Foo - Engage brain BEFORE posting, please!

Ya know, I'm starting to get irritated about the way some people post here. I mean, there are a lot of newbies, and some of them don't seem to know how to use the "search" feature, resulting in endless threads on subjects such as "how do I adjust my derailleur?", or the perennial "What is a tubular?". While those can sometimes be an annoyance, I generally just pass them, and go onto the next one.

No, what really bugs me are the know-nothings who try to pass themselves off as being either experienced or even intelligent, while actually being neither. The other day, I responded to a post, and somebody replied with the most ridiculous suggestion, in which it was obvious that a) he didn't really read my response, and b) he didn't have a clue about what he was talking about. After setting the record straight, he sent me a PM asking why I had such an attitude?

OK, here is my proposal. Whenever anybody posts here, before they hit that "submit" button, they should sit back, look at the post, and ask themselves:Does this post make any sense? Is it correct? Will it make me look like a total idiot?

OK, let the flames begin.....

Welcome to the "Club of the Disappointed."
(Those whom have joined with high expectations of stimulating conversation and knowledgeable information only to be disappointed by the less than erudite comments and banal questions asked by many of our members.) Many have left because of the seeming triteness of content, not realizing that the majority of the world's population are not philosophers or show any interests beyond their own tiny spheres in which, of course, they are experts.
The solution is to be more discerning in threads that are opened and what you respond to. We have all age groups here from teenagers to septegenerians. That means there is a vast amount of differences in experience and expertise and you can not expect everyone to aspire to your level of thought or ability. I would suggest you are an intelligent person who wants everyone to be like you. Our membership is too diverse. It won't happen.

No, what really bugs me are the know-nothings who try to pass themselves off as being either experienced or even intelligent, while actually being neither.
Hi Dave,

I understand your frustration. But remember, this is conversation. Some people you listen to, others you stare off into space while they talk and dream until the noise from thier lips stops, and you smile, and walk away.

If someone tries to pass them selves off as intelligent, and they aren't here are some likely causes:

#1) They posted an "Oh poor me, I'm failing in school" and many good natured people ran up to say "you're ok, don't worry". This falsely inflates value, and leads them astray that despite failing grades, bad study habits, or a general lack of ability, they are ok.

#2) They don't know any better, and by thier own standards, are pretty smart. (So, you ethier teach, talk at thier level, or ignore them).

#3) They are an internet hero: people flock to them for any number of odd reason. To which, as with any superflously supported zealot, you can't talk to them unless you subscribe. If you go counter, you loose. It's fact. Accept it.

With all of this, you, Dave, have the power to ignore it. You choose to read it, and you choose to respond. In fact, you by posting this, have already chosen to respond to thier banter. Something you should consider is choosing to respond, or not to respond.

I'm not dissapointed with people who post things that are not to my liking. I'm happy. I'm able to decide to respond. I'm able to either A) Educate them B) Ignore them C) Pummel them with words or D) leave the forum.

Did you ever think you guys are expecting to much from the internet. No flame from me, but the internet is not exactly the pinnacle of conversation. Nor is it the best place to get valid information on anything :) I just look at it as an odd place to chat with people from all over regardless of quality of post.

You mean our posts are actually supposed to make sense? Thats no fun.

Sometimes we just have fun around here. If everyone was serious all the time the forums would lose the entertainment variable and become dull.

True trolls are the real problems. They come with the intent to disrupt and anger people.

Williams post above just about sums up the best advice to someone bothered by this kind of thing.

OK, here is my proposal. Whenever anybody posts here, before they hit that "submit" button, they should sit back, look at the post, and ask themselves:Does this post make any sense? Is it correct? Will it make me look like a total idiot?

Did you?

With all of this, you, Dave, have the power to ignore it. You choose to read it, and you choose to respond. In fact, you by posting this, have already chosen to respond to thier banter. Something you should consider is choosing to respond, or not to respond.

I'm not dissapointed with people who post things that are not to my liking. I'm happy. I'm able to decide to respond. I'm able to either A) Educate them B) Ignore them C) Pummel them with words or D) leave the forum.

Well said.

...
With all of this, you, Dave, have the power to ignore it. You choose to read it, and you choose to respond.
...


This is the same conclusion that I came to some time back.

Not all threads really need replying to.... so I don't.

Dan

Hey - start your own forum or email list - you can do it easily through Yahoo.

Before allowing a person to join:

1. Require an intelligence test
2. Require a cycling knowledge test

And anytime a person makes a less than intelligent remark, kick them off.

