usvi-on-line
Evolution of this forum
Evolution of this forum
The "Interesting forum facts" post got me thinking about how the forum continues to evolve from when I first joined in 2004 and the ratio of those registered to those who post etc. and even about how you don't see as many posts from any of the real old timers from back then, realizing of course that people move on, etc. etc.
Maybe newbies feel like they are crashing a coffee klatch or cocktail party where everybody knows each other and everybody sounds like an expert on something they know little about and therefore are a little shy or hesitant to chime in or ask a basic question???
They shouldn't - folks here are about as nice as you will find on any forum and will patiently answer any questions with more than enough info. I have sought advice on other forums where the resident experts just about ignored my basic level question BUT go on and on about the minutia of the forum subject matter (AVS forum on hi def plasma TV) or folks get flamed big time if anybody dare say anything negative or derogatory about the forum subject (saw this on a Honda SUV forum). Hope that never happens here.
But seems like you really don't see those real first level inquiries here like "looking for Caribbean vacation and somebody mentioned St. John" (or St. "Johns") kind of posts like you do elsewhere. Maybe those other sites and the various guide books fit that first level better and then you come here to drill down the details, and maybe the forum cant be all things to all people.
All sort of interesting (to me anyway), especially when you go out like we did researching our upcoming first trip to Europe and haven't found anything quite equivalent to this forum in terms of helpfulness, etc. Makes you appreciate this forum all the more - props to Anthony and all that contribute.
Maybe newbies feel like they are crashing a coffee klatch or cocktail party where everybody knows each other and everybody sounds like an expert on something they know little about and therefore are a little shy or hesitant to chime in or ask a basic question???
They shouldn't - folks here are about as nice as you will find on any forum and will patiently answer any questions with more than enough info. I have sought advice on other forums where the resident experts just about ignored my basic level question BUT go on and on about the minutia of the forum subject matter (AVS forum on hi def plasma TV) or folks get flamed big time if anybody dare say anything negative or derogatory about the forum subject (saw this on a Honda SUV forum). Hope that never happens here.
But seems like you really don't see those real first level inquiries here like "looking for Caribbean vacation and somebody mentioned St. John" (or St. "Johns") kind of posts like you do elsewhere. Maybe those other sites and the various guide books fit that first level better and then you come here to drill down the details, and maybe the forum cant be all things to all people.
All sort of interesting (to me anyway), especially when you go out like we did researching our upcoming first trip to Europe and haven't found anything quite equivalent to this forum in terms of helpfulness, etc. Makes you appreciate this forum all the more - props to Anthony and all that contribute.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
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obsessedmuch
As a newbie and long-time lurker, I couldn't agree more. I knew before I even made the time to register that this was a good group. I think there's just chemistry and you definitely don't see that everywhere. I'm also involved heavily on a running forum with a really kind, welcoming, informed group of people so coming here was really comfortable for me. Of course, I was nervous at first but now I see there was no reason to be.
I guess what I'm saying is if you're lurking, you should join in. Even with all the nekkid talk, it's a really great place.
I guess what I'm saying is if you're lurking, you should join in. Even with all the nekkid talk, it's a really great place.
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HawkeyeChick
- Posts: 76
- Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2007 11:59 am
As a newbie here myself, I see what you're saying. I'm part of several other online discussions and the same cycles repeat themselves on all chat boards.
Personally, it took me a long time to collect enough information about where we'd travel. By the time I finally found this site, a lot of our plans were already made. Now that hasn't stopped me from asking a lot of basic questions but I do think the tone here tends to be geared toward those who are experienced STJers. There's no shame in that!
Personally, it took me a long time to collect enough information about where we'd travel. By the time I finally found this site, a lot of our plans were already made. Now that hasn't stopped me from asking a lot of basic questions but I do think the tone here tends to be geared toward those who are experienced STJers. There's no shame in that!
I think any of us who have posted with any regularly on any boards (travel related or otherwise) have had the horrid experience of being flamed. I can't recall that really happening here, at least not since the new format.
I have seen a couple of things get a bit heated, but then simma down nice and quickly.
Really its all about perspective. Just keep it in check and all is well. Ultimately I think the flamers are just people frustrated in their everyday lives who feel the need to lash out or feel superior in some way. The ones who kill me are those who are annoyed with a post or poster, who they clearly could have easily just ignored, but NO decide to write a 3 page diatribe instead! That's when I just wanna say GET A LIFE!
I have seen a couple of things get a bit heated, but then simma down
nice and quickly. Really its all about perspective. Just keep it in check and all is well. Ultimately I think the flamers are just people frustrated in their everyday lives who feel the need to lash out or feel superior in some way. The ones who kill me are those who are annoyed with a post or poster, who they clearly could have easily just ignored, but NO decide to write a 3 page diatribe instead! That's when I just wanna say GET A LIFE!
I just use my moms saying if I can't say some thing good I keep my mouth shut. There has been a few things that made me mad but why fan the flames just go with the flow like the islands we all love.
Last edited by waterguy on Mon Apr 16, 2007 12:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
waterguy wrote:I just use my moms saying if I can't say some thing good I keep my mouth shut. There has been a few things that made me mad but why fan the flames just go with the flow like the islands we all love.
My mom always said to me, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all", which made me a quiet person most of the time.
However, my fingers seem to have a mind of their own and I'll type things that I normally wouldn't say in person.
If I ever offended anyone, I am very sorry.
Bill L. said:
I miss JSS3.
Hey, Bill, me, too. And way2old and Lex. Those guys were all a big part of the board. I miss their humor and insights concerning STJ. I think they went the way of the sea squirrels! I've grown to accept that which I can't change. This board has evolved into a different thing that I didn't like at first, but have gotten to like it just as much, just in a different way.It's all good!
P&H, JT
I miss JSS3.
Hey, Bill, me, too. And way2old and Lex. Those guys were all a big part of the board. I miss their humor and insights concerning STJ. I think they went the way of the sea squirrels! I've grown to accept that which I can't change. This board has evolved into a different thing that I didn't like at first, but have gotten to like it just as much, just in a different way.It's all good!
P&H, JT
When you find yourself in a hole.... quit digging.
Here's how confused I am ... I had been thinking all this time that JSS3 and JT were the same person. At least in my brain. So I love JT (you are always helpful and frank) but I miss JSS3 too! And way2old! Where are they?
Do you think they don't like the registration part or they just don't like the forum
now.
Do you think they don't like the registration part or they just don't like the forum
now.
I do miss reading some of the die-hards from the old forum. But, looking back at some of my posts from 2004, there's a real reason why I spend more time reading the forum now than I did then - the old forum was tough to read! The new forum layout makes it easier to see what's going on without exposing all of the gory details of a thread. Easier to read, easier to find something relevent - more time to drop a message on the board.
Cheers, RickG
Cheers, RickG
S/V Echoes - Coral Bay - St. John, VI