In response to the "where is everybody" and "how have we changed" threads

laurentyvan

Just some observations here-not drawing any conclusions.

It is not unusual for me to spend a couple of hours photographing half a dozen coins and then cropping and editing them. Another half hour or so to upload them and post them. Sometimes a little shorter, sometimes longer. If the thread only picks up a few responses it is sometimes disheartening, despite the fact that many people may look at them.

When a specialty coin is posted that I know nothing about I tend to look but not often comment, as I have no valuable input and how many times can I simply say "nice coin" or "thanks for sharing". I feel I should say something but don't, and it's obvious the members efforts deserved a reply.

Many new people on the forum, wanting to post and share their interests. Many questions popping up that we are seeing for the umpteenth time and I do try to answer new member inquiries, just the same way you guys did for me. I am guilty from time to time of ignoring a post because I don't have the fiber to answer a basic question, again.... I plead guilty to not answering when I should.

We have a forum member here who was suspected of being a troll and rather harshly treated. (much of it he brought down on himself with his words and actions-but he was not a troll, simply young and rather unfocused). I plead guilty to a bit of ridicule towards him.

I do not sense the presence of cliques here, (as we were accused of having by another member who posted in the referenced posts in the title of this thread); rather collectors with closely related interests who pay attention to each other, quite reasonable I think.

I write coin-related poetry (haven't in a while) which I guess was interesting and perhaps novel for a while. I don't do it any more because there seems to be no interest in these threads-an assumption based on lack of responses to them.

There have been some comments concerning how we miss 1jesters coin challenges, but before he left us he had to post a thread asking if he should continue; again, I assume, due to declining responses to what he was posting.

The thread I've posted lately that got the most responses was an off topic thread which allowed members an opportunity for some gentle banter which is always enjoyable. It is a shame that a thread like that should get more responses than a serious thread.

My work is much more time consuming than it had been-I'm sure this is true of other members-simply less time to post. Now that the weather is changing I am spending more time outside as I'm sure other members are-less time to post. My grandson has discovered
my computer and I don't have the heart to kick him off in the evening-less time to post.

I still read virtually all posts because the lure of this forum is still tremendously strong for me. And despite any faults this forum might have, it's still the best damn place on the internet for coins!

Everything in life has an ebb and a flow, including this forum. Perhaps a little quieter than it was but it shall roar again!

oldshep

Laurent - Well said, I think there are more people that read and enjoy but don't post then we really know. I still enjoy this forum and the occasional banter and humour that show up in posts, it makes it personable and not just textbook like.
Shep

Aethelred

There are some problems, but this is still a great place!

Askari

Until the holidays hit last year, I can honestly say I'd read every thread and posted in a good many (other than the giveaways) in this forum. (Paternal pride, I guess.) Since then, it's been hard to get the time to do so. I've kept active collecting, but when you get home after 9 and still have dinner to get, well.... I had hopes of buying and learning how to produce great pics to post here, but unfortunately that has proved an impossible ambition for the present.

Having been around these boards since nearly the beginning, though, I can tell you that it's a natural occurence for a forum to have "slow spells". They come and they go. Often, it's a newbie that stirs up the pot and gets the hot blood going again. This is true of the Liteside, OF, and any other "living" CU board -- or forums elsewhere.

I've read quite a few people here say they mostly only check in, browse, read a little, post less, and are disappointed in how little they find neat to read. That's a self-fulfilling prophecy, folks. Take a little time to post questions, answer questions, show pics of newps, etc. Share what you know and ask questions where you don't know. Let folks know their efforts are appreciated, not just "lurked at." The original CU forums used to tell you how many people had looked at the thread; I wished then and I wish now that the "modern" version did so as well. Although it may be tedious to write "thank you" notes and "I like it!" notes, well, who doesn't like receiving them and knowing that their sharing was appreciated? Give as thou wouldst be given to.

Clankeye

<< <i>I've read quite a few people here say they mostly only check in, browse, read a little, post less, and are disappointed in how little they find neat to read. That's a self-fulfilling prophecy, folks. >>



That is very true. There are some posters on other forums whose only contribution that I can think of when pressed is to come onto threads and complain about what dreck the forums are. I've always felt like "okay, show us what you've got then...."

Sometimes I don't know what realistic expectations people have for a world wide forum that has so many members. As Askari says, it will have cycles.

Just as a point of interest, I wrote a rather long thread for the US forum, and thought I would bounce it off someone before I posted it. It was about a certain aspect of commemoratives. Basically, this member (whom I respect) said--it's too long and you won't get many replies. And I can concede it probably needed editing--but it begs the question: do we just write posts to garner replies? Is the idea of information really a secondary consideration now? I told him if it really had gotten to the point where I couldn't post a serious coin thread on the US forum anymore than I have to wonder why I spend time here. --well I'm in the process of rewriting.

Laurent--I like your coin poems.

