I used to write some posts now and then. From my point of view sometimes jokes are very nice, but deeper discussions are getting too scarce.

I think that just more frequent personal/radical points of views would also be kind of fun to read provided they are not attacking people or communities.
B.

brooster, May 30, 2007 @ 13:39

Members who don't post are called passive, members who post a lot are called spammers.
Jokes that we've already received by email 100 times don't add much to our lifes, but serious discussions that matter, have, by definition, stakes, and can easily lead to polemics.
General discussions are so broad that no one really cares. Private jokes are felt is "cliquish".
Sticking to politically correct "life's beautifull" style doesn't say much about us, being more personal and showing more convictions can lead to be judged.

Personally, I know that I'm taking "risks" on the forum. By always saying in the open what my opinions are, and sharing some personal feelings, I am more appreciated by many. But I am also looked as pathetic, wierd or even anoying or nasty by some others. Wanna know something ? I don't care. I've got beliefs, I've got ethics, and I proud of them. I always stand for them, but I'm open to change anytime if proven wrong. So, if people appreciate what I write, fine. If people don't agree with what I wrote and come to speak about it, even better. There's a chance for both of us to change our minds. If people don't like what I'm saying but keep quiet or mutter in my back, too bad for them. They miss an opportunity for mutual improvement.


For all that, I'm happy to see that this forums feels a need, as Phil has finally found the ultimate stategy to hunt girls ! ;-)
Hobbes, May 30, 2007 @ 14:20

10'000 members... and it feels just the same as on some other 250 members forums I'm in. Few views, even less replies, and always the same, let's say 100 authors ?

I've scrolled though a bunch of pages...
- Phil
- Hoiling
- Katri
- JulianT
- Jerseyboy
- GuillaumeTel
- Nir
- SiteAmdin
- Tinkie
- Britabord
- YuMeCo
- Sherri
- SWISS
- Bemad
- Mister_Sark
- Minda
- Nancy
- CNDSarah
- hully
- Quijote
- Stef_Granny
- Iolly
- cpott
- Flippo
- Novecento
- SimSim
- Mamark
- Kola

These are the names you see everywhere. I wonder wich percentage of total messages have been posted by the top 50 most active members. Could be close from 50% I guess. I just don't get why. But is it a problem ? If so, how to solve it ?
Hobbes, May 30, 2007 @ 14:42

Always nice a nice juicy text with controversy....as long as noone gets hurt and its done in a diplomatic, entertaining way. Pour Chacun son truc!
nancy, May 30, 2007 @ 18:12

I love tuna fish, but fishing for compliments is even tastier :-P

Thanks Nancy !
Hobbes, May 30, 2007 @ 19:14

A communauty like this has to become what its member want. If they want to post a lot, discuss about the meaning of life, the cost of oil,sports or Paris Hilton going in jail, it looks fine to me.
You mention that most posts are done by a quite small # of member... not only I don't think it's a problem, and you're right it's the case in most forums, but I don't really know what could be done about it. It doesn't seem possible at all to ask member to make 5 post a monthes to remain "active", or something like that.
What could be interresting, is to get some stats, like how many members logged in the last few monthes, how many made it to the forum pages,etc. In many forums it's possibe to sort the member list, by name, date you join, and number of post, maybe it could be done. But I don't see that as a priority at all.
Remy
(omg, 237th post already...)
RemyS, May 30, 2007 @ 19:25

Finding the balance can be an issue, especially given the complexities of the English language and contexting. I type postings quickly and then sometimes realise afterwards that it might have been said clearer to avoid misinterpretation. Even an unfortunate phrase or spelling error of just one letter can cause havoc....for instance, "thank you for all your parties" can be changed radically if the "R" in "parties" is accidently typed with an "N". (Perhaps an edit function allowing authors to amend such errors would be useful?)

I think the forums and threads are well labelled in terms of interests, in that members can easily chose to read only the articles they wish. Plus I can agree that in postings it is often nice to hear things from other people's perspectives, to be open to consider new thoughts and perhaps learn new things.

Circa 10,000 members and around 100 or so regular forum writers/readers is something I certainly noticed. Can agree that it was noticed not in the sense of it being right, wrong, good or bad, but more in the light of what are members using the site for and want from it. Appreciate that many members are busy, or offline for long periods due to work or other commitments and I fall into that category myself. But when members do get a few minutes online it is not rocket science to add or reply to a thread which helps keeps the forums fun.

In the last few days I enjoyed participating in 6 different forums and mentioned a wide range of topics. Anything from latin literature or economics, to tabloidy popular culture or helping other members with travel ideas. My thought being that if passive members read things which interest them then it may encourage them to write on the forums too.
phil, May 30, 2007 @ 19:59

I agree with every word.

