General Cycling Discussion - What is it with some forum posters?

I'm referring to a group of somewhat regular posters who seem to follow the forums looking for an opportunity to rudely reproach a post that they deem misguided. Sometimes the original post is flat wrong, sometimes debatably wrong, and sometimes correct but misunderstood. What bothers me more than the potentially incorrect information is the rudeness of so many posts.

Of course I understand the sentiment that wrong information should not be propagated, but it seems to me that a positive environment should be the first priority for a forum that first and foremost is for people interested in an internet cycling community. I have no problem with posts that correct bogus information; this is often done in a constructive and informative way. However, too often I'll see a post where a minor error was made and the vultures sweep in to claim victory by rudely capitalizing on the mistake in what I imagine is an effort to demonstrate their superior knowledge of bicycle information.

I suppose those posters justify their style based on the belief that above all these forums should be a resource of nothing but correct information. Again, I of course want the discussions to ultimately arrive at the "truth", but it is sad that it is often done at the expense of an environment in which general enthusiasts will feel comfortable making posts.

I wonder if it is the anonymous nature of the forums that brings out this behavior? Some aggressive / obnoxious drivers act in a way that I'm sure they would otherwise not if it weren't for the fact that they can anonymously take out their day to day frustrations. It is sad to be reminded of a horn honking SUV driver when reading about the hobby I've adopted partially to get away from the horn honking culture.

Name names.

I don't come on the internet to be nice or to run away from my identity. My name is plastered all over this web so the prospect of anonymity went flying out the door years ago.

I'm a straight-forward, no bs, kinda guy in 'real life' and I'm not gonna change on the internet. I try to be as diplomatic as I can here, but when somebody asks if it's ok to wear spandex, or some other ridiculous topic that's been discussed hundreds of times, the gloves are off.

It's true that a lot of people use the internet as a place to vent frustrations, knowing they are in an anonymous environment, but they're easy enough to ignore.

I'm referring to a group of somewhat regular posters who seem to follow the forums looking for an opportunity to rudely reproach a post that they deem misguided. Sometimes the original post is flat wrong, sometimes debatably wrong, and sometimes correct but misunderstood. What bothers me more than the potentially incorrect information is the rudeness of so many posts.

Of course I understand the sentiment that wrong information should not be propagated, but it seems to me that a positive environment should be the first priority for a forum that first and foremost is for people interested in an internet cycling community. I have no problem with posts that correct bogus information; this is often done in a constructive and informative way. However, too often I'll see a post where a minor error was made and the vultures sweep in to claim victory by rudely capitalizing on the mistake in what I imagine is an effort to demonstrate their superior knowledge of bicycle information.

I suppose those posters justify their style based on the belief that above all these forums should be a resource of nothing but correct information. Again, I of course want the discussions to ultimately arrive at the "truth", but it is sad that it is often done at the expense of an environment in which general enthusiasts will feel comfortable making posts.

I wonder if it is the anonymous nature of the forums that brings out this behavior? Some aggressive / obnoxious drivers act in a way that I'm sure they would otherwise not if it weren't for the fact that they can anonymously take out their day to day frustrations. It is sad to be reminded of a horn honking SUV driver when reading about the hobby I've adopted partially to get away from the horn honking culture.

You make excellent points. But think back to psych. 101...it's all textbook.

I'm referring to a group of somewhat regular posters who seem to follow the forums looking for an opportunity to rudely reproach a post that they deem misguided. Sometimes the original post is flat wrong, sometimes debatably wrong, and sometimes correct but misunderstood. What bothers me more than the potentially incorrect information is the rudeness of so many posts.

Of course I understand the sentiment that wrong information should not be propagated, but it seems to me that a positive environment should be the first priority for a forum that first and foremost is for people interested in an internet cycling community. I have no problem with posts that correct bogus information; this is often done in a constructive and informative way. However, too often I'll see a post where a minor error was made and the vultures sweep in to claim victory by rudely capitalizing on the mistake in what I imagine is an effort to demonstrate their superior knowledge of bicycle information.