Otherwise, lay back, get smart, and be selective in what you read and what you reply to.

This is an open forum, and you have a vast range of experiences, interests and knowledge on the forum.

To me, that is one of the best features.

A lot of newbies come by and need info and don't even know the questions to ask or the words for which to search.

Some of we folks who have cycled a bit don't spend much time on learning the technical end of things.

So, be patient, enjoy, and find something else in life more important to spend your worrying and frustration time (war or world peace or cancer or something like that) and if the forum bothers you too much, than leave for a while!

Just call me an idiot in the thread if I write something you don't like, if you even care enough to.

Just call me an idiot in the thread if I write something you don't like, if you even care enough to.


Idoit.

Idoit.

more please

Idoit.

more please+

hmm a masocist I see

Idoit.

Sum won kneads a spel chekker.

Sum won kneads a spel chekker.

No, I'm trying to be better and not label people. So I gave him a special name. Idoit. (eye doh white). Stands for some one who is open to it, perhaps deserves it, but shouldn't get it, because it's like picking on ******** people.

:D

No, I'm trying to be better and not label people. So I gave him a special name. Idoit. (eye doh white). Stands for some one who is open to it, perhaps deserves it, but shouldn't get it, because it's like picking on ******** people.

Sounds like PC propaganda to me

Wow, I didn't think that we were suppose to take the forums that seriously.

I take everything seriously, very, very seriously

I only take the jokes forum seriously.

Ya know, I'm starting to get irritated about the way some people post here. I mean, there are a lot of newbies, and some of them don't seem to know how to use the "search" feature, resulting in endless threads on subjects such as "how do I adjust my derailleur?", or the perennial "What is a tubular?".

These aren't so bad really. We have had quite a turn over of members on this forum over the last three years or so (like any other on-line forum). Could it be that some people just want information from the members that are here now, rather than searching through replies that are 2-3 years old? Granted, there are some questions relating to simple concepts that don't need to be asked again, but then, nobody made a law saying one has to read every thread here either.



No, what really bugs me are the know-nothings who try to pass themselves off as being either experienced or even intelligent, while actually being neither. The other day, I responded to a post, and somebody replied with the most ridiculous suggestion, in which it was obvious that a) he didn't really read my response, and b) he didn't have a clue about what he was talking about. After setting the record straight, he sent me a PM asking why I had such an attitude?

I thought this was the reason we have the ignore feature. If you find people who sprout off stupid responses without bothering to read the thread, just place them on your ignore list. If everyone on the forums started doing that instead of responding to these type of posts, maybe then these people would actually start engaging the brain before the keyboard.

Having said all of that, not everyone who posts here is going to be a Rhodes Scholar or equivalent. I think the key is to sort through the responses to your question, and it will become pretty clear which ones have read the topic and are offering sensible advice. There will pretty much always be something sensible to counter the less intelligent, so there really is no need to worry about it.

Having said all of that, not everyone who posts here is going to be a Rhodes Scholar or equivalent. I think the key is to sort through the responses to your question, and it will become pretty clear which ones have read the topic and are offering sensible advice. There will pretty much always be something sensible to counter the less intelligent, so there really is no need to worry about it.

And if you don't believe that, check out ChrisL's jokes in the jokes forum for proof!

























































;)

Just kidding! I love ya, Chris!

Koffee

I started reading William's first response to the initial post, but lost interest in everything in general and started to fall asleep. But anyways, my question:
Does anyone know of an online bike forum?

I started reading William's first response to the initial post, but lost interest in everything in general and started to fall asleep. But anyways, my question:
Does anyone know of an online bike forum?

I heard of them. ...looking... looking... ok, try this one (http://pub152.ezboard.com/bbentrideronline)

... or the perennial "What is a tubular?".

Ooo. I know this one. It's a short, thickened, mostly underground stem that constitutes the resting stage of certain seed plants. It bears minute scale leaves, each with a bud that has the potential for developing into a new plant. The potato is a typical example.

I heard of them. ...looking... looking... ok, try this one (http://pub152.ezboard.com/bbentrideronline)

Hey your not trying to tell us to get bent or something :D

OK, here is my proposal. Whenever anybody posts here, before they hit that "submit" button, they should sit back, look at the post, and ask themselves:Does this post make any sense? Is it correct? Will it make me look like a total idiot?
I don't bother. Half the fun is looking like an idiot.

:D

Just kidding! I love ya, Chris!

That's what worries me.



;) :D

Could not help but notice you refer to "newbies" How long have you been here...5 months? - Some of us have been here years.