One of the key objectives I have, as one of the folks running GoL, is to encourage members to be more active on the community (and posting good content is a great way to be more active).

I am actually considering to send a link to your post in the next GoL newsletter, to all members.

What do you guys think?


Nir Ofek, May 31, 2007 @ 12:42

Thanks Nir, all fine by me to add the link
phil, Jun 1, 2007 @ 02:29

I do not write much in the forums because I find myself busy with other things. With the exception of GoL admin and website feature related posts, I do not even read most threads. Part of the reason behind this is that there is so much competing content out there to read and reflect on – from financial and political news around the world, to developments in clean and sustainable technologies, to critical thought-provoking essays, to Christopher Marlowe and Herman Hesse and many many others.

This does not mean that posts and threads on current affairs, or a commentary about the absurdities in life, or other trivia, do not have a place on GoL. They do. They can be interesting. For some busy people, posts and threads can be a quick and temporary relief from their daily routines.

Should posts and threads be the raison d’etre for GoL? Perhaps not. On-line posts and threads can be weak and ineffective substitutes for the real life experiences and stimulating conversations. Posts and threads may perhaps be even weaker means to discover someone's views about something. Because, I find that most communicate not only by words, but also by how they sound, the facial expressions, and the body language. Hurriedly chosen words in a post or thread can paint someone’s beliefs inaccurately, sound far from what they wanted to express, or give an incomplete picture. Yet, in person, you can see from their face whether the person is struggling to choose the right word or saying the same thing with a seasoned conviction – which gives more of a perspective. The in-person conversations are more dynamic, more engaging, more complete, more enjoyable.

Almost always, for above reasons, I prefer having a short coffee or lunch with someone to discuss a topic, than spend the same time replying to a thread about the same topic. I prefer getting invited by fellow GoLers to an activity they are organizing, spend some quality time listening to them while enjoying the activity, than spend the same time reading their posts and threads.
colorado, Jun 1, 2007 @ 12:17

I agree and disagree at the same time to what you just said.

Agreed on the following:
- real life relationships are better than virtual ones
- fast written posts by non native English speakers can lead to misunderstanding
- many people have better things to do / not enough time to post


But disagree on that:
- oral discussions are not always better than written ones. Lots of famous authors are crap speakers. Some feel more comfortable writing than speaking
- post do not necessarily need to be written fast. I sometimes type them off line on Word before posting
- there isn't always such a choice as "staying home posting on GOL" versus "meeting people live". I NEVER stayed in to post on GOL instead of meeting people. But can I meat someone for 10 minutes between 9:45 and 9:55 at my office ? Would someone appreciate to get a phone call at 02:00am when I'm back from a concert on a Thursday night ? Can I fly to Chicago for a fast coffee with Sarah ?

To sum it up, to me, forums are not a substitute to real life, but an extension of my friendly relationships across time, distance and other commitments. A way to start discussions one would not necessarily start on a pub tour, but will carry on next time we meet.
Hobbes, Jun 1, 2007 @ 12:41

Tell me your size and you'll get it !
Hobbes, Jun 1, 2007 @ 14:50

Hobbes, you could fly there if you want, but you would still not get to see me... :) I live in Detroit...
I remember when I first started attending GOL events, and was told that I should participate on the forums more. I have never been one to express my feelings, especially not in writing for the whole community to see. I do like to read the posts, and if something moves me enough to want to write, I do. Otherwise, I prefer personal conversations. And, even if I did not post myself on a thread, I would still know what the subject was, and if interested, could discuss it in person.
I never felt that this made me a less active member of GOL...
Sarah823, Jun 1, 2007 @ 18:40

Wait a sec, Hobbes. I am surprised that you claim I just said something – that I do not believe I ever said!!

For example, I never said “non-native English” speaker. I simply wrote this: hurriedly chosen words can paint someone’s beliefs inaccurately or incompletely.

Why bring in the phrase “non native English speakers?” In your experience, is fast written post by native English speakers necessarily different or better than the non-native English speakers?

My experience is that there is no universal, or even generic rule that apply to natives or non-natives when it comes to effective communication. Good writers can be native or non-native. Good readers can be native or non-natives. Good speakers can be native or non-native.

Even, for the same individual, they can write better when they feel good inside, and they can be crappy writer when they feel bad inside.

Similarly, a person can be a reserved or poor conversationalist with some people because they feel unhappy, frustrated, uncomfortable. The same person can light up, be a great conversationalist, be wonderfully humorous and full of lively fun with someone they feel comfortable with and when they feel happy inside.

Nothing to do with native, or non-native, or such things - in my humble opinion.