I suppose those posters justify their style based on the belief that above all these forums should be a resource of nothing but correct information. Again, I of course want the discussions to ultimately arrive at the "truth", but it is sad that it is often done at the expense of an environment in which general enthusiasts will feel comfortable making posts.

I wonder if it is the anonymous nature of the forums that brings out this behavior? Some aggressive / obnoxious drivers act in a way that I'm sure they would otherwise not if it weren't for the fact that they can anonymously take out their day to day frustrations. It is sad to be reminded of a horn honking SUV driver when reading about the hobby I've adopted partially to get away from the horn honking culture.

PEOPLE SUCK!

Name names.

I don't come on the internet to be nice or to run away from my identity. My name is plastered all over this web so the prospect of anonymity went flying out the door years ago.

I'm a straight-forward, no bs, kinda guy in 'real life' and I'm not gonna change on the internet. I try to be as diplomatic as I can here, but when somebody asks if it's ok to wear spandex, or some other ridiculous topic that's been discussed hundreds of times, the gloves are off.

It's true that a lot of people use the internet as a place to vent frustrations, knowing they are in an anonymous environment, but they're easy enough to ignore.

I have been on bulletin boards and the internet since they first started and I got a computer with a 300 baud modem in the 80's - and if having redundant questions and expressions bothers you a lot, then perhaps you need to find somewhere else to occupy your time.

With a forum with new people all the time, you get the same questions again and again and again. And that is the nature of forums and BB's. Just get used to it! It will never change no matter how rude or nice we are to each other - so, the best solution IMHO is to attempt to be nice rather than rude. Sadly, I don't always do that, but I try (and I am trying even harder lately)!

Each of us should write our answers as though our mothers were watching.
Manners are what separate us from jellatinuous sea life.
One of my tenets: "Anyone can be an a$$hole, but it takes strength to be kind".
Those who attack others, probably have an adequacy complex anyway.
Ok, that's my rant, now fight nice.

Manners are what separate us from jellatinuous sea life.
mmmm jellatinous

http://www.kraftfoods.com/jello/images/bfy_healthy_living_feb2004_jello_boxes.jpg

You just have to learn who to trust on the forums....OSNN.net has a referral system...if someone posts info you find useful then you can leave them a "point" and they build up a reputation as to how useful the information they provide is. There are about 5 ppl on these boards who I listen to without questioning much, but everyone's info is much appreciated.

With a forum with new people all the time, you get the same questions again and again and again. And that is the nature of forums and BB's. Just get used to it! It will never change no matter how rude or nice we are to each other - so, the best solution IMHO is to attempt to be nice rather than rude. Sadly, I don't always do that, but I try (and I am trying even harder lately)!

Hey Raiyn, where's that search graphic you're always using? I think that needs to be plastered on the front page.

Hey Raiyn, where's that search graphic you're always using? I think that needs to be plastered on the front page.

It is just as easy to do a search for the individual and to post the link to that search either by PM or on the forum than it is to complain in writing about their not searching. That way they learn that you can search and you help them with their info needs, all at the same time. For example:

"Search forums" reveals (http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=692100)

However, too often I'll see a post where a minor error was made and the vultures sweep in to claim victory by rudely capitalizing on the mistake in what I imagine is an effort to demonstrate their superior knowledge of bicycle information.

So if poster "A" posts innacurate/innane/insane information at 8:00 am and poster "B" corrects it when he/she logs in at 5:00 pm, poster "B" is "swooping in like a vulture"?

Some people will be upset when they get corrected no matter what the style of correction. Get over it.

I do the two "L"'s here: lurk and learn and I know there are lots of posters who post stuff they hear on a bike ride or read in Bicycling Mag that is complete BS and I'm glad when wrong info is corrected.

There are only so many parts to a bicycle and so many styles of riding. This forum would have died a long time ago if the same questions were not asked over and over again. Right or wrong answers may be both, depending on your level and type of riding. Treat others as you want to be treated yourself. Maybe better!

