I see no point in all this two site cross reference.
If you think there are problems or things that don’t work at TMO then just post something up in announce or send us an email about it.
If you want moderation and everything ‘on topic’ I’d suggest you switch forums as for me that’s not what TMO is about, I love the free roaming, holistic way in which the threads and replies run here, I like the fact that you can edit what you say if you feel the need to and that on the whole we moderate ourselves without the need for a great guiding hand to steer us in the direction we should be going in.
I have my own views on ‘that site’ but as a responsible admin it would be wrong of me to discuss them here no matter how much as I may like to.
Hopefully by closing the thread the discussion can move on and those like Grant who are only posting on this one thread (so far as I can tell right now) may move on further and check out some of the other discussions going on and maybe even join in and become a part of our community as well.
[ 20.04.2004, 10:08: Message edited by: Darryn.R ]
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
Actually I'm over in an antiwar thread too.
By the way, the link from the TMO front page to the board seems to not quite work. It tells me it's broken then winds up here anyway. Ooo -- I just went to test it and it worked fine. Strange.
Ah, well.
Why is it wrong as an admin to comment on another site?
Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
As you say Grant, a few links are broken and pointing off at wrong URLs, I'm busy on a site overhaul and redesign so it'll all get fixed within the next week when the re launch takes place.
I saw you went into the antiwar thread with post number 8 which was the first outside this thread, so welcome to TMO !
I don't think that me joining in on a thread like this is going to be at all helpful and if my opinions were to be say 'negative' it would only serve to create possible friction whereas if my opinions were say 'positive' it would only serve to create possible friction....
I'm sure that made sense to me once.
Either way, there's still plenty of room for all of us online, so why not just enjoy the freedom while we have it.
Posted by grant (Member # 690) on :
Room online: they keep making MORE!
Hi!!
Posted by London (Member # 29) on :
Don't take it personal Daz. I am pleased with the direction this little off-the-cuff thread has taken, and perhaps it took that direction because it needed to? State of the Boards discussions are surely an inherent part of any online community, rah rah rah, and I always quite enjoyed them, and, it's not a go at you, and I hope you don't think it was. Posted by Darryn.R (Member # 1) on :
I never take it personally Londie
State of the board threads are all fine and dandy with me/us, it's just when the thread becomes this forum vs. that forum and regulars from over there who are visiting TMO only post on the thread pertaining to their forum it gets a bit 'pointlost' if you know what I mean.
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Someone join Barbelith and link here so they can read our comments on them, and escapades will...ensue.
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