Clankeye

GoldCoinLover

Hi Laurent, haven't heard from you in awhile. I like your poems, I rarely post here anymore. Seems that when I post and need help, my threads never get any responses. I post more often on the US forum, but there are tons of bogus threads on there. It's annnoying. Honestly, I couldn't stand this "Queenie" thing on this thread. I didn't know who this person was, or who ajaan was. No one would really give me straight answers. It was frusterating. I've gotten alot of help on these forums, and also alot of redicule, it was hard. On the US forums I posted that my slabbed sovereign slab cracked, (which it did). I didn't know what to do (What to select on the submission form etc). And no one believed I really cracked it.

People harassed me the whole time intill I had proof; a picture of the cracked slab. You said you'd send me that coin, you don't have to I was just curious to why I haven't recieved it yet. You said I'd get it when I have improved, and its upsetting to see, at least in your opinion, that I haven't.

ajaan

Some good points have been brought up. My 2 pence worth - I read 99% of the new threads. I only reply when I have something to say. Note: I didn't say 'something of value to say'. If I don't reply to a thread it isn't necessarily because I didn't like what the originater wrote. I just had nothing to add. I very seldom just reply, 'nice coin' to a thread. If it is something I really like I try to add something more. This doesn't occur all the time, but I try to make a habit of it. For example, I don't think I'm ever repied to a Goetz thread. I know next to nothing about these medals and while I like most of them, they are not in my collecting interest. Yet, I look at all the threads about them.

Just because you get a reply, it doesn't mean people aren't reading what you wrote, just keep that in mind.

A remark about the banter. Boy am I guilty of that. If the majority find don't like it, I'll stop. Most of my banter is with Michael (aethelred), Terry ( spinaker), Rob (lordminivan), and Joe ( mongoose); all people who I have met and drank beer with. Well, people who Mrs. ajaan drank beer with. I didn't know it offended some people.

Aethelred

<< <i>Honestly, I couldn't stand this "Queenie" thing on this thread. I didn't know who this person was, or who ajaan was. No one would really give me straight answers. It was frusterating. I've gotten alot of help on these forums, and also alot of redicule, it was hard. >>



Queenie is my wife and Ajaan is a very good friend and long-time/well respected member of this forum. I know that the banter bothers some, but to others it makes this forum more relaxed. This is not an attack, but there are some here who now vomit every time they see a 1913 Sovereign!



<< <i>A remark about the banter. Boy am I guilty of that. If the majority find don't like it, I'll stop. Most of my banter is with Michael (aethelred), Terry ( spinaker), Rob (lordminivan), and Joe ( mongoose); all people who I have met and drank beer with. Well, people who Mrs. ajaan drank beer with. I didn't know it offended some people. >>



If we can't engage in non-coin conversation and have to stay on-topic all the time this place will not be much fun at all. Like Don said, several of us have met a few times and have developed a friendship, there will be personal conversation that may not interest everyone here, you just have to expect that. Newer members should also understand that there are several of us who have been here for quite some time and over the years we have developed an understanding of each other. Sometimes we may say things that will fly over the heads of those who were not posting here two+ years ago. It is really nothing personal, if you want to know what is going on just ask one of us!

Clankeye

Man, internet forums are funny things. I've never been a member of one before so it's been a learning experience.

I don't mind the "banter" between you guys at all. I find it entertaining. And yes, Aethelred I agree, if it's always about the coins and nothing but the coins, I think we are missing out on some of the depth of getting to know fellow collectors.

There were some threads a while back were Laurent and I took on fictional personas and were having a back and forth. I enjoyed it very much--I like to be challenged in the creative realm. BUT--I started to think about it after a while, because some of it in the pursuit of good fun got a bit "randy"--anyway--I started to think about it and realized that there are so many people perhaps out there reading, and that some of them might have found it a little bit too randy for their tastes on a public forum.

Whether that be true or not. It's made me really think twice about some things I might put in print here. Because to a reasonable degree, I think people should feel that this is a safe and good place to come. And I would hate to think that I was overstepping bounds of decency or good taste.

Having said that, I must confess I have no taste. And in fact, I am a machine named T7FF941.


Clankeye--as full of myself as always.

Aethelred

Dead kings are also not know for "good taste."

wybrit

Askari,
Good analysis.

Laurentyvan,
Thanks for starting the thread. You have some observations similar to my own.

do we just write posts to garner replies?
No, but the problem is without replies, the thread sinks out of sight very quickly.

Banter is OK with me. I like to pile on too. One annoyance is the hijacking of a decent thread with it, when real information is being sought out or delivered.

Stork

I vote for more poetry.


Cathy


(that is an option isn't it?)

coinkat

Laurentyvan:

Intersting observations... I think the vasty majority of us enjoy your posts. I have asked afew questions... tried to offer thoughts in connection other questions that I thought I could be of help. I think there are many others that always help...

Sometimes our jobs, our family responsibilities and life in general may limit our abilities to do all the thinks we would like. Lets be thankful there is a forum and for the time we are all able to spend here.

cladking

I empathize with many of these points. It does hurt to see good threads die. I open
many threads and find them extremely interesting but don't comment because I have
no more to offer than just my thanks to those who took the time to start them.