I'm referring to a group of somewhat regular posters who seem to follow the forums looking for an opportunity to rudely reproach a post that they deem misguided. Sometimes the original post is flat wrong, sometimes debatably wrong, and sometimes correct but misunderstood. What bothers me more than the potentially incorrect information is the rudeness of so many posts.

Of course I understand the sentiment that wrong information should not be propagated, but it seems to me that a positive environment should be the first priority for a forum that first and foremost is for people interested in an internet cycling community. I have no problem with posts that correct bogus information; this is often done in a constructive and informative way. However, too often I'll see a post where a minor error was made and the vultures sweep in to claim victory by rudely capitalizing on the mistake in what I imagine is an effort to demonstrate their superior knowledge of bicycle information.

I suppose those posters justify their style based on the belief that above all these forums should be a resource of nothing but correct information. Again, I of course want the discussions to ultimately arrive at the "truth", but it is sad that it is often done at the expense of an environment in which general enthusiasts will feel comfortable making posts.

I wonder if it is the anonymous nature of the forums that brings out this behavior? Some aggressive / obnoxious drivers act in a way that I'm sure they would otherwise not if it weren't for the fact that they can anonymously take out their day to day frustrations. It is sad to be reminded of a horn honking SUV driver when reading about the hobby I've adopted partially to get away from the horn honking culture.


You almost spelled "obnoxious" wrong. Be more careful next time.

:D

-mark

I don't disagree that it is good to correct wrong information; it is the style that I think is sometimes bad for the forum.

I'd like to think that most people who post an answer to a question are trying to help. Perhaps the information they're passing along is indeed something they heard on a bike ride or read in a magazine (which, by the way, at least has an editorial staff). If you know what they've related to be incorrect, it would be a lot more constructive to explain why. A reply of, "that's just BS" followed by yet another answer really doesn't do any good. The poster of the potentially incorrect information is now less likely to contribute in the future (when they may well be able to help someone), and it is still not clear to other readers what the correct answer actually is.

If it is worth the effort to correct an erroneous post, why not take the time to do it in a polite way that actually clarifies the situation?


So if poster "A" posts innacurate/innane/insane information at 8:00 am and poster "B" corrects it when he/she logs in at 5:00 pm, poster "B" is "swooping in like a vulture"?

Some people will be upset when they get corrected no matter what the style of correction. Get over it.

I do the two "L"'s here: lurk and learn and I know there are lots of posters who post stuff they hear on a bike ride or read in Bicycling Mag that is complete BS and I'm glad when wrong info is corrected.

You almost spelled "obnoxious" wrong. Be more careful next time.

:D

-mark
:roflmao:

This forum has a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

http://www.boomspeed.com/khazim/cowbell.gif

Personally I think people need to stop being so gosh darn sensitive. If you're wrong you need to suck it up and drive on. But that's just my opinion. I've found that many times things are interpreted wrongfully.

Truth be told I know like three of you in real life the rest not at all, so the words you put on my computer screen are only going to bother me so much.

posting is a very difficult thing. It is difficult to discern humor, temperament, etc. hell, communication when people are face to face is difficult enough...

It is just frustrating when posters get off subject and hijack a legitamate question to the point that it doesn't get answered.

"Search forums" reveals (http://www.bikeforums.net/search.php?searchid=692100)

Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms. :D

This forum has a fever and the only prescription is more cowbell!

http://www.boomspeed.com/khazim/cowbell.gif

Yeah, you don’t see this kind of posts on other forums. Perhaps people there discuss bicycling topics and not why X expressed his opinion that’s different from how you feel thus making you upset for some add reason. Here’s a tip: Use IGNORE option.


Perhaps this will cheer you up
http://home.earthlink.net/~linckman/DC22063E9F0F43798E436DACED90BD03.gif

It is just frustrating when posters get off subject and hijack a legitamate question to the point that it doesn't get answered.
Anybody know where I can buy a new bike for around $700? :)

Posts are directly related to the personality of the people behind them. They are more like conversation as opposed to formal letter writing. Naturally, there is some protocol and spirit that most people understand and use, but like so many things in life, a lot of people don't.