Let reconsider Shakespeare's: "The fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars; But in ourselves, that we ..."
colorado, Jun 1, 2007 @ 19:45

I agree. Is 'nice' when people participate in the community. And sure, writing on forums says something about you... but what, exactly? As the above rightly acknowledges, what we post - mother tongue or not, articularely or clumsily stated - can lead to erroneous judgement of character.
For the sake of inclusivity and freedom of expression, I am against anything in mere direction of dictating forced participation of a defined method off communication - forum threads. And even judging what perceived lacking postings or numerous postings indicates, besides being an indication of a sub-community alive'n'kickin' or sleeping, I see as presumptious.
Perhaps those not posting on forums are busy being an active reader &/or event participator &/or event organisor &/or buyer/seller and furthering the GoL community in other ways??? And this includes externally-focussed non-GoL-related activities. GoL is so much, much more than the business or content of the Forums.
I am grateful for the interesting, informative, thought-provoking, insightful, amusing, diverse and also random, inane and mundane posts. I am not sure I agree that some posts are not to be seen as a 'contribution'. Certainly, some are more to the original point &/or more additive than others. But they are all expressions of fellow GoLers in the community chosing to share and express themselves, learn, question, challenge, reach out to others... out of desire to inform, be heard, vent, connect, blog... out of sheer boredom... and as such I find them all valid contributions. Provided they are not disrespectful or in violation of the forum guidelines.

SimSim, Jun 3, 2007 @ 23:59

Even though I do not usually participate much in the forums and have not been to a single GOL activity, I love reading different postings here. As an indoor person GOL is my life when I am not working:-) reading all different view, jokes, serious stuff, looking at the pictures gallery, and the general information available here. Keep up the good work Nir. This is a wonderful community
Molula_M, Jun 4, 2007 @ 00:43

The original post by phil encourages fellow-GoLers to post more. I salute his sentiment. Phil writes well. He has a gift. I am glad he is willing to share that gift.

My response is to answer phil's spirited and well-intentioned musing – why so many do not post or even view. 10,000+ members, yet less than 100 distinct viewers?

I offered my perspective.

I come to GoL by a different road. I am inspired by a different direction. What inspires me is this:

Go out. Feel the fog envelop you. Smell a bouquet of flowers. Touch the frost as it glistens. Listen to the pit-pat of rain. See the expressiveness of el baile flamenco. Taste the finish of Champagne. Leap out and feel the gravity. Make someone smile. Meet someone and experience the force of their personality. Dance without caring if someone’s watching. Laugh like there is no tomorrow. Take the road less traveled.

Yes, as I said before, post and threads have a place. To share information. To say a public thank you. To cheer someone from their routine, or someone who just can not go outdoors (kid feeling sick at home, responsibilities some other place, whatever). Etc. Etc.

Those are two sides, the ying-yang if you may, of GoL. One inspires someone to explore and celebrate the gifts of words. The other inspires someone to explore and celebrate the gifts of worlds. Whether someone contributes to the yang or the ying – they are contributing in their own way.

Phil in this thread encourages fellow-GoLers to: Post more…

I encourage fellow-GoLers to: Go out. Feel the fog….

Does this mean, I am saying: post less. Nope.
Does this mean, Phil is saying: do not go out. Nope.

I agree with simsim, people participate and contribute for zillion reasons. Each person’s need is unique. And each person’s need is uniquely important. I also agree with the beautiful theme: let each person pursue their own sense of happiness. Let each person decide. Let a thousand flowers bloom. Let a means serve a thousand ends.

Best Rgrds.
colorado, Jun 4, 2007 @ 06:48

What happened to all these posts?
RemyS, Jun 5, 2007 @ 11:47

It was temporary. They're back (nt)
SiteAdmin Oded, Jun 5, 2007 @ 19:11

Hey honey, if you only knew how nice it is for me to read some news from you on this forum, you'd do it much more often I hope. See, it's a way to stay in touch. Sure, there are private mails, MSN, etc. But were could we better share memories we had with all our "gang" than here, while you're so far ?

Drop me a private message with some more news whenever you have time, please. I really want to know if you liked my fairwell gift ;-)
Hobbes, Jun 6, 2007 @ 12:23

I should have said "- fast written posts can lead to misunderstanding, especially if written and read by people with defferent cultural backgrounds and nativ language". Agreed on that ?

For all that, my answer reffered more to the following sentence "on-line posts and threads can be weak and ineffective substitutes for the real life experiences and stimulating conversations" than the one you quoted.

While you endd your post with "I prefer having a short coffee or lunch with someone to discuss a topic, than spend the same time replying to a thread about the same topic" I summed up mine with "forums are not a substitute to real life, but an extension of my friendly relationships across time, distance and other commitments." Noticing the fact than you answered to my post instead of inviting me for a drink, I assume that your partly agree ;-)
Hobbes, Jun 6, 2007 @ 12:29