To those who start the many great threads.- Thank you. They are appreciated even
when there isn't much comment.

I'll try to start making some sort of reply to these great threads. Hell, it's always good
for the post count anyway.

Askari

I think the banter is fine. It gives it more of a "family pub" atmosphere. You may be new to the pub, but sit and listen a while and you'll quickly learn who the characters are. Anything abusive or randy -- essentially anything "un-family-ish" -- really needs to go to the Open Forum.

As for the poetry ... more of it!! Cheers!

newsman

I don't have any problem with the banter at all -- even though most of it is kind of an inside joke with people I haven't yet met in person (but hope to soon) it keeps the atmosphere informal. Internet chat groups shouldn't be stuffy. I work for a bunch of stuffy, arrogant, boring people, and this forum is a welcome respite that I can reach for when they get on my nerves.

I would be happy to contribute more informational threads if there's anything I could offer, though I think most of the other folks here know a lot more than I do about the coins I like. As for pictures, I love seeing other people's new finds, but regrettably can't match the contributions of people like Bill (cosmicdebris) and others for a variety of reasons.

Chuck

Aethelred

The cool thing about this place is that it is not about who spent enough to buy a new Land Rover on a coin last week. We can enjoy talking about a $5 coin as much as an expensive one. It is the coin that matters not the price tag!

Askari

<< <i>I would be happy to contribute more informational threads if there's anything I could offer, though I think most of the other folks here know a lot more than I do about the coins I like. >>

So ... you can still contribute your questions, can't you? You're a newsman -- where your sense of "going for the story"?

No questions, no learning!

WhiteTornado

Aethelred hit the nail on the head. I like the fact that members here can enjoy a discussion of a $5 coin. If you try that on the US Forum, you'll either get belittled or simply get no response.

I think the Darkside is fine the way it is.

a2labmom

Askari

<< <i>If you try that on the US Forum, you'll either get belittled or simply get no response. >>

Or else kick off another flame war over whether condition-rarity moderns are overvalued.

SYRACUSIAN

I vote for more poetry.


Cathy

satootoko

I was a trial lawyer for many years, which meant I spent my working hours arguing with people. That's why I stay far, far, far, far away from the Open Forum

On the other hand a little friendly banter never hurt anyone, so keep it up guys!

The year I've been posting (and reading) here has been very enjoyable/educational, and I for one think this forum is a great place to hang out, just like it is.

Shipcoin

Great post, Laurent! And I agree with your wordsa and opinions. In addition I can say that I hope that some yeti-guys (Newbie, Jester and some others ) will return soon and we will enjoy that place even more , than in the past!

Sometimes I read the post and I haven't any comments, so I don't write again and again "thanks for great pics and so on"--you are right. Sometimes the coin topic is not interesting for me, so I have no responce.

As for sending of coin's pictures--unfortunatelly it is still great problem for me, because of time it takes and because of some funny problems like the problem: "how can I locate my scanner, to prevent my younger son of thinking that it is his new toy!?!

So any coin picture I posted took so much efforts from me, that I really dissapointed in case of lack of responces.

Hope with the time I will be able to post more pictures, as I have really interesting and unusual coins, and not only with ships.

Philip

I only disagree with your opinion about jester's challenges. Most of them were very nice and extremely educational and I have expressed my support for them.

I am really sorry that they are gone for now

laurentyvan

I only disagree with your opinion about jester's challenges.

How can you disagree with me?-I'm a big fan (was a big fan) of his coin posts... I only mentioned that towards the end they weren't getting many responses.

Philip

<< <i> I only disagree with your opinion about jester's challenges.

How can you disagree with me?-I'm a big fan (was a big fan) of his coin posts... I only mentioned that towards the end they weren't getting many responses. >>



IIRC his question about the challenges did seem to get positive feedback and so that was not the reason he stopped them.

That's my impression, I may be wrong

Philip

<< <i>How can you disagree with me? >>

coinkat

1jester did a terrific job with this coin challenge threads... I don't think there is any disagreement about that.

shirohniichan

I haven't been posting or reading much here because I haven't had time to go to the coin store or surf eBay for new acquisitions (or even to look over my extisting collection, for that matter). Once I have more time for coins I'll read more here and ask more questions.

1jester

I like the Darkside very much; it's more than just a forum--it's more like an extended family of friends. That appeals to me greatly.

I also like contributing to the forum, because I know I enjoy learning from others. The Challenge series is mostly about encouraging interaction and thus friendship. Plus, of course, sharing interesting coins. Thank you all for making that a very enjoyable experience for me.

And, you're right, the Challenges and other regular posting will continue as soon as I get a good internet connection again. I deeply regret not being able to play such an active role for the time being. But I will be back.

Thanks again for all your support and friendship!! And for making this the best forum on the net.

theboz11

If I ignore this thread long enough maybe it will go away and I won't have to explain my actions on a forum