More cowbell.

55/Rad

I'm sorry if anyone has a problem with a post like LordOpie's post they need to turn their computer off and go get a sense of humor.

no, LordOpieTaylor's post is well placed. That is an obvious attempt to break things up. I mean when someone posts a question about saddles, and someone starts talking about seatposts. Then it mutates into saddlebags.....

glad Sherwood, OR's in the house.

I have been on bulletin boards and the internet since they first started and I got a computer with a 300 baud modem in the 80's - and if having redundant questions and expressions bothers you a lot, then perhaps you need to find somewhere else to occupy your time.

With a forum with new people all the time, you get the same questions again and again and again. And that is the nature of forums and BB's. Just get used to it! It will never change no matter how rude or nice we are to each other - so, the best solution IMHO is to attempt to be nice rather than rude. Sadly, I don't always do that, but I try (and I am trying even harder lately)!

Wow someone who knows what a real bbs is nice. BAck in the days when everyone was a newb at something haha I really miss those days (and the games too)

He has it right. Its the nature of the beast. If you don't like, in reality you need to start your own bulletin board and post strict rules. Oh wait, any *nix group is already like this, built to sustain the elite and scare the newbs away. We try to slow the questions with stickies but they are still bound to be asked.

As for the posts that are mean, again with the newbs you get the troll, baby troll and jerks. It is, again, the nature ofthe beast. I wish I could remember that website that had them all listed and pics to represent them.

Cowbell has a nice ring to it but I don't understand what it means here...any one care to enlighten me?

Cowbell has a nice ring to it but I don't understand what it means here...any one care to enlighten me?
Understanding that the mudane, everyday, somewhat insigificant, average, and oft repeated topics are a part of the lifeblood of a forum like this.

55/Rad

I'm referring to a group of somewhat regular posters who seem to follow the forums looking for an opportunity to rudely reproach a post that they deem misguided. Sometimes the original post is flat wrong, sometimes debatably wrong, and sometimes correct but misunderstood. What bothers me more than the potentially incorrect information is the rudeness of so many posts.

One place this shows up far too often is in the Mechanics area. NOthing is worse than repeatedly watching people arrogantly give replies to mechanincal questions. It appears that it is often painful for some of the more experienced to give answers to the noobs. If it is so painful, why freakin bother?

The sad part is that questions often don't get asked because people are afraid to be belittled. Personally i welcome it. I am on here to learn about cycling and personally don't give a crap if someone is rude or arrogant as long as i get what i came here looking for. I don't personally know one sole on this board so it makes it a little hard to really give a crap what somebody says.

I think a lot of the people enjoy being jerks anonymously of forums like this because they are not allowed to get away with it in real life. I can understand that. So maybe i have to agree that people should just be a little less sensitive. If an individual that you have never met in your entire life can type some words on a computer that hurts your feelings, than there are probably larger problems.

The thing that really mystifies me is people that get irritated with repeat questions. That does torque me off. People that get irritated with that and create things like the sticky $500 Mountain Bike thread, must think the forums are just designed for their happiness. I don't care if i read 1000 questions of people wanting to know what $500 mountain bike to buy. I don't have to read the post. I think having a sticky is a fine idea except it doesn't actually work.

That $500 MTB sticky has just about every topic in the world discussed and certainly isn't a very good tool for a noob looking for buying advice. There is much, much, gleening to be done to pull anything useful out of that thread.

Understanding that the mudane, everyday, somewhat insigificant, average, and oft repeated topics are a part of the lifeblood of a forum like this.

55/Rad

Thank you 55 Rad. Ice day today!

The thing that really mystifies me is people that get irritated with repeat questions. That does torque me off. People that get irritated with that and create things like the sticky $500 Mountain Bike thread, must think the forums are just designed for their happiness. I don't care if i read 1000 questions of people wanting to know what $500 mountain bike to buy. I don't have to read the post. I think having a sticky is a fine idea except it doesn't actually work.