Hey your not trying to tell us to get bent or something :D

I certainly hope so!

No, I'm trying to be better and not label people. So I gave him a special name. Idoit. (eye doh white). Stands for some one who is open to it, perhaps deserves it, but shouldn't get it, because it's like picking on ******** people.

:D

Just when I thought everything you ever post sucks - you totally redeem yourself.

:D As Raiyn would say,"whatever",
sorry Raiyn only kidding brother !:D :D

If I've ever posted anything inane and/or offensive, I apologize.

There. That's my one alloted apology for the year. I find one good umbrella apology is more economical and more practical than saying 'I'm sorry' every damned day of the year.

I have a bicycle repair manual. Very useful, but I don't read the thing for entertainment or inspiration. I read these forums for that. The manual doesn't tell me what it's like to ride in other cities of the world, or assure me that I'm not the only one that ever fell off a bike doing something stupid. The manual doesn't inspire me to ride, or convince me that I, too, could ride 50 or 100 miles (or more!) in one day. The manual didn't give me an 'attaboy!' after my first commute.

In short the manual, try as it might, cannot convey enthusiasm. That's what I get here. I get to learn some things, laugh quite a lot, ogle somebody else's new bike, covet a scenic tour or commute.

Good forums are those that reflect the personalities who post to them, else the result would be terribly arid.

The occasional grumpy/witless/profane post is really pretty easy to swallow, at least for me.

The occasional grumpy/witless/profane post is really pretty easy to swallow, at least for me.

That's what helps keep this forum interesting.

People have a reason for saying everything. Sure sometimes their point gets lost before the post is made. So what? It does make me think however. That's what's so great about many of the posts. Even if they haven't completely conveyed their thoughts, it starts the old wheels grinding.

Does anyone know where I can find out if my bike is worth a lot of money?

Haha,I posted a thread regarding the unecesary posts a few months ago and only got hell from people.

I prefer the "idiots" post, and post often! In doing so, they make me look smarter.
I think my chain is backwards. Any ideas?

I prefer the "idiots" post, and post often! In doing so, they make me look smarter.
I think my chain is backwards. Any ideas?

Dude, that's so easy! Just turn the bike around!

:D As Raiyn would say,"whatever",
sorry Raiyn only kidding brother !:D :D
<shrug> Whatever :D

I think my chain is backwards.

Is it a left-handed chain??

I think my chain is backwards. Any ideas?

Just turn it inside out.

some of the grammer nazis in this thread should read the book I just finished,

Word on the Street: debunking the myth of a 'pure' standard english by John McWhorter

some of the grammer nazis in this thread should read the book I just finished,

Word on the Street: debunking the myth of a 'pure' standard english by John McWhorter




OK, you asked for it:

a) You didn't capitalize the first letter

b) The word is spelled "grammar

c) You neglected to underline the title of the book that you mentioned.

d) Your grammar was quite awkward in this post. It should properly read: " The grammar nazis in this thread should read the book I just finished, titled
Word on the Street: Debunking the myth of a 'pure' standard english, by John McWhorter.

I'd give your post a C-, at best.

before reading that book I would have cared. now I don't.

OK, you asked for it:

a) You didn't capitalize the first letter

b) The word is spelled "grammar

c) You neglected to underline the title of the book that you mentioned.

d) Your grammar was quite awkward in this post. It should properly read: " The grammar nazis in this thread should read the book I just finished, titled
Word on the Street: Debunking the myth of a 'pure' standard english, by John McWhorter.

I'd give your post a C-, at best.

Oops!

You need a refresher.


entitled
Word on the Street: Debunking the myth of a 'pure' standard English, by John McWhorter.

Sorry, a D+ is the best I can award you. :D

Actually, I would really go for:

. . . entitled Word on the Street: Debunking the Myth of "Pure" Standard English, by John McWhorter.

Hey, I just checked it out on Amazon, and I was right. They list the title as:

Word on the Street: Debunking the Myth of "Pure" Standard English

So, why don't we pots stop calling the kettles black, and live and let live? We all make grammar mistakes. So, who cares?

well I sure am glad I don't care if people can't stand inet lingo. I use very little but if I had to type out full sentences and check spelling constantly I wouldn't bother. I spend all day in front of a screen and come here to relax, not work. If you don't like poor grammar, punctuation, or spelling - don't read the post.

If you had complained about something like aolese I could relate but common inet lingo that has existed longer than popular inet (pre 94 on bbs's) is here to stay.

Sory, I'm just an engineer. Everybody knows that engineers don't know how to communicate.