Let's Discuss this Forum

[Mike N]

I have noticed recently some complaints about people's reactions and comments concerning certain topics. A forum is made for exactly that purpose. Those individuals have the forum to discuss their concerns and opinions. Do you have to agree with them -No. You have that right in a forum. The wonderful thing about this forum is that we have a mix of all sorts of individuals and opinions. We have complainers, we have jokesters, we have some who don't have a clue and those that have forgotten more about pipe smoking than I will ever know. If you don't like what they say-don't read their posts. Another great thing about this forum are the friends that you develop that you will never meet. I will ever be thankful for several members who had concern and reached out to me when I almost died 3 years ago from an auto-immune disease caused from Long-Covid. Because of the forum we know about their pets, their problems, their wishes, disappointments- in other words we have a family. So if you want to complain about the complainers, you have that right in a forum. Just remember all the good things about it and how much you would miss it if it wasn't here.

Well said. I very much enjoy this forum and discussing all things related to pipe smoking. However, I do notice that most of the (few) critics seldom start an interesting thread of their own for us to enjoy. As Teddy Roosevelt said,

“ IT IS NOT THE CRITIC WHO COUNTS; NOT THE MAN WHO POINTS OUT HOW THE STRONG MAN STUMBLES, OR WHERE THE DOER OF DEEDS COULD HAVE DONE THEM BETTER. THE CREDIT BELONGS TO THE MAN WHO IS ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA…”

 

[greeneyes]

Is tagging one's friends so that they can be dicks a thing? I hadn't noticed it, but that's a dick move.

It would be a "dick move" to point out who, but very recently someone did just that. A sort of "Hey @name#1 @name#2 @name#3 get a load of this guy! He just doesn't get it!! How many times do we have to tell you?!?"

Summoning pals to the 20-against-1 pileup.

It's why I don't offer up my opinions unless asked, or in very specific circumstances. Forum mob mentality very quickly gets out of hand, critiques go off on tangents, cronies, sycophants and bootlickers surveilling for points. That sort of thing.

 

[prairiedruid]

At times things can get pretty negative here on the forums but then I remember the outpouring of comments and prayers from the members of this forum when my wife passed last year. It truly was a light during the darkest days of my life....

 

[HeavyLeadBelly]

Ive slowly disengaged from conversations across all social media over the past few years. Too many people who are too stubborn or proud to let things go or admit they’re wrong or just generally an asshole. Then there are those who love arguing on the specific text you respond with instead of within the spirit of the conversation leading to edgy “gotcha” moments. I just don’t have the energy to deal with that on a constant basis.

I’ve found that this forum is generally pretty good though I have set a few people on ignore due to their behavior. I myself have made comments that came off as dickish but I try to only engage in arguing if it’s really warranted. The ban on all political talk is very refreshing as my own views probably don’t align with more than a few of you lol.

This place ain’t paradise, but it’s a nice oasis in the middle of a deep sea of internet bullshit.

 

[MisterBadger]

Since joining four months ago, I find this is my preferred virtual social medium. An added bonus to the (expected) erudite lore on pipes and pipeweeds, is learning about other members' other pursuits, symbiotes and other endearing personal trivia - and it is well that discussions on religion and politics are banned: there are many good folk here I am getting to know who, if it weren't for the absence here of the tribalism that politics and religion can engender, I probably never would have.

 

[condorlover1]

I have a made quite a few friends on here and without this place there would have never been John Cottons, War Horse, Fungal Slices etc. I love the place even though I don't post as often as I used to but it is my compulsive read in the morning before coffee and reading The London Times!

 

[beetlejockey]

I've only been here a month but I've been a daily lurker and occassional poster since then. Luckily I've been met with kindness and patience and I've had nothing but pleasant interactions. I love reading this forum, I just hope one day I'll be able to understand everything on here

 

[karam]

Damn, been too busy and missed the drama?

Can some kind soul link some popcorn threads?

 

[Hillcrest]

My favorites are the "Only post facts" folks. If that were the case, the forums would be empty.
It's all about camaradaerie, expressions of opinions, and also the little teeny tiny bit of information that trickles through.

 

[Hillcrest]

and it is well that discussions on religion and politics are banned:

That's the team spirit !!

 

[abecox]

I clearly missed something but as a clueless jokester I appreciate the shout out.

To be fair every once and a while I'll see something that I don't agree with but as hoosierpipeguy said I just let it be. If I wanted to argue with strangers on the Internet I'd just go back to Facebook.

 

[sardonicus87]

I just don't post that often, or respond, for a very simple reason... although sometimes I just can't help myself when someone is being especially condescending or self-righteous or something.

And it's not like I care what people think about me, it's more, I don't want the headache of them bothering me because of what they think about me. People often can't just dislike you, they have to go out of their way to make sure you know it.

 

[BriaronBoerum]

When discussion gets heated, it's important to remember to just slow down and take a breath, retrohale, and relight as necessary.

 

[VDL_Piper]

I find myself untyping.................a lot, easier than managing the fall out
I also find and I have noticed here that humour varies greatly with country of origin and what someone posts as funny may not translate abroad. Here in Oz we sledge ( just ask the Indian cricket team) like they do in the U.K. but that can be confused with being belligerent in other parts of the world. This group is an eclectic mix and when you throw this many ingredients in a pot you might get Coq au Vin but its more likely you get Mc Donalds drive through and this isn't a slight against the French or Americans

 

[jpberg]

As long as regular contributors are consistent, you can get a read on them and take it from there.

 

[dd57chevy]

I left a (non-tobacco) forum that was poorly moderated . Bullying that got way out of hand , threads interupted , etc.
This forum seems well moderated , well organized and easy to navigate .
Thanks Admins !

 

[Servant King]

Damn, been too busy and missed the drama?

Can some kind soul link some popcorn threads?

Happy to help!

Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sea Salt Popcorn, 5 oz at Whole Foods Market - https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/product/365-by-whole-foods-market-organic-extra-virgin-olive-oil-and-sea-salt-popcorn-5-oz-b08tqhvzch

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

“I’m here for the sophisticated and erudite discussions.”

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

“I’ve got your favorite soon to be gone pouch of Mac Baren right here weenie, come and get it”

 

[wyfbane]

Damn, been too busy and missed the drama?

Can some kind soul link some popcorn threads?

Oh, this one was a hoot:

pipesmagazine.com/forum/threads/wyfbanesucks