That $500 MTB sticky has just about every topic in the world discussed and certainly isn't a very good tool for a noob looking for buying advice. There is much, much, gleening to be done to pull anything useful out of that thread.

I disagree completely. since that particular sticky we have had a LOT of reduced repeat questions on the subject of 500$ bikes. We have also had newbs come in and thank us for having that sticky in place as it helped htem get 3 or 4 bikes to choose from which they then asked questions about. That sticky has been a time saver for them and us in that forum. Before that thread was made it was a daily occurance to have 2 and 3 questions about the same 3 bikes in the 500$ range. Thats has almost completely stopped. It did its job imo. Even though, you are correct, it is a pain to work through.

Wow someone who knows what a real bbs is nice. BAck in the days when everyone was a newb at something haha I really miss those days (and the games too)



And downloading all those "huge" 140KB DOS programs at 300 or later 1200 bauds. Actually some of those free or shareware programs were pretty neat. I remember one that converted your document to and from all different sorts of formats.

Them were the days! :D

I remember when graphics first hit online. Dling huge BMPS and then the most compressed gifs. Was hillarious how much time we would spend dling absoutely nothing worth having :)

There are those individuals who are secure in the superiority of their intellects, and are perhaps puzzled as to why they haven't been able to gain or maintain friendships. I no longer respond to these sorts in kind; I assume their punishments are built in.

The Golden Rule pretty much applies everywhere.

The Golden Rule pretty much applies everywhere.

"Do unto others before they do unto you." ~ Igor :D

Thanks for the tip regarding the IGNORE option; I did not know that was possible. I just wasted five minutes reading some unduly obnoxious posts regarding steel alloys. Unfortunately, those five minutes are gone for good, but my account is now set to ignore the poster ;) BTW, I did enjoy your graphic.



Yeah, you don’t see this kind of posts on other forums. Perhaps people there discuss bicycling topics and not why X expressed his opinion that’s different from how you feel thus making you upset for some add reason. Here’s a tip: Use IGNORE option.


Perhaps this will cheer you up
http://home.earthlink.net/~linckman/DC22063E9F0F43798E436DACED90BD03.gif

Each of us should write our answers as though our mothers were watching.
Manners are what separate us from jellatinuous sea life.
One of my tenets: "Anyone can be an a$$hole, but it takes strength to be kind".
Those who attack others, probably have an adequacy complex anyway.
Ok, that's my rant, now fight nice.

Very well said. Couldn't agree more. Bravo!

You guys may find this hard to believe, but I find this board to be rather friendly by comparison.

I belong to a forum made up of radio and TV broadcasters from across my region.
They are the most insecure, pathetic, angry, bitter, back-biting, belittling, immature, you-name-it . . .

Every other thread breaks down into a pissing match between three of four regulars. It's hideous.

On this board, there are only a few bad eggs, and they're not nearly as bad as the broadcasters.
Still, there's always room for improvement. Unfortunately, those who are jackasses both on the board and in real life aren't going to snap out of it.

Hey Raiyn, where's that search graphic you're always using? I think that needs to be plastered on the front page.
You mean this one?
http://img167.exs.cx/img167/7381/search.gif
I still think this video (http://draegonis.com/misc/posting.swf)should be mandatory viewing for all newbies.

You mean this one?
http://img167.exs.cx/img167/7381/search.gif
I still think this video (http://draegonis.com/misc/posting.swf)should be mandatory viewing for all newbies.

Hehe, yea. Anything endorsed by Hasselhoff is okay in my book.

I've seen that flash video on almost every board I've frequented. Some people just don't get it. There are a lot of 'Billy' impersonators out there.

One place this shows up far too often is in the Mechanics area. NOthing is worse than repeatedly watching people arrogantly give replies to mechanincal questions. It appears that it is often painful for some of the more experienced to give answers to the noobs. If it is so painful, why freakin bother?

The sad part is that questions often don't get asked because people are afraid to be belittled. Personally i welcome it. I am on here to learn about cycling and personally don't give a crap if someone is rude or arrogant as long as i get what i came here looking for. I don't personally know one sole on this board so it makes it a little hard to really give a crap what somebody says.

