Poseur Obsession: The Devolution of this Forum
 

That the database still contains quality posts from the past is ample proof that this was once a serious and vital symposium for cycling discussion.

Mange moi.

I'm sorry that the current postings, which include threads relating to gearing, frame materials, group rides, fit, training, safety and, yes, self deprecating humor relating to "posing" so tire you.

You could always try not reading the threads that offend your sensibilities, but then baby wouldn't be having his life spoon fed to him like he likes it.

I think his point is the threads he likes to read are being quickly pushed off the front page of the forum by the poser threads.

I couldn't agree more. It's much like the decline and fall of the Roman Empire... something that was once vast, noble, and... uh... Empire-ish crumbles but to dust. The Huns are at the gate.

Or it's just enjoyable, (as SpongeDad put it) self-depricating humor. These are jokes... long-running jokes.

All forums go through cycles. The cycling season is winding down, and people have less to talk about. Wait a few months, and folks will start getting excited for spring again, and there will be more meaningful discussions. Nothing to worry about, IMHO.

Everything was better in "the olden days". Its usually pretty obvious which posts are the offending ones (3+ pages of replies...expect some crap). Here's the easy solution, don't read them. Certainly, no one is forcing you to click on any poser threads. As soon as I identify an annoying thread, I don't go back. Its pretty easy, actually, and keeps me quite happy reading all the "unoffensive" posts. Now to begin ingnoring this one......

Yeah, I miss those days where we had to browse uphill both ways with Netscape 1.1 on a 14.4 connection. <sniff>

The parody / poseur threads will go out of fashion soon enough. Folks here are too interested in bikes to stray into silliness for long, IMO.

At least this thread was started with the explicit purpose to dissiminate vital cycling information.

there is a lot more junk then there used to be.

Hopefully things will pick up. Forums have been slow lately. Have not seen much of Ausie crowd - Sydney in particular - to remind people that they are supposed to ride the bike, not look at it.

Maybe once all the fair weather cyclists have hung the bike up in the garage to be replaced by The Next Cool Toy, things will return to normal.

This too shall pass, and you will probably see more threads you like. Forums are like weather, they are always changing. Now I must return to the monastary young grasshopper.

all the lonely people, where do they all come from.

I'm new but I still manage to find a lot of useful and helpful threads here and even the stupid threads are entertaining if you don't take yourself too seriously.

I heard the topic will be covered on FRONTLINE Kcet.:roflmao:

I know this post, Hipcycler's post, are directed to the topics started by R600Durace and Sincity and the like. The one thing that actually is a positive about the responses to these topics is that most of us really can't stand this type of behavior. The worst thing about being a roadie is the attitude that we are arrogant and snobbish. When one of these guys starts a thread that bags on someone for what they are ridding or what they are wearing the majority of this forums members cut them off at the knees. As much as I would like it if these topics were never started at least most of us have the sense to kill the messenger and that tells me that this forum isn't lost just yet.

Amen! If everyone was singing their praises I would be upset, but apparently it truly is the rare few "Arrogant Roadies" who give the rest a bad name.

I have seen this phenomena in other sports (mostly tennis, but also running, fencing, and now road bikes) and in music: i.e. the assumption by some that there is an unwritten rule reagrding who can or cannot buy and use certain equipment (or clothes) or particpate in certain activities. In this thinking, certain equipment (guitars, bikes, racquets, clothes, etc) is reserved for those who have achieved a particular level of skill (or other achievements--like a CAT4) and, consequently, they have earned the right to use the equipment. The thinking continues that people who haven't earned the right to use the equipment need to be "taught a lesson" as they are showing disrepect. Oddly, those who "drop poseurs" feel that they are protecting the integrity of their chosen sport, hence the postings where they believe they will find support from fellow bikers.

It is very odd logic that falls apart the moment it is questioned.

Usually the people with the supposed "undeserved equipment" are completely unaware that they are, in the eyes of some, committing a faux pas and thus will be scorned. Further, they are more often attempting to emulate those who do the skill well, i.e. it is form of respect towards those whom they acknowledge are really good.

More, this kind of elitist behavior and attiude (e.g I am a "real biker" and you aren't) blocks people from engaging in all sorts of activities that they would enjoy, that are healthy, and that help keep the sport/activity vital and growing. It drives people away (see some of the recent posts).

I too am very glad to see that the overwhleming majority of people on this forum are willing to confront such obnoxious behaviors and attitudes. As a newbie, I have been pleased to find so many people willing to be supportive and willing to share their knowledge...making it easier for me to get into cycling.

I see it as it's still Summer and people are out riding, racing or what-not and feeling giddy about their new bikes, new progress or new hobby. Once Winter hits, a lot of these arrogant types will probably find other interests to brag about or, better yet, fall into the same stooper we all feel when we can't as easily get out and ride. Their humility and senses will emerge soon enough.

Well, Mr. or Ms. Mode—or can I just call you "Pig?"—

I guess I'm the problem. I come here for a bit of bike comeraderie, to exchange a few anecdotes, to have a laugh at others' expense and give people a chance to have a laugh at mine, and to antagonize the goofballs. (and practise my irony)

In rare cases, I am able to offer advice on a genuine bike question, but I'm not a techie. If somebody needs advice on freehub reconstruction, I just move along (after going to dictionary.com to look up "freehub.")

Sorry to be kicking dirt all over your serious and vital symposium and everything.

Well, maybe "sorry" isn't exactly the right word…

No Laughing Allowed!! Fun Will Not Be Tolerated!!

you misunderstood his complaint.

I completely agree, the "I dropped.." and "blew by a poser" threads contribute nothing to the forum except the attention-getting antics of teenagers. Moderators should just trash them.

It isn't the kicking dirt all over the serious forum that bothers me....it is the impression that some of these posters give off...If I had been a new member here and saw so many threads like that....I am not so sure I would have gotten into road cycling. I am not normally a confrotnational person and don't usually care what others think...but these people need to think about the people their attitudes may be turning away. Laughing at yourself and self deprecating humour is one thing....being a snot nosed arrogant jerk at someone else's expense, especially if their only offense is having a nicer bike than you, or wearing a team kit is just snotty and infantile.

I agree wholeheartedly...BRAVO DOC!!!!

I, for one, have more fun when I read about a new roadie getting excited about their new bikes, a new route they found, how some of the members met on a ride...stuff like that. Some of the tech stuff that I don't know, but love to learn about fascinates me, as do the legitimate racing threads. Reading silly posts about how some idiot "dropped" some supposed poseur in a team kit while racing a race that ony he knew about does not amuse me.....if that is the kind of stuff you call fun then I, respectfully, disagree.

Perhaps we need to create a new forum called, Stories, Victories and Opinions:

This would include all the:

I just rode my first century
I just beat Lance
Wal-Mart people drink their own blood

thoughts?