I think a lot of the people enjoy being jerks anonymously of forums like this because they are not allowed to get away with it in real life. I can understand that. So maybe i have to agree that people should just be a little less sensitive. If an individual that you have never met in your entire life can type some words on a computer that hurts your feelings, than there are probably larger problems.

The thing that really mystifies me is people that get irritated with repeat questions. That does torque me off. People that get irritated with that and create things like the sticky $500 Mountain Bike thread, must think the forums are just designed for their happiness. I don't care if i read 1000 questions of people wanting to know what $500 mountain bike to buy. I don't have to read the post. I think having a sticky is a fine idea except it doesn't actually work.

That $500 MTB sticky has just about every topic in the world discussed and certainly isn't a very good tool for a noob looking for buying advice. There is much, much, gleening to be done to pull anything useful out of that thread.
It's true. That's why most mechanical questions start out with such mawkish apologies! "Please,Oh Mighty Ones, tell me if my chain is compatible..."
Although the "How do I clean my chain" threads are a bit annoying, I seem to remember a time, at the dawning of the ages, when I thought a pocketknife would make a good tire lever, so I don't go wild flaming the guy. Some bicycle lore is hard to find on the internet by virtue of how specific it is, though, and I see a lot of snotty replies to these posts, too. Nothing wrong with trying to find out about something.
As far as "netiquette" goes, I generally only flame flamers, unless the original poster is just overtly whack/evil. If people can't handle it, go watch TeeVee.

Each of us should write our answers as though our mothers were watching.
Manners are what separate us from jellatinuous sea life.
One of my tenets: "Anyone can be an a$$hole, but it takes strength to be kind".
Those who attack others, probably have an adequacy complex anyway.
Ok, that's my rant, now fight nice.

Sorry to nitpick, old man, but the term is gelatinous. ;)

No bother.

Stuart Black
Polite and pratically perfect in every way. :eek:

Sorry to nitpick, old man, but the term is gelatinous. ;)

No bother.

Stuart Black
Polite and pratically perfect in every way. :eek:

Sorry to nit pick, but the word is practically.

Sorry to nit pick, but the word is practically.

Sorry to nitpick, but the word is "nitpick" ;)

We could go back and forth all day! Besides, I'm not perfect, just practically

Stuart Black

Sorry to nitpick, but the word is "nitpick" ;)

We could go back and forth all day! Besides, I'm not perfect, just practically

Stuart Black

and my dictionary reads:

nit-pick (Merriam Webster 1994)

The whole point being that it is a waste of time to nit-pick! :p

How long you two been married?

To me the forums are like a local pub. Everyone comes in and shoots the bull. It's a very relaxed atmoshpere, so if course snide remarks and sarcasm can be found. You can always blow that off and talk to the people you like.

What, you need the IGNORE function? Just freakin' ignore a bad post on your own! For example, I happen to think the entire Mountain Biking forum is puerile, so I never go there.

I kind of think familiarity more than anonymity breeds the "bad" posts. Many regulars just get used to each other and comfortable here, so they use the language they would between close asociates, and not the words you would use when talking to a complete stranger.

and my dictionary reads:

nit-pick (Merriam Webster 1994)

The whole point being that it is a waste of time to nit-pick! :p

Unless, of course, you have lice. Then it's just hours of entertainment :eek: Plus it's a gift that just keeps giving. My daughter had head lice about 12 years ago and all I have to do is look at her hair to make her skin crawl. Great fun!

Oh! I think the train is off the tracks and in the next county!

Stuart Black

For example, I happen to think the entire Mountain Biking forum is puerile, so I never go there.
Gotta look that one up.

55/Rad

The opposite of senile. From the Latin words, and later psychoanalytical concepts of "senex and puer". If you were going to look it up, you wouldn't be here! :D

You guys may find this hard to believe, but I find this board to be rather friendly by comparison.



I agree. I found this forum to be pretty entertaining(compare to some other forums out there).

How long you two been married?
:roflmao: